Status
Available
Call number
Genres
Publication
Kensington Cozies (2018), Edition: Reprint, 320 pages
Description
Fiction. Mystery. Miracle Springs is a place of healing. Strangers flock there hoping that the natural hot springs, five-star cuisine, and renowned spa can cure their ills. And, if none of that works, they often find their way to Miracle Books, where, over a fresh-baked scone from the Gingerbread House bakery, they exchange their stories with owner Nora Pennington in return for a carefully chosen book. That's Nora's special talent: prescribing the perfect novel to ease a person's deepest pain and lighten their heaviest burden. But when a visiting businessman reaches out to Nora for guidance, he's found dead on the train tracks before he can keep their appointment. Determined to uncover the truth behind the businessman's demise, Nora forms the Secret, Book, and Scone Society, and, as the society works to untangle the web of corruption surrounding the murder, they also discover their own courage, purpose, and a sisterhood that will carry them through every challenge.… (more)
User reviews
LibraryThing member nyiper
Women with their own personal specialties and talents, helping solve some murder mysteries in a small town makes for a good story that wasn't easy to figure out ahead of time by the reader.
LibraryThing member GinDuperre
Miracle Springs, North Carolina, is supposed to be a place of healing. People flock to the natural hot springs, five-star cuisine, and a renowned spa. But when none of the usual treatments help they land at Miracle Books. With a fresh-baked “comfort” scone from the Gingerbread House, they tell
When a visiting businessman speaks with to Nora while sitting on a park bench, she knows exactly which novels will help him. Unfortunately, before he can keep the appointment at Miracle Books, he’s found dead on the train tracks.
Nora doesn’t believe it was an accident, so she forms the Secret, Book, and Scone Society to prove it. Four women with issues of their own gain trust and confidence in each other by helping others. To join the society, members must divulge their darkest secret—the truth that brought them to Miracle Springs in the first place.
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Series: Book 1
Author: Ellery Adams
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Publisher: Kensington
The Secret, Book & Scone Society is a story of women determined to uncover the truth. What's behind a murder of a stranger. Perhaps the answer can bring a form of redemption or salvation to the women’s lives. Ellery Adams writes as though she fully understands what the women have gone through, and how they each hide what they feel from the world. The story is realistic on many levels. All people have something they do not tell others, and most will do their best to hide the things that hurt them the most.
Nora is not a perfect person; she is scarred physically and emotionally. She moved to Miracle Springs to start over. To bury the past and prevent her heart from ever being broken again. The character is a study in the human condition. Unwilling to get involved with others, afraid to let them in on her secrets Nora nonetheless cares about people and tries to help in the only way she thinks she can.
The other characters, Estella, Hester, and June, are unique in their own way. They have secrets of their own and do not judge each other based on their past. It is interesting to read each chapter and watch as the characters develop into mostly happy people who have taken responsibility for their own wellbeing. Having friends is something they did not anticipate or ever consider but becomes something they don’t want to give up. They are willing to risk their secrets in order to have friends and help when a friend is in trouble.
The other characters in this book are well-rounded and believable. They enhance the story and make it a challenge to figure out who the killer is. Even the “bad” characters make the story a bit more interesting. The reader cheers for revenge and justice, hoping that the killer will pay the ultimate price for their crimes.
Miracle Springs, North Carolina does not exist, but wouldn’t it be great if it did? To know there is a place where a person can go to help ease their worries or heal their pain is a place everyone would visit. More description of the town and the shops, and their owners would be interesting. Hopefully, this will evolve as the series progresses.
Overall The Secret, Book & Scone Society is a well-written book with memorable characters and a plot that although somewhat convoluted, plays well in today’s society. This book is highly recommended for those that love intricate plots and character story-lines that will keep them guessing and turning the page.
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Nora Pennington their troubles. Nora can always find the perfect book to help them in ways other treatments can’t.When a visiting businessman speaks with to Nora while sitting on a park bench, she knows exactly which novels will help him. Unfortunately, before he can keep the appointment at Miracle Books, he’s found dead on the train tracks.
Nora doesn’t believe it was an accident, so she forms the Secret, Book, and Scone Society to prove it. Four women with issues of their own gain trust and confidence in each other by helping others. To join the society, members must divulge their darkest secret—the truth that brought them to Miracle Springs in the first place.
