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An Amish Mystery #1
Plain Murder
In this unique mystery debut, a shallow grave is found on a Pennsylvania farm, and one woman straddling the Amish and outside worlds must uncover a killer--and create a life on her own terms. . . Fifteen years after leaving her Old Order Amish life, Rachel Mast has returned to Stone Mill, Pennsylvania. Corporate success didn't bring true happiness, but Rachel also knows she can never be Amish again. Instead she runs a B&B and tries to help her community in ways they can't help themselves. But now a gruesome discovery has been made on her Uncle Aaron's cow pasture--the body of prominent Englisher businessman Willy O'Day. Aaron refuses to hire a lawyer, trusting his innocence, and his faith, to see him through. Rachel isn't so sure, especially given the long public feud between the two men. Her relatives won't speak to the police, but they will talk to Rachel--if she puts on a skirt and bonnet. Rachel knows emotions and entanglements run as complicated in the Amish world as outside it. But as she delves deeper to clear Aaron's name, she discovers secrets that put her own life in danger. . .
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First published January 1, 2013
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 123 reviews
August 18, 2026
I so enjoyed Emma Miller’s novel, where kindness and warmth are woven into the story, such a refreshing change from so many murder mysteries where bitter, nasty figures seem to dominate. The protagonist, Rachel, is a delightful and interesting character who soon endeared herself to me. Rachel, brought up in an Amish community runs away in her teens and doesn’t return to the Pennsylvania area until 15 years later. She finds herself straddling the line between her old way of life (she can never be Amish again) and the Englishers whom she lives in close proximity to when she opens the Stone Mill B & B. She wants to help her relatives whom she is still so fond of, and the old community which needs a boost if it is to survive and thrive. So when her Uncle Aaron is suspected of cold blooded murder she does all she can to clear his name by seeking out the real killer. There are so many well-rounded characters, and great details about Amish ways, plus a surprising ending. Very good.
May 24, 2020
Wow! This was my first mystery by Emma Miller and I'm very impressed. It was unpredictable and even though I thought I knew who the murderer was I was wrong and surprised at the ending. I was on the edge of my seat as I read through the final chapters. Fearful for the main character, Rachel Mast, as she found her self in a bad situation and vulnerable to a killer's whims. The author did not disappoint this reader. I will be reading all the books in this series.
If you enjoy cozy mysteries you will love this book. It's rated for 18 yrs and older. Clean read.
I downloaded a copy of Plain Murder to my Hoopla App. A review was not requested. All opinions expressed here are my own.
If you enjoy cozy mysteries you will love this book. It's rated for 18 yrs and older. Clean read.
I downloaded a copy of Plain Murder to my Hoopla App. A review was not requested. All opinions expressed here are my own.
May 26, 2014
After leaving her Amish community 15 years earlier, Rachel Mast has returned to the small town of Stone Mountain, Pennsylvania, and has just begun to run her own bed & breakfast business, but her plans are put on hold when local business man, who has been missing, is found dead in a shallow grave on her Amish uncle's property. It's against his beliefs to get a lawyer, even though he is under suspicion, so Rachel takes matters into her own hands to prove his innocence.
The rest of the Amish also refuse to talk to the police, but they will talk to Rachel; they trust her, even though they do approve of the fact that she has chosen to live in the "English" world. Rachel's search for the truth also uncovers some long buried secrets, but what do they have to do with the man who has been murdered?
I'm not usually a mystery reader, but this one sounded interesting to me because it involved members of an Amish community, and I have read other books by this author, which Amish stories, and enjoyed them, but this book was her first time writing a mystery. I enjoyed this story just as much as her other books I have read. The characters are realistic and well drawn. I found that the varied personalities among the townspeople were just as interesting as the murder mystery.
The mystery itself was well done; I was really kept guessing throughout the whole story as to "who done it", and why.
May 24, 2020
Rachel has left the Amish and done well in the city but decides to come home and redo an old house as a B&B. She is still involved with the Amish and when her uncle is accused of murder she does everything she can to find the real murderer, while trying to bridge the gap between the Amish and the Non Amish.
