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Appleseed Creek #2
A Plain Scandal
The people of Appleseed Creek in the heart of Ohio's Amish Country are under attack. Soon after the dust has settled on a buggy accident that turned out to be murder, an unknown assailant begins cutting off the long hair of Amish women and the beards of Amish men.
New to the area, computer specialist Chloe Humphrey may not share their customs, but she is certainly alarmed over these crimes against the Amish and worries how such events will impact her growing number of friends who are more connected to that way of life.
In this small community, when Chloe discovers the body of an Amish businessman who was stabbed in the back and whose beard was cut off, she knows that finding the murderer and restoring peace to Appleseed Creek is as much her responsibility as anyone else's.
New to the area, computer specialist Chloe Humphrey may not share their customs, but she is certainly alarmed over these crimes against the Amish and worries how such events will impact her growing number of friends who are more connected to that way of life.
In this small community, when Chloe discovers the body of an Amish businessman who was stabbed in the back and whose beard was cut off, she knows that finding the murderer and restoring peace to Appleseed Creek is as much her responsibility as anyone else's.
324 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2013
78 people are currently reading
1298 people want to read
About the author
Amanda Flower
61 books2,955 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 149 reviews
July 15, 2018
Chloe is once again dragged into another Cozy murder mystery. This time it's at the Young Pavilion and flea market. Chloe stumbles over a dead body and naturally gets involved with helping the police solve this crime.
Besides the murder there also happens to be several members of the Amish community that have been attacked by an unknown person. Amish men have had their beards whacked off and some of the ladies have had their hair cut with shears that are used on sheep. Could this and the murder have been done by the same person. Chloe won't stop investigating the crimes until she solves this mystery.
I love cozy murder mysteries. Plain Scandal kept me turning pages until the end. If you enjoy cozy mysteries, Amish fiction or Amanda Flower's books you will want to read this entire series. It is best to read Book one A Plain Death first .
Besides the murder there also happens to be several members of the Amish community that have been attacked by an unknown person. Amish men have had their beards whacked off and some of the ladies have had their hair cut with shears that are used on sheep. Could this and the murder have been done by the same person. Chloe won't stop investigating the crimes until she solves this mystery.
I love cozy murder mysteries. Plain Scandal kept me turning pages until the end. If you enjoy cozy mysteries, Amish fiction or Amanda Flower's books you will want to read this entire series. It is best to read Book one A Plain Death first .
November 12, 2020
this is an example of a series that gets better as the writer improves.
I'm enjoying this more than I thought i would since i can tell it's an earlier series from the ones i've already read.
I liked the author's note at the end which gave background into the inspiration for the story.
Chloe stumbles across another dead body which is the first mystery.
The second mystery is that someone is attacking the Amish and cutting their hair which is offensive to their values.
The relationships b/w Timothy, Becky & chloe develops which is great.
I like the characters, the story. I didn't completely solve it so there were some surprises.
I look forward to reading more of this series.
I'm enjoying this more than I thought i would since i can tell it's an earlier series from the ones i've already read.
I liked the author's note at the end which gave background into the inspiration for the story.
Chloe stumbles across another dead body which is the first mystery.
The second mystery is that someone is attacking the Amish and cutting their hair which is offensive to their values.
The relationships b/w Timothy, Becky & chloe develops which is great.
I like the characters, the story. I didn't completely solve it so there were some surprises.
I look forward to reading more of this series.
October 13, 2017
I received great enjoyment out of this book, it was a wonderful read. Chloe is a character I can relate to emotionally and I love that. Such a wonderful read.
June 14, 2012
I don't know why, but in the last few months, I've gotten quite a few Amish-centered books from NetGalley. Or perhaps that's just my perception. But I'm still very intrigued by this genre, and when I saw this title on NetGalley, I couldn't resist. What would an Amish mystery be like, I wondered.
Well, entertaining. And good clean fun (I happily admit to being a prude). There are no swear words or explicit scenes in this book. There is some violence (this is a mystery book after all), but it's not gore and well, I wasn't frightened.
