“Entertaining…packed with mystery, romance, and sisterhood.” —Kirkus Reviews New York Times bestselling author Ellery Adams is back with the latest in her acclaimed Secret, Book, and Scone Society series. Local bookstore owner Nora Pennington is back on the case in Miracle Springs, North Carolina when an accidental death turns out to be something much more sinister… something much more sinister…
Nora Pennington is known for her window displays, and as Halloween approaches, she decides to showcase fictional heroines like Roald Dahl’s Matilda and Madeline Miller’s Circe. A family-values group disapproves of the magical themes, though, and wastes no time launching a modern-day witch hunt. Suddenly, former friends and customers are targeting not only Nora and Miracle Books, but a new shopkeeper, Celeste, who’s been selling CBD oil products.
Nora and her friends in the Secret, Book, and Scone Society are doing their best to put an end to the strife—but then someone puts an end to a life. Though the death is declared an accident, the ruling can’t explain the old book page covered with strange symbols and disturbing drawings left under Nora’s doormat, a postcard from an anonymous stalker, or multiple cases of vandalism.
The only hope is that Nora can be a heroine herself and lead the Secret, Book, and Scone Society in a successful investigation—before more bodies turn up and the secrets from Celeste’s past come back to haunt them all . . .
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“Ink and Shadows ” the 5th instalment in the “The Secret, Book & Scone Society” Mystery series by Ellery Adams. This book can be read as a standalone but I highly recommend you read in order to get the full background.
I really enjoy this series, I like how each of the four women have their own unique quality that they bring to the table as well as how they are right there to help each other out as well as a new comer to their community. As a fellow chronic pain suffer I also like how Ms. Adams portrays Sheldon with respect and dignity.
The setting of Miracle Springs sounds beautiful and I would love to visit somewhere like it on vacation and wander into a bookstore like Nora’s. Who wouldn’t want to sit look at all the books, just relax in the peaceful atmosphere.
The mystery is interesting and well plotted, with two murders to solve. I liked that herbalism, and other natural remedies took part in the story, I also found the symbolism of the statue empowering as Cecilia says broken things are still beautiful.
I highly recommend this series to all my mystery loving friends.
I requested and received an advance reader copy of this book from Kensington Books and Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I don’t usually give raving 5-star reviews. It’s just not my nature. 5-star books must be very special. What I write here amidst who knows how many reviews doesn’t really matter. So many people love Ellery Adams that I’m not even sure anyone will see it. But somehow, I just feel better about writing down my feelings. This series is the kind that when you sit down and turn on your Kindle or open your hard cover, it’s like you’re settling in. As if you curled up with a soft quilt and someone brought coffee. You feel calm and you know you’re not going to stop reading for a long time.
If you like to read, if you have a love of books or even if you want to hear names of books you might like to read, this is the place. Much humor is woven in this mystery of books. There are all sorts of emotions woven in the pages of titles mentioned and there in the middle is a delightful cozy story to read. A story of festivals, bookshops, a village of people you might know from previous books. It’s like you live there.
I want a hug from Sheldon. Good grief, Ellery Adams wrote this part so well even I felt comforted by his hugs. I want some of the delicious food that the society of friends shared. I want the next book in the series!
The story spoke about friendship,family that we create, loyalty, and the love of books. This author has a way of writing that speaks for us booklovers. Some passages had me chewing on how well she explained what books are. There were so many issues within this book that she touched upon that are great for book clubs and discussions. I loved this book.
Ink and Shadows is the fourth installment of The Secret, Book, and Scone Society series written by Ellery Adams. I look forward to each book in this series as it feels like I’m going on a nice (although too short) visit with friends. I love how Adams creates characters; they are all flawed yet friendly, diverse yet familiar. In this book we get to see a darker side of the town: a group of women has formed and they are protesting the newest store (a CBD supplier), Nora’s beloved bookshop, and others that were mentioned, but their problems from the group were not focused on as much as the first two businesses that I listed.
What I especially love about this series is the realism. A lot of cozy mysteries that I’ve read feel idyllic to the point of not being realistic. Despite the occasional murder, everyone is so kind to each other, there are no pressing life issues, etc. However, in this series, Adams introduces real-life issues like intolerance, racism, chronic illness, and making mistakes in life that can have long-lasting effects. The characters in this series continue to lean on each other as needed and they all continue to grow along with their friendship.
