My name is Eloise Alcott and I own Run for Cover, the bookshop in the village of Storyton.
I’ve always loved my job, but I don’t think I’ve ever loved it as much as I do right now. You see, my best friend, Jane Steward, the manager of Storyton Hall, the luxury resort for bibliophiles, is hosting a convention for readers and writers of Regency romance novels. With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, the timing couldn’t be more perfect. I am beside myself with excitement.
First, I love the Regency period. Think of all the Jane Austen novels! Think of Mr. Darcy! Need I really say more? I’ve created an entire display in my front window featuring Ms. Austen’s romantic leads and I’ll have to refill it five minutes after Mrs. Pratt catches a glimpse of the books. Even if she already owns some of the titles, she’ll end up buying them all over again. That’s how much she loves books. Not only is she my best customer, but she’s also a member of my book club, The Cover Girls.
Which reminds me! Our book club is meeting tonight to discuss our recent read, a delicious novel called 
The Dashing Duke. The author, Rosamund York, is coming to Storyton tomorrow. Rumor has it that Rosamund and a handful of the other leading ladies of romance fiction aren’t very friendly, but what could go wrong over the next few days? After all, we’re having a Regency fashion show, learning to make reticles, attending author panels, competing in bookish trivia games, attending a truffle-making demonstration, and participating in a Ladies’ Choice Valentine’s Dance.
And did I mention the male cover model contest?
That’s right! We’re going to be sharing our tiny village with male cover models! All this and Mrs. 
Hubbard’s famous Valentine’s tea spread. Oh, I can almost taste the Victoria sponge cake already. Between her cakes, scones, and finger sandwiches, as well as and platters of Regency-themed food I’ll be having at tonight’s book club meeting, I’d best pace myself. I want to catch the eye of one of those cover models. Or maybe that shy, new employee Jane hired to run the activities department. He’s a mysterious guy, to be sure. But then again, so is my brother, Edwin. I wonder what’s going on between him and Jane. . .
Oh! The bells hanging from my shop door are tinkling so I have to dash, but I hope you’ll join my 
book-loving friends and me for what promises to be a thrilling week of sumptuous food, riotous fun, intrigue, and a touch of romance. I should add that I doubt there will be murders like those that occurred during Storyton Hall’s last convention. After all, mystery fans attended that event. This one centers on romance readers. It’ll be nothing but roses and plump cupids for an entire week.
Wait a minute. Isn’t cupid the one with the arrows? The one who shoots people? Who makes them unwitting victims of desire? A desire so intense that they cannot control their actions? Oh my. Maybe romance isn’t as harmless as I thought. . .
You can read more about Eloise in Murder in the Paperback Parlor, the second book in the “Book Retreat” mystery series, published by Berkley Prime Crime.
About Murder in the Paperback Parlor
The New York Times bestselling Book Retreat mysteries feature Storyton Hall, the perfect getaway for literature lovers—except when a guest tries to get away with murder.
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.
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Giveaway: Everyone who read the first book in this series, Murder in the Mystery Suite, 
has met Muffet Cat, the portly tuxedo. Leave a comment about anything relating to the first book or what your expectations are of the latest installment, Murder in the Paperback Parlor, for a chance to win a Muffet Cat Teapot. And here’s a bonus! A portion of the profit from the purchase of this teapot will go toward animal rescue efforts. It’s a total win-win for cozy readers and animal lovers. Giveaway ends August 7 at 12 a.m. eastern and is open to U.S. residents only.
About the Author:
Ellery Adams grew up on a beach near the Long Island Sound. Having spent her adult life in a series of landlocked towns, she cherishes her memories of open water, violent storms, and the smell of the sea. Ms. Adams has held many jobs including caterer, retail clerk, car salesperson, teacher, tutor, and tech writer, all the while penning poems, children’s books, and novels. She now writes full-time from her home in Virginia.
For more info visit Ellery at www.elleryadamsmysteries.com or on Facebook.
Loved the first book. You drew me in with your characters and kept me guessing until the end! I also have a tuxedo cat. Can’t wait to read Murder in the Paperback Parlor! Thank you for the opportunity to win this adorable teapot!
I loved everything about the first book – Jane, the boys, the resort, all the other characters and have been waiting anxiously for this book! Can’t wait to read. Thanks for the giveaway.
I haven’t read the first book in the series but I do like books featuring animals/pets. The tuxedo cat sounds adorable. I will have to check out the books in this series. Thank you for the giveaway.
myrifraf(at)gmail(dot)com
I loved the first book. The whole idea of a book themed hotel is great. Who wouldn’t want to stay there? I thought many aspects of the book were very original & I enjoyed it immensely. I was lucky enough to be chosen to review an advanced copy of the second book, Murder in the Paperback Parlor. It had surprises as well & was every bit as good. I finished it only minutes before seeing this contest. Readers will not be disappointed. I will be writing my review later when I officially wake up. I love Muffet cat. He reminds me of a few of my fuzzy felines over the years–especially my portly Maine Coon mix, Monty. He’s a mess. I’d love to win this teapot. It’s adorable & I’m an avid tea drinker!
bpwoodfield@gmail.com
Loved the first book and Muffet the cat. I really enjoyed the wonderful characters and the story. I’d love to find a book themed hotel to stay at. Looking forward to reading this new one
What a wonderful adventure it would be to step into the world of Storyton . I loved the first book and can’t wait to read this one. And of course, Muffet Cat is adorable. Kuzlin at AOL.com
I also was chosen to receive a copy of Murder in the Paperback Parlor and have my review almost ready to go up in Amazon and other places. I mention Muffet Cat in my review. I especially like one scene in which he shows how keen his sense of smell is. I’d love to win the teapot!
I haven’t read the first book, but this sounds like a great series. I love cats and books, so I will be on the lookout for these titles.
elainehroberson@gmail.com
Ellery Adams is one of my favorite authors and I really enjoyed the first book in this new series. I can’t wait to read the second installment which comes out n August 4th. Should be a good summer read.
So happy you featured Ellery, Dru!! A wonderful post, as always!
I loved the first book. Anything with animals contributing draws me in. Love book series as the story will continue.
Ellen and I both love Ellery’s books. We also love collecting tea pots. Hell, one of the in-laws had a set of tea pot, coffee pot and assorted side pieces that they gifted us just because they know we collect them. I’d love to add this teapot to our collection. Toss my hat into the ring Dru.
I love Kitty Tea Pots ! So cute. I love any book that involves animals, all the more merrier!
Love the personality. Thanks for the introduction.
Sigh. I love Muffet Cat. Looks just likemy first cat – a very happy fat rescue 🙂 Sill miss Darby cat
I haven’t read the first book but I’m off to order it. Love period books – a break from the current-times stories. The teapot is darling.
thanks.
Loved the book, who wouldn’t with secret passageways, gardens and a library to die for. I also enjoyed the “Cover Girls.”
I read the first book in the series and anxiously awaited this one! I’m about to start reading, so I’ll keep this brief. The teapot is very unique.
I enjoyed the first book and wish there was really a resort like that for me to take my vacations. Muffet Cat reminds me of my Muffy. Thanks for the contest.
suefarrell.farrell@gmail.com
Thanks, Dru and Eloise/Ellery! Wish I could live at Storyton Hall, a book lover’s paradise! Muffet Cat could visit me anytime! 🙂
Ellery’s books are always fantastic! This one sounds like no exception! Thanks Dru and Ellery for the chance to win a copy! 🙂
The first book was captivating and special. The hotel would be a place to stay which I would enjoy.
I’m looking forward to returning to Storyton! Thanks for the chance to win!
Ellery Adams always promises a great book. Knowing it will include a cat too can only make it better. Thanks for the interview. robeader53@yahoo.com
Sounds like a great read.
I absolutely loved the first book. I got lost in the town and the people so much I didn’t want it to end. I’m waiting for the new book on pins and needles. The characters have become friends and relatives and I’ve missed them.
Oh and I collect tea pots, and am an animal advocate I have 4 dogs and a rag doll kitty.
I love mysteries with animals, especially cats, being the proud owner of a maine Coon
This series is at the top of my favorites list. I would love the teapot! Thanks for the opportunity.
Love this series !!! All of Ellery’s work is wonderful !!!
This is a new series for me. I’ve been reading the Charmed Pie Shoppe Mystery… I love those and am now interested in this series. Tea pot? Great with pie!
I loved this book and can’t wait for the next one. You have a unique way of telling a story that keeps the reader hooked. I had a tuxedo cat who was my love. He passed away in 2014.
I have not read any books in this series yet, but I look forward to reading her books. Love Tea pots!!
I loved getting to know the characters in the first book. The boys were really entertaining, rambunctious and quite real kids.
Jane is another of Ellerys that I think I’m going to thoroughly enjoy over the course of a series.
I would love to vacation in a themed resort aimed at bibliophiles — minus the real-life murders, of course! Storyton Hall seems like a book-lover’s paradise. I’ve just added Murder in the Paperback Parlor to the top tier in my to-be-read list. 🙂
I loved BOTH books. I want to live in Storyton Hall. To bad it is only through the Magical words of Ellery Adams, the hall and community seem so real. Muffet Cat reminds me of a couple of cats that have owned me.
I haven’t read the first book, but it is creeping to the top of my TBR pile.
I have the tortie teapot and would just love this one too! I adored the first book in this series and wish such a place as Storyton Hall really existed. Can’t wait to spend more time with Muffet Cat and friends 🙂
Thank you for all the lovely comments, friends!
Love the setting for this series! A book themed hotel would be thrilling. I can’t wait to continue the adventure. Plus, I collect teapots! Yay!
I loved the murder mystery themed weekend, the hidden passages, and the food. I just love the element of surprise and Ellery definitely brings that to every one of her novels.
I tHink it would be great to be an employee at Storyton Hall. I have a creative imagination and love to do crafts. Perhaps I can come up with ideas and help lead the crafting events for the guests.
I haven’t read the first book in the series but I like books that feature animals/pets and the tuxedo cat sounds adorable. Thank you for the giveaway.
I have regrettably not read the first either, but I expect to be chuckling during this one. Count me in.
Fun! Anxiously awaiting my copy next week.
I love this cover!!!!
Thank you for the giveaway…..
The first book was very enjoyable. What a wonderful vacation it would be to stay in a hotel like that!
I absolutely love this series and all of your books Ellery!! I look forward to the new ones every time they come out. Super excited for this one!!
I really enjoy Biblio mysteries so I am looking forword to this new one. I love reading about books about books and having a little mystery thrown in makes it a lot more fun.
contest is closed.