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Amish Quilt Shop Mystery #4
Murder, Plainly Read
In the latest from the author of Murder, Served Simply, an Amish man checks out permanently, but quilt shop owner Angie Braddock's got this mystery covered...
With so much to do between running her shop and spending time with her new boyfriend, it's amazing Angie is able to help organize the Rolling Brook library's annual book sale. Luckily she's working alongside brash librarian Austina Shaker, a lady who isn't afraid to make waves to get books to her patrons--even the Amish. Unfortunately, this draws the ire of cranky Bartholomew Belier, an Old Order Amish bishop, who publicly vows to ruin Austina.
And she certainly might be ruined after Belier is found dead in her bookmobile. Now Angie must employ the help of her loyal quilting circle--as well as her beloved French bulldog, Oliver--if she hopes to prove Austina's innocence before the real killer books it...
INCLUDES QUILTING TIPS
With so much to do between running her shop and spending time with her new boyfriend, it's amazing Angie is able to help organize the Rolling Brook library's annual book sale. Luckily she's working alongside brash librarian Austina Shaker, a lady who isn't afraid to make waves to get books to her patrons--even the Amish. Unfortunately, this draws the ire of cranky Bartholomew Belier, an Old Order Amish bishop, who publicly vows to ruin Austina.
And she certainly might be ruined after Belier is found dead in her bookmobile. Now Angie must employ the help of her loyal quilting circle--as well as her beloved French bulldog, Oliver--if she hopes to prove Austina's innocence before the real killer books it...
INCLUDES QUILTING TIPS
368 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published October 6, 2015
91 people are currently reading
585 people want to read
About the author
Isabella Alan
7 books330 followersIsabella Alan is the pseudonym for Amanda Flower, an Agatha-nominated mystery author, started her writing career in elementary school when she read a story she wrote to her sixth grade class and had the class in stitches with her description of being stuck on the top of a Ferris wheel. She knew at that moment she’d found her calling of making people laugh with her words. Her debut mystery, Maid of Murder, was an Agatha Award Nominee for Best First Novel. Amanda is an academic librarian for a small college near Cleveland.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 144 reviews
January 16, 2016
Dollycas’s Thoughts
I have loved this series from the very beginning. Murder, Plainly Read is an excellent addition.
Angie is involved in not only the Rolling Brook library’s annual book sale but the grand opening of The Miller’s Amish Pie factory’s as well. She also needs to run her own quilt shop. Thankfully she has good help there because when Bartholomew Beiler is found dead in the bookmobile and Austina Shaker, the bookmobile librarian, is charged with his murder she has to add FIND THE REAL MURDERER to her long list of Things To Do!
Because Angie’s aunt married an Amish man she is a little more accepted in the Amish community than most Englischers. Not by all but many of them welcome her into their homes and businesses. Bartholomew Beiler is the bishop for an Old Order Amish sect and they are not as open or welcoming even when Angie explains that she is trying to help them. These characters are so well written and so real. It is so interesting getting to know all of them. I enjoyed the new characters and my favorites were all back too, including a certain goat that has stolen my heart.
Angie jumps into solving the mystery with both feet and we get to tag along right with her. She does raise my blood pressure when she follows the clues and puts herself and her bulldog Oliver in peril. The author has stitched together quite a mystery. She not only keeps the reader guessing until the final reveal but has us in stitches with some delightful humor too.
I read this book at in one sitting. The was no way I could put it down. Now I am excited for Murder, Handcrafted coming this summer.
I have loved this series from the very beginning. Murder, Plainly Read is an excellent addition.
Angie is involved in not only the Rolling Brook library’s annual book sale but the grand opening of The Miller’s Amish Pie factory’s as well. She also needs to run her own quilt shop. Thankfully she has good help there because when Bartholomew Beiler is found dead in the bookmobile and Austina Shaker, the bookmobile librarian, is charged with his murder she has to add FIND THE REAL MURDERER to her long list of Things To Do!
Because Angie’s aunt married an Amish man she is a little more accepted in the Amish community than most Englischers. Not by all but many of them welcome her into their homes and businesses. Bartholomew Beiler is the bishop for an Old Order Amish sect and they are not as open or welcoming even when Angie explains that she is trying to help them. These characters are so well written and so real. It is so interesting getting to know all of them. I enjoyed the new characters and my favorites were all back too, including a certain goat that has stolen my heart.
Angie jumps into solving the mystery with both feet and we get to tag along right with her. She does raise my blood pressure when she follows the clues and puts herself and her bulldog Oliver in peril. The author has stitched together quite a mystery. She not only keeps the reader guessing until the final reveal but has us in stitches with some delightful humor too.
I read this book at in one sitting. The was no way I could put it down. Now I am excited for Murder, Handcrafted coming this summer.