Overall, Adams has written yet another intriguing mystery and a very enjoyable read. I am always sad that I read her books so quickly and have to wait so long between books.
I could not wait to return to Miracle Springs, walk through the doors of Miracle Books, grab a book shaped pastry ;lovingly baked by Hester & sneak the latest Ellery Adams – Ink and Shadows off the shelf and never leave. Sigh….it is such a wonderful little town to visit; transported by the words and imagination of Ellery Adams who, “Book by beautiful book, gives us so many reasons to snuggle in and get cozy with not only each and every one of her own novels, but through her stories she opens our book bags and fills them with fabulous book recommendations for every occasion. Ink and Shadows is the fourth novel in this series and every bit as amazing as the first three. On the surface, each book in this series is a murder mystery, but underneath as the pages turn the story becomes so much more. Rich in unexpected friendships, sweetened with a bit of romance, the novel is woven together with a sense of hope, a palpable feeling of belonging and most importantly, as Celeste reminds us in the beginning of Ink and Shadows, ”Broken things are still beautiful. If you haven’t had a chance to read one of Ellery Adams books, A Secret, Book, and Scone Society Novel is the place to start!
This is my first time reading this series. I didn’t have any trouble following along but I do think I would enjoy reading the earlier books in the series. This was a good mystery with interesting characters. I loved the setting of the bookstore and how Nora, the owner, paired books with readers. I also enjoyed the supporting characters and their relationships. I especially enjoyed all of the book references and the descriptions of the displays etc. Very good read!
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher and voluntarily chose to review it.
Read 1.23.2021
Wowsers!
This is hands down my favorite series. I love all my other books/series’, but this is my absolute favorite. There isn’t always a happy ending ]thought the ending is very, very good and very fitting, but I was bawling at the end just as an FYI] and it isn’t always so tidy [though the bad guy gets his and that is always satisfying] and that is why I absolutely love these. The characters are human, imperfect and exactly who I’d want as friends. I love them and the town they live in and the people they collect. Sheldon coming in the last book just reinforced that and the addition of Celeste and Bren and the three teen readers [especially Vicky] and people who aren’t afraid to have their opinions changed [for the better] when they realize they are wrong is what small-town living is all about [there is always good with bad no matter where you live, but small town living is unique unto itself and unless you have experienced it, you will not fully understand what I am saying] and that kind of story-line just make these books even better. Life is messy and sticky and so are the characters in these books. And that makes them absolutely perfect. Even if they do leave you with massive book hangover. And trust me, you WILL have massive book hangover.
Well done Ms. Adams. Well. Done.
Thank you to Ellery Adams, NetGalley and Kensington Books for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I am never disappointed in an Ellery Adam’s book. Entertainingly well written with suspense, laughs, and a group of oddball amateur sleuths. Great read for a dreary day snuggled in a blanket with a hot cup of tea.
I received an ebook ARC from NetGalley and this is my voluntary, honest review.
It’s autumn in Miracle Springs, and Miracle Bookstore owner Nora Pennington is loving the season. In preparation or local festivals and the Halloween season she does one of her famous window displays showcasing fictional heroes and showing that fictional female characters can be heroes and inspire young women. But a local family values group doesn’t like her message, and ask her to take it down. When she refuses they go on a modern day witch hunt, targeting not only Nora but two other businesses, including a new shopkeeper, Celeste and her daughter Bren, who run Soothe, which sells CBD oil products.
But Nora and the other shopkeepers are having to now deal with vandalism, and then, to Nora’s horror, Bren is found dead near her house. Though the death is declared an accident, the ruling can’t explain the old book page covered with strange symbols and disturbing drawings left under Nora’s doormat, a postcard from an anonymous stalker, or multiple cases of vandalism.
But Nora and the Secret, Book, and Scone Society is not so sure about the ruling, especially when secrets from Celeste’s past come to haunt them all. The ladies of the Secret, Book & Scone Society know about secrets, and they are ready to work together to get to the bottom of things, and keep Celeste safe.
This is an incredible addition to the Secret, Book & Scone Society series. I loved this book from page one until the last page. Ms. Adams handles topics like censorship and bullying so expertly that I felt I was right there with the characters, experiencing the same emotions. Ms. Adams also captures the feelings of people who deal with chronic pain in the character of Sheldon, who is fast becoming one of my favorites in the series.
As the story unfolded I couldn’t swipe left fast enough. By the time I got to the final page I didn’t want the book to end, so I reread the last chapter, and will probably do so again. The ladies of the Secret, Book & Scone Society have become my friends over the course of four books. I hope there are many, many more to come.
I read a digital ARC of this book provided to me by the publisher through NetGalley.
In this next book of the series we find Nora picturing her new window display and the strong women at the forefront. Once the display is up Nora couldn’t be happier that is until a family values group makes a stink about some of the subjects in the window. Anything they feel is remotely magical or cult like they disapprove of and want gone, which happens to include other stores not just her bookstore. Nora and her friends are doing all they can to settle the other shopkeepers and figure out a way to quiet the disapproving group. When a death occurs the police declare it accidental but Nora doesn’t believe that to be true. She gathers the group together in hopes of putting the pieces together to figure out what is truly going on. It doesn’t help that other bad things are going on, several cases of vandalism, strange pictures on Nora’s doorstep, and a stalker leaving notes. The ladies know that they must figure out just what is going on and who is behind it all before someone else ends up dead! I love this series and the emotions it brings forth throughout the read. The characters are unique and easy to connect with making the read that much more relatable.
Absolutely fabulous addition to the series. Author does a great job recapping some of the important things in the characters background so you do not feel lost, but I do highly recommend reading the others. The characters in this series are well rounded, and ones you take into your heart, and feel like they are old friends. You care about them, and what happens to them. The mystery is woven well, and you keep turning the page to find out what happens, but for this author, the characters are what makes you want to read more.
Ink and Shadows by Ellery Adams is another in the series, Secret, Book, and Scone Society. Nora has a lot to deal with in this episode: murders, a campaign against the evil of her store, a breakup with Jed, and both new and old friends. As always, it is part mystery, part women’s fiction. They all have secrets but some days Nora lets hers rule her life. She offered friendship to a young woman, new to town and hours later finds her dead, almost on her own doorstep. And oddly, a slip of paper, old, covered with odd writing, stuck under her doormat. Then, within a couple of days she sees someone defacing the rear door of Celeste’s shop, and enters the shop and then the apartment, to find Celeste in the throes of death. It was all too much. Could McCabe sort it out? Or would it be up to her and her friends?
This book pulls at the heartstrings. So much sadness. Nora, as always, is right in the middle of it. Because it was the right thing to do, she put the sheriff in touch with someone from her previous life: an expert to analyze the slip of paper and send them in the right direction. When she showed up at the bookstore, it was one thing too many. Nora slammed the door and collapsed. There is always a lot going on in this series but this book was so emotional, so moving. Fabulous! Seeing Bobbie forced Nora to deal a little more with her past. An important step in her healing. I can’t say enough good things about this book.
I was invited to read a free ARC of Ink and Shadows by Netgalley. All opinions contained herein are solely my own. #netgalley #inkandshadows
I am loving this series. Nora, Hester, June and Estella, what would they do without each other? I love how they are there for each other. And we can’t forget Sheldon! In this book we meet Celeste and Bren. They have a story to tell. We also meet some very judgmental ladies, who might be like some folks you know. The story line is great and I love the characters. I can’t wait till my next trip to Miracle Springs. I received this book from Net Galley, but my opinion is my own.
I love this series so much! All of the book references, and at the end, the book lists. Learning more about the Secret, Book, & Scone Society members and how much they care for each other and other people. And, of course, the intrigue and whodunit. You must read this series, if you haven’t started it already!
Ink And Shadows is the fourth book in the Secret, Book, and Scone Society series by Ellery Adams.
Nora Pennington and the Secret, Book, and Scone Society members hope to help someone deal with their secret once again.
Celeste and her daughter, Bren, have just opened their new shop, Soothe, where Celeste sells herbal products, natural lotions, homemade soaps, CBD oils, and Bren selling her handmade jewelry. Nora stops in to welcome them to Miracle Springs and to see what they have so that she might steer customers of her bookstore to their store. When Nora returns to Miracle Books, she finds a group of women whose intent is to restore high morals to Miracle Springs. They are protesting Nora’s bookstore because of her bookstore’s window display of books displaying fictional heroines and magical themes. The group is also opposing the sale of CBD oils.
One evening, as Nora headed back to her store, she came upon Wren, becoming violently ill. Nora stops and tries to give help to Wren, but she declines any help. That evening, after closing her bookstore, Nora heads for home. When she arrives, she finds a piece of paper that had strange symbols and words on it. Nora feels sure that Wren has left the paper, and when she looks around her yard, she finds the dead body of Wren.
Having a working relationship with the police department, Nora offers to contact her college schoolmate, Bobbie, to see if Bobbie can explain the symbols’ meaning. In the meantime, Nora and her Society friends will attempt to find the killer.
I found the book informative, as well as well-written and plotted. The characters are well-developed and believable. Who wouldn’t love calling them friends and also be able to live in this engaging community? I particularly enjoy the character Sheldon. Sheldon has health issues that hamper his getting around, but he always has a smile and is eager to help customers find the right book. I’m hopeful now that Nora has reconnected with Bobbie, we will see more of her in future books.
I am anxiously awaiting the next book in this series.
Through her characters, Ms. Adams displays exceptional grace to those who wrong others. Her writing is characterized by compassion- she touches on social issues in ways that seek to understand the marginalized and the victims, but also the villains of her stories.
Ink and Shadows centers on four women who have grown close over their time in Miracle Springs; through their individual talents they uplift their community and do what they can to protect the core values of the small town: community, friendship, and protecting each other.
When newcomers Celeste and Bren are targeted by the local busy-bodies, the Secret, Book, and Scone society gals offer their trademark friendship to rally around them.
Mystery, secrets, and scars from the past are ever-present in the newest installment – and, of course, book-lovers will take extra delight in seeing what Nora and Sheldon are up to at Miracle Books. Ellery Adams doesn’t disappoint this cozy mystery fan!
INK AND SHADOWS is the superb fourth installment in the fantastic Secret, Book, & Scone Society series. It is a unique cozy mystery/women’s fiction mashup that focuses on the compassion, friendship, and strength of flawed, complex characters with an emphasis on timely issues. And, of course, there are murders to be solved. This book feels a bit darker than the previous entries with mentions of the occult, and though all of the society members are featured, this story focuses on Nora and her dealings with a “family values” group and dedication to identifying the killer of town newcomers.
Author Ellery Adams never ceases to amaze me with her writing. Readers can see the thoughtfulness and care that goes into her novels. Her love of the written word shines through her protagonist Nora, a former librarian and owner of the local bookshop (in the back of the book, there is a wonderful list of books mentioned throughout the story).
I always adore my time spent with the ladies of the Secret, Book, & Scone Society, and INK AND SHADOWS is no exception. Highly recommended!
I received an ARC of this title from the author and Kensington Books and voluntarily shared my thoughts here.
Ink and Shadows by Ellery Adams is book 4 in the A Secret, Book, and Scone Society Novel. This is the first one I have read. Being a fan of other series by Ms. Adams, I thought I would try this series and am so glad I did.
It is set in Miracle Springs, North Carolina and focuses Nora the bookstore owner and her close friends. A newcomer, Celeste, has moved into the store front along with her adult daughter and Nora is picking up they have brought secrets with them. When Nora finds the daughter dead, she wants to find out why and who. The society starts an investigation on their own. When Celeste is murdered, Nora is bound and dtermined to get to the bottom and put away the killer, even if it means putting herself in danger.
This Cozy is a little on the dark side but I did not want to put it down. There were plot twists and turns. The characters are likeable and relatable. There is a bit of romance.
I was given an ARC by Kensington via NetGalley for an honest review.
I received a free physical copy of this book from the author for an honest review.
This is the 4th book in the Secret Book and Scone Society, and it is easily the BEST.
The writing is rich and the mystery is multi-layered. I love how the author takes you through the gamut of emotions in these books. I love the flawled but likeable characters she creates.
I would love to be able to visit Nora and her bookshop to see what book she would recommend to me. The laughter and friendships the gang has always brings me back for more. I can’t wait for the next one!
Nora Pennington, a bookstore owner, is redoing the shop window for the Halloween season. She is moving away from the traditional display and is going for strong women characters. The display causes some turmoil in the community as some don’t believe what these characters stand for. They protest against the bookstore and a new store Soothe. The owner of Soothe and her daughter have recently moved to the community and sell products using CBD oils. They are friendly but closed as to their past ties. When the daughter is found dead outside Nora’s home, Nora has to fight for not only her store but the killer.
I enjoyed this story. I had not read this series before; however, I thoroughly enjoyed the members of the Secret, Book, and Scone Society.