Thursday, July 28, 2016


MURDER IN THE SECRET GARDEN by Ellery Adams
CLOCK AND DAGGER by Julianne Holmes

MURDER IN THE SECRET GARDEN
Book 3 in the Book Retreat Mysteries
by Ellery Adams


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...

MY REVIEW


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!

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CLOCK AND DAGGER
Book 2 in the Clock Shop Mysteries
by Julianne Holmes


Expert clockmaker Ruth Clagan has another murder on her hands in the second Clock Shop Mystery from the author of Just Killing Time.

Ruth has three days to pull off four events—including the grand reopening of Cog & Sprocket, the clock shop she inherited from her grandfather—so she doesn’t have time for Beckett Green’s nonsense. The competitive owner of a new bookstore, Green seems determined to put other businesses out of business by also carrying their specialty items. He’s trying to steal Ruth’s new watchmaker, Mark Pine, not to mention block her plans to renovate the town clock tower.
 
Ruth is already all wound up when she’s alarmed to discover Mark’s dead body. As the denizens of Orchard each chime in as to who they think the murderer is, Ruth needs to watch her back as she investigates on her own. Despite the danger, Ruth won’t stop until the killer is behind bars and serving time...

MY REVIEW


I’ve waited a long time to read CLOCK AND DAGGER . . . It was worth the wait!

Author Julianne Holmes has penned another amazing story with CLOCK AND DAGGER. Her attention to detail, and her very clear affection with this series, shines through with every word.

Hooked half way into chapter one, my time spent reading this second book in the Clock Shop Mysteries was indeed time well spent. Page after page of CLOCK AND DAGGER I became more immersed into this wonderful story. Between the subject matter of clocks, which fascinated more than I would have thought, and the marvelous writing, I found it practically impossible to put this book down.

Well done, Ms. Holmes! I’m already anxiously awaiting your next installment!


Both of these wonderful titles are 
available for pre-order.

Both titles release
August 2!


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5 comments:

  1. Thanks, Lisa. I'm so looking forward to Murder in the Secret Garden. I love this series! Happy Thursday, to you.

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  2. I love the premise of this mystery. It reminded me of how much I enjoyed the Rosemary and Thyme cozy mystery series on PBS. Murder in the Secret Garden sounds like an exciting novel.

    I loved your review, Lisa. Thank you for informing us of another great mystery.

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  3. Great reviews, looking forward to reading both books.

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  4. Great reviews, thanks for sharing.

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  5. Both books sound very good! Thanks for the reviews!

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