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An Amish Mystery #1
Hearse and Buggy
Fallen Snow
Claire Weatherly has fled a high-stress lifestyle for a slower pace—in Amish country: Heavenly, Pennsylvania. She only planned a short visit but instead found herself opening an Amish specialty shop, Heavenly Treasures, and settling in.Claire loves her new home, and she’s slowly making friends among the locals, including Esther, a young Amish woman who works in the shop. So when the store’s former owner, the unlikable Walter Snow, is murdered, and the man Esther is sweet on becomes a suspect, Claire can’t help but get involved.
Newly returned Detective Jakob Fisher, who left Heavenly—and his Amish upbringing—as a teenager, is on the case. But his investigation is stalled by the fact that none of his former community will speak with him. Claire’s connections make her the perfect go-between.
As Claire investigates, she uncovers more than she wanted to know about her neighbors. And suddenly, everything she had hoped to find in this peaceful refuge is at risk . . .
Claire Weatherly has fled a high-stress lifestyle for a slower pace—in Amish country: Heavenly, Pennsylvania. She only planned a short visit but instead found herself opening an Amish specialty shop, Heavenly Treasures, and settling in.Claire loves her new home, and she’s slowly making friends among the locals, including Esther, a young Amish woman who works in the shop. So when the store’s former owner, the unlikable Walter Snow, is murdered, and the man Esther is sweet on becomes a suspect, Claire can’t help but get involved.
Newly returned Detective Jakob Fisher, who left Heavenly—and his Amish upbringing—as a teenager, is on the case. But his investigation is stalled by the fact that none of his former community will speak with him. Claire’s connections make her the perfect go-between.
As Claire investigates, she uncovers more than she wanted to know about her neighbors. And suddenly, everything she had hoped to find in this peaceful refuge is at risk . . .
282 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 5, 2012
256 people are currently reading
2283 people want to read
About the author
Laura Bradford
57 books882 followersAka Elizabeth Lynn Casey.
While spending a rainy afternoon at a friend's house nearly forty years ago, Laura Bradford fell in love with writing over a stack of blank paper, a box of crayons, and a freshly sharpened number two pencil.
Those early attempts at the craft had her writing and illustrating stories for young children. Wise beyond her years, Laura saved her first writing attempt in a hand decorated shoe box (complete with sparkly stickers) and moved on to her next idea. Her second book—O’Casey’s Wish—was so utterly brilliant, she sent it off to a well-known New York publishing house at the tender age of ten, confident she was on the verge of becoming the next Don Freeman (Corduroy) or Shel Silverstein (Giving Tree).
Months later, she received her first form letter rejection.
While she wasn’t of the mindset to save that first crushing blow for posterity, Laura did save the original copy of this particular literary masterpiece in the event the letter was a mistake.
Desperate to prove her flexibility as a writer, Laura soon found herself dabbling in jokes (for her Girl Scout troop’s newsletter), stories of angst (a somewhat autobiographical look at her teenage years), movie reviews (for the Xavier University Newswire), and countless news and feature articles (for newspapers in CT, SC, TN, and MO).
It wasn’t until Laura was home raising children of her own though, that she was finally able to dust off that rainy day dream and bring it back to its original form—writing fiction. Today, she is a bestselling mystery author with Berkley Prime Crime (Penguin Publishing), and an award winning romance author with Harlequin American. She lives in New York with her family.
Oh, and if you meet Laura at a book event in the future, ask her about O’Casey’s Wish. It tends to travel with her everywhere she goes.
While spending a rainy afternoon at a friend's house nearly forty years ago, Laura Bradford fell in love with writing over a stack of blank paper, a box of crayons, and a freshly sharpened number two pencil.
Those early attempts at the craft had her writing and illustrating stories for young children. Wise beyond her years, Laura saved her first writing attempt in a hand decorated shoe box (complete with sparkly stickers) and moved on to her next idea. Her second book—O’Casey’s Wish—was so utterly brilliant, she sent it off to a well-known New York publishing house at the tender age of ten, confident she was on the verge of becoming the next Don Freeman (Corduroy) or Shel Silverstein (Giving Tree).
Months later, she received her first form letter rejection.
While she wasn’t of the mindset to save that first crushing blow for posterity, Laura did save the original copy of this particular literary masterpiece in the event the letter was a mistake.
Desperate to prove her flexibility as a writer, Laura soon found herself dabbling in jokes (for her Girl Scout troop’s newsletter), stories of angst (a somewhat autobiographical look at her teenage years), movie reviews (for the Xavier University Newswire), and countless news and feature articles (for newspapers in CT, SC, TN, and MO).
It wasn’t until Laura was home raising children of her own though, that she was finally able to dust off that rainy day dream and bring it back to its original form—writing fiction. Today, she is a bestselling mystery author with Berkley Prime Crime (Penguin Publishing), and an award winning romance author with Harlequin American. She lives in New York with her family.
