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An Amish Mystery #4
Suspendered Sentence
Visit the Amish community of Heavenly, Pennsylvania, where shop owner Claire Weatherly has come to appreciate a simpler, more peaceful way of life. But dark secrets are about to complicate things in this novel in the Amish Mystery series.
After the Stoltzfus barn catches fire, Claire is awed by the response of the community. Hundreds of Amish men gather together to raise a new barn for the family in a matter of days. But in the midst of the work, a human skeleton is unearthed. Found with the remains is half of a friendship bracelet last seen on Sadie Lehman, an Amish teen long believed to have left her strict upbringing for the allure of English ways.
Now Detective Jakob Fisher—once a member of the Amish community himself—is determined to solve the young woman’s murder. With Claire’s help, he must dig into the past and bring to light long-buried secrets—secrets that someone is willing to kill to protect...
After the Stoltzfus barn catches fire, Claire is awed by the response of the community. Hundreds of Amish men gather together to raise a new barn for the family in a matter of days. But in the midst of the work, a human skeleton is unearthed. Found with the remains is half of a friendship bracelet last seen on Sadie Lehman, an Amish teen long believed to have left her strict upbringing for the allure of English ways.
Now Detective Jakob Fisher—once a member of the Amish community himself—is determined to solve the young woman’s murder. With Claire’s help, he must dig into the past and bring to light long-buried secrets—secrets that someone is willing to kill to protect...
304 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published March 3, 2015
133 people are currently reading
647 people want to read
About the author
Laura Bradford
57 books880 followersAka Elizabeth Lynn Casey.
While spending a rainy afternoon at a friend's house nearly forty years ago, Laura Bradford fell in love with writing over a stack of blank paper, a box of crayons, and a freshly sharpened number two pencil.
Those early attempts at the craft had her writing and illustrating stories for young children. Wise beyond her years, Laura saved her first writing attempt in a hand decorated shoe box (complete with sparkly stickers) and moved on to her next idea. Her second book—O’Casey’s Wish—was so utterly brilliant, she sent it off to a well-known New York publishing house at the tender age of ten, confident she was on the verge of becoming the next Don Freeman (Corduroy) or Shel Silverstein (Giving Tree).
Months later, she received her first form letter rejection.
While she wasn’t of the mindset to save that first crushing blow for posterity, Laura did save the original copy of this particular literary masterpiece in the event the letter was a mistake.
Desperate to prove her flexibility as a writer, Laura soon found herself dabbling in jokes (for her Girl Scout troop’s newsletter), stories of angst (a somewhat autobiographical look at her teenage years), movie reviews (for the Xavier University Newswire), and countless news and feature articles (for newspapers in CT, SC, TN, and MO).
It wasn’t until Laura was home raising children of her own though, that she was finally able to dust off that rainy day dream and bring it back to its original form—writing fiction. Today, she is a bestselling mystery author with Berkley Prime Crime (Penguin Publishing), and an award winning romance author with Harlequin American. She lives in New York with her family.
Oh, and if you meet Laura at a book event in the future, ask her about O’Casey’s Wish. It tends to travel with her everywhere she goes.
While spending a rainy afternoon at a friend's house nearly forty years ago, Laura Bradford fell in love with writing over a stack of blank paper, a box of crayons, and a freshly sharpened number two pencil.
Those early attempts at the craft had her writing and illustrating stories for young children. Wise beyond her years, Laura saved her first writing attempt in a hand decorated shoe box (complete with sparkly stickers) and moved on to her next idea. Her second book—O’Casey’s Wish—was so utterly brilliant, she sent it off to a well-known New York publishing house at the tender age of ten, confident she was on the verge of becoming the next Don Freeman (Corduroy) or Shel Silverstein (Giving Tree).
Months later, she received her first form letter rejection.
While she wasn’t of the mindset to save that first crushing blow for posterity, Laura did save the original copy of this particular literary masterpiece in the event the letter was a mistake.
Desperate to prove her flexibility as a writer, Laura soon found herself dabbling in jokes (for her Girl Scout troop’s newsletter), stories of angst (a somewhat autobiographical look at her teenage years), movie reviews (for the Xavier University Newswire), and countless news and feature articles (for newspapers in CT, SC, TN, and MO).
