Murder in the Cookbook Nook by Ellery Adams Published by Kensington Books on April 27, 2021
Genres: Fiction / Mystery & Detective / Amateur Sleuth, Fiction / Mystery & Detective / Cozy / General, Fiction / Mystery & Detective / Women Sleuths
Pages: 304
Format: eBook
Source: Amazon
The witty new story from the bestselling author of The Secret Book & Scone Society series is perfect for bibliophiles who love a A Bookish Cook-Off with a little murder on the side…
“Love Chopped and mysteries? This delightful character-driven cozy is just the treat for you.” —Kirkus Reviews
Six chefs are preparing to compete in an outdoor tent at Storyton Hall in Virginia for prizes that will boost their careers—but is there someone who can’t stand the heat? It looks that way when one of the contestants is found dead in a pantry packed with two centuries’ worth of cookbooks, among other treasures and rarities.
Could there be a connection to other recent events in town, like tampering with the costume of a local mascot? Jane isn’t sure, but after someone serves a second course of murder, the kitchen must be closed and the killer must be found . . .
“Readers will find themselves wanting to live in Storyton, no matter how many people end up dead there.”
—Suspense Magazine on Murder in the Locked Library
My Review
I have only ever read one other book by Ellery Adams when I discovered this one and I am so glad that I did. I do however wish I had known it was part of a series because I would have preferred to start with book one rather than book seven in the Book Retreat Mysteries Series. Based on what I read though I think that this series can be read out of order and you won’t be confused as to what is happening. I really did enjoy this book and I am eager to pick up book one soon.
This story takes place in an idilic little town in a bookish community in Virginia with Storyton Hall being the star of the place. The author did such a great job describing the places and the characters within this book. I loved that each place in the town which also include the rooms at Storyton Hall revolve around a famous story or author. It really is a wonderful community for bookish people one that I am sure many would love to be a part of at least I know I would.
In this story we follow Jane a widower and single mom to two very active little boys. Not only is Jane a mom but she is also the guardian and manager of Storyton Hall which has been passed down in her family for years. This is not just any inn however as I have said before every room is a celebration of a story or theme from different books. Jane and her family are not just the inn keepers but they are also the keepers and protectors of old and rare books which can be found at the inn. Truly as I said before it is a place for bookish people to go.
Storyton Hall becomes the center of attention once the reality show called Posh Palette with Mia Mallett sets up their tents and begins to film for the newest season. Jane had agreed to this because she thought it would bring in money for the inn and also future guests. What she does not count on is a dead chef in the famous cookbook nook which belongs to Mrs. Hubbard the beloved chef at the inn. The question on everyone’s mind is what was he doing down in the kitchen and how did he end up dying. It is a bit suspicious especially after the fire that was set at the beginning of the competition. Which has Jane and her crew of sleuths on the hunt for any clues that might give away the possible arsonist and murderer running around the inn amongst all the guests.
The mystery is one that kept me reading simply because it was so well written. I found there to be a number of suspects to chose from along with reasons why each may have wanted to start a fire and possibly murder a chef in the competition. I enjoyed getting to know each of the character’s stories and where they came from which for me at least did not give away the identity of the person responsible for the mysteries contained within this story.
If you are looking for a cozy mystery with lots of food writing and book talk then this may be the story for you. I found the characters to be delightful and the setting to be absolutely wonderful. This is a series I am eager to start from the beginning and work my way through because I want to spend more time with the people and this town. I have to say I do appreciate that this mystery hit on some important topics that pertain to the food industry. I can not say for sure whether they are true in all respects or not but it is definitely worth shining some light on the topic. All in all this was a wonderful story and I hope that you as a reader enjoy it as much as I did.
Trigger Warnings:
- Sexual Harrasment
- Talk of Losing a Spouse
- Murder
- Parental Neglect
- Burn Victim