June 3, 2018
Fifteen years ago, Rachel Mast left her Amish home for a different lifestyle. She has returned to the town where she grew up, but not as a member of the Amish community. Not having been baptized, she is not shunned, but not exactly welcomed with open arms, either. When her uncle is arrested, Rachel must prove his innocence to the police, without her uncle’s help. Being Amish, he places his trust solely in God and will do or say nothing in his own defense. Author Emma Miller does an excellent job of portraying a woman formally Amish but still feeling her roots, who is living in the English world but wishing for some of the Amish ways. Her conflicted feelings come across loud and clear, as she really does not feel at home in either world. A well-crafted mystery with well-developed characters.
August 15, 2014
I loved the mixture of the murder mystery and the Amish community. I love both genres and that made it all the better for me. And I did not know the murdered until almost the end. The secret code in the dead man's pocket gave you time to work through the murder yourself, too. Great story.
November 7, 2013
This was a great Amish mystery and romance. Can't wait to see some more stories by Emma miller.
September 5, 2023
A gently intriguing cozy mystery, set in Amish country. As interesting as the mystery itself is the novel’s portrayal of the Plain life. Their food, their crafts, their family relationships. That last primarily effects Rachel Mast, the story’s main character and of this series of mysteries. Having left the Amish way of life, Rachel navigates the attitudes of the townsfolk and her own family - some of whom keep her at a distance. Despite these conflicts, there is genuine love and goodness in this story. I enjoyed this series opener and look forward to future installments.
September 24, 2020
This was just ok. I do wish that the author had had explained the reasoning~ WHY the main character had chosen to leave the Amish way of life? It certainly didn't seem like she had any serious reason to do so, but more like about her throughout the entire book, that she acts impulsively without much forethought at all times, so I could not respect or like her character much at all.
So much of this book was too unbelievable and at times, downright ridiculous/silly.
I would not recommend.
Linda Castillo's books sound too gruesome to me, but Marta Perry's are wonderful, and I highly recommend those!
So much of this book was too unbelievable and at times, downright ridiculous/silly.
I would not recommend.
Linda Castillo's books sound too gruesome to me, but Marta Perry's are wonderful, and I highly recommend those!
September 4, 2021
Plain Murder by Emma Miller is a cozy mystery about a body, Willy O’Day, found buried on an Amish man’s farm. His niece, Rachel Mast, formerly Amish, decides to play amateur detective to prove her uncle is not guilty. He refuses to hire a lawyer, leaving his fate to God to prove his innocence. This is a story with many suspects and twists and turns. I was able to figure out the guilty party before the end.
April 15, 2014
“An Enjoyable Tangle of Murder, Mystery and Respect”
Set in Stone Mill, Pa., an idyllic, peaceful town inhabited by many Amish families and “Englishers” alike, Rachel Mast feels like she is torn between two worlds. When she was 17, Rachel decided there was much to do and learn in the outside world and walked away from the Amish life she had been born into. Several years of hard work later, she is a college graduate and the owner/operator of “Stone Mill House”, a charming bed and breakfast that Rachel had put much sweat equity into as well as her life’s savings. With its gift shop, the Stone Mill House also gives local craftspeople a place to sell their wares. Being a business owner as well as a “Non-Amish” soul, has made life extremely difficult for Rachel. As she had not been baptized when she left the area and her family, she is not shunned—but, for example, is not welcome to sit with her family at their dinner table (she has to sit at a smaller child’s table) and her Mother does not speak to her directly—but indirectly, with Rachel’s Father relaying the messages. With utmost respect for the Old Order Amish of Stone Mill and her family, Rachel perseveres, including convincing the locals they must capitalize on the beauty and talent their village exudes, so their way of life can be maintained for the good of generations to come. All was going along smoothly until the bone-chilling discovery of Willy O’Day’s dead body buried on Rachel’s Uncle Aaron Hostetler’s farm land! This produces some difficult questions, family turmoil and deep, dark secrets. Rachel is beyond shocked. She is well aware that her