Murder in the Paperback Parlor

I just finished Murder in the Paperback Parlor by Ellery Adams. This is the second book in the Book Retreat Mystery series. Jane Stewart is the resort manager for Storyton Hall in Virginia. She is gearing up for Romancing the Reader week which is taking place during Valentine’s week. Jane has invited four romance authors to be present during the week. The most famous author is Rosamund York (who is a diva). Rosamund arrives with her assistant, Taylor Birch (who is to make sure the author has everything she desires). Maria Stone is one of the guests who is a big fan of Rosamund York’s Venus novels. At an auction to benefit literacy Rosamund agrees to give every person who donates an advanced copy of the first book in her new series. Unfortunately for Rosamund, her new novel is not a hit especially with her biggest fan, Maria. Early the morning after a day of truffle making and eating, Rosamund is found dead in the garden. So many people wanted her dead especially after reading her latest book. Jane and the staff have their work cut out for them trying to find the killer before the week is over. Jane gets some relief during the week with a romantic encounter with Edwin Alcott. Edwin is the brother of Jane’s best friend, Eloise (who runs the bookstore in town). Edwin used to be a travel writer until he purchased the Daily Bread café. Now he is busy wooing Jane. Jane’s aunt, Octavia does not seem pleased with the romance. Why does Aunt Octavia know about Edwin that Jane does not? Murder in the Paperback Parlor was a wonderful cozy mystery. I enjoyed the characters, the setting (who would not enjoy a mansion full of books), and the mystery. I have to confess that for the first time this year, I did not solve the mystery (I am shocked). I usually solve the mystery early in the book, but this time I picked the wrong person. Ellery Adams did a superb job. There is much more to the book (I have just told you about the main part). I really did not want this book to end. I give Murder in the Paperback Parlor 5 out of 5 stars. It was a delight to read this story. I received a copy of the book from the author in exchange for an honest review. The review and opinions expressed are my own.

I really enjoyed the second book of this series... A cozy mystery that keeps you reading...the characters are well written and enjoyable. Storyton Hall is a book lovers dream. In this story Jane Steward, the owner, is trying to have a Valentine's romance story week. She has lined up 4 authors and quite a few activities for the week. But just like the title says...there is a murder and Jane is right in the thick of things trying to solve said murder. I would love to own Storyton Hall and have access to several of the books in their secret library. And what of Jane's friend, Edwin, does he do what Jane's Aunt & Uncle says he does? I hope not...I would like to see Jane find happiness in the love department I love that the setting is a small town and the residents like to keep it that way. Like the last book I highly recommend to anyone who loves a cozy mystery. I'm off to read the next one in the series...then have to wait until the spring to get the 4th book...

Brilliant!