Murder in the Secret Garden (A Book Retreat Mystery)

A magical garden, a manor featuring an Agatha Christie Tea Room and a couple of murders blend together for an all-out fascinating read in author Ellery Adams’ latest Book Retreat Mystery series release.
MURDER IN THE SECRET GARDEN will quickly draw you in with a meeting of Medieval Herbalists at Storyton Hall, along with a fancy wedding. The book-themed resort comes alive through the author’s vivid descriptions. The gardens flourish on the pages through her eye for details.
The core cast of characters are a delight, realistic and very likable. The secondary characters are quirky and add depth to the story through their personalities and actions. The mix of characters makes for well-blended story.
The story deals with the good and evil of plants and how those elements are sometimes exploited for personal gain. There’s a good balance of family, dedication and determination mixed with greed, selfishness and insensibility.
The author moves the story along smoothly and at a good pace. The book can be read on its own even though it’s the third installment in the series. Twists and turns will keep you on your toes until the very end. This is a suspenseful murder mystery you don’t want to miss.
FTC Full Disclosure – A copy of this book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review. The thoughts are completely my own and given honestly and freely.

Of Ellery Adams’ three excellent mystery series, this one has to be my favorite. Who wouldn’t want to visit Storyton Hall, a resort designed with the avid reader in mind? This time Jane Steward is hosting a series of themed events for The Medieval Herbalists, including the wedding of one of the group members. (Previous books in the series have dealt with events for mystery lovers and romance readers.)

Because this is a murder mystery, there are, of course, murders. At least one is quite gruesome, as you might expect when poisonous herbs are featured, but Adams doesn’t dwell on the details and quickly moves on. The focus, instead, is on the relationships between characters. Featured players include two sisters with a tragic secret in their past, a self-proclaimed celebrity “Poison Princess,” and the owner of the local Potting Shed and his relationship with . . . a druid?

A theme underlying each book in the series is the deep trust between Jane and her fellow Storyton Hall employees. A few of the merchants of the surrounding Storyton Village (I love the map of the village showing the location of each quaint business) are also involved in the story. The house itself has its own secrets, of which readers of the previous books in the series are aware, although they are only touched upon lightly in this novel.

Adams’ stories are elegantly told, with dashes of humor contributed by her 7-year-old, high-spirited twin boys. Her relationship with the mysterious Edwin Alcott is once again featured—can Jane trust this oft-absent man who wants to claim her affections? The beauty of the book is in the expert storytelling, the wealth of fascinating characters, and the over-arching love for books and book lovers.

What I wouldn't give to spend time at The Storyton Resort, curled up with a favorite book or three and enjoying a cup of tea.
Each time I read a book written by the talented Ellery Adams, I take a ride on an emotional rollercoaster. She weaves not only a story filled with mystery, adventure, friendship and love, but there is a deep emotional connection that reaches out to me.
In this 3rd book in the Book Retreat series, Jane Steward is hosting a wedding and a group of plant lovers known as The Medieval Herbalists. These aren't ordinary plant lovers, this group is made up of people who take herbal medicine and remedies very seriously. They are known to see the benefits in even some of the scariest plants, including nightshade.
When one of the herbalists is found dead, Jane is determined to find answers. The investigation opens up a Pandora's Box of secrets and some long ago questions are finally answered.
I was blown away by the story and I was kept guessing until the very end.

I am a huge fan of Ms. Adams and it is always a pleasure and an honor to read and review one of her books. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I received an ARC of this book from the author in exchange for my fair and honest review.

Be sure to grab your copy now and find your own secret garden to read in.

