Ink and Shadows: A Witty & Page-Turning Southern Cozy Mystery

Ink and Shadows by Ellery Adams is the 4th A Secret, Book, and Scone Society Novel. This is my favorite book in the series. It contains developed characters that are realistic. Nora came to Miracle Springs, North Carlina for a fresh start after she was severely burned. Nora has a knack for picking out the books that people need at that moment in time. I enjoy the paranormal element with Nora’s pinkie finger tingling when something is amiss. Sheldon Vega is a favorite of mine. He is a kind, creative man who suffers from chronic pain. Ellery Adams manages to convey how chronic pain affects his life (and how painful it can be). I like how understanding Nora is of Sheldon’s pain and that he cannot always make it to work. The whodunit was interesting with some unique elements. It is one that plays out which disappointed me (I love solving the crimes in the book before the reveal). It is a complex mystery that touches on some dark topics (grimoires, dark magic, cults). This book would be great to read during the month of October (it will get you in the mood for Halloween). I love the book references sprinkled throughout the story. I especially loved that my favorite childhood series was mentioned (other girls wanted to be Nancy Drew, I wanted to be Cherry Ames). I especially liked the window displays that Nora and Sheldon created. They are magical and unique. While I know the Women of Lasting Values is fictional, there are (unfortunately) groups like it in the real world who object to books for one reason or another. I like how this issue was addressed in the story. I did object to the foul language in the story. There is only a small amount, but I would rather it not be included. Nora and Jed have some romantic issues. I am not a fan of the Nora and Jed pairing. I would love to see Nora end up with Sheriff McGabe. I liked how close Nora and Grant became in this book (I am keeping my fingers crossed that they will become a couple). We did get to learn more about Nora’s past and meet an old friend. She was a great addition. Ink and Shadows can be read as a standalone if you have not indulged in the other books in this intriguing cozy mystery series. Ink and Shadows is a clever cozy mystery with dazzling displays, bonanza of books, a disturbing death, a controlling collective, a pagan page, and fine friends.

Absolutely fabulous addition to the series. Author does a great job recapping some of the important things in the characters background so you do not feel lost, but I do highly recommend reading the others. The characters in this series are well rounded, and ones you take into your heart, and feel like they are old friends. You care about them, and what happens to them. The mystery is woven well, and you keep turning the page to find out what happens, but for this author, the characters are what makes you want to read more.

I love this series. I have to budget for them since they are more expensive, but they have all been worth it. Great characters full of depth, well written, great settings. I highly recommend the 1st 4 books in this series wich I have read. Please do yourself a favor & read them in order. With these books I think that is very important, to watch the relationships of the characters grow as the author intended.