Murder in the Book Lover's Loft

The Book Retreat Mysteries, Book 9

By: Ellery Adams

Narrated by: Johanna Parker

Length: 7 hrs and 35 mins

Publisher's summary

For bibliophiles who love Rita Mae Brown and Alexander McCall Smith, New York Times bestselling author Ellery Adams is sure to delight with her newest novel set at Virginia's book-themed resort, Storyton Hall. It's the perfect getaway for book lovers, but when resort manager Jane Steward tries to take a quick break of her own, it leads to a real-life mystery that's far from relaxing . . .

Jane and her fiance, Edwin, are headed to the North Carolina coast for a much-needed vacation. Their harborside loft has floor-to-ceiling bookcases and breathtaking views, but Jane's hopes of exploring the town with her man are stymied when Edwin steps on a stingray. Things take an even less romantic turn when Jane stumbles across a dead body . . .

Instead of taking leisurely beach strolls, Jane is suddenly on a literary chase through time, unearthing a dark secret in her family tree that threatens all she holds dear back in Storyton. And it'll take a whole village to help her make amends for the past—and stop a madman bent on exacting justice in the present.

©2023 Ellery Adams (P)2023 Tantor

Easy listen

The story was okay, in that I finished it. It was easy to lose track and my mind wandered often during the narration. The narrator’s soft voice seemed muffled and robotic, which is how I drifted away. The writer’s descriptive phrases were lovely and fresh.

Enjoyable

Enjoyable story. Easy to follow the characters. Narrator has a nice voice. It’s long listening.

Twisting plot

Great story wrapping all the characters together. Weaving the history of the Inn with the author was brilliant. Best book yet.

Not As Good As Earlier Books

This one seemed a bit flimsy—plot line not as strong, seemed to get lost in places. Not my fave.

Narrator

Great story, and great narration. Except, she reads really fast. I was able to slow it down on my fire tablet.

Good writing, drawing you along through the story.

I don’t think I have any dislikes. Just praise. I do wish the book was longer though.

Sweet Revenge

As always, Ellery Adams has created an intriguing story for our favorite characters at Storyton Hall. This time some of the action happens off site while Jane and Edwin are on a vacation. The trail of clues leads back to her book retreat mansion. The story comes to an exciting conclusion at a masquerade ball. The romance stuff can be a little cheesy, but the story is good and I like the characters.

Wonderful

Another fantastic ending! I love the way everything was all pulled together, and everybody had is storybook ending!

Another Excellent Addition

Love everything Storyton! following the relationships to exciting, intriguing and heartfelt happy endings. every description from costumes ,scenarie,food etc makes beautiful visuals. looking forward to the next addition.

Sickly sweet & stuffed with FILLER

I have always enjoyed Adams’ stories, and while this series is my least favorite I usually buy them regardless of the amount of filler usually included.

But the author has outdone herself with Murder in the Book Lover’s Loft by stuffing it with so much erroneous detail that my only take away is negative.

Rather than tell us that the protagonist has purchased Souvenirs for her sons, aunt, & uncle; Adams describes each gift in such great detail that it took the narrator near 5 minutes to read. Sadly, this nonsense continues through a book that ilI had to fight to finish. I actually skimmed/skipped through it.

The last installment of The Secret Book & Scone Society was as full of nothing-fluff-filler. I’m afraid this may be my last Ellery Adams purchase.

As for the narration I can only say ridiculously annoying. She made each character sound like a cartoon character or fairly dimwitted clown.

The whole experience was sickly sweet and I left feeling talked down to and taken advantage of.