Below is the complete list of Ellery Adams’ Novel Idea Mysteries books in publication order. For this series, the chronological reading order is the same as the order of publication.
Novel Idea Mysteries Books in Publication Order
- Buried in a Book (2012)
- Every Trick in the Book (2013)
- Books, Cooks, and Crooks (2013)
- Played by the Book (2015)
- Off the Books (2016)
About Novel Idea Mysteries
The Novel Idea Mysteries series—published under the pen name Lucy Arlington, a collaborative pseudonym used by Ellery Adams and Sylvia May—centers on the world of books, publishing, and literary ambition. The stories take place in Inspiration Valley, North Carolina, a small mountain town known for its scenic beauty and growing reputation as a destination for writers and readers. At the center of the series is Lila Wilkins, a literary agent whose career in New York takes an unexpected turn when she relocates to this quieter community.
Lila never imagined leaving the fast-paced publishing scene of Manhattan. She spent years building her career as a literary agent, navigating the competitive environment of editors, authors, and publishers. However, professional setbacks force her to rethink her future. When she receives an opportunity to work with Novel Idea Literary Agency, a boutique firm located in Inspiration Valley, she decides to take a chance on a completely different lifestyle.
Inspiration Valley is home to a vibrant writing community, drawing aspiring authors who hope the peaceful environment will inspire creativity. Writing workshops, literary festivals, and book-themed events frequently bring together residents and visitors who share a passion for storytelling. For Lila, the town initially seems like the perfect place to rebuild her career and regain her confidence after leaving New York.
The series begins with Buried in a Book (2012). Shortly after Lila settles into her new job, she attends a local literary retreat where aspiring writers gather to pitch their manuscripts. The event is meant to highlight new talent, but it quickly takes a dark turn when one of the participants is found dead. Because many people involved in the retreat are connected to the literary agency or the writing community, Lila becomes entangled in the investigation.
Although she has no intention of acting as a detective, her position as an agent places her in contact with authors, editors, and industry insiders who may have information about the victim. As Lila begins asking questions, she discovers that the writing world can be far more competitive—and sometimes ruthless—than she realized. Hidden rivalries, rejected manuscripts, and professional jealousy create a complicated web of motives.
The second novel, Every Trick in the Book (2012), finds Lila becoming more comfortable in Inspiration Valley while continuing to navigate the challenges of the publishing industry. When a well-known author dies under suspicious circumstances, Lila once again finds herself in the middle of a mystery. As she digs deeper, she uncovers secrets tied to literary fame, ghostwriting, and the pressures authors face to maintain their success.
In Written Off (2013), the third installment, the investigation once again connects to the writing community. This time the case involves a controversial manuscript and tensions between competing authors. Lila must balance her professional responsibilities as an agent with her growing reputation as someone who has a knack for uncovering the truth.
The fourth book, Played by the Book (2014), continues exploring the literary setting of Inspiration Valley. As Lila works with new authors and literary clients, she becomes involved in another mystery that reveals hidden motives within the publishing world.
Throughout the Novel Idea Mysteries, Ellery Adams and Sylvia May draw heavily on the culture of writing and publishing. The books explore the dreams of aspiring authors, the challenges of building a writing career, and the sometimes complicated relationships between writers, agents, and editors. The setting of Inspiration Valley provides a warm, welcoming backdrop that contrasts with the competitive pressures surrounding literary success.
Reading the series in publication order allows readers to follow Lila Wilkins as she gradually adapts to life in Inspiration Valley and rebuilds her professional confidence. Each mystery introduces new characters from the writing world while expanding the portrait of a town where creativity—and occasionally crime—flourish side by side.