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Monday, August 5, 2013

109) Written in Stone by Ellery Adams

The Blurb :

When Munin Cooper, known as the Witch of Oyster Bay, warns Olivia Limoges that death is coming, neither of them realize that it is the older woman herself who will soon be found dead. And Olivia’s instincts tell her that something—or someone—more sinister than a mystical force is at play…

Olivia has a lot on her plate preparing for the Coastal Carolina Food Festival. When she hears the news of Munin’s untimely death, however, finding the murderer takes priority. The witch left behind a memory jug full of keepsakes that Olivia knows must point to the killer—but she’s got to figure out what they mean.

With handsome Police Chief Rawlings by her side, Olivia starts to identify some of the jug’s mysterious contents—and finds its secrets are much darker than she suspected.

Now Olivia must enlist the help of the Bayside Book Writers to solve the puzzle behind the piece of pottery and put an end to a vengeful killer before any more damage can be done…

My Thoughts :

I have been enjoying the Books by the Bay series since it started and despite loving Ellery Adams' other series more (The Chamed Pie Shoppe series is amazing!) I still have a soft spot for Olivia, her poodle and the Bayside Book Writers.  So it wasn't hard work getting into this latest installment because I very fond of the characters and the location.  It is all very memorable and I love slipping back into the world of the amateur sleuth who runs half of Oyster Bay.

This new mystery revolves around a food festival and some very interesting murders.  It is obvious from the beginning that they are related in two senses but it takes a while for the proof to be found and the clues to be sorted out.  This wasn't in the least frustrating because the story has some good twists and turns as well as a few angles you wouldn't have seen coming.  Putting the puzzle together isn't just fun for the characters but for the reader as well.  You find yourself delving into the community and getting close and personal with everyone.  It makes for great reading.

One of the things I am not sure when it comes to this series is Olivia's age.  I am sure there was some mention of it once and I am pretty sure there are enough clues for me to figure it out but I haven't really decided if I want her to be younger or older.  Her relationship with the chief and her new found family really makes me hope that she is young enough to have a family of her own soon.  She would be a great mother and a wonder wife.  I can only hope that the series is leading in this direction because I would hate to see Olivia stay single.

Now I am looking forward to the next installment.  The fifth book is due out in October and I may not rush out and buy it straight away but it will be going on my 'really want to read if I have some extra time and money list'  (which is a very long list indeed!).  This is a great Cozy Mystery series and well worth taking the time to check out if you like a little cozy in your life now and again like I do.  If you want to read something more magical then I highly suggest trying Ellery Adams other series asap!  She really can really do a great supernatural cozy!



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3 comments:

Aurian said...

I do love her books very much, and think it is one of the best series I have ever read. I think Olivia is around 40 though, so yes to a lovelife/husband, and no to children of her own?
We'll just ask Ellery :)

Ellery Adams said...

I hope you're not too disappointed, but Olivia's in her early 40s. I wanted to write an older heroine because I'm in my 40s and frankly, I get tired of these young, frisky gals every now and then and want someone crabbier who doesn't feel like wearing high heels or take long jogs just for fun. Olivia will never have kids of her own. She calls them trolls for a reason - LOL! But marriage? Let's just say that's looking very good for her as I'm writing Book 7. I just hope the ceremony can come off without a dead body...

Thanks for the great review. It is an honor to be read by such a discerning and caring reader such as yourself. Cheers! EA

Unknown said...

Thank you for visiting Ellery!! And thank you for answering my question regarding Olivia's age. I have to admit I was hoping for a little younger...maybe one kid (seeing as she has taken quite nicely to her niece and nephew) but I can completely understand why you have opted for a more mature woman.

The marriage aspect is one I am looking forward to reading about! I am sure a dead body will be involved whatever the plans...Olivia does have a knack for being around one!

Oh and I hope the writers get published! It would be great to see at least one of them rising to book stardom!

Thanks again for visiting!