I would love to spend a week or two at Storyton Hall, every afternoon partaking of Mrs. Hubbard's tea, sandwiches and pastries, while people-watching and catching snippets of conversation, maybe even about the latest mystery. In the latest book set there, Mystery in the Secret Garden, the special visiting group is a gathering of medieval herbalists. One of their members is an expert in plant-based poisons, which figures in one of the murders. The other is an apparent drowning. There is a wedding to take place in the Storyton Hall garden, the responsibility of Jane Steward, a return of Edwin, her mystery man and her twin sons Hem and Fitz to keep track of. I love the way Jane not only takes her motherly role seriously, but is making sure that her spunky boys are taught manners a moral code and work ethic.
The mysteries are complex, but fairly presented, so there is a chance to solve them, though I did not.
My favorite feature of these books is the character development and relationships between the characters and this book does not disappoint. I always learn fun facts in Ellery Adams' books, this time about plants and plant lore and wonderful snippets about literature and poetry.
I can't resist mentioning that it tickles me that a few of the characters have names that reflect their work, though it isn't overdone; The cook, Mrs. Hubbard (her cupboard is never bare), the gardener, Tom Green and owners of the Pickled Pig Market, the Hogg Brothers. Perfect!
I highly recommend this book and the whole series!

This truly unique series just keeps getting better!

When I read the first book in the Book Retreat Mysteries, MURDER IN THE MYSTERY SUITE, I just knew this was going to be an amazing series. It feels so good to be right! ;-)

MUDER IN THE SECRET GARDEN, as with the first two book in the series, is a blend of old fashioned mystery, spy thriller, and cozy all magnificently rolled into one. It’s both gripping, and fun. Author Ellery Adams seems to have channeled not only many prolific authors, but several of literatures greatest mystery characters to create an unforgettably remarkable series.

The main plot in MURDER IN THE SECRET GARDEN, is extremely well thought out, and left me second guessing myself most of the way through. From page one, to the discovery of the body, to the shocking reveal and ending, I was enthralled with every word I read. I was quite breathless by the end of the book. As with books one and two, there is an underlying, menacing feeling. Something we will see in a future installment perhaps?

Aside from being a wonderful read, this series would make for outstanding movies and/or TV.

Make sure to check out the back of the book for a sneak peek of KILLER CHARACTERS, the newest book in the Books By The Bay mysteries!

Even though this is the third book in the Book Retreat Mystery Series, as with the others, it stands solidly on it's own. This time the story revolves around a group of Herbalists and a lovely garden wedding. Ellery Adams is a New York Times Bestselling author, that doesn't slow down a story by separating description from the action. She melds them both into swift flowing and well paced writing. Since this series takes place in a history filled manor house, turned into an elegant hotel retreat, you'll find tidbits of truth entwined with delectible fiction. The research Ms. Adams did for this book sparkles on each and every page and I appreciate that. Fully fleshed out characters that keep you interested in learning more about them from the start of the book to the very end. Of course, being that this is part of a series, there are continuing characters and story lines, but they take nothing away from the main story. If anything, it should intrigue the reader to get a copy of the first two books.

Follow along with Jane Steward, a single mother raising twin boys along with managing Storyton Hall, a lavish retreat for Book Lovers of all genres. Be intrigued by her family's secret history. Laugh and be enchanted by Hem and Fitz, her rambunctious twin boys. Find your heart skip a beat over the relationship Jane has with the mysterious Edwin Alcott. There is so much packed into this book that by the time you're finished you'll have felt as if you actually spent time at Storyton. Ellery Adams also has two other mystery series to follow. Books By The Bay Mysteries, and The Charmed Pie Shoppe Mysteries. I highly recommend them both!

I received this book from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Murder in the Secret Garden is the 3rd in the Book Retreat Mystery series. It takes you to Storyton Hall and the Village of Storyton. At the front of the book you will find a wonderful list of the staff of Storyton Hall and a the merchants of Storyton Village. Whether you're a first time reader of this series and just getting to know the characters or you're coming back to visit characters that seem like old friends, its a wonderful way to start the book.

In this book Storyton Hall is hosting a group called the Medieval Herbalists as well as a wedding. Secrets are abound! Jane and her staff are once again looking for the answers. Without giving it all away just know that Ellery Adams has given us another great mystery that grabs you from the beginning and holds you till the end The twists and turns will keep you guessing!!

