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Appleseed Creek #1
A Plain Death
Welcome to Appleseed Creek, the heart of Ohio’s Amish Country, where life is not as serene as it seems.
While her Cleveland friends relocated to Southern California and Italy, 24-year-old computer whiz Chloe Humphrey moves with some uncertainty to Appleseed Creek to direct technology services at a nearby college. Her first acquaintance is Becky, an ex-Amish teenager looking for a new home.
While driving Chloe’s car, Becky collides with a buggy, killing an Amish elder. But what looks like an accident is soon labeled murder when police discover the car’s cut brake line.
Now, Chloe must take on the role of amateur sleuth to discover who the real intended victim was before the murderer makes a second attempt. Becky’s handsome Amish-turned-Mennonite brother, Timothy, a local carpenter, comes in handy along the way. With God’s help, they’ll solve the mystery that’s rocking this small community.
While her Cleveland friends relocated to Southern California and Italy, 24-year-old computer whiz Chloe Humphrey moves with some uncertainty to Appleseed Creek to direct technology services at a nearby college. Her first acquaintance is Becky, an ex-Amish teenager looking for a new home.
While driving Chloe’s car, Becky collides with a buggy, killing an Amish elder. But what looks like an accident is soon labeled murder when police discover the car’s cut brake line.
Now, Chloe must take on the role of amateur sleuth to discover who the real intended victim was before the murderer makes a second attempt. Becky’s handsome Amish-turned-Mennonite brother, Timothy, a local carpenter, comes in handy along the way. With God’s help, they’ll solve the mystery that’s rocking this small community.
319 pages, Paperback
First published June 4, 2012
106 people are currently reading
2506 people want to read
About the author
Amanda Flower
61 books2,946 followersAmanda Flower is a USA Today bestselling and Agatha Award-winning author of over thirty-five mystery novels. Her novels have received starred reviews from Library Journal, Publishers Weekly, and Romantic Times, and she had been featured in USA Today, First for Women, and Woman’s World. She currently writes for Penguin-Random House (Berkley), Kensington, Hallmark Publishing, Crooked Lane Books, and Sourcebooks. In addition to being a writer, she was a librarian for fifteen years. Today, Flower and her husband own a farm and recording studio, and they live in Northeast Ohio with their two adorable cats.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 235 reviews
August 13, 2012
My Review:
Thanks Netgalley for my review copy.
I loved the look of this book and I wasn't disappointed. I am still recovering so reading has taken longer than I would like but this book had me wanting to read faster than I could. This is different from most Amish books. We have a heroine, Chloe who is not Amish and has moved to Appleseed Creek to work. On her way to her new home she encounters Becky an Amish Teen who is looking for a new way of life. We also meet Becky's brother who has also left the Amish and is now going to a Mennonite Church. We see a death of a beloved Amish Biship and Becky is involved. This leads to Chloe and Timothy trying to find out the truth. I love how we learn more about the differences between different Amish districts and questions an outsider would have. Also seeing Chloe in her new job with the different work members. There was drama happening in many areas of her life which added to the story. I have to admit I was tiring of reading amish books but this one is different and gave a fresh perspective. Good read.
Thanks Netgalley for my review copy.
I loved the look of this book and I wasn't disappointed. I am still recovering so reading has taken longer than I would like but this book had me wanting to read faster than I could. This is different from most Amish books. We have a heroine, Chloe who is not Amish and has moved to Appleseed Creek to work. On her way to her new home she encounters Becky an Amish Teen who is looking for a new way of life. We also meet Becky's brother who has also left the Amish and is now going to a Mennonite Church. We see a death of a beloved Amish Biship and Becky is involved. This leads to Chloe and Timothy trying to find out the truth. I love how we learn more about the differences between different Amish districts and questions an outsider would have. Also seeing Chloe in her new job with the different work members. There was drama happening in many areas of her life which added to the story. I have to admit I was tiring of reading amish books but this one is different and gave a fresh perspective. Good read.
July 30, 2012
Love this book. Appleseed Creek is a great place to visit and the Amish setting always intriguing.
The characters from different worlds makes for a good read and love Chloe and Becky.
The characters from different worlds makes for a good read and love Chloe and Becky.
July 24, 2012
An unlikely friendship between a high-tech woman and a runaway Amish girl leads to murder. Her first day in Appleseed Creek, Ohio, Chloe Humphrey, befriends Becky, an ex-Amish teenager looking for a new home. While driving Chloe’s car, Becky collides with a buggy, killing an Amish bishop in the process. The case moves from accident to murder when police reveal a cut brake line. Now, Chloe and Becky’s handsome brother, Timothy, must discover who the real intended victim is before the murderer makes a second attempt.
This is the book for those readers who love suspense and mystery! I love trying to figure out "who done it" as I read mysteries and this was a tough one! I will say that I never fully figured the whole mystery out before the truth was finally revealed. I am so excited to see that a sequel is due out in Feb. 2013, A Plain Scandal.
