Step into the cozy, book-filled world of the Secret, Book & Scone Society, where mysteries unravel over warm scones and heartfelt stories in Miracle Springs, North Carolina. This delightful cozy mystery series by Ellery Adams blends bibliotherapy, friendship, and sleuthing, offering readers a comforting yet thrilling escape. Centered around Nora Pennington, a bookstore owner with a knack for prescribing the perfect novel, the series captures the magic of healing through literature and community.
With its quirky charm and small-town vibes, Secret, Book & Scone Society invites you to join a group of women who solve crimes while confronting their own pasts. If you love books about books, strong female friendships, and a dash of intrigue, this series is your next must-read!
How Secret, Book & Scone Society Began
Ellery Adams, a New York Times bestselling author with a passion for stories and food, launched the Secret, Book & Scone Society in 2017. Inspired by her love of literature and the idea of books as a source of healing, Adams crafted a series set in the fictional Miracle Springs, a town known for its restorative hot springs. Nora Pennington, a former librarian scarred by a tragic past, emerged as the heart of the series, reflecting Adams’ belief in the transformative power of storytelling.
Adams, who has written over forty novels across multiple cozy mystery series, wanted this series to stand out with its focus on bibliotherapy—using books to mend emotional wounds. The result is a unique blend of cozy mystery and literary homage that resonates with book lovers and mystery fans alike.
The Heart of Secret, Book & Scone Society
The series kicks off with The Secret, Book & Scone Society (2017), where Nora forms a tight-knit group with three other women—Hester, Estella, and June—after a suspicious death rocks their town. Together, they uncover corruption while sharing their darkest secrets. The second book, The Whispered Word (2018), dives deeper into their friendship as they investigate a murder tied to a mysterious stranger. The Book of Candlelight (2020) brings a historical twist, with a rare book sparking a new case, while Ink and Shadows (2021) explores occult themes around Halloween.
At its core, the series celebrates themes of redemption, trust, and the healing power of books. Miracle Springs, with its hot springs and quaint shops, feels like a character itself, offering a cozy yet intriguing backdrop. Adams weaves literary references—think Chocolat or The Joy Luck Club—into Nora’s bibliotherapy, making each book a love letter to reading. The mysteries are clever but accessible, perfect for cozy mystery fans who crave heart and suspense.
The series’ style is warm and empathetic, with a touch of magical realism in Hester’s “comfort scones” and Nora’s intuitive book picks. Each woman’s personal growth, from confronting past traumas to building a sisterhood, adds depth to the lighthearted sleuthing.
Why Secret, Book & Scone Society Resonates
Secret, Book & Scone Society has carved a niche in the cozy mystery genre by blending literary themes with relatable characters. Fans praise its focus on flawed, courageous women who find strength in each other, a refreshing departure from typical cozy tropes. The series’ emphasis on books as therapy has struck a chord with readers, earning starred reviews from Library Journal and praise for its “love letter to books” vibe.
Its lasting appeal lies in its ability to balance comfort and complexity. Whether it’s solving a murder or healing old wounds, the series reminds us that stories—and friendships—can change lives. With seven books and counting, it continues to draw readers into its heartwarming, mysterious world.
- First Book Published: October 2017
- Number of Books: 7 (as of October 2024)
- Setting: Miracle Springs, North Carolina
- Author: Ellery Adams
Ready to cozy up with a scone and a good mystery? Grab The Secret, Book & Scone Society and dive into this charming world of books, friendship, and intrigue!