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Apple Creek #1
Plain Pursuit
Danger in Amish Country
When her brother is killed in a small Amish town, Anna Quinn discovers she's an unwelcome outsider. But the FBI agent investigating the case is right at home—because Eli Miller was born and raised in Apple Creek's Plain community. Eli left his Amish faith behind long ago, but his heart is rooted in a local cold case he can't forget—a mystery with strange connections to Anna's loss. Desperate to uncover the truth, Anna and Eli are faced with stony silences and secrets…secrets that someone wants to keep buried in the past.
When her brother is killed in a small Amish town, Anna Quinn discovers she's an unwelcome outsider. But the FBI agent investigating the case is right at home—because Eli Miller was born and raised in Apple Creek's Plain community. Eli left his Amish faith behind long ago, but his heart is rooted in a local cold case he can't forget—a mystery with strange connections to Anna's loss. Desperate to uncover the truth, Anna and Eli are faced with stony silences and secrets…secrets that someone wants to keep buried in the past.
288 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2013
24 people are currently reading
490 people want to read
About the author
Alison Stone
43 books172 followersAlison Stone writes sweet romance, cozy mysteries, and inspirational romantic suspense, some of which contain bonnets and buggies.
Alison often refers to herself as the "accidental Amish author." She decided to try her hand at the genre after an editor put a call out for more Amish romantic suspense. Intrigued—and who doesn't love the movie Witness with Harrison Ford?—Alison dug into research, including visits to the Amish communities in Western New York where she lives. This sparked numerous story ideas, the first leading to her debut novel with Harlequin Love Inspired Suspense. Four subsequent Love Inspired Suspense titles went on to earn RT magazine's TOP PICK! designation, their highest ranking.
When Alison’s not plotting ways to bring mayhem to Amish communities, she’s writing inspirational romantic suspense with a more modern setting, sweet romances, and cozy mysteries, including her new Murphy's Dance Academy series. In order to meet her deadlines, she has to block the internet and hide her smartphone.
Married and the mother of four (almost) grown kids, Alison lives in the suburbs of Buffalo where the summers are gorgeous and the winters are perfect for curling up with a book—or writing one.
Alison often refers to herself as the "accidental Amish author." She decided to try her hand at the genre after an editor put a call out for more Amish romantic suspense. Intrigued—and who doesn't love the movie Witness with Harrison Ford?—Alison dug into research, including visits to the Amish communities in Western New York where she lives. This sparked numerous story ideas, the first leading to her debut novel with Harlequin Love Inspired Suspense. Four subsequent Love Inspired Suspense titles went on to earn RT magazine's TOP PICK! designation, their highest ranking.
When Alison’s not plotting ways to bring mayhem to Amish communities, she’s writing inspirational romantic suspense with a more modern setting, sweet romances, and cozy mysteries, including her new Murphy's Dance Academy series. In order to meet her deadlines, she has to block the internet and hide her smartphone.
Married and the mother of four (almost) grown kids, Alison lives in the suburbs of Buffalo where the summers are gorgeous and the winters are perfect for curling up with a book—or writing one.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
May 29, 2017
2.75 stars
I don't like "bonnet fiction," but this came in a bag of ten LIS books at a library sale, and when I joined a genre challenge this year, I thought I'd go ahead and try it. The MCs are not Amish, though the FBI hero was raised Amish. A lot focuses on his family and the unsolved disappearance of his little sister from years before.
Overall, though, the book was jammed full with a complex plot. Bursting at the seams, really, to the point that some of the big suspense was simply summarized instead of shown, especially at the end. I think I would have actually enjoyed the story much more had it been longer and more detailed in terms of showing the clues and such.
I don't like "bonnet fiction," but this came in a bag of ten LIS books at a library sale, and when I joined a genre challenge this year, I thought I'd go ahead and try it. The MCs are not Amish, though the FBI hero was raised Amish. A lot focuses on his family and the unsolved disappearance of his little sister from years before.
Overall, though, the book was jammed full with a complex plot. Bursting at the seams, really, to the point that some of the big suspense was simply summarized instead of shown, especially at the end. I think I would have actually enjoyed the story much more had it been longer and more detailed in terms of showing the clues and such.
July 26, 2013
Harlequin does it again! These fast, inexpensive, and yet quality reads are perfect for a busy summer and a guy like me who works 12-14 hours a day! I read this in a few bath sessions and yet I am totally impressed. "Plain Pursuit" by Alison Stone is riveting, realistic and has just enough balance of romance and action.
