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.
Lori C. (dollycas) reviewed Paper Cuts (Secret, Book, and Scone Society, Bk 6) on + 639 more book reviews
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 âcomfort sconeâ.
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.
_____
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.
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 âcomfort sconeâ.
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.
_____
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.