It wasn’t until Laura was home raising children of her own though, that she was finally able to dust off that rainy day dream and bring it back to its original form—writing fiction. Today, she is a bestselling mystery author with Berkley Prime Crime (Penguin Publishing), and an award winning romance author with Harlequin American. She lives in New York with her family.
Oh, and if you meet Laura at a book event in the future, ask her about O’Casey’s Wish. It tends to travel with her everywhere she goes.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 106 reviews
March 3, 2015
This book was definitely different than other mysteries I've read - simple and full of a lot more emotion than I'm used to. The characters immediately pulled me in and it was impossible for me to put down. I literally walked around the house reading the book while trying to take care of other things, then sat up all night finishing it - I wanted to know more about the characters, the Amish community, and what happened in the past.
I love the way the author writes, the knowledge that she had about the Amish, the descriptions she includes about the setting (Heavenly, Pennsylvania sounds like my kind of place), and the fact that the romance she added into the story not only enhanced it, but was clean (they were both sweet and respectful of each other).
Each character added something more to the story and were so different from each other, and I liked seeing how the Amish interacted with "the English." This is my first novel by the author, but I plan to go back and read the previous stories, and all future ones as well.
I felt so bad for Zebediah and Waneta Lehman. I can't even comprehend the grief they must have felt, not just with believing their daughter left during her Rumspringa, but then finding out many years later that she actually died and was secretly buried on the property they used to own. And to see how many lives in Heavenly were touched by Sadie's death was pretty powerful.
I liked all the characters, but the one I think I enjoyed reading about the most was Annie, not just in the store with Claire, but with her sister's children as well.
Favorite quote:
"Sometimes, when she drove along these roads, she couldn't help but feel as if the pages of her calendar had drifted backwards a hundred years to a simpler life when life was governed by people rather than technology. It was as if the world was passing the Amish by in so many ways, yet they didn't care.
For them, an open-top wagon or a gray-topped buggy was all the transportation they desired.
For them, an inexpensive bolt of durable fabric and a sewing machine were all they needed to clothe their families.
For them, communication with friends and family came not through social media and cell phones but, rather, with face-to-face visits.
For them, mates weren't found with the help of Internet dating sites. No, they were found across the room at church, or during a Sunday afternoon hymn sing or volleyball game.
For them, helping a neighbor through tragedy meant rolling up one's sleeves and doing whatever it took to get someone back on their feet."
Note: I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest and unbiased review. Please remember that this review is my opinion based on my personal inspiration of the book.
I love the way the author writes, the knowledge that she had about the Amish, the descriptions she includes about the setting (Heavenly, Pennsylvania sounds like my kind of place), and the fact that the romance she added into the story not only enhanced it, but was clean (they were both sweet and respectful of each other).
Each character added something more to the story and were so different from each other, and I liked seeing how the Amish interacted with "the English." This is my first novel by the author, but I plan to go back and read the previous stories, and all future ones as well.
I felt so bad for Zebediah and Waneta Lehman. I can't even comprehend the grief they must have felt, not just with believing their daughter left during her Rumspringa, but then finding out many years later that she actually died and was secretly buried on the property they used to own. And to see how many lives in Heavenly were touched by Sadie's death was pretty powerful.
I liked all the characters, but the one I think I enjoyed reading about the most was Annie, not just in the store with Claire, but with her sister's children as well.
Favorite quote:
"Sometimes, when she drove along these roads, she couldn't help but feel as if the pages of her calendar had drifted backwards a hundred years to a simpler life when life was governed by people rather than technology. It was as if the world was passing the Amish by in so many ways, yet they didn't care.
For them, an open-top wagon or a gray-topped buggy was all the transportation they desired.
For them, an inexpensive bolt of durable fabric and a sewing machine were all they needed to clothe their families.
For them, communication with friends and family came not through social media and cell phones but, rather, with face-to-face visits.
For them, mates weren't found with the help of Internet dating sites. No, they were found across the room at church, or during a Sunday afternoon hymn sing or volleyball game.
For them, helping a neighbor through tragedy meant rolling up one's sleeves and doing whatever it took to get someone back on their feet."
Note: I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest and unbiased review. Please remember that this review is my opinion based on my personal inspiration of the book.
February 2, 2020
This is one of those cozy mysteries that start in the first Chapter and takes readers to almost the end of the book before you get to know for sure whodunit. This book kept this reader from her daily chores and kept her nose stuck deep into this mystery. It is my opinion that this is the best book in this series so far. I picked two possible suspects that seemed to have motive to murder the victim. I always pick out someone in the story that readers would least suspect. Well one of my choices turned out to be right but for a different crime and at that I will say no more.
After dark one winter evening the Stultzfus barn burned to the ground. By the next day Amish neighbors showed up at the barn by the hundreds to help clean up after the fire and prepare the plot of ground for a new barn. New dirt would be needed to replace the charred soil around the burned barn . While digging for new dirt a skeleton of human bones was unearthed. Detective Jakob Fisher was summoned to the scene and it was determined that the bones were those of Sadie Lehman , a girl that was thought to have long ago left the Amish during her rumspringa , nineteen years ago. Is it too late to find the killer after these many years have passed by? Jakob Fisher puts on his Detective cap and gets busy trying to solve this apparent homicide.
All readers of Cozy mystery and Amish fiction would enjoy this book. Those who love to try to guess who the murderer is will have the opportunity to use their skills in this story. Suspendered Sentence is book four of An Amish Mystery series and the Author is Laura Bradford. You can read this book out of its order but there are references to things that happened in the previous books so I feel it would be more beneficial to read the other books in their order.
I downloaded a Kindle ebook version from The Ohio Digital Library. A review was not requested. All opinions expressed here in this review are my own.
After dark one winter evening the Stultzfus barn burned to the ground. By the next day Amish neighbors showed up at the barn by the hundreds to help clean up after the fire and prepare the plot of ground for a new barn. New dirt would be needed to replace the charred soil around the burned barn . While digging for new dirt a skeleton of human bones was unearthed. Detective Jakob Fisher was summoned to the scene and it was determined that the bones were those of Sadie Lehman , a girl that was thought to have long ago left the Amish during her rumspringa , nineteen years ago. Is it too late to find the killer after these many years have passed by? Jakob Fisher puts on his Detective cap and gets busy trying to solve this apparent homicide.
All readers of Cozy mystery and Amish fiction would enjoy this book. Those who love to try to guess who the murderer is will have the opportunity to use their skills in this story. Suspendered Sentence is book four of An Amish Mystery series and the Author is Laura Bradford. You can read this book out of its order but there are references to things that happened in the previous books so I feel it would be more beneficial to read the other books in their order.
I downloaded a Kindle ebook version from The Ohio Digital Library. A review was not requested. All opinions expressed here in this review are my own.
March 3, 2015
I was blessed enough to receive an advance reader copy (ARC) of SUSPENDERED SENTENCE for review. I am so thrilled that I was!
Ms. Bradford has an amazing talent, and is a most gifted storyteller. Her words never fail to draw me in and capture me.
With each book I read in the Amish Mystery series, I think there is no way the next one will be as good. I’m very happy to be wrong. Laura Bradford continues to improve upon an already fantastic series. SUSPENDERED SENTENCE was in a word…Wonderful!
I always feel like I have come home when reading this series. The characters are like family and friends. To say I am emotionally attached to them and what happens to them, well, that would be very true.
The murder in SUSPENDERED SENTENCE was a shocking one to say the least. But when there is another mystery attached to the first, things really became intense and more of a guessing game for me. Once the truth came out about everything, it blew me away just how intricate a story Ms. Bradford had penned.
If you like the first books in this series, you are in for a major treat with this SUSPENDERED SENTENCE. If you haven’t read this series, I really encourage you to do so.
Ms. Bradford has an amazing talent, and is a most gifted storyteller. Her words never fail to draw me in and capture me.
With each book I read in the Amish Mystery series, I think there is no way the next one will be as good. I’m very happy to be wrong. Laura Bradford continues to improve upon an already fantastic series. SUSPENDERED SENTENCE was in a word…Wonderful!
I always feel like I have come home when reading this series. The characters are like family and friends. To say I am emotionally attached to them and what happens to them, well, that would be very true.
The murder in SUSPENDERED SENTENCE was a shocking one to say the least. But when there is another mystery attached to the first, things really became intense and more of a guessing game for me. Once the truth came out about everything, it blew me away just how intricate a story Ms. Bradford had penned.
If you like the first books in this series, you are in for a major treat with this SUSPENDERED SENTENCE. If you haven’t read this series, I really encourage you to do so.