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Series: Book 1
Author: Ellery Adams
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Publisher: Kensington
The Secret, Book & Scone Society is a story of women determined to uncover the truth. What's behind a murder of a stranger. Perhaps the answer can bring a form of redemption or salvation to the women’s lives. Ellery Adams writes as though she fully understands what the women have gone through, and how they each hide what they feel from the world. The story is realistic on many levels. All people have something they do not tell others, and most will do their best to hide the things that hurt them the most.
Nora is not a perfect person; she is scarred physically and emotionally. She moved to Miracle Springs to start over. To bury the past and prevent her heart from ever being broken again. The character is a study in the human condition. Unwilling to get involved with others, afraid to let them in on her secrets Nora nonetheless cares about people and tries to help in the only way she thinks she can.
The other characters, Estella, Hester, and June, are unique in their own way. They have secrets of their own and do not judge each other based on their past. It is interesting to read each chapter and watch as the characters develop into mostly happy people who have taken responsibility for their own wellbeing. Having friends is something they did not anticipate or ever consider but becomes something they don’t want to give up. They are willing to risk their secrets in order to have friends and help when a friend is in trouble.
The other characters in this book are well-rounded and believable. They enhance the story and make it a challenge to figure out who the killer is. Even the “bad” characters make the story a bit more interesting. The reader cheers for revenge and justice, hoping that the killer will pay the ultimate price for their crimes.
Miracle Springs, North Carolina does not exist, but wouldn’t it be great if it did? To know there is a place where a person can go to help ease their worries or heal their pain is a place everyone would visit. More description of the town and the shops, and their owners would be interesting. Hopefully, this will evolve as the series progresses.
Overall The Secret, Book & Scone Society is a well-written book with memorable characters and a plot that although somewhat convoluted, plays well in today’s society. This book is highly recommended for those that love intricate plots and character story-lines that will keep them guessing and turning the page.
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LibraryThing member kimkimkim
Nora, Hester, Estella and Joan, four women, with their own scars and secrets, come together to help a man who could no longer help himself. The mystery of what has and what is about to happen in Miracle Springs, North Carolina is not nearly as interesting as the secrets that have come to define
Thank you NetGalley and Kensington Books for an ARC
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these women. The women’s stories are teased out while the mystery unfolds. Clever, but not highly sophisticated nor remotely believable. Nevertheless, it was a pleasant read for a stormy Sunday afternoon.Thank you NetGalley and Kensington Books for an ARC
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LibraryThing member bookofsecrets
THE SECRET, BOOK, AND SCONE SOCIETY is the first in a new series by Ellery Adams that beautifully combines my favorite elements of mystery, magical realism, and women's fiction. The book is set in the enchanting town of Miracle Springs, North Carolina - a place that draws people in need of healing
Nora's character is a bibliotherapist, and she always knows the right books to recommend to someone in need of guidance. Readers who love stories about books will appreciate the many titles mentioned and literary quotes throughout, as well as Nora's amazing bookstore.
This book was a bit darker than a typical cozy mystery in that the secrets revealed were weightier than I expected. Still, this character-driven mystery was strong and kept me engaged. Enjoyed!
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
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- including main character Nora Pennington and the other members of the Secret, Book, and Scone Society. The group forms initially to investigate the death of an out-of-town businessman, but a strong bond of friendship forms as each woman's most painful secret is revealed.Nora's character is a bibliotherapist, and she always knows the right books to recommend to someone in need of guidance. Readers who love stories about books will appreciate the many titles mentioned and literary quotes throughout, as well as Nora's amazing bookstore.
This book was a bit darker than a typical cozy mystery in that the secrets revealed were weightier than I expected. Still, this character-driven mystery was strong and kept me engaged. Enjoyed!
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
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LibraryThing member Kathl33n
"...if you're lucky, the words in those books will force you to grapple with the hardest truths of your life."
A new cozy series with a bookstore as the focus - yay! This was a great start to a new series. The four main characters were really likable and their stories, while sad and a bit somber for
Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for allowing me to review an advanced copy.
A new cozy series with a bookstore as the focus - yay! This was a great start to a new series. The four main characters were really likable and their stories, while sad and a bit somber for
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a cozy, have really set the foundation for future stories. The mystery was solid and this book is chocked full of beautiful writing, as well as smart and witty literary references. All around a smart and really elevated cozy. Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for allowing me to review an advanced copy.
