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.

Dying to Sell by Ellery Adams and Tina Radcliffe

 Dying to Sell

Book Summary

Welcome back to Hope Street Church, where friendships are formed, fresh starts are encouraged, and mysteries are solved . . .

When an unscrupulous real estate agent tries to strong-arm a wealthy friend of Grammy Lee’s into selling her stately home, Cooper and her Bible study friends are called in to investigate—before any crime has been committed. Grammy’s fear is that the man is so devious he’ll try to bump off her friend in order to get his hands on the estate. But before Cooper and the gang can do much more than confirm he’s as sketchy as Grammy suspects, someone else takes matters into their own hands and takes the agent out of the picture, permanently.

The Bible study group knows that even the wicked deserve justice, so they continue to investigate, this time to catch a killer. There’s a full roster of service staff heading up their list of suspects, along with the elderly home owner herself. Then Cooper learns that the feds have taken an interest in the case, and suddenly she and her friends begin to worry they’re in real danger. Because nothing about this case is what it seems, and while charity may begin at home, this home is full of secrets that may cost Cooper her life . . .

Includes heavenly recipes from Magnolia Lee’s kitchen!

My Thoughts

Dying to Sell by Ellery Adams and Tina Radcliffe is the ninth A Hope Street Church Mystery.  I believe the best way to read this series is in order, but Dying to Sell can be read as a standalone. This series has great characters.  The characters are realistic and relatable. The cast of characters is not overwhelming. I like how the Bible study group are friends and are there for each other.  I just love Grammy, and I enjoyed learning more about her in this story. I followed Cooper and the gang as they set out to solve the mystery.  There were several suspects to consider.  Cooper and the gang with their varied backgrounds, knowledge, and skill sets make a great sleuthing team.  There is a tense reveal.  

Faith is woven throughout the story. It is central to the character’s lives which I love. Gratitude was the current lesson for the Bible study group, and I enjoyed it as well (I marked some great Bible passages). My favorite line was, “Gratitude is all about recalling all the things God has done in our lives and being thankful.” It is important to remember to thank God in the good times and the bad. There is humor as well as romance.  Despite Cooper’s sleuthing capabilities, she missed some glaring clues as to a special surprise people were working on behind her back. I closed Dying to Sell with a smile on my face.  

Dying to Sell is available from Amazon*.  You can find the other A Hope Street Church Mysteries here.  You can check out Ellery Adams other novels here and Tina Radcliffe's books here. Ellery Adams's has The Tattered Cover coming out October 28.  It is the 8th A Secret, Book, and Scone Society novel. 

This sunflower is in my garden and it is taller than me! It has over 20 buds.

Thank you for joining me today.  I am very happy to say that my carport is almost done.  The men are putting the final touches on it now.  It is an impressive carport (sturdy and long).  Our three season room has a secure roof once again and so does out shed.  The new screened porch looks great.  I no longer need to worry about Dickens, my cat, escaping when I open the door.  With the three major outdoor projects completed, I can now focus on the inside.  I need to get the ceilings repaired in my mother's bedroom and bathroom (from Hurricane Milton--water damage from when the carport was ripped off and water got in). Plus, the whole house needs to be painted inside.  Tomorrow, June 18, I am a stop on the Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours with Homemaker by Ruthie Knox and Anne Mare.  I hope that you have a terrific Tuesday.  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.

Murder in the Book Lover's Loft by Ellery Adams

 Murder in the Book Lover's Loft

Book Summary

The latest novel in the New York Times bestselling Book Retreat mystery series, featuring Virginia resort manager and sleuth Jane Steward.

 

Jane and her fiancé, Edwin, are headed to the North Carolina coast for a much-needed vacation. Their harborside loft has floor-to-ceiling bookcases and breathtaking views, but Jane’s hopes of exploring the town with her man are stymied when Edwin steps on a stingray. Things take an even less romantic turn when Jane stumbles across a dead body . . .

 

Instead of taking leisurely beach strolls, Jane is suddenly on a literary chase through time, unearthing a dark secret in her family tree that threatens all she holds dear back in Storyton. And it’ll take a whole village to help her make amends for the past—and stop a madman bent on exacting justice in the present.

