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Amish-Country Mysteries #7
Harmless as Doves: An Amish-Country Mystery
"
"A sensitive account of the impact on this community when outsiders (that is, the cops) descend to deal with an Amish youth who has confessed to the murder of his fiancee's older, richer, and very persistent admirer." --"The New York Times Book Review "
The chill of autumn is just settling into Holmes County, Ohio, when Bishop Leon Shetler is startled out of his morning reverie by the words, "I just killed Glenn Spiegle." No one--least of all Sherriff Bruce Robertson--believes that Crist Burkholder could actually be a murderer. But the young Amish man is adamant that he killed his romantic rival in order to win Vesta Miller. So when Robertson's investigation reveals two potentially related murders in Florida's Pinecraft Amish community, Professor Mike Branden and detective Ricky Niell head south to unravel the connection between the dead man and a far-flung Amish outpost on the shores of Sarasota Bay
Praise for P. L. Gaus and his Amish-Country
"Gaus spins a fine mystery." -"Booklist "
"Tony Hillerman of the Amish." -"The Christian Science Monitor
224 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 15, 2011
27 people are currently reading
335 people want to read
About the author
P.L. Gaus
17 books102 followersPaul L. Gaus writes The Amish-Country Mysteries, set authentically in the Amish settlements of Holmes County, Ohio. Three life-long friends - Professor Michael Branden, Sheriff Bruce Robertson, and Pastor Caleb Troyer - work sometimes together and other times at crossed purposes to solve mysteries involving the often inscrutable Amish sects of the region. The rich cast of English characters includes the professor's insightful wife Caroline, Holmes County's tenacious Medical Examiner Melissa Taggert, and young Ellie Troyer, the sheriff's resolute dispatcher/secretary. Paul's novels illuminate Amish culture and lifestyle in the context of murder investigations that pull aside the veil on the daily lives of these purposefully plain religious separatists.
There are currently eight novels in the series, published by Plume, a Division of Penguin Group USA. The ninth novel, Whiskers of The Lion, is soon to be published by Plume. The first seven of his novels were originally published as The Ohio Amish Mysteries, by Ohio University Press, before they were all republished as trade paperbacks by Plume.
Paul’s extensive knowledge of the culture and lifestyle of the many Ohio Amish sects comes from over forty years of travel throughout Holmes and the surrounding rural counties in Ohio. His stories are rich with culture, much like the works of Tony Hillerman. It was Paul's friendship with Tony Hillerman that first inspired him to write culture-based mysteries about Amish people.
There are currently eight novels in the series, published by Plume, a Division of Penguin Group USA. The ninth novel, Whiskers of The Lion, is soon to be published by Plume. The first seven of his novels were originally published as The Ohio Amish Mysteries, by Ohio University Press, before they were all republished as trade paperbacks by Plume.
Paul’s extensive knowledge of the culture and lifestyle of the many Ohio Amish sects comes from over forty years of travel throughout Holmes and the surrounding rural counties in Ohio. His stories are rich with culture, much like the works of Tony Hillerman. It was Paul's friendship with Tony Hillerman that first inspired him to write culture-based mysteries about Amish people.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
August 14, 2018
I love this series, especially the audiobooks read by George Newbern. In this installment a young Amish couple plans to elope to spare the girl from an undesirable marriage her father wishes to arrange. Before they can do so, Crist packs a punch that sends the other man to the ground. He assumes the man is dead and goes to his bishop to confess. The police are called. He confesses. In their haste, the sheriff's office fails to read him his Miranda rights. The girl's authoritative father soon takes off to Florida, disregarding everything his bishop tells him. Much of the early action in the book centers on Pastor Cal Troyer. Professor Branden is on sabbatical, researching at Duke University's Library. When Holmes County needs to send deputies to Florida, Branden, a reserve deputy, is sent to join Ricky Neal in the Sarasota area. While I don't know a great deal about the Pinecrest Amish Settlement in Florida, Gaus seems to have done his research because it concurs with what my quick search through sources tells me about it. One story line regarding Branden's wife carries over from the previous installment, so it is suggested readers follow the publication order. This "remorse" theme carries through the story and comes from the book's Bible verse derived title's interpretation. Setting part of the story outside Holmes County added some variety to the series. I look forward to the next installment.
