Number 6 in the Secret, Book, and Scone Society mysteries. This is a strong series set in Miracle Springs, NC. the Society friends have to help Nora after she becomes a suspect in a murder. Years before Nora came to Miracle Springs, she got a DUI after her husband left her and was disfigured in the resulting car accident. She is thankful she only harmed herself in the accident. When her ex-husbands second ex-wife, Kelly, shows up in town Nora becomes a suspect in her death. He boyfriend, the local sheriff, can't help her. But her friends in the Society can.

This book series is always a bit deep for a cozy series. That is not a bad thing, but it is simply a different style. Nora thought she left her old life behind. It comes back in a rush when her ex-husband's wife comes to ask for forgiveness. When the woman ends up dead, Nora is the prime suspect. The mystery kept me guessing until the end. This is a well written addition to the series.

Ellery Adams once again proves that cozies aren’t fluffy and that cozy characters have an amazing amount of character development, depth, and diversity. Nora had started over in Magic Springs after a horrific life experience and she has the scars to prove it. She has a new business, a new home, a new group of supportive friends, and even a new romance. The last thing she expected was to come face to face with half of the reason for the night that changed Nora’s life forever. And yet it is about to be forever changed yet again as Nora who has been deemed a person of interest and is hounded by the new K9 detective who seems to have a bone to pick with her. Nora must dig deep, quite possibly deeper than she ever has before to not only forgive but to also find justice for the victim. The twists and turns of this plot almost make one dizzy but because the backstory is laid out so well you can follow along without getting lost. You may be able to figure out who did it but can you figure out why? So grab a pot of flowering tea and some Earl Grey Scones before settling to read this newest Secret, Book, and Scone Society mystery.

I love this author's books as they are always so unique and fabulous! She writes a fun filled cozy mystery that also deals with a few serious real life issues that we all may face at some time in our lives. Another five star read from me!

This book is the 6th in the Secret, Book, & Scone Society series, but it can be enjoyed as a stand-alone, however, some character development carries over from each book. In Paper Cuts, I was pleased to meet up with Nora Pennington again. The Miracle Springs, North Carolina bookshop owner was busy in her shop, Miracle Books.

There were secrets aplenty in this great tale. With a super mystery, an eclectic bunch of characters, a compelling plot and a few well-placed red herrings added to the mix, this was a fantastic read that kept me on my toes. While classified as a cozy mystery, this for me, was what I would describe as a more mature and sophisticated cozy than most with relevant social themes though still retaining those traditional cozy qualities. I would like to read the first two books I've missed in this series and I thoroughly enjoyed Paper Cuts.

Paper Cuts offered an early twist, which I didn't see coming, and I was surprised by this unexpected turn of events. The book also addressed the one thing which had always bothered me about this series. How did Nora avoid serving jail time for a previous fiery DUI accident?

Compared to the previous installments, I enjoyed this book more. The author avoided a preachy or judgmental tone and instead focused on exploring the theme of the family with the added bonus of sprinkling various book titles and authors throughout.

Overall, I am eager to continue reading this series. The strong sense of community and friendship between the women is refreshing and keeps me invested in their stories.

This is the 6th installment in the A Secret, Book and Scone Society. Nora Pennington has established a nice life in Miracle Springs North Carolina. She has a group of trusted friends, a good relationship with her boyfriend Sheriff Grant McCabe but of course Nora is in for some drama. A new tea shop opens up and the ladies (Estella, June, Hester, Nora) go there Nora gets some strange vibes from the new owners. Then she meets a nice lady (battling cancer) Kelly and her son Tucker who is autistic and they hit it off but Kelly implies they have meet before which leaves Nora confused. Nora receives a flower arrangement from the new store and wants to know who it is from. When she is at dinner with Estella, she runs into the owners and Kelly who is the owners sister. When she asks about the floral basket, Kelly speaks up and says it is from her and that she needs to apologize. She has met Nora before in former life as she was the women her husband had an affair with and he left her for. This is the night Nora was in the terrible car accident and was burned. Nora freaks out and does not want to talk to her and pushes Kelly away and takes off. Nora cools down and realizes that she overreacted and wanted to apologize to Kelly but she learns she is deceased when she is picked up by the police as a person of interest. Sheriff McCabe has to step away from the case, however, the new K-9 officer Hollowell seems to have an issue with Nora and even said that Nora hit Kelly the night in question which of course is not true. Hollowell seems to make it her personal mission to put Nora behind bars. Grant can’t help so it is up to Nora and her friends to solve the case. Estella’s Father has also been released from prison and is staying with her and Estella has some secrets going on right now too (good ones). This is such a great series and this was a good mystery. Nora really had to challenge herself as she faced her past and her ex as well as always do the right thing with such a big heart that she and all the ladies have. Great series.

Paper Cuts by Ellery Adams is the sixth installment in the A Secret, Book and Scone Society cozy mystery series.

Nora Pennington, owner of Miracle Book store in Miracle Springs, NC is a bibliotherapist. She recommends the perfect book to her customers to help give them understanding and comfort for whatever is happening in their lives.


Miracle Springs, North Carolina is a fictious small town where people come to from all over to get away from it all. They come to heal mentally and physically and to begin anew. That’s why Nora Pennington came to Miracle Springs after tragedy struck; she needed to heal.

Nora’s bookstore, Miracle Book is a tourist attraction, but the locals love to shop there, too. You see, Nora is a bibliotherapist. She recommends the perfect book to her customers that will give them comfort and understanding for whatever is going on in their lives. She becomes friends with three other women with deep, dark secrets of their own and they form the Secret, Book and Scone Society.

As the story unfolds, a past which Nora ran from has come to Miracle Springs. Old wounds have opened up and brings turmoil to her quiet life. When she is accused of murder, she does whatever she must to clear her name.

I love this mystery series. Adam’s storytelling is comfortable and cozy, even when there’s always a murder in the story. I guess it’s because of the way she portrays the characters. They’re all flawed, with deep secrets, but she makes them believable people. They’re supportive and comforting to each other and the community. I like that the romance isn’t a focal point in her stories and when it comes to solving the murders, the characters don’t get in the way.

Paper Cuts was an enchanting reading for me. The story was strong and held my interest from page one to the end. The subplot flowed effortlessly within the story and didn’t miss a beat. Although, Paper Cuts is the sixth installment in the Secret, Book and Scone Society mystery series is can be read as a standalone. Adams has a tendency to add a little flashback in all of her books however, I suggest reading them in order to continue with the author’s growth throughout the series.

Thank you Netgalley and Kensington for an advanced readers copy for a honest review.

An interesting cozy mystery with a bit of a complicated storyline. It all came together at the end, and definitely kept me guessing. Great characters and setting as well. This is the 6th book in the series, but only the second I've read. Looking forward to reading more books in this series.

Many thanks to Kensington Publishing and NetGalley for an advance copy of this book. My thoughts and opinions are my own and without bias or favor or expectation.

I enjoyed this book in the series and look forward to more. I liked the characters and the setting. The mystery kept me guessing.

Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for my eARC in exchange for an honest review.

The sixth in the secret scone society series, this installment gives the reader more of a glimpse into Nora’s past. When someone from Nora’s past is murdered, Nora becomes the prime suspect! It takes all of her wit and strength to prove her innocence, while dodging an unreasonable police officer and a ruthless killer.

Filled with the trademark book references and the cast of friends who provide unconditional support, the story is less about the killer’s identity and more about the cast of players. There is a secondary storyline involving Estella and her father, which intertwines with the main plot. Additionally, we see Nora continue to trust, both her friends and her romantic partner.

Though it could stand alone, it is a better story having read the earlier books in the series. I have read many of Adams’ cozy mysteries and like this one the best, as the plots, besides the murders of course, are realistic.

(I received a copy of this book from NetGalley and have written an objective review)

Loved this book. A lot going on but it was easy to follow and keep up with everything. I love Nora's circle of friends and how they support each other. Fantastic read.

I always like when books or bookstores are incorporated into a mystery. This book even has so.e fun nods to a rare collection of books.

Nora thought she had moved on from her ex, but another one of his wives shows up in town. Nora somehow find herself a main murder suspect.

This book has a nice amateur sleuthing part and unfolds nicely when another murder happens.

The characters were well developed and some of Nora's friends added some nice additions to the plot. The only character that was a bit much was Detective Holloway, she almost gave women a bad name. Being powerful and strong is one thing, but she goes way too far.

Overall a nice cozy mystery that has a twisted cast of suspects.

Thank you to Kensington and Netgalley for providing me a copy of this ARC for my honest review.

Starting Paper Cuts was like coming home after a long time away. Oh how I missed these ladies and the town of Miracle Springs. This book focuses on Nora Pennington and her past more than other books have delved into it, and I loved learning more about her and her ex-husband.
When Nora is the suspect in the murder of the woman he left her for, you know Hester, Estella, June, and Sheldon aren’t going to sit back and let her go to jail for a crime she didn’t commit.

I love the sense of community while reading these books. It makes me want to pack up and move to a cozy little town. The friendship between these characters is the best part of the books though. I just love how close knit and supportive they all are of each other. This is now my favorite in the series, and I can’t wait to see where the next book takes us.

This book is the sixth in The Secret, Book, and Scone Society series. It could be read as a stand-alone, but I highly recommend you read the books in order. It helps with back stories and this series is just so wonderful that you won’t regret it. So grab a scone and a hot cup of tea and cozy up with these mysteries.

Thank you Ellery Adams, Kensington Books, and NetGalley for advanced copies in exchange for my honest review.

I have enjoyed all of the books in this cozy mystery series, with the strong friendships of the women in a small town. In this one, Nora’s past comes back to haunt her and a series of murders happen, pointing to her as a suspect. it’s a complicated story, but quite intriguing. The presence of a young boy with Asperger’s adds another dimension.

