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Amish Quilt Shop Mystery #2
Murder, Simply Stitched
Angie is finding her niche as the new owner of her late aunt's Amish quilt shop, Running Stitch. But as the summer is winding down, so is business. To bolster support for the shop, Angie decides to sell her quilts in the Rolling Brook Amish Auction, including some of her aunt's most prized works. The quilts promise to be a hit-but the gavel comes down on the lively event when Angie stumbles upon the body of township trustee Wanda Hunt behind a canning shed. The cause of death: a poisoned blueberry fry pie from Rachel Miller's bakery table. Now Angie's closest friend is a murder suspect. With Angie taking the lead, she and the other women of her aunt's quilting circle set out to patch together the clues and stop a killer set on shredding the simple peace of Rolling Brook.
Audio CD
First published June 1, 2014
174 people are currently reading
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About the author
Isabella Alan
7 books332 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 187 reviews
July 25, 2021
who's surprised?...I LOVED it!!
For my thoughts on this book and other cozy mysteries subscribe to my YouTube channel @:https://t.co/Jx58B4KNW5?amp=1
For my thoughts on this book and other cozy mysteries subscribe to my YouTube channel @:https://t.co/Jx58B4KNW5?amp=1
June 5, 2022
Murder Simply Stitched is book 2 of Amanda Flower/ Isabella Alan’s Amish Quilt Shop mysteries. I thought this was a cute Cozy and the Author sprinkled her own special humor through out the book and the ending had me chuckling out loud. I was once again completely wrong when I tried to figure out whodunit! It’s usually the last person you would suspect or someone you never even thought about. It definitely was entertaining and a page turner. The Characters were wonderful and added so much to the story. I thought the book was a great mix of Amish fiction and Cozy Mystery. I love the Author’s unique writing style whether she’s writing as Isabella Alan or Amanda Flower. This is the reason that I keep going back to this Author’s Cozy Mysteries again and again!
In this mystery one of the town trustees eats a fry pie that has nuts in it. Problem is that this trustee is highly allergic to nuts and quite conveniently her Epi pen is missing. Of course she dies and Angie finds her too late. Is it accidental or did someone deliberately put nuts in her blueberry fry pie? Who would do such a thing? Well since Angie’s Amish friend Rachel Miller gave the fry pie to the trustee she becomes the number one suspect. But whatever would her motive be? Seems Rachel’s husband invested in a piece of property on the outskirts of town. He wants to build a bake shop factory and the late trustee was against it and had convinced the other town trustees to side with her. Would this be a strong enough reason for Rachel and her husband Erin to want to kill the late trustee? Angie doesn’t believe this Amish couple would kill someone even if she stood in the way of seeing their dream come true. Angie must put on her snooping cap and get to the bottom of this mystery. Will she be able to prove that the Millers are innocent even though they had the motive to want to murder the trustee?
I recommend this book to readers of Cozy Mystery and fans of the author.
In this mystery one of the town trustees eats a fry pie that has nuts in it. Problem is that this trustee is highly allergic to nuts and quite conveniently her Epi pen is missing. Of course she dies and Angie finds her too late. Is it accidental or did someone deliberately put nuts in her blueberry fry pie? Who would do such a thing? Well since Angie’s Amish friend Rachel Miller gave the fry pie to the trustee she becomes the number one suspect. But whatever would her motive be? Seems Rachel’s husband invested in a piece of property on the outskirts of town. He wants to build a bake shop factory and the late trustee was against it and had convinced the other town trustees to side with her. Would this be a strong enough reason for Rachel and her husband Erin to want to kill the late trustee? Angie doesn’t believe this Amish couple would kill someone even if she stood in the way of seeing their dream come true. Angie must put on her snooping cap and get to the bottom of this mystery. Will she be able to prove that the Millers are innocent even though they had the motive to want to murder the trustee?
I recommend this book to readers of Cozy Mystery and fans of the author.
April 23, 2019
Follows cozy format but still fun.
August 5, 2016
Angie Bradock is at it again. There's another murder in Rolling Brook, and once again Angie is the one who stumbles across the body. She's an endearing busybody who just can't leave the investigations up to police, much to Sheriff Matthews chagrin.
My favorite character is back- Oliver, the timid, bird-phobic French bulldog. This time he adds two sidekicks: Dodger, "his" kitten and Petunia the Nubian goat. Their escapades kept me laughing. Adding to the mix, mischievous twin boys and a goth teen, provides wacky entertainment throughout the story.
With the gentle faith of the Amish, cozy mysteries seem to be a perfect fit for all the little Amish towns across America. The next book in this series is set at Christmastime and I can't wait to see how the Amish celebrate in Rolling Brook. Angie is expecting her parents for the holidays, and mom is bringing quite the surprise with them. Should be the makings of another funny and entertaining cozy mystery.
My favorite character is back- Oliver, the timid, bird-phobic French bulldog. This time he adds two sidekicks: Dodger, "his" kitten and Petunia the Nubian goat. Their escapades kept me laughing. Adding to the mix, mischievous twin boys and a goth teen, provides wacky entertainment throughout the story.
With the gentle faith of the Amish, cozy mysteries seem to be a perfect fit for all the little Amish towns across America. The next book in this series is set at Christmastime and I can't wait to see how the Amish celebrate in Rolling Brook. Angie is expecting her parents for the holidays, and mom is bringing quite the surprise with them. Should be the makings of another funny and entertaining cozy mystery.
May 14, 2021
Another fun cozy mystery... I'm looking forward to reading the rest of this series.
May 22, 2016
MURDER, SIMPLY STITCHED is the second book in Ms. Alan's Amish Quilt Mystery series. There are some references to the first book Murder, Plain and Simple, but I didn't find it necessary to have read the first book as it stands alone.
MURDER, SIMPLY STITCHED is written in first person, which might turn some readers off, but it didn't bother me. I enjoyed being "in Angie's head" as she tried to solve the mystery. Some of the events in the book are slap-stick comedy, some are just thrown in for shock value (I think) but it equaled a great book that I couldn't put down. I did have some suspicions who the "bad guy" was, but wasn't totally sure until it was revealed.
If you like cozy mysteries and Amish stories, you will love MURDER, SIMPLY STITCHED. A great book that I couldn't put down.
MURDER, SIMPLY STITCHED is written in first person, which might turn some readers off, but it didn't bother me. I enjoyed being "in Angie's head" as she tried to solve the mystery. Some of the events in the book are slap-stick comedy, some are just thrown in for shock value (I think) but it equaled a great book that I couldn't put down. I did have some suspicions who the "bad guy" was, but wasn't totally sure until it was revealed.
If you like cozy mysteries and Amish stories, you will love MURDER, SIMPLY STITCHED. A great book that I couldn't put down.
May 28, 2019
Angie is trying to make a success of her newly inherited quilt shop, and putting some quilts up for auction at the Amish market is hopefully a way to make money and promote her shop. But when her Amish friends become people of interest in a suspicious death, Angie is driven to find the truth and prove her friends innocent of the crime. Her shop almost takes a back seat to her desire to help. And yet she still manages to sell some quilts before she finds herself in hot water. This is a well-crafted tale, complete with a surprise ending, and with characters that are intriguing and interesting. Their developing relationships with each other promises to make future books in the series even more interesting.
August 4, 2019
This was surprisingly readable. I listened to it at 3 times normal speed, so that might have something to do with it. The low expectations I had about it might have something to do with it too. (I rated the first book 1 star). I don’t really buy these murderous small towns, but sometimes the characters make up for it. I didn’t connect to these in the first book, and we don’t get to know anyone much better in this one, but at least Angela is creeping up on me. I like the ornithophobic dog and the friendly goat also.
January 31, 2015
I liked this one, but not as much as the first one. Angie pulls stunts in this one that are absolutely unbelievable. Hard to think anyone could actually be that stupid about some of the things she does. Nevertheless, a good story dealing with the idea of how far you'd be willing to go to save someone you love.
August 11, 2022
This is the second book in the series, An Amish Quilt Shop Mystery. As I was reading it I couldn’t help but think of the TV series from many years ago starring Angela Lansbury called Murder She Wrote. Only, Angie is annoying. She pokes her nose everywhere asking way to many questions. Even though I find her annoying, she’s funny and a loyal friend.