September 23, 2015
I received a copy of this book and was asked to review it:
“I’m not in the murder business!” Angie Braddock firmly proclaims. But her actions say otherwise. This fourth in the Amish Quilt Shop Mystery series by Isabella Alan has Angie openly investigating Holmes County, Ohio’s latest murder, much to the discomfort of her boyfriend the Sheriff and much of the local Amish community. In her “Mission Impossible face: she butts in to everyone’s private lives, leaves her shop duties in the capable hands of her assistant and basically ignores everyone’s concerns about her safety. And solves the mystery, of course.
But this is not your typical cozy mystery. The settings, pets and characters add a warm, interesting atmosphere not found in many such series. Set in Amish country in Ohio the book has a rural, engaging feel. Many of the characters are Amish of different sects who interact within the community in matters of business, friendship and family. This is not the picture I had of the Amish community and I really liked to see a setting where most who live there, regardless of lifestyle choices, actually act like a community and are warm, good folks.
Despite not having read the first books in this series, I did not feel like I was missing any necessary information. The back story is nicely woven in and the reader is quickly up to speed. Now to get hold of the earlier books and the author’s other series under the name of Amanda Flower!
“I’m not in the murder business!” Angie Braddock firmly proclaims. But her actions say otherwise. This fourth in the Amish Quilt Shop Mystery series by Isabella Alan has Angie openly investigating Holmes County, Ohio’s latest murder, much to the discomfort of her boyfriend the Sheriff and much of the local Amish community. In her “Mission Impossible face: she butts in to everyone’s private lives, leaves her shop duties in the capable hands of her assistant and basically ignores everyone’s concerns about her safety. And solves the mystery, of course.
But this is not your typical cozy mystery. The settings, pets and characters add a warm, interesting atmosphere not found in many such series. Set in Amish country in Ohio the book has a rural, engaging feel. Many of the characters are Amish of different sects who interact within the community in matters of business, friendship and family. This is not the picture I had of the Amish community and I really liked to see a setting where most who live there, regardless of lifestyle choices, actually act like a community and are warm, good folks.
Despite not having read the first books in this series, I did not feel like I was missing any necessary information. The back story is nicely woven in and the reader is quickly up to speed. Now to get hold of the earlier books and the author’s other series under the name of Amanda Flower!
September 26, 2015
**I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.**
After I learned I would be receiving this book, I made a point to listen to the audiobooks of the first three in the series so that I would be completely up to date. As an Ohioan who enjoys visits to Holmes County, and who also encounters Amish in her home county of Gallia County these days as well, I felt an instant affection for this series. The author, also a resident of Ohio, did not disappoint.
The characters, both English and Amish, are very well-developed throughout the series. I enjoy the relationship between Angie and James, and am a big fan of James' son, Zander. Anna and Mattie are my two favorite Amish characters.
There are also several animals who play a major part in the stories: Angie's pets Oliver and Dodger, James' dog Tux, and Petunia the Nubian goat (who has a habit of headbutting Angie, which leads to some embarrassingly humorous situations).
The mystery of the murdered Amish bishop kept me guessing all the way through the book. I was totally surprised when the murderer was finally revealed.
I will be anxiously awaiting the next book in this series.
After I learned I would be receiving this book, I made a point to listen to the audiobooks of the first three in the series so that I would be completely up to date. As an Ohioan who enjoys visits to Holmes County, and who also encounters Amish in her home county of Gallia County these days as well, I felt an instant affection for this series. The author, also a resident of Ohio, did not disappoint.
The characters, both English and Amish, are very well-developed throughout the series. I enjoy the relationship between Angie and James, and am a big fan of James' son, Zander. Anna and Mattie are my two favorite Amish characters.
There are also several animals who play a major part in the stories: Angie's pets Oliver and Dodger, James' dog Tux, and Petunia the Nubian goat (who has a habit of headbutting Angie, which leads to some embarrassingly humorous situations).
The mystery of the murdered Amish bishop kept me guessing all the way through the book. I was totally surprised when the murderer was finally revealed.
I will be anxiously awaiting the next book in this series.
August 15, 2016
There is very good reason why books such as this are called “cozy”. Nothing is more satisfying than to curl up with a well-written, entertaining book. And, this one does not disappoint.
Angie moved to Holmes County-the rural Amish area of Ohio- where she runs Running Stitch, the quilt shop that she inherited from her Aunt. While delivering a quilt to the local librarian that runs the bookmobile Austina Shaker ropes Angie into helping to organize the annual library book sale. However, the book sale is in jeopardy when the body of a local bishop is found inside the bookmobile with Austina standing over the body. With her trusted French Bulldog, Oliver, by her side Angie sets out to find out the truth about what really happened. With some help from her friends, and to the chagrin of her boyfriend Sherriff, Mitchell, Angie digs thru the complexities of the Amish lifestyle to uncover secrets.
The storyline of the book is well written. The characters come alive on the pages and you feel as if you could bump into them around any corner in your own town. And, the twists and turns of the plot will keep you guessing until the very end. I highly recommend this book, and the entire series, to anyone!