The characters and continued story line of the Book Retreat Mystery series are very well developed. You will find yourself wishing that you could in fact go and spend time at Storyton Hall and visit with all the staff and merchants of the village. Including getting to know Jane's twin sons who fun loving characters themselves. I recommend not only this book but the whole series. You won't be disappointed!!

I received a copy of this book for a fair and honest review.

Book #70 Read in 2016
Murder in the Secret Garden by Ellery Adams

This is the third book in one of my all-time favorite cozy mystery series. In this book, set in the wonderful Storyton, a retreat for book lovers, a group of herbalists are attending a conference. One of them is murdered. Jane and the Fins, a secret group that protects great books, try to figure out what happened. Will they figure out the murderer before he or she strikes again. The cozy setting of this series, the description of books and decadent food offered at the retreat is wonderful. The literary references are fun. I highly recommend this series to cozy mystery lovers. I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for a honest review.

Murder in the Secret Garden is the third book in Ellery Adams' A Book Retreat Mystery series. This time, Storyton Hall is hosting a group of Medieval Herbalists and, once again, murder comes to visit too.

When I first started reading this series, I was skeptical about the Guardians and fins and their role in protecting books. That aspect of the books has grown on me as I continued to read the series. I like Jane, her family and staff - probably because Adams does such a good job vividly describing Storyton and its residents. It makes me wish I could visit the town and, especially, enjoy some of Mrs. Hubbard's cooking.

This book will satisfy readers of the series, and I hope some of the characters introduced in it come back in future books.

Excellent read! This is my first Book Retreat Mystery - I need to read the first two - and I loved it! I love Jane's Storyton, a book-themed resort, and I love its Secret Garden. I also love the herb theme running throughout the book. Jane hosts Medieval Herbalists, and a wedding, and various murders occur. The reason why turns out to be an indictment on the pharmaceutical industry, and its and peoples greed. This book kept me reading because of the book, herb, garden themes. And there are even a couple of references to the 'Outlander' series by Gabaldon, a favorite author/series of mine. I highly recommend reading 'Murder in the Secret Garden.' You won't be disappointed!

This the 3rd book in the in the Book Retreat series and as much as I loved the first two this is my favorite.. I'm happy that there is a map of the Village of Storyton and a list of Staff ( the Fins}. at Storyton Hall. the merchants of the Village and the guests.. I'd really like a visit to Storyton Hall to meet Jane, her twin sons and the Fins. Storyton is taken over by Medieval Herbalists and also a wedding of one of the Herbalists. The Village has a Duck race and one of the Herlalists was found drown and the twist and turns begin . I can hardly wait for the next book because I learn something new , this time herbs, and enjoy visitng all the people in the book who are now friends . If you like books, good food and interesting people with a murder that not to easy to solve, I never did, this is the book for you. The author gave me this book in return for an honest review.

Ellery Adams is my "go to" author. I never miss a book in any of her series; and I have never disappointed by the adventure and escape her talented writing provides. While this series in the cozy genre, Adams writes for many audiences, as I believe this series has suspense, thriller, spy-novel type adventure, but holds true to the cozy with curious character development and unbeatable setting, that is not too violent, or foul language. In Murder in the Secret Garden, we return to the incredible Storyton Hall, where booklovers can find respite to read and relax. Nothing, however, is ever quite that simple, especially for the cast of characters who reside/work at Storyton Hall. This time The Medieval Herbalists are the guests. When they learn of the Secret Garden tucked away on the grounds of Storyton Hall of course they want access...who wouldn't, but then trouble arises when a body is discovered. This is one of Adams' great gifts weaving complicated, intriguing plots that refer to previous great works from literature. Per usual, Adams' series continue to evolve and engage with each installment. Don't miss this glimpse into a Murder in the Secret Garden!

"Murder in the Secret Garden" is a cozy mystery and the third book in the series. You don't need to read the previous novels to understand this one, and this story didn't spoil the previous mysteries.

