I’m recommending Ellery Adams’ new series, beginning with The Secret, Book & Scone Society, to everyone who loves Adams’ Books by the Bay mysteries, readers who love Sarah Addison Allen, and all of us who love books about books. She’s succeeded on all those levels with this book, and created four strong, but damaged, women that readers will care about.
Miracle Springs, North Carolina draws people who need to heal. Nora Pennington helps to heal their soul. As owner of the bookstore, she recommends titles that will help people with their problems. First, though, she sends them to Hester Winthrop at The Gingerbread House for a scone. Hester gets a feeling from each person, reading the scent and flavor that will work for them. Then, Nora searches for books that will guide them, whether it’s a children’s book, a collection of novels. She knows, just as someone once knew the books to help her through her own tragedy.
When a stranger in town asks Nora for suggestions, she sends him to Hester. Before he can return, though, he dies, hit by a train. Nora suspects murder from the little he said to her. Although she has a hard time with trust, she gathers together with Hester and two other women, all loners who have secrets. Although they come together to find a killer, they also know they are searching for friends. They form The Secret, Book & Scone Society, and they all agree they will reveal their dark secrets to the women in this circle.
It isn’t long before they find the victim’s connection to a local housing development. But, the investigation doesn’t get far before one of their circle is arrested. That only makes the other three more determined to find answers. Something has become dangerous and wrong in Miracle Springs. In order to restore order, the women will have to find a way to heal the town.
The Secret, Book & Scone Society is an intense, riveting mystery. But, oh, the passion and knowledge of books that Nora shares is unbelievable. I would have loved to quote all of Adams’ glorious words about books and reading. But, if you care about that, not just a great cast of characters, and an enjoyable book; if you care about that passion for books, you must read this for yourself.
Ellery Adams’ website is http://www.elleryadamsmysteries.com/
The Secret, Book & Scone Society by Ellery Adams. Kensington, 2017. ISBN 9781496712370 (hardcover), 304p.
*****
FTC Full Disclosure – I received the book to review for a journal.
You do not disappoint!! I rely on you to introduce me to new authors and books by old authors and it looks like you may have done it again.
Thanks for this recommendation.
Thanks Lesa! I just put this on reserve at the Columbus Metropolitan Library system. Unfortunately, I am number 54 on 24 copies.
Excellent review, Lesa! I loved this book and already can't wait for the next one. It's going to be another excellent Ellery Adams series. Maybe her best yet.
Diane, That's a wonderful note first thing in the morning! Thank you!
Looks like there are a lot of Ellery Adams fans in Columbus, Sharon!
Kaye, I agree with you. I've really enjoyed her other series, but this one is wonderful.
This is a new to me author but you give a compelling recommendation. Will be looking up this book. Thanks for sharing your opinion.
You're welcome, Lil. I hope you enjoy the book.
So grateful for this review, Lesa. You're the bestest! (And yes, I can make up words now that I'm in hardcover – wink, wink)
Thank you. I just put it on my library list.
You're welcome, Ellery. Loved the book. Just asked the library to buy it for OverDrive & submitted by review for Amazon. Since I also wrote the review for Library Journal, I think I covered my bases. I thought that highly of this book.
I hope you enjoy it, Gram!