The Vanishing Type is the outstanding fifth book in the Secret, Book, & Scone Society mystery series by Ellery Adams.
In The Vanishing Type, we return to Miracle Springs, NC, to Nora Pennington, and her incredible circle of friends, Estella, June, and Hester. Nora is a bibliotherapist "prescribing" books to individuals to help resolve personal problems and promote healing through reading. She runs Miracle Books, the local bookstore. Just before Valentine's Day, the ladies help Deputy Andrews plan a memorable marriage proposal for Hester. But, Nora finds her store copies of The Scarlet Letter defaced, particularly with the name "Hester" sliced out. Then the body of a man is found, and in his pocket is a rare book. Like all four women in the Secret, Book, & Scone Society, Hester has secrets in her past. Now it looks like hers might be catching up to her.
One of the best things about these books is the core group of friends and their relationship. They aren't just supportive of one another; they deeply understand and accept one another, flaws and all. Sometimes they talk things out, and sometimes they know it's not the time for talk, but this group makes up the heart and soul of these books and is my favorite thing about the series as it exemplifies the very best of female friendships and found family. The character development from book to book is so good, the connections are mature, and the relationships evolve satisfyingly. We also get more of the witty and wonderful Sheldon, Nora's employee at the bookstore, in this installment. Sheldon lives with chronic pain from fibromyalgia, and I appreciate the representation of what is often an invisible illness.
Entertainment Weekly has described the series as "a love letter to reading," and I couldn't agree more. The book and reading references are plentiful and enlightening, often educational, and insanely fun to read! Basically, book porn and a bibliophile's dream.
Adams's writing style makes it easy to get caught up in the story, which is good because there is more than one layered mystery to solve. The plotting and pacing are perfect, and the red herrings and twists had me puzzling over whodunnit. The book was such a pleasure to read, and I did not want it to end. While you could read this as a stand-alone, I wholeheartedly recommend this charming series in its entirety. Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for the opportunity to review this ARC. I very much enjoyed it.
My steep was Hot Cinnamon Spice tea by Harney and Sons Tea. It is probably my favorite blend of theirs, and the main character in this book serves a Cinnamon Spice tea, so it fits perfectly! Harney and Sons' tea is available in many stores and also online at www.harney.com
#cozymystery #cozymysteryseries #elleryadams #secretbookandsconesociety #kensingtonbooks #bookandteapairings #bookreview
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