Title: The Secret, Book & Scone Society (Secret, Book & Scone Society #1)

Author: Ellery Adams

Publisher: Kensington Books 2017

Genre: Mystery

Pages: 285

Rating: 3/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Library; Monthly Theme

Strangers flock to Miracle Springs hoping the natural hot springs, five-star cuisine, and renowned spa can cure their ills. If none of that works, they often find their way to Miracle Books, where, over a fresh-baked “comfort” scone, they exchange their stories with owner Nora Pennington in return for a carefully chosen book. That’s Nora’s special talent—prescribing the perfect novel to ease a person’s deepest pain. So when a visiting businessman reaches out for guidance, Nora knows exactly how to help. But before he can keep their appointment, he’s found dead on the train tracks . . .
 
Stunned, Nora forms the Secret, Book, and Scone Society, a group of damaged souls yearning to earn redemption by helping others. To join, members must divulge their darkest secret—the terrible truth that brought each of them to Miracle Springs in the first place. Now, determined to uncover the truth behind the businessman’s demise, the women meet in Nora’s cozy bookstore. And as they untangle a web of corruption, they also discover their own courage, purpose, and a sisterhood that will carry them through every challenge—proving it’s never too late to turn the page and start over . . .

Meh. After finishing this book, that’s my reaction. Just meh. It was a decent attempt at a cozy mystery, but everything really fell flat for me. I disliked the writing style (it felt very immature at times). The tone was all over the place but definitely too serious in parts. I couldn’t really figure out the motivations of the main characters in solving the murder (why did they care so much?). I felt like the murder mystery was really an afterthought to the main plot of the book. Finally, the book references felt very shoe-horned into the pages. They just didn’t land with me. I don’t think I will be picking up the second in the series.

Secret, Book & Scone Society

• #1 The Secret, Book & Scone Society

• #2 The Whispered Word

• #3 The Book of Candlelight

Next up on the TBR pile: