
As an Amazon Associate and affiliate partner, Menrva Books earns from qualifying purchases. Learn more
For bibliophiles who love Rita Mae Brown and Alexander McCall Smith comes the latest witty story in the beloved series set at Virginia’s book-themed resort, Storyton Hall, from the New York Times bestselling author. In this latest literary mystery, a killer inspired by Lord Alfred Tennyson’s “The Lady of Shallot” doesn’t stanza chance with resort manager Jane Steward is on the case! When corpses clutching poems begin turning up around Storyton Hall, Jane Steward is on the trail of someone exercising poetic license to kill and is determined to keep her fairytale resort from turning into a southern gothic… As Jane eagerly anticipates the wedding of her best friend Eloise Alcott, Storyton Hall is overrun with poets in town to compete for a coveted greeting card contract. They’re everywhere, scrawling verses on cocktail napkins in the reading rooms or seeking inspiration strolling the Poet’s Walk, a series of trails named after famous authors. But the Tennyson Trail leads to a grim surprise: a woman’s corpse drifting in a rowboat on a lake, posed as if she were “The Lady of Shallot.” When a second body is discovered,also posed as a poetic character, a recurring MO emerges. Fortunately, Jane is well versed in sleuthing and won’t rest until she gives the killer a taste of poetic justice…
A killer inspired by Tennyson's 'The Lady of Shallot' is staging murders at a book-themed resort, and resort manager Jane Steward must unmask them before the resort becomes a gothic nightmare. Jane Steward, the manager of Storyton Hall, a Virginia resort for book lovers, finds herself investigating a series of murders that mimic literary characters. The latest victim is found posed as 'The Lady of Shallot' on a lake, clutching a poem. As more bodies appear, each staged as a poetic figure, Jane must use her sleuthing skills to bring the killer to justice and protect her fairytale resort, especially as she anticipates her best friend's wedding.
This novel is positioned as a delightful read for bibliophiles, drawing comparisons to authors like Rita Mae Brown and Alexander McCall Smith, suggesting a blend of wit and charm. The premise of a literary-themed murder mystery at a resort points to a cozy and engaging plot, likely appealing to readers who enjoy puzzles with a gentle pace and a strong sense of place. The author's established success as a New York Times bestseller indicates a readership familiar with and appreciative of her storytelling style. The integration of classic poetry into the murder plots suggests a sophisticated yet accessible mystery that celebrates literature.
Page Count:
352
Publication Date:
2022-09-27
Publisher:
Kensington
ISBN-10:
149672948X
ISBN-13:
9781496729484
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!