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Amish-Country Mysteries #3
Clouds Without Rain: An Amish-Country Mystery
Professor Michael Branden, newly deputized to the Holmes County Sheriff’s Department, gives every outward appearance of being Amish. His assignment: to act as decoy in Sheriff Bruce Robertson’s investigation of a series of robberies among—and perhaps by—the Peaceful Ones. Suddenly Branden’s undercover work is interrupted by grave news. An Amish buggy has collided with an eighteen-wheeler, and Sheriff Robertson is among the casualties.
Branden and Pastor Caleb Troyer need information from the Amish if they are to determine how the accident is connected with a spate of disturbing events, including a buggy horse shot dead, a bank official gone missing, and land swindles involving out-of-town developers, one of whom has close ties with an Amish bishop.
It won’t hurt to tell the professor what we know, the Amish surmise, implicitly trusting the man who has lived all his life in the shadow of the community to identify the traitor who lurks in their midst. But will they act before the storm clouds burst?
Branden and Pastor Caleb Troyer need information from the Amish if they are to determine how the accident is connected with a spate of disturbing events, including a buggy horse shot dead, a bank official gone missing, and land swindles involving out-of-town developers, one of whom has close ties with an Amish bishop.
It won’t hurt to tell the professor what we know, the Amish surmise, implicitly trusting the man who has lived all his life in the shadow of the community to identify the traitor who lurks in their midst. But will they act before the storm clouds burst?
First published June 1, 2001
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About the author
P.L. Gaus
17 books101 followersPaul L. Gaus writes The Amish-Country Mysteries, set authentically in the Amish settlements of Holmes County, Ohio. Three life-long friends - Professor Michael Branden, Sheriff Bruce Robertson, and Pastor Caleb Troyer - work sometimes together and other times at crossed purposes to solve mysteries involving the often inscrutable Amish sects of the region. The rich cast of English characters includes the professor's insightful wife Caroline, Holmes County's tenacious Medical Examiner Melissa Taggert, and young Ellie Troyer, the sheriff's resolute dispatcher/secretary. Paul's novels illuminate Amish culture and lifestyle in the context of murder investigations that pull aside the veil on the daily lives of these purposefully plain religious separatists.
There are currently eight novels in the series, published by Plume, a Division of Penguin Group USA. The ninth novel, Whiskers of The Lion, is soon to be published by Plume. The first seven of his novels were originally published as The Ohio Amish Mysteries, by Ohio University Press, before they were all republished as trade paperbacks by Plume.
Paul’s extensive knowledge of the culture and lifestyle of the many Ohio Amish sects comes from over forty years of travel throughout Holmes and the surrounding rural counties in Ohio. His stories are rich with culture, much like the works of Tony Hillerman. It was Paul's friendship with Tony Hillerman that first inspired him to write culture-based mysteries about Amish people.
There are currently eight novels in the series, published by Plume, a Division of Penguin Group USA. The ninth novel, Whiskers of The Lion, is soon to be published by Plume. The first seven of his novels were originally published as The Ohio Amish Mysteries, by Ohio University Press, before they were all republished as trade paperbacks by Plume.
Paul’s extensive knowledge of the culture and lifestyle of the many Ohio Amish sects comes from over forty years of travel throughout Holmes and the surrounding rural counties in Ohio. His stories are rich with culture, much like the works of Tony Hillerman. It was Paul's friendship with Tony Hillerman that first inspired him to write culture-based mysteries about Amish people.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
May 12, 2022
There was a bit too much going on in this one, but the mystery was satisfying. The culprit was obvious, so it was all about figuring out how and why things happened.
March 11, 2019
I have enjoyed this series. It’s a quick, easy read that’s a nice break from bigger more involved books. I enjoy the writing and the characters.
July 16, 2017
I'm a visitor to the Wooster area several times a year and so picked this series up. I'm enjoying it and feel like the writing in each book gets better. The plots are well done and the writing is good. There's a tad too much description of physical space and a tad too little character development, or I'd give this book four stars.
September 24, 2021
It's a small book and it features an Amish part of Ohio. I thought it could be interesting to get into the Amish side of it.
The protagonist is Professor Michael Branden, who assists the Sheriff's department when crimes are suspected of the Peaceful Ones. Branden borrows a buggy and other equipment and blends in. In this case, he has been asked to find out who is committing a series of robberies. The suspicion is that it is some teen Amish boys. While investigating the robberies, Branden becomes involved in a review of a horrific car crash. A buggy is slammed by a semi truck, the Sheriff is injured while trying to control the situation, and others lie dead.
Branden looks at the scene and hears the witnesses. Something doesn't sit right. It takes him some time to figure out not only what actually happened but why and who was involved.
I did not get much of a sense of the Amish world here. We learn that there are different groups of Amish, ranging from very conservative to remarkably liberal, and this becomes the crux of the case.
The vehicle incident by itself is complex and I found myself wondering why such an elaborate plot. Perhaps the most interesting part of the book, to me, was the origin of the title.