Amanda Flower makes her characters rich. You will love the good guys and HATE the bad guys. You will be rooting for the "good" side to win! I felt like I was actually in the scenes with her descriptions of places and people. I do not think readers will be disappointed in this book and series. I did not want to quit reading and go to sleep. I finished this book in two nights because I just had to know what happened. It all seems like a simple accident for Becky and the Amish bishop, but things soon begin to unravel and stories start coming out that show something far more sinister has taken place.
It was interesting to me that the Amish were shunning Becky because of the accidental death of the bishop. I could understand if she had been drunk or driving recklessly. She was guilty of driving without a driver's license and she DID take Chloe's car without asking permission first, but wow! shunning is hard for me to comprehend. It seems such a harsh punishment. 5-star book and you do need to read it!!!
August 19, 2012
A Plain Death
Amanda Flower
Book Summary: Welcome to Appleseed Creek, the heart of Ohio’s Amish Country, where life is not as serene as it seems. While her Cleveland friends relocated to Southern California and Italy, 24-year-old computer whiz Chloe Humphrey moves with some uncertainty to Appleseed Creek to direct technology services at a nearby college. Her first acquaintance is Becky, an ex-Amish teenager looking for a new home. While driving Chloe’s car, Becky collides with a buggy, killing an Amish elder. But what looks like an accident is soon labeled murder when police discover the car’s cut brake line. Now, Chloe must take on the role of amateur sleuth to discover who the real intended victim was before the murderer makes a second attempt. Becky’s handsome Amish-turned-Mennonite brother, Timothy, a local carpenter, comes in handy along the way. With God’s help, they’ll solve the mystery that’s rocking this small community.
Review: I enjoyed this book very much. It was a great debut series by this author. It was a good introduction to the characters and gave enough information to keep me going throughout the book about the main character. I found the story to be well developed and it had a little surprise at the end the story which was welcomed. I think the extra characters were diverse. They were made more real by their flaws and that is not always visible in characters. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
I would like to thank Net Galley and B & H Publishing Group for allowing me to read and review this book in return for a free copy and I was never asked to write a favorable review by anyone.
Amanda Flower
Book Summary: Welcome to Appleseed Creek, the heart of Ohio’s Amish Country, where life is not as serene as it seems. While her Cleveland friends relocated to Southern California and Italy, 24-year-old computer whiz Chloe Humphrey moves with some uncertainty to Appleseed Creek to direct technology services at a nearby college. Her first acquaintance is Becky, an ex-Amish teenager looking for a new home. While driving Chloe’s car, Becky collides with a buggy, killing an Amish elder. But what looks like an accident is soon labeled murder when police discover the car’s cut brake line. Now, Chloe must take on the role of amateur sleuth to discover who the real intended victim was before the murderer makes a second attempt. Becky’s handsome Amish-turned-Mennonite brother, Timothy, a local carpenter, comes in handy along the way. With God’s help, they’ll solve the mystery that’s rocking this small community.
Review: I enjoyed this book very much. It was a great debut series by this author. It was a good introduction to the characters and gave enough information to keep me going throughout the book about the main character. I found the story to be well developed and it had a little surprise at the end the story which was welcomed. I think the extra characters were diverse. They were made more real by their flaws and that is not always visible in characters. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
I would like to thank Net Galley and B & H Publishing Group for allowing me to read and review this book in return for a free copy and I was never asked to write a favorable review by anyone.
July 31, 2012
Chloe Humphrey, a big city girl, moved to Appleseed Creek to take over the IT department at the local college. On her drive to the town she notices a young Amish girl being hassled by two scary looking men, so she gives her a ride. This act of generosity opens the door to other Amish friends, dangers, and problems. When her new roommate, the young Amish girl, borrows her car and kills an Amish Bishop, she decides to get involved to try to save her young friends.
I totally enjoyed this book, and will definitely read the next in the series. I couldn’t put this down and really enjoyed the characters. This is not a typical Amish fiction book, it is just based in Amish country, and the Amish play background roles. The mystery has enough twists and turns to hold interest, and the characters have the depth that makes them friends. I would definitely recommend this for readers who are looking for a fun read that is not too simple.
Received Galley from NetGalley.com
I totally enjoyed this book, and will definitely read the next in the series. I couldn’t put this down and really enjoyed the characters. This is not a typical Amish fiction book, it is just based in Amish country, and the Amish play background roles. The mystery has enough twists and turns to hold interest, and the characters have the depth that makes them friends. I would definitely recommend this for readers who are looking for a fun read that is not too simple.
Received Galley from NetGalley.com
August 4, 2012
A Plain Death is an exciting, suspenseful mystery based on some folks who were Amish but left the faith and an English young woman who is working as head of computer technology at the local college. I was on the edge on my seat as I read, trying to figure out who really caused the "accidental buggy/vehicle" death of the Amish bishop. You will love this book!
August 25, 2016
About this book:
“Welcome to Appleseed Creek, the heart of Ohio’s Amish Country, where life is not as serene as it seems.
While her Cleveland friends relocated to Southern California and Italy, 24-year-old computer whiz Chloe Humphrey moves with some uncertainty to Appleseed Creek to direct technology services at a nearby college. Her first acquaintance is Becky, an ex-Amish teenager looking for a new home.
While driving Chloe’s car, Becky collides with a buggy, killing an Amish elder. But what looks like an accident is soon labeled murder when police discover the car’s cut brake line.
Now, Chloe must take on the role of amateur sleuth to discover who the real intended victim was before the murderer makes a second attempt. Becky’s handsome Amish-turned-Mennonite brother, Timothy, a local carpenter, comes in handy along the way. With God’s help, they’ll solve the mystery that’s rocking this small community.”
Series: Book #1 (of four) in the “Appleseed Creek” series.
Spiritual Content- Many prayers; A few Scriptures are quoted & mentioned; Church going; Talks about God, forgiveness & sin; Many talks about the Amish ways & beliefs; ‘H’s are capital when referring to God; Many mentions of bishops, deacons & a monk; Mentions of Church.
Negative Content- Minor cussing including: a ‘geez’, two ‘screw-up’s, three ‘idiot’s, five forms of ‘shut up’ and nine ‘stupid’s; Mentions of curses (said, not written); Sarcasm; Bruises & Pain (up to semi-detailed); All about car accidents, murder & attempted murders (up to semi-detailed); Mentions of tobacco juice, alcohol & drunks; A couple mentions of drunk driving & robberies.
Sexual Content- Touches & Nearness (barely-above-not-detailed); Noticing & Blushes; four ‘hot’s; A girl is leered at by some jerks, and mentions of them & trying to grab her; A couple mentions of miscarriages & feeling like they’re punishment; Mentions of exes, crushes & pretty girls; Mentions of creeps wanting to have “fun” with a girl (doesn’t happen); A little bit of love & the emotions;
*Note: A mention of a girl’s dress hugging her curves.
-Chloe Humphrey, age 24
1st person P.O.V. of Chloe
322 pages
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Pre Teens- One Star
New Teens- Two Stars
Early High School Teens- Three Stars
Older High School Teens- Four Stars
My personal Rating- Four Stars
This was a different kind of Amish book and I really enjoyed it! Chloe was fun—she works with computers and her cat’s name is Gigabyte, y’all. I love it. The romance element was very sweet and clean. I look forward to reading the rest of the series.
Link to review:
https://booksforchristiangirls.blogsp...
*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.
“Welcome to Appleseed Creek, the heart of Ohio’s Amish Country, where life is not as serene as it seems.
While her Cleveland friends relocated to Southern California and Italy, 24-year-old computer whiz Chloe Humphrey moves with some uncertainty to Appleseed Creek to direct technology services at a nearby college. Her first acquaintance is Becky, an ex-Amish teenager looking for a new home.
While driving Chloe’s car, Becky collides with a buggy, killing an Amish elder. But what looks like an accident is soon labeled murder when police discover the car’s cut brake line.
Now, Chloe must take on the role of amateur sleuth to discover who the real intended victim was before the murderer makes a second attempt. Becky’s handsome Amish-turned-Mennonite brother, Timothy, a local carpenter, comes in handy along the way. With God’s help, they’ll solve the mystery that’s rocking this small community.”
Series: Book #1 (of four) in the “Appleseed Creek” series.
Spiritual Content- Many prayers; A few Scriptures are quoted & mentioned; Church going; Talks about God, forgiveness & sin; Many talks about the Amish ways & beliefs; ‘H’s are capital when referring to God; Many mentions of bishops, deacons & a monk; Mentions of Church.
Negative Content- Minor cussing including: a ‘geez’, two ‘screw-up’s, three ‘idiot’s, five forms of ‘shut up’ and nine ‘stupid’s; Mentions of curses (said, not written); Sarcasm; Bruises & Pain (up to semi-detailed); All about car accidents, murder & attempted murders (up to semi-detailed); Mentions of tobacco juice, alcohol & drunks; A couple mentions of drunk driving & robberies.
Sexual Content- Touches & Nearness (barely-above-not-detailed); Noticing & Blushes; four ‘hot’s; A girl is leered at by some jerks, and mentions of them & trying to grab her; A couple mentions of miscarriages & feeling like they’re punishment; Mentions of exes, crushes & pretty girls; Mentions of creeps wanting to have “fun” with a girl (doesn’t happen); A little bit of love & the emotions;
*Note: A mention of a girl’s dress hugging her curves.
-Chloe Humphrey, age 24
1st person P.O.V. of Chloe
322 pages
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Pre Teens- One Star
New Teens- Two Stars
Early High School Teens- Three Stars
Older High School Teens- Four Stars
My personal Rating- Four Stars
This was a different kind of Amish book and I really enjoyed it! Chloe was fun—she works with computers and her cat’s name is Gigabyte, y’all. I love it. The romance element was very sweet and clean. I look forward to reading the rest of the series.
Link to review:
https://booksforchristiangirls.blogsp...
*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.
June 28, 2012
Amanda Flower in her new book, “A Plain Death” Book One in the Appleseed Creek Mystery Series published by B&H Publishing Group introduces us to Chloe Humphrey and Appleseed Creek, Ohio.
From the Back Cover: Welcome to Appleseed Creek, the heart of Ohio’s Amish Country, where life is not as serene as it seems.
While her Cleveland friends relocated to Southern California and Italy, 24-year-old computer whiz Chloe Humphrey moves with some uncertainty to Appleseed Creek to direct technology services at a nearby college. Her first acquaintance is Becky, an ex-Amish teenager looking for a new home.
While driving Chloe’s car, Becky collides with a buggy, killing an Amish elder. But what looks like an accident is soon labeled murder when police discover the car’s cut brake line.
Now, Chloe must take on the role of amateur sleuth to discover who the real intended victim was before the murderer makes a second attempt. Becky’s handsome Amish-turned-Mennonite brother, Timothy, a local carpenter, comes in handy along the way. With God’s help, they’ll solve the mystery that’s rocking this small community.
At the end of a hard day I like to sit down with a good murder mystery. It takes my mind of the events of the day and I enter into a new environment, in this case Appleseed Creek, Ohio. Tampering with Chloe’s car meant someone wanted to kill her. It is just accidental that Becky was driving at the time the brakes went. However, Chloe is new in town so who and why would someone want to kill her? M. Flower has crafted a real puzzler of a mystery. ”A Plain Death” keeps you guessing and I defy you to figure out who really did it. Add to the pot a cast of characters that are just wonderful, some good, some bad and Ms. Flower has given us a great setting for what looks like a terrific series. If you enjoy a good murder mystery like I do then this book is for you. I enjoyed this book a lot and am looking forward to the next one.
If you would like to listen to interviews with other authors and professionals please go to www.kingdomhighlights.org where they are available On Demand.
To listen to 24 hours non-stop Christian music please visit our internet radio station www.kingdomairwaves.org
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book for free from Wynn-Wynn Media for this review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
From the Back Cover: Welcome to Appleseed Creek, the heart of Ohio’s Amish Country, where life is not as serene as it seems.
While her Cleveland friends relocated to Southern California and Italy, 24-year-old computer whiz Chloe Humphrey moves with some uncertainty to Appleseed Creek to direct technology services at a nearby college. Her first acquaintance is Becky, an ex-Amish teenager looking for a new home.
While driving Chloe’s car, Becky collides with a buggy, killing an Amish elder. But what looks like an accident is soon labeled murder when police discover the car’s cut brake line.
Now, Chloe must take on the role of amateur sleuth to discover who the real intended victim was before the murderer makes a second attempt. Becky’s handsome Amish-turned-Mennonite brother, Timothy, a local carpenter, comes in handy along the way. With God’s help, they’ll solve the mystery that’s rocking this small community.
At the end of a hard day I like to sit down with a good murder mystery. It takes my mind of the events of the day and I enter into a new environment, in this case Appleseed Creek, Ohio. Tampering with Chloe’s car meant someone wanted to kill her. It is just accidental that Becky was driving at the time the brakes went. However, Chloe is new in town so who and why would someone want to kill her? M. Flower has crafted a real puzzler of a mystery. ”A Plain Death” keeps you guessing and I defy you to figure out who really did it. Add to the pot a cast of characters that are just wonderful, some good, some bad and Ms. Flower has given us a great setting for what looks like a terrific series. If you enjoy a good murder mystery like I do then this book is for you. I enjoyed this book a lot and am looking forward to the next one.
If you would like to listen to interviews with other authors and professionals please go to www.kingdomhighlights.org where they are available On Demand.
To listen to 24 hours non-stop Christian music please visit our internet radio station www.kingdomairwaves.org
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book for free from Wynn-Wynn Media for this review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
November 22, 2013
Once again, I am shocked by the vast array of opinions of readers; clearly there is no accounting for taste, nor is there any accounting for publishing because if this book can be published, the bar is low, low, low. For me the writing was poor and the editing was as well. The premise had potential but was never developed.
I am surprised that I actually finished it. I was hoping for it to get better, but the ending was beyond ridiculous, unbelievable and anticlimatic, both! The characters were like cardboard, the plot weak, and it portrayed the amish in a very negative light (with one exception being the grandfather); only those who had left the amish were cast as heros. To call it "Christian Fiction" is quite a stretch. The main characters are church goers, but very little thought or conversation occurs to reveal any depth of understanding of the gospel, nor is there any growth in this regard.
The idea that this book was generally given 4 and even 5 stars boggles my mind. The fact that this became a series makes me think I should write books too, seeing as just about anyone can get published. If this was supposed to be a "romcom", it needed more romance and better comedy.