Oh, and if you meet Laura at a book event in the future, ask her about O’Casey’s Wish. It tends to travel with her everywhere she goes.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 311 reviews
March 20, 2021
this was a re-read and still I didn't guess The Who dun it...lol. great read!
March 16, 2019
Laura Bradford, master story teller of Amish cozy mysteries brings readers the first book of An Amish Mystery series. A murder takes place early in the book leaving readers guessing who done it almost to the end of the story. I kind of suspected who the real killer was but to be honest I also had another person I thought had motive enough to have killed the victim.
I love cozy murder mysteries and I will be reading more of this authors mysteries in the near future. If you love to read cozy murder mysteries I recommend Hearse and Buggy for your reading pleasure.
I love cozy murder mysteries and I will be reading more of this authors mysteries in the near future. If you love to read cozy murder mysteries I recommend Hearse and Buggy for your reading pleasure.
January 15, 2020
Sweet Enjoyable Amish Romance
So glad I found this series of books. I really enjoyed the first book. Wish I could write better reviews, but I can tell you that it you like clean mysteries with Romance set in Amish country, this is a book for you. This book checked all three boxes for me.
So glad I found this series of books. I really enjoyed the first book. Wish I could write better reviews, but I can tell you that it you like clean mysteries with Romance set in Amish country, this is a book for you. This book checked all three boxes for me.
October 31, 2018
2.45 stars - very mild pg13
Okay. I think I read a different book than everyone else! Parts of the book were 3.50 stars and parts were 1.50 stars. I’m torn between a final rating of 2 or 3 stars but maybe I’ll bump up since it was “clean” and the last chapter was good? (I think maybe the author's style just doesn’t fit with me.) If you just looved this book and snarky criticism will just hurt your heart, then I suggest you do not read this very long review. I’m a cranky middle-aged geezer, so it would perhaps be wise for prospective readers of this book to also read some alternate 5-star reviews for needed balance!
Okay, here we go. There are way too many details that don’t add up in this book. And Claire, our amateur-sleuth heroine, annoyed me beyond all annoyance! By the end of the book I wanted to puke at her constant introspection. She’s a flat, dishrag-dull character. There’s no fire, no pizazz, no humor. Just complete sappiness and cluelessness. Not to mention she’s constantly toying with the affections of two decent men throughout the whole book, only to decide, oops!, she needs time to heal and just be by herself, sorry boys! Author also manages to take a hunky, formerly-Amish, experienced New York City detective and make him clueless, all so that she can turn our incompetent heroine (who IS actually clueless!!) into Sherlock reincarnated.
Here are some of my many, many notes made while reading (lots of notes is NOT a good thing with me!!):
So many people whose reviews I usually agree with have given this book 4 & 5 stars. (What happened to me??!) Had I not already purchased book two in the series, I would definitely not buy it now. However, I will try to read it at some point with the hopes that Claire improves and also to find out if she ever actually sells something in her shop. I shudder, though, to think how the author plans to resolve the love triangle. Plus, I can’t imagine how she can realistically solve the fact that Jakob is shunned by the Amish community he once left. My knowledge of the Amish is quite limited, but I believe some Amish sects allow contact (even if awkward) and some do not; author already set this particular sect up as one that strongly shuns. I’m guessing she’ll just “abracadabra” change that as the series progresses (my prediction is they get a new bishop or the old one has a softening of the heart and changes their rules).
Okay. I think I read a different book than everyone else! Parts of the book were 3.50 stars and parts were 1.50 stars. I’m torn between a final rating of 2 or 3 stars but maybe I’ll bump up since it was “clean” and the last chapter was good? (I think maybe the author's style just doesn’t fit with me.) If you just looved this book and snarky criticism will just hurt your heart, then I suggest you do not read this very long review. I’m a cranky middle-aged geezer, so it would perhaps be wise for prospective readers of this book to also read some alternate 5-star reviews for needed balance!
Okay, here we go. There are way too many details that don’t add up in this book. And Claire, our amateur-sleuth heroine, annoyed me beyond all annoyance! By the end of the book I wanted to puke at her constant introspection. She’s a flat, dishrag-dull character. There’s no fire, no pizazz, no humor. Just complete sappiness and cluelessness. Not to mention she’s constantly toying with the affections of two decent men throughout the whole book, only to decide, oops!, she needs time to heal and just be by herself, sorry boys! Author also manages to take a hunky, formerly-Amish, experienced New York City detective and make him clueless, all so that she can turn our incompetent heroine (who IS actually clueless!!) into Sherlock reincarnated.
Here are some of my many, many notes made while reading (lots of notes is NOT a good thing with me!!):
So many people whose reviews I usually agree with have given this book 4 & 5 stars. (What happened to me??!) Had I not already purchased book two in the series, I would definitely not buy it now. However, I will try to read it at some point with the hopes that Claire improves and also to find out if she ever actually sells something in her shop. I shudder, though, to think how the author plans to resolve the love triangle. Plus, I can’t imagine how she can realistically solve the fact that Jakob is shunned by the Amish community he once left. My knowledge of the Amish is quite limited, but I believe some Amish sects allow contact (even if awkward) and some do not; author already set this particular sect up as one that strongly shuns. I’m guessing she’ll just “abracadabra” change that as the series progresses (my prediction is they get a new bishop or the old one has a softening of the heart and changes their rules).
July 30, 2017
From the first page to the last I loved this book. I "awwed" on the last line. The emotions were real in this book and I felt them with every page I turned. I have fallen in love with this series and everything about it. Such a wonderful book and I highly recommend it.
July 20, 2012
Laura Bradford has written a wonderful, emotional Cozy Mystery set in the small-town of Heavenly, PA. Claire Weatherly has left a high-stress lifestyle behind in New York to settle in this Lancaster County town. Her shop, Heavenly Treasures, features homemade items from the Amish community. She becomes embroiled in the case when a man is murdered, and the young man her employee and friend is sweet on is accused of the crime.
I love the Cozies that Laura Bradford writes. But with “Hearse & Buggy” she has taken it to a whole new level, one filled with the emotions of complex characters. Claire meets Detective Jakob Fisher, who left the Amish Community when he was young to pursue a career with the police. Back home now from sixteen years in New York, he finds no one, not even his family, will speak to him.
This author has written of his emotions with such depth and feeling that I had a lump in my throat when Jakob talked about his shunning, and the results of turning away from his religion.
I have continued thinking about this story even after I finished it. Laura Bradford has begun exploring and writing about the Amish culture in ways I had never before considered. It’s encouraged me to do more reading on that way of life. Bravo, Laura!!
I love the Cozies that Laura Bradford writes. But with “Hearse & Buggy” she has taken it to a whole new level, one filled with the emotions of complex characters. Claire meets Detective Jakob Fisher, who left the Amish Community when he was young to pursue a career with the police. Back home now from sixteen years in New York, he finds no one, not even his family, will speak to him.
This author has written of his emotions with such depth and feeling that I had a lump in my throat when Jakob talked about his shunning, and the results of turning away from his religion.
I have continued thinking about this story even after I finished it. Laura Bradford has begun exploring and writing about the Amish culture in ways I had never before considered. It’s encouraged me to do more reading on that way of life. Bravo, Laura!!
February 27, 2013
In the romantic mystery Hearse and Buggy (An Amish Mystery), Laura Bradford displays the Amish lifestyle through the perspective of “English” woman, Claire Weatherly who has moved to Heavenly to find a life of simplicity. She ends up trying to deal with her attraction for two men and becoming an amateur detective when a murder occurs at the back of her store.
I love a well balanced sweet romance novel, and this one was like a multicolored round swirly lollipop as big as my head. Laura Bradford captivated me with the simple lives of the Amish. She drew me into Claire’s experiences, the depth of her emotions and how the pain of her past was influencing her present. One of my favorite things about the book was how much Claire loved the art of the Amish. I could see the art in my mind’s eye as it was being described. I wanted to feel the texture of the wood as Claire brushed her fingers over the pieces.
The murder mystery kept me wondering all though the story who the killer was. In the end was I wrong or was I right? I’m not saying.
Hearse and Buggy was a wonderful novel and I recommend it to all and sunder. I am definitely ordering her second book in this series Assaulted Pretzel.
I love a well balanced sweet romance novel, and this one was like a multicolored round swirly lollipop as big as my head. Laura Bradford captivated me with the simple lives of the Amish. She drew me into Claire’s experiences, the depth of her emotions and how the pain of her past was influencing her present. One of my favorite things about the book was how much Claire loved the art of the Amish. I could see the art in my mind’s eye as it was being described. I wanted to feel the texture of the wood as Claire brushed her fingers over the pieces.
The murder mystery kept me wondering all though the story who the killer was. In the end was I wrong or was I right? I’m not saying.
Hearse and Buggy was a wonderful novel and I recommend it to all and sunder. I am definitely ordering her second book in this series Assaulted Pretzel.
February 17, 2015
After her divorce, Claire has settled into the town of Heavenly, Pennsylvania, thanks to her aunt. She’s begun to make friends among the Amish and even opened a store that sells the items her new friends make. However, the potential peace of her new life is shattered when a man is found murdered outside her store. He left town recently after being accused of stealing from the Amish. Even though murder is not in their beliefs, might one of Claire’s new friends killed him?
