Published: 2023
Series: Secret Book and Scone Society, Book #6
Author: Ellery Adams
Illustrator: N/A
Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Fiction, Audiobook, Cozy, Books About Books, Mystery Thriller, Romance, Contemporary, Thriller
Audience (Grade Levels): High School / Grades 9-12
Number of Stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Goodreads Link: Paper Cuts
Triggers: Death, murder, terminal illness, parental incarceration, and local gossip/slander
Review By: Sara Tripp
Publisher’s Summary:
The New York Times bestselling author returns with a mystery with a touch of magical realism and a strong, female bookstore owner and bibliotherapist at its heart. Miracle Springs, North Carolina, is famed for its healing springs. But bookstore owner Nora Pennington has a tendency to land in a different kind of hot water. Though she loves to practice bibliotherapy by finding the perfect books for her customers while listening to their secrets, she also likes to bury her nose in the occasional local crime…Nora escaped her past a decade ago. So it feels like a visit from another world when Kelly Walsh—the woman her ex-husband left her for—walks through the door of Miracle Books along with her son, a sweet, serious boy with a talent for origami. Kelly hasn’t come to gloat, though. As it turns out, she’s been dumped too. She’s also terribly ill, and all she wants from Nora is forgiveness.
Shockingly, however, this woman who’s been the victim of so much misfortune is about to become a murder victim. Who would do such a thing? Certainly not Nora, but that doesn’t stop the gossip and suspicion—especially after Kelly’s brother claims that he saw the two women arguing. In seeking justice for Kelly, The Secret, Book, and Scone Society joins forces with the sheriff’s department, but they’ve barely begun their probe when life throws another wrench. After serving a twenty-year sentence, Estella’s father returns to Miracle Springs. And when his past comes back to haunt him, it might be more than the four friends can handle.
Review:
Book 6 does not disappoint! I love that each book in this series focuses in on one of the friends in their book club. The first book gets you hooked with each of the characters and leaves you wanting to know more! Paper Cuts is full of suspense and a bit aggravating as Nora once again finds herself in trouble. It is frustrating see other women turn against her without knowing her. This is a wonderful book for any booklover that loves the warm cozy feeling of sitting down with a hot cup of tea and wrap yourself up in a book!
“Paper Cuts,” the latest installment in the Secret Book and Scone Society series, maintains the high standards set by the rest of the series so far. Book 6 is a captivating continuation of the series, skillfully delving into the life of one of the book club’s members. What sets this series apart is its unique approach of focusing on individual characters in each installment, creating a layered and rich narrative that keeps readers eagerly turning pages.
From the very first book, the series manages to establish a connection with readers, drawing them into the lives of the characters. Nora finds herself once again entangled in a web of suspense and intrigue. The plot artfully weaves a tapestry of aggravation, as she navigates the challenges thrown her way. The frustration peaks as she faces unwarranted opposition from other women, adding a layer of complexity that resonates with authenticity. One of the book’s strengths lies in its ability to capture the essence of the cozy book club setting. For any avid book lover, the allure of a warm cup of tea and the prospect of immersing oneself in a good book are undeniably comforting and this book delivers.
Adams displays exceptional writing style, structure, and pacing, utilizing the multi-layered subplots to build a perfectly cozy yet suspenseful atmosphere. The book’s jacket art is remarkably charming, warm, and eye-catching, utilizing standard cozy-mystery iconography that effortlessly attracts its target teenage and adult demographic. I give this wonderful title a full 5 stars, recognizing its high tier of creativity, structural consistency, and deep emotional resonance. It is a phenomenal recommendation for high school librarians, language arts teachers, and community book club leaders searching for high-interest fiction that balances a crime procedural with therapeutic healing themes. This book provides extraordinary overall value to secondary library collections seeking to enrich their contemporary, cozy mystery shelves.
Classroom & Curricular Connections:
- ELA / Creative Writing: An excellent mentor text for exploring the specific conventions of the cozy mystery genre, subverting standard thriller tropes, and utilizing multiple interlocking character arcs across an extended series format.
- Psychology / SEL: Connects wonderfully to advanced high school discussions or units surrounding forgiveness, trauma recovery, reconciliation, coping with terminal illness, and the concept of bibliotherapy as emotional healing.
- Extension Activity / Library Application: This title is an outstanding selection for upper high school book clubs, independent reading options, or an independent study project. As an extension activity, students can step into the shoes of the protagonist, Nora, to explore “bibliotherapy” by researching and creating custom, thematic reading lists designed to address specific real-world challenges or emotional growth milestones.
- Diversity & Representation: This title supports equity, diversity, and inclusion by focusing heavily on authentic female solidarity, complex intersectional relationships, and different family structures (including coping with parental incarceration and terminal illness) in a meaningful and respectful way.
Readalikes:
- The Banned Bookshop of Maggie Banks by Shauna Robinson
- The Bookish Life of Nina Hill by Abbi Waxman
- The Midnight Library by Matt Haig