Uncle is a stern, stubborn, hot-tempered man with no love for wheeler-dealer Willy. But could he be vengeful and angry enough to kill him? And why bury the body on his own property? Rachel feels she must help him and her distraught family, but the estrangement only makes the offer more difficult to explain and harder to accept when it is rebuffed. Who can she turn to? Evan, one of the police officers assigned to the case as well as someone who is close to Rachel’s heart? Her parents? Aaron is her Mother’s favorite Brother—certainly they’ll understand—or will they? Perhaps Willy’s twin Brother, George could give her some insight into what type of person Willy was? Or maybe Aunt Hannah, Uncle Aaron’s wife could shed some light on the situation? “Door after door closes”…and Rachel finally decides to track down the killer herself. The list of suspects grows long and complicated. Will Rachel discover who committed this heinous crime? Will the murder create a rift in her family that will never heal? In the midst of the sadness, will Rachel find romance blooming? Ms. Miller’s work quietly teaches us many aspects of the Amish life, while weaving a spell-binding tale you don’t want to miss. So make room on your book shelf for this is not your ordinary murder mystery. I’d like to read more about the folks of Stone Mill, how about you?
Nancy Narma
April 3, 2014
Rachel Mast has come home to Stone Mill, fifteen years after leaving her ‘Old Order’ Amish life behind.
Born Amish, Rachel walked away from her contained life, wanting to see the world and have a business career. Coming back to a lifestyle she once turned her back on, all Rachel wants to do is find a way to help keep the little Pennsylvania town alive, bringing her talents to the table and joining with others to transform Stone Mill into a tourist destination. Her addition to the community that will, hopefully, bring money into the town, will be a B&B called, Stone Mill House.
One morning, Rachel receives news that a local businessman, Willy O’Day, has reappeared. Gone for eight months no one knows where Willy was but, as he wasn’t exactly well-liked, no one ever worried about the disappearance. The only one who seemed to care when it happened was Willy’s twin brother, George.
Turns out, Willy’s disappearance was probably not voluntarily, seeing as that he has reappeared in a shallow grave in the middle of a cow pasture, dead as a doornail. Rachel’s uncle, Aaron Hostetler, is the owner of the property and becomes suspect number one by local law enforcement.
The history between the two men reveal a true disliking of each other. Being of Amish faith, Uncle Aaron will not hire an English lawyer for help, so Rachel tries to talk him into it. When that fails, she decides to investigate for herself.
A long-time feud is uncovered as Rachel tries to talk to her Amish relatives, digging deeper and deeper into the past in order to clear Uncle Aaron’s name. what she doesn’t expect to find are secrets that will make her the next target for murder.
This author has done a good job creating a suspense/thriller with likeable characters and a unique plot that delves into two different worlds.
Born Amish, Rachel walked away from her contained life, wanting to see the world and have a business career. Coming back to a lifestyle she once turned her back on, all Rachel wants to do is find a way to help keep the little Pennsylvania town alive, bringing her talents to the table and joining with others to transform Stone Mill into a tourist destination. Her addition to the community that will, hopefully, bring money into the town, will be a B&B called, Stone Mill House.
One morning, Rachel receives news that a local businessman, Willy O’Day, has reappeared. Gone for eight months no one knows where Willy was but, as he wasn’t exactly well-liked, no one ever worried about the disappearance. The only one who seemed to care when it happened was Willy’s twin brother, George.
Turns out, Willy’s disappearance was probably not voluntarily, seeing as that he has reappeared in a shallow grave in the middle of a cow pasture, dead as a doornail. Rachel’s uncle, Aaron Hostetler, is the owner of the property and becomes suspect number one by local law enforcement.
The history between the two men reveal a true disliking of each other. Being of Amish faith, Uncle Aaron will not hire an English lawyer for help, so Rachel tries to talk him into it. When that fails, she decides to investigate for herself.
A long-time feud is uncovered as Rachel tries to talk to her Amish relatives, digging deeper and deeper into the past in order to clear Uncle Aaron’s name. what she doesn’t expect to find are secrets that will make her the next target for murder.