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LibraryThing member KateBaxter
Four women, each with a secret and broken or scarred in their own right, develop close bonds with one another as they learn to trust. A man is found dead on the train tracks - someone, one of the four women had recently met. The immediate conclusion - suicide. This does not coincide with the
The characters are better developed and the tone darker than is found in most cozy mysteries. Yet, this gives the story more gravitas and it more easily relates to our everyday existence. In spite of the weight there is much hope found throughout the book.
If you are a cozy mystery fan seeking a story which will linger with you, then this is the book for you! I thoroughly enjoyed it and trust that you will too.
Synopsis (from book's dust jacket):
Miracle Springs, North Carolina, is a place of healing. Strangers flock here hoping the natural hot springs, five-star cuisine, and renowned spa can cure their ills. If none of that works, they often find their way to Miracle Books, where, over a fresh-baked “comfort” scone from the Gingerbread House bakery, they exchange their stories with owner Nora Pennington in return for a carefully chosen book. That’s Nora’s special talent—prescribing the perfect novel to ease a person’s deepest pain and lighten their heaviest burden.
When a visiting businessman reaches out to Nora for guidance, she knows exactly which novels will help. But before he can keep their appointment at Miracle Books, he’s found dead on the train tracks.
Stunned, Nora forms the Secret, Book, and Scone Society, a group of damaged souls yearning to gain trust and earn redemption by helping others. To join the society, members must divulge their darkest secret—the terrible truth that brought each of them to Miracle Springs in the first place.
Determined to uncover the truth behind the businessman’s demise, the women meet in Nora’s cramped and cozy bookstore to share stories and trade support. And as they untangle a web of corruption, they also discover their own courage, purpose, and a sisterhood that will carry them through every challenge—proving it’s never too late to turn the page and start over . . .
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woman's sense of that man and she and the other women seek justice for the person whose voice is already silenced. The characters are better developed and the tone darker than is found in most cozy mysteries. Yet, this gives the story more gravitas and it more easily relates to our everyday existence. In spite of the weight there is much hope found throughout the book.
If you are a cozy mystery fan seeking a story which will linger with you, then this is the book for you! I thoroughly enjoyed it and trust that you will too.
Synopsis (from book's dust jacket):
Miracle Springs, North Carolina, is a place of healing. Strangers flock here hoping the natural hot springs, five-star cuisine, and renowned spa can cure their ills. If none of that works, they often find their way to Miracle Books, where, over a fresh-baked “comfort” scone from the Gingerbread House bakery, they exchange their stories with owner Nora Pennington in return for a carefully chosen book. That’s Nora’s special talent—prescribing the perfect novel to ease a person’s deepest pain and lighten their heaviest burden.
When a visiting businessman reaches out to Nora for guidance, she knows exactly which novels will help. But before he can keep their appointment at Miracle Books, he’s found dead on the train tracks.
Stunned, Nora forms the Secret, Book, and Scone Society, a group of damaged souls yearning to gain trust and earn redemption by helping others. To join the society, members must divulge their darkest secret—the terrible truth that brought each of them to Miracle Springs in the first place.
Determined to uncover the truth behind the businessman’s demise, the women meet in Nora’s cramped and cozy bookstore to share stories and trade support. And as they untangle a web of corruption, they also discover their own courage, purpose, and a sisterhood that will carry them through every challenge—proving it’s never too late to turn the page and start over . . .
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LibraryThing member bemislibrary
A customer dies and bookstore owner Nora and three others investigate. The plot leads them from clue to clue and they figure out the murderer in the end. The mystery plot itself was straightforward with a touch of romance thrown in. The most interesting part was the way Nora’s selections for
I received this book through a Goodreads giveaway. Although encouraged, I was under no obligation to write a review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
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customer could be therapeutic. I received this book through a Goodreads giveaway. Although encouraged, I was under no obligation to write a review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
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LibraryThing member mcgeerhonda
I'm not much of a mystery lover, but this book pulled me in. I enjoyed the story line and the characters were well thought out. I would have loved to have visited the Book Store in the story.
