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kristiacole's review against another edition
mysterious
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Content Warnings
One use of the "h" word
cutenanya's review against another edition
3.0
Story: 3
Characters: 3.5
World-building: 3.5
Romance: 2.5
Overall: 3
The premise of this book is cool, the heroine holding a mystery festival in a hotel and inviting mystery fans to solve puzzles and mysteries, only to find a real mystery waiting to be solved.
I have two "problems" with this book:
1) The "additional plot", which I find a little absurd and distract the author from creating a complex mystery. I think cozy mystery writers are all trying to find new formulas that will help them out compete others in the highly competitive arena of cozy mysteries and Miss Adams hopes that by introducing this extra element, not only can she add flavor to an otherwise ordinary mystery, but also to pave way for future books in the series. I would have no problem with this extra element had she crafted the novel better, but the ending is a bit too convenient for my taste and over dramatic.
2) The romance is only budding and I would really like to see it taking flight in the next novel. HOWEVER, based on the description of the new character (who would only make an appearance in the next book), I am afraid the author is heading in the direction of a love triangle. I SINCERELY HOPE I am proven wrong but I HATE love triangles, detest them even, and I plead the author to not play that trick or I would not bother myself with the next entry in this series.
Characters: 3.5
World-building: 3.5
Romance: 2.5
Overall: 3
The premise of this book is cool, the heroine holding a mystery festival in a hotel and inviting mystery fans to solve puzzles and mysteries, only to find a real mystery waiting to be solved.
I have two "problems" with this book:
1) The "additional plot", which I find a little absurd and distract the author from creating a complex mystery. I think cozy mystery writers are all trying to find new formulas that will help them out compete others in the highly competitive arena of cozy mysteries and Miss Adams hopes that by introducing this extra element, not only can she add flavor to an otherwise ordinary mystery, but also to pave way for future books in the series. I would have no problem with this extra element had she crafted the novel better, but the ending is a bit too convenient for my taste and over dramatic.
2) The romance is only budding and I would really like to see it taking flight in the next novel. HOWEVER, based on the description of the new character (who would only make an appearance in the next book), I am afraid the author is heading in the direction of a love triangle. I SINCERELY HOPE I am proven wrong but I HATE love triangles, detest them even, and I plead the author to not play that trick or I would not bother myself with the next entry in this series.
book_concierge's review against another edition
3.0
Digital audio read by Johanna Parker.
Book number one in the Book Retreat Mystery series introduces the reader to Storyton Hall and the Guardians. Jane Steward is the manager of the mansion turned boutique hotel set in the mountains of Virginia. A widow with two small boys, she’s come to live at the manor with her great aunt Octavia and great uncle Aloysius. The property has suffered from neglect, however. Jane is inspired by the extensive libraries to host a special Halloween event – a Murder and Mayhem Mystery Week, including scavenger hunts and a costume ball. Guests clamor for reservations and all is going well until the winner of the scavenger hunt is found dead – murdered – in his room. Storyton Hall is crawling with detectives – but they are mostly fakes – and it’s up to Jane and the Guardians to solve the case.
This was a delightful cozy mystery. The premise is a bit outlandish … a library so secret that family members are sworn to secrecy and a team of former CIA operatives serve as butler, chauffer, etc in order to guard the precious resources. But what the heck, it makes for a colorful cast of characters and I love all the literary references.
Johanna Parker does a fine job narrating the audiobook. She’s a talented voice artist and she capably handles the very large cast of characters.
Book number one in the Book Retreat Mystery series introduces the reader to Storyton Hall and the Guardians. Jane Steward is the manager of the mansion turned boutique hotel set in the mountains of Virginia. A widow with two small boys, she’s come to live at the manor with her great aunt Octavia and great uncle Aloysius. The property has suffered from neglect, however. Jane is inspired by the extensive libraries to host a special Halloween event – a Murder and Mayhem Mystery Week, including scavenger hunts and a costume ball. Guests clamor for reservations and all is going well until the winner of the scavenger hunt is found dead – murdered – in his room. Storyton Hall is crawling with detectives – but they are mostly fakes – and it’s up to Jane and the Guardians to solve the case.
This was a delightful cozy mystery. The premise is a bit outlandish … a library so secret that family members are sworn to secrecy and a team of former CIA operatives serve as butler, chauffer, etc in order to guard the precious resources. But what the heck, it makes for a colorful cast of characters and I love all the literary references.
Johanna Parker does a fine job narrating the audiobook. She’s a talented voice artist and she capably handles the very large cast of characters.
mrst's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
notartgarfunkel's review
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
laurenhoya's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
3.25
shawniebooks's review against another edition
2.0
The summary sounded perfect for my interests, but I didn't care for how many different story lines came up. I kept thinking this was a historical, but it is contemporary. Instead of endearing, I found it eye-rolling. It's too bad since I love the idea of a literary retreat.
karinlib's review against another edition
3.0
I've read a couple of other books by Ellery Adams and really enjoy this cozy author. Since I love books about books, libraries, librarians, characters that love to read, cats, and oh a mystery, this series is very satisfying.