There is a "secret" garden in the sense that a group of gardeners and herbalists visit a hermit who has a walled garden, but it's only briefly mentioned in the story. Herbal knowledge didn't play much of a role in solving the murder, either. But the mystery was interesting enough that I kept reading, and the main characters were nice, interesting people.

The main characters belong to a secret-society security detail for the resort/hidden library, so they used their skills to investigate. Due to this sense of having equal right (and need) to investigate, the heroine took a piece of evidence from a scene so she could have first look at it. She otherwise had a good relationship with the official investigators.

It's a clue-based mystery, and they looked for solid evidence like the police did. I realized whodunit before the heroine, but there were a number of possible suspects until the last few clues were found. There was no sex. There was occasional use of bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this cozy mystery.

I received this book as a review copy from the publisher.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Another exciting stay at Storyton Hall. Murder in the Secret Garden is my third visit to Storyton Hall for another of Jane's special events and it certainly didn't disappoint. As the Medieval Herbalist gather for their yearly retreat, they barely have time to unpack before murder, mystery, thievery and romance descend upon Storyton Hall. Once again Jane and the Fins have to find the murderer among their guests while also looking for rare book that has gone missing and possibly uncovering an illegal drug operation. I am a huge fan of all Ellery Adams' series and the Book Retreat books are among my favorites. I wholeheartedly recommend Murder in the Secret Garden, you will find yourself checking into Storyton Hall at every opportunity.

Jane Steward, manager of Storyton Hall, is hosting a group of guests called The Medieval Herbalists. They've come to Storyton Hall to explore the garden, and attend a wedding of one of their member's sister. When one of the Medieval Herbalists is found dead, Jane and her staff are dedicated to finding out what really happened to the deceased member of the group. Everyone has a secret, and Jane is trying to figure out what's really going on in each member's lives. This book was very fast paced and kept me guessing until the end. I love this series, and I highly recommend it. If you love a good mystery, good food and cats, then this is the series for you. Ellery Adams is a wonderful writer and this book is a winner! I received a copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Just as August gets here I find I long to get away. And just as this happens Ellery Adams comes out with a new book from her Book retreat mystery series. And that provides me with a trip to the mountains of Virginia to a lovely resort with a book theme. Jane Steward manages Storyton Hall for her aunt and uncle who own it. Aunt Octavia and Uncle Aloysius are not your average elderly couple. Also this visit we get to once again see Jane's twin boys , Hemingway and Fitzgerald, who are alway up to mischief that only 2 boys can harmlessly supply. Than there are the towns people who are all interesting and quirky in their own way. Of course there is a love interest and Edwin Alcott is that and more. He is a mystery in his own. Reading this you can wonder around to the various rooms which are names after authors and perfectly decorated.
This particular weekend there are two events going on at Storyton Hall. A wedding and a meeting of Medieval Herbalists . All the excitement of a new bride and all the intrigue of herbalists. And than there is the dead body. Through in some twists and turns. Mix in some magic and even a Druid and you have a great visit and wonderful read.

This is the third book in the "Book Retreat Mysteries" series. The way that Ellery Adams writes you do not necessarily need to read the first two books in the series to know what is going on. This story takes place in a great little village called Storyton. Jane Steward is the resort manager and is hosting a group called "The Medieval Herbalists." During the town's duck derby one of the Herbalists is found dead. Who did it?? Was it murder?? Was it suicide?? Was it an accident?? Jane and the staff of Storyton Hall, along with the Herbalists, are ready to help the local police figure it out.

I would love to live in Storyton. It sounds like the perfect place to spend the rest of my days. I have always dreamed of living in a house that was full of books in every room.

I love the way that Ellery Adams writes. From the very first page I felt like I was right there at Storyton Hall. I felt like I was Jane Steward's side-kick. There is a great quote in the book by Jane Steward that I can totally relate to. Jane says, "My life requires copious amounts of tea, coffee, books, and chocolate. And not necessarily in that order."

Kudo's to Ellery Adams on another great book!

I received this book in exchange for an honest review. A well-woven story that had me going back and forth between suspects until the last. Medieval Herbalists convene in Storyton for their annual gathering and to attend a period wedding - authentic right down to the wedding cake!!

