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theavidreaderandbibliophile's review
4.0
Paper Cuts by Ellery Adams is an engaging story. I always enjoy returning to Miracle Springs, North Carolina. I thought Paper Cuts was well-written with realistic, developed characters. Nora Pennington has a special bookstore. I love the atmosphere. Sheldon creates a delightful story time for kids. I appreciate that Ellery Adams created a character who has fibromyalgia. It allows people to see that it is not a fake disease. It is painful and debilitating. I was surprised by Nora’s reaction when she realizes Kelly Walsh is the woman for whom her ex-husband left her. I was hoping that the mature Nora would manage the situation differently, especially after what happened in the past. We get to catch up with all the ladies (Nora, Estella, June, and Hester) in the Secret, Book, and Scone Society. The mystery was interesting. Nora becomes the top suspect much to her dismay. The newest addition to the police department, K9 Handler Paula Hollowell seems to have it out for Nora. Nora’s beau, Sheriff Grant McCabe is forced to take a backseat on the investigation, and he needs to stay away from Nora (just when she could use his comforting presence). Nora’s friends are there for her and gather helpful intel. The whodunit was fun to solve. I felt bad for Kelly’s sweet son, Tucker, who loves origami. Estella Sadler’s father is being released from prison. Estella is excited, but she is also worried. She hopes her father will have an easy time reintegrating into society. I enjoyed the literary quotes at the beginning of each chapter. I also liked the books and authors mentioned throughout the story (and the bibliotherapy and books lists at the end). There is humor sprinkled throughout the story that had me chuckling. Paper Cuts is the sixth A Secret, Book, and Scone Society novel. It can be read as a standalone, but you will miss getting to know the characters (their background, how their friendship forms). Paper Cuts is my favorite book in the series. The author crafted a special story with good friends, a clever mystery, humor, good food, scrumptious coffee, and books galore. Paper Cuts is a captivating tale with a blast from the past, a beautiful blossom, an annoying K9 officer, a caboose for an abode, glitter galore, and a killer to catch.
amandag0515's review
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
mysterious
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.5
Thank you to the Author, Goodreads, and the publisher for this giveaway win!
A very charming group of friends, some small town thriller vibes, and inclusivity all around. I really enjoyed this every time I picked it up and as soon as I thought it was going to be predicable it would surprise me in a new, fun way. I haven’t read any of the other books in the series and didn’t really miss them, other than not taking Nora’s relationship as genuine right off. It was corrected for me as I continued on in the novel and saw more of her and Grant’s history. This is a light, enjoyable read and I would love to read another in the series.
A very charming group of friends, some small town thriller vibes, and inclusivity all around. I really enjoyed this every time I picked it up and as soon as I thought it was going to be predicable it would surprise me in a new, fun way. I haven’t read any of the other books in the series and didn’t really miss them, other than not taking Nora’s relationship as genuine right off. It was corrected for me as I continued on in the novel and saw more of her and Grant’s history. This is a light, enjoyable read and I would love to read another in the series.
embersmomca's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
3.0
kimgunn's review against another edition
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
The very definition of a cozy little mystery....like Murder She Wrote only more cutesy/Hallmark-y. I really enjoyed the MC being a bookstore owner and how the author included actual book titles throughout. I also didn't realize it was part of a series so I'll be squirreling the rest away in my TBR for when I need a little cozy break.
lynguy1's review
4.0
Paper Cuts by Ellery Adams is the sixth book in the Secret, Book, & Scone Society southern cozy mystery series. It continues to bring contemporary issues and engaging characters to the story. An independent book store, Miracle Books, is owned by Nora Pennington. She’s known for her window displays and her ability to match customers with the perfect book. While Miracle Springs, North Carolina is famous for its healing hot springs, Nora is the one that ends up in hot water in this novel.
Nora left her old life behind 10 years ago. However, when Kelly Walsh, the woman her ex-husband left her for, and her son, Tucker, wants forgiveness, Nora is ready. When Kelly is murdered, Nora becomes a person of interest. But Nora and her friends Secret, Book, and Scone Society book club aren’t about to let matters lie and depend entirely on the police department, despite Nora dating the sheriff.