When I purchased the series I thought it was an inspirational romance about the Amish. But it is not. It’s a cute story and clean, which I really appreciate. Just like people in Cabot Cove Maine that knew Jessica Fletcher, In these mysteries, people in the community die on a regular basis so I would say stay away from Rolling Brook, Ohio. It’s a matter of life or death.
When I purchased the series I thought it was an inspirational romance about the Amish. But it is not. It’s a cute story and clean, which I really appreciate. Just like people in Cabot Cove Maine that knew Jessica Fletcher, In these mysteries, people in the community die on a regular basis so I would say stay away from Rolling Brook, Ohio. It’s a matter of life or death.
August 20, 2022
Quilt shop, Amish, cozy town, fun characters, and a mystery – what’s not to love? I really like this series and am looking forward to reading book three.
February 25, 2022
Murder, Simply Stitched is the second book in the Amish Quilt Shop Mystery. I did not read book one but this book, in my opinion, gives enough background knowledge that it's not really necessary to go back and read it.
Angie has inherited her Aunt's quilt shop The Running Stitch and has been granted permission to enter some of her Aunt's quilts in an Amish auction. While taking her dog, Ollie, for a walk the day of the auction he leads her down an alley where at its end is a dead body. Her Amish friend Rachel is implicated for this death but Angie is determined to prove otherwise.
Angie's interaction with her dog Oliver and his fondness of Dodger the cat adds a bit of comedy to the book. Olive is also fond of the naughty goat, Petunia, who offers a mixture of fun to the storyline.
This was a good read with a surprised ending. I have already started the third bood.
Angie has inherited her Aunt's quilt shop The Running Stitch and has been granted permission to enter some of her Aunt's quilts in an Amish auction. While taking her dog, Ollie, for a walk the day of the auction he leads her down an alley where at its end is a dead body. Her Amish friend Rachel is implicated for this death but Angie is determined to prove otherwise.
Angie's interaction with her dog Oliver and his fondness of Dodger the cat adds a bit of comedy to the book. Olive is also fond of the naughty goat, Petunia, who offers a mixture of fun to the storyline.
This was a good read with a surprised ending. I have already started the third bood.
February 17, 2020
There are some things that Angie does that drive me batty, but overall it was a good story. I love the writing and Oliver the dog is quite cute, and I'm not a dog person at all.
September 26, 2025
This book is just as good as the last one but I was totally shocked at who the killer was. It makes sense but it still was hard to believe.
Isabella Alan really knows how to write about Amish and Holmes County. I have been there and spent quite a lot of time there, so to hear about Holmes County is quite exciting. I know most of this is made up but still I love the real bits.
I listened to this book on audio, I am listening to the entire series on audio however this installment the narrator did the sounds of the animals, which was adorable and cute. I just got a kitten, as did the MC and the narrator did the mews perfectly! At one point I thought it was my kitten meowing!
Isabella Alan really knows how to write about Amish and Holmes County. I have been there and spent quite a lot of time there, so to hear about Holmes County is quite exciting. I know most of this is made up but still I love the real bits.
I listened to this book on audio, I am listening to the entire series on audio however this installment the narrator did the sounds of the animals, which was adorable and cute. I just got a kitten, as did the MC and the narrator did the mews perfectly! At one point I thought it was my kitten meowing!
November 19, 2022
I had liked the first book in the series so much that I followed up with this one. Maybe it's just me, but while I think the author is a good writer, I'm finding this one a little too slow-paced. It drags just a bit. Didn't need to be as long as it was. The main character is slightly annoying at times, but I love Oliver. He is the star of the show as far as I am concerned. Still, it's a good book and I will read the next one in the series.
October 15, 2017
Reading about the simple things in an Amish community is refreshing. But murder, not so. Angie is obsessed with finding out who the murderer was, that she acts without thinking. Her dog Oliver and. a goat named Petunia keep me laughing. This series is a nice cozy mystery read..Enjoy.
March 3, 2019
OK, cozy mystery.
May 12, 2014
Angie runs her late aunt's Amish Quilt shop. As an Englisher, Angie has made several Amish friends in the area, though there are still those who are skeptical including Martha Yoder who cared for Angie's late aunt. Martha has since opened a 'true Amish' quilt shop right next door to Angie!