The characters in this book are already fully developed and alive. They drew me into the story and made me care about several sub-plots that do slow down the mystery early on. Still, once the mystery takes center stage, it is well plotted with clues and red herrings along the way.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
The characters in this book are already fully developed and alive. They drew me into the story and made me care about several sub-plots that do slow down the mystery early on. Still, once the mystery takes center stage, it is well plotted with clues and red herrings along the way.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
April 18, 2021
I read this book really fast. I quite enjoyed it. I'm hoping to read more in the series.
March 28, 2016
I was excited to read the first book in the Amish mystery series as I've always been fascinated with the Amish and their way of life. But this book was a disappointment to me. The characters weren't realistic and there was entirely too much schmaltz and "puppy dog eyes" for my liking. The protagonist, Claire Weatherly runs a shop in a small town connected to an Amish community. She sells Amish made arts and crafts in the book. I don't know how she manages to keep that shop afloat because there were never any customers in the shop - ever. The whole book was sans customers and full of tears, longing glances and lovesick yearnings. Sorry, I just didn't care who committed the crime by the time the book ended.
November 2, 2013
★★★★☆ What a pleasant surprise from a "new-2-me" author. Love this author's "voice" in this cozy-mystery set in Amish country.
July 4, 2013
I picked up Hearse and Buggy by Laura Bradford because I am intrigued by the Amish. I thought a cozy mystery set in Lancaster County, PA, would be right up my alley. I was not disappointed. I loved visiting Heavenly, PA, and meeting the characters. I enjoyed getting a little more information on the Amish as well. I am interested in seeing where this series leads. 3 stars.
Interesting passages:
Claire's aunt is describing why she is does not regret not getting married. Included in the response was "...with the way I tend to run off at the mouth about history and such, I'd have bored some poor fellow into an early grave."
A discussion about one of the characters doing something that really would not have a desired outcome -- done more out of hope than belief.
A character is described as the "epitome of goodness" and made the world a better place with her kindness and generosity. (This is what I would love to strive for.)
I agree that cooking for people who appreciate your effort makes all the difference in the enjoyment of cooking.
"....so many people feel the need to tarnish what is good. It's like it makes them feel better about themselves somehow if they do."
Looking forward instead of backward can really help one's attitude.
My favorite is the words to describe a character who is less than faithful to his wife -- "vow-challenged".
Interesting passages:
Claire's aunt is describing why she is does not regret not getting married. Included in the response was "...with the way I tend to run off at the mouth about history and such, I'd have bored some poor fellow into an early grave."
A discussion about one of the characters doing something that really would not have a desired outcome -- done more out of hope than belief.
A character is described as the "epitome of goodness" and made the world a better place with her kindness and generosity. (This is what I would love to strive for.)
I agree that cooking for people who appreciate your effort makes all the difference in the enjoyment of cooking.
"....so many people feel the need to tarnish what is good. It's like it makes them feel better about themselves somehow if they do."
Looking forward instead of backward can really help one's attitude.
My favorite is the words to describe a character who is less than faithful to his wife -- "vow-challenged".
February 10, 2020
Claire Weatherly looked around the empty stockroom, kneading the small of her back with stiff fingers.
Claire has moved to Heavenly, Pennsylvania to get away from her stressful life. She has opened Heavenly Treasure to sell handmade items by the local Amish community. The former store owner is found murdered and Claire becomes involved in the investigation to clear the name of a friend.
The return of a former Amish man who has basically been shunned for choosing a career in law enforcement was quite sad I felt terrible for him most of the book. i am not well versed in Amish ways but i could not imagine not speaking to my brother.
I was a little concerned about Claire's possible attraction to an Amish man who is a widower. I can't imagine where this might lead.
The mystery was well done. I had pretty much figured out what was going on but it did not distract from the plot in any way.
This was an excellent beginning to the series. I enjoyed the characters and the town. I look forward to reading more in the series to see where certain story lines may lead.
Claire has moved to Heavenly, Pennsylvania to get away from her stressful life. She has opened Heavenly Treasure to sell handmade items by the local Amish community. The former store owner is found murdered and Claire becomes involved in the investigation to clear the name of a friend.
The return of a former Amish man who has basically been shunned for choosing a career in law enforcement was quite sad I felt terrible for him most of the book. i am not well versed in Amish ways but i could not imagine not speaking to my brother.
I was a little concerned about Claire's possible attraction to an Amish man who is a widower. I can't imagine where this might lead.
The mystery was well done. I had pretty much figured out what was going on but it did not distract from the plot in any way.
This was an excellent beginning to the series. I enjoyed the characters and the town. I look forward to reading more in the series to see where certain story lines may lead.
