Thank you Netgalley and Kensington Books for the chance to read an advance copy of Paper cuts by Ellery Adams. This is the 6th book in the Secret, Book and Scone Society series and I couldn't put it down! This is my favourite series of all her cozy mystery series. Paper cuts fills in Nora's story, as well as the other women in the bookclub. Each of the four women have a secret which let them bond as friends. Nora uses Biblotherapy to help the customers who come in to her book store -- finding out what they need and then recommending both fiction and non-fiction books. She has a real knack for it. These titles are included at the end of the book in case readers are interested. I totally recommend not only this book, but the entire series!

Thank you to the author, Ellery Adams, and publishers Kensington Cozies and Kensington Books, for the advance digital copy of PAPER CUTS.

Nora lives in a small town in North Carolina known for healing, and she herself operates a small bookstore which she runs on the the premise of bibliotherapy-- recommending the right books for people's needs, to help them heal, if necessary. (This is a real thing, bibliotherapy; my psychiatrist and therapist both have practiced this with me and it is very effective in my treatments.) Nora is also a secret collector and keeper, as is natural in the course of her efforts, which makes her useful in strange situations-- like when one of her customers turns up murdered. She naturally must help with the investigation; she can't resist. But she also looks like a target-- to the people who have something to hide, and to the people looking for an explanation, and dating the Sheriff does her no favors. How will she clear her name and protect herself and the other people at risk?

I decided to request this book from NetGalley because I read another of Adams's books and didn't favor it, as such. But I really believe in giving authors second chances! And I'm so glad I did here, this was a fun, exciting, bemusing mystery. The tone and narrative voice were just right, eager and bookish, but still serious. Not quite as "cozy" as the other book I read! I really enjoyed this book.

I thought the climax needed a little more, since it was simply delivered in a conversation between two protagonists. The denouement was more exciting than the climax, but it was still fun; the pacing was just a little off.

My favorite thing about PAPER CUTS is the character Gus, who is an ex-offender. I love when writers use their platforms to draw attention to important issues, and the challenges faced by ex-offenders to find work and restart their lives, and even how often they are roped into scams, is worthy of page space. Thank you Ms. Adams for writing Gus's story.

PAPER CUTS is technically the 6th book in the "A Secret, Book, and Scone Society" series, but it stood well on its own. I look forward to reading more from this series!

Rating: 🥐🥐🥐🥐.5 / 5 baked goods
Recommend? Absolutely
Finished: March 4 2023
Read this if you like:
📖 Bookish books
🔍 Amateur detectives
🕵‍♀️ Cozy mysteries
🏘 Small towns

Paper Cuts is the 6th book in The Secret, Book, and Scone Society series. It’s a cozy mystery series set in the cutest town in western NC. I love this town, the characters, and the friendships. It truly epitomizes a cozy read!

I really enjoyed this story. I loved the new characters and enjoyed the whole book. I definitely recommend this series for cozy mystery fans!

Paper Cuts by Ellery Adams is book #6 in the Secret, Book. & Scone Society Mystery series. The book club members have a difficult case on their hands this time around. Add in personal changes for some members and you've got a fascinating cozy mystery to read here. The characters are well-developed and very likable, well most of them are likable. The main character, amateur sleuth Nora Pennington, has a hard time in this book. I admire her courage, dedication and care. I was quite satisfied with how everything worked out in the end and I look forward to the next book in the series.

The secret book and scone society never fails! I loved this newest addition to the series - the characters only get richer and the throw-back family connections in this book really added a new element to this always-charming cozy mystery series

Reading this series feels like spending time with close friends. I adore the friendship between Nora, June, Estella and Hester. Their support of each other and their loyalty is what everyone wants in friendship.

This is book 6 in the Secret, Book & Scone Society series. the past comes back to haunt Nora. One of her ex-husband's ex-wives moves to Miracle Springs and is very sick with a terminal illness and she wants Nora's forgiveness. Then she becomes a murder victim and people are looking at Nora as the most likely suspect. Could Nora have done this? Other things are happening too - Estella's father just got out of prison after 21 years and has moved in with Estella. There's an issue with land for a Casino between the Cherokee who want to own it and a developer who thinks he should have it. What is really happening in Miracle Springs, North Carolina?