Angie decides to sell some of her aunts quilts in the local Amish auction to help make the quilt shop payments.As the first Englisher to sell at the auction, Angie wants to make sure everything goes smoothly so she can continue and perhaps others like herself join in later. All seems well until Petunia the pet goat gets out and Angie goes chasing after it as Petunia leads her to the canning shed and a dead body! Wanda is holding the pie that Rachel gave to Wanda not long ago, partly eaten! Angie knows her Amish friend Rachel would never kill Wanda, but it isn't looking good as many have seen her and her husband Aaron arguing with Wanda over a pie factory proposal for town. Wanda,adament that the factory would deter from the charm of the town, while Aaron's livelihood is at stake.
Any book with a goat running amuck is on my favorites list! Such character these guys have and even better sleuthing skills.
Good clean country fun including the ways of the Amish through baking, quilting, sewing, and fellowship. Angie sleuths away trying to get her friends off of the suspect list, much under the radar of the handsome sheriff who seems to have a thing for Angie.
The country charm and a little bit of romance will keep you reading to find out who killed Wanda and why in this fun cozy mystery!
Angie decides to sell some of her aunts quilts in the local Amish auction to help make the quilt shop payments.As the first Englisher to sell at the auction, Angie wants to make sure everything goes smoothly so she can continue and perhaps others like herself join in later. All seems well until Petunia the pet goat gets out and Angie goes chasing after it as Petunia leads her to the canning shed and a dead body! Wanda is holding the pie that Rachel gave to Wanda not long ago, partly eaten! Angie knows her Amish friend Rachel would never kill Wanda, but it isn't looking good as many have seen her and her husband Aaron arguing with Wanda over a pie factory proposal for town. Wanda,adament that the factory would deter from the charm of the town, while Aaron's livelihood is at stake.
Any book with a goat running amuck is on my favorites list! Such character these guys have and even better sleuthing skills.
Good clean country fun including the ways of the Amish through baking, quilting, sewing, and fellowship. Angie sleuths away trying to get her friends off of the suspect list, much under the radar of the handsome sheriff who seems to have a thing for Angie.
The country charm and a little bit of romance will keep you reading to find out who killed Wanda and why in this fun cozy mystery!
January 16, 2016
Dollycas’s Thoughts
This story had me laughing out loud from almost page one. Let’s just say that thanks to a certain goat named Petunia Angie’s entrance to the auction grounds was quite eventful. Things get more serious when Petunia was back in her pen and Wanda’s body is found.
Alan again has given us Englischers a glimpse at Amish life. Holmes County is a place tourists visit to purchase Amish made goods and see their simpler lifestyle. There are Englischers in town as well but they are clearly outnumbered. While Angie is not Amish her aunt married an Amish man so she knows both ways of life and she has many Amish friends. When one of those friends is in trouble she will do absolutely anything to help them. These friendships really make these stories shine. The four legged characters are fantastic too and their antics will absolutely make you smile.
The author has written a strong mystery that had me guessing the whole way and when I started to see where that final twist was taking me I realized it made perfect sense. In addition to solving the mystery she left us with a little cliffhanger. All I can say is that we only have to wait until December for Murder, Served Simply so I will forgive her this time :)
This story had me laughing out loud from almost page one. Let’s just say that thanks to a certain goat named Petunia Angie’s entrance to the auction grounds was quite eventful. Things get more serious when Petunia was back in her pen and Wanda’s body is found.
Alan again has given us Englischers a glimpse at Amish life. Holmes County is a place tourists visit to purchase Amish made goods and see their simpler lifestyle. There are Englischers in town as well but they are clearly outnumbered. While Angie is not Amish her aunt married an Amish man so she knows both ways of life and she has many Amish friends. When one of those friends is in trouble she will do absolutely anything to help them. These friendships really make these stories shine. The four legged characters are fantastic too and their antics will absolutely make you smile.
The author has written a strong mystery that had me guessing the whole way and when I started to see where that final twist was taking me I realized it made perfect sense. In addition to solving the mystery she left us with a little cliffhanger. All I can say is that we only have to wait until December for Murder, Served Simply so I will forgive her this time :)
January 12, 2016
In book 2 of this sweet series, Angie is finding her niche as the new owner of her late aunt’s Amish quilt shop, Running Stitch. To drum up some business, Angie decides to sell her quilts in the Rolling Brook Amish Auction, including some of her aunt’s most prized works.
While at the auction, Angie stumbles upon the body of township trustee Wanda Hunt behind a canning shed. She appears to have been killed by a poisoned blueberry fry pie from the table of Rachel Miller, Angie’s closest friend. Angie feels compelled to help clear her friend and the race is on.
I enjoy these books because Angie doesn’t stupidly put herself in harm’s way – well, at least not too much. I also liked that her relationship with the sheriff is moving along, and I appreciated that the romance party wasn’t heavy-handed (I don’t enjoy romances dressed up in mystery clothing). And I really liked that Angie resolved one of the subplots by turning to books and beating the town council at its own game. Glad to see I have more to read in this series.
While at the auction, Angie stumbles upon the body of township trustee Wanda Hunt behind a canning shed. She appears to have been killed by a poisoned blueberry fry pie from the table of Rachel Miller, Angie’s closest friend. Angie feels compelled to help clear her friend and the race is on.
I enjoy these books because Angie doesn’t stupidly put herself in harm’s way – well, at least not too much. I also liked that her relationship with the sheriff is moving along, and I appreciated that the romance party wasn’t heavy-handed (I don’t enjoy romances dressed up in mystery clothing). And I really liked that Angie resolved one of the subplots by turning to books and beating the town council at its own game. Glad to see I have more to read in this series.
January 12, 2022
This was a pretty good mystery. I read the whole thing and I still did not know who the killer was until the end. The town and Angie's friends make this book. My least favorite thing about this book was Angie constantly talking to her dog Oliver and her kitten Dodger. They came up in every chapter which made many parts for me aggravating to read. It just made Angie appear so silly and landed only a three star from me.
March 29, 2021
Angie is busy running her quilt shop left to her by her Amish Aunt and taking care of her petrified dog. She She has been lucky enough to be invited to an Amish auction to sell some of her quilts. Her station is set up next to her friend that sells Amish Fried pies. Unfortunately, her friend is brought under investigation because of her fried pies and a the death of a local lady.
I love this series! Her dog is is so funny!!!!
I love this series! Her dog is is so funny!!!!
December 7, 2014
Isabella Alan writes great characters and some fantastic romantic tension but as much as I like Angie, I was left irritated by her over inflated view of her own importance in clearing her friend of the crime. In no version of fantasy or reality can I convince myself it is appropriate to interrogate strangers.
Full review: http://jenn.booklikes.com/post/105927...
Full review: http://jenn.booklikes.com/post/105927...
August 18, 2015
Well another one got me. I thought it was one of the characters and it was the other. They didn't make it too obvious (at least not to me). With the descriptions of some of the stuff, it makes me want to visit an Amish town (not with the murder, or course). I love the small town feelings and the community "love". Will definitely continue with this series!
April 20, 2021
I loved how Angie offered different classes at the quilt store. Linus Graber wasn’t an honest auctioneer, telling the Amish people about about the sick livestock he sold at the auction. Angie caught who killed Wanda. Angie found the fry pie recipe in the canning book, that had peanuts that killed Wanda.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 12, 2016
I thought it would be a serious-crime-slash-thriller-story with a slow pace and boring character. Boy was I wrong. I really enjoyed this one. Love the character, the Amish background (and the community!) and the story. Makes me want to have a quilt shop too in Rolling Brook haha!
April 26, 2019
This is a fun series so far. There could be a little more about quilting, but the mystery was good and the dog is adorable. I like the first person narrative of the main character.
At the end there is a fun set-up for the next book. I don't think I'll be able to wait for Christmas to read it!
At the end there is a fun set-up for the next book. I don't think I'll be able to wait for Christmas to read it!
November 1, 2019
I'm thoroughly enjoying these books - thank you
. The storyline is always good and the content interesting. The books are easy to read and the characters are delightful.
. The storyline is always good and the content interesting. The books are easy to read and the characters are delightful.
June 5, 2017
A fun book to read. I love the quilting theme.
July 6, 2019
Didn't disappoint
Another nail bitter...who knew so much can happen in rural Ohio. Can't wait to find out what Angie's next adventure brings!
Another nail bitter...who knew so much can happen in rural Ohio. Can't wait to find out what Angie's next adventure brings!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 187 reviews