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    Murder in the Paperback Parlor
    Murder in the Paperback Parlor
    Murder in the Paperback Parlor
    Audiobook8 hours

    Murder in the Paperback Parlor

    Written by Ellery Adams

    Narrated by Johanna Parker

    4/5

    ()

    About this audiobook


    With Valentine's Day just around the corner, Jane Steward is organizing a week of activities for fans of love stories at her book-themed resort. But her Regency readers barely have time to brush up on their Jane Austen before tragedy strikes Storyton Hall. Rosamund York, one of the most celebrated authors in attendance, is killed.

    Rosamund had as many enemies as she did admirers, including envious fellow novelists, a jealous former lover, and dozens of angry fans. It's up to Jane, with the help of her book club, the Cover Girls, to catalogue the list of suspects and find a heartless killer quickly-before the murderer writes someone else off.
    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherTantor Media, Inc
    Release dateAug 4, 2015
    ISBN9781494578312
    Murder in the Paperback Parlor
    Author

    Ellery Adams

    Ellery Adams has written over forty mystery novels and can’t imagine spending a day away from the keyboard. Ms. Adams, a native New Yorker, has had a lifelong love affair with stories, food, rescue animals, and large bodies of water. When not working on her next novel, she reads, bakes, gardens, spoils her three cats, and rearranges her bookshelves. She lives with her husband and two children (aka the Trolls) in Chapel Hill, NC. For reading guides and a list of bibliotherapy titles, please visit ElleryAdamsMysteries.com.

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    Reviews for Murder in the Paperback Parlor

    4/5

    138 ratings18 reviews

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    • 4/5
      This is the second book in the series and it was as cozy as the first. I found it a little harder to get into because I felt there were a lot of tangents, but I still enjoyed it. It is hard to read without craving all the treats they eat!
    • 4/5
      I think I enjoyed the storyline of this 2nd novel in the series even more than the first novel but I am lowering my rating due to multiple and very elementary copy editing errors. Very unexpected to view so many of these errors and it definitely always derails my reading pleasure to a lower peg. According the overall rating for this novel is 4 stars.
    • 5/5
      I love this series! I appreciate that the beginning of the book refreshes my memory of some of my favorite characters and allows readers new to the series to get to know the people. I enjoy the mystery itself, but Aunt Octavia, the twins and the whole cast of supporting characters make each page a joy to read.
    • 5/5
      Storyton Hall, a book retreat in the hills of Virginia, is the site of a week of activities for readers of historical romances set in the Regency Period. Manager Jane Steward has enough on her plate even before a guest author winds up dead in one of the resort’s gardens. And, as it turns out, said author was not exactly Miss Popularity with the other guests and her fellow-authors.Murder in the Paperback Parlor is book number two in this lovely cozy series. The characters that populate Storyton Hall are wonderful – especially Jane and her family. And the cast is rounded out by shop owners in the idyllic village of Storyton. In this particular book, a bevy of male romance-cover models adds some spice. I can’t imagine a single reader of cozy mysteries who won’t love these books.
    • 3/5
      I really enjoyed this book, just not quite as much as the opening book in the series, for a cozy mystery this is a surprisingly adventurous story line.
    • 3/5
      During a special Valentine's event at a booked them resort, Storyton Hall, there is romance, murder, and mayhem. This is the second book in the Book Retreat Mystery series, and I did not read the first one. I do this a lot. While there was clearly information I missed by not reading the first book, there was enough recapping done to fill in the blanks and I didn't have that much of a hard time following along.I am a little mixed on this book. I didn't hate it, but it was a bit much at times. The characters, especially the locals from the nearby town, were very broad to the point of almost being caricatures. Everyone was mad about books and incredibly well-read in the classics. EVERYONE. There was a secret society, at least two men with mysterious pasts, a possible betrayal, angelic teenage boys, and a hawk. There was a lot. I felt no real connection to any of the characters but the mystery itself was quite enjoyable if not all that challenging. Perhaps if I had read the first one I'd have a better appreciation for this one, but I don't see me reading any of the others in this series. Overall not horrible, but not great.
    • 3/5
      This series is OK. I'll read #3 but only because I bought it. Then I think I'm done with this part.
    • 4/5
      I think I enjoyed the storyline of this 2nd novel in the series even more than the first novel but I am lowering my rating due to multiple and very elementary copy editing errors. Very unexpected to view so many of these errors and it definitely always derails my reading pleasure to a lower peg. According the overall rating for this novel is 4 stars.
    • 2/5
      Digital audiobook read by Johanna ParkerNumber two in the “Book Retreat Mysteries” series set in Storyton Hall, “the perfect getaway for literature lovers.” Well, it’s perfect except when there’s a murder during the romance readers event being held on this weekend. Some Valentine’s Day adventure!This has all the elements of a typical cozy mystery: an amateur sleuth, a “cute” occupation / back story, a little romantic tension, and more suspects than you can shake a stick at. In this case the victim is a world-renowned romance writer, with as many enemies as she has admirers. Among the suspects are fellow writers (jealous of her success), a former lover, and several angry fans. The premise of Storyton Hall, however, lost me a little – most likely because I had not read the first book in the series. In addition to public rooms, there’s a secret library of rare first editions, that only a select few people have access to, and which they are sworn to protect – a sort of secret society of knights / crusaders / protectors. Once I caught on, some aspects made a little more sense, but in general I thought the book was just ‘meh.’I did love all the references to books, however. I think I’ll go back and read book # 1 before I give final judgment on the series.Johanna Parker does a good job of voicing the audio book, but her performance couldn’t overcome the book’s flaws.
    • 3/5
      My mom got this book free at her library's book exchange and let me borrow it. It started very slowly and seemed to be mostly introduction and backstory at first, which I thought odd for the second book in a series. It took a while to get to the Romance conference that Storyton was hosting and that was where/when the murder took place and the story started. The slow start is why I can't give it more than 3 stars. I was somewhat intrigued with the idea that there is a secret library that is guarded by the family and staff at Storyton, but not enough to deliberately seek out other books in the series.
    • 4/5
      Murder in the Paperback Parlor is the second in the Book Retreat Mysteries. I'm really enjoying this series. It's about Jane Steward who has come up with an idea to help save her beloved Storyton Hall (which by the way I want to live at or at least visit) by hosting theme week-long events. This time around to help celebrate Valentine's Day it's a romance week featuring Regency Romance fans and authors - the problem is that the most popular author, who has given all those present an ARC of her newest book; has been found dead. Who did it? There are more suspects then there are chocolates and roses after all the ARC has alienated even her most ardent fan, her publicist is more a gopher than getting closer to the publishing business and her biggest rival is also at the conference.