I love this series and have been following it and another by Ellery Adams. Her cozy myteries are for curling up and geting lost in time - and that's just what I did. This was a really good one and I stayed totally engrossed in the story.

Thanks to Kensington Books through Netgalley for an advance copy. This book will be published on April 25, 2023.

I love the "Secret, Book, & Scone Society" series because it has a bit more depth than a lot of cozy mysteries. The group of four strong women in this series have each overcome tragedy in their lives and are committed to comforting and encouraging others in similar situations. Each has a special talent to add to the group. In this episode, Nora (the bookseller) comes face to face with her past in the form of her ex-husband's son and his mother, who is dying. As she learns more about them, she comes to realize that they are victims, too. In particular, the young boy, who has Asberger syndrome, has to deal with losing his mother.

The book has a solid mystery story line, but the addition of the neurodiversity story makes it even more special because it gives the reader a better understanding of the unique behavior of this young boy. As always, the recurring characters are unique and strong, but this time I also appreciated the depth in the new characters. I've already recommended this book to several people. A great read!

After fleeing from a troubled marriage and a horrible accident, Nora Pennington is finally enjoying life in the small town of Miracle Springs. She has a thriving business, a loving partner, and a group of supportive friends. Her troubled past is behind her...or is it?

In the sixth installment of the Secret, Book and Scone Society series, Nora's previous life collides with the present and finds her at the center of a murder investigation involving the "other woman" who broke up her marriage.

Nora Pennington escaped her past a decade ago. So it feels like a visit from another world when Kelly Walsh—the woman her ex-husband left her for—walks through the door of Miracle Books along with her son, a sweet, serious boy with a talent for origami. Kelly hasn’t come to gloat, though. As she been dumped too. She’s also terribly ill, and all she wants from Nora is forgiveness. Shockingly, however, this woman who’s been the victim of so much misfortune is about to become a murder victim. Who would do such a thing? Certainly not Nora, but that doesn’t stop the gossip and suspicion—especially after Kelly’s brother claims that he saw the two women arguing. The Secret, Book, and Scone Society joins forces with the sheriff’s department to find Kelly's murderer, but they’ve barely begun their probe when life throws another wrench. After serving a twenty-year sentence, Estella’s father returns to Miracle Springs. And when his past comes back to haunt him, it might be more than the four friends can handle.

I have read all the books in this series and each one is better than the last. The author continues to develop the characters with each book. I love the other series that the author has written and have read all of the Books by the Bay series and the Book Retreat series, all very different and excellently written. I highly recommend this series along with just about anything this author has written. Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for granting my request to read this book.

Nora Pennington is a bibliotherapist in quaint Miracle Springs, NC, where people come to partake of the healing hot springs. Nora has escaped her past and built a new life there, and she has a bookstore and loving, supportive friends. However, the woman Nora's husband left her for is about to walk into her store. Kelly is seriously ill and wants to apologize to Nora; their mutual ex has left Kelly and their son. Nora is rocked to her core, and the two have a public scene due to Nora's shock. When Kelly is murdered, suspicion turns to Nora, who must prove her innocence.  

Cozy mystery readers are going to love this! I did! It's a very well-written, well-paced, and well-plotted whodunnit, with danger and some mild suspense. Adams always delivers a solid mystery!

And anyone thinking about trying a cozy should pick this one up, too, as it has lots of cross-over appeal. Adams writes inclusive stories with well-rounded characters, and her books touch on weightier topics. For example, one of the characters in this one is re-entering society after serving time in prison. The core friend group's lives, secrets, relationships, and emotional journeys are at the heart of the series and as big a part of the books as the investigations. A few of the scenes were so moving that I teared up, which I was not expecting in a murder mystery, but I am that invested in the characters. Highly recommended and an excellent addition to the series! 

Thank you to NetGalley, Ellery Adams and Kensington Press for the gifted ARC!