This author has done a good job creating a suspense/thriller with likeable characters and a unique plot that delves into two different worlds.
December 3, 2013
I love love love Emma Miller's Hannah's Daughters books. I have enjoyed every one that has come out. So when I was lucky enough to win a copy of her first Amish mystery, I was thrilled to read it. It did not disappoint. Her characters grab you from the very first. Emma Miller has a way of writing her characters so that readers can relate to them.
Rachel Mast has returned to Stone Mill, Pennsylvania. She left her Old Order Amish community during her Rumspringa years. The pull back to her roots has been there all along. However, she must learn to straddle the line between living in the English world and helping her Amish kinfolk. Her B&B helps to revitalize a town which has slowly been dying.
When the body of a prominent local business man is found on her Uncle Aaron's farm, Rachel knows that she must help to prove her Uncle's innocence. Knowing that he will not speak to a lawyer and puts his trust in his faith, Rachel works to find clues to who else could be responsible for Willy's death. Her list of suspects grows longer every day. Instead of finding answers, she only finds more questions.
Can Rachel discover who killed Willy? Or will an innocent man go to prison? A must read for an Amish reader.
Rachel Mast has returned to Stone Mill, Pennsylvania. She left her Old Order Amish community during her Rumspringa years. The pull back to her roots has been there all along. However, she must learn to straddle the line between living in the English world and helping her Amish kinfolk. Her B&B helps to revitalize a town which has slowly been dying.
When the body of a prominent local business man is found on her Uncle Aaron's farm, Rachel knows that she must help to prove her Uncle's innocence. Knowing that he will not speak to a lawyer and puts his trust in his faith, Rachel works to find clues to who else could be responsible for Willy's death. Her list of suspects grows longer every day. Instead of finding answers, she only finds more questions.
Can Rachel discover who killed Willy? Or will an innocent man go to prison? A must read for an Amish reader.
March 12, 2014
Plain Murder
by Emma Miller
Fifteen years after leaving her Old Order Amish life, Rachel Mast has returned to Stone Mountain, Pennsylvania. Rachel knows she can never be Amish again.
with a new plan for opening the Stone Mill House Bed & Breakfast with an Amish gift shop. to bring in more tourists and bolster the local economy. Her ideas get placed on hold. when she learns that a local businessman Willy O'Day is missing. Willy O'Day turns up dead in her uncle Aaron cow pasture. an adventure that leads to her to Evan Parks, a local police officer.
Aaron refuses to hire a lawyer, trusting his own innocence, and his faith, to see him through. Her relatives won't speak to the police, but they will talk to Rachel if she puts on a skirt and a bonnet. she discovers secrets that could put her own life in danger.
Can Rachel discover who killed Willy?
will an innocent man go to prison?
I highly recommend reading
Plain Murder
by Emma Miller
this is a wonderful well written 5 stars book.
I was given a copy of this book by the author in exchange for my honest review.
I am looking forward to reading Hannah's Courtship
(Hannah's Daughters, book 8) May 2014 by Emma Miller.
by Emma Miller
Fifteen years after leaving her Old Order Amish life, Rachel Mast has returned to Stone Mountain, Pennsylvania. Rachel knows she can never be Amish again.
with a new plan for opening the Stone Mill House Bed & Breakfast with an Amish gift shop. to bring in more tourists and bolster the local economy. Her ideas get placed on hold. when she learns that a local businessman Willy O'Day is missing. Willy O'Day turns up dead in her uncle Aaron cow pasture. an adventure that leads to her to Evan Parks, a local police officer.
Aaron refuses to hire a lawyer, trusting his own innocence, and his faith, to see him through. Her relatives won't speak to the police, but they will talk to Rachel if she puts on a skirt and a bonnet. she discovers secrets that could put her own life in danger.
Can Rachel discover who killed Willy?
will an innocent man go to prison?
I highly recommend reading
Plain Murder
by Emma Miller
this is a wonderful well written 5 stars book.