LibraryThing member Lisa2013
This has a fun premise. I love the idea of bibliotherapy and women’s friendships and people’s stories/secrets. I love cozy mysteries and I did enjoy this one, though it got a bit violent/intense for my tastes, but just briefly.
There are lots of wonderful quotes that I enjoyed, at the beginning
So, loved the quotes, the concept, the books theme, and that there was some depth to the characters.
But while this is the first book in a series, the author has written other books, and I was surprised that the writing and story telling/construction seemed slightly amateurish and clumsy. It was okay enough and the story and characters and premise, and mysteries too, kept my interest.
And all the talk of food made me very hungry; I veganized everything, of course.
It was okay. I liked it. I might read on but I might not.
There are lots of wonderful quotes that I enjoyed, at the beginning
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of each chapter and within the book proper, and also mentions of many books.So, loved the quotes, the concept, the books theme, and that there was some depth to the characters.
But while this is the first book in a series, the author has written other books, and I was surprised that the writing and story telling/construction seemed slightly amateurish and clumsy. It was okay enough and the story and characters and premise, and mysteries too, kept my interest.
And all the talk of food made me very hungry; I veganized everything, of course.
It was okay. I liked it. I might read on but I might not.
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LibraryThing member thornton37814
Although categorized in the mystery genre, this book holds appeal for readers who treasure books about women and their relationships. The four members of the "Secret, Book, and Scone Society" all bear scars from past circumstances, and many continue to hold onto secrets. One runs a bookstore,
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specializing in bibliotherapy. Another owns her own bakery. Another operates as a beautician. The other works in a spa. When the sheriff arrests one of them, the others set out to prove a false arrest. The Western North Carolina community houses a new real estate development that does not appear to be on the up-and-up. I enjoyed the setting, the bookstore, and the bakery much more than the overall mystery. I will probably read the next installment just to learn some of the outcomes not settled in this installment. Show Less
LibraryThing member cfk
Miracle Springs, NC is supposed to be a place of healing, small and old fashioned, a place of peace. The local sheriff is an undiluted, stereotypical Southern Sheriff of the worst sort. Four women decide to set aside their personal secrets of loss and begin to trust one another, as they have
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trusted no one in years. This sounds a bit like a cozy cliche, but the courage and wisdom these women forge into a weapon against those who would marginalize them is something to see and enjoy. Show Less
LibraryThing member dono421846
A solid mystery embedded in stories of relationships with books and other things. A generous dash of melodrama, and women swooning at the brush of a man's hand, but those weaknesses are quickly forgotten in this fast paced narrative. One of the main purposes of this book was to lay the foundations
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for an ongoing series, and I'm pleased to see that the follow up volume is already planned. That I went looking to see if there was more should speak to my overall "thumbs up" rating. Show Less
LibraryThing member LisCarey
Nora Pennington moved to Miracle Springs after a terrible personal tragedy, and opened a bookstore, Miracle Books. She sells books, and coffee, and for those customers who need it, over a "comfort scone" from the neighboring Gingerbread House bakery, she'll listen to their troubles, and recommend
It's a peaceful, quiet life, until one day, the customer in need of healing is Neil Parrish. He makes an appointment to see her the next day, but is killed by a train before he can keep that appointment. It's not long before the clumsy official investigation into the death connects Nora with three other women who moved to Miracle Springs for their own healing. They form the Secret, Book, & Scone Society. They share their secrets, and launch their own investigation of Neil Parrish's death.
They're all compromised individuals, but they also all prove to be strong and smart women in their own ways. Miracle Springs also proves to have more than just their secrets, and much more dangerous ones, but it also has other strong, good characters along with its venal and corrupt ones. The plot avoids the lazy and the silly, and we see the women discover their strength, learn to trust their new friendship, and also start to make more friends beyond their own immediate circle.
The book reads to me like a well-thought-out, and very promising start to a new mystery series, centered around character.
Recommended.
I bought this audiobook.
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well-chosen books to start them on the path to healing.It's a peaceful, quiet life, until one day, the customer in need of healing is Neil Parrish. He makes an appointment to see her the next day, but is killed by a train before he can keep that appointment. It's not long before the clumsy official investigation into the death connects Nora with three other women who moved to Miracle Springs for their own healing. They form the Secret, Book, & Scone Society. They share their secrets, and launch their own investigation of Neil Parrish's death.