Yes, it's a bit too religious for my liking, but that's my own fault for choosing a "Love INSPIRED" book. I never was raised with any sort of church or anything growing up, so I am unclear where my beliefs stand. So, at times discussion about faith and religion makes me uncomfortable in books, but I am not against it. This one didn't throw religion into my face and I understood that it was an important aspect to the characters' personalities. Therefore it didn't bother me as much as I expected.
The plot is pretty unique. Anna comes to a small town to identify her brother's body when she discovers that his small plane crashed on the property of an Amish family. FBI agent (and former Amish) Eli is eager to help her find the truth behind her brother's death when he feels like the reasons behind the crash are not accidental. He also is hiding from Anna the fact that he thinks her brother was involved in the tragic disappearance of his 5 year old sister Mary 10 years prior. Together Anna and Eli help each other find the reasons and people behind the demise of their siblings while growing closer and possibly falling in love.
I do like reading about the Amish community, and the Amish have always got my attention. I didn't learn anything new in this book, but it was nice to see a KIND Amish family and not the cranky meany Amish that seem typical in a lot of fiction nowadays. However, readers who do not know about the Amish get a nice basic overview of common beliefs and daily practices of this community. As a child I used to play with Amish kids while visiting my grandparent's cabin which was on the outskirts of a large Amish community. Their personalities and "living simple" belief system were accurately portrayed here and brought back fond memories of those fun little childhood moments.
The story was fast-paced and the romance and characters were likable and believable. It was a fun little mystery that I didn't want to put down.
Now for the con, and the reason why I rated it 4 stars and not 5. What left me saying "C'MON!!!!" was the VERY cheesy ending. The "unveiling" of the "villains" reminded me of a Scooby Doo cartoon. The way the characters interacted was totally a "I would have gotten away with it if it wasn't for you meddling kids" type feel. It was so ridiculous that it kind of threw the ending off for me. It didn't match the gritty realness that the rest of the book contained.
Pick this up if you see it at Walmart or purchase it on Kindle. It's exciting and so fast you'll be on to your next beach read before you can finish blinking!
Yes, it's a bit too religious for my liking, but that's my own fault for choosing a "Love INSPIRED" book. I never was raised with any sort of church or anything growing up, so I am unclear where my beliefs stand. So, at times discussion about faith and religion makes me uncomfortable in books, but I am not against it. This one didn't throw religion into my face and I understood that it was an important aspect to the characters' personalities. Therefore it didn't bother me as much as I expected.
The plot is pretty unique. Anna comes to a small town to identify her brother's body when she discovers that his small plane crashed on the property of an Amish family. FBI agent (and former Amish) Eli is eager to help her find the truth behind her brother's death when he feels like the reasons behind the crash are not accidental. He also is hiding from Anna the fact that he thinks her brother was involved in the tragic disappearance of his 5 year old sister Mary 10 years prior. Together Anna and Eli help each other find the reasons and people behind the demise of their siblings while growing closer and possibly falling in love.
I do like reading about the Amish community, and the Amish have always got my attention. I didn't learn anything new in this book, but it was nice to see a KIND Amish family and not the cranky meany Amish that seem typical in a lot of fiction nowadays. However, readers who do not know about the Amish get a nice basic overview of common beliefs and daily practices of this community. As a child I used to play with Amish kids while visiting my grandparent's cabin which was on the outskirts of a large Amish community. Their personalities and "living simple" belief system were accurately portrayed here and brought back fond memories of those fun little childhood moments.
The story was fast-paced and the romance and characters were likable and believable. It was a fun little mystery that I didn't want to put down.
Now for the con, and the reason why I rated it 4 stars and not 5. What left me saying "C'MON!!!!" was the VERY cheesy ending. The "unveiling" of the "villains" reminded me of a Scooby Doo cartoon. The way the characters interacted was totally a "I would have gotten away with it if it wasn't for you meddling kids" type feel. It was so ridiculous that it kind of threw the ending off for me. It didn't match the gritty realness that the rest of the book contained.
Pick this up if you see it at Walmart or purchase it on Kindle. It's exciting and so fast you'll be on to your next beach read before you can finish blinking!