Book Title: Paper Cuts
Author: Ellery Adams
Series: Secret Books and Scone Society #6
Publisher: Kensington Books -Kensington Cozies
Genre: Mystery Thriller
Pub Date: April 25, 2023
My Rating: 3.7 rounded up

This is #6 in the Secret, Book, & Scone Society series. I read #4 "Ink and Shadows" and loved it!
Nora Pennington is a local bookstore owner of Miracle Books in in Miracle Springs, North Carolina. Love that name had to look it up! (No Miracle Springs, NC but there is a Miracle Springs Resort here in California!)

She moved to Miracle Springs, NC a few years ago and opened a bookstore in an old train depot that is has always been a favorite spot in the community. The bookstore serves tea and coffee with names such as "Agatha Christie Tea." As well as "book pastries" that every bibliophile wants. Additionally is known for her awesome window displays.

Nora Pennington s a Biblotherapist (one who treatment that uses substances from living organism to treat disease.); she knows instinctively what books people need. It is her special gift and how she secretly is able to help.

Nora has a wonderful employee who has’ Fibromyalgia’ (Fibromyalgia is a chronic rheumatic condition that affects various muscles and other soft tissue).

Although I enjoyed this I was doing some ‘catch up since I only read one other in this series.
.
Love the characters and trust me the end of the book is GREAT!

There is: -
Paper Cuts: A Secret, Book, and Scone Society Mystery Reader’s Guide”!
Even if you aren’t a book group you will enjoy the thoughtful questions.
Next are the pages of
‘Bibliotherapy& Book Lists from Paper Cuts
Aa list of the books such as -
• Books for Young Origami Lovers
• Novels Featuring Chronic Illness
• Books for Job Seekers
• Select Novels in Virginia Lover’s Collection
• Second Chance/Alpha Male Romance
• Novels in Bees Display


Want to thank NetGalley and Kensington Books for this early eGalley.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for April 25, 2023

Unlike the other books in this series, I felt that Paper Cuts was a little slow starting. We meet the newest residents in Miracle Springs: Val and Kirk; and Kelly and her son Tucker. Shortly after we meet these four individuals, one of them is found murdered and that's when the story takes off. Nora becomes a "person of interest" to the police after witness statements identify her as a suspect. Determined to discover the true identity and motive of the murderer, Nora, Estella, Hester, and June start their own investigation. However, they are stymied when a second murder takes place. What's going on? Eventually, all is revealed and it is a rather convoluted plot involving more deaths, a proposed casino, money, and an inheritance.

Of note, there are several characters who had previously been briefly mentioned in earlier novels in this series and they are now presented in more detail. It is clear that some of them will become regulars.

I enjoyed getting to learn more backstory of those characters who have carried over from book to book in this series and also seeing Nora continue to grow as a strong character. As an avid reader myself, I was thrilled to see how many of the books Nora promotes at Miracle Books that I personally have read.

While Paper Cuts can be read as a standalone novel, it is much more meaningful to have read the previous books. This is a mystery series with a human touch and I look forward to reading more about Nora, Estella, Hester, June, and the community of Miracle Springs.

Things I loved:

Secret, Book, and Scone Society always has a drink and food that goes with their book pick of the month

The festivals in the town

Nora’s tiny home and bookstore

McCabe

Tucker

Origami flowers and bees

The friendship between the ladies extends to Estella’s dad fresh out of prison

Karma came back for Lawrence. It was superb.



Things I hated:

Hollowell

Lawrence

Umm….that’s it

I love this cozy mystery series! It feels like coming home and reading about all your friends. I love Nora and all her quirky friends. This is sixth in the series but could be stand alone. It feels like an escape when you read about this quant town.

Nora is blessed with amazing friends who have her back. She may be accused of murder but her and her friends are bound and determined to find out who the real killer is.

I love all of the very diverse people in this book. This book would be great for book group opening the door to many interesting discussions. I loved the book and now the hardest part will be waiting for next in series to come out.

The whole series is fantastic!

Once again, the Secret, Book, and Scone Society has an adventure that I didn’t want to miss! After a new family moves to town, Nora is suspect number 1 in a murder. The gang gets together to solve it—and wrap up a lot of loose personal ends on the way.