My Thoughts

Murder in the Book Lover’s Loft by Ellery Adams is a delight to read.  We journey back to Storyton Hall in Virginia where Jane Steward is getting ready to go on a vacation with her betrothed, Edwin.  I would love to visit Storyton Hall.  It is a resort for bibliophiles and writers (for anyone who loves and appreciates books).  I thought Murder in the Book Lover’s Loft was well-written with a great cast of characters.  I have enjoyed getting to know Jane, Edwin, the twins, Aunt Octavia, Uncle Aloysius, the staff at Storyton Hall, and the Cover Girls.  I like that the author tied this story in with her A Books by the Bay Mysteries which features Olivia Limoges and her canine companion, Captain Haviland (a black standard poodle).  Jane and Edwin travel to Oyster Bay, North Carolina for a vacation and end up embroiled in a mystery.  It is a well-plotted mystery.  There are several suspects because the victim who is author Justin St. James was not a nice man.  I had a good time following Jane as she questioned people and searched for clues.  The costumed All Hallows’ Ball was a great place to catch a killer.  The Fins and the Cover Girls as well Sheriff Evans (loved his costume) and his deputies were there to keep an eye out for suspicious activity.  I loved the ball with everyone in costume.  It made for an entertaining and lively reveal.  I like how all the various elements tied together.  

The last chapter will delight fans of the series.  I finished Murder in the Book Lover’s Loft with a smile on my face.  I was sad that Jane felt the need to dispose of the treasures in the secret room (she has been doing this in the last couple of books).  I can understand being afraid of people breaking in to get their hands on the special items hidden at Storyton Hall, but I do not if I could have let go of such unique items.  I enjoyed the humor sprinkled throughout the story.  I like that the author included Olivia Limoges and gave us a conclusion to her story.  The woman certainly deserves to have a happy ending.  Murder in the Book Lover's Loft is the ninth A Book Retreat Mystery.  It can be read as a standalone.  However, I have enjoyed following Jane Steward on her journey since the beginning.  It has allowed me to get to know her as well as the other characters and the secret of Storyton Hall.  Murder in the Book Lover’s Loft has friendships, family, books, murder, furbabies, food, romance, and fun.  I sincerely hope that this is not the last book in A Book Retreat Mysteries because I will miss my yearly visits to Storyton Hall.  Murder in the Book Lover’s Loft is an entertaining tale with an odd death, a beach retreat, murdered author, playful puppies, fishy suspects, bookish costumes, and a startling reveal.  

Murder in the Book Lover's Loft is available from Amazon*.  You can find the other A Book Retreat Mysteries here.  You can find A Book by the Bay Mysteries starring Olivia Limoges here.  You can find Ellery Adams' other delightful cozy mysteries here.  

There are a number of new books out today.  A few of the new book releases are:  The Witch Hitch by Elizabeth Bass, Peg and Rose Stir Up Trouble by Laurien Berenson (the 2nd A Senior Sleuths Mystery), Mrs. Plansky's Revenge by Spencer Quinn, Pink Lemonade Murder by Joanne Fluke (the 29th A Hannah Swensen Mystery), Murder at the Pumpkin Pageant by Darci Hannah, Steeped in Malice by Vicki Delany (the 4th A Tea by the Sea Mystery), Hidden Away at Promise Lodge by Charlote Hubbard (the 7th novel in the Promise Lodge series), A Questionable Character by Lorraine Barrett (the 17th A Booktown Mystery), Finding Us by Tracie Peterson (2nd book in Pictures of the Heart series), Defending the Witness by Sharee Stover, Hidden Amish Target by Dana Lynn, and Ranch Showdown by Tina Wheeler.  So many delightful new books.  I will return tomorrow with Hidden Amish Target by Dana R. Lynn.  It is a Love Inspired Suspense and the 15th book in the Amish Country Justice series.  I hope that you have a happy and cool day (it is so hot and humid).  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

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

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.

Methods of Malice by Ellery Adams & Tina Radcliffe

 Methods of Malice

Book Summary

Welcome back to Hope Street Church, where friendships are formed, fresh starts are encouraged, and mysteries are solved . . .

