Murder in the Cookbook Nook: A Southern Culinary Cozy Mystery for Book Lovers

This is the latest edition in the Storyton Book Retreat Mystery series. These books all take place in a fictional town that any book lover would love to really exist. It is a place where you are encouraged to relax, and just read. You are pampered with food, and drink, as well as having access to a spa and other activities if you wish. Many of the books in the series take place around a particular theme. In this one, it is the filming of a cooking show. For anyone who has ever seen a cooking show, you know that they can be very dramatic, but this one has the added drama of the death of one of the contestants. Jane, who is the owner of the retreat, along with many of her staff, set out to discover how he died, and do so before someone else is hurt. I have to admit that this is one of my favorite cozy mystery series, and I loved this new entry. It does not have some of the spy elements that some of the earlier versions did, but it is a highly enjoyable cozy mystery that those who love the series, as well as those new to the books will enjoy. The author does a good job of allowing you to get to know the characters without revealing the previous story elements, so if you have not read the others, you can read it as a stand alone, and then go and read the ones before it. If you have read the others, you will be reunited with some of your favorite characters, and enjoy learning more about how they are doing in Storyton. The mystery started off pretty fast in this book, but settled down and had a really decent pace after a couple of chapters. The clues were there for discovering who did it, but it was a nice ride to go one with Jane to discover who it was, and why. I did get thrown off by a couple of the red herrings, but that was perfect to make me want to read on to discover if I was initially correct, or had I been misdirected. Perfect mystery writing. I recommend this book to cozy book lovers, especially if you enjoy book themed ones. I also recommend to others who love to have a book to just escape into, as this one will make you wish you could make a reservation, and just read in a comfy chair all day long.

I could not wait to read Murder in the Cookbook Nook by Ellery Adams. I look forward to reading the newest installment in this series each year. While this is the seventh A Book Retreat Mystery, it can be read as a standalone. I have enjoyed reading this series from the beginning, and I recommend reading it in order (you’ll love it). I love visiting Storyton Hall which is a delight for bibliophiles. The author provides vivid descriptions of Storyton Hall and the surrounding area. These word depictions really bring the story alive for me. I especially was delighted with Mrs. Hubbard’s cookbook nook. It sounds amazing with the special cookbooks and the precious antiques. I want a cozy nook like that where I can read and relax. There is a cast of charming, developed, and diverse characters led by Jane Steward. She has an excellent staff who are part of her family. Jane’s two sons are smart and adorable. Jane’s relationship with Edwin is progressing nicely. They are a cute and compatible couple. It was wonderful to see Olivia Limoges and her poodle, Captain Haviland from A Books by the Bay Mystery series. I hope we see more of her in the future (especially since she has made friends with the Cover Girls). The mystery was well-crafted. There are several suspects who disliked the offensive victim. The clues are subtle (the devil is in the details). This is an engaging whodunit that will keep readers guessing until the tension filled reveal. I like how it all came together with a satisfying conclusion. The epilogue was delightful and fun. I am eager for my next visit to Storyton Hall (I wish we did not have to wait a year for it). Murder in the Cookbook Nook is a bibliophiles dream with a cozy cookbook nook, an odious oaf, delectable delights, a proper poodle, creative chefs, a fierce fire, and a bounty of books.