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. 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.

Even though this was my first Secret, Book and Scone Society series book. I was hooked from the beginning. I loved the characters and their friendship. I will definitely be reading the first four books from the series. The author does a fantastic job of keeping you up to date on the people and their histories. I'm a big fan of Ellery Adam's writing. I loved all the different book recommendations and I think my tbr list grew exponentially.

It’s always super easy to slip back into the circle of Nora and her friends. I love the talk of books, the bibliotherapy angle and the plot dissections. Two things Adams mentions that stood out to me were the A drew Lang Fairy Tale series, which I have all, and the Strand bookstore in NYC, which I have been.
Much of the plot centers around Hester and readers will get more of her story.
There’s also a major development for Nora, which has been a long time coming.
Can’t wait for the next!

Nora Pennington, owner of Miracle Books, and her co-worker and friend Sheldon Vega have just finished setting up a new display in the front window. Pizza is on the menu for supper and Nora is ready to eat. But Sheldon has discovered some damaged books.
On closer inspection, Nora realizes someone has seriously damaged every copy of The Scarlet Letter that is in the shop. The first name of the main character, Hester, is obliterated, but the last name, Prynne, is intact. Is it a coded message for Nora’s friend, Hester?
Then a body turns up. It’s a male, not local, and no one knows who he is. In his pocket is a copy of an old book. Miss Delphinium was published in 1918. It’s an obscure book; Nora has never heard of the author. The book itself is in bad shape. Neither the title or the book’s author, Elmer Freeman, give any hint to the dead man’s identity. A second book, Miss Daffodil, written by the same author and obviously part of a series that included Miss Delphinium is left in Hester’s bakery. Research about the author reveals more books in the series, none of them particularly valuable and none of them well-known. Nora’s research leads to more questions and few answers. Sheriff McCabe is stumped as well. Who is leaving the books? What message are they supposed to send?
Will more bodies turn up before the mystery is solved?

Thoughts on The Vanishing Type
I’ve read all the books in this series, and The Vanishing Type is by far the strongest book of the series. Question after question leads a reader deeper into several simultaneous mysteries. The characters are solid, three-dimensional fictional people that have formed deep and solid friendships over the series.

Through NetGalley, I received a free copy of THE VANISHING TYPE (Book 5 of the Secret, Book, & Scone Society Mysteries) by Ellery Adams in exchange for an honest review. I liked it. I continue to enjoy the series and look forward to the next book. I recommend this book to fans of the series and the series to fans of cozy murder mysteries.

#TheVanishingType #NetGalley

My rating: 3 of 5 stars, I liked it.

Book 5 in the series.

This has been a favorite series for me, but this is definitely not my favorite in the series. It felt a bit light and fluffy, despite the subject matter, and way too predictable. I do like the fact that Nora and the sheriff are getting closer, but I guess I felt with the Hester/Andrew relationship ups and downs that the whole book feels a bit romance-y with a side of obvious mystery. I like reading romance, too, but when I grab a mystery, if there's a romantic relationship, it should be the side element, not the main feature.

I do hope the series continues, because I truly do love the characters.

Whenever I read the latest in this series, it's always so easy to go back and visit with these amazing book club ladies. They're all so awesome, I can't even pick who'd be my favorite friend because I have fave things about each one of them. And that Sheldon, I just love his character! I really liked that Nora and McCabe were getting closer and how they were able to sleuth together. Everyone always got some part of the sleuthing to do.

Hester was happy to be engaged to Jasper, but that happiness didn't last although it wasn't anything that Jasper did. Hester's past came back to haunt her in a very weird way that resulted in murder.

Not gonna give away any of the secrets you'll learn when you read this, but it was super interesting and kept my attention the whole way. I hadn't figured out who the killer was but it definitely made sense. Wow, what a showdown that just about all the friends had a part in including McCabe who thankfully got there when needed.

It's great how there's always a comforting ending with the friends all gathered for the explanation while enjoying good food and each other's company. This series always causes a great book hangover!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by Kensington Cozies via NetGalley, and my opinions are my own.

I'm a fan of this series, and I was very excited to receive this ARC! The Vanishing Type is the outstanding fifth book in the Secret, Book, & Scone Society mystery series by Ellery Adams.
We return to Miracle Springs, NC, to Nora Pennington, and her incredible circle of friends, Estella, June, and Hester. Nora is a bibliotherapist "prescribing" books to individuals to help resolve personal problems and promote healing through reading. She runs Miracle Books, the local bookstore. Just before Valentine's Day, the ladies help Deputy Andrews plan a memorable marriage proposal for Hester. But, Nora finds her store copies of The Scarlet Letter defaced, particularly with the name "Hester" sliced out. Then the body of a man is found, and in his pocket is a rare book. Like all four women in the Secret, Book, & Scone Society, Hester has secrets in her past. Now it looks like hers might be catching up to her.
One of the best things about these books is the core group of friends and their relationship. They aren't just supportive of one another; they deeply understand and accept one another, flaws and all. Sometimes they talk things out, and sometimes they know it's not the time for talk, but this group makes up the heart and soul of these books and is my favorite thing about the series as it exemplifies the very best of female friendships and found family. The character development from book to book is so good, the connections are mature, and the relationships evolve satisfyingly. We also get more of the witty and wonderful Sheldon, Nora's employee at the bookstore, in this installment. Sheldon lives with chronic pain from fibromyalgia, and I appreciate the representation of what is often an invisible illness.
Entertainment Weekly has described the series as "a love letter to reading," and I couldn't agree more. The book and reading references are plentiful and enlightening, often educational, and insanely fun to read! Basically, book porn and a bibliophile's dream.
Adams's writing style makes it easy to get caught up in the story, which is good because there is more than one layered mystery to solve. The plotting and pacing are perfect, and the red herrings and twists had me puzzling over whodunnit. The book was such a pleasure to read, and I did not want it to end. While you could read this as a stand-alone, I wholeheartedly recommend this charming series in its entirety. Sincere thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Books for the opportunity to review this ARC. I very much enjoyed it!