March 16, 2015
Let me start by saying that I LOVE cozy mysteries. They don't have to be brilliantly written for me to enjoy them thoroughly. However. I do appreciate a decent editor. Didn't anyone else notice that they changed the name of Claire's ex-husband halfway through the book?!?! And some of the phrasing was so clunky and convoluted that I have to believe that they were just overlooked in editing. The cliches were unending, the constant "gasping" obnoxious, and the sappy sweetness, sappy sweet even for a cozy. I'm willing to forgive a lot in a mystery, but this one was over-the-top in every way. I gave it two stars (instead of one) because I did make it through all the way to the end, and actually, reading it whet my appetite for more cozys. Go figure.
September 21, 2016
I thoroughly enjoyed this debut novel in the Amish mystery series. Living in Buffalo, we've traveled around/near Amish country many times but this book bought the day-to-day living to life in a charming but fairly realistic manner. I generally don't do plot reviews because so many do that on Amazon. The mystery was well-written and kept me guessing until almost the very end. The characters were engaging, empathetic, and the story's romantic tension left me already excited for book number two.
I definitely recommend this book. I previously read Éclair and Dangerous by this author.
I definitely recommend this book. I previously read Éclair and Dangerous by this author.
September 21, 2012
Meh. Found the heroine, Claire, too goody-goody, even for an Amish book (and she's not even Amish). Had a hard time believing that she was so close and friendly with the Amish characters when she's new in town. Seemed to have limited Amish people creating crafts for her shop, but lots of stock, and the ones that were mentioned couldn't have produced as much as they did in the time-frame of the book. Detective didn't detect much.
October 1, 2018
A well told cozy mystery. This story is easy to read and enjoyable. A plot that leaves you wondering what will happen next.
December 13, 2018
This is the first book in the Amish Mystery series and I am finding that I really like Laura Bradford’s writing as I read several of her series this year.
Claire has moved to Heavenly, Penn. and is staying with her Aunt till she gets financially secure enough to find her own space. She has opened a shop called Heavenly Treasures where she makes her own crafts to sell but also sells some Amish crafts on consignment. The Amish are a little leery of letting her do so because the man who had a store there previously wronged them.
When he ends up dead it all points to a hot headed young Amish man and so Claire has to try and figure things out as the young lady who is working for her is smitten with him and doesn’t think he would do such a thing.
I really enjoyed this and liked the characters a lot. It was fun learning about the Amish side of things and how a town operates around the English and Amish living there. Claire is a great character and I really liked the detective Jakob who use to be Amish. I felt sorry for him as it was hard to try and solve a crime when those he needs to talk to don’t want to talk to him.
I really can’t wait to try some more from this series and would recommend it to all cozy lovers.
Claire has moved to Heavenly, Penn. and is staying with her Aunt till she gets financially secure enough to find her own space. She has opened a shop called Heavenly Treasures where she makes her own crafts to sell but also sells some Amish crafts on consignment. The Amish are a little leery of letting her do so because the man who had a store there previously wronged them.
When he ends up dead it all points to a hot headed young Amish man and so Claire has to try and figure things out as the young lady who is working for her is smitten with him and doesn’t think he would do such a thing.
I really enjoyed this and liked the characters a lot. It was fun learning about the Amish side of things and how a town operates around the English and Amish living there. Claire is a great character and I really liked the detective Jakob who use to be Amish. I felt sorry for him as it was hard to try and solve a crime when those he needs to talk to don’t want to talk to him.
I really can’t wait to try some more from this series and would recommend it to all cozy lovers.
July 16, 2021
I can't be the only one who thinks an English person selling Amish made goods in Amish country exploitative, right? Right? Well maybe I am. But I do, and I've got my problems with having non Amish protagonists in Amish centric books. I stopped reading Amanda Flower for this reason. Claire is mostly respectful in this case unlike Flower's protagonists, but still.
I also figured out whodunit it pretty quickly, and so could they (the mc and her would be beau), except they spent too much time flirting with each other. That was gag inducing, not least because this lady is stringing another person along as well. I do not have patience for this sort of thing either. I usually give series at least two books before I call it quits, but probably not with this one because Claire isn't going to suddenly change into someone who was born Amish.
I also figured out whodunit it pretty quickly, and so could they (the mc and her would be beau), except they spent too much time flirting with each other. That was gag inducing, not least because this lady is stringing another person along as well. I do not have patience for this sort of thing either. I usually give series at least two books before I call it quits, but probably not with this one because Claire isn't going to suddenly change into someone who was born Amish.
April 15, 2020
Claire moves back to Heavenly for a short visit but stays after opening an Amish craft store. Even though she isn’t Amish she starts to fit in. A man who had stolen money from the Amish is killed and her worker’s want to be boyfriend is the suspect. She isn’t sure he did it and works with the new policeman. A man who was Amish but left and is being shunned by his family, one of which works for her.
January 13, 2025
This was such a fun cozy! This was my first Amish cozy, and I really enjoyed it! I don't read cozies as often, but I would like to try out more, they are great to read in-between other books. I loved the setting and the characters and how this one was truly clean! I've read a few in the past that had some language or political undertones that took away some of my enjoyment level, but not this one.