April 19, 2017
"In being harmless as doves, we may find more benefit than we ever imagined. Not just for others, but for the good of our own soul."
The title of this book is also the grand subject of the book, so gracefully explained in enjoyable fashion! Truthfully, I'm glad this book wasn't longer, because if it was, I would've had to get a cave to hide in so as to finish this book (I was awfully glued to this book, so much so I didn't want to do much other else). My interest in this book was actually unhealthy; I finished obsessively reading it in three days, amidst what was supposed to be a busy schedule. But lo, how entertained I was! I truly haven't been this intrigued in a story in a long time... Guess I'll need to go buy some more books by P.L. Gaus. Not only was this great, but it was grand. May I explain in further detail?
Precious Positives:
#1. Characters of a genius. Though I read this book (part 7) without having read any of the others in the series, I still felt a strong bond with each person introduced in this story. The detail of each was relatable, with intricate personalities and thoughts. If I need help with character development, I definitely will be sending an email to Author Gaus.
2. I'm anxiously rocking back and forth from the suspense. It was so good I wish my eyes could've read faster; I just couldn't devour these pages fast enough. The story was impressive, drawing me in at around the first chapter, and keeping me hooked along the way. I cannot applaud this enough.
3. The meaning of spellbinding. Usually, the good word from a famous person on the front or back cover on a book, isn't accurate. Usually it's not even close. The word on this cover, however, was perfection. "Spellbinding!" a reviewer from the New York Times Book Review says, and rightly so. Spellbinding: holding your attention completely; extremely interesting, entertaining. Oh, it surely was!
#4. I mean it! This book, while imperatively thorough in story line and plan, didn't forget it's meaning. The theme carried throughout the book, in the lives of many different characters, and explained in wide views and illustrations. God's words were shared, poured so softly upon the dialogue, it seemed not a mite out of place.
#5. Dialogue as a story. I'm not thrilled when I feel conversations between characters make up the better part of a story, mainly because dialogue isn't normally entertaining. My mind has been changed. While this story is built of dialogue, it's nothing short of grand. Your characters talk much?
#6. KJV is held so dear! This book didn't contain much Scripture, but when it did, it was perfect! The KJV was used here, as it should've been, seeing the Amish use only that as well.
#7. My friends, the Amish. This story made me immensely fascinated with the Amish, which led to me reading way too many articles on their lives and beliefs. I feel like a student of the Amish now. It's a gut thing!
Notoriously Negatives:
#1. Tired, from descriptions. While the writing is indeed brightly explained in color, I felt that sometimes there was too much description, leaving me to do more than just my second review of the past paragraph. Just a little, tiny, wittle, small bite more, than should be.
#2. Weak little deputy. Sadly, I felt Niell was maybe a little too weak, being told this and this by others. I know he's just a deputy, but him being one of the main characters, and also one of my favorites, I certainly felt he needed some strength behind his clever words sometimes. Just a personal opinion though.
#3. What does that mean? Gaus does, in fact, know all the lingo found in different places, including the Amish, and police departments, though I sure know I could of done without some of it. There were too many locations, too many words and phrases unknown to me, and at the end, too many details on watercrafts. I felt lost at some points.
#4. Getting y'all some better tunes! The music choices shared here were not of my taste, and for a Christian book, I figured some Christian musicians might make their names here, instead of secular artists.
#5. Why in the wide world...!? That ending was creative, but boy now I need some more answers about what lies in the future for these characters. Guess I can't get everything I want.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was a clean, fun, wonderfully written story filled with a lovely truth. We must be harmless as doves, not for the benefit of others simply, but for ourselves. To be harmless as doves reminds us to treat people right, act slowly, and deal justly, because if we dish out evil, it will haunt us, and forgiveness is a thing that seems hard to reach. Through Jesus, we can be forgiven, but we must remember to act with care, because as this author would say, remorse is the worst form of torture.