Angie moved to Holmes County-the rural Amish area of Ohio- where she runs Running Stitch, the quilt shop that she inherited from her Aunt. While delivering a quilt to the local librarian that runs the bookmobile Austina Shaker ropes Angie into helping to organize the annual library book sale. However, the book sale is in jeopardy when the body of a local bishop is found inside the bookmobile with Austina standing over the body. With her trusted French Bulldog, Oliver, by her side Angie sets out to find out the truth about what really happened. With some help from her friends, and to the chagrin of her boyfriend Sherriff, Mitchell, Angie digs thru the complexities of the Amish lifestyle to uncover secrets.
The storyline of the book is well written. The characters come alive on the pages and you feel as if you could bump into them around any corner in your own town. And, the twists and turns of the plot will keep you guessing until the very end. I highly recommend this book, and the entire series, to anyone!
July 29, 2021
I am really enjoying this cozy mystery series.
October 8, 2015
I was chosen to review this book by Isabella Alan. I thoroughly enjoyed the informational background about the Amish community and how close the members of the community can be with few exceptions. There were many twists and kept me turning the pages to find out what happened next and what Angie gets herself into this time. I am a avid reader and I love reading books about book-related stories! The pets were probably another favorite part. I live how she takes her dog with her everywhere who's two close friends are a goat and a cat. An odd couple but they get along together.
April 6, 2018
I don't read Amish books, haven't picked one up in decades. So when I needed the dreaded letter "I" for a GR challenge and this book popped up as available on OverDrive I was going to skip it. Except the cover made me look at the description, and the description had a quilt shop and bookmobile, so I decided to give it a try. I'm glad I did. The MC is not Amish, but she owns a quilt shop in a part of Ohio where many of them live, and her best friend is. So you get some of both worlds. I actually thought this book did a decent job of not stereotyping the Amish, too. So it gets points there.
As for the mystery, it was interesting and there were several possible culprits. One of my complaints with cozies these days is that either there isn't enough plot, and you read chapter after chapter about the detective's job and personal life, or there's too much going on and the story becomes a mess. Neither thing happened here. With the murder, opening of a pie factory, library book sale and personal problems for a few characters I thought the plot moved well but always made sense.
I should point out that this is #4 in the series and I've not read any of the earlier books. That was only a problem in that I had trouble keeping track of who characters were related or married to. (I did have one small gripe. On one page we had Angie, also called Angelina on that page, talking with Anna, about Austina and Deputy Anderson. There are other letters in the alphabet besides "A", you know.) I enjoyed this enough that I'll probably read more of this series, and can recommend it even to other readers who, like me, normally avoid Amish fiction.
As for the mystery, it was interesting and there were several possible culprits. One of my complaints with cozies these days is that either there isn't enough plot, and you read chapter after chapter about the detective's job and personal life, or there's too much going on and the story becomes a mess. Neither thing happened here. With the murder, opening of a pie factory, library book sale and personal problems for a few characters I thought the plot moved well but always made sense.
I should point out that this is #4 in the series and I've not read any of the earlier books. That was only a problem in that I had trouble keeping track of who characters were related or married to. (I did have one small gripe. On one page we had Angie, also called Angelina on that page, talking with Anna, about Austina and Deputy Anderson. There are other letters in the alphabet besides "A", you know.) I enjoyed this enough that I'll probably read more of this series, and can recommend it even to other readers who, like me, normally avoid Amish fiction.
January 28, 2020
It's been nearly a year since the last murder in Rolling Brook and Angie has been busy with her quilt shop and her role as a town trustee. Life is perfect until she discovers the body of unpopular Bartholomew Belier, an Old Order Amish bishop, in the Bookmobile. Wasn't it just yesterday that Angie witnessed an argument between Beiler and librarian Austina? Angie decides to employ the help of her quilting circle to prove Austina’s innocence.
I don't often read cozy mysteries but admit I do enjoy this series, especially the adorable antics of Angie's French Bulldog, Oliver. I like the dynamics between Angie and her cast of supporting characters. Each story has been very different, which also makes the series fun to read.
TBR 796
I don't often read cozy mysteries but admit I do enjoy this series, especially the adorable antics of Angie's French Bulldog, Oliver. I like the dynamics between Angie and her cast of supporting characters. Each story has been very different, which also makes the series fun to read.
TBR 796
October 18, 2020
3.5 stars
love that everyone just assumes Angie will solve the murder.
and of course, the deputy, her boyfriend has no choice but to go along with that as well.
I do like how this writer gives the pets in her books quirks to make them significant characters too.
good story, characters.
i've been doing this one on audio & the narrator does a good job making the story entertaining.
love that everyone just assumes Angie will solve the murder.
and of course, the deputy, her boyfriend has no choice but to go along with that as well.
I do like how this writer gives the pets in her books quirks to make them significant characters too.
good story, characters.
i've been doing this one on audio & the narrator does a good job making the story entertaining.
May 23, 2022
Angie is busy in her shop and spending time with Mitchell her new boyfriend. Then her and her mother get involved in the annual book sale in Rolling Brook. A body is found dead as her and her mom enter the meeting for the book sale. Austina the owner of the bookmobile is there looking the body as Angie appears.......Looks bad for Austin since the man who is dead was well known for being against the library and reading.
