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An Amish Mystery #6
Just Plain Murder
Claire Weatherly and her beau, police detective Jakob Fisher, learn that when it comes to murder, evil can hide in plain sight in this all-new addition to the national bestselling Amish Mysteries.
Jakob and Claire have been enjoying more time together in lovely Heavenly, PA. With Claire's help, the detective is making slow progress reconnecting with the members of his Amish family who shunned him when he left to pursue a career in law enforcement. Jakob's mentor, Russ Granger, the long-retired police chief who inspired him to become a cop, is back in town. Claire has always wanted to meet the man who changed the course of Jakob's life. But not long after he arrives in Heavenly, Russ is murdered.
Jakob can only imagine that his old friend must have been killed by someone outside of the Amish community. He and Claire soon find that things are not as they seem--and that Russ may have stumbled into something sinister before he was killed. The answers they uncover are closer to home and more shocking than they ever expected.
Jakob and Claire have been enjoying more time together in lovely Heavenly, PA. With Claire's help, the detective is making slow progress reconnecting with the members of his Amish family who shunned him when he left to pursue a career in law enforcement. Jakob's mentor, Russ Granger, the long-retired police chief who inspired him to become a cop, is back in town. Claire has always wanted to meet the man who changed the course of Jakob's life. But not long after he arrives in Heavenly, Russ is murdered.
Jakob can only imagine that his old friend must have been killed by someone outside of the Amish community. He and Claire soon find that things are not as they seem--and that Russ may have stumbled into something sinister before he was killed. The answers they uncover are closer to home and more shocking than they ever expected.
296 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published November 27, 2018
97 people are currently reading
459 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 84 reviews
November 27, 2018
In the time that shop owner Claire Weatherly has been dating detective Jakob Fisher, she has never met Russ Granger, the man Jakob counts as a mentor and father figure. Of course, it makes sense since Russ has retired and moved to Florida. He is back in Heavenly, Pennsylvania, for a visit, but before Jakob and Russ can reconnect, Russ is murdered. Distraught over the man's death, Jakob throws himself into solving the crime. Can Claire help him come up with any leads?
It's been two and a half years since we've been able to visit this community, and I hadn't realized just how much I missed it until I was reading the first page. I was immediately swept back into the peaceful state I find while reading this series. In keeping with a town next to an Amish community, the pace in this series has always been a bit on the slow side, but I did feel this book's pacing was slower than normal. Still, when the pace does pick up, we get a well-done plot. The real star has always been the characters, and I was thrilled to be able to visit them again. They are as wonderful as ever, and I enjoyed some of the developments happening in their lives.
NOTE: I received a copy of this book.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
It's been two and a half years since we've been able to visit this community, and I hadn't realized just how much I missed it until I was reading the first page. I was immediately swept back into the peaceful state I find while reading this series. In keeping with a town next to an Amish community, the pace in this series has always been a bit on the slow side, but I did feel this book's pacing was slower than normal. Still, when the pace does pick up, we get a well-done plot. The real star has always been the characters, and I was thrilled to be able to visit them again. They are as wonderful as ever, and I enjoyed some of the developments happening in their lives.
NOTE: I received a copy of this book.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
December 15, 2018
Dollycas’s Thoughts
The lines become a little more blurred between the English and the Amish as Jacob Fisher’s mentor returns to Heavenly only to be killed before the two men can reconnect. The family that has shunned him knows how much this man meant to him. Claire is trying to bring his family closer while doing her best to be there for him herself, but he is carrying a heavy load of burden. This awful crime happened in his town and on his watch. He can’t believe anyone in Heavenly would be behind the heinous act, but he needs to get to the truth and find out what his friend stumbled into that got him killed.
Laura Bradford has written quite a mystery in this long-awaited return to Heavenly Pennsylvania. She gives us a clearer picture of Jacob Fisher and why he left the Amish way of life to become a police officer. Because he did it after he was baptized he has been shunned by his family. He paid that high price because he found his true purpose in law enforcement. Sadly, a man he respected, his mentor, has been killed and Jacob needs to step away from his pain and grieving to bring a killer to justice. The author brings Claire into the picture as support in a tender way, as a helpmate to lean on and a sounding board and partner in solving the crime. Her intuition and ability to get closer to the Amish make them a great team.
The amateur sleuth really came out of me while reading this story. It was very complex and surprising. There was a subplot about a rebellious Amish teen on rumspringa that twisted into the main plot and by the end, the teen played a key role and had an awakening of their own.
Ms. Bradford’s storytelling talents were out in full force for this story. By the end I cared more for characters I already cared for greatly. She brought out my mothering feelings regarding that teen and I genuinely was concerned about his life and hope he is included in future stories. The characters in this story continue to be some of my favorites. They continue to grow and their lives move forward and I feel blessed to follow them on their life journeys.
I have loved the town of Heavenly and it’s uniqueness since book 1 and I hope we will not have to wait as long to visit again. I look forward to many more stories with Claire, Jacob, their friends, and their families.
The lines become a little more blurred between the English and the Amish as Jacob Fisher’s mentor returns to Heavenly only to be killed before the two men can reconnect. The family that has shunned him knows how much this man meant to him. Claire is trying to bring his family closer while doing her best to be there for him herself, but he is carrying a heavy load of burden. This awful crime happened in his town and on his watch. He can’t believe anyone in Heavenly would be behind the heinous act, but he needs to get to the truth and find out what his friend stumbled into that got him killed.
Laura Bradford has written quite a mystery in this long-awaited return to Heavenly Pennsylvania. She gives us a clearer picture of Jacob Fisher and why he left the Amish way of life to become a police officer. Because he did it after he was baptized he has been shunned by his family. He paid that high price because he found his true purpose in law enforcement. Sadly, a man he respected, his mentor, has been killed and Jacob needs to step away from his pain and grieving to bring a killer to justice. The author brings Claire into the picture as support in a tender way, as a helpmate to lean on and a sounding board and partner in solving the crime. Her intuition and ability to get closer to the Amish make them a great team.
The amateur sleuth really came out of me while reading this story. It was very complex and surprising. There was a subplot about a rebellious Amish teen on rumspringa that twisted into the main plot and by the end, the teen played a key role and had an awakening of their own.
Ms. Bradford’s storytelling talents were out in full force for this story. By the end I cared more for characters I already cared for greatly. She brought out my mothering feelings regarding that teen and I genuinely was concerned about his life and hope he is included in future stories. The characters in this story continue to be some of my favorites. They continue to grow and their lives move forward and I feel blessed to follow them on their life journeys.
I have loved the town of Heavenly and it’s uniqueness since book 1 and I hope we will not have to wait as long to visit again. I look forward to many more stories with Claire, Jacob, their friends, and their families.
January 1, 2019
I never get quite excited as I do when a new book in the Amish Mysteries is released. One of my top favorite cozy mystery series since it first came out, getting to read a new installment is like Christmas and my birthday all rolled into one.
I truly enjoyed, JUST PLAIN MURDER. It was nice learning about Russ Granger, the cop that inspired Jakob Fisher to want to become a police officer. Using Granger as the murder victim in this tale, was a great way for author Laura Bradford to bring a lot of emotion into the story.
The investigation into the murder doesn’t turn up a lot of information as to who would have wanted the victim dead. Right up until the not-so-action-packed end (which actually made for a realistic change), it really could have been anyone. The reveal was a huge shock to me. I never saw it coming. That may be in part to the author keeping me distracted with a newborn baby, a new love match, and a Rumspringa gone wrong. Way to divert attention, Ms. Bradford!
A well done addition to this wonderful series, JUST PLAIN MURDER is a plain good read.
I truly enjoyed, JUST PLAIN MURDER. It was nice learning about Russ Granger, the cop that inspired Jakob Fisher to want to become a police officer. Using Granger as the murder victim in this tale, was a great way for author Laura Bradford to bring a lot of emotion into the story.
The investigation into the murder doesn’t turn up a lot of information as to who would have wanted the victim dead. Right up until the not-so-action-packed end (which actually made for a realistic change), it really could have been anyone. The reveal was a huge shock to me. I never saw it coming. That may be in part to the author keeping me distracted with a newborn baby, a new love match, and a Rumspringa gone wrong. Way to divert attention, Ms. Bradford!
A well done addition to this wonderful series, JUST PLAIN MURDER is a plain good read.
April 8, 2020
Didn't have the slightest clue of whodunit in Laura Bradford's Just Plain Murder. I love when I'm completely surprised by who the real murderer turns out to be. This book grabbed me into the story and refused to let go until the last page. I enjoy that kind of reading experience.
Jakob Fisher's friend and mentor, Russ Granger, former Chief of Police in Heavenly Pennsylvania , is found dead on his daughters property. The Chief had retired and moved to Florida but was visiting his daughter at the time of his death. He had been stabbed to death with only a shred of evidence left behind. Jakob was the Detective assigned to the case with basically nothing but a half of a shoe print left as a clue.
Russ Granger was well respected by the entire community. Jakob had known him since he was a young Amish boy and spent his rumspringa shadowing the Chief around the department. He spent a lot of time learning about law enforcement from Russ Granger. The two formed a close bond that lasted over the years. The former chief's death was a hard blow to Jakob and he swore he would find Granger's killer. Who could have hated the former Chief to the point of ending his life. What could motivate the killer to take such an violent act against the retired Chief.
Readers of Cozy Mysteries, Amish Fiction and fans of Laura Bradford will want to read Just Plain Murder. I highly recommend it .
I borrowed a Kindle ebook copy of this book from the Ohio Digital Library. A review was not requested. All opinions expressed here are my own.
Jakob Fisher's friend and mentor, Russ Granger, former Chief of Police in Heavenly Pennsylvania , is found dead on his daughters property. The Chief had retired and moved to Florida but was visiting his daughter at the time of his death. He had been stabbed to death with only a shred of evidence left behind. Jakob was the Detective assigned to the case with basically nothing but a half of a shoe print left as a clue.
Russ Granger was well respected by the entire community. Jakob had known him since he was a young Amish boy and spent his rumspringa shadowing the Chief around the department. He spent a lot of time learning about law enforcement from Russ Granger. The two formed a close bond that lasted over the years. The former chief's death was a hard blow to Jakob and he swore he would find Granger's killer. Who could have hated the former Chief to the point of ending his life. What could motivate the killer to take such an violent act against the retired Chief.
Readers of Cozy Mysteries, Amish Fiction and fans of Laura Bradford will want to read Just Plain Murder. I highly recommend it .
I borrowed a Kindle ebook copy of this book from the Ohio Digital Library. A review was not requested. All opinions expressed here are my own.
October 23, 2019
Claire and Jakob are spending more time together and Jakob is starting to make some progress in connecting with his Amish family, even though he has left the Amish and become a cop. The man who inspired Jakob to be a cop is found murdered. Jakob feels he owes it to him to find the killer. Claire and Jakob’s relationship is getting closer. A boy going through the running around age adds to the tension in town.
November 27, 2018
Just Plain Murder is the sixth book in the An Amish Mystery series.
This is a wonderful series centering around the lives of Claire Weatherly, a shop owner, and her police detective, Jakob Fisher and the Amish community of Heavenly, PA. Jakob had been baptized in the Amish but had decided to leave the Amish church and become a policeman. Growing up he had been in awe of the police chief of Heavenly, Russ Granger, who ended up being Jakob’s mentor. A few years ago Granger retired and moved to Florida, but had always kept in touch with Jakob often reviewing cases with each other. Granger liked to review “cold cases” thinking he might see something that would be the clue needed to solve the case.
Jakob is excited when he gets a phone call from Russ saying he is in town to visit with his daughter and grandchildren and would like to meet with Jakob that evening. Jakob puts off the meeting as he would probably have a late night and he and Claire have planned a picnic for the next morning. Unfortunately, while on their picnic Jakob gets a phone informing him the Russ Granger’s lifeless body has been found in the backyard of his daughter’s home.
Granger’s murder hits Jakob particularly hard, not only was he Jakob’s good friend and mentor, but Jakob feels that if he had met with him he wouldn’t have been killed. Jakob sets out to solve Granger’s murder and will do so with Claire’s valuable assistance.
Also happening in and around Heavenly. Claire’s Aunt Diane might have a romantic interest. Billy, who we met in book five has come back for another visit and just might become a regular character. Ben, an Amish friend of Claire’s, and who had wanted to leave the church for Claire, might see romance heading his way.
This is another well-plotted and told story from Ms. Bradford. The residents of Heavenly are wonderful and well developed and the interaction with the Amish community is well done.
I am looking forward to the next book in this delightful series.
This is a wonderful series centering around the lives of Claire Weatherly, a shop owner, and her police detective, Jakob Fisher and the Amish community of Heavenly, PA. Jakob had been baptized in the Amish but had decided to leave the Amish church and become a policeman. Growing up he had been in awe of the police chief of Heavenly, Russ Granger, who ended up being Jakob’s mentor. A few years ago Granger retired and moved to Florida, but had always kept in touch with Jakob often reviewing cases with each other. Granger liked to review “cold cases” thinking he might see something that would be the clue needed to solve the case.
Jakob is excited when he gets a phone call from Russ saying he is in town to visit with his daughter and grandchildren and would like to meet with Jakob that evening. Jakob puts off the meeting as he would probably have a late night and he and Claire have planned a picnic for the next morning. Unfortunately, while on their picnic Jakob gets a phone informing him the Russ Granger’s lifeless body has been found in the backyard of his daughter’s home.
Granger’s murder hits Jakob particularly hard, not only was he Jakob’s good friend and mentor, but Jakob feels that if he had met with him he wouldn’t have been killed. Jakob sets out to solve Granger’s murder and will do so with Claire’s valuable assistance.
Also happening in and around Heavenly. Claire’s Aunt Diane might have a romantic interest. Billy, who we met in book five has come back for another visit and just might become a regular character. Ben, an Amish friend of Claire’s, and who had wanted to leave the church for Claire, might see romance heading his way.
This is another well-plotted and told story from Ms. Bradford. The residents of Heavenly are wonderful and well developed and the interaction with the Amish community is well done.
I am looking forward to the next book in this delightful series.
November 16, 2018
Now as you see the title of this book it is the sixth in a series, but the first that I have read, and it didn’t take much to be caught up and involved in the lives of these English and Amish in Heavenly.
The author offers us a story with a bit of romance, family love and comradery, with a glimpse into Amish life, and unfortunately a murder.
Right to the end of the book you really don’t know how things are going to turn out, and I never saw the ending coming.
Now I want more, I want to move on with Claire and Jakob, and more of Diane and Bill, and now I am looking forward to another read in this series!
I received this book through First Reads, and was not required to give a positive review.
The author offers us a story with a bit of romance, family love and comradery, with a glimpse into Amish life, and unfortunately a murder.
Right to the end of the book you really don’t know how things are going to turn out, and I never saw the ending coming.
Now I want more, I want to move on with Claire and Jakob, and more of Diane and Bill, and now I am looking forward to another read in this series!
I received this book through First Reads, and was not required to give a positive review.
December 3, 2018
Loved the return to this series. Jakob and Claire find themselves embroiled in the murder of Jakob's mentor, Russ. The story features lots of angst for Jakob and Claire working hard to provide support and understanding. Claire has some angst of her own, when their friend Benjamin seems to have found a woman to share his life. This is a nice continuation of the stories in this series and it was like visiting old friends to read this installment!
December 22, 2018
Another amazing read from Laura Bradford.
November 8, 2024
This is a really good series. I really like Claire and Jakob. This case was interesting and I was really surprised at the ending, I really didn’t see it coming. The half Amish, half English town setting is interesting and I like how the two world’s come together.
July 15, 2022
Laura Bradford has done it again with this trip back to the Amish area of PA, we have pain, love and murder all intermingled as the English and Amish intermingle so well (generally!) in Heavenly.
Claire is hoping to meet Russ Granger, the man who (inadvertently) led to Jakob Fisher turning his back on his Amish roots and family and going into law enforcement (the problem was he did so After being baptised and so was shunned by the whole Amish community including his own family), before they can meet up, however, Russ is brutally murdered and now Jakob is working all the hours he can to find out who killed his mentor and why.
Add in a love interest for Claire's Aunt and another for Claire's Amish friend Benjamin and we have the love part (of course there is also Jakob and Claire), oh and there is a young Amish man who has gone too wild on Rumspringa and no one seems to be able to rein him in (his father certainly isn't!)
I really hope this isn't our last trip to Heavenly as this is a wonderful cozy series that I hope keeps going!
Claire is hoping to meet Russ Granger, the man who (inadvertently) led to Jakob Fisher turning his back on his Amish roots and family and going into law enforcement (the problem was he did so After being baptised and so was shunned by the whole Amish community including his own family), before they can meet up, however, Russ is brutally murdered and now Jakob is working all the hours he can to find out who killed his mentor and why.
Add in a love interest for Claire's Aunt and another for Claire's Amish friend Benjamin and we have the love part (of course there is also Jakob and Claire), oh and there is a young Amish man who has gone too wild on Rumspringa and no one seems to be able to rein him in (his father certainly isn't!)
I really hope this isn't our last trip to Heavenly as this is a wonderful cozy series that I hope keeps going!
June 16, 2019
My thoughts on book up to page 88:
Jakob's mentor and idol, Russ, the former police chief who was responsible for Jakob's decision to leave the Amish world to become a policeman, is murdered.
Up to this point (P 88) the story is very weak and there is an incredible amount of repetition and stating the obvious. When teenager Annie suggests that perhaps someone whom the policeman had been chasing did not like it, Claire thinks this is absolutely brilliant and immediately calls Jakob to pass on the suggestion. Surprise, surprise, the experienced detective already had.
I have enjoyed this series so far because it is a pleasure to escape into a "nice" world, but relationships and dialogue in this book seem so overly simplified that the characters all seem a bit slow. As someone I know likes to say, they seem to be "drinking the Kool-Aid".
I have now finished the book and my opinion remains the same. The story line is weak and Jakob is slow to pick up important clues (with which we have been hit over the head). He neglects to follow very common and basic police investigation procedures. Half of the dialogue consists of the characters telling each other how wonderful they are and how fortunate they are to have found them. Once again, I believe the author was just filling space in order to get the book published.
I think this series had a lot of potential. which was wasted. The endings aways seem to fall short, once the killer is revealed, and leave us somewhat dissatisfied. I feel that the author draws a rough, but interesting skeleton, then uses a lot of filler instead of fleshing out the details.
Jakob's mentor and idol, Russ, the former police chief who was responsible for Jakob's decision to leave the Amish world to become a policeman, is murdered.
Up to this point (P 88) the story is very weak and there is an incredible amount of repetition and stating the obvious. When teenager Annie suggests that perhaps someone whom the policeman had been chasing did not like it, Claire thinks this is absolutely brilliant and immediately calls Jakob to pass on the suggestion. Surprise, surprise, the experienced detective already had.
I have enjoyed this series so far because it is a pleasure to escape into a "nice" world, but relationships and dialogue in this book seem so overly simplified that the characters all seem a bit slow. As someone I know likes to say, they seem to be "drinking the Kool-Aid".
I have now finished the book and my opinion remains the same. The story line is weak and Jakob is slow to pick up important clues (with which we have been hit over the head). He neglects to follow very common and basic police investigation procedures. Half of the dialogue consists of the characters telling each other how wonderful they are and how fortunate they are to have found them. Once again, I believe the author was just filling space in order to get the book published.
