Next up on my list of the most popular and recommended series, I’ve decided to reread the first book in Ellery Adam‘s Books by the Bay Mystery Series, A Killer Plot.
This book actually ties in neatly to one of the previous entries in this series, the Ashton Corner’s Book Club by Erika Chase. Much like Erika Chase’s series, the Books by the Bay series revolves around a group of book enthusiasts, though in this case it is a writer’s group instead of a reading group. I do find it interesting that none of the initial writers are necessarily writers of mystery fiction. Most books revolving around a literary theme such as a writer’s club, reader’s club, or library or book store type setting tend to revolve around mystery fiction, but the Bayside Book Writer’s Club instead has a wide variety of would-be authors, including diverse interests such as romance, science fiction, and Olivia (the sleuth of the series) own interest, historical fiction.
As is inevitable in Cozy mysteries, whenever more than three people gather, murder is sure to follow, and it isn’t long before the leader of the writer’s club turns up dead. New group member Olivia Limoges, touched by the charmer (the victim) and offended by the murder, decides to get to the bottom of the case.
One thing I definitely like about this series is that Olivia isn’t too similar to what you would think of as a standard modern Cozy sleuth. Many modern Cozy sleuths are either small business owners of food industry like bakeries or hobby shops catering to something like knitting, while others work in a very Cozy-friendly environment like a library. While these are good ways to hook a series into a given “theme” through the protagonist’s work, after a while they can sometimes seem a bit similar. In contrast, Olivia is independently wealthy, as her family has had significant means and influence in the town she lives in for some time. This also helps lend a certain amount of realism to certain elements of a Cozy that sometimes feel a bit questionable – namely, how does the owner of a small business also find time to continuously solve mysteries? It sure must be easier if you are wealthy enough to not worry about working a regular job!
(As someone who recently adopted a dog, I’ll admit I also particularly enjoyed Olivia’s interactions with her four-legged companion, Captain Haviland, her well-trained standard poodle. I’ll admit our little Cocoa isn’t at all as well-trained as Captain Haviland, but she is still a puppy after all!)
If you’re looking for a modern Cozy series with a non-standard protagonist, there’s a lot to recommend in the Books by the Bay Mystery Series. Ellery Adams also writes a number of other popular series that are at the top of a lot of our favorite Cozies lists; she’s also the author of the Charmed Pie Shoppe Mystery Series, the Book Retreat Mystery Series, the Supper Club Mystery Series, the Antiques & Collectibles Mystery Series, and the Hope Street Church Mystery Series. (She sure does keep busy!)
If you’re interested in reading more of these brief revisits of some of the more popular Cozy Mystery Series that I’ve written in the past, you can find them at the Most Recommended Cozy Mystery Series page on my site.
Kimberley says
I absolutely adore this series. The characters are so richly drawn and the NC shoreline setting is enchanting. I relish how the relationships have grown over the series and can’t wait until the next book is released. Thanks for posting about this work by Ellery Adams!
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Kimberley, I like series with characters who seem real.
Tom says
The Books by the Bay Mystery Series is easily my most favorite cozy mystery series. I have read several different series over the last couple of years and this one was head and shoulders above the rest. There was more edge to it, more steam than I had become used to, and just more entertainment. I am anxiously awaiting the newest offering coming in 2017.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Tom, I think a lot of us agree with you.
Debby Toth says
Good! I miss her. Thanks for the good news, will look forward to more of the spunky Olivia.
Rob says
Yes and remember, Danna: Your little girl may not be trained yet but she’ll be learning all her life> The process begins as a puppy but continues with her learning something every day. She’ll be delighting you both every day-sometimes the non-training times are just as precious!
Rob
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Rob, you are so right!
Kate says
Captain Haviland is my favorite character in this interesting series 🙂
Blue says
I re-read A Killer Plot over the weekend and have the second in the series on hold at the library.
She writes clearly and I can read without being gobsmacked by grammar issues. The story is compelling, the characters are fully fleshed out, and the protagonist is unique.
Will continue to re-read the entire series.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Blue, I also enjoy reading books that have complex characters and a sleuth who does not fit the standard mold.
JoQ says
Ooooh! It’s a sort of Bruce Wayne scenario, is it? I admit, I’m always a bit mystified by all the small business owners who spend about three minutes working during the course of a book. Not that I don’t understand the necessity of restricting the more mundane narrative, but at some point I always do a double take over it. I call it my “nice work if you can get it” moment. I’ll definitely have to try this one!
Thanks! 🙂
Danna - cozy mystery list says
JoQ, I have nothing against this plot device, but I also find it a bit amusing how little the sleuths spend actually working.
Maggie says
Thanks for introducing me to a new series. Sounds like fun reads. And hearing about your new pup makes makes me smile. I love the cozy cat mysteries from Ali Brandon & Sofie Kelly.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Maggie, you’re welcome! And I’m glad that you’re enjoying hearing about Cocoa as well.
Susy says
If you like the cats in the Sofie Kelly series, be sure to read here other cat series under Sofie Ryan.
Marsha B. says
Hi, I just finished reading Ellery’s “Killer Characters”, which I had been saving for summer reading. The ending made me wonder if the series was ending, so i did some research & found that the PUBLISHER is ending it!
My book-readimg friend & I REALLY enjoy this series.
Does it do any good for fans of a series to protest to a publisher? ?
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Marsha, yes, unfortunately a publisher ending a series isn’t really that unusual these days. It’s unfortunate but true. I haven’t heard about a publisher changing their mind because of public demand, but I suppose it isn’t impossible.
Debby says
I was so sorry to hear that there will not be any more Books by the Bay mysteries. I so want to continue to follow the lives of Olivia and her friends. I don’t want to give them up!!!
Martha Sue McCain says
I am in agreement with all the favorable comments of this series. I too, think it is my favorite and am sad that it has come to an end. I am trying to get into some of her other series but think “Books by the bay” will still come out as my Number Uno. Martha S.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Martha, it’s always sad to see a series come to an end, especially one this good!
Pat D says
I just finished reading Killer Characters and it would appear that this was the end of this series. Do you know if that’s right or will there be more? I really enjoyed this series and am sad if it’s over.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Pat, I’m afraid I haven’t heard anything about that series in a while. Sorry I couldn’t give better news!
Ellery Adams says
Hi Pat.
Yes, Books By the Bay officially ended with Killer Characters. The publisher no longer wished to continue any of my series and my new publisher was only willing to adopt the Book Retreat Mysteries as long as I produced a new series for them. Thus, the creation of Secret, Book, and Scone Society. I didn’t want to leave the Books by the Bay series dangling. I wanted a clean, clear ending for two reasons. The first is that I wanted to be able to reserve the right to use my characters in the future should I want to write a spin-off or have certain characters visit settings in my ongoing series. Secondly, I knew that I wouldn’t self-publish this series, so I didn’t want to end it on a cliffhanger or anything ambiguous. I wanted closure for the characters and the readers. That being said, making Olivia single again was a very deliberate move. As a widow, I can now move her into another series should I chose or create a spin-off around her. She isn’t gone, though. This I promise you. xoxo EA
Pat D says
Thank you for responding to my question. I will look forward to more of your books.
Debby says
I miss Olivia. One of my favorite characters of all time. Kind of crazy to say, but…..I would like to think that she goes on to have a happy and fulfilling life.
Williams Stephani says
Hi, Ellery.
Thanks for taking the time to reply. I can’t believe the stupidity of the publishers! I love the Secret, Book, and, Scone Society, but Books by the Bay is my favorite of all of your series. I have to admit that I am devastated by Sawyer’s death. I understand the literary reasons for the choice, as a fan it’s hard to think of Olivia having to face the pain of losing Sawyer. I’m glad that there is hope for Olivia’s return. Given that it’s been 3 years since the series ended, I wonder when we might see her again.
Thanks.
Rickee D. says
I just started reading Ellery Adams! doggone it, I think I only got to read one of her Books By The Bay, but will go read them all now. I really love her new series, Secret, Book, and Scone Society. I will have to request more of her books at our library, as it was slim pickin’s recently. I love books with dog characters:)
Shirley p says
Thank you for all the comments. I am definitely going to read both series. They sound great. Will let you know what I think. I am going to get first book in both series today. Be safe. God bless. Keep reading it the greatest thing to do.