Nora, as well as several of the other characters, are well developed, flawed, and complex. There’s also a lot of chemistry between Nora and Sheriff Grant McCabe. However, romance is a minor part of the story. The secondary characters provide additional interest and conflict. It was great to see the addition of new characters to the story line: Val, Kirk, Davis, Derrick, and Gus. I wonder if they will show up in future books in the series?
The story is well-written, with a few twists, and provides enough background that it can be read as a standalone. However, readers would be missing the character development and some details if they start with this one. It is plotted well and has characters that are emotionally rich. The novel shines a light on grief, mistakes, greed, murder, reintegration into the community after prison, books, friendship, a little romance, and how a development disorder can affect individual’s behavior and social interactions.
I enjoyed the literary quotes that were at the beginning of each chapter as well as the books and authors that are mentioned throughout the novel. Additionally, there are several book lists provided at the end of the novel as well as a mystery reader’s guide. Be prepared to add several books to your want-to-read list.
Overall, this was an entertaining and well-written novel with great characters. I’m looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
Kensington Books and Ellery Adams provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. The publication date is currently set for April 25, 2023.
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My 4.12 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon.
Nora left her old life behind 10 years ago. However, when Kelly Walsh, the woman her ex-husband left her for, and her son, Tucker, wants forgiveness, Nora is ready. When Kelly is murdered, Nora becomes a person of interest. But Nora and her friends Secret, Book, and Scone Society book club aren’t about to let matters lie and depend entirely on the police department, despite Nora dating the sheriff.
Nora, as well as several of the other characters, are well developed, flawed, and complex. There’s also a lot of chemistry between Nora and Sheriff Grant McCabe. However, romance is a minor part of the story. The secondary characters provide additional interest and conflict. It was great to see the addition of new characters to the story line: Val, Kirk, Davis, Derrick, and Gus. I wonder if they will show up in future books in the series?
The story is well-written, with a few twists, and provides enough background that it can be read as a standalone. However, readers would be missing the character development and some details if they start with this one. It is plotted well and has characters that are emotionally rich. The novel shines a light on grief, mistakes, greed, murder, reintegration into the community after prison, books, friendship, a little romance, and how a development disorder can affect individual’s behavior and social interactions.
I enjoyed the literary quotes that were at the beginning of each chapter as well as the books and authors that are mentioned throughout the novel. Additionally, there are several book lists provided at the end of the novel as well as a mystery reader’s guide. Be prepared to add several books to your want-to-read list.
Overall, this was an entertaining and well-written novel with great characters. I’m looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
Kensington Books and Ellery Adams provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. The publication date is currently set for April 25, 2023.
----------------------------------------
My 4.12 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon.
bethcarol1953's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
kelseylitsliftsanddips's review
4.0
My first cozy mystery, and Ellery Adams book, and I’ll definitely be back for more! Paper Cuts is the 6th book in the Secret, Book, and Scone Society series, but I didn’t have any issues reading it out of order. Adams did a wonderful job of setting up the characters and setting so that there are no issues jumping right in and getting right down to the plot. I really enjoyed the cozy atmosphere and the friendship between the Society. I can’t wait to read more!
enticingtitles's review
4.0
I can't believe this is the sixth in The Secret, Book, and Scone Society Series and Ellery keeps it fresh every time!
This time, Nora's past follows her to Miracle Springs, a place she ran to with her 'secret': An unfaithful husband and an unfortunate accident that she caused and still carries the guilt and scars from. The supporting cast of friends and side characters make light the tough times after Nora is arrested for murder.
Thank you to the Author, Publisher and Netgalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest reivew!
This time, Nora's past follows her to Miracle Springs, a place she ran to with her 'secret': An unfaithful husband and an unfortunate accident that she caused and still carries the guilt and scars from. The supporting cast of friends and side characters make light the tough times after Nora is arrested for murder.
Thank you to the Author, Publisher and Netgalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest reivew!