Book 5 of the Secret, Book and Scone Society series delves into Hester's past and future. She and her deputy are getting close, but Hester hasn't told him her secret.
Nora is preparing the book shop for Valentine's Day and a fun party involving Sheldon's book club and blind dates with books.
Nora and Sheriff McCabe move in a new direction with their friendship now that Jeb has moved away.
I didn't connect with this book as much as book 4. I'm not sure why because I have always liked Hester. There is a secret baby and I knew who it was long before it was made known. There is a dead man on the mountain and I figured out who he was long before the story revealed it. There are some interesting family connections made around Hester's past life.
I really liked The Vanishing Type but it didn't wow me. Maybe the discontent and worry that the characters faced connected too well with real life.

What's not to like about the latest installment of Ellery Adam's Secret, Book, & Scone Society?

Nora and her friends are back in Miracle Springs as Valentine's Day is approaching. Nora's relationship with the sheriff is in its beginning stages and her friend, Hester, is about to receive a proposal. But things are not always what they seem. Nora finds Hester's name slashed out of the covers of copies of the Scarlet Letter in her book store, rare books are being randomly found, and a dead body is discovered. Only Nora and a couple of friends know Hester's big secret, that she gave up a child for adoption as a teen, but the connections to Hester's past lead them to investigate.

Another amazing addition to the series. I loved finding out more of Hester's story and the events that brought her to Miracle Springs.

This installment is a very good addition to the series. This fifth book in this series gives us a bit more insight to Hester’s history. Dark family secrets lead to murder! The mysteries in this series are always well crafted and interesting, but that is only part of what the books contain. There is friendship, books, food, community, a little romance and a touch of magic. The bond between Nora, June, Estella and Hester is a focal point throughout. They are always there for each other to give support, love, encouragement and sympathy. Each of the books can be read as a standalone, but as with most series, you get so much more by starting at the beginning.

I've read this entire series and I'm still not bored. Whenever I think of the perfect cozy, I picture sitting in a quiet spot, drinking coffee and reading a good mystery like this one.

I am really enjoying this series. Four women in Miracle Springs all have secrets, but have become close friends who support each other. Deputy Andrews has proposed to Hester, but then things start happening. The Miracle Books' copies of The Scarlet Letter have the name Hester mutilated. A man is found dead on the hiking trails with no identification, but with a valuable rare book in his pocket. Estella's boyfriend, Jack, becomes very sick and is in the hospital. When Hester finds a book on her shelf in the same Lady series as the book in the dead man's pocket, Nora is really worried about Hester.

Lea, the young nanny for Jefferson, both of whom come regularly to Miracle Books asks Nora to meet with Jefferson's mom to look at boxes of books she wants to sell. Nora finds it's a valuable collection, and there are more Lady Books. Meredith Carpenter, Jefferson's Mom want Nora to have them even though Nora can't pay her what they are worth. Nora finds out that each of the eight Lady Books has a letter hiding on the elaborate front covers. After she has all eight letters, the only word they spell is Marigold, the name of the Great Aunt that Hester lived with when she was pregnant!

Then, Lea is forced off the road by a man in a black truck. Somehow, all that is happening appears to be related to Hester, and she is in danger. Meanwhile, Nora and Sheriff Grant McCabe are becoming closer, and the four women friends and McCabe and Andrews are all committed to keeping Hester safe.

The book has friendship, mystery, love interests, suspense, and excitement!

This fifth book in the series is so good! There is a complicated mystery, of course, but at its heart, there are the 4 women of the Secret, Book and Scone Society. These ladies have been through a lot but they are so close and supportive of each other. We all need friends like that! Plus there’s a bookstore, a bakery and a romance brewing. What more could you want?

This is the first book I’ve read in this series, but it won’t be the last. I will be going back and reading the first four books. The characters are well developed and I loved the relationships they shared. The mystery has you flipping through the pages quickly while trying to solve it. There were lots of interesting twists. I really enjoyed getting to know Nora and her friends. This was a delightful read and I can’t wait for the next book to be released.

Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for my advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.

