Ellery Adams

I was quickly drawn into The Little Lost Library by Ellery Adams. The story focused on Nora Pennington who is a complex main character. She continues to develop as the series progresses. I love Nora’s red caboose tiny home and her charming bookstore (I wish her bookstore was in my town). It is sweet how Nora’s relationship with McCabe has deepened. I like that the author has included a character with fibromyalgia (many people do not understand this painful disease). She captured how the disease can make a person feel (you never know how it is going to affect you from one day to the next). The mystery involved books which, naturally, captured my attention. I enjoyed the descriptions of the victim’s home and all the “treasures” it contained. Nora was determined to investigate the crime (she is a stubborn individual). The Secret, Book, and Scone Society aid Nora in piecing together the clues. The ladies also provide comfort and friendship when Nora needs it. I did feel that the motive for the crime was a tad weak. There was an unexpected twist that had me gasping with surprise (and shock). There is a good wrap up at the end. The Little Lost Library is the seventh book in A Secret, Book, and Scone Society Mysteries. The Little Lost Library can be read as standalone for those new to the series, but I believe it is better to read the series in order. It allows you to get to know the characters and how the ladies of the Secret, Book, and Scone Society came together. I enjoyed the book references throughout the story and the quotes at the beginning of each chapter. The Little Lost Library is a captivating tale with an atypical customer, an odd death, a bounty of books, a last missive, a curious quest, covetous children, a volatile threat, and thoughtful friends.… (more)

I read the first book in this series and while I liked the characters, the story wasn’t a good fit for me. Having been teased again by this series I decided to try Adam’s latest installment, “The Little Lost Library.” With murder, more murder and arson I wouldn’t classify this as cozy and I never felt as if there was safety within the pages. I still love the idea of the bookstore in a town known as a center of healing. The close and protective friends that surround Nora, the owner of Miracle Books and the protagonist of this story are people we would all like in our lives.

For Nora book collecting is not a hobby, she is obsessed with finding a little library which had been lost or hidden for a very long time. She believes the words of a dying recluse are meant for her alone and she is going to take some ridiculous chances. And therein lies my issue with this story - how many dangerous, life-threatening risks is she willing to take? Many, too many as she loses much in her search to find a collection of miniature books. Nora never loses sight of the magic in books nor the potential for good in people and if nothing else that message rings clear.

Thanks to Kensington Publishing Corp and NetGalley for a copy.… (more)