March 21, 2022
It’s been a while since I’ve read this series and I forgot how good it is! It also probably helped that this had a cold case storyline (my favorite!) and that I guessed some of the resolution ahead of time (doesn’t happen often). Looking forward to reading more.
January 26, 2019
Suspendered Sentence is the 4th thrilling book written by Laura Bradford in her An Amish Mystery series. This book is definetly thrilling and full of suspense. There are really two mysteries involved in this unique story involving the Amish. The author has really written a story that will keep the readers interest all the way to the end. I really enjoyed the wsy this story played out.
The characters are very likeable and I was happy to see that Claire and Jakob were once again solving a mystery together. This story introduced a young Amish girl that Claire has hired to work in her gift shop. Annie has a sweet, quiet disposition and I liked her instantly. I hope to see what happens with these characters in the next book. The author has a definte gift for creating amazing characters to tell her stories.
I was not given a complimentary copy of this book to read and review. I was not approached by anyone to post a favorable review. I have rated this book with five stars for meeting my expectations of such an amazing mystery that I can highly recommend to others who enjoy the Amish genre.
Congratulations to Laura Bradford for once again releasing a fantastic story of mystery and suspense for her readers to enjoy.
The characters are very likeable and I was happy to see that Claire and Jakob were once again solving a mystery together. This story introduced a young Amish girl that Claire has hired to work in her gift shop. Annie has a sweet, quiet disposition and I liked her instantly. I hope to see what happens with these characters in the next book. The author has a definte gift for creating amazing characters to tell her stories.
I was not given a complimentary copy of this book to read and review. I was not approached by anyone to post a favorable review. I have rated this book with five stars for meeting my expectations of such an amazing mystery that I can highly recommend to others who enjoy the Amish genre.
Congratulations to Laura Bradford for once again releasing a fantastic story of mystery and suspense for her readers to enjoy.
November 24, 2015
When the Stolrzfus barn catches fire, the Amish community comes together for a barn raising. But in the midst of the building, bones are discovered, and they are quickly identified as those of Sadie Lehman, who disappeared 20 years before. With the mystery of her disappearance now on everyone’s mind, Claire begins to search for answers to help those she has come to love. But what really happened all those years ago?
The mystery was a tad slower than I thought it could be, but the book more than makes up for it with the characters. I’ve come to care for them, and the growth we see here is not only organic, but growth that made me very happy. These characters pulled me into the book once again, and I can hardly wait to visit them when the next in the series comes out.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
The mystery was a tad slower than I thought it could be, but the book more than makes up for it with the characters. I’ve come to care for them, and the growth we see here is not only organic, but growth that made me very happy. These characters pulled me into the book once again, and I can hardly wait to visit them when the next in the series comes out.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
February 23, 2015
Wow, I have read all 4 of the books in this series now and I just have to say that this book is the best. Once I started it, I couldn't put it down. I love the subtle romance between Claire and Jakob, the shunned former Amish Policeman. Evan though Jakob has been shunned by his family, it is touching to see the ways that other members of the community go about making sure that he is still able to have some time with his niece and other family members. Loved the addition of Annie. The widowed bishops youngest daughter. My heart goes out to this poor motherless 16 year old girl that is struggling to find her way in life. I can't wait to see more of her in the next book. Even if you haven't read the first 3 you will have no problem getting into and understanding this one. I for one can't wait for number 5.
April 8, 2015
I bought this book by accident after previously deciding to drop the series. Reading it has re-affirmed my decision as this one is just not for me. I think the author did a fantastic job with the Amish characters, but the English ones are all unlikeable, and as the MC is English, that's a problem for me. Still, if an over-abundance of virtue and a hint of martyrdom aren't deal-breakers, this is a very well-written book with a well-plotted mystery.
Full review: http://jenn.booklikes.com/post/114027...
Full review: http://jenn.booklikes.com/post/114027...
March 13, 2015
Great book! Sad that it has ended. A body found after seventeen some years. Who did it? I was really thinking an Englisher did it. Claire does not rest until she solves the case. Her relationship with the ex Amish, now turned cop, is growing. I want another book to see them get married!
February 15, 2016
Have enjoyed all her Amish Mystery series books. As with any series, you need to start with the first book for introduction to all the characters.