I just adore this group of women and their friendship. I can imagine Miracle Springs, having spent a TON of time in Western NC with work a few years ago (including spending time at the casino and other places in Cherokee)—so these books are like reading about a good friend at this point. I love the new shop in town—flowers and tea are my things. And I love the new residents—Tucker especially. His reading interests very much align with my 11-year old’s, and we always love to see Origami Yoda get more recognition!

All in, another highly recommended Ellery book!

Nora and the Secret Book and Scone society get involved when a young woman, new to town, is murdered and Nora is arrested. Why does the new police sergeant seem to have it in for Nora? Will anyone figure out the real murderer before anyone else gets hurt? Another great addition to the series.

These books are a book lover's dream. Not only do you get an intriguing mystery with a depth of character throughout, but you get a bibliography and book list, all of which are mentioned in the story, not to mention a reader's guide. And, oh, yes, romance and deep friendships, too. Heck, we even learn a bit about the meaning behind different flowers often gifted.

Ironically, considering that I was slow to warm up to the series, it has become a regular on my "must read" list. The mysteries, and there are frequently more than one, are intriguing, but it's the depth of character that draws me back. No cookie-cutter types here, ie the always happy, bubbly best friend, the always grumpy relative, the....well, you get my drift. These characters are real people with lives, problems, issues, and emotional triggers. I felt like I could almost reach out through virtual space and feel the air vibrating erratically as Nora melts down when past meets present, so to speak. We feel her panic, sense her need to escape, leading to behavior that has ended is disaster before but, phew, not this time. Even as her friends circle about her, you can sense Nora's heaviness, then feel hope as she eventually grabs control back from her angst and fears. It isn't easy, and though I won't detail the plot, we go through several highs and lows with her.

Another plus for the book is its inclusion of a neurodivergent child. Like many who are "different", he has a wonderful talent for origami, which Nora helps nurture. Relationships are complicated but I will note that he seems to have landed safely at the end. Hopefully we'll hear more about him as the series goes on. Another intriguing, albeit somewhat distant character is Deputy Hollowell. We don't know much about her yet but I'm sure more is coming given that she works closely with Nora's cop boyfriend, Grant.

Finally, and I've just touched the surface of this book, one of the quotes at the beginning of each chapter stayed with me. To paraphrase, it reminds us that anger is more damaging to those who harbor it than to those who receive it. It's a Mark Twain quote. Another comment, this time within the story from Grant, notes that justice isn't always complete. Something to ponder as we read and go through life, I'd say.

Thanks #NetGalley and #KensingtonPress - #KensingtonCozies for simply allowing me to have Nora and her family of friends in my life. This series makes me think. True, not always pleasant thoughts, but thinking is important.

There is much to enjoy about Miracle Springs and the latest addition to Ellery Adam's Secret Book & Scone Society series. I would not, however, classify this as a true cozy. There is too much darkness with no examples of humor that stick out to me. That being said it was wonderful to get some more background on Nora and some closure as she establishes herself in a kind and close-knit community. Most satisfying was the continuing and devoted relationship with Sherriff McCabe and a new life soon to be brought into the circle of the Society. I can't imagine where Ellery Adams can go after 'Paper Cuts', but I sincerely hope she continues.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

I've become a fan of this series, after reading the previous book The Vanishing Type. So when I heard about this book, Paper Cuts I just had to request this book.

Ellery Adams did a wonderful job with this book! I really enjoyed this book. The setting, characters, and a mystery made this book a charming, fun, and cozy read. I also enjoy reading, as well as books. Nora (the protagonist) does though a lot in this book, when her past comes calling. Readers will definitely want to cheer for Nora.

What makes this book, along with this series enjoyable is the cast of characters. I felt like I wanted to enjoy a good book, have a pastry, and hang out with these characters. The characters felt like old friends to me, welcoming me back to their town and bookstore.

Included within this book are recommendations from the story for readers to check out

My thanks to Kensington Publishing and NetGallery for a digital copy of this book. Here's to the next book in this wonderful series!

This is the 6th book in the secret book and scone society series and I can say with 100% certainty that I love this and it is one of my absolute favorites in the whole series. Her characters and the setting makes me want to live in North Carolina. She describes it so beautifully. I will have to own this one for sure.