      This is an entertaining read. I love the main character. Jane is warm, giving and has strength not often seen in books without the woman appearing cold or standoffish (similar to Ms. Adam's Olivia character from the Books by the Bay series - although she's warming up). The rest of the characters are also entertaining. My only issue with this story (and different then the last one which I'll explain) is that the attendees were so willing to stay after the murder - and what pacified them? A male model competition - what does that say about these romance fans?!? This also happened in the first book, well not the male model reason, but the fact that they stayed. I thought it fit better because it was a Murder Mystery weekend - that makes sense, all those guests had to find out "who did it". But this really was pretty minor compared to my enjoyment of the rest of the book.
    • 4/5
      I wavered between 3.5 and 4 stars on this one: there were enough copywriting errors to get my attention, but I like the mystery the author is creating around the romantic interest and there isn't a love triangle, so ultimately, I went with 4 stars. This series has faint shades of The Librarian to it, which makes it a fun kind of unrealistic and it's set in a hotel that caters to bibliophiles which makes me kind of want to swoon. The mystery centers around a week long retreat for romance readers and the star author is murdered. Trying to tie things up quickly so as to avoid a PR disaster, Jane and her 'team' race to find out why someone would want the author dead. The plot was ok; it wasn't without mystery but it wasn't a real puzzler either. I found the character development, along with references to other books, to be the most interesting part of the story. I'll definitely stick with this series and one of these days I am going to go to one of the fabulous places out there that cater to book lovers. The only issue is, I just might never leave.
    • 5/5
      Jane Steward the Guardian at Storyton Hall in rural Virginia is hosting a Romance seminar for Valentine's Day with several well-known Regency Romance writers coming to schmooze with their fans. On their arrival Jane realizes that all is not love and roses in this highly competitive field and when the top author, Rosamund York, is found dead in the garden Jane has to summon up all her skill to protect the Hall as well as her guests.I really wish this place existed but I've tried every way of searching, and alas the only book/reading retreats seem to be in Europe and my budget can't handle that. I guess I'm just going to have to continue visiting Storyton in these books. Absolutely love them!
    • 3/5
      Not bad but a little too sweet for me. Interesting premise and good mystery but main character and kids are waaaay too perfect.
    • 4/5
      Continuing this book-themed series, a romance convention arrives at Storyton Hall in this installment. Widowed Jenna still seems a bit standoffish in her personal life, but her role as a guardian of Storyton Hall is growing into an interesting storyline. Her twin sons add such a bit of whimsy and real life to the scenes they are in, it's a great touch to have a heroine with children. Although there were several unlikable characters for this murder, I was kept guessing between suspects until close to the end. This series is perfect for book lovers, who will enjoy all of the nods to famed authors and titles.
    • 4/5
      Listened for Review (Tantor)Overall Rating: 3.75Story Rating: 4.00Character Rating: 3.50Audio Rating: 4.50 (not part of the overall rating)First Thought when Finished: Murder in the Paperback Parlor by Ellery Adams was a delightful read with some pretty great twists!Overall Thoughts: I read as much romance as I do mysteries so I picked up Murder in the Paperback Parlor without reading the first book in the series (I do have a hold on it at my library) because of the romance retreat setting. I was not disappointed, Ellery really did a great job of capturing the fun, craziness, and fandom that does exist in the romance world. Though I am hoping the Historical Romance Retreat next year doesn't have as many deaths LOL. I am fan of Ellery Adams storytelling and this series is just the type of tale I expect her to tell. The only thing this was missing was I wanted a little more "oomph" or "fun" from the characters. They were intriguing. I liked them. I just wanted more. The case was solid though and that ending makes me think that Book 3 will have just what I am looking for :)Audio Thoughts: Narrated By Johanna Parker /8 hrs and 59 minsJohanna is one of my favorite narrators. I have listened to her do romance, cozy mysteries, and urban fantasy. She has never disappointed me. She has really great pacing, style, and quirk. Check out something she narrates and I don't think your will be disappointed.Part of my Read It, Rate It, File It, DONE! Reviews
