Written in Stone

Books by the Bay Mystery Series #4

By: Ellery Adams

Narrated by: Karen White

Length: 9 hrs and 37 mins

Publisher's Summary

When Munin Cooper, known as the Witch of Oyster Bay, warns Olivia Limoges that death is coming, neither of them realize that it is the older woman herself who will soon be found dead. And Olivia's instincts tell her that something - or someone - more sinister than a mystical force is at play...Olivia has a lot on her plate preparing for the Coastal Carolina Food Festival. When she hears the news of Munin's untimely death, however, finding the murderer takes priority. The witch left behind a memory jug full of keepsakes that Olivia knows must point to the killer - but she's got to figure out what they mean. With handsome Police Chief Rawlings by her side, Olivia starts to identify some of the jug's mysterious contents - and finds its secrets are much darker than she suspected. Now Olivia must enlist the help of the Bayside Book Writers to solve the puzzle behind the piece of pottery and put an end to a vengeful killer before any more damage can be done....

©2012 Ellery Adams (P)2015 Tantor

Critic Reviews

"The premise is intriguing." ( RT Book Reviews)

WARNING: Has An Explicit Graphic Scene!

This might not be important to all readers, but it's worth noting for some. This book has a pretty intense graphic sex scene. It caught me off guard because I've listened to all the books & it came from out of nowhere. Cozy mysteries don't usually cross into that territory so it's just important to note. It's a rather lengthy scene with rather explicit and graphic language.
As far as the story overall I found it intriguing & I love how the characters are evolving throughout this story. They each have their identities & Olivia continues to explore her past and learn more about who she is & where she comes from. It held my attention from start to finish!

Author continues a good series

I enjoy reading a cozy mystery when the "bad guy" is forecast easily. This hasn't been the case with Ellery Adams. Perhaps she's trying to live up to the reputation of Ellery Queen when after you're given all the facts you're given the opportunity to reason out your conclusions. Whatever the motives, I enjoy the characters now that I've had the chance to learn about them all and enjoy their depth. Some reviewers definitely dislike Karen White as the narrator. She has a different voice but given time it's not hard to adapt to her style. That's the joy of different performers! If you enjoy listening to a story with depth yet gives a satisfying "cozy" ending, give Ellery a try. She may grow on you. Olivia, the protagonist, is not perfect and continues to let go of the inner need to be perfect. Eventually, I hope, someone will "call her out" on her tendency to solve too many problems with money and that she can buy her way above the law. If there were someone like that in my life, I think I'd always be wary of her motives. Again, a good continuing plot arc that ties the books together. I encourage you to give her a try and be open minded. These are a little different than your average cozy mystery.

Please learn to pronounce county names

Loved the book and generally the narrator but it is distracting when local words are not pronounced correctly
Example Robeson county is Rob eson
Not Robe eson

A wonderful read

I can’t wait to get to the next book in the series. Listening to this particular book brought back so many memories. As a child and a adult I have traveled through all the areas the author spoke of in this book When reading this wonderful story I looked up the other areas and realized I will be in the area during this summer. Looking forward to it. Getting back to the book that kept me so close to the characters and story before I new it I finished. The story excellent and narrator is perfect. ENJOY

fantastic book

captivating characters, intense storyline & wonderful setting. this story leaves you thinking about time, family, loved ones and home.

I just can't get over the ending of the series.

I was happy until the last book. It just ruined the series. NOT COZY LEFT ME SO SAD.

Only One Complaint

I could have done without the sex scenes. They were definitely not needed. The story, good in itself, would have been better without them.

Not the best book in an good series thus far

Book 4 in this series was disappointing. Perhaps the author tried to include too much? She may also have made the common mistake of forgetting who her audience are thus far. Book covers have that quirky Cozy feel with a few innocent items that take on sinister meaning after reading book - this is fun and compelling. But now the books themselves have a flavor of more serious full length novel but without enough content for that genre. Olivia still always right and using her money to back it us. She presumes but is very annoyed when others do so.

Very interesting subject but the characters (supporting as well as protagonist) seem forces to form overly quick bonds bound by angst. Just seems overly dramatic like persons who become overly invested in the immediate tragedy of others. Also book when on and on and I just couldn't care much about the outcome as it moved around in confusing manner. The developing charm of the series just wasn't there. Author telling us what character felt rather than showing us. Didn't take time to show us why. Ending seemed sudden/impulsive and too tidy. Seems perhaps author is bored with her series. Even book club members are becoming trite. Hoping next book returns to book club and flavor of earlier volumes.

Storyline slow

I have enjoyed the other books in the series. This one really did not move along very fast. Wished the story had went a little faster. I started to get bored.

Wanted to like it but...

For some reading the story and narration combined to annoy me greatly. I have read other books in this series and enjoyed them. Sorry I just cannot put my finger on the “why” I had to return it.