Title:	The Whispered Word
	Author:	Ellery Adams
	Published:	November 27, 2018, Kensington
	No. of Pages:	306
	Cover Price:	$26.00 Hardcover, $14.99 Kindle

---

The Whispered Word, is the second installment of the Secret, Book, and Scone Society series by bestselling cozy novelist, Ellery Adams. Miracle Springs, North Carolina is the setting for this series; it is a small town that is supposed to have healing properties. The four protagonists who are members of the Secret, Book, and Scone Society all have secret pasts and have come to the small town to heal and start new lives. Nora Pennington, owner of Miracle Books, discovers a waif-like girl hiding in her bookstore who says her name is Abilene. Abilene has a hospital tag and plenty of bruises, but is very secretive about her past and what has happened to her. Unfortunately, there is a death in the small town that may be a murder, and Abilene is the most prevalent suspect. Nora, et al, must not only find the murderer so that Abilene goes free, but also help Abilene heal. In addition, there is a new business in town that helps customers sell their unwanted goods, and the owner is a bit suspicious to Nora, who keeps herself busy looking into him and a new murder.

This novel includes all of the elements of a good cozy: suspense, a murder, relatable characters, danger, and an amateur sleuth. No graphic sex, violence or language, so the novel is suitable for all ages. Adams is a bestselling author for good reason: she knows how to tell a story and knows how to make it interesting with ups and downs and fascinating scenarios. She is also skilled in developing her characters so that they seem believable and are real people that readers can relate to.

While this series is a bit more serious than many of the cozies that are humorous and light, this one has a bit more to it, and seems closer to a bonafide thriller. It is well-written and interesting; cozy and thriller fans will enjoy this novel.

Special thanks to NetGalley for supplying a review copy of this book.