The Hope Street Community Theater is staging It’s a Wonderful Life as a fundraiser, and Cooper and the Bible study group are all taking part. They’ve also managed to land the help of a famous Broadway director who’s trying to clean up his image after a scandal, and he travels to Richmond along with his star actress and staff. But the director’s entourage epitomize the worst of theater personalities, with petty grievances and jealousies stirring up more drama off the stage than on. And when the assistant director is found murdered in her hotel suite, the list of possible suspects is longer than a red carpet.

Unwilling to stand by with a murderer in their midst, Cooper and her friends get to work ferreting out clues and surveilling the staff, including a dangerously inept set technician as well as the director’s current and former love interests. Despite inexplicable and terrifying stage “accidents” threatening to derail their investigation and the play, the intrepid amateur sleuths know the show must go on. Their only prayer is to set a trap and successfully catch a killer before it’s curtains for Cooper.

Includes heavenly recipes from Magnolia Lee’s kitchen!

My Thoughts

Methods of Malice by Ellery Adams and Tina Radcliffe is a pleasing story.  I like Ellery Adams writing style.  She creates stories with friendly characters, charming settings, and interesting storylines.  I enjoyed returning to Richmond, Virginia to catch up with the Cooper Lee and the other members of the Sunrise Bible study group.  All the members of the bible study are participating in the Hope Street Community Theater’s production of It’s a Wonderful Life.  The production is a fundraiser for the senior center.  Unfortunately, the rehearsals are plagued with incidents.  Then, Regina McAllister, the assistant director and the director’s ex-wife, is murdered.  It is important that this production moves forward because the senior center is counting on them.  Cooper Lee and the members of the Sunshine Bible study group set out to unmask the killer.

I found Methods of Malice to be easy to read.  The characters are realistic and relatable.  Grammy Lee is a hoot.  I like that she speaks her mind (in other words she is outspoken and opiniated).  I liked that all the members of the Bible study were participating in the play.  Some of them would have preferred to work behind the scenes (okay, most of them), but they put aside their awkwardness and fears for a good cause. The mystery was fun to solve.  The victim was not well-liked (she had an attitude problem) so there are several suspects.  There are some plot twists along the way that keeps things entertaining.  Cooper Lee and the Bible study group asks questions and uncover clues.  The reveal nicely wraps up the whodunit.  Your mouth will be watering from the tasty treats whipped up by Cooper’s mother, Maggie and Cooper’s beau, Jon Eason (there are recipes at the end of the book).  

I truly enjoyed how the story ended.  It is heartwarming.  There are changes in store for a couple of the characters.   The last meeting of the year for the Sunshine Bible study group touched on some good points.  I like the idea of a gratitude journal.  My favorite lesson was, “Guarding our hearts and letting the things of God in and not the world.”  The members of the Bible study are good friends.  I like how they are there for each other.  Methods of Malice is the seventh A Hope Street Church Mystery and it can be read as a standalone.  The author provides the necessary background information on the characters.  Methods of Malice is a charming Christian cozy with an important play, a dead assistant director, concerning calamities, Bible study sleuths, and a killer Christmas.  

Methods of Malice is available from Amazon*.  You can find the other A Hope Street Church Mysteries here.  Ellery Adams has Paper Cuts (I am reading it right now) coming out April 25.  It is the sixth A Secret, Book, and Scone Society Novel.  Murder in the Book Lover's Loft (I cannot wait to get my hands on this one) will be out on July 25.  It is the ninth A Book Retreat Mystery.  Tina Radcliffe has The Baby Inheritance publishing on April 25. Thank you for joining me today.  I will return tomorrow with my forthright review of Vera Wong's Unsolicited Advice for Murders by Jesse Q. Sutano.  I hope that you have an inspiring day. I am off to work on my new bike (the doctor thought it would be good exercise).  It arrived unassembled (of course).  The instructions are not the best.  A task that I thought would take two hours is taking me days.  I will get there in the end.  When I am done I will get myself a cute basket and lights for the wheels.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

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

Murder on the Poet's Walk by Ellery Adams

 Murder on the Poet's Walk

Book Summary

When corpses clutching poems begin turning up around Storyton Hall, resort manager Jane Steward is on the trail of someone exercising poetic license to kill . . .
 
As Jane eagerly anticipates the wedding of her best friend Eloise Alcott, Storyton Hall is overrun with poets in town to compete for a coveted greeting card contract. They’re everywhere, scrawling verses on cocktail napkins in the reading rooms or seeking inspiration strolling the Poet’s Walk, a series of trails named after famous authors. But the Tennyson Trail leads to a grim surprise: a woman’s corpse drifting in a rowboat on a lake, a crumpled copy of “The Lady of Shallot” in her lifeless fist.
 

When a second body is discovered, also holding a page from a poetry book, a recurring MO emerges. Fortunately, Jane is well versed in sleuthing and won’t rest until she gives the killer a taste of poetic justice . . .

My Thoughts

Murder on the Poet’s Walk by Ellery Adams takes us back to Storyton Hall where poets are in residence trying to win a contract with an up-and-coming greeting card company.  Things take a turn when one of the frontrunners in the competition ends up dead.  When a second poet ends up in a watery grave, Jane with help from her loyal staff sets out to expose the killer.  As if Jane does not have enough on her plate, it appears that a valuable manuscript has gone missing from the secret room.  Jane is baffled as to how someone could have discovered the way in.  Jane needs to find the guilty party before the competition ends and the poets fly the coop. 

Murder on the Poet’s Walk is a delight to read.  I always enjoy my visits to Storyton Hall which is a paradise for booklovers.  While Murder on the Poet’s Walk is the eighth A Book Retreat Mystery, it can be read as a standalone.  The author included all the background information that a new reader needs to know.  I thought Murder on the Poet’s Walk was well-written with developed characters.  Jane, Edwin, Fitz, Hem, Aunt Octavia, Uncle Aloysius, the Fins, and the Cover Girls are back for another adventure.  The author’s descriptions bring Storyton Hall to life.  I can envision the beautiful rooms especially the library and the secret room.  The mystery is well done.  I love a complex mystery with some good twists and turns along the way.  I enjoyed the literary references throughout the story.  There is a romantic scene at the end that will delight fans of the series.  I was sorry when my trip to Storyton came to end.  I have read every book in A Book Retreat Mysteries and each one is better than the last.  Murder on the Poet’s Walk is bibliophiles delight with a cutthroat competition, a watery sepulcher, an adroit discovery, a literary killer, a missing manuscript, an ill uncle, and a poetic penalty.

Murder on the Poet's Walk is available from Amazon*.  You can find the other seven A Book Retreat Mysteries here.  You can follow Ellery Adams on Amazon and you will receive an email when she has a new book release.  You can find all of Ellery Adams' novels here.  Here are some of the other books that came out today:  An Amish Christmas Star by Shelley Shepard Gray, Charlotte Hubbard, and Rosalind Lauer, Seams Like Murder by Dorothy Howell, Murder in a Cape Cottage by Maddie Day, The Amish Matchmaker by Amy Lillard, The Second Christmas by Marta Perry, Christmas Scarf Murder by Carlene O'Connor, Maddie Day, and Peggy Ehrhart, Cicada Season by Mindy Steele, and An Amish Proposal for Christmas by Vannetta Chapman.  Thank you so much for stopping by today.  Tomorrow I am sharing my thoughts on The Second Christmas by Marta Perry.  It is the first An Amish Holiday Novel.  I am off to move my gnomes and garden flags out of my yard (anything that could be a projectile). Unfortunately, a hurricane is heading this way.  I am glad that I have not put up my Halloween display yet.    I hope that you have cheerful day.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

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

The Vanishing Type by Ellery Adams

 The Vanishing Type

Book Summary

Entertainment Weekly hails the Secret, Book, and Scone Society series by the beloved New York Times bestselling author as “a love letter to reading.” In this entrancing new story, bookshop owner, bibliotherapist, and occasional sleuth Nora Pennington must enlist the help of her brilliant, brassy librarian friend to unravel the connection between The Scarlet Letter, an obscure 19th century writer, and a dead hiker…

While January snow falls outside in Miracle Springs, North Carolina, Nora Pennington is encouraging customers to cozy up indoors with a good book. Even though the shop and her bibliotherapy sessions keep Nora busy during the day, her nights are a little too quiet—until Deputy Andrews pulls Nora into the sci-fi section and asks her to help him plan a wedding proposal.
 
His bride-to-be, Hester, loves Little Women, and Nora sets to work arranging a special screening at the town’s new movie theater. But right before the deputy pops the question, Nora makes an unsettling discovery—someone has mutilated all her store’s copies of The Scarlet Letter, slicing angrily into the pages wherever Hester Prynne’s name is mentioned.
 

The coincidence disturbs Nora, who’s one of the few in Miracle Springs who knows that Hester gave up a baby for adoption many years ago. Her family heaped shame on her, and Hester still feels so guilty that she hasn’t even told her future husband. But when a dead man is found on a hiking trail just outside town, carrying a rare book, the members of the Secret, Book, and Scone Society unearth a connection to Hester’s past. Someone is intent on bringing the past to light, and it’s not just Hester’s relationship at stake, but her life. . .

My Thoughts

The Vanishing Type by Ellery Adams takes us back to Miracle Springs, North Carolina.  Nora Pennington along with her friends June and Estella are helping Deputy Andrews prepare a special proposal for Hester.  While they are working out the details, Sheldon brings something to Nora’s attention.  Someone has mutilated their copies of The Scarlet Letter by taking a knife to Hester’s name.  Nora is worried that someone is intent on harming Hester or exposing Hester’s secret.  Few people are aware that Hester gave up a baby many years ago and the terrible way her family treated her.  Hester has yet to tell her beau, Deputy Jasper Andrews.  A man is found dead on a hiking trail just outside Miracle Springs with no identification, but he does have a rare book in the pocket of his bright orange coat.  The members of the Secret, Book, and Scone Society soon discover that the victim is connected to Hester’s past.  Is someone after Hester or are they trying to expose her secret?  

The Vanishing Type is the fifth A Secret, Book, and Scone Society Novel (all of them available through Kindle Unlimited).  I believe this series is best read in order.  While you could read The Vanishing Type on its own, you will be missing the background on the characters and the town.  The Vanishing Type is well-written with developed characters.  I like that they are flawed characters which makes them realistic, relatable, and interesting.  I enjoy visiting Miracle Springs with its friendly residents and quaint shops.  My first stop would be the bakery for some of the tasty treats and then I would head to Miracle Books.  I would definitely order the hot chocolate drink with the colored marshmallows, whipped cream, and sprinkles (it sounded so good).  I like that the author has included a character with fibromyalgia.  Many people do not understand the disease nor believe the pain it causes.  Sheldon is such a delightful person, and I am glad that he does not let the condition keep him down for long.  He is a lively individual with a heart a gold.  I had to laugh at what happened at story time with the book involving snakes.  The romance between Nor and Sheriff McCabe is progressing nicely.  I am glad that it is moving at a slower pace.  Fans of the series will love the proposal scene.  It is definitely special and unique.  I love all the book references throughout the story.  There are some great titles mentioned.  Like Hester, Little Women is my favorite book.  The mystery was wonderful.  It is complex with great clues and red herrings.  The secondary storyline was just as intriguing.  I like how everything tied together to give readers a wonderful reading experience.  I was sorry for my visit to Miracle Springs to end.  The Vanishing Type has friendship, mystery, and, of course, books.  The Vanishing Type is a beguiling tale with a remarkable movie theater opening, damaged books, a nameless victim, story time mayhem, beautiful book covers, a special proposal, firm friends, and a bevy of books.  

The Vanishing Type is available from Amazon*.  You can find the other The Secret, Book, and Scone Society Novels here (all of them available through Kindle Unlimited).  Ellery Adams has Murder on the Poet's Walk publishing on September 27.  It is the 8th A Book Retreat Mystery.  Check out Ellery Adams' other cozy creations here.  There are quite a few new books out today.  Here are just a few of them:  Courting Caleb by Kelly Long, The Emerald Tide by David Bunn, Three Tainted Teas by Lynn Cahoon, A Margin for Murder by Lauren Elliott, 'Til Death by Carol J. Perry, The Amish Farmer's Proposal by Barbara Cameron, The Gift of Joy by Kristin McKanagh, Sand Dollar Lane by Sheila Roberts, and Simmering with Resentment by Daryl Wood Gerber.  Which book are you eager to read first?  Thank you for reading my review today.  I will return tomorrow with The Gift of Joy by Kristin McKanagh. I am curious.   Which do you prefer:  book or movie?  I am a book person (of course). I hope that you have a relaxing day where you can read to your heart's content!  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

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