The protagonist - Chloe, was endearing. I started siding with her almost from the start which meant I had quite an emotional investment in the book. Looking back, I can see times where I should have gotten annoyed at her seeming cluelessness, but then, I was equally clueless. I would have probably behaved that way too. And the fact that she (a non-Amish and a citizen, not police), could investigate was quite plausibly explained.
And now, to her ties with the Amish. That would be the brother-and-sister pair Timothy and Becky. They were Amish but left to become English during their running-around years. I think out of all the Amish communities that I've read about, Appleseed has to be one of the most liberal. They aren't shunned and still maintain cordial ties with their family.
Oh yeah, the portrayal of the Amish community. Having read Temptation recently, I'm so glad to read about a positive portrayal of the Amish community. They aren't saints, but they aren't demons either. They're simply people who have chosen to live a different lifestyle.
Since I'm talking about the Amish, I have to mention the faith aspect of the book. In this respect, I think this book is like Debbie Macomber's books. The faith here is muted or real. In this sense, it's not an overtly Christian novel, but rather, a novel with Christian underpinnings.
The murder itself was quite interesting. I wasn't sure what to make of it, but it was believably resolved. It may be that for me, I was more interested in reading about the interactions between the various characters than the murder (I liked to other related mystery about the hair-cutting better).
So yes, if you get the chance, you should read this book. It's suitable for all ages(:
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for a free and honest review.
First posted at Inside the mind of a Bibliophile
Well, entertaining. And good clean fun (I happily admit to being a prude). There are no swear words or explicit scenes in this book. There is some violence (this is a mystery book after all), but it's not gore and well, I wasn't frightened.
The protagonist - Chloe, was endearing. I started siding with her almost from the start which meant I had quite an emotional investment in the book. Looking back, I can see times where I should have gotten annoyed at her seeming cluelessness, but then, I was equally clueless. I would have probably behaved that way too. And the fact that she (a non-Amish and a citizen, not police), could investigate was quite plausibly explained.
And now, to her ties with the Amish. That would be the brother-and-sister pair Timothy and Becky. They were Amish but left to become English during their running-around years. I think out of all the Amish communities that I've read about, Appleseed has to be one of the most liberal. They aren't shunned and still maintain cordial ties with their family.
Oh yeah, the portrayal of the Amish community. Having read Temptation recently, I'm so glad to read about a positive portrayal of the Amish community. They aren't saints, but they aren't demons either. They're simply people who have chosen to live a different lifestyle.
Since I'm talking about the Amish, I have to mention the faith aspect of the book. In this respect, I think this book is like Debbie Macomber's books. The faith here is muted or real. In this sense, it's not an overtly Christian novel, but rather, a novel with Christian underpinnings.
The murder itself was quite interesting. I wasn't sure what to make of it, but it was believably resolved. It may be that for me, I was more interested in reading about the interactions between the various characters than the murder (I liked to other related mystery about the hair-cutting better).
So yes, if you get the chance, you should read this book. It's suitable for all ages(:
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for a free and honest review.
First posted at Inside the mind of a Bibliophile
February 19, 2013
A Plain Scandal takes a college librarian with a cat named Gigabite, an Amish community, a series of crimes, and a touch of humor, to make a perfect cozy mystery. Chloe is an independent soul with a touch of romantic and a stubborn streak when it comes to protecting the people she cares about. Author Amanda Flower handles the story with a light touch that allows readers to care about the characters and laugh at the same time. It's an interesting story based on a real life events ripped from the headlines and then shaped by Flower's imagination. It's a great whodunit. I'm looking forward to more from Amanda Flower.
not-for-me
September 1, 2016I got this on sale, and thought it sounded interesting. The blurb gave the impression of more mature main characters, though. By about 10% of the way in, I knew I was done. Secondary characters are too roughly drawn - the signals that they are "mean" or "scary" or "big snobby" are clumsy and obvious, and don't read as natural human behaviour. The main characters young and seem younger by their behaviour - and the author doesn't leave any interpretive work for the reader; everything is explained in case you missed the obvious.