May 18, 2019
2019 bk 160. A burned barn, the discovery of the bones of a teenager thought to have left during Rumspringa, a teenager's grief for her friend, and Claire is missing Esther working with her. One problem was more easily solved, Esther sends a teen, Annie, on her Rumspringa to work for Claire. The other issues, not so easily solved. Claire and Jakob find their way through the myriad problems of this book. The description of the clearing of the burned barn and it's raising are so clear that you can see them happening, not just read about it. This is book four and Laura Bradford is doing a terrific job at retaining the freshness of the series in each new book.
July 16, 2018
I don't know whether to give this a 4 or a 5. It always happens after finishing a book in this series. Loved it so of course its a 5.
I like that the mystery of this one had to do with an ongoing arc for one of the characters. As well as the other characters have an arc that finally gets resolved.
The 4th book in the Amish mystery series is just as good, same with the other books in the series so far. Also like that the cover has something to do with the mystery. Always look forward to reading more about Claire and co.
I like that the mystery of this one had to do with an ongoing arc for one of the characters. As well as the other characters have an arc that finally gets resolved.
The 4th book in the Amish mystery series is just as good, same with the other books in the series so far. Also like that the cover has something to do with the mystery. Always look forward to reading more about Claire and co.
April 11, 2024
A cozy mystery set in Heavenly, Pennsylvania. When a barn burns, the Amish community immediately start to build a new one. However, when human bones are discovered the police become involved. The detective working the case is a former Amish who knows everyone involved and needs to find out what they are hiding. The book was an easy read.
March 30, 2015
Laura Bradford returns to Heavenly, Pennsylvania in her latest Amish mystery, Suspendered Sentence. Readers who love Amish fiction won't be able to put this one down, as the skeleton of a young Amish bride is found after a fire. This story has a lot of heart and the emotions of the characters are strong and can be felt by anyone who reads it. Bradford does an excellent job with both characterization and the mystery elements of the story, but where she really shines, is in the treatment of the Amish culture and lifestyle. A great addition to the series!
There are so many things that I like about this series. As always I feel like Bradford has an empathy with for Amish people. She somehow has an understanding of who they are why they do the things they do. Mysteries are founded on motivations and the whys and wherefores of a crime and I think it essential with an Amish tale that the author can kind of get into the mind of those involved. Bradford is able to do this easily and the emotions and actions of her characters seem realistic an authentic.
One of the things I love about the Amish community is just that, their sense of community. They protect each other, help each other and share in the joys and sorrows of all their members from young to the old. The barn raising depicted in Suspendered Sentence is something I remember from childhood and it is crucial to the story, since that is where the remains of the young Amish woman are found. That is one of those events that draws in the community, Amish or otherwise. It is a show of solidarity and unity and I think that is huge in this culture.
The mystery was poignant and very engaging. The Amish bride who died was thought to have just run away and that made it all the more mysterious. I thought Bradford did a great job of tying in the girl's diary and tying her to several of the people in heroine, Claire's life. It gave Claire the motivation to investigate. Jakob's involvement, as always, was amazing. I really like him as a character and Bradford shows even more depth to his character in each book. The clues were not easy to follow and involved more than one death, but eventually the reader will thoroughly surprised by the outcome. Claire's life is never a breeze, but she still finds time for her family and friends and is a wonderful cozy heroine.
Bottom Line:
Laura Bradford has a knack for writing about the Amish lifestyle and culture. She is able to get to the heart of the Amish community and bring out some of the qualities and features readers may not know about them. I loved the barn raising theme and the addition of the girl's diary was a great way to get inside the head of the victim. This was my favorite of the series so far and I think readers will get a lot more out of this than just a mystery.
There are so many things that I like about this series. As always I feel like Bradford has an empathy with for Amish people. She somehow has an understanding of who they are why they do the things they do. Mysteries are founded on motivations and the whys and wherefores of a crime and I think it essential with an Amish tale that the author can kind of get into the mind of those involved. Bradford is able to do this easily and the emotions and actions of her characters seem realistic an authentic.
One of the things I love about the Amish community is just that, their sense of community. They protect each other, help each other and share in the joys and sorrows of all their members from young to the old. The barn raising depicted in Suspendered Sentence is something I remember from childhood and it is crucial to the story, since that is where the remains of the young Amish woman are found. That is one of those events that draws in the community, Amish or otherwise. It is a show of solidarity and unity and I think that is huge in this culture.
The mystery was poignant and very engaging. The Amish bride who died was thought to have just run away and that made it all the more mysterious. I thought Bradford did a great job of tying in the girl's diary and tying her to several of the people in heroine, Claire's life. It gave Claire the motivation to investigate. Jakob's involvement, as always, was amazing. I really like him as a character and Bradford shows even more depth to his character in each book. The clues were not easy to follow and involved more than one death, but eventually the reader will thoroughly surprised by the outcome. Claire's life is never a breeze, but she still finds time for her family and friends and is a wonderful cozy heroine.
Bottom Line:
Laura Bradford has a knack for writing about the Amish lifestyle and culture. She is able to get to the heart of the Amish community and bring out some of the qualities and features readers may not know about them. I loved the barn raising theme and the addition of the girl's diary was a great way to get inside the head of the victim. This was my favorite of the series so far and I think readers will get a lot more out of this than just a mystery.
January 16, 2016
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Laura Bradford continues top herself again and again.
In this story Clare is awed by the Amish community as the all turn out to replace a barn in just a few days. I am in awe of the way Bradford makes these characters so real, so genuine, so inspiring and heartwarming. The Amish community is rocked when a the remains of a girl are found. You can’t help grieving for her parents. Claire and Jakob try so hard to figure out what happened and it takes them right into the heart of the community that has shunned Jakob.
The author continues to go delve into a culture most people don’t know much about and she does it in almost a loving way. Like her character Claire she is looking in from the outside and her fascination shines through each and every page.
Like all of her stories the mystery is thought out and well plotted. The reader almost hangs on every word. The twists this time are take a very troubling path and to me were heart wrenching. My emotions ran the gambit. That to me that is the true determination of a great story. I was moved by this story and it will stick with me.
In addition to the main plot there is also a subplot where Jakob and Claire are exploring or starting more of a romantic relationship. I was delighted by this.
Suspendered Sentence can be read as a stand alone by why deprive yourself from the reading this fantastic series from the start. This one will be on my Best Reads of 2015 list like Shunned and Dangerous was a Best Read last year. Every book in this series is outstanding!
Paradise Rating
Laura Bradford continues top herself again and again.
In this story Clare is awed by the Amish community as the all turn out to replace a barn in just a few days. I am in awe of the way Bradford makes these characters so real, so genuine, so inspiring and heartwarming. The Amish community is rocked when a the remains of a girl are found. You can’t help grieving for her parents. Claire and Jakob try so hard to figure out what happened and it takes them right into the heart of the community that has shunned Jakob.
The author continues to go delve into a culture most people don’t know much about and she does it in almost a loving way. Like her character Claire she is looking in from the outside and her fascination shines through each and every page.
Like all of her stories the mystery is thought out and well plotted. The reader almost hangs on every word. The twists this time are take a very troubling path and to me were heart wrenching. My emotions ran the gambit. That to me that is the true determination of a great story. I was moved by this story and it will stick with me.
In addition to the main plot there is also a subplot where Jakob and Claire are exploring or starting more of a romantic relationship. I was delighted by this.
Suspendered Sentence can be read as a stand alone by why deprive yourself from the reading this fantastic series from the start. This one will be on my Best Reads of 2015 list like Shunned and Dangerous was a Best Read last year. Every book in this series is outstanding!
Paradise Rating
March 7, 2015
Wow!! I'm a huge fan of Laura Bradford. Just when you think she can't get any better with her writing, Bam!! She gives us the 4th book in her Amish mystery series & it's the best so far!! I knew from the start that there would be a body, suspects, great scenery, and wonderful dialog. But, I never expected the terrific roller coaster of different emotions that I felt while reading this book!! I laughed, cried, and was stumped throughout the book.
If you read the blurb, you know that there were bones found on an Amish property in Heavenly, PA. Who do they belong too? How did they get there?? Is there a murderer amongst the peaceful people of this Amish/English community?? Oh, I thought that I had the answers to these questions a few times. I never expected the twists & turns that Ms. Bradford had in store for her readers!! She got me AGAIN!!
I love the interaction between the Amish & English in this series, the setting is so lovely, the characters are so "human" that you think you actually know them. I adore Aunt Diane and the little touch of a sweet romance between Claire & Jakob.