Ellery Adams, one of my favorites, continues to impress in Paper Cuts, the latest in the Secret, Book, and Scone Society series. Nora's past comes face to face with her present in this one, and it's tense and intriguing, and, of course, a bit bookish. The community and the friendships Nora has are on display really nicely in this one, and it feels like it furthers everyone's story authentically.

I'm truly enjoying this series and the characters in it. I love the idea of "bibliotherapy," and how there's a book that's suitable for every occasion.

In this installment, Nora finds herself in deep water when her past comes back to haunt her. The woman Nora's husband left her for has come to town, and their lives become intertwined in more ways than one.

Of course, the rest of the Secret, Book and Scone Society have their own challenges to face as well during this time. But they've always got one another to see them through, and I love that about this series. It's a tight-knit community that looks after its own in times of need, and exactly the kind of town that makes the world a better place to live in.

Thank you to Ellery Adams, Kensington Books, and NetGalley for an advance review copy.

I really loved this book in a new to my series and author. I can't wait to read the next one. The characters and location really add to the plot. This book keeps you guessing until the end

This is my first in this series and I think you need to have read at least some of the others to get the most out of this. Everyone has so much backstory and some of it is hard to empathise with given some of their behaviours. Mix into that a mystery that feels very complicated and although it is solved it isn’t the most satisfactory resolution and it adds up to something that didn’t really work for me. But I think if you already knew and understood the characters and their motivations and challenges it might work for you better.

Dollycas's Thoughts

Secret, Book, and Scone Society Members

Nora, the owner of Miracle Books, tries to heal people's woes with a unique set of books she personally selects for them.

Hester runs the Gingerbread House bakery. Customers tell her a little bit about their lives and what brought them to Miracle Springs. Then she bakes them up a “comfort scone”.

June works at the hot springs spa where people come to rejuvenate themselves.

Estella is a beautician who tries to help her clients find their true selves.

Sheldon is an honorary member, he works for Nora and suffers from fibromyalgia. He is just the sweetest person.

Nora Pennington came to Miracle Springs, North Carolina to escape her past. Now a decade later her past catches up with her. The woman her ex-husband left her for, Kelly Walsh has entered her store with her autistic son Tucker who happens to love origami. She tells Nora that Lawrence has dumped her too. She is very ill and wants Nora to forgive her for the drama she brought to her life.

Before Nora can even get a grasp on her feelings Kelly is murdered and when Kelly's brother claims he witnessed the two women arguing and that Nora gave Kelly a push Nora finds herself on the short list of suspects.

To clear her name and get justice for Kelly The Secret, Book, and Scone Society starts their own investigation. This is even more important when Nora's significant other, Sheriff Grant McCabe is forced off the case.

There is another happening in Miracle Springs, Estella’s father has been released from prison after 20 years. Like Nora, his past rears its ugly head, and if he isn't careful he could be back behind bars.

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If you have read any of Ellery Adams' books you know she creates vivid and diverse characters and that friendship between the key players is always strong. The friendships of the characters in the Secret, Book, and Scone Society Mystery series are no exception. They work and play well together in everything they do and when one is in trouble they rally together to protect their own.

Each book in the series also has relevant social issues. This time that includes an autistic child learning to make his way in the world who now also has to deal with losing his mother. Adams also shines a light on a man trying to reacclimate to life out in the world after being imprisoned for two decades. Both characters are involved throughout the whole story so these themes are delved into and handled in the most excellent way. Tucker is such a cool kid and Gus went to jail for protecting his daughter and she is so supportive of him as he becomes a new resident of Miracle Springs. I hope both continue to appear in the books going forward.

With Nora's past a theme in this book readers are reminded of why she came to Miracle Springs and have an even better understanding as we meet her ex. Sadly for Nora, she relives the moment of the accident and the aftermath again. She still feels the pain not only from the visual scars but in her heart. While I always encourage everyone to read series books in order to really get to know the characters, if you haven't read previous books the details presented in this book will help you understand Nora. I am always in awe of the woman and her gift to help people through books. Ms. Adams must do tons of research to enable her protagonist to do this.

The murder mystery was so well-plotted. It was hard because Grant and Nora had to keep their distance even when she became a target. Detective Hollowell made things even harder. No spoilers but she pushed my buttons and Nora's too. The mystery has a lot of moving parts and several twists. I enjoyed how all the subplots were twisted into the main plot. It was easy to escape right into the story.

As a cancer survivor, my heart broke for Kelly. She knew she had very little time left and was trying to get everything in place for young Tucker. Trying to explain to him what was happening to her and that she would soon be gone but that he would be cared for is unfathomable and then the murderer took what little time they had away from them. That made this an emotional read for me.

Paper Cuts, what a perfect title, is a wonderful cozy mystery filled with incredible characters. I love this series and can't wait until next April when I will get to visit Miracle Springs again.