But a young member of their group is murdered and a valuable old book goes missing. Secrets are uncovered and old wounds opened. Was the murderer one of the guests or could it be one of Storyton's own? Police in two jurisdictions are involved, but Jane and the Fins can't afford to wait that long.

A wayward member of the Storyton community returns. Can they be trusted? You'll have to read the book to find out.

Ms. Adams has once again delivered a beautifully written work of art. Jane Steward has a convention of Medieval Herbalist at Storyton Hall and when one of them turns up dead it's up to Jane and the Fins to find out the truth and protect their secrets. The plot was rich with intrigue and characters were so complex and well developed you could definitely be in the real world with them. I loved the concept of the medieval herbalists and how plants played into the storyline. Everything was blended so seamlessly that it allowed the pacing to never slow down and kept you hooked from page one. This series just keeps getting better and better. 10 stars if I could give it, highly recommend.

This is the third in the series and while you don't have to read the other two books in order to understand what's happening in this story I'm going to see you really need to read the first two books before reading this. Why? Because they that good.

This story involves Medieval Herbalists, duck races and a hot, returning/prospective boyfriend. Between raising two boys, running a bed-and-breakfast/hotel/get-away; and solving murder will she have the time or the energy to devote to having a man in her life or be able to solve the mystery of who killed one of her guests.

I loved this story. Jane, the main character is smart, intelligent, strong and compassionate. And Edwin, the love interest is also strong and intelligent. I think it's wonderful that both can be strong people without one being more dominant.

I just finished this book and already I want to read the next in the series and thinking Ms. Adams needs to write faster!

I am a fan of most of Ellery Adams' series. The book retreat series is lots of enjoyable reading. Adams' forte is the time she spends creating characters that you are sorry to leave when the book ends. You feel as if your friends have gone on long journeys and you won't see them again for a year. It's a special talent. In Murder In the Secret Garden she has penned her best yet in this series. The plot is unique, the research, well done, and the murderer not obvious. This series and her Books by the Bay series are two series that I never miss. If you are a friend of cozies, you will enjoy both of these series. I received this book in return for a review, but I have been buying her books for years. Also you might enjoy her posts on Facebook.

I really enjoyed this book! I wanted I have not visited Storyton before but I will be going back. Jane and her group have a great relationship together. Her friend Edwin is rather interesting. Her twin sons are a lot of fun!

I didn't know who could have possibly have committed the murder. I was intrigued by who could have had reason and how they did it. I really look forward to reading more about the group at Storyton and Storyton Hall. They are a rather unique group but you really have to read the book to find out why.

Enter the book themed resort home of Jane Stewart as she welcomes The Medieval Herbalists group and the guests at an unusual wedding. Mix together a garden filled with poisonous plants, a local druid with a past, wedding members with secrets, new village residents and herbalists with devious plots and you get a tangled web of lies, deceit, revenge and murder. This series delivers non-stop action, fascinating characters and a background story that thrills with adventure. A must read cozy mystery series for all cozy fans.

Ellery Adams has another winner on her hands! “Murder in the Secret Garden” is the third book in the Book Retreat series. I wish there was a hotel like this, devoted to books and reading. So many books, so little time! Along with the mystery, there is intrigue, knights in shining armor (figuratively speaking), damsels in distress and a garden full of poisonous plants. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and would recommend it anyone with a love of a good mystery!

This is the third in the series and my favourite so far. Storyton Hall is hosting a group called The Medieval Herbalists along with a wedding party. The wedding party includes some of the Herbalists, and their secrets and motives are intriguing.
The characters are some of my favourites in a cozy series. The mystery is well written, and kept me guessing!
I thoroughly enjoy this series, recommend it highly, and cannot wait to read more in the series!