I was given a copy of this book by the author in exchange for my honest review.
I am looking forward to reading Hannah's Courtship
(Hannah's Daughters, book 8) May 2014 by Emma Miller.
December 6, 2013
This is my first time reading one of Emma Millers books. I was not sure what to expect, however I truly enjoyed reading this one, and look forward to reading more by her.
Rachel Mast left her Amish upbringing 15 years ago and has returned to her home town. She is not living an Amish life but is running a B&B and has hired Amish to help her out. She struggles between her wanting to return to the Amish ways and wanting to stay "English".
When a business man's body is found on her Uncles land, she takes it upon herself to try and prove he is innocent.
I love how we follow along with Rachel with out knowing anything she does not. We are in the dark with her until she uncovers many twist and turns in the case. It will keep you guessing to the last chapter. There is also a little spark of romance blooming with her long time friend and police man, Evan. (I would have liked to see more develop there, but maybe in another book)
Rachel Mast left her Amish upbringing 15 years ago and has returned to her home town. She is not living an Amish life but is running a B&B and has hired Amish to help her out. She struggles between her wanting to return to the Amish ways and wanting to stay "English".
When a business man's body is found on her Uncles land, she takes it upon herself to try and prove he is innocent.
I love how we follow along with Rachel with out knowing anything she does not. We are in the dark with her until she uncovers many twist and turns in the case. It will keep you guessing to the last chapter. There is also a little spark of romance blooming with her long time friend and police man, Evan. (I would have liked to see more develop there, but maybe in another book)
February 26, 2014
Plain Murder is a wonderful cozy mystery by Emma Miller. We are introduced to Rachel Mast, who has returned to Stone Mill, Pennsylvania after a brief career in the business world. She had left her Amish faith, but returned to her hometown to operate a B&B, and be closer to her family. We experience how she is torn between the Amish and English worlds, and discover the interesting dynamics of interacting with her Amish family. When the body of a local businessman is found on her Uncle Aaron's farm, Rachel steps in to prove that her uncle is innocent. Like most cozy mysteries, Rachel is friends with a good looking policeman, who provides some limited assistance to help her solve the crime.
This book has all of the elements of a great cozy mystery: great characters, a little romance, a dead body, an interesting investigation, and a little danger. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys cozy mysteries.
This book has all of the elements of a great cozy mystery: great characters, a little romance, a dead body, an interesting investigation, and a little danger. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys cozy mysteries.
March 22, 2014
While different from other Amish fiction that I've read, I found that this story was quite enjoyable. I really liked the interaction between Rachel and the community. I felt that the author did a good job of showing how they react to the situation...a family member returning to the town, but not to the Amish sect. One of their own arrested for murder....
The author kept my interest throughout the book. I was curious, not only about how the differences between the two - Rachel and the Amish community she'd once been a part of - would be dealt with, but how the murder/mystery would be solved. I have to admit I didn't figure out who did it until the author "told" us. Total surprise. My only complaint would be that I really would like to know what happens with Rachel/Evan. Perhaps another book??
The author kept my interest throughout the book. I was curious, not only about how the differences between the two - Rachel and the Amish community she'd once been a part of - would be dealt with, but how the murder/mystery would be solved. I have to admit I didn't figure out who did it until the author "told" us. Total surprise. My only complaint would be that I really would like to know what happens with Rachel/Evan. Perhaps another book??
May 3, 2014
Plain Murder by Emma Miller is a really great book. There is murder, suspense, friendship and animals, a great combination. The suspense and mystery of who killed Willie is carried on throughout the entire book and with a long list of possible suspects, I didn't figure out the killer until the end of the book, right before it was revealed. There were plenty of twist and turns along the way. The characters were well developed and believable and the setting was descriptive and inviting. The writing style flowed easily and it was a quick, easy read. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well-crafted mystery, especially Amish based. I'm a big fan of Amish murder/mystery books and this is one of the best that I've read. I hope Emma Miller writes more like this.