I listened to the audiobook, and I thought the narrator did a wonderful job! I'll definitely be continuing this series.
This was a book rec from the wonderful Bethany, from @thebookworm_bethany on Instagram💕
I listened to the audiobook, and I thought the narrator did a wonderful job! I'll definitely be continuing this series.
This was a book rec from the wonderful Bethany, from @thebookworm_bethany on Instagram💕
July 23, 2022
(3.5) I can't believe it, but I was so charmed by this book. Cozy mysteries aren't my thing - I lean towards ghosts and gore and thrillers. But I picked this up last week when I was having a very bad night and needed something with, like, zero tension to get through. And I found this!
Yes, there's a murder, but the book is mostly about Amish love triangles, furniture stores, apple pies, a comforting old aunt who brushes your hair when you're upset, and a divorced woman moving from the city to a small town to find herself. Harlan Coben, one of my favorite thriller writers, blurbed this which I thought was funny but I get why! It was actually a tight little mystery. Is it a good book? Who can say? But I guess I'm going to read all 7 books in this series now You just never know where life will take you.
Yes, there's a murder, but the book is mostly about Amish love triangles, furniture stores, apple pies, a comforting old aunt who brushes your hair when you're upset, and a divorced woman moving from the city to a small town to find herself. Harlan Coben, one of my favorite thriller writers, blurbed this which I thought was funny but I get why! It was actually a tight little mystery. Is it a good book? Who can say? But I guess I'm going to read all 7 books in this series now You just never know where life will take you.
August 8, 2013
Claire has come from a very bad time in her life to the present time in her life with the help and love of her aunt. She moved to Heavenly to heal herself from the heartache of her broken marriage. She does this by moving into her aunt's B&B and helping her out. Claire soon is finding that Heavenly may be the place for her to set her roots in. It is Amish country and is made up of great people. Claire soon opens her very own shop, Heavenly Treasures, where she sells Amish made crafts to tourists who come to learn about and see the Amish way of living. Life is good for Claire, but when a murder takes place between her shop and the Amish Bakery next door things change. Claire soon is doing everything she can to help prove that such a horrid crime was not committed by such simple and nice people as the Amish, especially those that are her friends. It looks bad though, seeing as how the murdered man was the same man who stole lots of money from the Amish and then skipped town. Who else would have a reason to kill this man? Surely no Amish man or woman would murder...or would they? Can they get to the bottom of anything when the Amish refuse to talk to the new Detective, Jakob? They won't talk to him because he was Amish and from their area, but after being baptized he committed the worst sin in their eyes and left the Amish ways for becoming a Detective. Therefore, he is not one to be communicated with in their eyes. Can Claire help bridge that gap at least enough so solve this murder? Can she help? Also, what are all these butterflies doing in her tummy when she sees Jakob or brushes against him? Is she ready for those to happen after her hard past?
This is such a refreshing mystery! It is light, but not without suspense and action. It is a book that has a flow as smooth as hand churned butter and is just as delicious. When reading this book I could almost hear the clip clop of the Amish horse's feet on the roads. This book gave me a sense of calm while reading it, even though it was a murder mystery. It just was a book that took me away from all my "real life" problems and in to a world that is so much more simple. The descriptions were great, I could see it all playing out in my head...from the look of the characters to the look and feel of the town and the Amish way of life. The characters were some of the best I have read about in quite some time. They were simple, yet had just enough complexity to them to make them easy to relate to. I was quite shocked at the conclusion of the murder and can't wait to see what Claire is in for next. I also am very interested in seeing where Claire and Jakob may go in their friendship/relationship. I know what my hopes are, but I can't wait to see what really happens. The Amish feel of the book is what made this great for me! Loved everything about this book....the writing, the characters, and the plot line!! I highly recommend!!! It is a great book to curl up with on the couch and read until all hours of the morning just to see how it all turns out.
5/5 Stars!!!
This is such a refreshing mystery! It is light, but not without suspense and action. It is a book that has a flow as smooth as hand churned butter and is just as delicious. When reading this book I could almost hear the clip clop of the Amish horse's feet on the roads. This book gave me a sense of calm while reading it, even though it was a murder mystery. It just was a book that took me away from all my "real life" problems and in to a world that is so much more simple. The descriptions were great, I could see it all playing out in my head...from the look of the characters to the look and feel of the town and the Amish way of life. The characters were some of the best I have read about in quite some time. They were simple, yet had just enough complexity to them to make them easy to relate to. I was quite shocked at the conclusion of the murder and can't wait to see what Claire is in for next. I also am very interested in seeing where Claire and Jakob may go in their friendship/relationship. I know what my hopes are, but I can't wait to see what really happens. The Amish feel of the book is what made this great for me! Loved everything about this book....the writing, the characters, and the plot line!! I highly recommend!!! It is a great book to curl up with on the couch and read until all hours of the morning just to see how it all turns out.
5/5 Stars!!!
February 6, 2016
Synopsis:
Fallen Snow
Claire Weatherly has fled a high-stress lifestyle for a slower pace—in Amish country: Heavenly, Pennsylvania. She only planned a short visit but instead found herself opening an Amish specialty shop, Heavenly Treasures, and settling in. Claire loves her new home, and she’s slowly making friends among the locals, including Esther, a young Amish woman who works in the shop. So when the store’s former owner,the unlikable Walter Snow, is murdered, and the man Esther is sweet on becomes a suspect, Claire can’t help but get involved.
Newly returned Detective Jakob Fisher, who left Heavenly—and his Amish upbringing—as a teenager, is on the case. But his investigation is stalled by the fact that none of his former community will speak with him. Claire’s connections make her the perfect go-between.
As Claire investigates, she uncovers more than she wanted to know about her neighbors. And suddenly, everything she had hoped to find in this peaceful refuge is at risk . . . (Goodreads)
Review:
In this first book in An Amish Mystery series, we are introduced to Claire Weatherly, owner of Heavenly Treasures, a speciality shop featuring many Amish made goods crafted by the local Amish families. After leaving her fast-paced life behind, she is happy living in this quaint Pennsylvania town. She is making friends with many of the locals and there are two men who have piqued her interest. Things are working out just as she hoped until a dead body is found. Then her quiet life is turned upside down and she finds herself between the Amish culture and the Englisher culture. She decides she needs to find the murderer to help out her neighbors and friends, making sure that an innocent person is not accused of the crime.
The characters are well developed and well rounded. I found myself caring what happened to them and wanting to know more about their lives. Claire is a strong independent woman but she has a heart of gold. When her friends are hurting, so is she. She wants to make things right in all their worlds, but she is realizing that is not always possible.
I really enjoy reading Amish mysteries because I love learning about their way of life. I also enjoy reading the difference between their ways and the ways of the Englisher, I have always found this fascinating and this book fed that fascination. The writer is very talented creating a setting that invites the reader in and makes them reluctant to leave.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery and if you enjoy Amish mysteries, this is a must read book. I am happy that this is just the first book in the series because I will have more opportunities to visit Claire and Heavenly again and again.
Fallen Snow
Claire Weatherly has fled a high-stress lifestyle for a slower pace—in Amish country: Heavenly, Pennsylvania. She only planned a short visit but instead found herself opening an Amish specialty shop, Heavenly Treasures, and settling in. Claire loves her new home, and she’s slowly making friends among the locals, including Esther, a young Amish woman who works in the shop. So when the store’s former owner,the unlikable Walter Snow, is murdered, and the man Esther is sweet on becomes a suspect, Claire can’t help but get involved.
Newly returned Detective Jakob Fisher, who left Heavenly—and his Amish upbringing—as a teenager, is on the case. But his investigation is stalled by the fact that none of his former community will speak with him. Claire’s connections make her the perfect go-between.
As Claire investigates, she uncovers more than she wanted to know about her neighbors. And suddenly, everything she had hoped to find in this peaceful refuge is at risk . . . (Goodreads)
Review:
In this first book in An Amish Mystery series, we are introduced to Claire Weatherly, owner of Heavenly Treasures, a speciality shop featuring many Amish made goods crafted by the local Amish families. After leaving her fast-paced life behind, she is happy living in this quaint Pennsylvania town. She is making friends with many of the locals and there are two men who have piqued her interest. Things are working out just as she hoped until a dead body is found. Then her quiet life is turned upside down and she finds herself between the Amish culture and the Englisher culture. She decides she needs to find the murderer to help out her neighbors and friends, making sure that an innocent person is not accused of the crime.
The characters are well developed and well rounded. I found myself caring what happened to them and wanting to know more about their lives. Claire is a strong independent woman but she has a heart of gold. When her friends are hurting, so is she. She wants to make things right in all their worlds, but she is realizing that is not always possible.
I really enjoy reading Amish mysteries because I love learning about their way of life. I also enjoy reading the difference between their ways and the ways of the Englisher, I have always found this fascinating and this book fed that fascination. The writer is very talented creating a setting that invites the reader in and makes them reluctant to leave.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery and if you enjoy Amish mysteries, this is a must read book. I am happy that this is just the first book in the series because I will have more opportunities to visit Claire and Heavenly again and again.
November 25, 2012
Clair has left her ex-husband and the stress of living in New York City to open a little shop and settle down in a small town in Amish country. She has fallen in love with the concept of living a simple life surrounded by normal, down-to-earth people, and is looking forward to getting to know everyone and becoming part of the community. Claire already is attached to the young Amish girl, Esther, who works in her store, and when the young Amish man she is sweet on becomes the prime suspect in the murder of the former owner of Claire's store, Claire feels compelled to help in any way she can.
Claire's increasing involvement in the Amish community includes trying to help the formerly Amish detective investigating the murder, since the Amish don't want to speak to him because he is being shunned for leaving, as well as getting to know the handsome older brother of the prime suspect, and she feels a little torn between the two very different men.
I really enjoyed the book because I felt like I was getting to know the characters just as Claire was, and was kept in suspense because, like her, I didn't want Esther's beau to be guilty even though all the evidence pointed in his direction! Great cliff-hanger with multiple suspects!
Claire's increasing involvement in the Amish community includes trying to help the formerly Amish detective investigating the murder, since the Amish don't want to speak to him because he is being shunned for leaving, as well as getting to know the handsome older brother of the prime suspect, and she feels a little torn between the two very different men.
I really enjoyed the book because I felt like I was getting to know the characters just as Claire was, and was kept in suspense because, like her, I didn't want Esther's beau to be guilty even though all the evidence pointed in his direction! Great cliff-hanger with multiple suspects!
January 29, 2013
I read this book because I enjoy the Southern Sewing Circle series by this author under the name Elizabeth Casey. There are some similarities in that both series are set in small towns with an engaging female sleuth. Claire has moved to Amish country to live with her aunt who runs an inn for tourists. Claire has opened a gift shop selling Amish made items; the former owner of the space is found dead in the alley behind the row of shops. Suspicion falls on a young Amish man, Eli with a short temper. Claire finds herself as an intermediary between the "English" and Amish while also falling for two different men. Jakob is the detective who is a shunned member of the Amish community while Benjamin, an Amish widower also catches Claire's attention. Claire is a stronger woman than Tori Sinclair, the librarian sleuth in the Southern Sewing Circle series but both are interesting characters. Both towns have their repeating characters than round out the plot lines. I would recommend both series for readers of cozy mysteries.
June 8, 2015
I enjoyed this story except for a major complaint .....
SPOILERS AHEAD>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
The only fault I have with this book is there is no way that Jakob an Amish man would not have known very well what the consequences of his leaving the Amish after baptism would be,so it really annoyed me that so much of the story focused on his pain over being shunned and the pain he caused his family.Come on.... any Amish knows, that is the price they will pay!
If such a big deal had not been made of that,and been such a huge side story,and why on earth come back to the same town after living in NY,anyway, yeah THAT made sense!
I would have glady given this 5-stars if not for Jakob's story,and the part about the going nowhere attraction between Claire and Benjamin could have been left out,as well!
END SPOILERS>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
I did enjoy the character development and the mystery.I think most Amish fiction fans would enjoy it.
SPOILERS AHEAD>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
The only fault I have with this book is there is no way that Jakob an Amish man would not have known very well what the consequences of his leaving the Amish after baptism would be,so it really annoyed me that so much of the story focused on his pain over being shunned and the pain he caused his family.Come on.... any Amish knows, that is the price they will pay!
If such a big deal had not been made of that,and been such a huge side story,and why on earth come back to the same town after living in NY,anyway, yeah THAT made sense!
I would have glady given this 5-stars if not for Jakob's story,and the part about the going nowhere attraction between Claire and Benjamin could have been left out,as well!
END SPOILERS>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
I did enjoy the character development and the mystery.I think most Amish fiction fans would enjoy it.
July 8, 2013
This is a cozy set in Amish country, Pennsylvania. It was a great read and a good mystery. I figured out part, but not all of the ending. The writing style is a little above that of most cozies and it flowed very well. The characters were interesting and I see a lot of potential for developing them more as the series continues. There was not really a lot of information on the Amish that isn't common knowledge - hopefully, that will increase in futures books. The only real negative was the romantic triangle. I'm not a real fan of women who can't make up their minds which man they are interested in. I don't think most women run into two men at the same time who really click with them, so I think it's very unrealistic. I know at least one more of this series has been written and I will definitely read it.
June 8, 2012
OMG. LOVED it! The potential romance/flirtation between Claire and Benjamin (Amish) and Jakob (ex-Amish) is priceless. The author gives a "humaness" to the Amish characters. So often, we (English) feel that the simple lifestyle of the Amish removes them from the cares of the world. They feel the same things we do - happiness, anxiety, anger, etc. It is refreshing to see these feelings shown by the Amish characters. I love Amish country, and this brought me home. I am so "jonesing" for the peacefulness of a trip to Amish country. It's gotta happen soon. In case it doesn't, here's hopin the next book in the series is not long in coming out. :)
June 26, 2012
I really enjoyed this one. Amish culture has always fascinated me, and it appears the author did some research before she wrote this. I liked the characters and the story was well told. If you're looking for a nice cozy with a little different spin, you could do far worse than picking up this one! RECOMMEND!
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