The protagonist is Professor Michael Branden, who assists the Sheriff's department when crimes are suspected of the Peaceful Ones. Branden borrows a buggy and other equipment and blends in. In this case, he has been asked to find out who is committing a series of robberies. The suspicion is that it is some teen Amish boys. While investigating the robberies, Branden becomes involved in a review of a horrific car crash. A buggy is slammed by a semi truck, the Sheriff is injured while trying to control the situation, and others lie dead.
Branden looks at the scene and hears the witnesses. Something doesn't sit right. It takes him some time to figure out not only what actually happened but why and who was involved.
I did not get much of a sense of the Amish world here. We learn that there are different groups of Amish, ranging from very conservative to remarkably liberal, and this becomes the crux of the case.
The vehicle incident by itself is complex and I found myself wondering why such an elaborate plot. Perhaps the most interesting part of the book, to me, was the origin of the title.
November 21, 2021
Book three of the Ohio Amish mystery series revolves around a tragic highway accident, when a tractor/trailer jackknifes trying to stop because an Amish horse and buggy is unable to make a timely left turn. Tragically the Amish driver dies along with a policeman and another innocent driver. Initially it appears to be an unfortunate traffic accident, but upon further review we learn that some foul play was responsible. Eventually another murder of a female banker adds to the tragedy. As was the case in the first two books in the series; Professor Michael Branden, Pastor Cal Troyer and Sheriff Bruce Robertson are central figures in solving the crime. These three were close friends in high school and have remained close in their adult lives. In Clouds Without Rain the reader learns about the importance of land to the plain people, and land is central to the crime committed. I enjoyed this installment and plan to read more from the Ohio Amish mystery series.
May 16, 2020
I'm not sure where I picked this up buy it is locally published by Ohio University Press and I will read anything local. If it is a mystery, another plus. This takes place in Holmes County, Ohio which is Amish Country. I'm not a big fan of the Amish. I think that roots in the puppy mill history but I am intrigued and can respect the heart of their culture. This is a series and this isn't the first in the series but it is easily picked up and a well crafted story.
January 19, 2018
I think this is my favorite of these Ohio Amish Mysteries so far. Once again, there is a murder to be solved, lots of possible suspects, conflict between the Amish and the non-Amish. The three same characters, who have been friends since childhood, are involved in solving the murder. This is a safe, clean mystery that provides readers with good escape.
July 1, 2023
Who killed JR Weaver, Phil Schrauzer, and Brad Smith? Will the Sheriff live after being injured? This book had a different tone and ambience as compared to previous works by the author. I believe this is where I end my love for the series. I had a hard time finishing this one! The plot felt forced and somehow convoluted. The characters were not their usual selves and Caroline was missing. I would NEVER read this book again!
December 28, 2017
The good professor Michael Branden has been deputized by the Holmes County Sheriff Department. He goes about putting together the pieces of just what happened when an 18 wheeler collided with an Amish buggy and other happenings in Holmes County.
January 12, 2019
I think this is one of P.L. Gaus' better Amish country mysteries. A fatal road accident in hilly country turns out to have many more complications than a simple car/truck/buggy crash. Crime is involved and law enforcement must figure out who is responsible.
November 4, 2024
3.5 Storyline of a professor acting as a deputy to investigate crimes in the Amish community and disguises himself to ride through the community in a buggy and then comes across a horendous accident which after investgation gets very involved with someone actually being murdered.
April 24, 2025
It has been too long since I read the last book in this series. I forgot about it, and when I re-discovered this series none of the characters were familiar. Still it is a good mystery and I will continue and perhaps become reacquainted with the characters.
July 26, 2018
Interesting genre... Amish crime fiction. I didn't realize what I'd gotten into initially, and the vast numbers of individuals, with relationships unclear between them, didn't help.
October 25, 2018
Not the best in the series, but still a good quick read and leaves us wanting more to see what happens with some of our favorite characters.
August 30, 2019
I listened to this as an audio book and honestly just couldn't really get into it.
October 2, 2019
Interesting plot, more about the Englescer than the Amish. Good mystery by a different author. Will read this author again
December 28, 2020
Liked this...lots of twists and turns...
January 2, 2021
Excellent mystery with enough twists and turns to keep the reader guessing, even without the personality of Sheriff Bruce Robertson.
June 16, 2021
First time with this Author . I thought this story was interesting . Seems to have a lot of twists& turns that kept me coming back for more.
July 19, 2022
Good one! I couldn’t figure this one out until almost the very end.
August 12, 2023
Good story line, I never figure out who done it. Nice clean mystery.
May 26, 2024
I really liked this book. I thought it was very well written. I have read all of this series so far. Think they are just getting better and better. Will read the next book right away.
November 24, 2024
Book #3✔️
Let’s Go November 2024
Let’s Go November 2024
January 29, 2022
It was a bit hard to follow at times.
