Take your traditional well-constructed cozy, add empathy, wisdom, an appreciation of the value of friendship. Meticulously plotted, the Little Lost Library feels like a warm cozy hug yet deals sensitively with topics such as hoarding and addiction and after affects of trauma. Immersive, you won't want to put it down.

✨Book Thoughts ✨
The Little Lost Library by Ellery Adams
Pub Date: 10/22/24

Ellery Adams has done it again with The Little Lost Library, another delightful installment in her Secret, Book, and Scone Society series. This cozy mystery is filled with charm, character, and a dash of danger.
When Nora, the owner of Miracle Books, is tasked with delivering books to a reclusive elderly woman, she discovers a hidden world of secrets and danger. The crumbling Wynter House, filled with books and a mysterious past, quickly becomes the center of a thrilling investigation.
I loved the way Adams blends a love for books with a captivating mystery. The characters are endearing, and the setting is both cozy and intriguing. If you're looking for a fun and engaging read, The Little Lost Library is a must-read! 📚🔍☕️
Huge thank you to Net Galley and Kensington Parties for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to Ellery Adams for keeping this amazing world going.

In each book of the Secret, Book & Scone Society, Ellery Adams brings us a beautiful community of friends and a warm love of books. Every time a read a novel in this series, I remember how literature can help us heal and connect us to other people.

At the same time, Adams also shows different aspects of the sadness and loneliness humans face. This time, a character is a hoarder who has faced a lot of trauma in her life. We are brought into her house, and the situation can be difficult to read about. For me, this balance between the joys and pains of life is what makes this series a standout, along with the wonderful characters.

Nora has been delivering books to reclusive agoraphobe Lucille, but is never allowed inside Wynter House. When Lucille doesn’t answer the door, Nora forces her way into the house to check on Lucille, and finds the woman’s body at the foot of the stairs. Lucille left a note, presumably for Nora, Nora wonders if her death was an accident or murder. Hired by Lucille’s grown children to sort the piles of books she left behind, Nora looks for answers to a myriad of questions.

This is one of my favorite series, and I couldn’t wait to read this book. As usual, it more than lived up to my expectations. The primary recurring characters all feel like old friends at this point, and I love the way they’re all able to lean on each other whenever the need arises. I have some ideas about what a hoarder’s home would look like, and was horrified at some of the things that were found under the piles of clutter.

Although there were hints along the way, it wasn’t until near the end of the book that the death was indeed a murder. Most of the book focused on the puzzle of the note Lucille left behind, and I like that Nora doesn’t keep her findings to herself as she digs, but instead shares what she’s discovered with local law enforcement, even though not all of them appreciate her efforts.

I wasn’t surprised by the motive, but the killer turned out to be someone I hadn’t seriously suspected. Until we got to know a different character better, I was hoping that person was the culprit, so probably had my mind stuck on that track instead.

I can’t wait to read the next book in this series to find out what’s next up for Nora, Hester, and the rest.

The Little Lost Library is #7 in the Secret, Book and Scone Society series.  We are back in North Carolina in a place called Miracle Springs. Where Nora has a wonderful bookshop, some firm friends and Grant - the local Sheriff - her hard working partner.

Nora is very kind hearted and she has been visiting Lucille once a month or so, Lucille a strange old lady that never lets her past the little boot room. The house Lucille lives in is regarded as haunted. With good reason it turns out. When Lucille dies in strange circumstances, It's not long before Nora is involved in searching for a little library hidden within the house. Lucille has left Nora clues as to where it is. One major problem is that Lucille was a hoarder and the house is unbelievable. There is danger at many a corner. I wasn't surprised by the murderer, while I hadn't pinpointed the character, I was suspicious.

It's apparent that Lucille was murdered so Grant and his police force is heavily involved. The plot moves along really well with surprises of all kinds - not all of them that good. We get to catch up with Nora's friends Sheldon, Hester, Estelle and June. When Nora needs them there they are, which continues to create that warm tone to the book, which of course has its macabre side. Nora also ends up employing someone part time in the bookshop and that too lends warmth to the book and the promise of another character to love in future books.

This book's main setting is the book shop, and it feels like the best bookshop I have ever read about. I have said this before about this series, I especially like the number of real books mentioned. It's a treasure trove of its own.

I highly recommend this series, and if you haven't read any in the series do start at the beginning.

I always look forward to a new Ellery Adams book, and I love this series. This is Book 7 of A Secret, Book, and Scone Society series. I've read quite a few Ellery Adams books in a couple of different series and haven't read a single one I disliked.

Description:
When an elderly Miracle Springs resident, Lucille Wynter, arranges for Nora to deliver an order of books to her creepy, crumbling Southern Gothic mansion on the outskirts of town, Nora doesn’t expect to be invited in. An agoraphobic, Lucille doesn’t leave Wynter House. Nor does she invite anyone inside. But when Lucille doesn’t come to the door to collect her books, Nora begins to worry.

Forcing her way into Lucille’s dilapidated home, Nora is shocked to find rooms packed to the ceiling with decaying books and a lifeless Lucille at the foot of her stairs. After reading a note left behind by Lucille, Nora wonders if her death was an accident. Did Lucille fall or was she pushed by someone seeking a valuable item hidden within Wynter House? Lucille’s children are clearly confident the house contains something of value, because they hire Nora to sift through the piles of books. As she digs, Nora can’t shake the feeling that hoarding didn’t cause Lucille’s fall.

Soon, Nora’s obsession with Lucille’s collection is cause for concern amongst her friends in the Secret, Book, and Scone Society—she’s even neglecting her bookshop! Then, Nora does find something valuable deep inside Wynter House—a revelation about Lucille’s terrible past . . . and a secret worth a small fortune. But there’s someone who’d do anything to keep the truth buried amid the moldering tomes. The odds against them are stacked as high as the books, but it’s up to Nora and her friends to track down a murderer with a literary lean before Wynter House’s lost library claims another victim . . .

My Thoughts:
It was fun coming back to Miracle Springs and finding the same sweet characters. Nora Pennington owns the local bookstore and her love interest is the town Sheriff, Grant McCabe. Nora and her friends June, Hester, and Estelle meet regularly for book club, but they also seem to get involved in investigations and trying to solve them. Nora has a quirkly part-time employee, Sheldon, who gets involved with the group as well.

I love that Nora gets so involved with her customers and their well-being. This was the basis of her trying to help Lucille and getting so involved with finding out what happened to her and looking for the "lost library". This investigation had some surprising twists and it was fun to follow the clues. I also loved how Nora handled the situation with the book thief. I'm looking forward to the next book in this series.

Thanks to Kensington Publishing | Kensington Cozies through Netgalley for an advance copy.

The Little Lost Library is a continuation of a series where Nora bookseller and store owner tends to everyone while running the store. As she makes a visit to a run-down, historic home in the area, the owner, Lucille, doesn’t answer. The owner is a recluse and has never let Nora in the home. Lucille orders and buys books online and often sells some books of minor value. Lucille is found dead in the home which is a hoarder nightmare. Later Nora is handed a package which Lucille left for her and the hunt for the “little lost library” begins. This is an excellent book. I feel the tone is different than the others in the series, but this one is not to be missed.

4.5 stars - This is the seventh book in the Secret, Book, and Scone Society series and is one of my favorites! Nora Pennington loves books and loves sharing that love with her customers. She has a unique relationship with one of her regular customers. Nora delivers books to her monthly, but has never been inside Lucille Wynter's house. Lucille serves Nora tea and cookies in a mudroom when Nora brings the book and doesn't talk much about her personal life. When Lucille doesn't answer the door for a planned delivery, Nora enters her house and finds her dead at the bottom of a staircase. Lucille leaves something for Nora that leads her on a mysterious treasure hunt as well as a search for a killer.

This book has a great balance of scenes with Nora at the bookstore, with her close friends, with the man she's seeing (Sheriff Grant McCabe), and her investigation. Nora is wonderful with her friends, loyal and willing to trust them. I was frustrated with her for not telling McCabe more about what she was up to, but eventually they have some very touching scenes. The book is suspenseful and Nora's very unique "treasure hunt" kept my interest from beginning to end. The book recommendations throughout the story, which are also summarized at the end of the book, are also outstanding.

I received a review copy of this ebook through the courtesy of NetGalley and Kensington Books, but my review is voluntary and unbiased.

Nora is a bookstore owner. She delivers some of her books to reclusive reader Lucille Wynter. Lucille doesn't let anyone into her mansion, she makes Nora sit in the boot room. Nora gets worried one day when she comes to deliver books and Lucille doesn't answer the door. Nora calls Lucille and she says it's too late. Nora breaks open the door and finds Lucille dead. Lucille has also left Nora an obscure note and book. A self published children's book about Wynter House. Nora has to find out what happened to Lucille following the clues in the book. Lucille is a hoarder though which means wading through piles of stuff and books to find clues.
The mystery to this book is wonderful. I also loved the depiction of hoarding and cleaning out a hoarders house.

An amazing read - especially for bibliophiles. Ellery Adams creates a spellbinding mystery around "little" books. See my complete review at www.reviewingtheevidence,com.

I love anything written by Ellery Adams. This is book 7 in The Secret Book and Scone Society. Nora has been taking books to Lucille that lives in the “haunted” mansion in town. Lucille never allows Nora any further than the boot room where they share tea and discuss books. On one visit Nora finds Lucille dead at the bottom of the stairs. Lucille left Nora a letter and book with riddles about a little lost library. Nora is determined to find out what Lucille wanted her to know. Which leads to unraveling the life of Lucille and why she was a recluse. This story is a cozy mystery but has some very heavy topics which could be triggers to some people: murder, mention of rape, child loss, parental neglect, parental loss, hoarding
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for the opportunity to read and review this book.

Another good installment in a series that's book centric- and this more than some of the earlier ones will be entirely enjoyable as a standalone. Nora and Lucille were fond of one another but Nora had no idea that Lucille was a hoarder. Now, she's working through the piles of Lucille's books using a letter and book Lucille left her to find the truth about her death. Nora's pals in the Society help her work the puzzle but she's the one who's doing most of the work. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. Good storytelling and a twisty mystery make this a good read. No spoilers!

I love this series and I loved this book! These are cozy and sweet mysteries, set in a small town in North Carolina, but they also address deeper issues with perfect balance. This was very unique and interesting and I couldn't put it down once I started. The characters are interesting and believable, and it's easy to connect with them. This one really had a LOT going on, but it worked well and I loved it. I can't wait for the next one! Thanks to Netgalley and Kensington for the advance digital copy!

I might be biased but I absolutely love going back to Miracle Springs. Book seven did not disappoint and gave us new adventures for our Secret, Book and Scone Society ladies.

I wanted to be in the Wynter House finding the clues with Nora. I am a sucker for old historical homes and between the cuteness of a cozy mystery and the old house vibes I didn’t want to put it down.

I love being able to watch the story lines of the characters continue to unfold in big and small ways.

Thank you Ellery for another gem. Thank you Netgalley for the eARC. I look forward to adding this book to my collection.

A wonderful addition to one of my favorite mystery series! Adams always surprises me with her clever twists and turns and makes me feel welcome and cozy when I visit the fictional small town of Miracle Springs, NC.

With this series, I can always count on great writing, emotional depth, an intriguing mystery, compelling characters, and fun literary references. The world-building across the series has been excellent, and this book is particularly atmospheric, with a crumbling old mansion playing a huge role.

Nora is sincere, smart, and nuanced with a heart of gold, surrounded by a supportive friend group that epitomizes 'found family.' She owns an incredible bookstore that serves as a welcoming hub for the community. The characters are diverse, well-developed, and warm, with relatable lives and backstories. A new character is introduced, and I am excited to see where his story will lead. You'll feel a strong connection to these characters.

One aspect that stood out to me was the chilling, gothic vibes. It was very well done, with a fun homage to Nancy Drew, and just delightfully creepy. The first victim is a recluse living in a historic mansion overflowing with stuff. She leaves Nora a note with riddles that lead to a treasure and possibly a lead to finding the culprit. I wasn't expecting how macabre some of the clues and finds were, but I loved it! The storytelling was fantastic, with mounting danger and suspense. As Nora became increasingly more invested in uncovering the secrets of this house, so did I.

Rounding out the story is a sweet dash of romance for Nora and Grant, as well as fascinating info on collectible miniature books. A bibliotherapy list is also included. A must-read for cozy mystery fans and perfect for spooky season. I loved it!

Thank you to Netgalley and Kensington Books for the gifted ARC!

This is book 7 in series (Ink and Shadows, Vanishing Type, and Paper Cuts are book 4-6), and it picks up after the events in the last book. Lucille and Nora have an interesting relationship, Lucille will only let Nora into her vestibule, where they sit and talk books. But then one day Nora comes into the house like normal, and Lucille doesn't answer. Checking on her leads to her finding Lucille deceased and suddenly she is suspect number one with the family. But the police clear her, but a mysterious letter from Lucille leads her to help her friend who is clearing the house, to see what treasure Lucille wanted her to find. But finding it opens a Pandora's box that no one was expecting. A fun read, this one will keep you guessing!

This is the Seventh release in the much loved cozy series ":The Secret Book & Scone Society" by beloved cozy author Ellery Adams. This series is a delight to readers and one I read cover to cover. Thank you to the author, the publisher and to Net Galley for the opportunity. My review opinions are my own.

Nora has a multi layered mystery to solve in this exciting next addtion that is a charming ode to book lovers. I devoured this book from cover to cover and read it again I enjoy it so much. I suggest keeping a pen and paper nearby to write down all the TBR to add to your list. The author incorporated many authors and book recommendations into the story that are wonderful for her readers.

Nora is a protaganist with a big heart and intrinsically kind. In this book she is visiting a unique customer who never leaves her house. She is a elderly woman living alone in a old family mansion. She never invites Nora in. They meet on the mud porch and Nora brings her books and they exhange ideas on authors over tea. One afternoon the woman does not answer the door and Nora suspects the worse. Upon calling the woman begs Noraf or help on the phone. Nora enters and the woman is dead at the bottom of her stairs. Nora immediately finds her death suspicious. Out of respect for the woman Nora vows to investigate. The mystery deepens when she leaves Nora a miniature book with a mysterious note. Soon our clever protaganist finds it to be a clue to additional miniatures hidden throughout the vast home. As clues abound and Nora finds more miniatures she is soon in danger . She has kept the mystery to herself not sharing her suspicions with her friends or co workers at first. She becomes so involved she is sneaking into the mansion under false pretenses and searching hidden staircases and mysterious hidden rooms she discovers. She suspects they are valuable and who killed the owner may kill again to steal the valuable books. The miniatires have a history with the house and the womans family that Nora is determined to save.

This is one of the most exciting cozy mysteries I have every read! The author has a masterful way of building suspense and clues that keeps you turning pages into the night. I adore the characters, the relationships and was invested in the mystery to conclusion. This is such a wonderful read and a joy to find all the book recommendations throughout. I highly recommend this book as the perfect cozy mystery addtion to this wonderful series.

The Little Lost Library is the perfect blend of books, friendship and a cozy mystery. I have enjoyed this series from the beginning, but thanks to a cast of characters list at the front of the book it's fine to read as a stand alone. Nora and her friends have grown since the first book and it's lovely to see their characters evolve. When an elderly Miracle Springs resident, Lucille Wynter, arranges for Nora to deliver an order of books to her creepy, crumbling Southern Gothic mansion on the outskirts of town. Nora doesn’t expect to be invited in. Lucille doesn’t leave Wynter House, nor does anyone get invited in. . But when Lucille doesn’t come to the door to collect her books, Nora begins to worry and eventually breaks the door down and finds Lucille at the bottom of the stairs dead. Of course there is foul play and Nora and her friends try to help the police unravel the mystery.

Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Press for my advanced review copy.

Thank you Netgalley and Kensington Publishing for the chance to read an ARC of The lost library by Ellery Adams. This is the 7th book in the Secret, book and scone society series, and I feel this was the best one so far! This series is a bit heavier than a cozy mystery, and deals with some heavy topics, including hoarding. Lucille Wynter has been a recluse for years; she never leaves her house and never has anyone visit. Nora has been delivering books to her, and becomes worried when Lucille doesn't answer the door, breaking in to find Lucille dead and the house overflowing with books, and boxes. After Lucille leaves Nora a note, and a family book, The lost library, Nora follows the clues in the story to find the library, but someone does not want Nora to finish her search. Besides the mystery, my favorite parts of the book, and series is Nora and her bookshop, her friendship with the bookclub women, and her new relationship with the Sherriff. I love the relationship Nora has with her employee Sheldon Vega, and the wonderful way she knows exactly what book will help her clients. I found Lucille's story to be sad and emotional, but the love of books made this novel special. As with the other books in the series there is a bibliography of all books mentioned and a reading guide. This is a must read series!

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Ellery Adams for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC for The Little Lost Library coming out October 22, 2024. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.

I’ve read a few books by this author and I really love her writing. I’m obsessed with cozy mysteries, especially if they’re about bookstores or libraries. I haven’t read the other books in this series, but I definitely want to read them. I think the book club is really fun. I loved the mystery! The Gothic mansion and collection of books were perfect. Nora is a really smart, strong character. I would definitely read more books by this author!

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys book related cozy mysteries!