Murder in the book lover's loft

Bibliophiles unite to solve several puzzling murders. Storyton Hall is a charming Virginia resort that celebrates books, but in addition to the extensive library in the public spaces, the inn is home to a secret repository of rare books and other items. After centuries during which her ancestors have guarded this collection, even having to fight off violent incursions, Jane Steward has decided to donate, return, or sell the whole thing to give her family a quiet future. In the meantime, Jane, a widow with two young sons--Fitzgerald and Hemingway--is looking forward to taking a vacation with her partner, Edwin Alcott, in charming Oyster Bay, North Carolina, home of her friend Olivia Limoges. Their bungalow at the Admiral's Inn turns out to contain a skull in the shower and a warning written on the bathroom mirror: "Your story is over." The skull is apparently a prop belonging to author Justin St. James, who recently stayed at the bungalow, so Jane and Edwin ignore what must be a prank. The next day, Jane and Olivia are hunting for treasure with a metal detector on Olivia's private beach when they hear Edwin's cries for help just as they find St. James dead on the shore. Edwin has stepped on stingrays, and the barbs that pierced his feet bring on a dangerous allergic reaction that sends him to the hospital. Since St. James died from an overdose, the police suspect a drug dealer, especially after Jane finds the body of one of the man's clients. But Jane is less convinced after learning that St. James based his books on the painful stories of real people, including Olivia, who have cause to hate him. Visually delightful backdrops and charming characters add appeal to a book lover's mystery. Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.