Member Reviews
It's the 7th book in the Secret, Book, and Scone Society series, however it didn't really matter that I hadn't read any of the previous instalments. There was enough context and background given about the characters to be able to delve straight into the story.
This was a quality cosy mystery. Bookseller Nora Pennington discovers an eccentric customer dead in her hoarder-tastic home. Did she fall down the stairs or was their foul play, and why did she leave Nora a mysterious book containing a treasure hunt?
I really enjoyed this book. Nora and her friends were all fully fleshed, interesting yet imperfect characters. The town wasn't too sickly-sweet and the mystery had just enough tension and jeopardy surrounding it. The treasure hunt/mini library element was great fun and although I figured it out before the end I found myself immersed in the story and rooting for Nora throughout.
There were underlying themes of forgiveness and second chances but they weren't too overt.
Al in all this was a well written and enjoyable cosy mystery and I would happily read more in the series.
In The Little Lost Library we once again meet the members of the Secret, Book, and Scone Society. This time there are two murders in an old "haunted" mansion, two attempts at arson, and missing (stolen?) money. Nora is determined to follow the clues left to her by the elderly woman who lived in and was killed in the mansion. It becomes a sort of scavenger hunt as Nora follows the cryptic hints of where to look next. But she's not the only one following these hints and Nora becomes a target of the murderer(s). The members of the Society circle their wagons to help her figure out what's going on. Just when Nora thinks she has determined the identity of the murderer(s), more information comes to light. There are plenty of red herrings and twists in the narrative, all of which helped to keep my attention throughout. I look forward to reading more of the amateur sleuthing adventures of Nora, Estella, June, Hester, and Sheldon.
The premise of this book is super fun - an elderly woman in a mansion has left behind a book of clues that will hopefully reveal secrets of her life, a miniature library, and a lost fortune. Her grown children all have their own problems and are hoping to sell the house and its contents quickly to pay off their mother's debts, so our plucky detective is racing against the clock. The setting is a small town in North Carolina with a tight-knit community.
Unfortunately, the writing style is just really not for me. The amount of description is going to be a question of personal taste; some people will probably enjoy knowing about each and every pastry eaten by any character. The constant exposition though is another matter. If a character is mentioned, even a little bit, the reader is told the entirety of their life story and their relationship to the main character. It's frustrating because if all that was dropped, the book would have pretty decent pacing, but it's slogged down by the constant backstories. There were also a few plot holes that I tripped on - timelines that didn't quite add up, obvious solutions that the characters should have pursued, etc.
Lucy, a recluse, has set rules for Nora when she delivers books. When Lucy doesn't finally answers Nora's
call, all Nora hears is a faint request asking for help. Breaking the door down, she discovers Lucy's body at
the bottom of the staircase. When Nora receives a book from Lucy, she discovers it is filled with clues on locating
the lost library. Her determination to solve the mystery puts her in danger's path.
Excellent addition to the series.
#TheLittleLostLibrary #Kensington #NetGalley
This story is full of intrigue and secrets. Nora is given a book of riddles that she feels certain will lead to answers to the downfall of a family. And possibly treasure. Someone else wants those secrets too, enough to kill. This story is as packed with mystery and adventure as Wynter House is packed with trash and treasure.
“I have read my books by many lights, hoarding their beauty, their wit or wisdom against the dark days when I would have no book, nor a place to read.” - Louis L Amour
I downloaded this book about a library and I liked the cover, but it had a few disturbing elements and some good ones too. I think I might buy this book when it comes out, but not too sure.
This Little Lost Library was a wonderful addition to the Secret, Book & Scone Society series. When recluse Lucille Wynter doesn't answer her door, Nora breaks in and is shocked at the state of the home and horrified to find Lucille's lifeless body at the foot of the stairs. Nora doesn't think it was an accident and follows a trail of clues hidden within the house to get to the truth - which Nora is sure are secrets tied to something in Lucille's past. What turned her into the hoarder she became? This was a well written solid mystery full of suspense and intrigue that kept me guessing until the very end.
Another excellent book in this series! Nora is delivering books to a recluse, when the woman doesn't respond to the doorbell or phone calls, Nora breaks down her door only to discover she has died. The woman leaves Nora a note and a book filled with clues to discover something in her house. What is discovered is a dysfunctional family and clues to what happened in the past. This is a gripping story that one cannot put down. Loved this return of the secret, scone and book series! Can't wait for the next adventure for Nora, Hester, June and Estella!
Oh this series has my heart. It is quite emotional every time and especially this time when you see how the victim has been living; trapped with her own demons. And then all the reveals that come along the way. It goes to show that no matter someone's quirks or attitude, you just have no idea what someone is going through or has been through. I love how caring Nora is with everyone, even those who treat her badly or take advantage of her. I looove how her relationship with McCade is progressing and I wish them soooo much happiness. I LOVE a word-play scavenger hunt of sorts so this was a lot of fun to follow along with! This book just has all the most wonderful elements as a grittier cozy (my favorite) and the gorgeous writing to bring it to life. I always tear up a bit when the friends are spending time together, supporting and loving each other.
This is one of my favorite series. While it is a cozy in the traditional sense, with its amateur sleuth, small town, and dead bodies, it also has this amazing heartwarming, feel-good component that makes you want to visit Nora, her friends, and her amazing bookshop. I loved the treasure hunt for the little library and the addition of a new staff member. Can’t wait to read more in this series!
There was lots of great intrigue and a little creepy factor in there too when Nora hunted through an old house belonging to a book client who’d been murdered. She’s a lot braver than I’d be especially because of the flesh and blood ghosts that might be hanging around there. Past the middle of the book was a great twist I sure hadn’t seen coming!
A little danger was there too, but Nora’s not one to back down from a challenge or what she believes to be the right thing. Which is probably why all her friends and Grant McCabe are so crazy about her. Nora does still need to work on accepting help and even charity without guilt, but first things always are first and I think she’s getting there. I love how Nora and her friends take care of the people in the community. She’s sure come a long way since that first book!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by Kensington Cozies via NetGalley, and my opinions are my own.
The Little Lost Library has several mysteries to solve. Ellery Adams does an excellent job of crafting the story to solve them. Many emotions are stirred in reading this story. Melancholy is one that comes to the fore as the story of the Wynter family is revealed. Yet with all the challenging circumstances that arise in the book the reader is left feeling hope from the friendship that binds Nora, June, Hester and Estella together.
This series tends to deal with some of the darker situations that arise in the human condition. This book handles drug addiction, arson, betrayal, rape, hoarding and theft.
I would recommend The Little Lost Library, however it is not a light or fluffy read. It does show the power of friendship and community.
Thanks to Netgalley and Kensington Cozies for the opportunity to read this book.
Nora has been delivering books to Lucille Wynter a few times a month for years. Lucille lives in the local creepy mansion and never allows anyone inside, she herself never leaves. When Nora goes to deliver books and Lucille doesn't answer she gets worried and decides to break in. She finds Lucille crumpled at the bottom of the stairs dead. Nora is horrified by the state of Wynter house, she learns that Lucille was a hoarder. Lucille left her a note making her wonder if she knew she was going to die. In the note are clues to something hidden in the house and soon Nora becomes obsessed with figuring out the clues and finding what they lead to. When Lucille's son is found dead Nora k owe she.must hurry and find answers before someone else ends up dead including herself. Will she find the answers she seeks?
When Nora makes a delivery to one of her elderly, reclusive customers, something seems off. When the woman doesn’t answer Nora’s knock and then answers Nora’s call asking for help, Nora breaks in to find the woman at the bottom of her staircase. Was it simply a fall or something more sinister?
When Nora is given the payment left for her by the woman, it turns out to be a clue to the woman’s life and possibly who may have had it in for her. Can Nora follow the clues and moreover, will they tell her what happened, or will the killer shut down Nora’s curiosity, once and for all?
This series has evolved so well over the course of its existence. With a solid mystery, a strong group of supporting characters and the solid female protagonist, every single entry is a home run. I haven’t missed a single entry in this series yet, and I hope there are many more to come.
When Nora delivers a book order to a recluse, she finds more than she bargained for. Was there more than just an accident? Nora feels that there may be more to the story. When secrets are uncovered, will truth be found? I really enjoyed this cozy mystery. I received a copy through Netgalley. A review was not required.
The Little Lost Library is the seventh book in a wonderful series set in Miracle Springs, NC. If I could I'd move there in a heartbeat. Ellery Adams descriptions of the community and society of close woman friends are so vivid and heartwarming. I've loved this series from the start and can't say the books keep getting better, they are all good and are consistently well -written mysteries.
This time the plot doesn’t revolve around the other members of the society, but rather around Lucille Wynter, a reclusive inhabitant of Miracle Springs. Bookshop owner Nora has been bringing books to Lucille on a regular basis. When the novel opens, Lucille has recently died (Was she murdered?) and leaves Nora a puzzle to solve. Nora depends on her friends and law enforcement beau Grant to solve the puzzle and figure out Lucille’s story. I highly recommend this series!
Miracle Springs is one of my favorite cozy mystery settings to return to. This one is excellent, and I think what is most heartwarming about it is that Nora really gets to see what she and her bookstore mean to the town, even if it is hard for her to receive their support. The books mentioned or referenced in this always add something special to the story, and the series moves the characters along wonderfully.
I adore this series. This book was an intense page-turner and kept me on the edge of my seat wondering what was going to happen next. I LOVE the idea of the Little Library with its little books. Ellery Adams writes the most interesting books with such real-to-life characters. Thank you, Ellery for writing such amazing books. This is a wonderful addition to a great series.
I am enjoying this series. This author is one of my favorites. I find the characters interesting and I like the setting. I love the interactions and the relationships between the main characters. The mystery kept me guessing.
Thankyou to the author, publisher and NetGalley for my eARC in exchange for an honest review.
The Little Lost Library is book #7 in the Secret, Book, and Scone Society series by Ellery Adams.
I’m a huge fan of this series. Each book is like reuniting with friends. Nora delivers an order of books to a reclusive customer. When the customer doesn’t answer, Nora investigates and finds the customer dead in a house stuffed with books. This mystery drew me in and I couldn’t put it down!
Thank you to the author, Kensington Publishing, and NetGalley for the Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.