The Secret, Book & Scone Society (Secret, Book & Scone Society Series #1) by Ellery Adams
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Web ID: 16836257A fun book concept and a great mystery.
This was a fun departure from your normal amateur book club sleuths. I loved how each person had more to her than we might think. I loved how it wasn't easy to get the information, and I love that. When it's too easy... it's boring. There are a few odd choices for motive--kind of weird stereotypical thingnesses that bother me but I can deal with it. I also didn't appreciate the occasional explosions of foul language, but I did appreciate that they weren't totally gratuitous or frequent. There are moments of intense attraction that lean toward spicy for just attraction, but they aren't something I'd be mortified to have someone overhear. I just don't like it myself. But I know that's me. All in all, I'm eager to read on in the series. I like Nora and her friends, and I'm interested in knowing who this new young woman is.
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
Well done
The authors do an amazing job of juggling and interweaving two plot lines. Each helps clarify the other. The characters are fascinating and the resolution of two mysteries is a treat! I want one of those scones!
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
Good Beginning to a Cozy Mystery Series
Nora runs a bookstore in Miracle Springs, NC, after running from her previous life, which left not only emotional, but physical burn scars on the right side of her face and arm. The bookstore is in the old train station and her tiny home is a former caboose. Nora has kept everyone at literal arm's length, and books are her only friends. Until Nora happens upon a newcomer to Miracle Springs, who has come to town as part of a property development plan; he regrets his participation in the development -- but dies before he can make amends. Nora feels bad that she could not help the gentleman w/ her "bibliotherapy" skills - a bit of "magical realism" in these stories. I honestly don't see Nora's skills in recommending books to folks to help them w their emotional issues as "magical realism," but more as the skills of a very well-read woman. Anyway, Nora enlists the help of fellow female business owners in Miracle Springs to solve what happened to the dead gentleman. Hester runs a fabulous bakery and makes "comfort scones," which remind a person of a very happy day in their lives, helping them heal from their emotional wounds. (More magical realism.) Estella is a stereotypical trashy hair stylist, but did her past make her that way? June works at the hotel containing the hot springs which brings tourists to the town. She has also run away from a trauma in her past. These ladies form the Secret (they all have 'em), Book, & Scone Society. At first they are a loose collection trying to solve the gentleman's death, which extends into investigating the property development scheme. Was the man murdered? Is the property development firm actually building houses in Miracle Springs, or are they just taking writing mortgages that folks will never be able to pay? So we have two investigations, a couple of budding romances (Nora and a local paramedic, and Hester and a town deputy), and hare-brained schemes concocted by the ladies. The denouement is really riveting (as in, I could not put the story down!), even though I was pretty sure of the identity of the murderer(s) before told. All in all, a really unusual cozy mystery (coarser language than usual cozies, HOT romantic scenes) and a good start to a series. I loved the book quotes to start each chapter, and ALL the references to books. 4+ stars, rounded down to 4.
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com