November 7, 2013
Plain Murder was an enjoyable read that really kept my attention throughout the book. I really enjoyed Miller's world and characters, and Rachel was an especially intriguing character because she was torn between two worlds. I really liked how Miller showed Rachel's conflict as she desperately tried to help her uncle whose Amish ways made it hard to prove his innocence. The secondary characters in the book proved to be just as compelling, and Miller created a town that the reader would love to visit. Overall Plain Murder was an enjoyable read, and I look forward to reading more by this author.
February 10, 2014
Great book. Rachel Mast proves you can take the girl off the farm and into English LIfe...but you can always go back home again and find success where you started. it is funny how cultures are, when she is dressed as an Englisher they won't acknowledge her. When she puts on a skirt & head covering they will talk to her. The loyalty she had to clear her Uncle Aaron's name is commendable. The plot had a major twist when it was discovered Ell was actually Willy O'Days daughter. I liked how George stepped up to the plate at the end and the book ended on a good note.
July 13, 2017
This was an interesting story about Rachel who was born into the Amish ways but decided to not take her baptism and is sort of welcome in her Amish community. When her uncle is accused of murdering "Ole Willie", Rachel starts asking questions. Just when she starts to think there is something fishy going on with her aunt and a fellow Amish man, Rachel has a dream and almost all of the puzzle pieces start fitting together. I enjoyed the story line and the characters and was glad to read a happy ending.
Read
September 26, 2016Quick, easy read. I enjoyed this peek into the Amish world. I grew up not far from an Amish community and went there periodically with my best friends parents when we were little. I found the portrayal of the Amish realistic and could find myself being friends with Rachel. I'm not quite sure how I feed about her and Evan yet. I couldn't get a good read on Evan; I feel like there are pieces missing in their backstory. I'm glad I read this book and will be reading more by this author.
July 22, 2019
Plain Murder - Book #1 in Plain Murder Mystery Series by Emma Miller
I dearly love this book. If you want a really good Amish Clean Mystery Story - Series - I would highly recommend this Series.
There are a total of 5 Books to this Series.
I give this book 5/5 Stars.
This Series will keep you on the edge of your seat and it will keep you guessing til the very end.
Happy Reading :)
I dearly love this book. If you want a really good Amish Clean Mystery Story - Series - I would highly recommend this Series.
There are a total of 5 Books to this Series.
I give this book 5/5 Stars.
This Series will keep you on the edge of your seat and it will keep you guessing til the very end.
Happy Reading :)
March 22, 2014
Enjoyed reading this mystery that intertwined the Amish world with the English world. I hope there's more coming to continue Rachel and Evans story. Also would love to see Rachel's mother accept Rachel's decision to not be Amish. She. was shunning her even though Rachel had never been baptized.It was a good read
April 24, 2016
I bought this Good Reads cozy mystery recommendation because I am interested in communities such as the Amish. I have read almost all of Tamar Myers' Amish/ Mennonite mysteries, and was becoming increasingly annoyed as they became more and more farcical.
This book is far more respectful and realistic, and I look forward to more of the series.
This book is far more respectful and realistic, and I look forward to more of the series.
June 5, 2019
I was planning to give this book 3 stars, but than that ending...
If you found out who committed murder you would:
a) call police
b) go on a ride with the murderer without telling anyone
Guess what heroine chose?
Also boring.
If you found out who committed murder you would:
a) call police
b) go on a ride with the murderer without telling anyone
Guess what heroine chose?
Also boring.
December 25, 2013
I loved this book. I had never read anything by Emma Miller but look forward to reading more by her. The book kept my interest and I didn't want it to end.
March 30, 2014
Fantastic Amish murder mystery. I had my ideas of who the murdered was from the beginning. You will love this book if you like mystery and or amish fiction.
January 31, 2016
Very good!
December 2, 2023
A library find.
November 2023. March 2024.
Interesting.
Hard to put down.
Enjoyable.
Don't miss.
November 2023. March 2024.
Interesting.
Hard to put down.
Enjoyable.
Don't miss.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 123 reviews