I am surprised that I actually finished it. I was hoping for it to get better, but the ending was beyond ridiculous, unbelievable and anticlimatic, both! The characters were like cardboard, the plot weak, and it portrayed the amish in a very negative light (with one exception being the grandfather); only those who had left the amish were cast as heros. To call it "Christian Fiction" is quite a stretch. The main characters are church goers, but very little thought or conversation occurs to reveal any depth of understanding of the gospel, nor is there any growth in this regard.
The idea that this book was generally given 4 and even 5 stars boggles my mind. The fact that this became a series makes me think I should write books too, seeing as just about anyone can get published. If this was supposed to be a "romcom", it needed more romance and better comedy.
August 27, 2014
A Quickie Review
In recent years, the Christian fiction genre has been flooded with stories of the Amish; there have probably been more tales of the Plain people than end-times thrillers. A Plain Death isn't just about the Amish, though; it's about city folk, too, and a mystery that is afoot. This first book in a "cozy mystery" series is well-written and exciting, though it could have been a bit more light-hearted.
In recent years, the Christian fiction genre has been flooded with stories of the Amish; there have probably been more tales of the Plain people than end-times thrillers. A Plain Death isn't just about the Amish, though; it's about city folk, too, and a mystery that is afoot. This first book in a "cozy mystery" series is well-written and exciting, though it could have been a bit more light-hearted.
June 4, 2020
Amanda has now become one of my favorite Amish mystery authors. I can't wait to read the next book in the series!
October 11, 2017
This was such a great read, everything I love about a cozy! My friend wanted a cozy to read and I told her to read this and tell me how it was, she highly recommended it to me, I'm very pleased. I'm already starting book two.
July 30, 2020
Our mystery book club picked this to read and I'm so glad we did. I have read a few other books by this author and so far this is my favorite. The mystery kept me guessing and I really enjoyed the characters. I'm very much looking forward to reading more of the Appleseed Creek series!
March 13, 2017
Great start to the series! I wish Chloe had more backbone at times and I also wished Becky didn't cry at the drop of a hat (but always wanted to be treated as an "adult") but those are minor complaints
October 6, 2012
I absolutely LOVE it when you find a great author that can immediately get you involved as part of her book from the very first page. To me it's a great sign of a talented writer if they can engage you from the beginning and keep you hooked turning pages as fast as you can read them. Success achieved with the latest novel from Amanda Flower, A Plain Death. This is just one of the many that will soon follow in the Appleseed Creek Mystery series and I can't wait for the adventure to continue.
The book introduces us immediately as twenty-four-year old Chloe Humphrey is attempting to find her way to her new home and job in Appleseed Creek, Ohio. As she is getting her bearings thanks to a GPS device that is as lost as she is, she happens upon a young Amish girl, Becky Troyer being harrassed by two English men. Chloe rescues the poor girl and in return Becky kindly guides Chloe to her new location. She learns that Chloe is heading up the new technology department at the local college and soon introduces Chloe to her handy Amish brother, Timothy, who offers to help around Chloe's new home fixing things. But it seems Becky is hiding more than she is willing to let on to Chloe who has become her new hero. When Chloe offers Becky a place to stay with her, she immediately accepts.
Seeing Becky has some issues since leaving her Amish faith, Chloe wants to help her find a new start. She locates a job at a local greenhouse that would be perfect for her. But rather than wait for a ride, Becky "borrows" Chloe's car, even though she doesn't have a license. On her way to the interview, Becky gets into an accident killing the local bishop. It's here that the novel really takes off. It seems that someone has tampered with Chloe's car and that the brake lines had been cut. Who is responsible? Are they after Chloe or Becky? Well to find out, you'll just have to pick up the latest copy of A Plain Death from Amanda Flower!
I received A Plain Death, compliments from B & H Publishing Group and Net Galley for my honest review and I am so glad I picked this one up to review. I love it when a great writer will combine elements from different genre's and create a masterpiece that will grab new readers and make them want even more. Amanda Flowers does that and so much more. I can't wait to pick up the next book in this series, A Plain Scandal, and for those of you that love Christian Amish with a blend of mystery added, then you will LOVE this one. I personally rate it a 5 out of 5 stars!
The book introduces us immediately as twenty-four-year old Chloe Humphrey is attempting to find her way to her new home and job in Appleseed Creek, Ohio. As she is getting her bearings thanks to a GPS device that is as lost as she is, she happens upon a young Amish girl, Becky Troyer being harrassed by two English men. Chloe rescues the poor girl and in return Becky kindly guides Chloe to her new location. She learns that Chloe is heading up the new technology department at the local college and soon introduces Chloe to her handy Amish brother, Timothy, who offers to help around Chloe's new home fixing things. But it seems Becky is hiding more than she is willing to let on to Chloe who has become her new hero. When Chloe offers Becky a place to stay with her, she immediately accepts.