October 12, 2016
About this book:
“The people of Appleseed Creek in the heart of Ohio’s Amish Country are under attack. Soon after the dust has settled on a buggy accident that turned out to be murder, an unknown assailant begins cutting off the long hair of Amish women and the beards of Amish men.
New to the area, computer specialist Chloe Humphrey may not share their customs, but she is certainly alarmed over these crimes against the Amish and worries how such events will impact her growing number of friends who are more connected to that way of life.
In this small community, when Chloe discovers the body of an Amish businessman who was stabbed in the back and whose beard was cut off, she knows that finding the murderer and restoring peace to Appleseed Creek is as much her responsibility as anyone else’s.”
Series: Book #2 (of four) in the “Appleseed Creek” series. (Review of Book #1 Here!)
Spiritual Content- Prayers & Blessings over food; Church going; Nearly all about Amish bishops, deacons & shunning; Talks about God; ‘H’s are capital when referring to God; Many mentions of God, His will, & forgiving; Many mentions of Mennonite & Amish folks, their beliefs & being baptized; Many mentions of Churches, services & sermons, pastors/preachers, choirs & the Sabbath; Mentions of prayers; Mentions of persecution, religions & hate crimes; Mentions of Christians & faiths; Mentions of Christmas; A couple mentions of Bibles; A couple mentions of pride & sin; A mention of not calling someone a saint.
Negative Content- Minor cussing including: a ‘dumb’, a ‘sheesh’, a form of ‘wimp’, three forms of ‘shut up’ and four forms of ‘stupid’; Mentions of curses (said, not written); Sarcasm, eye rolling & sass; Pain, passing out & a concussion (up to semi-detailed); All about dead body, the murder, remembering the weapon, crimes, attacks, hair being forcibly cut off, injuries & murders (up to semi-detailed); Many, many mentions of deaths, murders, car accidents, blood, gunshots/shooting & bullets (up to semi-detailed); Mentions of past harassments & stalkers; Mentions of prison, parole & ex-cons; Mentions of almost drowning & hypothermia (up to semi-detailed); Mentions of nightmares & screams; Mentions of gossip; A few mentions of drinking & a bar; A few mentions of tobacco; A few mentions of pain & horse bites; A few mentions of divorce & leaving someone; A couple mentions of throwing up; A mention of a 1920s mobster; A mention of a clique;
*Note: A mention of Girl Scouts; A couple mentions of Women’s Lib; A few mentions of designer brands (Ugg boots & American Eagle); Mentions of Barbie, Ken & Skipper.
Sexual Content- a semi-detailed kiss; Touches, Nearness, Warmth, Embraces & Hand Holding (up to semi-detailed); Noticing; a ‘baby’ and two ‘hot’s; Many mentions of flirting, blushes & jealousy; Many mentions of crushes & dating/courting; Mentions of women calling men “delicious” & good-looking and snapping them up; A few mentions of guys wolf whistling & catcalling to women; A mention of a kissy face; Some love, being in love & a bit of the emotions;
*Note: A mention of a statement being mildly sexist; A couple mentions of modesty; A couple mentions of droopy jeans on boys.
-Chloe Humphrey, age 24
1st person P.O.V. of Chloe
324 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
Amanda Flower does great first-person point-of-views! I’m really enjoying this series and Chloe is just a fun character all around. Very different from normal Amish books out there. ;)
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.
“The people of Appleseed Creek in the heart of Ohio’s Amish Country are under attack. Soon after the dust has settled on a buggy accident that turned out to be murder, an unknown assailant begins cutting off the long hair of Amish women and the beards of Amish men.
New to the area, computer specialist Chloe Humphrey may not share their customs, but she is certainly alarmed over these crimes against the Amish and worries how such events will impact her growing number of friends who are more connected to that way of life.
In this small community, when Chloe discovers the body of an Amish businessman who was stabbed in the back and whose beard was cut off, she knows that finding the murderer and restoring peace to Appleseed Creek is as much her responsibility as anyone else’s.”