I think this series had a lot of potential. which was wasted. The endings aways seem to fall short, once the killer is revealed, and leave us somewhat dissatisfied. I feel that the author draws a rough, but interesting skeleton, then uses a lot of filler instead of fleshing out the details.
December 3, 2018
It's been over a year and a half since we last had a full length story in this series and I couldn't wait to get this one in my hands. It is one of my favorite cozy mystery series. I love the way that Laura Bradford has written this series. Her descriptive writing style allows the reader to picture the town of Heavenly and the Amish way of life. This town has such a peaceful, community feeling that when I sit down and read a book in the series it is like going home to visit old friends. The characters are all so wonderfully written and we've gotten to see so much growth in their lives. Since the series began there have been marriages, babies and new relationships in the Amish community not to mention that Claire and Jakob's relationship has blossomed. This time around, Jakob must solve the murder of the former Chief of Heavenly and his mentor. This is a man that meant the world to Jakob and was the reason he became a policeman. There were plenty of twists and at times I was not sure if the murder was random or for a reason. There is a great twist that involves a Amish teen on a rumspringa straight out of reality T.V. and how the case is eventually solved.
As I said, this series is one of my favorites because it has everything I look for in a cozy mystery series. The author's writing style puts you right in the town of Heavenly and as a reader you feel like you are getting a glimpse into Amish life. The characters are engaging and welcoming and the mysteries are solid. I am looking forward to more to come and highly recommend this series.
As I said, this series is one of my favorites because it has everything I look for in a cozy mystery series. The author's writing style puts you right in the town of Heavenly and as a reader you feel like you are getting a glimpse into Amish life. The characters are engaging and welcoming and the mysteries are solid. I am looking forward to more to come and highly recommend this series.
December 28, 2024
Just Plain Murder is book six in Laura Bradford's An Amish Mystery series. Jakob and Claire finally caught some time together in Heavenly, PA., and are working on reconnecting to his Amish Mystery. However, their outing was interrupted when Jakob Mentor Ross Granger was murdered when he came to visit Jakob and Claire. At first, Jakob could not figure out why until he found something that would shock the community and change Jakob and Claire's beliefs. The readers of Just Plain Murder will continue to follow Jakob's investigation to discover what happens.
I enjoy reading books in this series, which gives me insight into an Amish community and people's problems when they move from the community. Just Plain Murder is an enjoyable, cozy mystery and enjoyable book to read. I engaged with it from the first page and continued to the end. I love Laura Bradford's portrayal of her characters and how they intertwine throughout this book. Just Plain Murder is well-written and researched by Laura Bradford. I like Laura Bradford's description of the settings of Just Plain Murder, which complemented the book's plot.
I recommend this book.
I enjoy reading books in this series, which gives me insight into an Amish community and people's problems when they move from the community. Just Plain Murder is an enjoyable, cozy mystery and enjoyable book to read. I engaged with it from the first page and continued to the end. I love Laura Bradford's portrayal of her characters and how they intertwine throughout this book. Just Plain Murder is well-written and researched by Laura Bradford. I like Laura Bradford's description of the settings of Just Plain Murder, which complemented the book's plot.
I recommend this book.
December 12, 2018
I like this series and her author but this last book, I had some problem to keep reading, not like the others. I found the writing a bit slow, same sentence repeated more and more, more than once I have think that the author don't knew what to write. The mystery was almost inesistent, only the end we understand more about the murder. And Jackob , I understand his sorrow but I not liked his behavior with Claire. Overall the book take life in the last chapters and the amish part is always fascinating.
July 21, 2025
I love the Laura Bradford Amish series. I love the town and stores and characters. I wish it was a real place to visit! I love learning abt the English and the Amish community. Jakob, former Amish, is now Detective and has lost his mentor and friend, murdered. He is obsessed with finding the killer. Nice read for summer.
September 27, 2019
As always, another good book in this series :)
December 25, 2018
This book was just a little flat for me. A lot of it seemed repeated over and over. The Amish semi stalker plot line was not really needed l thought. Had a hard time with focusing on this book and forced myself to finish it.
November 26, 2018
** I was able to read this as part of the Penguin First to Read program**
**2.5 Stars**
I love me a cozy mystery and I was intrigued by the premise. I'm going to state the obvious and say with this series it will be beneficial to have read the previous books. Other cozy mysteries you can jump into a few books in, but the reader would do well to read the previous books. Generally speaking, I liked the characters and the town seemed charming, but I found the story lacking. The ineptitude of the police work was frustrating and the plot was very slow-paced so I found my interest waning. There were a few sections where I skimmed since I was getting bored with the story. I wish I had liked this more and it seems it is a popular series, but it wasn't my cup of tea.
**2.5 Stars**
I love me a cozy mystery and I was intrigued by the premise. I'm going to state the obvious and say with this series it will be beneficial to have read the previous books. Other cozy mysteries you can jump into a few books in, but the reader would do well to read the previous books. Generally speaking, I liked the characters and the town seemed charming, but I found the story lacking. The ineptitude of the police work was frustrating and the plot was very slow-paced so I found my interest waning. There were a few sections where I skimmed since I was getting bored with the story. I wish I had liked this more and it seems it is a popular series, but it wasn't my cup of tea.
January 15, 2019
Yay!!! Another visit to charming Heavenly, Pennsylvania was just the kind of armchair traveling I needed during a frigid bout of winter weather. There's nothing more sublime then cozying up with a cozy! And I love Claire and Jakob and the interesting mix of Amish and Englisch secondary characters that make up this quaint small town...which has had more than it's fair share of murders!
Claire just can't help but become involved even though her boyfriend is the town's detective. But this time it's personal and Jakob's assaulted by emotions and regrets as he tries to remain objective while investigating his mentor's murder. Love that these two are in a solid relationship now and the way Claire supports him as he struggles to work everything out. Sometimes it's fun to celebrate a romance without all the angst, you know?
This is the sixth book in Bradford's Amish Mystery series but it can be read as a standalone -- though there are a lot of secondary to become acquainted with. I think the author does an excellent job of introducing them and their back stories, but readers familiar with the series will be happy to renew acquaintances!
Claire just can't help but become involved even though her boyfriend is the town's detective. But this time it's personal and Jakob's assaulted by emotions and regrets as he tries to remain objective while investigating his mentor's murder. Love that these two are in a solid relationship now and the way Claire supports him as he struggles to work everything out. Sometimes it's fun to celebrate a romance without all the angst, you know?
This is the sixth book in Bradford's Amish Mystery series but it can be read as a standalone -- though there are a lot of secondary to become acquainted with. I think the author does an excellent job of introducing them and their back stories, but readers familiar with the series will be happy to renew acquaintances!
January 30, 2019
Just Plain Murder is the 6th uniquely written book by Laura Bradford in her An Amish Mystery series. Each and every book just keeps getting better. When I start reading it is hard to stop. The mystery that is involved in this story will definetly keep the readers interest to the end. The story is full of emotion and protrayed through the characters amazingly.
The original characters are back in this newest episode and they don't disappoint. I have grown so fond of Claire, Jacob, Ester, and Annie. I love the supportive attitude of Aunt Diane. All these characters plus many more really protray an amazing story. The author has done an amazing job telling this story and gives great attention to details so pay close attention.
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 an excellent story that I can highly recommend to anyone who loves the Amish genre.
Congratulations to Laura Bradford for once again delivering a wonderful story for her readers to enjoy. I am anticipating the next book in this fantastic series.
The original characters are back in this newest episode and they don't disappoint. I have grown so fond of Claire, Jacob, Ester, and Annie. I love the supportive attitude of Aunt Diane. All these characters plus many more really protray an amazing story. The author has done an amazing job telling this story and gives great attention to details so pay close attention.
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 an excellent story that I can highly recommend to anyone who loves the Amish genre.
Congratulations to Laura Bradford for once again delivering a wonderful story for her readers to enjoy. I am anticipating the next book in this fantastic series.
January 24, 2019
Full & Detailed review: https://cynthology.blogspot.com/2019/...
There are far too many characters here, and I was irritated by that until I realized that this was Book 6 of a series, and I was pretty clueless about the five books that had preceded it.
Honestly, I found myself losing patience pretty quickly. I didn’t mind the other bits actually, but the investigation was oh-so-painfully slow. I’ve read books on the Amish way of life before, but those were romances. Here since the theme was murder, I expected a little more excitement and action.
Here, the murder investigation is just a part of everyday life in a small community. So we end up learning about the Amish people through the characters. The investigation goes on so slowly, it’s like watching paint dry. Leads emerge from the most long-winded conversations. There is endless information about the colour of people’s eyes and their hair, which is the romance factor at play.
At its heart, the book is a romance. Celebrating the love that several people have for each other, and also the love and faith that the community puts into its beliefs.
I couldn’t get drawn into the book.
Jakob was far too emotional to do his job properly. He was always sharing his story with anyone he met. As a cop, he should have been scouring footage at the pub almost immediately to trace Russ’ last few moments. But it is not until Claire says that she would like to have been a fly on the wall that he remembers that he could ask the pub owner for the camera footage. It was only towards the end of the book that I realized that the book was more about Claire than Jakob. Perhaps that is why she seemed to get more leads.
Some of the words used made me cringe. There was one line, “Eli inhaled himself to his full height.” It was an annoying sentence, but not the only one of its kind. There were several times when I encountered the use of inhale, exhale, swallow, sag and lean as nouns. It was annoying.
It wasn’t that this mystery wasn’t good. It is just that the resolution took too long.
There are far too many characters here, and I was irritated by that until I realized that this was Book 6 of a series, and I was pretty clueless about the five books that had preceded it.
Honestly, I found myself losing patience pretty quickly. I didn’t mind the other bits actually, but the investigation was oh-so-painfully slow. I’ve read books on the Amish way of life before, but those were romances. Here since the theme was murder, I expected a little more excitement and action.
Here, the murder investigation is just a part of everyday life in a small community. So we end up learning about the Amish people through the characters. The investigation goes on so slowly, it’s like watching paint dry. Leads emerge from the most long-winded conversations. There is endless information about the colour of people’s eyes and their hair, which is the romance factor at play.
At its heart, the book is a romance. Celebrating the love that several people have for each other, and also the love and faith that the community puts into its beliefs.
I couldn’t get drawn into the book.
Jakob was far too emotional to do his job properly. He was always sharing his story with anyone he met. As a cop, he should have been scouring footage at the pub almost immediately to trace Russ’ last few moments. But it is not until Claire says that she would like to have been a fly on the wall that he remembers that he could ask the pub owner for the camera footage. It was only towards the end of the book that I realized that the book was more about Claire than Jakob. Perhaps that is why she seemed to get more leads.
Some of the words used made me cringe. There was one line, “Eli inhaled himself to his full height.” It was an annoying sentence, but not the only one of its kind. There were several times when I encountered the use of inhale, exhale, swallow, sag and lean as nouns. It was annoying.
It wasn’t that this mystery wasn’t good. It is just that the resolution took too long.
December 5, 2018
During his younger years, Jakob was greatly influenced by then-police chief Russ Granger. Even when Granger retired and moved away, Jakob often used him as a sounding board on difficult cases, so when Russ returns to Heavenly for a visit, Jakob is excited to see him again and to introduce him to Claire. When Russ is murdered, though, Jakob is devastated, and Claire does what she can to help him through this dark time by helping to solve the case.
This is the sixth book in the Amish Mystery series, which I've enjoyed since the first book. I live not far from Lancaster, Pennsylvania, so the books' setting in Heavenly, PA, brings to mind the Amish buggies, farms and places of business that I've encountered over the years. I also like the way the Amish and the English in these books have learned to peacefully co-exist (for the most part), which seems especially rare these days. Besides the setting, I have had fun getting to know the regular characters, watching as they have grown and their relationships have changed over the course of the series. That was especially true in this book, and I can't wait to read the next one... but I hope we don't have to wait another two years for the next book!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
This is the sixth book in the Amish Mystery series, which I've enjoyed since the first book. I live not far from Lancaster, Pennsylvania, so the books' setting in Heavenly, PA, brings to mind the Amish buggies, farms and places of business that I've encountered over the years. I also like the way the Amish and the English in these books have learned to peacefully co-exist (for the most part), which seems especially rare these days. Besides the setting, I have had fun getting to know the regular characters, watching as they have grown and their relationships have changed over the course of the series. That was especially true in this book, and I can't wait to read the next one... but I hope we don't have to wait another two years for the next book!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
October 19, 2018
Just love this series. In this book, Jakob is getting ready to introduce Claire to his mentor Russ Granger and former police chief of Heavenly. It is Russ who helped Jakob become a police officer and help him over the years. When Claire and Jakob are out on a picnic, he receives a call that Russ has died. It is learned that Russ was murdered, however, there appears to be no motive or any suspects. Claire tries to help Jakob as best she can by supporting him thru his grief and passing along comment and offers of help from others. In the Amish community, a new bishop has been elected and they are dealing with a rather wild teen on his Rumspringa. He is the neighbor of Eli and Esther and has been causing lots of issues in the neighborhood. The mystery to solve Russ’s murder is filled with lots of red herrings and initially going thru old case files to see if anyone had a grudge. This was a fast read and am glad to see the growth in Jakob and Claire’s relationship along with the return of Bill perhaps a new long term character and love interest of Aunt Diane will stay in town. Benjamin even has a new love interest and we should be seeing more weddings in the future. Looking forward to the next installment. Highly recommend.
January 6, 2024
Claire Weatherly and her beau, police detective Jakob Fisher, learn that when it comes to murder, evil can hide in plain sight in this all-new addition to the national bestselling Amish Mysteries.
Jakob and Claire have been enjoying more time together in lovely Heavenly, PA. With Claire's help, the detective is making slow progress reconnecting with the members of his Amish family who shunned him when he left to pursue a career in law enforcement. Jakob's mentor, Russ Granger, the long-retired police chief who inspired him to become a cop, is back in town. Claire has always wanted to meet the man who changed the course of Jakob's life. But not long after he arrives in Heavenly, Russ is murdered.
Jakob can only imagine that his old friend must have been killed by someone outside of the Amish community. He and Claire soon find that things are not as they seem--and that Russ may have stumbled into something sinister before he was killed. The answers they uncover are closer to home and more shocking than they ever expected.
November 29, 2018
This was my first time reading a book from this series and I truly enjoyed it. I was pulled in from the beginning and didn't put it down until the end. The characters and setting captured my attention right away and the mystery kept me going from there. After the first few chapters I was able to get a sense of who the characters were, I felt like I knew who Claire and Jakob were by the end. I liked the way they worked together as a team and their relationship felt like a true connection. Claire was truly the anchor that Jakob needed in this read after the murder of the man who changed his young life. After reading this book I will definitely be going back and reading the previous books. I liked learning about the Amish way of life and this book was a great source of information. You could tell the author did quite a bit of research that led the book to its authentic feel when it came to all things Amish. I look forward to seeing where the author takes these characters next!
December 3, 2018
"Just Plain Murder" is a cozy mystery. It's the sixth book in a series. You don't need to read the previous novels to understand this one, and this novel didn't spoil the whodunits in the previous novels.
The author wove in details about living near the Amish and what it's like for people to be or leave the Amish. The characters were engaging, complex, and reacted realistically. The mystery was clue-based, but it's more of a police procedural than a puzzle mystery. Claire helped the detective by doing some things with him. Because the victim was a friend of the detective, he was too close to see things that another detective might've spotted sooner. Once Claire came along to view things with fresh eyes, she spotted the clues and the detective immediately followed up on the new lead.
There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this mystery.
I received this book as a review copy from the publisher.
The author wove in details about living near the Amish and what it's like for people to be or leave the Amish. The characters were engaging, complex, and reacted realistically. The mystery was clue-based, but it's more of a police procedural than a puzzle mystery. Claire helped the detective by doing some things with him. Because the victim was a friend of the detective, he was too close to see things that another detective might've spotted sooner. Once Claire came along to view things with fresh eyes, she spotted the clues and the detective immediately followed up on the new lead.
There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this mystery.
I received this book as a review copy from the publisher.
March 19, 2019
Bradford has done it again, only this time better. Claire, owner of a shop in Heavenly, PA is "English." Her employee is Amish and many of the stores in Heavenly are operated by the Amish. Bradford mixes a wonderful cozy mystery with a bit of romance (Claire and Jakob (formerly Amish, now a police detective) and Claire's aunt Diane (who runs the local B&B) and Bill) and a lot of information about the Amish. Yes, there's a body but no blood on the carpet (so to speak) so it's about finding the killer of Jakob's mentor, the former police chief of Heavenly, who had returned from living in Florida to visit his daughter and grandchildren.
It's a turn-the-page who-done-it that had me guessing until the last couple of chapters. Bradford really got me this time, and it was a pleasure!!
A great late winter read by a talented author. Can't wait for the next book in the series (An Amish Mystery).
It's a turn-the-page who-done-it that had me guessing until the last couple of chapters. Bradford really got me this time, and it was a pleasure!!
A great late winter read by a talented author. Can't wait for the next book in the series (An Amish Mystery).
November 29, 2018
This is the 6th book in Laura Bradford's Amish Mystery Series.
Laura had done a great job of creating her characters and the setting, so much so, that I want to go there on my next vacation to meet Claire, Jakob, and all of the others from Heavenly, PA. I have to keep reminding myself that this is a story, not real life.
This particular series seems to suck you into its storyline and makes you want to keep reading and to find out more and more about the characters.
In this particular book, Detective Jakob's mentor has been murdered. Throughout the book, it is so easy to get involved in the story and to want to help the characters out. I will say, however, that the person I thought had done it wasn't the criminal and I was totally surprised to see how the book ended.
Laura had done a great job of creating her characters and the setting, so much so, that I want to go there on my next vacation to meet Claire, Jakob, and all of the others from Heavenly, PA. I have to keep reminding myself that this is a story, not real life.
This particular series seems to suck you into its storyline and makes you want to keep reading and to find out more and more about the characters.
In this particular book, Detective Jakob's mentor has been murdered. Throughout the book, it is so easy to get involved in the story and to want to help the characters out. I will say, however, that the person I thought had done it wasn't the criminal and I was totally surprised to see how the book ended.
December 30, 2018
Ms. Bradford does it again with an eagerly awaited return to Heavenly, PA. She has developed a setting that is so easy to feel like you are walking into the story itself. The characters are so likable and it is fun to see them growing with each book.
We learn more of Jakob's past in this book and why he left the Amish, when his mentor is murdered and he is struggling to find the murderer. We also get the side story of an Amish teen on Rumspringa who is wreaking havoc wherever he goes. I loved the story and the twist that pulled everything together in the end.
The fact that Ms. Bradford has researched the Amish shines through with how the characteristics bring them to life on the page. I eagerly await the next in this series.
We learn more of Jakob's past in this book and why he left the Amish, when his mentor is murdered and he is struggling to find the murderer. We also get the side story of an Amish teen on Rumspringa who is wreaking havoc wherever he goes. I loved the story and the twist that pulled everything together in the end.
The fact that Ms. Bradford has researched the Amish shines through with how the characteristics bring them to life on the page. I eagerly await the next in this series.
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