January 5, 2025
Fun fast read of a mystery in Amish country
Enjoyed myself
Enjoyed myself
April 28, 2016
Plain Pursuit ( Love Inspired )
By: Alison Stone
Plain Pursuit is a Love Inspired and I love to read these books. This is my first book to read by author Alison Stone and she did not disappoint me. Hopefully I will be reading more by this new wonderful author I have found. I really enjoyed the story and the characters . The author had me hooked right from the start and did not let go till the end. If you love a good Amish Suspense with some romance then you will love Plain Pursuit. I caught myself trying to read faster to see what was going to happen next.This is a nail biting and page turner that will keep you guessing till the end. Anna is a School Counselor and her brother is in trouble and needs her. Eli Miller is a FBI Agent and his sister went missing ten ago and he is still trying to find some answers. Will Anna and Eli find the answers they both are looking for? What will the answers do to both of them ?
I was given a complimentary book by the author for my honest review.
By: Alison Stone
Plain Pursuit is a Love Inspired and I love to read these books. This is my first book to read by author Alison Stone and she did not disappoint me. Hopefully I will be reading more by this new wonderful author I have found. I really enjoyed the story and the characters . The author had me hooked right from the start and did not let go till the end. If you love a good Amish Suspense with some romance then you will love Plain Pursuit. I caught myself trying to read faster to see what was going to happen next.This is a nail biting and page turner that will keep you guessing till the end. Anna is a School Counselor and her brother is in trouble and needs her. Eli Miller is a FBI Agent and his sister went missing ten ago and he is still trying to find some answers. Will Anna and Eli find the answers they both are looking for? What will the answers do to both of them ?
I was given a complimentary book by the author for my honest review.
Read
June 13, 2013Couldn't finish :/ it's totally me and not the author! I love this series line and the writer did an excellent job! But for some reason this book made me feel very depressed ? I think maybe it WAS because of the writing it was so believable and the real grief I felt for both main characters was too much :( I don't read to feel sad. *** and peeking at the end makes me glad I didn't finish it. Too sad! I don't handle child deaths well in fiction***
June 5, 2013
Love Inspired Suspense Takes place in NY Amish country. Anna's brother is killed in a plane crash and FBI Special Agent Eli Miller is in the area looking into a Cold Case of a missing girl. It was a good book, but I had hoped for a little different ending.....not everyone can have a happy ending.
June 4, 2020
It's characters were both Englishers and Amish, and there were secrets involved in their lives. Secrets that brought pain to some of the main characters, and yet they also learned to forgive and move on with their lives. The Amish were portrayed well in this first Amish book by this author.I hope she continues to write more Amish books- Awesome job, Ms Stone!
Read
December 29, 2014"Stone is off to a strong start with this Love Inspired Suspense debut." RT Book Reviews, rated 4 stars
October 19, 2020
Plain Pursuit is a wonderful story of love, forgiveness, and family written by Alison Stone. This is my first story by this author but I am happy to say I will be reading more. Her characters are very likeable and tell a fantastic story. This is a definite page turner and hard to put down. This story starts out with a tragic plane crash and the mystery is built around the deceased pilot. When sabotage is discovered to the plane the story takes on a whole new mystery. This story also uncovers the mystery of a missing young Amish girl. The clues that are discovered leading to those involved is a shocker. When all is revealed the plot will leave you stunned. I enjoyed this story very much.
I was not given a complimentary copy of this book to read and review. I was not approached to post a favorable response. I have rated this story with five stars for meeting my expectations of a wonderful mystery that I can highly recommend to others. All opinions are my own.
Congratulations to Alison Stone for writing this remarkable story for her readers enjoyment.
I was not given a complimentary copy of this book to read and review. I was not approached to post a favorable response. I have rated this story with five stars for meeting my expectations of a wonderful mystery that I can highly recommend to others. All opinions are my own.
Congratulations to Alison Stone for writing this remarkable story for her readers enjoyment.
April 13, 2021
Challenges: Amish in April 2021 - Category Romance (4); Reading Goal Posts/Stacking the Series - Priority Four/Tier Nine. Although a bit repetitive using some descriptive phrases, the book delivers on light romance, intrigue, and menace. A contemporary Amish setting in western New York state not far from Lake Erie; deals with a common theme of those family members who opt to join the English world and collateral outsiders who become embroiled in the drama of family secrets and grave loss; the topic of forgiveness is forefront in this story. Picked up this book following a friend purchasing another title in the series; nice quick read.
April 2, 2022
In this novel, Anna, a school counselor, and Eli, a former Amish man who is now an FBI agent, work together to solve the mystery of her brother's death and the disappearance of Eli's small sister. Chasing after lots of clues seems hopeless at times, but finally the person behind both mysteries is revealed. I enjoyed watching the way Ms. Stone worked her plot elements in order to keep her reader involved in solving the mystery. I enjoyed the Amish background and spending time in western New York where I have visited before.
May 2, 2024
Anna Quinn has been called to Apple Creek when her brother, Daniel, is killed in a plane crash. He is being implicated in the disappearance of Mary Miller, a young Amish girl, who disappeared 20 years ago. Eli Miller is an FBI agent on the case and Mary's oldest brother. Many twists and turns: I was pretty sure if at least one person involved but didn't figure out who wss wreaking havoc in the town and against Anna. A very good mystery.
February 1, 2018
Pretty good. I feel like I was just getting used to the characters and it was the end. Anna Quinn is trying to clear her brothers name and Eli Miller is trying to find proof to pin his sister’s disappearance on him. Can these two figure out how to work together or will the threats on Anna increase before they can?
August 2, 2019
I liked Eli's caution in starting a relationship with Anna, and that made the time frame not feel as forced. I didn't think Eli, as an off-duty FBI agent, would willingly include Anna (to say nothing of his younger sister) in his investigation. Otherwise the plotline was good, as was the tension between Eli and his Amish parents.
Read
September 8, 2019This was a real suspense filled story. Anna wanted to clear her bother's name in the death of an Amish girl. Eli wanted to keep Anna safe until they could figure out just who didn't want the truth to come out. In the end the truth came out and Anna cleared her borther's name. I didn't think that Mrs. Christopher was the one that killed Mary, Eli's sister.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 29, 2020
I have read many Amish books but this was a mystery with Amish thrown into the mix. The romanance developed nicely through the story between two of the main characters. I however could not follow how the accidental death of the young Amish girl happened. I am not sure how or where it happened. That is the reason for the low rating of this book.
February 16, 2023
Good
Good mystery and love story. A woman whose brother dies in a plane crash works with an investigator to try to solve her brother’s death as well as the death of his sister years ago. Well written story with believable and relatable characters .
Good mystery and love story. A woman whose brother dies in a plane crash works with an investigator to try to solve her brother’s death as well as the death of his sister years ago. Well written story with believable and relatable characters .
August 13, 2022
Very good story line! Enjoyed!
January 30, 2023
Great story! Really enjoyed reading! Starting the next one now!
May 1, 2018
Quick easy read. Enjoyed the book.
April 15, 2015
Title: PLAIN PURSUIT
Author: Alison Stone
Publisher: Love Inspired Suspense
July 2012
ASIN: 978-0310748458
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Danger in Amish Country
When her brother is killed in a small Amish town, Anna Quinn discovers she's an unwelcome outsider. But the FBI agent investigating the case is right at home—because Eli Miller was born and raised in Apple Creek's Plain community.
Eli left his Amish faith behind long ago, but his heart is rooted in a local cold case he can't forget—a mystery with strange connections to Anna's loss. Desperate to uncover the truth, Anna and Eli are faced with stony silences and secrets…secrets that someone wants to keep buried in the past.
PLAIN PURSUIT is a good romantic suspense. Not too scary, but enough tension to keep the pages turning. Anna knows her brother would never kill a five year old Amish girl. Eli is just as certain that Daniel did it. Or at least held the answers to who did.
I did figure out part of the “who-dun-it” early on. On the other hand, parts of the revelation surprised me, so it wasn’t all the way cut and dried. The story was interesting. A combination of Amish and romantic suspense… combining the best of both worlds.
If you like Amish romantic suspense and missed it when it first came out, now is your chance. Available on kindle and in large print from Amazon. Second party-sellers handle the other two options.
4 stars. Available in ebook, large print, hardcover, and paperback. 222 pages.
Author: Alison Stone
Publisher: Love Inspired Suspense
July 2012
ASIN: 978-0310748458
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Danger in Amish Country
When her brother is killed in a small Amish town, Anna Quinn discovers she's an unwelcome outsider. But the FBI agent investigating the case is right at home—because Eli Miller was born and raised in Apple Creek's Plain community.
Eli left his Amish faith behind long ago, but his heart is rooted in a local cold case he can't forget—a mystery with strange connections to Anna's loss. Desperate to uncover the truth, Anna and Eli are faced with stony silences and secrets…secrets that someone wants to keep buried in the past.
PLAIN PURSUIT is a good romantic suspense. Not too scary, but enough tension to keep the pages turning. Anna knows her brother would never kill a five year old Amish girl. Eli is just as certain that Daniel did it. Or at least held the answers to who did.
I did figure out part of the “who-dun-it” early on. On the other hand, parts of the revelation surprised me, so it wasn’t all the way cut and dried. The story was interesting. A combination of Amish and romantic suspense… combining the best of both worlds.