Series: Book #2 (of four) in the “Appleseed Creek” series. (Review of Book #1 Here!)
Spiritual Content- Prayers & Blessings over food; Church going; Nearly all about Amish bishops, deacons & shunning; Talks about God; ‘H’s are capital when referring to God; Many mentions of God, His will, & forgiving; Many mentions of Mennonite & Amish folks, their beliefs & being baptized; Many mentions of Churches, services & sermons, pastors/preachers, choirs & the Sabbath; Mentions of prayers; Mentions of persecution, religions & hate crimes; Mentions of Christians & faiths; Mentions of Christmas; A couple mentions of Bibles; A couple mentions of pride & sin; A mention of not calling someone a saint.
Negative Content- Minor cussing including: a ‘dumb’, a ‘sheesh’, a form of ‘wimp’, three forms of ‘shut up’ and four forms of ‘stupid’; Mentions of curses (said, not written); Sarcasm, eye rolling & sass; Pain, passing out & a concussion (up to semi-detailed); All about dead body, the murder, remembering the weapon, crimes, attacks, hair being forcibly cut off, injuries & murders (up to semi-detailed); Many, many mentions of deaths, murders, car accidents, blood, gunshots/shooting & bullets (up to semi-detailed); Mentions of past harassments & stalkers; Mentions of prison, parole & ex-cons; Mentions of almost drowning & hypothermia (up to semi-detailed); Mentions of nightmares & screams; Mentions of gossip; A few mentions of drinking & a bar; A few mentions of tobacco; A few mentions of pain & horse bites; A few mentions of divorce & leaving someone; A couple mentions of throwing up; A mention of a 1920s mobster; A mention of a clique;
*Note: A mention of Girl Scouts; A couple mentions of Women’s Lib; A few mentions of designer brands (Ugg boots & American Eagle); Mentions of Barbie, Ken & Skipper.
Sexual Content- a semi-detailed kiss; Touches, Nearness, Warmth, Embraces & Hand Holding (up to semi-detailed); Noticing; a ‘baby’ and two ‘hot’s; Many mentions of flirting, blushes & jealousy; Many mentions of crushes & dating/courting; Mentions of women calling men “delicious” & good-looking and snapping them up; A few mentions of guys wolf whistling & catcalling to women; A mention of a kissy face; Some love, being in love & a bit of the emotions;
*Note: A mention of a statement being mildly sexist; A couple mentions of modesty; A couple mentions of droopy jeans on boys.
-Chloe Humphrey, age 24
1st person P.O.V. of Chloe
324 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
Amanda Flower does great first-person point-of-views! I’m really enjoying this series and Chloe is just a fun character all around. Very different from normal Amish books out there. ;)
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.
February 15, 2013
This is the second Appleseed Creek Mystery, following A Plain Death, in which Chloe Humphrey investigated the death of the local Amish bishop, developed a crush in the handsome Timothy Troyer, and gained a new housemate, Becky, Timothy's sister.
In this sequel, the Amish of Appleseed Creek, Ohio, have appointed a new, stricter, bishop, the two hooligans who caused the trouble that led to the first bishop's death are in the area again, and four Amish girls have been attacked and had their long braids cut off, a potential religious hate crime but one the local police can do nothing about, because the Amish 'want to settle the case within the district'.
Chloe has a new landlord, a professor from the college where she works, who has plans to renovate and sell the period house and who disproves of the free maintenance Timothy has been doing. There is also conflict between the Troyer family and the new Bishop, partly because of their friendship with Becky, which causes her some anguish as she doesn’t want her new friends to be rejected because of her.
A Plain Scandal was very good. It is a solid murder mystery, with intelligent and realistic characters (not something I can say about many Amish novels), a couple of red herrings, a twist, and all the loose ends tied up by the last page, and some nice progress in the romance between Becky and Timothy. I will certainly be looking forward to reading the next Appleseed Creek mystery.
Thanks to B&H Publishing and NetGalley for providing a free ebook for review.
In this sequel, the Amish of Appleseed Creek, Ohio, have appointed a new, stricter, bishop, the two hooligans who caused the trouble that led to the first bishop's death are in the area again, and four Amish girls have been attacked and had their long braids cut off, a potential religious hate crime but one the local police can do nothing about, because the Amish 'want to settle the case within the district'.
Chloe has a new landlord, a professor from the college where she works, who has plans to renovate and sell the period house and who disproves of the free maintenance Timothy has been doing. There is also conflict between the Troyer family and the new Bishop, partly because of their friendship with Becky, which causes her some anguish as she doesn’t want her new friends to be rejected because of her.
A Plain Scandal was very good. It is a solid murder mystery, with intelligent and realistic characters (not something I can say about many Amish novels), a couple of red herrings, a twist, and all the loose ends tied up by the last page, and some nice progress in the romance between Becky and Timothy. I will certainly be looking forward to reading the next Appleseed Creek mystery.
Thanks to B&H Publishing and NetGalley for providing a free ebook for review.
February 25, 2013
When I received a pitch for an Amish murder mystery book, I was very intrigued. I knew that there were Amish romance novels out there, but a murder mystery? I love cozy mysteries and decided to read A Plain Scandal: An Appleseed Creek Mystery by Amanda Flower so I could tell you all about it, dear readers. I had no idea what to expect when I began reading.
Let me tell you, dear readers, I practically ignored my husband Saturday night to find out whodunit. Don’t let the Amish setting deter you for this book.
In A Plain Scandal, our sleuth is Chloe Humphrey who is clearly not Amish. She recently moved to Ohio’s Amish country to take an IT job at the local college. How un-Amish is that? Chloe is friends with Timothy and Becky Troyer, siblings who decided to leave their Amish religion after their rumspringa, a time when Amish youth are allowed to experience “English” life. Becky is Chloe’s roommate and also her guide to Amish culture. Chloe also has a massive crush on Becky’s older brother Timothy, but isn’t sure how to approach him because of his Amish background.
Read the rest of the review at: http://www.fromlefttowrite.com/book-r...
Let me tell you, dear readers, I practically ignored my husband Saturday night to find out whodunit. Don’t let the Amish setting deter you for this book.
In A Plain Scandal, our sleuth is Chloe Humphrey who is clearly not Amish. She recently moved to Ohio’s Amish country to take an IT job at the local college. How un-Amish is that? Chloe is friends with Timothy and Becky Troyer, siblings who decided to leave their Amish religion after their rumspringa, a time when Amish youth are allowed to experience “English” life. Becky is Chloe’s roommate and also her guide to Amish culture. Chloe also has a massive crush on Becky’s older brother Timothy, but isn’t sure how to approach him because of his Amish background.
Read the rest of the review at: http://www.fromlefttowrite.com/book-r...
September 16, 2016
The Amish community is under a strange kind of attack – someone is cutting off the hair and beards of the Amish. Though distressed by these attacks, the Amish prefer to handle the misdeeds themselves. But when her Amish friends become more and more anxious by the attacks and one attack ends in a death, Chloe decides to do some sleuthing on her own. Wanting to restore peace and tranquility back to the community she has embraced, Chloe puts herself in danger. A suspenseful story with well-developed characters, this tale is highly entertaining.
September 26, 2013
This was the second in the Appleseed Creek Mystery.
I have not read the first one so I had a hard time getting into this one. I think I might have enjoyed it more if I read the first one first as it seems like we heard a lot about the characters.
Amish beards and long hair are being cut off. Chloe, who is not Amish, steps in as she knows the Amish won't talk to the police.
A few side stories are thrown in.
I have not read the first one so I had a hard time getting into this one. I think I might have enjoyed it more if I read the first one first as it seems like we heard a lot about the characters.
Amish beards and long hair are being cut off. Chloe, who is not Amish, steps in as she knows the Amish won't talk to the police.
A few side stories are thrown in.
November 3, 2023
Since I failed to share the initial review here, I am resharing as detailed below
Nov 25
https://amomentwithmystee.blogspot.co...
"A Plane Scandal" by Amanda Flower is a thrilling and suspenseful mystery that takes readers on an intriguing journey through deceit, secrets, and unexpected twists. With its well-crafted plot, engaging characters, and fast-paced storytelling, this book is a delightful page-turner for fans of the genre.
In this installment of the Magical Bookshop Mystery series, protagonist Violet Waverly finds herself in the midst of another puzzling case. When a murder occurs on a plane ride, Violet's curiosity is piqued, and she immerses herself in uncovering the truth. Amanda Flower's writing effortlessly pulls readers into the story, making them feel like active participants in the investigation.
One of the major strengths of this book is its cast of characters. Violet Waverly is a relatable and charismatic lead, with her passion for sleuthing and her unwavering determination to seek justice. The supporting characters are equally well-developed, each adding depth and complexity to the narrative. Flower skillfully weaves their interactions and backstories together, keeping readers engaged and invested in their outcomes.
The plot is well-structured, with plenty of unexpected twists and turns to keep readers guessing until the very end. The author artfully lays out clues and red herrings, creating an air of suspense that builds throughout the story. The pacing is just right, balancing moments of tension and intrigue with moments of character development and personal growth.
One aspect that particularly stands out in "A Plane Scandal" is how the setting plays a role in the narrative. The book takes readers on a journey, literally, as they delve into the complexities of life on an airplane. The confined space and the diverse group of passengers lend themselves to a unique dynamic, adding an extra layer of tension and intrigue.
Amanda Flower's writing style is engaging and immersive, bringing to life the vibrant settings and atmospheric details. Her attention to detail and ability to create a strong sense of place contribute to the overall enjoyment of the story.
While "A Plane Scandal" is a captivating mystery, it occasionally relies on certain genre tropes and predictable elements. However, the overall strength of the writing, the compelling characters, and the rollercoaster ride of suspense make up for any minor shortcomings.
This is an enthralling addition to the Magical Bookshop Mystery series, offering readers a captivating blend of mystery, suspense, and engaging characters. Amanda Flower's expert storytelling and skillful plot development keep readers hooked from start to finish. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well-crafted mystery that keeps you guessing until the final page.
Nov 25
https://amomentwithmystee.blogspot.co...
"A Plane Scandal" by Amanda Flower is a thrilling and suspenseful mystery that takes readers on an intriguing journey through deceit, secrets, and unexpected twists. With its well-crafted plot, engaging characters, and fast-paced storytelling, this book is a delightful page-turner for fans of the genre.
In this installment of the Magical Bookshop Mystery series, protagonist Violet Waverly finds herself in the midst of another puzzling case. When a murder occurs on a plane ride, Violet's curiosity is piqued, and she immerses herself in uncovering the truth. Amanda Flower's writing effortlessly pulls readers into the story, making them feel like active participants in the investigation.
One of the major strengths of this book is its cast of characters. Violet Waverly is a relatable and charismatic lead, with her passion for sleuthing and her unwavering determination to seek justice. The supporting characters are equally well-developed, each adding depth and complexity to the narrative. Flower skillfully weaves their interactions and backstories together, keeping readers engaged and invested in their outcomes.
The plot is well-structured, with plenty of unexpected twists and turns to keep readers guessing until the very end. The author artfully lays out clues and red herrings, creating an air of suspense that builds throughout the story. The pacing is just right, balancing moments of tension and intrigue with moments of character development and personal growth.
One aspect that particularly stands out in "A Plane Scandal" is how the setting plays a role in the narrative. The book takes readers on a journey, literally, as they delve into the complexities of life on an airplane. The confined space and the diverse group of passengers lend themselves to a unique dynamic, adding an extra layer of tension and intrigue.
Amanda Flower's writing style is engaging and immersive, bringing to life the vibrant settings and atmospheric details. Her attention to detail and ability to create a strong sense of place contribute to the overall enjoyment of the story.
While "A Plane Scandal" is a captivating mystery, it occasionally relies on certain genre tropes and predictable elements. However, the overall strength of the writing, the compelling characters, and the rollercoaster ride of suspense make up for any minor shortcomings.
This is an enthralling addition to the Magical Bookshop Mystery series, offering readers a captivating blend of mystery, suspense, and engaging characters. Amanda Flower's expert storytelling and skillful plot development keep readers hooked from start to finish. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well-crafted mystery that keeps you guessing until the final page.
April 13, 2022
I received an Advanced Reading Copy of this book from the publishers as a win in a contest that I forgot. I found it in my "To be Read" recently. Recently I finished book one of this four book series and loved it. This is the second book and I loved it even more.
Humor explodes in a great scene betwin Chloe Humphrey and the killer. Not telling you who the killer is and I admit I was gripping the couch cushion tightly when the future got scary but Chole grabs the only thing nearby to defend herself and I roared with laughter and relief. That sounds odd, doesn't? I stopped and thought about using that item for self defense. I am very much anti-gun but it would work for me if I had enough grip strength in my hands to fill up my car. But I don't, so I am shelving that as an idea for self defense for me. personally.
The rest of the book gave me the comfort that cozy mysteries are able to give. Plenty of wonderful food to be tempted with, a romance summering on the stove top with slow heat, a use of past murder headlines (fact inspiring fiction) and a large assortment of suspects that the author expertly juggles in the story.
Amanda Flower does not let you down!
Humor explodes in a great scene betwin Chloe Humphrey and the killer. Not telling you who the killer is and I admit I was gripping the couch cushion tightly when the future got scary but Chole grabs the only thing nearby to defend herself and I roared with laughter and relief. That sounds odd, doesn't? I stopped and thought about using that item for self defense. I am very much anti-gun but it would work for me if I had enough grip strength in my hands to fill up my car. But I don't, so I am shelving that as an idea for self defense for me. personally.
The rest of the book gave me the comfort that cozy mysteries are able to give. Plenty of wonderful food to be tempted with, a romance summering on the stove top with slow heat, a use of past murder headlines (fact inspiring fiction) and a large assortment of suspects that the author expertly juggles in the story.
Amanda Flower does not let you down!
September 13, 2021
SeriesSeptember/Books and Jams - Second book in series (7); Reading Goal Post/Stacking the Series 2021 - Priority One/Tier Two. It could be said that this is a new adult series; most characters are making their way through first adult decisions about how they want to live their lives and who they want to be. Set in a community with both Amish and Mennonite residents, the usual tropes of the clash between English and Amish/Mennonite residents and their interdependence. The young must decide to stay within their communities or change their lives completely; all in the midst of a terrible humiliation and a treacherously, single-minded killer. Tensions mount from within and without. Story leaves one wanting to know more about the next chapter in the lives of the main characters. Time of year: Thanksgiving is celebrated.
April 29, 2025
The second in An Appleseed Creek Mystery series, you don't need to have read the first book in order to enjoy this one. While characters and some backstory carry over into A Plain Scandal, the author does a fantastic job of bridging the facts and making this story an easy standalone to read.
The Troyer family is back, including the irrepressible Grandfather Zook. Chief Rose is still trying to get the knack of policing a combined Amish/Englisch community and Chloe and Timothy's romance is percolating into something a little more substantial.
I love Chloe's snappy first person point of view. She really moves the story along and provides laughter at the most unexpected places. And the mystery is unique and twisty and will keep you guessing. All perfect reasons to dive into this unique combination of humourous and suspenseful mystery.
The Troyer family is back, including the irrepressible Grandfather Zook. Chief Rose is still trying to get the knack of policing a combined Amish/Englisch community and Chloe and Timothy's romance is percolating into something a little more substantial.
I love Chloe's snappy first person point of view. She really moves the story along and provides laughter at the most unexpected places. And the mystery is unique and twisty and will keep you guessing. All perfect reasons to dive into this unique combination of humourous and suspenseful mystery.
