I wouldn't call this quite a cozy mystery, as each of the women in this book have their own tragedies that have left them scarred and damaged. But their desire and ability to come together in friendship to heal each other as they try to help others makes it feel warmer than it would otherwise. There are adult themes in the book but the romantic/sexual aspect is kept pretty mild. The story kept me engaged and I read it in just a couple of days. In spite of the suspects seeming fairly obvious, there were some good twists and unexpected developments, enough that the climax was tense and the resolution satisfying. I'll definitely be reading the next book in the series.

A bibliotherapy, mystery, romance title all tied up into one fantastic read. It had me turning the pages just to see what the outcome would be. With an unpredictable but enjoyable ending and a fantastic group of female protagonists. A must read for mystery buffs, and those who read or recommend books to heal. A well thought out plot.

Thoroughly enjoyable book. Although there is an interesting plot, it was the very real characters - complete with deep emotional scars and very human flaws - that particularly held my interest.

One of the main characters is a bibliotherapist. Here are the books she recommends to an elderly gentleman seeking to reconnect with his grown daughter:
Empire Falls, To Kill a Mockingbird, The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie, Little House on the Prairie, and America's First Daughter: A Novel.

Sprinkled throughout the story are references that book lovers will recognize - "The wand chooses the wizard, Mr. Craig, she said." ( to the man who owns a dog named Harry Higgins.) --- Another example is a mysterious clue from a fleeing villain - " 'Down the swift dark stream you go.' Remember that! "

Especially enjoyable are the different book quotes under each chapter head. Most of the authors are familiar names, with a few that sent me to the library search page.

A book lovers delight!

Love this new series by Adams. I liked the underlying story of the past secrets of the 4 women, and how the questionable death of a stranger brought them together as friends. I'm looking forward to sequels in this series.

This is an excellent new series by Ellery Adams, the author of the following cozy series: "The Book Retreat Mysteries", "The Charmed Pie Sop Mysteries", and "The Books By the Bay Mysteries". In this series, not only does Ms. Adams weave a fine mystery, she tells the stories of quite flawed characters in a way that help the reader understand how life's troubles often provide a cracked platform where those flaws can take hold and swell. I loved this new series and am looking forward to book #2.

More choppy than previous books by this author. I like the protagonist--damaged but moving forward in her life. Look forward to reading the next book.

Really enjoyed this book! The characters were well defined and the plot was interesting and fun.
Can't wait for the next book!

This was so good!!! I can't wait for the next in the new series!

The Secret, Book & Scone Society is a new book as of November, 2017. It is a mystery, but also a romance, and a book about friendships. I love that the bookstore owner finds books for her patrons that can heal (bibliotherapy?), and the bakery owner bakes scones that comfort and bring back happy memories. There are literary quotes for each chapter sub-title, and books and their characters are mentioned throughout the story. It's a fun read, and the first in a new series! (I'm craving a scone too!)