They're all compromised individuals, but they also all prove to be strong and smart women in their own ways. Miracle Springs also proves to have more than just their secrets, and much more dangerous ones, but it also has other strong, good characters along with its venal and corrupt ones. The plot avoids the lazy and the silly, and we see the women discover their strength, learn to trust their new friendship, and also start to make more friends beyond their own immediate circle.
The book reads to me like a well-thought-out, and very promising start to a new mystery series, centered around character.
Recommended.
I bought this audiobook.
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LibraryThing member cyderry
The Secret, Book and Scone Society is a riveting mystery of not just who was responsible for several murders in Miracle Springs NC but also the mystery of the members of the society and what made them who they are now. Nora, a bibliotherapist, is not just scarred physically but also emotionally.
This is an absolutely tremendous mystery weaving the character's personal stories in among the clues to the murders of two partners in a land development company. The mystery was crisp and tense while the characters could visibly be seen to grow and emerge from their frightened withdrawn starts like butterflies from a cocoon strong and determined to find justice for the victims as well as themselves...
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Hester, a phenomenal baker, has hidden secrets along with June, the spa attendant at the springs, and Estella the local hair stylist. These 4 ladies join together to find justice for a stranger who had come to their town to right a wrong.This is an absolutely tremendous mystery weaving the character's personal stories in among the clues to the murders of two partners in a land development company. The mystery was crisp and tense while the characters could visibly be seen to grow and emerge from their frightened withdrawn starts like butterflies from a cocoon strong and determined to find justice for the victims as well as themselves...
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LibraryThing member quondame
Talk about going lightly over rough ground, this book makes a cosy out of some of the worst tragedies in the women's lives. Way too comfy and trite. It is competently written and paced, but not worth the time.
LibraryThing member Kris_Anderson
The Secret, Book and Scone Society by Ellery Adams is the first book in Miracle Springs, North Carolina series. Nora Pennington owns Miracle Books in Miracle Springs, North Carolina. The town is known to be a place of healing and Nora is known locally as a bibliotherapist. A man in the park wishes
The Secret, Book and Scone Society is well-written and engaging. My attention was captured right away with Nora’s description. I found the four main characters to be personable yet flawed from life’s tragedy. They were fleshed out and given life—very realistic. Each one is unique. There are also some characters (namely Sheriff Todd Hendricks) that readers will really dislike and wish to maim. I did not like how the police treated women in this book (I know it was part of the story, but it was offensive). I liked the description of the town, the Gingerbread House, Nora’s home (it is in a red train caboose) and, most especially, Miracle Books. My rating for The Secret, Book and Scone Society is 4 out of 5 stars (I liked it). The book contained more cozy elements than mystery. I was hoping for a more complex whodunit (like is Ms. Adams Murder in the Mystery Suite). I did like the authors use of misdirection in this book.
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Nora‘s help, so she suggests that he pick up a comfort scone from Gingerbread House and come to her shop. Before he can get to Nora for assistance, Neil Parrish is found dead on the train tracks. When the police rule it a suicide, Nora along with Estella, June and Hester form The Secret, Book and Scone Society. Their purpose is get the truth about the man’s demise. They delve into Neil’s life to uncover what could have gotten him killed. They knew he came to town ahead of his partner’s and he was wrestling with a problem. When the four ladies meet to discuss what they have uncovered, each member of the group reveals the secret that brought them to Miracle Springs. These four women band together to get justice for one man and find themselves embroiled in a corruption scandal. The best thing to come out of this is four lone woman find friendship, love and acceptance.The Secret, Book and Scone Society is well-written and engaging. My attention was captured right away with Nora’s description. I found the four main characters to be personable yet flawed from life’s tragedy. They were fleshed out and given life—very realistic. Each one is unique. There are also some characters (namely Sheriff Todd Hendricks) that readers will really dislike and wish to maim. I did not like how the police treated women in this book (I know it was part of the story, but it was offensive). I liked the description of the town, the Gingerbread House, Nora’s home (it is in a red train caboose) and, most especially, Miracle Books. My rating for The Secret, Book and Scone Society is 4 out of 5 stars (I liked it). The book contained more cozy elements than mystery. I was hoping for a more complex whodunit (like is Ms. Adams Murder in the Mystery Suite). I did like the authors use of misdirection in this book.
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LibraryThing member Darcia
Caution: This book may induce hunger and provoke bakery visits.
I had high hopes for this series, but I was underwhelmed by this first book.
I did enjoy some aspects. The premise is unique and entertaining. The setting is fun. And I love that we have a group of strong, independent women bonding over
Then there are the things I didn't like. First, the women are supposed to be in their 30s, but most feel much older in their language and behavior. This aspect struck me as odd throughout, and I kept having to remind myself of their ages.
I didn't buy into the way these women, who are relative strangers to one another, all immediately jumped on the bandwagon, risking their lives to investigate the death of a man who was a total stranger to all of them.
The mystery tries to be complex but is ultimately predictable. The pacing is slow, and we don't spend a lot of time sleuthing. The women's drama and secret pasts take precedence over everything else.
The final half-page of the ending serves absolutely no purpose aside from creating a cliffhanger with whatever will happen in book 2.
I already have book 2, so I'm hoping that this book serves as the setup and the next one will have more substance.
I had high hopes for this series, but I was underwhelmed by this first book.
I did enjoy some aspects. The premise is unique and entertaining. The setting is fun. And I love that we have a group of strong, independent women bonding over
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books and real-life mysteries. Then there are the things I didn't like. First, the women are supposed to be in their 30s, but most feel much older in their language and behavior. This aspect struck me as odd throughout, and I kept having to remind myself of their ages.
I didn't buy into the way these women, who are relative strangers to one another, all immediately jumped on the bandwagon, risking their lives to investigate the death of a man who was a total stranger to all of them.
The mystery tries to be complex but is ultimately predictable. The pacing is slow, and we don't spend a lot of time sleuthing. The women's drama and secret pasts take precedence over everything else.
The final half-page of the ending serves absolutely no purpose aside from creating a cliffhanger with whatever will happen in book 2.
I already have book 2, so I'm hoping that this book serves as the setup and the next one will have more substance.
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LibraryThing member bookbrig
A quick read with details I liked even if the main mystery never really clicked for me.
LibraryThing member cathyskye
I will always recommend Ellery Adams' Books by the Bay series for cozy mystery fans, even though it has a controversial ending. (A Killer Plot is the first book.) I admire Adams' willingness to risk alienating her fans in order to end her series the way she wanted to (and the ending fit the
Some readers may ascribe Nora's bibliotherapy and Hester's comfort scones to some sort of magic, but I don't. I think all four women are highly empathetic, and it's this empathy that helps them arrive at the truth-- as does their belief that everyone deserves a second chance. I did despair when the local law enforcement was introduced-- the nickname "Sheriff Toad" says it all-- but I should've known better since I am no stranger to Ellery Adams' writing.
Reading The Secret, Book & Scone Society was balm for my spirit. I liked the mystery. I liked the setting. Most of all, I liked Nora, Hester, Estella, and June. I know that reading the second book in the series is in my future.
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character, by the way). There can be something therapeutic about her writing and the way she deals with damaged characters. As the Secret, Book & Scone Society members reveal their secrets one at a time, a layer is pulled back, allowing us to begin to see what's behind the person's facade. Some readers may ascribe Nora's bibliotherapy and Hester's comfort scones to some sort of magic, but I don't. I think all four women are highly empathetic, and it's this empathy that helps them arrive at the truth-- as does their belief that everyone deserves a second chance. I did despair when the local law enforcement was introduced-- the nickname "Sheriff Toad" says it all-- but I should've known better since I am no stranger to Ellery Adams' writing.
Reading The Secret, Book & Scone Society was balm for my spirit. I liked the mystery. I liked the setting. Most of all, I liked Nora, Hester, Estella, and June. I know that reading the second book in the series is in my future.