You can't change what's in the past. But, you can change what happens today. Smile, follow Jesus, and do what's right. So you can truly follow God's command.
1 John 1:9 - If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us [our] sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Psalms 15:2 - He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart.
Know Jesus today--He'll set you free, indeed!
Jesus loves you! †
~M.K.
(Also found at: www.forJesusfirstlovedme.wordpress.com .)
The title of this book is also the grand subject of the book, so gracefully explained in enjoyable fashion! Truthfully, I'm glad this book wasn't longer, because if it was, I would've had to get a cave to hide in so as to finish this book (I was awfully glued to this book, so much so I didn't want to do much other else). My interest in this book was actually unhealthy; I finished obsessively reading it in three days, amidst what was supposed to be a busy schedule. But lo, how entertained I was! I truly haven't been this intrigued in a story in a long time... Guess I'll need to go buy some more books by P.L. Gaus. Not only was this great, but it was grand. May I explain in further detail?
Precious Positives:
#1. Characters of a genius. Though I read this book (part 7) without having read any of the others in the series, I still felt a strong bond with each person introduced in this story. The detail of each was relatable, with intricate personalities and thoughts. If I need help with character development, I definitely will be sending an email to Author Gaus.
2. I'm anxiously rocking back and forth from the suspense. It was so good I wish my eyes could've read faster; I just couldn't devour these pages fast enough. The story was impressive, drawing me in at around the first chapter, and keeping me hooked along the way. I cannot applaud this enough.
3. The meaning of spellbinding. Usually, the good word from a famous person on the front or back cover on a book, isn't accurate. Usually it's not even close. The word on this cover, however, was perfection. "Spellbinding!" a reviewer from the New York Times Book Review says, and rightly so. Spellbinding: holding your attention completely; extremely interesting, entertaining. Oh, it surely was!
#4. I mean it! This book, while imperatively thorough in story line and plan, didn't forget it's meaning. The theme carried throughout the book, in the lives of many different characters, and explained in wide views and illustrations. God's words were shared, poured so softly upon the dialogue, it seemed not a mite out of place.
#5. Dialogue as a story. I'm not thrilled when I feel conversations between characters make up the better part of a story, mainly because dialogue isn't normally entertaining. My mind has been changed. While this story is built of dialogue, it's nothing short of grand. Your characters talk much?
#6. KJV is held so dear! This book didn't contain much Scripture, but when it did, it was perfect! The KJV was used here, as it should've been, seeing the Amish use only that as well.
#7. My friends, the Amish. This story made me immensely fascinated with the Amish, which led to me reading way too many articles on their lives and beliefs. I feel like a student of the Amish now. It's a gut thing!
Notoriously Negatives:
#1. Tired, from descriptions. While the writing is indeed brightly explained in color, I felt that sometimes there was too much description, leaving me to do more than just my second review of the past paragraph. Just a little, tiny, wittle, small bite more, than should be.
#2. Weak little deputy. Sadly, I felt Niell was maybe a little too weak, being told this and this by others. I know he's just a deputy, but him being one of the main characters, and also one of my favorites, I certainly felt he needed some strength behind his clever words sometimes. Just a personal opinion though.
#3. What does that mean? Gaus does, in fact, know all the lingo found in different places, including the Amish, and police departments, though I sure know I could of done without some of it. There were too many locations, too many words and phrases unknown to me, and at the end, too many details on watercrafts. I felt lost at some points.
#4. Getting y'all some better tunes! The music choices shared here were not of my taste, and for a Christian book, I figured some Christian musicians might make their names here, instead of secular artists.
#5. Why in the wide world...!? That ending was creative, but boy now I need some more answers about what lies in the future for these characters. Guess I can't get everything I want.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was a clean, fun, wonderfully written story filled with a lovely truth. We must be harmless as doves, not for the benefit of others simply, but for ourselves. To be harmless as doves reminds us to treat people right, act slowly, and deal justly, because if we dish out evil, it will haunt us, and forgiveness is a thing that seems hard to reach. Through Jesus, we can be forgiven, but we must remember to act with care, because as this author would say, remorse is the worst form of torture.
