Book Review: 'Murder in the Paperback Parlor' by Ellery Adams

✰✰✰✰ Jane Steward is a single mom of twins and the proprietor of Storyton Hall, a fantastical book-themed resort. With Valentine's Day fast approaching, Jane and her team have organized a cozy, getaway event called Romancing the Reader. Fans of Regency romance novels have gathered from all over the country to talk books, participate in Regency inspired workshops, and meet their favorite authors.

With diva author Rosamund York around, it isn't long before some of the literary discussions get heated. However, when fans react poorly to Rosamund's new novel, things take a turn for the worse resulting in a death. It's up to Jane, her team, and her book club to solve the murder lest someone else ends up dead too. With a full-line up of events to pull off and a resort full of guests who can't leave, Jane has her hands full. She must be quick to saves lives and the reputation of her beloved resort.

The Bottom Line: This is the second installment of the Book Retreat Mystery series. With engaging new characters and the Regency era theme, it is chock full of suspense and mayhem. It's interesting to watch Jane and her boys grow in their skills, and it's equally fun to see Jane have snippets of time for a possible romance...or not. I'm eagerly looking forward to reading Book 3 soon. Enthusiastically recommended for fans of cozy mysteries with a bit of romance. This is definitely an action-packed weekend or beach read.

Details: Murder in the Paperback Parlor (A Book Retreat Mystery) by Ellery Adams. Paperback published by Berkley Prime Crime in 2015. 304 p. ISBN: 978-0-425-26560-4