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LibraryThing member PamelaBarrett
The Secret, Book & Scone Society is an entertaining mystery that has a lot of my favorite things books, food, mineral springs and a edgy hairdresser. When four ladies with secret backgrounds combine forces to solve a murder then look out. The main character Nora is physically scarred from a fire
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and her secret pulls the story together. Empathy and healing are the women’s secret powers. I have only one complaint; there are two loose ends which bothered me and I wondered if anyone else caught them. Anyway I have to read the next book in the series cause I’m hooked. Read on Kindle. Show Less
LibraryThing member Sara_Cat
To be honest I wasn’t expecting to really like this book much since I haven’t read a mystery novel since ‘The Boxcar Children’ in elementary school. But, I greatly enjoyed it. There were a few leaps of logic that didn’t seem fluid and some times we find out later that even though a scene
I personally liked the constant book references - being a book lover myself I really connected with this aspect of the book. And I did like how we slowly learned more about the backstory of each of the leading 4 female characters. On the whole they felt well developed and each was of course different from the others. There was some clique things throughout the book, but, I don’t feel they ruined it or overwhelmed it either.
If you’re not sure if mystery is your thing or not, this might be a light way to try it out.
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didn’t mention something happening, it supposedly did. However, on the whole it held together and made sense.I personally liked the constant book references - being a book lover myself I really connected with this aspect of the book. And I did like how we slowly learned more about the backstory of each of the leading 4 female characters. On the whole they felt well developed and each was of course different from the others. There was some clique things throughout the book, but, I don’t feel they ruined it or overwhelmed it either.
If you’re not sure if mystery is your thing or not, this might be a light way to try it out.
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LibraryThing member Maydacat
Miracle Springs is a place people visit for healing, but the four main protagonists of this story have moved there for new beginnings. Each has a secret hidden deep within herself, and it takes a murder for them to reveal their secrets to each other. They form a society, and the bond that unites
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them is their shared shameful secrets. Each of the four women are able to help visitors on their paths to healing, with books, scones, spa visits, and more. When a man is murdered, they resolve to avenge his death, especially when the sherif says it was suicide. The novel is many layered, with the back stories of the women, the current death, and a real estate development that may not be on the up and up. The book is a bit vague and slow moving at first, but it doesn’t take long to be fully engrossed in the mystery. The characters are complex, and it will be interesting to see how their lives evolve in future books. This audio version was nicely narrated by Cris Dukehart. Background music played throughout all of the narration, and while at times it did enhance the tale, at other times it seemed more of a distraction. Show Less
LibraryThing member annarellix
A story about female friendship, secrets, being hurted and healing. And a mystery as well. This is not the typical cozy mystery, it's darker and sometimes the mystery plot takes the backseat.
Friendship and healing matters as much as finding the culprit. It made me cry sometimes as I was able to
It is strongly advised if you want a mystery with some food for thought.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publishe
Friendship and healing matters as much as finding the culprit. It made me cry sometimes as I was able to
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recognize myself in some small details.It is strongly advised if you want a mystery with some food for thought.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publishe
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LibraryThing member SteveLindahl
The Secret, Book and Scone Society tells the story of four women who have secrets in their backgrounds, secrets that have turned them away from friends and family. These women find each other in Miracle Springs, NC, a town where many people come to heal. They are: Nora Pennington, a woman who runs
After a man passing through Miracle Springs dies in an unusual train accident, these women, who originally got together to help each other deal with their own problems, become amateur detectives to find out what really happened to that man. It is fun watching the way they try to solve the case.
The writing could have been tighter, but the characters, especially Nora, were strong and the book hooked me.
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a bookstore. She has an intuition which enables her to find the right books for anyone dealing with a problem. Hester Winthrop, who is a baker and makes wonderful scones. Estella Sadler who manages Magnolia Salon and Spa and is always looking for a new man to flirt with. And June Dixon, who is an employee at the local thermal pool. June once had a higher station in life, but tried to do something nice and paid an enormous price for her efforts.After a man passing through Miracle Springs dies in an unusual train accident, these women, who originally got together to help each other deal with their own problems, become amateur detectives to find out what really happened to that man. It is fun watching the way they try to solve the case.
The writing could have been tighter, but the characters, especially Nora, were strong and the book hooked me.
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LibraryThing member Amzzz
Working in a bookshop doesn’t mean Nora has a boring life. When she sets out to find out what happened to a prospective customer, she makes some friends and shares some secrets along the way. This had all the makings of a delightful read, but was just a little bit over the top at times. I enjoyed
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the many book references! Show Less
Language
Original language
English
Original publication date
2017-10-31
Physical description
320 p.; 8.22 inches
ISBN
1496712382 / 9781496712387