Seeing Becky has some issues since leaving her Amish faith, Chloe wants to help her find a new start. She locates a job at a local greenhouse that would be perfect for her. But rather than wait for a ride, Becky "borrows" Chloe's car, even though she doesn't have a license. On her way to the interview, Becky gets into an accident killing the local bishop. It's here that the novel really takes off. It seems that someone has tampered with Chloe's car and that the brake lines had been cut. Who is responsible? Are they after Chloe or Becky? Well to find out, you'll just have to pick up the latest copy of A Plain Death from Amanda Flower!
I received A Plain Death, compliments from B & H Publishing Group and Net Galley for my honest review and I am so glad I picked this one up to review. I love it when a great writer will combine elements from different genre's and create a masterpiece that will grab new readers and make them want even more. Amanda Flowers does that and so much more. I can't wait to pick up the next book in this series, A Plain Scandal, and for those of you that love Christian Amish with a blend of mystery added, then you will LOVE this one. I personally rate it a 5 out of 5 stars!
July 26, 2012
I am so excited to discover Amanda Flowers. Mystery/suspense is my favorite genre to read. I am always trying out new authors. Some I like and some not so much. I am so glad I tried out Amanda Flowers. I enjoyed this story. I loved the Troyer family and really loved Grandpa Zook. Who wouldn't love to have a grandpa like him? I loved the way the mystery unfolded. Chloe Humphrey is new in town with a job as a computer technology expert at the local college. Chloe is alone in the world. Her father has remarried to a stepmother who is hostile to here and her foster family that she adores has moved to Italy. On her way to her new job she picks up an Amish girl who is being harassed by some thugs in a green pickup truck. Turns out the Amish girl Becky Troyer has decided to leave home because she feels she cannot pursue her love of art if she stays. Through Becky Chloe is introduced to Becky's handsome brother Timothy who leave the Amish some time before. Timothy is protective of his sister and wants her to return home but his sister is adamant on staying. Chloe reluctantly allows Becky to stay with her for the time being. One day Becky borrows Chloe's car and is involved in an accident which unfortunately kills Bishop Glick. After some investigation it is learned that the brakes were cut on the vehicle. Chloe and Timothy investigate to try to solve this mystery.
In this book you will love some of the characters like members of the Troyer family and despise others like the thugs in the green truck, one of Chloe's co-workers and even some of the Amish people. It's a real page turner to see who is behind this mystery. I can't wait until the next book is released in February 2013,A Plain Scandal: An Appleseed Creek Mystery
In this book you will love some of the characters like members of the Troyer family and despise others like the thugs in the green truck, one of Chloe's co-workers and even some of the Amish people. It's a real page turner to see who is behind this mystery. I can't wait until the next book is released in February 2013,A Plain Scandal: An Appleseed Creek Mystery
March 23, 2012
This is a story that reads like an actual happening. Chloe Humphrey is on her way to Apple Creek OH to start her first job. On her way she has a chance encounter with a couple of men in a green truck tormenting and perhaps abducting a young Amish girl.
This is the start of her new adventure...Becky Troyer ends up moving in with her as she moves in. Actually in her past she moved in with another family, and rather feels she should help Becky. Because of this decision, her life becomes involved with the Amish culture. There is her new job as the head of the College's Computer Department...where you will meet some new characters and some big time back stabbing. There will also be a death...with Becky involved, and you will wonder who was the actual target.
There is a "love" interest in the form of Becky's brother, and there will be times if you will wonder who Timothy is really interested. You will also love the interaction with Timothy's dog!! I also enjoyed the character of Grandpa and the younger Troyer's. Such a loving family makes Chloe miss having one!
You will find God present in this story, and his loving hand in helping them make the right decisions.
You will wish you could be around the dinner table with the Troyer family. A really good read...enjoy!
I received this book from the Publisher B & H Books, and was not required to give a positive review.
This is the start of her new adventure...Becky Troyer ends up moving in with her as she moves in. Actually in her past she moved in with another family, and rather feels she should help Becky. Because of this decision, her life becomes involved with the Amish culture. There is her new job as the head of the College's Computer Department...where you will meet some new characters and some big time back stabbing. There will also be a death...with Becky involved, and you will wonder who was the actual target.
There is a "love" interest in the form of Becky's brother, and there will be times if you will wonder who Timothy is really interested. You will also love the interaction with Timothy's dog!! I also enjoyed the character of Grandpa and the younger Troyer's. Such a loving family makes Chloe miss having one!
You will find God present in this story, and his loving hand in helping them make the right decisions.
You will wish you could be around the dinner table with the Troyer family. A really good read...enjoy!
I received this book from the Publisher B & H Books, and was not required to give a positive review.
September 16, 2016
Chloe Humphrey is the new director of technology at a small college near an Amish community. Her first new friend is a young woman she rescues at the roadside, a woman who has just left her Amish roots to live in the English world. Now that Chloe has rescued Becky, she feels somewhat responsible for her, and so she allows her to room with her, temporarily. She soon makes friends with Becky’s brother, and settles into her job at the college. But one day Becky borrows Chloe’s car, and collides with a bishop’s buggy, killing him. What looks like a careless accident at first takes on a sinister aspect when it is discovered that the brake lines had been cut. Now it is up to Chloe to try to figure out who could hate her enough to wish her bodily harm. Not a typical Amish tale, this story has engaging characters in a suspenseful plot. A good start to a new series.
August 31, 2012
This was an incredible book! The characters were intriguing and the story was fantastic and kept you guessing until the very end! I have been to Pennsylvania Dutch country and have been fascinated with the Amish people. Ms. Flower brought all of those good memories back and taught me a lot more than I already knew. I cannot wait for the next book!
July 25, 2012
Loved it. I felt like I was there. As I visit the counties she uses in the book often, I was connected with the story. I enjoyed the realistic portrayal of the Amish. The mystery was all that mysterious. It would have been nice if the criminals/culprits had been more of a surprise.
August 7, 2012
Wonderfully written!
August 14, 2012
A very good storyline. Finished this book in 2 days and I am looking forward to the next Applseed Creek Mystery.
November 7, 2020
3.5 stars
Another outsider w/ friends in Amish community.
I was trying to do these in order but i'm also going based on availability of what's avail at the library.
this one had more Christian/religious overtones than the others so while reading i wondered if this one was written earlier than some of the other series I'd done.
Per the author's note which explained her inspiration of having the Amish community in the background of her story. This was her first cozy mystery. I found it interesting as i could see her development as a writer having read her later books.
It was a quick, easy read while the story slowly develops but at a good pace.
I liked the characters & the mystery was good. Lots of suspects.
Another outsider w/ friends in Amish community.
I was trying to do these in order but i'm also going based on availability of what's avail at the library.
this one had more Christian/religious overtones than the others so while reading i wondered if this one was written earlier than some of the other series I'd done.
Per the author's note which explained her inspiration of having the Amish community in the background of her story. This was her first cozy mystery. I found it interesting as i could see her development as a writer having read her later books.
It was a quick, easy read while the story slowly develops but at a good pace.
I liked the characters & the mystery was good. Lots of suspects.
December 27, 2018
How does this book have 4 Stars? It reads like a high school student’s writing assignment, and seems not to have had an editor. The story is fine, but not interesting nor suspenseful. The mystery has an obvious solution. And facts about the Amish and awkwardly inserted as if the author wanted to prove that she had done her research. The first discussion question is a good reflection of the amount of thought that appears to have gone into the whole story: “What was your favorite part of the novel? Why?”
August 6, 2022
Great read. Thanks for referral T.
I love all Amish stories. I envy and admire their simple life and family values . Time to move on to book 2
I love all Amish stories. I envy and admire their simple life and family values . Time to move on to book 2
Read
May 10, 2025I love the author's other series but I just couldn't get into this new one. Read 57% and had to give up.
March 6, 2023
I liked Amanda Flower's series I'd previously read, so I thought keep reading her books. I especially like the Faith injected into her writing.
November 15, 2012
I really liked this book.
I didn’t think I would ever like the “Amish books” that have been so popular the past few years. But then I read one, and then another, and I was really hooked. Now comes a new version, an Amish story combined with a mystery. What a great combination!
Chloe Humphrey leaves city life to move to the little town of Appleseed Creek, Ohio, to work in the computer department of a small college. On her way into town, Chloe meets Becky when she literally rescues her from the side of the road.
Becky guides her rescuer to the house Chloe rented sight unseen from the internet. The house turns out to be in terrible disrepair. Becky, an Amish girl, is experiencing a time of freedom in her life exploring the world called rumspringa. Although they have just met, she assumes Chloe will let her move in with her as a house mate. Fortunately, Becky has a handsome brother, Timothy, who is also a carpenter-and is willing to do some repairs to the home, if this is where his sister will be living.
Becky and Timothy introduce Chloe to their Amish world and family. Chloe finds their world both fascinating, as well as, puzzling. Becky also causes a car accident that results in a death. But all is not as it seems, and Chloe is suspicious about this “accident,” and attempts to find the truth. She does this while trying to fit in at a new job that has its share of complications and difficult people to work with-all the while attempting to adjust to small town life.
I loved this story and would highly recommend it, although I felt the end was a bit of a cliff hanger. This story was a real page turner, and was hard to put down. I would give it five stars, and look forward to reading more in the series.
The author has provided me with a copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own, and I have not been compensated in any other manner. Despite my receiving the book free, it has not influenced my judgment, and I have given an honest opinion.
The Author’s Web Site: http://www.amandaflower.com
My Blog: http://fushiacat.wordpress.com/
I didn’t think I would ever like the “Amish books” that have been so popular the past few years. But then I read one, and then another, and I was really hooked. Now comes a new version, an Amish story combined with a mystery. What a great combination!
Chloe Humphrey leaves city life to move to the little town of Appleseed Creek, Ohio, to work in the computer department of a small college. On her way into town, Chloe meets Becky when she literally rescues her from the side of the road.
Becky guides her rescuer to the house Chloe rented sight unseen from the internet. The house turns out to be in terrible disrepair. Becky, an Amish girl, is experiencing a time of freedom in her life exploring the world called rumspringa. Although they have just met, she assumes Chloe will let her move in with her as a house mate. Fortunately, Becky has a handsome brother, Timothy, who is also a carpenter-and is willing to do some repairs to the home, if this is where his sister will be living.
Becky and Timothy introduce Chloe to their Amish world and family. Chloe finds their world both fascinating, as well as, puzzling. Becky also causes a car accident that results in a death. But all is not as it seems, and Chloe is suspicious about this “accident,” and attempts to find the truth. She does this while trying to fit in at a new job that has its share of complications and difficult people to work with-all the while attempting to adjust to small town life.
I loved this story and would highly recommend it, although I felt the end was a bit of a cliff hanger. This story was a real page turner, and was hard to put down. I would give it five stars, and look forward to reading more in the series.
The author has provided me with a copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own, and I have not been compensated in any other manner. Despite my receiving the book free, it has not influenced my judgment, and I have given an honest opinion.
The Author’s Web Site: http://www.amandaflower.com
My Blog: http://fushiacat.wordpress.com/
October 22, 2012
This novel was a strong debut introducing us to the town of Appleseed Creek, Ohio and to the new Director of Computer Services for the nearby Harshberger College,Chloe Humphrey. Driving her car and U-Haul to her new rented home, Chloe encounters a young girl in apparent trouble walking by the road. The girl is being accosted and Chloe, scared,but knowing she must help, stops and gives the girl a lift.
This was the one challenge to those of us who live in cities today, would you have aided the girl and then allowed her to stay in your home? Chloe does. The girl, Becky, is an Amish girl going off on her Rumspringa. While Chloe might be leery of letting Becky move in with her, Becky's naivete does not question the correctness nor safety of the situation at all. In fact, she phones her brother, Timothy to come help them move in.
As all guardians/parents know, children can get in mishaps. Even nineteen year olds. Becky borrows Chloe's car and there is a severe accident...but was it an accident and if not, then who was the intended victim?
There is violence in the Amish town of Appleseed Creek. The position of Bishop is greatly coveted by some. Raw hatred encounters greed and human destruction hits Appleseed. What is going on in this picturesque town? Then there is the undercurrents at the College.
Chloe will have a greater part in the future of this community than she expected as she drove in.
This was a good novel and makes me eager for the next volume.
This was the one challenge to those of us who live in cities today, would you have aided the girl and then allowed her to stay in your home? Chloe does. The girl, Becky, is an Amish girl going off on her Rumspringa. While Chloe might be leery of letting Becky move in with her, Becky's naivete does not question the correctness nor safety of the situation at all. In fact, she phones her brother, Timothy to come help them move in.
As all guardians/parents know, children can get in mishaps. Even nineteen year olds. Becky borrows Chloe's car and there is a severe accident...but was it an accident and if not, then who was the intended victim?
There is violence in the Amish town of Appleseed Creek. The position of Bishop is greatly coveted by some. Raw hatred encounters greed and human destruction hits Appleseed. What is going on in this picturesque town? Then there is the undercurrents at the College.
Chloe will have a greater part in the future of this community than she expected as she drove in.
This was a good novel and makes me eager for the next volume.
August 15, 2012
I wanted this book to be good, I really did. I have a great interest in Amish faith and culture, and was curious how the book would deal with the topic.
Good: the author tried to get the Amish right. Amish people weren't all portrayed as perfect. Grandfather Zook is fantastic!! The college politics subplot was interesting, even though Joel was over-the-top.
Bad: The author seemed to grasp "different Amish are different", but lacked basic understanding about Amish church organization and what beliefs/practices go together. Also, Deacon Sutter was a bizarre combination of Snidely Whiplash and Fred Phelps. Very conservative Amish people stay away from us English; they don't slut-shame us in public. The romance was boring, and I've never met anyone who blushes as much as these people outside of fanfic. Terrible fanfic.
The story needed fewer plot elements and more development for the interesting ones. Stick with Becky, Chloe's new job, and Grandfather Zook.
Good: the author tried to get the Amish right. Amish people weren't all portrayed as perfect. Grandfather Zook is fantastic!! The college politics subplot was interesting, even though Joel was over-the-top.
Bad: The author seemed to grasp "different Amish are different", but lacked basic understanding about Amish church organization and what beliefs/practices go together. Also, Deacon Sutter was a bizarre combination of Snidely Whiplash and Fred Phelps. Very conservative Amish people stay away from us English; they don't slut-shame us in public. The romance was boring, and I've never met anyone who blushes as much as these people outside of fanfic. Terrible fanfic.
The story needed fewer plot elements and more development for the interesting ones. Stick with Becky, Chloe's new job, and Grandfather Zook.
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