October 21, 2013
Miller (Leah’s Choice and other Amish-themed romance novels) tries her hand at a mystery, with modest success. Amish-born Rachel Mast has returned to Stone Mill, Pa., after a successful corporate career to open the B&B Stone Mill House, with hopes of turning the village into a tourist destination. Tightfisted local businessman Willy O’Day’s disappearance goes unlamented by everyone except his twin brother, George, but when Willy’s murdered body is found eight months later in a cow pasture, Rachel’s uncle, Aaron Hostetler, the owner of the pasture, comes under suspicion. Aaron’s faith leads him to refuse to defend himself or hire a lawyer, despite Rachel’s pleas, so she takes the case on herself. In the process, she tests her relationship with policeman Evan Parks. Rachel’s struggle to reconcile her traditional upbringing and “Englisher” lifestyle provides this whodunit with its most intriguing element. Agent: Evan Marshall, Evan Marshall Agency.
January 1, 2014
Straddling two cultures, Rachel Mast has returned to her hometown in the heart of Amish Pennsylvania to run a bed-and-breakfast. She was raised Amish but left the community officially; nonetheless, she is able to liaise between the Amish and the English. When unlikable landlord Willy O'Day's body is found (months after he supposedly left town) in a shallow grave on Rachel's Uncle Aaron's farm, Rachel knows she must defend Aaron Hostetler's interests. Working furiously, Rachel tries deciphering Willy's cryptic code (found in his pocket notebook) while not alienating her friend, state trooper Evan Parks. VERDICT It's problematic to describe a mystery as "feel good," but this debut series entry by an author of Amish romances (Leah's Choice) is an excellent addition to the Amish mystery subgenre. While the protagonist fumbles with too many red herrings, Miller's expert touch with cultural explanations is well done. Perfect for anyone seeking a gentle read or needing a title to recommend to YAs.
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