    • 5/5
      I just finished Murder in the Paperback Parlor by Ellery Adams. This is the second book in the Book Retreat Mystery series. Jane Stewart is the resort manager for Storyton Hall in Virginia. She is gearing up for Romancing the Reader week which is taking place during Valentine’s week. Jane has invited four romance authors to be present during the week. The most famous author is Rosamund York (who is a diva). Rosamund arrives with her assistant, Taylor Birch (who is to make sure the author has everything she desires). Maria Stone is one of the guests who is a big fan of Rosamund York’s Venus novels. At an auction to benefit literacy Rosamund agrees to give every person who donates an advanced copy of the first book in her new series. Unfortunately for Rosamund, her new novel is not a hit especially with her biggest fan, Maria. Early the morning after a day of truffle making and eating, Rosamund is found dead in the garden. So many people wanted her dead especially after reading her latest book.Jane and the staff have their work cut out for them trying to find the killer before the week is over. Jane gets some relief during the week with a romantic encounter with Edwin Alcott. Edwin is the brother of Jane’s best friend, Eloise (who runs the bookstore in town). Edwin used to be a travel writer until he purchased the Daily Bread café. Now he is busy wooing Jane. Jane’s aunt, Octavia does not seem pleased with the romance. Why does Aunt Octavia know about Edwin that Jane does not? Murder in the Paperback Parlor was a wonderful cozy mystery. I enjoyed the characters, the setting (who would not enjoy a mansion full of books), and the mystery. I have to confess that for the first time this year, I did not solve the mystery (I am shocked). I usually solve the mystery early in the book, but this time I picked the wrong person. Ellery Adams did a superb job. There is much more to the book (I have just told you about the main part). I really did not want this book to end. I give Murder in the Paperback Parlor 5 out of 5 stars. This book was a delight to read.I received a copy of the book from the author in exchange for an honest review. The review and opinions expressed are my own.
    • 5/5
      Book one in the Book Retreat Mystery series, MURDER IN THE MYSTERY SUITE, was one of my favorite books of 2014. Everything I loved about that book has only gotten better in MURDER IN THE PAPERBACK PARLOR. Storyton Hall is a place I would want to visit again and again. A quiet country retreat to spend time with other bibliophiles would be perfect wouldn’t it? But Storyton Hall isn’t all it appears to be. What with pesky murder to contend with. Never fear…the staff of Storyton can handle anything that arises, because they aren’t what they appear to be either. You would think with fans of romance descending on the Hall so close to Valentine’s Day, things would be all love and flowers. Come on…this is an Ellery Adams book. Someone has to die! In this case, it’s a celebrated romance author. Author Ellery Adams lets the reader get a good way into the book before the discovery of the body. I was lulled into the story, taking in the surroundings, enjoying my stay just as much as the characters in the book. I was having a grand time with protagonist Jane, her family, the staff, the Cover Girls…I felt like I was on holiday. With her flawless style of writing and perfect sense of timing, Author Adams had me so absorbed in this fantastic book, I forgot I was reading a murder mystery. So when the death was announced, I was actually shocked. How fun is that? And before I had a chance to get over my shock, mystery, intrigue, and action took over the pages leaving me breathless. Nancy Drew, Miss Marple, and Jane Steward…these are the sleuths I’ll always remember when I think of mystery. You need to read this book! Also included is a sneak peek of book seven in the Ellery Adams Books By The Bay series, WRITING ALL WRONGS.