If you like cozy mysteries where it"s a huge challenge to figure out "who done it" , then this is the author & series for you!!
If you read the blurb, you know that there were bones found on an Amish property in Heavenly, PA. Who do they belong too? How did they get there?? Is there a murderer amongst the peaceful people of this Amish/English community?? Oh, I thought that I had the answers to these questions a few times. I never expected the twists & turns that Ms. Bradford had in store for her readers!! She got me AGAIN!!
I love the interaction between the Amish & English in this series, the setting is so lovely, the characters are so "human" that you think you actually know them. I adore Aunt Diane and the little touch of a sweet romance between Claire & Jakob.
If you like cozy mysteries where it"s a huge challenge to figure out "who done it" , then this is the author & series for you!!
March 3, 2015
This is the first read for me in this series and by this author. I love Amish reads and mysteries and I had no clue about this series. I am so glad I got to join this tour and review this wonderful book. I am going to have to go back and read the first three. I understood I could read this as a stand alone and I felt that was right. Now to go back and get the other 3 and really fall in love more.
In hopes of starting over after a divorce, Claire left city life behind and moved to Pennsylvania and into her Aunt Diane's bed-and-breakfast, Sleep Heavenly. I can tell she has a crush on the local detective and former Amish Jakob Fisher.
I don't want to giveaway anything but this author does an excellent job in the story telling and the setting. I felt right at home in the B&B. The characters mesh well together and it makes you want to turn the pages over and over again.
In hopes of starting over after a divorce, Claire left city life behind and moved to Pennsylvania and into her Aunt Diane's bed-and-breakfast, Sleep Heavenly. I can tell she has a crush on the local detective and former Amish Jakob Fisher.
I don't want to giveaway anything but this author does an excellent job in the story telling and the setting. I felt right at home in the B&B. The characters mesh well together and it makes you want to turn the pages over and over again.
March 18, 2015
I love this series and I have to say that I think this one is my favorite. I love Claire and her developing relationship with Jakob. We are introduced to Annie who I ended up really enjoying, a young girl while respectful is dealing with issues that show that Amish and English have similar problems. The mystery of a body that turns up years later takes you on some twists, turns and surprises that kept me guessing until close to the end. Ms. Bradford has a way of writing that easily puts you right there in the book with her characters, you feel like you are visiting old friends and I swear I almost hear the clip clopping of the Amish horses and smell the fresh air while reading her books. I eagerly await the next in this series.
May 28, 2015
This one was absolutely terrible. The main character Claire, has got to be the stupidest person in all of Heavenly, PA. The 1st few pages were excruciating to read. Her indignation later in the book was completely off the wall and ridiculous. The murder in the book was decent but the characters are awful. And is every Amish person in every Amish genre-booked beautiful to look at? I am done with this series.
April 24, 2016
I gobbled up the latest installment of Laura Bradford's "Amish Mystery" series! While the plotting (and the mystery) is solid, it's the characters that draw me into this world. They're human and multi-layered - from Claire's trust issues to Jakob's Amish patience. I can't wait for more in this series!
January 9, 2016
There are just some series that when you read them it's just like going home. I love that I stumbled across this series, it's one of my favorites. The characters are great. I did not guess the bad guy correctly until the end. A nice little story. Now to wait for the next installment to come out.
May 26, 2016
This series is wearing thin for me. You can depend on this formula: Amish = GOOD, English = BAD. The English heroine is also a bit of a milquetoast. Will probably read another. We'll see.
March 24, 2016
I loved this book, the whole series is great!
December 2, 2018
Claire is in awe of how fast the Amish are able to put together a barn raising after a fire, and she's there to check it out with Jakob when bones are found beneath the former site. These bones turn out to belong to Sadie, a young girl who was believed to have run away, never to be heard from again. Claire greatly pities her parents, Waneta and Zebediah Lehman, and that's mostly what pulls her into this mystery. There's not a shortage of suspects, since Sadie was on her own Rumspringa when it happened, and it turns out that .
On a non-mystery related note, Claire finally hires someone to help her out at the shop, after Esther sends the young girl to her. Her name is Annie, she's on Rumspringa, and she's the bishop's daughter. Her mother is dead, and it's only the two of them at home, but he works too much, and she needs more attention. Claire takes to her, and she ends up being an exemplary employee. Jakob also .
On a non-mystery related note, Claire finally hires someone to help her out at the shop, after Esther sends the young girl to her. Her name is Annie, she's on Rumspringa, and she's the bishop's daughter. Her mother is dead, and it's only the two of them at home, but he works too much, and she needs more attention. Claire takes to her, and she ends up being an exemplary employee. Jakob also .
January 6, 2024
"The national bestselling author ofaShunned and Dangerousareturns to the Amish community of Heavenly, Pennsylvania, where shop owner Claire Weatherly has come to appreciate a simpler, more peaceful way of life. But dark secrets are about to complicate things-and lead to murder . . .a After the Stoltzfus barn catches fire, Claire is awed by the response of the community. Hundreds of Amish men gather together to raise a new barn for the family in a matter of days. But in the midst of the work, a human skeleton is unearthed. Found with the remains is half of a friendship bracelet last seen on Sadie Lehman, an Amish teen long believed to have left her strict upbringing for the allure of English ways. Now Detective Jakob Fisher-once a member of the Amish community himself-is determined to solve the young woman's murder. With Claire's help, he must dig into the past and bring to light long-buried secrets-secrets that someone is willing to kill to protect . . .a Praise for the Amish Mysteries'The best cozy mystery debut I've read this year.' #1aNew York Timesabestselling author Harlan Coben'Delightful . . . Well-portrayed characters and authentic Amish lore make this a memorable read.'aPublishers Weekly'Bradford concocts a clever whodunit . . . Her characters possess depth, and her mastery of the Amish culture adds a dimension to her work that readers likely will find fascinating.'aRichmond Times-Dispatcha 'A fascinating cozy that showcases the culture of the people.'aGumshoe Review'Bradford's characters are some of the best developed, most interesting ones I've come across in a cozy mystery.'aLesa's Book Critiques"
October 28, 2017
Another fun addition to Bradford's Amish mystery series. Bones of a body long buried are discovered on an Amish farm while cleaning up from a barn fire. Clair and Jakob are pulled into a mystery that takes them back to Ben and Jakob's rumspringa year. More history about Ben and Elisabeth and what really cut her life so short.
The mystery was a good one with a few unexpected twists that caught me off guard. It's nice to have some surprises! Also very nice to watch Claire and Jakob deepen their relationship. Lovely read, now I want to see what happens next!
The mystery was a good one with a few unexpected twists that caught me off guard. It's nice to have some surprises! Also very nice to watch Claire and Jakob deepen their relationship. Lovely read, now I want to see what happens next!
November 13, 2019
Challenges: September RRRCs 2019 - 'S' in title (1); and, Create Your Own Readathon/Steeped in Books/Stacking the Series - Working List/Level 6a/Book 4. Heavenly, Pennsylvania is the setting of series. Although cozy enough, bucolic, and idyllic, even the peaceful life of the Amish can be shattered. Old crimes are revealed that bring new adaptations to the present when the lives of the English and the Amish blend.
September 3, 2018
I read this on the kindle
This is another in the series
When the bones of an Amish Girl Sadie who was believed to have left the Amish life for one in the English world it's up to Jakob to find out how it happen with Claire asking as well
I can't say too much as it would spoil it but a nice twist
This is another in the series
When the bones of an Amish Girl Sadie who was believed to have left the Amish life for one in the English world it's up to Jakob to find out how it happen with Claire asking as well
I can't say too much as it would spoil it but a nice twist
December 11, 2018
I loved the first two in this series - couldn’t find the third but had to read the 4th when I saw it. I was not disappointed. Another wonderful cozy mystery in Amish country, with a great exploration of the Amish way of life and really fun twists and turns. I did get the murderer before the end but it was still great to see how we got there.
January 19, 2020
Thank you miserable snow for giving me the incentive to read this book in one day.
A barn fire brings to light the bones of a teenage girl thought to have run off from her Amish family 20 years earlier. Jewellery found with the body brings up ties to Ben's late wife, Elizabeth. Jakob investigates and Claire helps and all comes to a wonderfully satisfactory ending. I really enjoy this series.
A barn fire brings to light the bones of a teenage girl thought to have run off from her Amish family 20 years earlier. Jewellery found with the body brings up ties to Ben's late wife, Elizabeth. Jakob investigates and Claire helps and all comes to a wonderfully satisfactory ending. I really enjoy this series.
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