Murder in the Secret Garden by Ellery Adams is the third book in the Book Retreat Mystery series. Jane Steward, resort manager, is getting ready for a wedding at Storyton Hall as well as The Medieval Herbalist group (who are all knowledgeable in poisons). The bride, Victoria Billingsley and her sister, Hannah are members of the group. In the Henry James Library, Mr. Sinclair has a rare herbal manuscript on display for the group (from their secret collection). Jane’s boys (Fitz and Hem) are excited about the inaugural rubber duck race to take place in town in the Storyton River. The race is sponsored by Storyton Outfitters, a new shop, owned by Phil and Sandy Hughes (the duck descriptions and names are humorous). When Jane’s uncle favorite hat falls into the river, Jane volunteers to capture it for him. Jane finds the hat along with the body of Kira Grace, a guest from Storyton Hall and a member of The Medieval Herbalist. Jane hopes that this does not put a damper upon the wedding festivities and rallies the Fins to investigate Kira’s death. Things take an unexpected turn when Edwin Alcott returns (just as Jane finds Kira’s body). Jane is not sure what she feels for Edwin. Is he a book thief? Why radio silence for the last four months? But Jane has a full plate and no time to speculate (rhyming unintentional). The wedding goes off without a hitch and the reception is lovely with its Hildegard von Bingen’s theme. Jane is enjoying the event until Mr. Sinclair informs her that the rare herbal manuscript they had on display has been stolen (not good). What else can happen? The next day the Medieval Herbalist take a trip into the hills to visit a druid. Claude Mason, president of the group, talked Tom Green (owns the local nursery) into taking them (despite the fact that the druid does not tolerate visitors). Jane is curious and follows along behind the herbalists. After they leave, Jane hears screaming coming from the druid’s cabin. The poor man was poisoned with wedding cake. Is his murder related to Kira’s death? Jane is even more determined to find who is responsible for the murders and theft (and deflect attention from Storyton Hall). Join Jane and the Fins on their investigation in Murder in the Secret Garden!

Murder in the Secret Garden captured my interest from the very first page, and I did not want to stop reading (I stayed up until I finished the novel). The book has developed characters, a wonderful setting (a retreat full of books), and a complex mystery. The novel is easy to read and has a good pace (flow). While Murder in the Secret Garden is the third book in the series, you can read it as a stand-alone. The author gives the reader the needed background information on Jane and her family, Storyton Hall, and the mission of the Fins. Though I highly suggest you go and read the other book in A Book Retreat Mystery series. They are wonderful. I give Murder in the Secret Garden 5 out of 5 stars (I loved it as you can tell). I was able to solve the mysteries (the two murders and the theft of the book). They were complex with lots of twists and turns. You have to pay very close attention to the details to be able to figure them out. I loved the description of Storyton Hall. The room names are all literary. If Storyton Hall was real, I would never want to leave. The Harry Potter references (and the games played by the boys) were entertaining (made me laugh) especially when the Fitz and Hem were playing with the mandrake root. I look forward to reading the next book in A Book Retreat Mystery series.

I received a copy of the novel in exchange for an honest evaluation of the book. The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.

Jane Steward owns a ok-themed resort with a beautiful garden filled with deadly plants. This hidden garden is of interest to the latest group, Medieval herbalists. One of them is killed and Jane has to figure out who came to the resort to implement a cruel means of murder. Interesting sidelines of different plants and Jane's personal life adds to the story.

Another wonderful book in this series! I love the mentionings of all the plants (even though I definitely don't have a green thumb)! This may be a little unimportant, but I really enjoyed the Harry Potter references!! Not sure if there will be more but I'm ready to read it if there is!!

I won a copy of this audio book from the author in a giveaway in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Ellery Adams has out done herself in this spellbinding book. She has woven a tale that is full of poison , jealousy, and greed. This is the best in the series so far . Keep them coming Ellery Adams ! I'm looking forward to the next book in this delightful series.

Jane must discover whether a member of the group has come to Storyton Hall to celebrate their passion for plant lore or to implement a particularly cruel means for murder. Third installment of the Storytown Hall we find out not all things are what they seem. Sometimes the quietest guest has the most to share.

3.5 stars
The continuing adventures of Jane Steward, operator of a book-themed resort and single mother of twin boys, is an entertaining read. Jane and Storyton Hall, her resort, have many secrets so it's best to start with the first book and work your way through the series.

In this outing, a gathering of medieval herbalists turns toxic when one of the attendees is found dead. Another murder, this one of a reclusive rural herbal healer with a hidden history, soon follows.

This series has interesting characters and a great setting. The plot setup veers into a bit of almost fantasy, but it is fun if not plausible. I enjoy the books enough to be able to set aside the many unlikely plot machinations.

I received a copy of this novel via Net Galley in return for an honest review. Opinions expressed are solely my own.

I received this book for free from Berkley Prime Crime in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

The secret garden comparison is what drew me to this book. Unfortunately the garden was barely mentioned. Jane’s garden sounds like what the blurb was describing, except for the poisonous plants. And then past the half-way mark of the book, another garden is introduced that has the plants, and is found behind a normally locked gate. But even then, neither garden was in the book for long at all.

I did like Jane, and her twin sons. And the duck race was cute. I liked the Fins, and was curious as to how they had come to be in service to Jane. But I’m guessing that was explained in one of the earlier books. I also really liked the slightly Bond-esque talents all the Fins had. And that there was a cat burglar in the book as well.

I didn’t guess who the killer was until the reveal, but I had an idea of who the 2nd killer was. I ended up being right, but had no idea of the why. It all made sense in the end, and I liked how the different mysteries were tied together.

I liked how close Hannah and Victoria were. It was really sweet in some parts of the book. I also really liked Tammy and hope she will appear in future books in the series. Overall, I liked the book. But you shouldn’t go into it thinking there will be any similarities to The Secret Garden, even though they’re compared in the blurb.

3.5 Stars

(cross-posted to my blog.)

"Murder in the Secret Garden" is a slow paced mystery that takes place at a book-themed resort. Jane, the owner and mother of two, is currently hosting a group of Medieval plant enthusiasts at Storyton. She finds one of them dead in the river with the appearance of being poisoned. At the same time, her sort-of boyfriend (and professional thief) who she hasn't seen or heard from in months reappears. The book is very slow paced. It's 269 pages in total, which makes it relatively short, but the dead body is not found until page 48. The first 48 pages are just to set up Jane's life and details about the Medieval plant group which is visiting the retreat center. I found it to be a little too slow and detailed for my liking. Adams is incredibly detail oriented and things are described in extreme detail. It is well written and the grammar/plot is top notch. I just wish it was a little less details and more action/murder-solving! My favorite parts were the details about the book lovers and resort, such as the t-shirt that reads "Book Lovers never go to bed alone" (I want that shirt!). If you really like detail-oriented mysteries, then I think you will love it! For me, it was just too slow. Please note that I received this book from the publisher through goodreads giveaways.

I love all of Ellery Adams series...but this is one of my favorites....I want to live at Storyton Hall !!! It takes you further in the storyline, yet still leaves you wanting to learn more. I love that Jane is getting a romantic interest, but even that is still left open to see what happens. If you love good mysteries with a quaint atmosphere....this is the series and this book in particular for you !!!

I just finished this one. I have read all the others, but I was a little tired when i finally finished this one. There were way too many poisonous plants and characters to keep track of. I still bought the next one. I hope I'm not disappointed.

It's so exciting to be back in Storyton - the village that caters to book lovers! This go around, Jane Steward, resort manager extraordinaire, is hosting a group of medieval herbalists who have murder on the mind. While I did enjoy the idea of a secret garden and medieval herbalists plotting death and disaster, I was disappointed that it took so long to actually develop the idea of the secret garden. I also wished that the regular characters such as Aunt Octavia and the Fins had played a larger role. Although it was nice to be back in Storyton, I think this was the weakest of the series.