October 11, 2019
It took me a while to get into this, but more because I was expecting to be reading a story from an Amish view not an englisher view. Once I made the connection I was totally sucked in to the story.
If you are looking for a mystery where you don’t know who dunit until the very last page this isn’t for you. Although the twists are great the build up makes them less surprising when they come.
Overall though this is a great light read that allowed me to be completely swept away in the story and forget all about any of the worlds problems.
If you are looking for a mystery where you don’t know who dunit until the very last page this isn’t for you. Although the twists are great the build up makes them less surprising when they come.
Overall though this is a great light read that allowed me to be completely swept away in the story and forget all about any of the worlds problems.
January 19, 2021
This is the second in the Apple Creek series. I enjoyed both the mystery and how the town, the college, and the Amish dealt with it, often in very different ways. I would frequently chuckle at places in the book because the author injected moments of humor. Cloe dressed as a snowman was a classic.
Every aspect of the book seemed to be realistic, even Cloe's relationships at the college, with her friends, and within the Amish community. It takes a good writer to keep all those balls in the air without dropping one or more. My congratulations to Amanda Flower for a job well done.
Every aspect of the book seemed to be realistic, even Cloe's relationships at the college, with her friends, and within the Amish community. It takes a good writer to keep all those balls in the air without dropping one or more. My congratulations to Amanda Flower for a job well done.
March 8, 2018
A good book about crime in the Amish community in Ohio. Chloe is a amateur detective who seems to always be in the middle of some type of crime involving the Amish community of Appleseed Creek. She is friends to Timothy Throyer and his sister, Becky, who have left the Amish religion to be in the English world.
April 19, 2019
Excellent second book in the series. Fun mystery featuring Amish and ex-Amish and English. Chloe is the English head of technology at the local college who is falling in love with the Ex-Amish carpenter and handyman. She stumbles over a dead body and gets caught up in the challenge to solve who killed him and who is cutting the Amish people’s hair before the bad guys catch up with her.
August 1, 2024
I really like this series. It’s not too heavy but has enough of a plot to try to puzzle it out as I read along. Sometimes I think the main character doesn’t make the best decisions but isn’t that what happens in most mysteries? As I read some of the negative reviews, I wonder if the genre of “cozy” mysteries is forgotten.
March 30, 2021
This was written during a time of real life assaults on the Amish. As a result, it lacks a timeless feel. Flower is generally an excellent plotter, but this book had several loose ends awkwardly wrapped up.
August 8, 2022
Another great one
I love the Amish stories. I have respect for their way of life and commitment to the land they live on. I know some of their beliefs are strict, but life seems so much simpler. I love homesteading. On to book 3
I love the Amish stories. I have respect for their way of life and commitment to the land they live on. I know some of their beliefs are strict, but life seems so much simpler. I love homesteading. On to book 3
March 21, 2025
Set in an Amish community in Ohio, after a series of hair cuttings involving the Amish, an Amish man is killed. The main character is investigating. I love the respect for the community and the development of the story.
December 23, 2017
This is a fictional account but I learned many facts about the Amish. What a hard life they lead, especially such strict rules. Interesting.
May 4, 2017
Fabulous book! Love this author! She not only lives in the same state as I do but in a neighboring city.
November 10, 2018
Love these books!
I love that she has written these books with the same characters in each! She makes you want to read the next one!
I love that she has written these books with the same characters in each! She makes you want to read the next one!
November 22, 2018
This was a fun mystery take on the Amish novels. I really enjoyed trying to guess who was the culprit and what was going on.
January 22, 2019
I really like this series although it is hard to get your hands on these books. Cant wait to read more!
January 24, 2020
Somebody has been cutting the beards of Amish men and the hair of Amish women. Who? The local goons? The despotic bishop? Edward Scissorhands? Likable characters but a limp ending. Good enough to want to read the next one.
January 22, 2020
Again, a cute, cozy mystery. Just right for the cold winter before a new semester of classics.
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