Murder in the Secret Garden
A Book Retreat Mystery, Book #3
By Ellery Adams
ISBN#9780425265611
Author Website: Elleryadamsmysteries.com
Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Daniele
Synopsis:
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… (Goodreads)
Review:
Ellery Adams once again pens a clever and exciting mystery in a dreamy book-centric setting. Murder in the Secret Garden is the outstanding third entry in the Book Retreat Mystery series, and it is a winner.
Summer is in bloom, and resort manager Jane Steward is hosting a group of gardening enthusiasts, The Medieval Herbalists, and a wedding at Storyton Hall. To get things off on a festive note, the guests and entire community gather at the river to cheer on the Inaugural Rubber Duck Race, hosted by village newcomers and sporting goods store owners Phil and Sandi Hughes. Everything is fine until Jane discovers nature photographer Kira Grace, a member of the herbalist group, floating in the river. The other members of The Medieval Herbalists and the Hughes provide a rich pool of suspects, and Jane and her highly skilled employees are on the case. When another person dies and an invaluable book is stolen, the investigation becomes even more complicated.
The Book Retreat Mystery series is unlike any other cozy series out there, and these books are among my favorites, deliciously entertaining comprised of part traditional mystery + part Indiana Jones + a heavy sprinkling of spy thriller thrown in. I would really like to visit Storyton Hall some day. With themed locations, including the Agatha Christie Tea Room, the Lewis Carroll Croquet Lawn, and the Ian Fleming Lounge, the resort’s strict no technology rule, and bucolic setting, I am ready to pack my bags. Of course, there is much more to Storyton Hall than meets the eye. Jane’s family legacy is to be the “Guardians” of a priceless hidden library. Masquerading as librarian, chauffeur, butler, and head of recreation, these resort employees are Fins, descendants of the Templers, each with distinct skills and pledged to protect the library.
Jane is an intelligent, practical protagonist. The Fins and cook Mrs. Hubbard add variety and interest to the cast of characters. As a general rule, I do not care for children in my cozies, but Jane’s twins Hemi and Fitz are precocious and fun. Most of all, I am glad to see Jane’s mysterious love interest Edwin return to the tales. As with the other recurring characters, he is much more than the local café owner, and I am happy to learn more about him and look forward to where his and Jane’s relationship is headed. I am sure, no matter what, it will not be dull.
The mystery surrounding Kira’s death is well crafted, but I think the second death of the local druid is really the heart of the story. As more clues are revealed and suspects eliminated, I waffled on the identity of the killer. The final reveal made the story that much more entertaining.
Move Murder in the Secret Garden to the top of your to be read list. Highly recommended.