October 5, 2015
Who knew a murder mystery could be so fun? Isabella Alan writes a story that at the same time is hilarious and keeps you wondering who the murderer is. I don't think I have ever laughed so much while reading a book.
Although I haven't read the three previous books in the series, I didn't have any trouble getting to know the characters. They are well developed and have their own quirky personalities. My favorite characters have to be Oliver, the French bulldog, and Petunia, the goat. These two had me in stitches with their antics. I also enjoyed the sometimes awkward relationship between Angie and her mother.
The story moves at nice, steady pace giving the reader time to get to know the characters and the situations they find themselves in. There is never a chance to be bored though as there is alway something going on. I really enjoyed the fact this was a light, fun book even though it was a murder mystery. Never have I been so entertained!
This book has made me an Isabella Alan fan and I will be reading the first three books in this series. I will be anxiously awaiting more books from her as I love her humor, wit, and writing style. If you are looking for a fun read, look no further than Murder, Plainly Read!
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion which I have given.
Although I haven't read the three previous books in the series, I didn't have any trouble getting to know the characters. They are well developed and have their own quirky personalities. My favorite characters have to be Oliver, the French bulldog, and Petunia, the goat. These two had me in stitches with their antics. I also enjoyed the sometimes awkward relationship between Angie and her mother.
The story moves at nice, steady pace giving the reader time to get to know the characters and the situations they find themselves in. There is never a chance to be bored though as there is alway something going on. I really enjoyed the fact this was a light, fun book even though it was a murder mystery. Never have I been so entertained!
This book has made me an Isabella Alan fan and I will be reading the first three books in this series. I will be anxiously awaiting more books from her as I love her humor, wit, and writing style. If you are looking for a fun read, look no further than Murder, Plainly Read!
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion which I have given.
December 19, 2015
I am so glad I stumbled across this series. This series has quickly become one of my favorites. This book has great flow. The story was great, I just felt the it had a smidgen of less action than the other books did. Still an enjoyable story though. Can't wait for the next installment.
June 20, 2019
Good mystery! I didn't have it figured out at all. Not much of this story takes place in the quilt shop this time. Angie was too busy solving the mystery of who killed someone on the bookmobile and organizing a library book sale.
March 12, 2022
I have really enjoyed this series and am looking forward to the next one.
Angie's busy with her quilt shop, her romance with Sheriff Mitchell, and her parents who have moved back to Rolling Brook for the warmer months of the year. However, Angie manages to get herself roped into doing the local library book sale with Austina Shaker, the bookmobile librarian. An Old Order Bishop has a confrontation with Austina at the bookmobile that Angie is witness to. He is later found dead inside the bookmobile by Angie and her Mother. Austina is also inside the bookmobile with the Bishop and is later charged with his murder. Angie, along with members of her quilting circle, set out to solve the murder and prove Austina's innocence. Angie discovers that there are a number of other potential suspects that will keep you guessing till the very end.
Once again Oliver, Dodger, and Petunia have their roles to play and will make you laugh at their antics. Now, onto the next book.
Angie's busy with her quilt shop, her romance with Sheriff Mitchell, and her parents who have moved back to Rolling Brook for the warmer months of the year. However, Angie manages to get herself roped into doing the local library book sale with Austina Shaker, the bookmobile librarian. An Old Order Bishop has a confrontation with Austina at the bookmobile that Angie is witness to. He is later found dead inside the bookmobile by Angie and her Mother. Austina is also inside the bookmobile with the Bishop and is later charged with his murder. Angie, along with members of her quilting circle, set out to solve the murder and prove Austina's innocence. Angie discovers that there are a number of other potential suspects that will keep you guessing till the very end.
Once again Oliver, Dodger, and Petunia have their roles to play and will make you laugh at their antics. Now, onto the next book.
November 9, 2021
I've been a fan of this series since book 1 and this one didn't disappoint. Between dealing with her mom, dealing with the pushy bookmobile librarian and dealing with the even pushier tea shop owner, Angie has her hands full. And then there's that dead bishop... The story twisted and turned through more possible suspects that my mind could wrap around, and I loved it. Oliver is still my favorite character, but I look forward to visiting all of them in the next installment.
July 10, 2020
A cozy mystery set in Ohio in an area with a large number of Amish residents. The main character is Angie who owns and runs a quilt shop but usually can be found investigating when something bad occurs especially to a friend of hers. Also her parents have moved back to area and Angie's mother is trying to run Angie's life. The book was a quick easy read.
August 26, 2021
This is a very enjoyable series. Really....a cat, a couple of dogs, quilts, books and a meddling mother....how could it be better?
May 5, 2021
I loved Angies parents. Especially her dad who adored Oliver. I loved Oliver’s and Dodgers relationship that they have with each other. I love the quilting circle that comes to the Running shop.