You can't change what's in the past. But, you can change what happens today. Smile, follow Jesus, and do what's right. So you can truly follow God's command.
1 John 1:9 - If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us [our] sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Psalms 15:2 - He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart.
Know Jesus today--He'll set you free, indeed!
Jesus loves you! †
~M.K.
(Also found at: www.forJesusfirstlovedme.wordpress.com .)
May 7, 2024
Another solid offering from Gaus. This one did seem choppy; it would have benefitted from a more thoughtful editor. A compelling peek into Amish life.
March 1, 2012
If you are looking for an Amish tale filled with flowery language, sappy romance, and angst, keeps looking, because this novel by P. L. Gaus is none of those things. However, if you want a tightly written, engaging mystery with believable characters who draw you into the story, look no further than this Amish-Country mystery series. In this novel, the seventh in the series, the unthinkable has happened: a young Amish man has confessed to killing another Amish man with his bare hands. But there is much more to this conflict than this open-and-shut confession indicates. If you haven’t yet read the previous novels in this series, do so before reading this latest installment. The characters grow and develop as the series progresses, and this story references things that have happened in the other novels. The rich character development is one of the high points of the series and should be enjoyed from the beginning.
September 11, 2011
P.L. Gaus has added another entry to his Amish mystery series. This one is lots of fun because it takes place in both Holmes County, OH. and Manatee/Sarasota Counties, FL. I had no idea that the Amish were such a force in that area of Florida, but an independent source has confirmed that it is indeed true and that the descriptions in the book were accurate. The books starts out with an Amish man confessing to his bishop that he just killed another Amish man. The rest of the book is spent unraveling the truth about the nature of the crime, and a trip to Florida is included. This is a quick read that is educational as well as fun.
July 5, 2013
Harmless as Doves : An Amish Country Mystery By P. L. Gaus Thankyou Goodread for sending me such a good book. This author packed a big story in a small book. A murder in Amish Country; not committed by the accused, for he had only knocked him cold, but he still felt guilty. The victim was not who he pretended to be; but a felon who was trying to hide from a vengeful father. Acquital was in store for the real Amish young man. The murderer did not get away.
November 25, 2015
The story of this book was pretty good. I must say though that I have now read several of P.L. Gus's books and sometimes the writing seems to me at least like a jumble. It's easy to get confused as to what exactly is going on in the story. Over all though, a pretty good book.
August 2, 2014
Weak plot, not enjoyable
September 10, 2025
This book was just awful. I’m not sure I liked any part of it. It took me over a week to get through it, it was just so bad.
There is way too much unnecessary dialogue. And why is it within the conversation exchange they have to continuously repeat the name of the person they’re talking to? Along with the numerous unnecessary characters.
The laughable “investigation” was just ridiculous. It was like a bunch of kids playing “cops and robbers”. We just pick up anyone off the street and let them play cop?
If you want to read good Amish mysteries, give Linda Castillo a try. Her novels make this one look like it was written by a 12 year old.
Sorry to be so harsh but this book was just not good. Maybe geared more towards religion minded than mystery.
There is way too much unnecessary dialogue. And why is it within the conversation exchange they have to continuously repeat the name of the person they’re talking to? Along with the numerous unnecessary characters.
The laughable “investigation” was just ridiculous. It was like a bunch of kids playing “cops and robbers”. We just pick up anyone off the street and let them play cop?
If you want to read good Amish mysteries, give Linda Castillo a try. Her novels make this one look like it was written by a 12 year old.
Sorry to be so harsh but this book was just not good. Maybe geared more towards religion minded than mystery.
August 16, 2020
This is a story that is more notable for its atmosphere and its theme ... feeling remorse for your errors and finding forgiveness ... than for its mystery. The plot telegraphs the key elements so the outcome is not a surprise. Nevertheless the insights it presents about its theme and into the Amish way of life, its slow methodical presentation of the tale, and its descriptions of key characters and events without the blood and gore associated with many recent mysteries, make it a worthwhile and satisfying read.