If you like Amish romantic suspense and missed it when it first came out, now is your chance. Available on kindle and in large print from Amazon. Second party-sellers handle the other two options.
4 stars. Available in ebook, large print, hardcover, and paperback. 222 pages.
January 21, 2014
Thank you Alison Stone for allowing me to help promote this story. I found out about Alison's work through Cassandra Carr, who is also a WNY author that has been featured on my blog. When I asked Alison what story she wanted to promote, she picked Plain Pursuit and I was excited. I do love reading Amish stories, but finding a good one has been difficult for me. This one proved to be a great one for me.
From the opening chapter, this story had me sucked in. My heart broke right from the beginning when we were at the plane crash site. As we get further into the story, we find out that Anna and Eli have had tragic things happen in their lives and this plane crash is just another event in a long list of tragedies that these two have experienced.
For fear of giving this story away, I will be brief on this review. If you like an Amish storyline, this is a good story to read. It's not primarily about the Amish, but the majority of this story is set in Amish country. If you like suspense stories, this one is definitely one that should be read. I was blindsided by who the culprit was. If you like romance, this story has it.
I look forward to reading Alison's other books soon!
From the opening chapter, this story had me sucked in. My heart broke right from the beginning when we were at the plane crash site. As we get further into the story, we find out that Anna and Eli have had tragic things happen in their lives and this plane crash is just another event in a long list of tragedies that these two have experienced.
For fear of giving this story away, I will be brief on this review. If you like an Amish storyline, this is a good story to read. It's not primarily about the Amish, but the majority of this story is set in Amish country. If you like suspense stories, this one is definitely one that should be read. I was blindsided by who the culprit was. If you like romance, this story has it.
I look forward to reading Alison's other books soon!
July 5, 2016
BACK OF THE BOOK BLURB
When her brother is killed in a small Amish town, Anna Quinn discovers she's an unwelcome outsider. But the FBI agent investigating the case is right at home--because Eli Miller was born and raised in Apple Creek's Plain community. Eli left his Amish faith behind long ago, but his heart is rooted in a local cold case he can't forget--a mystery with strange connections to Anna's loss. Desperate to uncover the truth, Anna and Eli are faced with stony silences and secrets...secrets that someone wants to keep buried in the past.
MY REVIEW
What a heart wrenching story Alison is telling here. The things a brother will put himself through for a sister are visible here. By the end, I was getting more and more anxious, and in more fear for Anna, that I wasn't able to put the book down until I found out what happened. Oh yes, a must read for mystery and/or Amish readers.
When her brother is killed in a small Amish town, Anna Quinn discovers she's an unwelcome outsider. But the FBI agent investigating the case is right at home--because Eli Miller was born and raised in Apple Creek's Plain community. Eli left his Amish faith behind long ago, but his heart is rooted in a local cold case he can't forget--a mystery with strange connections to Anna's loss. Desperate to uncover the truth, Anna and Eli are faced with stony silences and secrets...secrets that someone wants to keep buried in the past.
MY REVIEW
What a heart wrenching story Alison is telling here. The things a brother will put himself through for a sister are visible here. By the end, I was getting more and more anxious, and in more fear for Anna, that I wasn't able to put the book down until I found out what happened. Oh yes, a must read for mystery and/or Amish readers.
September 11, 2016
PLAIN PURSUIT is the first book about Amish culture for Alison Stone, and I believe she has done a great job. FBI agent Eli Miller needs to solve a cold case he has a personal stake in, and school counselor Anna Quinn might be able to help him. The book shows how difficult it can be to let the past go. I look forward to more books from this author.
December 18, 2016
This is an interesting take on an 'Amish' story. The two main characters are involved with the Amish but neither are baptized into the faith. This is a very good story of intrigue. It is one that I did not guess the correct person who is the main 'criminal'. It's definitely an enjoyable read.
May 12, 2013
Between 3 1/2 and 4. Not flashy, but a good, solid tale.
August 5, 2013
Read this book in one day. Plain Pursuit had me hooked from the beginning. Lots of mystery and twist and turns set in Amish setting.
December 28, 2013
Good book that had me hooked right away.Two mysteries going on at the same time. I was SO wrong in my guess as to who the suspect really was. Nice twist
February 22, 2015
Good, quick Amish read!
January 20, 2016
Didn't like it. I sometimes enjoy reading Amish fiction, but the main characters aren't Amish and I don't like romance books, so this was not for me...
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews