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Book Retreat Mysteries Books in Order

9 Books
2014 – 2023 Published
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How to Read the Book Retreat Mysteries

The Book Retreat Mysteries series by Ellery Adams is best read in publication order. Each novel features an overarching progression in protagonist Jane Steward's life, her family dynamics (raising her young twins), and the secrets surrounding her family's guardianship of the literary secrets at Storyton Hall. Reading them chronologically helps you follow the character growth, romantic subplots, and recurring town cast without spoilers.

Book Retreat Mysteries in Publication Order

Here is the list of Book Retreat Mysteries in their chronological and publication sequence:

  1. Murder in the Mystery Suite (2014)
  2. Murder in the Paperback Parlor (2015)
  3. Murder in the Secret Garden (2016)
  4. Murder in the Locked Library (2018)
  5. Murder in the Reading Room (2019)
  6. Murder in the Storybook Cottage (2020)
  7. Murder in the Cookbook Nook (2021)
  8. Murder on the Poet's Walk (2022)
  9. Murder in the Book Lover's Loft (2023)

Crossover with the "Books by the Bay" Series

Ellery Adams has created a shared universe between her cozy mysteries. Olivia Limoges and her standard poodle, Captain Haviland, from the completed Books by the Bay series, cross over into the Book Retreat Mysteries. Olivia and Chef Michel make their first appearance in Murder in the Cookbook Nook (Book 7). The crossover becomes a major plot point in Murder in the Book Lover's Loft (Book 9), where Jane travels directly to Oyster Bay, the setting of the Books by the Bay series.

Frequently Asked

QWhere should I start reading the Book Retreat Mysteries?

You should start with the first novel, Murder in the Mystery Suite, to properly introduce Jane Steward and the unique setup of Storyton Hall.

QDo I need to read the Books by the Bay series first?

No. While characters from the Books by the Bay series cross over in books 7 and 9, the plot explains their presence clearly, so you can enjoy them without reading the prior series.

QHow many books are in the Book Retreat Mysteries?

As of mid-2026, there are nine books in the series. No tenth installment has been officially announced or scheduled yet.

QAre there any prequel novellas or short stories?

No, there are no official short stories or prequels. The main series consists strictly of the nine full-length novels.

QWho is the main protagonist of the series?

The series follows Jane Steward, a widowed mother of twins who manages a book-themed resort in Virginia and uncovers mysteries on the grounds.