Murder in the Secret Garden is the third book in the Book Retreat Mystery series by Ellery Adams and I could not put it down! If you are not familiar with the series, here is a brief summary. Jane Steward is a witty- widow and mother of twins, Fitz and Hem. She manages a book themed resort, Storyton Hall, that houses a secret collection of some of the most rare and valuable books/manuscripts/folios in the world. Jane, like her ancestors, is a Guardian over the collection and has a pretty kick-butt staff to help keep her and the books safe. Each book in the series has an event that brings a group of new characters to Storyton Hall and then a murder or two follows.

Murder in the Secret Garden opens with the resort preparing for a wedding whose guests belong to a group called the Medieval Herbalists. The Herbalists are having their "yearly get together" at Storyton Hall. They are a different (some are odd) group of folks whose passion is plants, including poisonous ones. When a young and vibrant member of the group is poisoned, it is up to Jane to make sure the police have the right suspect. Especially when a rare manuscript belonging to Storyton Hall turns up missing and another murder happens. Are the three events related or coincidence? This one kept me guessing to the end.

Why did I love this book? First reason, we learn a little bit more about Jane's love interest, Edwin, and can't help but fall more in love with him. But with his dangerous lifestyle, will their relationship work out? Second, I follow Ms. Adams on Facebook and a few months ago she was asking for suggestions on naming ducks using characters in literature like Count Duckula. Imagine my surprise when I saw some of the suggestions that readers had made show up in the book. I literally said out loud "I remember that post and some of those names." Pretty cool. Third, I LOVE a good poisoning in literature and this book had two. There are so many possibilities with what the poison was and how to deliver it. Ms. Adams really gets creative with the second poisoning and its delivery. Finally, the book is very well written and believable. Ms. Adams has a way to paint a picture with words that makes you feel like you are right there in Storyton. Her talent with developing characters really rubs off on reader and their opinion on the characters as well.

Very good, Things really go to seed in the newest novel in the New York Times bestselling Book Retreat mysteries...

There is a hidden garden bordering the grounds of Jane Steward’s book-themed resort—a garden filled with beautiful but deadly plants such as mandrake and nightshade. Tucked away behind ivy-covered walls and accessible only through a single locked door, as described in the pages of Frances Hodges Burnett's classic novel, the garden is of special interest to Jane’s current group of guests, The Medieval Herbalists. But when one of them turns up dead, Jane must discover whether a member of the group has come to Storyton Hall to celebrate their passion for plant lore or to implement a particularly cruel means for murder.

With thousands of books at her disposal, Jane believes she has the proper materials to solve this deadly problem. If she’s wrong, however, she may lose something far more precious than the contents of Storyton’s secret library...

One of my favorite authors. I waited for the release of this book and got it right away. The village of Storyton is a great and magical place Jane Stewart's resort is run efficiently using the workforce wearing many hats to protect Jane the heir and her twins. An awesome cozy that makes you feel you are wandering all the book themed rooms.

The Medieval Herbalists have come to Storyton Hall to celebrate their love of plant lore. There are the beautiful grounds of the Hall itself as well as nature trails for them to explore. But, when one of the Herbalists is found dead in the river at the end of the town's Duck Race, it's up to Jane and the Fins to find out what happened.

I've loved this series since the first book. Jane, her twins, the Fins and the rest of Storyton are such wonderful people to read about! Every time I read about it, I feel like I'm transported to the town and are right there with the characters. Such a great series and I am really looking forward to the next book!

"Murder in the Secret Garden" is the third book in Ellery Adams A Book Retreat Mystery series. Ms. Adams continues to build on the main characters adding depth and mystery too each one. As well as adding new characters. This installment not only has a murder to solve that has many twists and turns but also adds a spy element to the mix. I'm not going to write a synopsis of the latest book....what fun would that be?! Just read the book and enjoy your time at Storyton Hall. If you haven't discovered this series by Ellery Adams it's not too late to do so. You won't be disappointed.
ENJOY!

Epic gardens, texts with hidden intentions, family secrets, romance, and of course, murder, keep Jane busy in this installment of the Book Retreat Series. As always, Ellery does not disappoint. I would have loved to attend this garden themed convention, you know, minus the murder part.