January 3, 2016
Murder, Plainly Read by Isabella Alan
#4 Amish Quilt Shop Mystery
ISBN: 978-0-451-47502-2
Obsidian, 2015
Angie Braddock is one busy lady. Besides running her quilt shop, she is asked to run the library’s book sale by the bookmobile librarian, Austina Shaker. Austina is the sort of person who is hard to say no to, so reluctantly, Angie agrees. Her mother volunteers to help with the sale and although Angie is leery of her mom’s tendency to overdo everything she’s involved with, she can see that her mom’s energy will be helpful. However, when the two show up for an early morning meeting with Austina at the bookmobile, they find Austina and the very dead body of Bishop Belier, an old order, hard line bishop who didn’t much like his district’s members reading books. In fact, just the day before Angie had witnessed an argument between the bishop and Austina over the bookmobile’s stop at the Amish school in Belier’s district. That argument puts Austina at the top of the sheriff’s list of suspects and places Angie in the middle between her boyfriend the sheriff and her friend the librarian. Angie is soon snooping around the Amish community trying to find others who might have wished the Bishop dead.
This is the fourth book in the series. I have only read one of the previous book, but had no problem at all picking this book up and falling in with the characters and the community. Angie Braddock is a very likable protagonist. Her parents spend half of each year in Ohio with her and they help give Angie’s character some depth. Obviously, the Amish community figures heavily in the series’ plots. The author does a good job of giving readers insights into the Amish without it being an information “dump.” In this book, Alan gives readers a feel for the various divisions within the Amish based on what modern conveniences they are allowed to use and how they dress. She does this with passing comments on characters as they enter the scene.
Murder, Plainly Read as well as the rest of the series would appeal to readers who prefer their books to be pretty much sex and violence free. Yes there is a murder but as readers we don’t experience the violence first hand. There is no foul language in the book. The protagonist has a stay at home cat and a French Bulldog who goes with Angie most places making this book appealing for those readers who want animals in their books. I was particularly drawn to this book because it involved a bookmobile. The bookmobile element should appeal to people who are fans of library mysteries. While the series is set against a quilt shop and there is a craft in the back of the book, I would say that this particular book in the series is not really a craft or quilting mystery. There are no recipes and food plays a very minor role.
Readers who enjoy books set in Amish Country such as the Laura Bradford’s series or the Linda Castillo Kate Burkholder books might want to give this series a try. This series is very similar in tone and set up to the Bradford series. This series differs from the Castillo books by having an amateur sleuth instead of a sheriff as the protagonist and is much gentler than the Castillo books, but the similarities in the portrayal of the Amish communities is quite similar.
I was given a couple of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review.
#4 Amish Quilt Shop Mystery
ISBN: 978-0-451-47502-2
Obsidian, 2015
Angie Braddock is one busy lady. Besides running her quilt shop, she is asked to run the library’s book sale by the bookmobile librarian, Austina Shaker. Austina is the sort of person who is hard to say no to, so reluctantly, Angie agrees. Her mother volunteers to help with the sale and although Angie is leery of her mom’s tendency to overdo everything she’s involved with, she can see that her mom’s energy will be helpful. However, when the two show up for an early morning meeting with Austina at the bookmobile, they find Austina and the very dead body of Bishop Belier, an old order, hard line bishop who didn’t much like his district’s members reading books. In fact, just the day before Angie had witnessed an argument between the bishop and Austina over the bookmobile’s stop at the Amish school in Belier’s district. That argument puts Austina at the top of the sheriff’s list of suspects and places Angie in the middle between her boyfriend the sheriff and her friend the librarian. Angie is soon snooping around the Amish community trying to find others who might have wished the Bishop dead.
This is the fourth book in the series. I have only read one of the previous book, but had no problem at all picking this book up and falling in with the characters and the community. Angie Braddock is a very likable protagonist. Her parents spend half of each year in Ohio with her and they help give Angie’s character some depth. Obviously, the Amish community figures heavily in the series’ plots. The author does a good job of giving readers insights into the Amish without it being an information “dump.” In this book, Alan gives readers a feel for the various divisions within the Amish based on what modern conveniences they are allowed to use and how they dress. She does this with passing comments on characters as they enter the scene.
Murder, Plainly Read as well as the rest of the series would appeal to readers who prefer their books to be pretty much sex and violence free. Yes there is a murder but as readers we don’t experience the violence first hand. There is no foul language in the book. The protagonist has a stay at home cat and a French Bulldog who goes with Angie most places making this book appealing for those readers who want animals in their books. I was particularly drawn to this book because it involved a bookmobile. The bookmobile element should appeal to people who are fans of library mysteries. While the series is set against a quilt shop and there is a craft in the back of the book, I would say that this particular book in the series is not really a craft or quilting mystery. There are no recipes and food plays a very minor role.
Readers who enjoy books set in Amish Country such as the Laura Bradford’s series or the Linda Castillo Kate Burkholder books might want to give this series a try. This series is very similar in tone and set up to the Bradford series. This series differs from the Castillo books by having an amateur sleuth instead of a sheriff as the protagonist and is much gentler than the Castillo books, but the similarities in the portrayal of the Amish communities is quite similar.
I was given a couple of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review.
June 11, 2016
Murder, Plainly Read by Isabella Alan is the fourth book in the Amish Quilt Shop Mystery series. Angela Braddock is the owner of Running Stitch, the quilt shop in Rolling Brook, Ohio that she inherited from her Amish aunt. Although an Englischer, Angie did grow up in Rolling Brook and has deep respect for and ties to the community, and many friends there. However, she also has the misfortune of getting involved in murders with a nose for solving them. Her boyfriend is the local Sheriff and not too pleased with her involvement – read meddling – and the danger she gets herself into. But she is loyal and caring when it comes to her friends and wants to see justice done, so keeping her nose out of things is not an option. She inevitably dives right in.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review, and it was the first one in the series I have read. I was able to pick right up with the characters and setting, but I would like to go back to the beginning to see Angie’s return to Rolling Brook and learn more about the fascinating characters that surround her, including her faithful French bulldog Oliver and Petunia the goat. I’d also like to know more about Angie’s mother. She is pretty overbearing and controlling and I am hoping Mother may be put in her place in the future.
Angie is busy enough with her quilt shop and her job as a town trustee, but she agrees to help with an upcoming book sale. Once murder happens she not only has to manage the book sale but solve the murder. Be ready for the local bookmobile to play quite a role in the story.
Murder, Plainly Read was an enjoyable read. In addition to the solid mystery that I wasn’t able to solve too early and the fascinating, funny cast of characters, the interaction between the Amish and the Englischers was very interesting and enlightening. Their encounters are sometimes friendly, sometimes not so much, and it was fun to glimpse another way of life that may seem much simpler on the surface but has the same issues and problems with relationships and life in general we all have.
If you want a good, cozy read with humor and an intriguing mystery, Murder, Plainly Read is for you.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review, and it was the first one in the series I have read. I was able to pick right up with the characters and setting, but I would like to go back to the beginning to see Angie’s return to Rolling Brook and learn more about the fascinating characters that surround her, including her faithful French bulldog Oliver and Petunia the goat. I’d also like to know more about Angie’s mother. She is pretty overbearing and controlling and I am hoping Mother may be put in her place in the future.
Angie is busy enough with her quilt shop and her job as a town trustee, but she agrees to help with an upcoming book sale. Once murder happens she not only has to manage the book sale but solve the murder. Be ready for the local bookmobile to play quite a role in the story.
Murder, Plainly Read was an enjoyable read. In addition to the solid mystery that I wasn’t able to solve too early and the fascinating, funny cast of characters, the interaction between the Amish and the Englischers was very interesting and enlightening. Their encounters are sometimes friendly, sometimes not so much, and it was fun to glimpse another way of life that may seem much simpler on the surface but has the same issues and problems with relationships and life in general we all have.
If you want a good, cozy read with humor and an intriguing mystery, Murder, Plainly Read is for you.
October 6, 2015
I enjoyed this book. It's very nice and cozy, just as a quilt shop should be. Good and clean (no bad language). First-person narrative.
Angie is a likable character and so are her two pets, a French bulldog, Oliver, and a cat named Dodger. Oliver accompanies her about town in her sleuthing. Petunia the goat also makes a few appearances in the book and his new owner intends to use her as part of his lawn mowing service! If you enjoy animal or book-themed cozies, you may want to try this one.
There's some humor in the book. There are also some angry Amish suspects, mainly from the old, more conservative order. Then again, suspects do get angry when they're questioned by amateur sleuths. Angie's mother is trying, but she's one of those people who needs to be kept busy so she can feel useful. Willow was also bossy regarding the book sale. She's the owner of the tea shop but her brews taste terrible.
I won't recap the whole plot, as many other reviewers have already done so, but an Amish bishop was murdered in the bookmobile. He was against his people reading books, especially from the library. I enjoyed the book sale and bookmobile themes.
I read another book in this series and intend to read others. I'm not normally into Amish books, but this cozy mystery suits me. It's also set in the state that I live in. The author also writes books under her real name, Amanda Flower.
There was a mistake on the back cover listing the murder victim's name as Belier, when in fact it's Beiler.
The print is a good size and usually the Obsidian books have larger print than the Berkley Prime Crime ones.
I received a copy to review in exchange for my honest opinion.
Angie is a likable character and so are her two pets, a French bulldog, Oliver, and a cat named Dodger. Oliver accompanies her about town in her sleuthing. Petunia the goat also makes a few appearances in the book and his new owner intends to use her as part of his lawn mowing service! If you enjoy animal or book-themed cozies, you may want to try this one.
There's some humor in the book. There are also some angry Amish suspects, mainly from the old, more conservative order. Then again, suspects do get angry when they're questioned by amateur sleuths. Angie's mother is trying, but she's one of those people who needs to be kept busy so she can feel useful. Willow was also bossy regarding the book sale. She's the owner of the tea shop but her brews taste terrible.
I won't recap the whole plot, as many other reviewers have already done so, but an Amish bishop was murdered in the bookmobile. He was against his people reading books, especially from the library. I enjoyed the book sale and bookmobile themes.
I read another book in this series and intend to read others. I'm not normally into Amish books, but this cozy mystery suits me. It's also set in the state that I live in. The author also writes books under her real name, Amanda Flower.
There was a mistake on the back cover listing the murder victim's name as Belier, when in fact it's Beiler.
The print is a good size and usually the Obsidian books have larger print than the Berkley Prime Crime ones.
I received a copy to review in exchange for my honest opinion.
November 29, 2015
Murder Plainly Read
Isabella Alan
Angie Braddock is back with her faithful companion Oliver, her French bulldog. Angie goes with her Amish friend Rachel Miller to deliver a quilt to Austina Shaker, the Rolling Brook bookmobile librarian. She witnesses a confrontation between Austina and Bartholemew Belier, an Old Order Amish bishop. It seems as if the Bishop is blaming Austina for distributing unfit literature to his sect. His threat to ruin Austina is sadly witnessed. The Rolling Brook Library’s annual book sale is approaching as well as the grand opening of the Miller Pie Factory and Angie Braddock has agreed to be involved with both of them. It was agreed that Angie’s mother would assist with the book sale so Angie could be available for both events. However prior to either event, the body of Bishop Belier is found dead inside the bookmobile. Austina Shaker is accused of killing him and arrested, but Angie doesn’t believe she could possibly do it. So Angie along with help of her quilting circle look for clues to who may have done the Bishop in. As always Angie is caught between her desire to solve the dirty deed and yet following her boyfriend, Chief Mitchell’s orders. Will she get the answer as to who is guilty and still keep her Chief Mitchell her steady?
Isabella Alan
Angie Braddock is back with her faithful companion Oliver, her French bulldog. Angie goes with her Amish friend Rachel Miller to deliver a quilt to Austina Shaker, the Rolling Brook bookmobile librarian. She witnesses a confrontation between Austina and Bartholemew Belier, an Old Order Amish bishop. It seems as if the Bishop is blaming Austina for distributing unfit literature to his sect. His threat to ruin Austina is sadly witnessed. The Rolling Brook Library’s annual book sale is approaching as well as the grand opening of the Miller Pie Factory and Angie Braddock has agreed to be involved with both of them. It was agreed that Angie’s mother would assist with the book sale so Angie could be available for both events. However prior to either event, the body of Bishop Belier is found dead inside the bookmobile. Austina Shaker is accused of killing him and arrested, but Angie doesn’t believe she could possibly do it. So Angie along with help of her quilting circle look for clues to who may have done the Bishop in. As always Angie is caught between her desire to solve the dirty deed and yet following her boyfriend, Chief Mitchell’s orders. Will she get the answer as to who is guilty and still keep her Chief Mitchell her steady?
June 18, 2016
Another cozy mystery series. Really? Librarians, chefs, quilters, etc, are better at solving crimes than trained professionals? I do enjoy cozy mysteries; I read them by the boatload. But this series is becoming predictable. The victim is always Amish, the killer is always Amish. If I were the Amish living around Rolling Brook, OH, I'd get out of town.
Angie owns an Amish quilt shop, but she never seems to work there. At least Hannah Swensen spends lots of time at The Cookie Jar. Same with Betsy Devonshire's Crewel World.
The author, the editor and/or the proofreader all seemed be asleep on this book. In Chapter 26, it is stated "There was no door between the living room and the large eat-in kitchen." But just a few pages later in Chapter 27, "Jonah and I went into the living room, and I shut the kitchen door after us." Please - be consistent!
Then in Chapter 33, "Willow raised her hand into the air. Willow, Jason, and I thew our hands up as well." Sloppy.
I've read better series, and this one is getting sloppy and predictable.
Angie owns an Amish quilt shop, but she never seems to work there. At least Hannah Swensen spends lots of time at The Cookie Jar. Same with Betsy Devonshire's Crewel World.
The author, the editor and/or the proofreader all seemed be asleep on this book. In Chapter 26, it is stated "There was no door between the living room and the large eat-in kitchen." But just a few pages later in Chapter 27, "Jonah and I went into the living room, and I shut the kitchen door after us." Please - be consistent!
Then in Chapter 33, "Willow raised her hand into the air. Willow, Jason, and I thew our hands up as well." Sloppy.
I've read better series, and this one is getting sloppy and predictable.
October 1, 2015
MURDER, PLAINLY READ is an excellent addition in the Amish Quilt Shop Mystery series. A truly enjoyable, clever story.
Author Isabella Alan has done a great job of creating a fictional community that reads would want to visit or even live in, and characters you would like to call friends.
This installment of the series flowed at a wonderful pace. Each page more enjoyable than the next. With a strong, developed plot, the writing was tight and on point. I was searching for answers right alongside of protagonist Angie Braddock. I won’t speak for Angie, but the reveal of the killer took me completely by surprise. Very well done.
You don’t have to know how to sew or quilt to enjoy this book, though quilters will no doubt really enjoy it.
Make sure to check out the back of the book for instructions on making an Amish quilted pumpkin, and for an excerpt of CRIME AND POETRY from the Magical Bookshop Mystery series by Isabella Alan, writing as Amanda Flower.
October 7, 2015
This book grabbed my attention from the time I picked it up till I put it down. It is a very easy and fast read as it is so action packed that it kept me on the edge of my seat and turning the pages. This one kept me guessing. There were so many suspects with so many motives that I had no idea who the killer was till the very end. This book was well written with just enough about the Amish to be interesting but not overwhelming. The antics of Angie's Frenchie, Oliver will had me laughing out loud, so did Petunia the goat. This was my second trip to Rolling Brook and it definitely won't be my last. If you are looking for an engrossing, edge of your seat, well written book, then this is the book for you. This is also the book for you if you are an animal lover, there are many great animals in this book who make the story interesting.
I received a complimentary copy of this book for my honest review.
I received a complimentary copy of this book for my honest review.
March 14, 2016
Best lines in the book:
"But surely Austina wouldn't kill anyone over books."
He frowned. "She's a librarian -- who knows what she is capable of?"
Bwahahaha! Gotta love the library humour. :-)
It's been nearly a year since the last murder in Rolling Brook and Angie has settled into a predictable routine. She's plenty busy with her quilt shop and her gig as a town trustee all while trying to carve out some quality time with her Sheriff boyfriend. Life is pretty close to perfect until she discovers another body. This time Angie swears she is going to let the police handle the investigation -- until friends, both English and Amish egg her on. And, true to form, Angie's hot on the trail with her quirky side kick Oliver, the French Bulldog not to mention the astute advice of her Amish sewing circle friends. Mystery and mayhem ensue to this armchair sleuth's unbridled delight.
"But surely Austina wouldn't kill anyone over books."
He frowned. "She's a librarian -- who knows what she is capable of?"
Bwahahaha! Gotta love the library humour. :-)
It's been nearly a year since the last murder in Rolling Brook and Angie has settled into a predictable routine. She's plenty busy with her quilt shop and her gig as a town trustee all while trying to carve out some quality time with her Sheriff boyfriend. Life is pretty close to perfect until she discovers another body. This time Angie swears she is going to let the police handle the investigation -- until friends, both English and Amish egg her on. And, true to form, Angie's hot on the trail with her quirky side kick Oliver, the French Bulldog not to mention the astute advice of her Amish sewing circle friends. Mystery and mayhem ensue to this armchair sleuth's unbridled delight.
September 27, 2015
Murder, Plainly Read is the fourth in the Amish Quilt Shop mysteries by Isabella Alan. This is the first book I've read of the series and look forward,to starting the series from the beginning! Alan creates believable, original characters and writes a great cozy mystery that has good twists and turns. Great descriptions and I wish I knew how to quilt so I could make the project described in the book and has some instruction at the end. Altogether a very satisfying read with the perfect blend of romance, murder, and suspense.
*** Disclaimer, I won the book through an author contest for an honest review of the book.
*** Disclaimer, I won the book through an author contest for an honest review of the book.
February 27, 2016
I like this particular quilting 'Amish' series as it doesn't center around the Amish or their beliefs and rarely mentions God. It gently wraps the mystery in a community who "happen" to have Amish living there.
With so much to do between running her shop and spending time with her new boyfriend, it’s amazing Angie is able to help organize the Rolling Brook library's annual book sale. Luckily she’s working alongside brash librarian Austina Shaker, a lady who isn’t afraid to make waves to get books to her patrons—even the Amish. Unfortunately, this draws the ire of cranky Bartholomew Belier, an Old Order Amish bishop, who publicly vows to ruin Austina.
With so much to do between running her shop and spending time with her new boyfriend, it’s amazing Angie is able to help organize the Rolling Brook library's annual book sale. Luckily she’s working alongside brash librarian Austina Shaker, a lady who isn’t afraid to make waves to get books to her patrons—even the Amish. Unfortunately, this draws the ire of cranky Bartholomew Belier, an Old Order Amish bishop, who publicly vows to ruin Austina.
September 30, 2015
This is such an enjoyable book! This is the first book in the Amish Quilt Shop series that I've read and it won't be my last. Isabella Allan does a superb job of painting a picture of life in the quaint Amish community. I enjoyed the characters and learning about the different ways of Amish life. A few of the animals in the story make for some pretty funny scenes as well. Ilook forward to reading more of this series
I received an advanced reader's copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. !
I received an advanced reader's copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. !
October 21, 2015
I really struggled with this book. Normally I enjoy Isabella Alan's stories, but not this time. I felt the bookmobile librarian was wrong. She should not have been in this bishop's district knowing how strict he was. I felt her lack of respect was beyond rude. Even if people from this district were asking her for books she should have respected this bishop's rules and turned them away. She was out of line.
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