Title: Poisoned Prose
Author: Ellery Adams
First published October 1, 2013
304 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780425262955 (ISBN10: 0425262952)
Rating: 4.16
Overview
When a group of famous authors gather for a retreat in Oyster Bay, Olivia Limoges and the Bayside Book Writers are thrilled to be a part of it. However, things take a dark turn when the most renowned author in the nation, the enigmatic and mysterious Emilia Noble, announces onstage that she will meet her end in Oyster Bay.
It’s not long before Emilia is found murdered, and everyone involved with the retreat becomes a suspect. Rumors swirl that Emilia was in possession of a valuable and dangerous secret.
Now, Chief Rawlings and the Bayside Book Writers must race to find the killer before they strike again, and before the truth about Emilia’s past is lost forever.
About the Author
Meet Ellery Adams, an accomplished author with a penchant for storytelling, cuisine, and rescue animals. With over forty novels under her belt, this USA Today and New York Times bestseller finds it hard to stay away from her keyboard.
Originally from New York, Ellery now calls central North Carolina home, where she likes to spend her free time reorganizing her bookshelves.
Ellery has written several popular series, including the Secret, Book, & Scone Society (published by Kensington), the Book Retreat Mysteries (Kensington), the Books By the Bay Mysteries (Berkley Prime Crime), the Charmed Pie Shoppe Mysteries (Berkley Prime Crime), the Molly Appleby Antiques & Collectibles Mysteries (Beyond the Page), and the Hope Street Mysteries (Beyond the Page).
For book club guides, bibliotherapy lists, and recipes, please visit Ellery’s website.
Editoral Review
Ellery Adams, a New York Times bestselling author, writes suspenseful and intriguing mysteries under the cozy mystery genre. Her book Poisoned Prose, published on October 1, 2013, showcases her exceptional writing skills and clever plotting.
The story is set in the quaint town of Storyton Hall, Virginia, where the protagonist, Olivia Limoges, manages the town’s luxurious library. The library is part of the Storyton Hall Estate, a well-known resort for book lovers, and Olivia’s job includes overseeing the preservation and upkeep of its precious collection.
However, the town and its idyllic surroundings are disrupted when a famous author is found murdered outside the library’s entrance. Soon after, another murder takes place, and it becomes evident that someone is targeting authors who plan to speak at Storyton Hall’s Literary Retreat.
As the investigation progresses, secrets about the resort and its guests are uncovered, leading Olivia to question the motives of the murderer. Along the way, she must navigate her complicated relationship with her beau, the town’s chief of police, and a host of other colorful characters.
Adams does an excellent job of creating a vivid setting and believable characters, making it easy for readers to immerse themselves in the story. Her writing is smooth and engaging, with just enough tension to keep the reader hooked without becoming tedious or overwhelming.
The author also explores themes of loyalty, trust, and friendship, as well as the dangerous consequences of secrecy and betrayal. The subplots involving Olivia’s personal relationships add depth to the story without taking away from the central mystery.
Additionally, the setting of the quaint town and luxurious library adds charm and sophistication to the overall story. Although the pacing may feel slow at times, Poisoned Prose is a delightful read that weaves together elements of mystery, romance, and drama.
The characters are well-developed, and their personalities and relationships are nuanced and realistic. The only limitation of the book is that the mystery may not be intricate enough for readers who prefer more complex and challenging puzzles.
However, this is a cozy mystery, and it stays true to the genre. Overall, Ellery Adams’s Poisoned Prose is a well-crafted cozy mystery that will appeal to readers who enjoy light, entertaining stories with a touch of romance and suspense.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who appreciates well-written mysteries, especially those set in quaint towns with charming bookshops or libraries. For this reason, I would rate Poisoned Prose with four out of five stars.