August 30, 2021
Too many characters. The beginning of the book starts off painfully slow. The end left me feeling confused with a lot of unanswered questions.... I did enjoy references to Sarasota/ Bradenton area. I liked the short chapters, but it wasn't always necessary. The date and time stmp at the beginig of the chapters was distracting. Felt it ws unnecessary due to the book being sequrntial. The writer does have good descriptive writing. Just didn't feel like the book had a good flow or was suspenseful in the right way.
November 11, 2017
Spiritual Advice & a Mystery
This mystery is a refreshing change from the traditional Amish stories which tend to focus on Amish female characters. Harmless to Doves main characters are male and secondary characters include non-Amish as well as Amish characters. My favorite part of this book are the sections that focus on the spiritual advice given by Pastor Cal and reflections of the Bishop.
This mystery is a refreshing change from the traditional Amish stories which tend to focus on Amish female characters. Harmless to Doves main characters are male and secondary characters include non-Amish as well as Amish characters. My favorite part of this book are the sections that focus on the spiritual advice given by Pastor Cal and reflections of the Bishop.
January 22, 2018
I liked this book as I have liked the others I have read in this series. This novel centered around the theme, wise as serpents but harmless as doves; and the author kept referring to it. Once again the three friends are back helping and supporting each other in handling a murder on Amish territory. I appreciate the fact that the author can tell his story without using vulgar expressions or sex scenes. I would recommend this series to anyone who enjoys a good mystery.
January 23, 2018
Another good entry in P.L. Gaus's Amish-country mystery series.
A young Amish man confesses to killing his romantic rival. But the evidence doesn't support his confession.
That gets the sheriff-professor-pastor combination of regulars working in two states to figure out what happened.
The Amish background makes this series worthwhile.
A young Amish man confesses to killing his romantic rival. But the evidence doesn't support his confession.
That gets the sheriff-professor-pastor combination of regulars working in two states to figure out what happened.
The Amish background makes this series worthwhile.
April 11, 2018
A sensitive account of the impact on an Amish community in Holmes County, Ohio when "outsiders" descend to deal with an Amish youth who has confessed to the murder of his rival in order to win the love of his life. The story moves from the Amish settlement in Ohio to the Florida Pinecraft Amish community on the shores of Sarasota Bay where two potentially related murders took place.
September 4, 2018
I enjoy the Amish Mysteries, this one was very interesting, I enjoyed learning characters, especially the young people, and they decided to get out the Amish faith. Gaus's writing always keeps me so interesting into the story.
March 15, 2019
It's not one of Gaus's better Amish mysteries. The events aren't very believable and the character development is lacking. The end is shaky at best, and too contrived. What did I like about the story? The telling of the tale itself is fairly good, with lots of twists and turns.
June 30, 2024
This was such a good mystery. Really have been enjoying this series of Amish books. Just wait to get to the ending it was very good. Can’t believe a Amish man would murder anyone. Even for a woman.
July 6, 2017
Intriguing involved mystery. It keeps you guessing right up to the end!
October 12, 2017
Audiobook
March 7, 2018
I figured this one out almost right away. I am curious to see what comes next.
May 28, 2018
a well written Amish mystery from Ohio to Florida
April 9, 2019
Quick interesting read
January 5, 2021
Good series...
November 13, 2021
Interesting idea: an Amish murderer? But then, a Florida beach Amish community was also new to me!
I learned something new and an interesting take on a rather unknown sect.
I learned something new and an interesting take on a rather unknown sect.
July 18, 2022
Good book but hard for me to follow.
January 1, 2024
Not a fan. Tough to get into. A lot of names to keep straight. Really didn’t care for the ending.
March 26, 2024
This was a little lacking for me. Love the Amish atmosphere but it veered away from that.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 3, 2017
I'm enjoying this series of Amish mysteries. Especially the insights into a different culture.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews