Below is the complete list of Ellery Adams’ Secret, Book & Scone Society books in publication order. For this series, the chronological reading order is the same as the order of publication.
Secret, Book & Scone Society Books in Publication Order
- The Secret, Book and Scone Society (2017)
- The Whispered Word (2018)
- The Book of Candlelight (2020)
- Ink and Shadows (2021)
- The Vanishing Type (2022)
- Paper Cuts (2023)
- The Little Lost Library (2024)
- The Tattered Cover (2025)
- The Liars’ Book Club (2026)
About Secret, Book & Scone Society
Ellery Adams’ Secret, Book & Scone Society series blends cozy mystery storytelling with themes of friendship, healing, and the comforting power of books and food. Set in the scenic mountain town of Miracle Springs, North Carolina, the series follows a small group of women who form an unlikely bond through shared struggles and a mutual love of reading. Together, they become both emotional support for one another and amateur investigators when trouble finds its way into their quiet community.
At the center of the series is Nora Pennington, the thoughtful and perceptive owner of Miracle Books, the town’s beloved independent bookstore. Nora has built her life around literature and believes strongly in the idea that the right book can help a person understand themselves or find the courage to face difficult moments. Her store quickly becomes a gathering place for locals looking not just for stories, but for conversation and companionship.
Nora’s life changes when she forms a friendship with three other women in town: Estella Sadler, a hairstylist with a sharp eye for detail; Hester Winthrop, a reclusive older woman who rarely leaves her home; and June Dixon, a talented baker who runs a nearby café known for its scones and comforting food. Each woman carries her own painful history, and together they create the Secret, Book & Scone Society—a small circle where they share stories, offer support, and recommend books that reflect what each person might need at a particular moment in their life.
The series begins with The Secret, Book & Scone Society (2017). When a suspicious death occurs in Miracle Springs, the four women find themselves drawn into the mystery. Because they each interact with different parts of the town—through the bookstore, salon, café, and local connections—they begin noticing details that others overlook. Their conversations, often held over tea and freshly baked scones, gradually reveal clues that help them piece together the truth.
The second novel, The Whispered Word (2018), deepens both the friendships within the group and the mysteries surrounding Miracle Springs. When a visiting literary agent dies unexpectedly, the incident threatens to disrupt the town’s peaceful atmosphere. As the women begin asking questions, they discover that the agent’s visit may have been connected to hidden tensions within the local literary community.
In The Book of Candlelight (2019), the society becomes involved in another investigation when unusual events occur at a historic estate in the area. The case reveals secrets tied to family legacies, old rivalries, and long-forgotten tragedies. As they work together to uncover the truth, the women’s trust in one another continues to grow.
Later books in the series—such as Ink and Shadows (2020), The Vanishing Type (2021), and The Little Lost Library (2022)—continue blending literary themes with classic cozy mystery elements. Each installment introduces a new puzzle while also exploring the personal lives of the four main characters and the ways they support one another through life’s challenges.
One of the defining features of the Secret, Book & Scone Society series is its focus on emotional healing. Each member of the group has experienced hardship, whether through personal loss, past trauma, or difficult life changes. Their shared gatherings create a space where they can discuss books that mirror their experiences and help them process those emotions.
Miracle Springs itself plays an important role in the stories. The town’s charming streets, local businesses, and mountain surroundings create a welcoming setting that contrasts with the occasional mysteries that arise. Residents often cross paths in everyday places like the bookstore or café, allowing the society members to observe small details that eventually help solve the crimes.
Reading the series in publication order allows the friendships within the Secret, Book & Scone Society to grow naturally. As each mystery unfolds, the bond among Nora, Estella, Hester, and June deepens, showing how community, literature, and compassion can help people navigate even the most difficult chapters of their lives.