The Whispered Word

Ellery Adams

Nov 2018 · Secret, Book & Scone Society Book 2 · Kensington Cozies

About this ebook

In this cozy mystery by a New York Times–bestselling author, a gifted bookstore owner can find the right book for any patron, but can she find a killer?

The proprietor of Miracle Books in Miracle Springs, North Carolina, Nora Pennington believes that a well-chosen novel can bring healing and hope. But she and the other members of the Secret, Book, and Scone Society know that sometimes practical help is needed too. Such is the case with the reed-thin girl hiding in the fiction section of Nora’s store, wearing a hospital ID and a patchwork of faded bruises. She calls herself Abilene but won’t reveal much else. And when a customer is found dead in an assumed suicide, Nora uncovers a connection that points to Abilene as either a suspect—or another target. After a second death hits town, Nora and her intrepid friends must help the new, greenhorn sheriff discern fact from fiction—and stop a killer intent on bringing another victim’s story to a close…
 
“A love letter to reading, with sharp characterizations and a smart central mystery.”—Entertainment Weekly

Ratings and reviews

The Whispered Word by Ellery Adams is the second A Secret, Book and Scone Society Novel. Nora Pennington owns Miracle Books in Miracle Springs, North Carolina. A thin young woman with a hospital bracelet on her wrist, bruises on her body and in ill-fitting clothes was found hiding in the store after closing, and she later falls asleep on a mound of bubble wrap in the back room. Abilene (doubt it is her real name) is keeping her secrets to herself. Nora, Hester, Estella and June offer Abilene a place to live, work and assure her that they are willing to listen. The four women are making and delivering kindness tote bags to those in need and their first stop is Amanda Frye. Unfortunately, Amanda is no longer in need because they find her floating in the algae filled pond near her home. It appears to be a suicide, but Nora has her doubts. Virtual Genie is the new shop in town run by Griffin Kinsley and his associate, Tamara Beacham. They buy peoples belongings for cash which is just what some people need during the current economic downturn. When rumors begin to circulate about Virtual Genie, Nora finds herself looking into their business practices. Nora soon finds clues that link her three mysteries. Nora needs Abilene to open up so she can fill in the missing blanks. When a second person is found dead, Nora and her friends must work quickly to identify the killer before he strikes again. The Whispered Word can be read as a standalone if you have not picked up The Secret, Book and Scone Society. Everything a reader needs to know about Nora and her friends is included (but you are missing out on a good cozy mystery). I thought The Whispered Word was well-written. My attention was captured right away and was held throughout the book. The pacing is gentle as the story unfolds and picks up near the ends. The story is rich in details that allowed me to visualize the scenes. I like Nora who operates Miracle Books in an old train station and lives in a tiny home constructed from a train caboose. I like how the four women have grown since The Secret, Book and Scone Society. They have shared their secrets and it has drawn them closer together. Their friendship will be tested, though, in The Whispered Word when Nora pressures Abilene for answers and one of the ladies feels protective. The mystery is complex and multilayered. It is woven masterfully throughout the story with twists that will surprise readers (I always love a good twist). I like how Nora’s one finger tingles at just the right moment. The Whispered Word is not a light cozy mystery. It deals with some disturbing issues, but the author addresses them carefully and respectfully. I was surprised at how Nora approached Abilene with her questions. Knowing that Abilene has suffered, I thought she could have handled it differently (a gentler approach). There is also some foul language. Nora’s romance with Jedediah Craig is progressing nicely. He cares for her and wants to protect her. While I do not feel that Jedediah is the right man for Nora, it is a step forward for her. I would like to see Nora end up with Sheriff Grant McCabe. I am giving The Whispered Word 4 out of 5 stars (I liked it). The Whispered Word contains humor, romance, secrets, good characters, a charming small town, mysteries, book recommendations, and delectable baked goods.

Nora Pennington and her friends in the Secret, Book, and Scone Society are back with a new mystery. A young woman shows up in Nora’s bookstore wearing clothes that are several sizes too big for her and a hospital bracelet. The girl is too thin, covered in bruises, and very shy. The ladies decide to help the girl by giving her shelter and food. Later the Ladies of the SBS Society find the body of a local woman. Is this death connected to the mysterious young lady or another newcomer to Miracle Springs, NC or is everything as it appears and this a suicide by a very unhappy woman who felt she couldn’t go on? I was so excited to read this book. At the end of book one Nora finds a mysterious young woman in her bookstore, I looked forward to finding out more about this young woman. Author Ellery Adams did not disappoint. I liked the first book but the book was so much more, from the first page I was drawn into the story and did not want to put the book down. The characters are captivating and realistic, as friends go everything is not always perfect and there is going to be disagreements between friends. The setting of Miracle Springs adds to the story of people seeking out help and wanting to be healed. The town of Miracle Springs is in need of healing right now too and we see the ladies doing their best to help locals as much as the strangers who come to town for help. The mystery has a wonderful plot, great pace, and several red herrings along the way to keep the reader entertained and guessing until the big reveal. This book can be enjoyed as a stand-alone mystery but for a better understanding of character backstories reading Book 1 is recommended. I absolutely recommend this to fans of the first book, fans of Ellery Adams, and mystery buffs. I am looking forward to the next book in the series. I was given an ARC of this book in hopes I would provide a review. All thought and opinions are my own and in no way have been influenced.

About the author

Ellery Adams has written over forty mystery novels and can’t imagine spending a day away from the keyboard. Ms. Adams, a native New Yorker, has had a lifelong love affair with stories, food, rescue animals, and large bodies of water. When not working on her next novel, she reads, bakes, gardens, spoils her three cats, and rearranges her bookshelves. She lives with her husband and two children (aka the Trolls) in Chapel Hill, NC. For reading guides and a list of bibliotherapy titles, please visit ElleryAdamsMysteries.com.