July 26, 2022
RATING: 3.5
July 8, 2012
The title of this book comes from the Bible. It is from Jude who refers to people who are self-involved. These shepherd to feed only themselves. They are clouds without rain, blown along by the wind; autumn tree's, without food and uprooted – twice dead.
Specifically it refers to JR Weaver who has been killed in an buggy accident. He had become a very liberal member of the Amish faith and had become a real estate developer. He used electricity, telephones and fax machines but still drove a simple horse and buggy.
There has been a new more conservative Bishop elected who wanted to change back to the old ways and there was some dissention about who of the group would chose to stay. There were also rumblings about shady land deals which were costing many families their farms and Weaver was behind this. Was there more to the fatal accident?
Professor Michael Braden, Pastor Cal Troyer and Sheriff Robinson work together to find the answers. It is a difficult path that the Amish must follow as farms become too expensive to own and keeping the faith becomes increasingly difficult when these folk must pursue jobs in towns or in doing work that is tourist oriented.
This is an excellent series and I learn a bit from each book. In one scene a woman scrubs her floor with a strip of 2x2 wood covered with cloth wrapped around it so that a new area of cloth is available when an area becomes soiled. I might just try that.
Specifically it refers to JR Weaver who has been killed in an buggy accident. He had become a very liberal member of the Amish faith and had become a real estate developer. He used electricity, telephones and fax machines but still drove a simple horse and buggy.
There has been a new more conservative Bishop elected who wanted to change back to the old ways and there was some dissention about who of the group would chose to stay. There were also rumblings about shady land deals which were costing many families their farms and Weaver was behind this. Was there more to the fatal accident?
Professor Michael Braden, Pastor Cal Troyer and Sheriff Robinson work together to find the answers. It is a difficult path that the Amish must follow as farms become too expensive to own and keeping the faith becomes increasingly difficult when these folk must pursue jobs in towns or in doing work that is tourist oriented.
This is an excellent series and I learn a bit from each book. In one scene a woman scrubs her floor with a strip of 2x2 wood covered with cloth wrapped around it so that a new area of cloth is available when an area becomes soiled. I might just try that.
January 10, 2009
This book is called Clouds without Rain and it is written by Paul Gaus. Clouds without Rain is an Ohio Amish mystery in which the members of a small Amish community in Ohio face trouble when there is a deadly accident involving a truck and an Amish buggy. Many people suspect that there is more to the accident then meets the eye. To add to the trouble, a group of unknown teenagers have been robbing Amish buggies in the community. Professor Michael Branden, with help from the local Sheriff, decides enough is enough when he makes it his mission to uncover the truth and restore the tradition of the community. The continual struggles of the encroaching modern world on the Amish in the form of persistent land developers leads to more troubles when a bank official goes missing, an estate trustee disappears, and several people turn up dead. With all these events, Professor Michael Branden’s suspicion becomes clear, and soon everyone knows that the buggy accident is only a small part of something much bigger. Michael struggles to solve the puzzle by finding the connections between all of these mysterious events in order to restore his and his community’s way of life.
May 7, 2012
Mysteries aren't really my thing, but I picked this up for two key reasons: it was only a dollar (I can't resist cheap books) and it is set in Amish Country and I grew up 'English' in the Pennsylvania Dutch heartland and went to school with mostly 'fancy Dutch' but also some plain kids.
It was a fast read, and relatively entertaining. It's the third in a series and I think the more interesting plot point (some sort of Amish Satanic cult?!) must drag on through a few books because that was almost ignored, which is puzzling. Amish kids worshipping the devil like in the 1980s/90s Geraldo special? How is that not the main story? I didn't read any other books in the series so maybe it's addressed in more detail elsewhere - but this didn't grab me enough to make me pick up the other books to find out.
That said it was an enjoyable read and it made me smile to read about main characters named Weaver and Yoder.
It was a fast read, and relatively entertaining. It's the third in a series and I think the more interesting plot point (some sort of Amish Satanic cult?!) must drag on through a few books because that was almost ignored, which is puzzling. Amish kids worshipping the devil like in the 1980s/90s Geraldo special? How is that not the main story? I didn't read any other books in the series so maybe it's addressed in more detail elsewhere - but this didn't grab me enough to make me pick up the other books to find out.
That said it was an enjoyable read and it made me smile to read about main characters named Weaver and Yoder.
February 11, 2017
Another good mystery by P.L. Gaus.
March 10, 2012
In Clouds without Rain, P. L. Gaus has again written a superb mystery wrapped around a social concern. Land is important to the Amish for farming, for food and a modest living; it is important to developers to generate money and for a profit, the bigger the better. In this mystery, the two worlds collide, and the result is disastrous. The Amish cannot believe one of their own would treat them unfairly in his lust for money. But seems to be the case, or is it? When the ownership rights to eight farms are threatened, the Amish feel they have little recourse. Add to this mix an unstable Amish man, an English woman intent on turning a huge profit on some not-quite-legal land development, and an unscrupulous businessman threatened with the loss of his business, you the makings for one fine tale.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews