Professor Michael Branden, newly deputized to the Holmes County Sheriff’s Department, gives every outward appearance of being Amish. His assignment: to act as decoy in Sheriff Bruce Robertson’s investigation of a series of robberies among—and perhaps by—the Peaceful Ones. Suddenly Branden’s undercover work is interrupted by grave news. An Amish buggy has collided with an eighteen-wheeler, and Sheriff Robertson is among the casualties. Branden and Pastor Caleb Troyer need information from the Amish if they are to determine how the accident is connected with a spate of disturbing events, including a buggy horse shot dead, a bank official gone missing, and land swindles involving out-of-town developers, one of whom has close ties with an Amish bishop. It won’t hurt to tell the professor what we know, the Amish surmise, implicitly trusting the man who has lived all his life in the shadow of the community to identify the traitor who lurks in their midst. But will they act before the storm clouds burst?
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"Maybe a little less. There was more mystery and less Amish in this book, and I love the learning as well as the sleuthing." — John (4 out of 5 stars)
"Maybe a little less. There was more mystery and less Amish in this book, and I love the learning as well as the sleuthing."
A sensitively observed series.
Gaus's Amish-Country Mysteries examine the ethical, moral and scriptural nuances of the Amish, and the challenges their community faces co-existing with technology and temptations of the modern world.
Of all the dastardly crimes that might spark a good whodunit, a buggy robbery doesn't seem very promising—unless the author is P. L. Gaus, who writes a discerning series set among the Old Order Amish sects of Holmes County, Ohio... Gaus is a sensitive storyteller who matches his cadences to the measured pace of Amish life, catching the tensions among the village's religious factions.
An interesting who-dunit read, keeping me guessing in addition to providing insight into a unique way of life... This insightful novel will satisfy your hunger for a good murder mystery while it subtly educates you on the beliefs and values of a facet of society most know little about.
For more than a decade, P. L. Gaus has been writing quietly spellbinding mysteries about one such group, the conservative Old Order Amish of Holmes County, Ohio... [A] sensitive account of the impact on this community when outsiders (that is, the cops) descend to deal with an Amish youth who has confessed to the murder of his fiancee's older, richer and very persistent admirer.
Gaus spins a fine mystery with a strong background of Amish faith and plenty of detail on the difficulties the Amish face in the modern age.
What makes this book stand out as exceptional is the method in which Gaus describes events. There is intrigue, tenderness, religion, and much conflict... Blending of old-world culture with modern detective work makes this continuation of the same characters in key roles with different murders a true mystery series... If you like good mysteries, without salacious sex or mayhem, and adash of religion mixed in, you will want to read this book... A four star book and is highly recommended.
Series regulars Professor Michael Branden, in Pinecraft, and Pastor Cal Troyer provide comfort and continuity in this eighth Amish-country mystery. Loose ends in the murder case lend realism and augur well for the next installment.
With each new mystery, P. L. Gaus treats us to yet another view of life among the Old Order Amish in Wayne County, Ohio... [H]e has great admiration for the Amish themselves, writing with quiet gravity about aspects of their lives rarely shown to strangers.
"The latest in this too-little-known series again combines a fascinating, realistic look at an Amish community in Ohio with a gently satiric take on academic life.
" The third in the series of quick, light mysteries set in Ohio Amish country. I enjoy the Amish culture in the stories since we have a large Amish population near here, but I wish there was more character development. "
" It wasn't my favorite of the three that I've read, but I didn't hate it. "
" Calm, mature, intriguing, well written. "
" Great reading not my normal reading but found that I just couldn't put it down. Will continue reading his books. "
" great story, interesting facts about the Amish "
" This was a good addition to this series that I started years ago. It was very predictable, but the characters were interesting "
" I don't remember it very well, which makes me think it was neither horrible nor outstanding. It was certainly a short, brisk read and set very near where I live. "
" An okay read, but rather tedious to get through. "
" This was a quick, very light mystery set in an Amish community. "
" Fairly predictable plot-path and characters. "
" I thought it was a fun mystery. "
" Another solid outing by Gaus. Really enjoying this series. "
" This is a really good series of murder mysteries. I've enjoyed them all so far. "
" This was the third book I read by Gaus. It was my least favorite. Like the other two books the author has wonderful descriptions. I did not like the almost vague introduction of the major protaganist. "
" A little "dark" for me, but action makes it hard to put down "
" I liked these books, gave me an insight into the Amish way. "
" interesting to read about some of the traits of the Amish, who have recently become quite popular with a new tv show. I am not a mystery reader but this mystery moved along as it is quite an easy read. "
P. L. Gaus was born and raised in Ohio, and has lived with his wife, Madonna, in Wooster, Ohio, for over thirty years.
George Newbern is an Earphones Award–winning narrator and a television and film actor best known for his roles as Brian MacKenzie in Father of the Bride and Father of the Bride Part II, as well as Danny in Friends. As a voice actor, he is notable for his role as Superman on the Cartoon Newtork series Static Shock, Justice League, and Justice League Unlimited. He has guest starred on many television series, including Scandal, The Mentalist, Private Practice, CSI: Miami, and Numb3rs. He holds a BA in theater arts from Northwestern University.
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