Invasive Species by Ellery Adams

Invasive Species

Book Summary

The women in Cold Harbor all have something to prove, and they'll have to do it in a world full of monsters.

Something’s not right in Cold Harbor—more so than usual. While this sleepy small town has seen its fair share of monsters in cheating husbands and leering bosses, none are as hungry as Mrs. Smith. The mysterious resident has finally emerged from her crumbling mansion on the hill, mesmerizing the townspeople with her beauty. Her secret? Nine human sacrifices to feed her immortality.

Natalie Scott is more worried about Mrs. Smith blocking her first real estate sale—the one that will take her from stay-at-home mom to working woman extraordinaire. She's eager to prove herself in a world where the social mores of 1980s suburbia reign, where she's expected to keep a magazine-perfect home and raise beautiful children, all while sticking to her husband's budget. Natalie's two best friends are facing their own demons, and Mrs. Smith and her deep, dark woods are an easy scapegoat for everyone's problems.

But Natalie's twelve-year-old daughter, Jill, and her Icelandic housekeeper, Una, can sense something deeper at play. Armed with library books and a whole lot of grit, Jill and Una team up to save the town once and for all. But as the rest of Cold Harbor sinks into anger, fear, and jealousy, they’ll have to confront the question: What does it really mean to be a monster?

My Thoughts

Invasive Species by Ellery Adams is a departure from the author’s charming cozy mysteries.   Invasive Species is a unique blend of several genres into one engaging story.  It is an amusing story that will have you laughing often.   The multiple POV enhanced the story (added another layer to it).  The book is reminiscent of classic eighties science fiction films (had a bit of humor, horror, suspense, paranormal).  You cannot help but love a story that has you cringing one minute and laughing the next.  Invasive Species provided an enjoyable escape from everyday routines.

Invasive Species can be obtained from Amazon*.  You can find Ellery Adams' other novels here.  Ellery Adams has The Liars' Book Club coming out October 27.  It is the ninth A Secret, Book, and Scone Society Novel.  

Thank you for joining me today.  I will be sharing my thoughts of The Lost Story of Via Belle by Melanie Dobson on Thursday, April 16.  I am still working on our storage shed.  I did not realize that I owned so many inflatables.  I am getting them sorted (by holiday), rolled tightly, and stored into storage totes (making sure they are labeled). We also have more Christmas decorations than I realized (my mother's favorite holiday).  I am trying to get all the outdoor projects done before the 90 degree weather hits.  I am currently reading A Child to Bind Them by Donna Gartshore. This is one of the great books coming out at the end of the month.  I hope that you have a wonderful Wednesday.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.  I am not required to leave a review.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.

*This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase using my links, I will receive a small commission from the sale at no cost to you.  Thank you for supporting The Avid Reader.

Paper Cuts by Ellery Adams

 Paper Cuts

Book Summary

The New York Times bestselling author returns with a mystery with a touch of magical realism and a strong, female bookstore owner and bibliotherapist at its heart.

Miracle Springs, North Carolina, is famed for its healing springs. But bookstore owner Nora Pennington has a tendency to land in a different kind of hot water. Though she loves to practice bibliotherapy by finding the perfect books for her customers while listening to their secrets, she also likes to bury her nose in the occasional local crime…

Nora 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 it turns out, she’s 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.

 

In seeking justice for Kelly, The Secret, Book, and Scone Society join forces with the sheriff’s department, 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.

My Thoughts

Paper Cuts by Ellery Adams is an engaging story.  I always enjoy returning to Miracle Springs, North Carolina.   I thought Paper Cuts was well-written with realistic, developed characters.  Nora Pennington has a special bookstore.  I love the atmosphere.  Sheldon creates a delightful story time for kids.  I appreciate that Ellery Adams created a character who has fibromyalgia.  It allows people to see that it is not a fake disease.  It is painful and debilitating.  I was surprised by Nora’s reaction when she realizes Kelly Walsh is the woman for whom her ex-husband left her.  I was hoping that the mature Nora would manage the situation differently, especially after what happened in the past.  We get to catch up with all the ladies (Nora, Estella, June, and Hester) in the Secret, Book, and Scone Society.  

The mystery was interesting.  Nora becomes the top suspect much to her dismay.  The newest addition to the police department, K9 Handler Paula Hollowell seems to have it out for Nora.  Nora’s beau, Sheriff Grant McCabe is forced to take a backseat on the investigation, and he needs to stay away from Nora (just when she could use his comforting presence).  Nora’s friends are there for her and gather helpful intel.  The whodunit was fun to solve.  I felt bad for Kelly’s sweet son, Tucker, who loves origami.  Estella Sadler’s father is being released from prison.  Estella is excited, but she is also worried.  She hopes her father will have an easy time reintegrating into society.  I enjoyed the literary quotes at the beginning of each chapter.  I also liked the books and authors mentioned throughout the story (and the bibliotherapy and books lists at the end).  There is humor sprinkled throughout the story that had me chuckling.   Paper Cuts is the sixth A Secret, Book, and Scone Society novel.  It can be read as a standalone, but you will miss getting to know the characters (their background, how their friendship forms).  Paper Cuts is my favorite book in the series.  The author crafted a special story with good friends, a clever mystery, humor, good food, scrumptious coffee, and books galore.  Paper Cuts is a captivating tale with a blast from the past, a beautiful blossom, an annoying K9 officer, a caboose for an abode, glitter galore, and a killer to catch.  

Paper Cuts is available from Amazon*.  You can find A Secret, Book, and Scone Society novels here.  Check out Ellery Adams other delightful books.  Ellery Adams has Murder in the Book Lover's Loft coming out July 25.  It is the ninth A Book Lover Mystery (a series for bibliophiles and cozy mystery readers).  Here are a few books that were released today:  Their Amish Secret by Patricia Johns, Poaching is Puzzling by Daryl Wood Gerber, Her Amish Patchwork Family by Winnie Griggs, Dedication to Murder by Lauren Elliott, The Weaving of Life by Linda Byler, Mother of the Bride Murder by Leslie Meier, Ashes to Ashes Crust to Crust by Mindy Quigley, Crime Scene Witness by Dana R. Lynn, and Courage in the Storm by Laurel Blount.  Thank you for joining me today.  Tomorrow I am featuring Courage in the Storm by Laurel Blount.  It is the third A Johns Mill Amish Romance.  I hope that you have a happy day.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

*This post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.