I read this in one day! As usual with Adams' books, it was a fun read from start to finish. I love watching the characters grow and develop and relationships flourish. A great addition to this series.

Loved it! Ellery Adams has such a way with writing that I am always excited to hear that a new book is coming out. Each of her books pulls me in from the first page until the last page...her characters are wonderful and easy to relate with.
Speaking of the characters I love Nora, she is caring and compassionate woman, who runs the towns bookstore, Miracle Books. Nora and her friends form the Secret, Book, & Scone Society...they really care about their town and the residents. They will help anyone that needs it and also solve a mystery or two while they are at it.
I can't say enough about this book and series. I highly recommend it if you like a downhome cozy mystery with wonderful characters.
So I recommend you to go to your nearest library or bookstore and find this series. You won't regret it.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing to me read an advanced digital copy of The Vanishing Type for an honest review. While I'm not an eloquent reviewer my reviews do come from the heart.

The Vanishing Type: A Secret, Book, and Scone Society Novel
By Ellery Adams
Kensington
April 26, 2022

Review by Cynthia Chow

The tourist-attracting town of Miracle Springs, North Carolina deserves its reputation as a haven for those looking to heal and be rejuvenated in its hot springs and glorious views. Nora Pennington has even built her Miracle Books bookstore around her practice of bibliotheraphy, in which she “prescribes” the perfect books to help customers heal from their mental and physical ailments. Perhaps that it is why it seems like such a betrayal that someone is using books to seemingly harass her friend Hester Winthrop, vandalizing copies of A Scarlet Letter with the name “Hester” cut out of every page. Nora can’t help but worry that a threatening message is being sent to Hester, one that could jeopardize the dream Little Women-themed marriage proposal she’s just been given by Deputy Jasper Andrews. Hester has only revealed her guilt and shame to her friends in their Secret, Book, and Scone Society, and while they would never disclose it they also know that it needs to be shared with the man who would be her future husband.

As much as Hester fears that revealing her secret could destroy her life, the death of an unidentified man takes the decision out of her hands. The clue of the rare 1918 book Miss Delphinium in the man’s pocket leads to even more, and it’s not long before Nora and her friends in her compassionate bookclub are led back to Hester and the secrets she hoped to escape. Nora herself is coming to realize that the recent breakup with Jedediah Craig may have given her the ability to recognize the difference between a loving relationship and being in love. Guilt and since-repaired burn scars prevented her from fully opening up her heart, but the help of her friends have helped her to lower her barriers up to the possibility of true happiness with Sheriff Grant McCabe. It seems timely then, that as Valentine’s Day approaches Nora and the Secret, Book, and Scone society of friends and book lovers are able to share their favorite reads for couples and those singles looking to celebrate Galentine’s and Maletine’s Day.

This fifth in the series definitely appeals to those looking for a humor-filled, heart-warming tale of women bonding and supporting one another as they recover from past traumas and move on to their new futures. Not only does it include a readers discussion guide, there are Bibliotheraphy reading lists for books made into movies (the books are always better, though), Literary romances (who’s to say romances aren’t always literary), not to mention Empowering Women and Bromance booklists. The novel continues to be a very inclusive mystery full of diverse characters, and readers will be able to relate with at least one of the sympathetic and well-developed characters. This is the perfect read for bibliophiles and readers looking for a complex mystery, fantastic book suggestions, and a finale filled with optimism for the future.

The fifth in Ellery Adam's A Secret, Book and Scone Society series is a story of dark family secrets that result in murder. The mystical quality of Miracle Springs, North Carolina is engaging and Nora and her surrounding cast of characters provide enjoyment for readers. As Hester becomes engaged to Deputy Andrews all seems to unravel into misunderstandings and danger. A high point for me was the developing relationship between Nora and Sheriff McCabe. The mystery was suspenseful and had me guessing until the very end. This entire series is a thoughtful, mature one and 'The Vanishing Type' does not disappoint.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

I would like to thank Netgalley, Kensington Books and Ellery Adams for the E ARC copy of this book. Publication date – 26th April 2022.
This was my 1st A Secret, Book and Scone Society book and it won’t be my last. I loved the cast of characters and the story.
Nora runs the local bookstore, which sounds a lovely place to spend a day. Where you can browse the shelves, meet up with friends over a cuppa and delicious bakes. She loves her shop, her friends and helping customers buy their perfect book.
The local Deputy asks for her help in planning the perfect wedding proposal, to one of Nora’s friends, and she agrees. She knows that Hester loves Little Women, so Nora arranges for a special screening of the movie and the Deputy plans the rest.
However, before the proposal Nora finds that books in the store have been defaced where Hester’s name appears. Then there is the body of a man found in the woods, with a book in his pocket. Are the two incidents involved? Also, Hester is hiding a secret from her friends and the Deputy, what will happen when she reveals it? Is Hester’s life in danger? The members of the society set out to find out.
The pace of this book was really good, the plot was well thought out. I loved Nora and her friends and the bookshop was a character in its self – wish it was real and I could visit. A great cosy mystery and I Iook forward to reading more in this series.