Whiskers of the Lion: An Amish-Country Mystery

Amish-Country Mysteries #9

by P.L. Gaus

P. L. Gaus’s widely praised Amish-Country Mysteries continue to “probe the tension between the self-reliance of the Amish world and the urgencies of the English world” (Kirkus Reviews, starred review). In Whiskers of the Lion, Sheriff Bruce Robertson is charged with finding a young Amish woman on the run from a murderous drug ring so she can testify in federal court. Wrestling with a recurring childhood nightmare of a deadly lion, the Holmes County sheriff finds himself torn between allegiance to the legal system he upholds and the beliefs of the people he is sworn to protect.

Genres: Mystery, Amish, Fiction, Crime, Contemporary

256 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 31, 2015

About the author

Paul L. Gaus writes The Amish-Country Mysteries, set authentically in the Amish settlements of Holmes County, Ohio. Three life-long friends - Professor Michael Branden, Sheriff Bruce Robertson, and Pastor Caleb Troyer - work sometimes together and other times at crossed purposes to solve mysteries involving the often inscrutable Amish sects of the region. The rich cast of English characters includes the professor's insightful wife Caroline, Holmes County's tenacious Medical Examiner Melissa Taggert, and young Ellie Troyer, the sheriff's resolute dispatcher/secretary. Paul's novels illuminate Amish culture and lifestyle in the context of murder investigations that pull aside the veil on the daily lives of these purposefully plain religious separatists.

There are currently eight novels in the series, published by Plume, a Division of Penguin Group USA. The ninth novel, Whiskers of The Lion, is soon to be published by Plume. The first seven of his novels were originally published as The Ohio Amish Mysteries, by Ohio University Press, before they were all republished as trade paperbacks by Plume.

Paul’s extensive knowledge of the culture and lifestyle of the many Ohio Amish sects comes from over forty years of travel throughout Holmes and the surrounding rural counties in Ohio. His stories are rich with culture, much like the works of Tony Hillerman. It was Paul's friendship with Tony Hillerman that first inspired him to write culture-based mysteries about Amish people.

Reviews

[Mayda · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Whiskers of the Lion, author P. L. Gaus continues the story of Fannie Helmuth that he began in the previous book, The Names of our Tears. Fannie and her friend, Ruth Zook, unwittingly became drug mules. In trying to undo the wrongs they committed, Ruth paid the ultimate price. Now, Fannie is on the run and hiding from the murderous drug ring. Not knowing whom to trust or where to turn, long time friend Howie Dent has come to her aid. Hiding among the Amish in various communities, Howie decides to come home long enough to retrieve his car. Unfortunately for Howie, that trip proved fatal. Sheriff Bruce Robertson is dealing with demons of his own. Feeling powerless to find Fannie before the drug ring can, and equally powerless to protect her and Howie, Robertson is considering retirement. Because drugs are involved, the FBI wants to put Fannie in protective custody, so she can testify against the drug ring. Fannie is torn and uncertain as to what she should do. What Sheriff Robertson advices her to do, and how he handles the case and his department, makes for some fascinating reading. Strong character development, an intricate plot, and a realistic Amish setting turn this tale into a gripping read. This series just keeps getting better.

[Carolyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love this series. Always a fun quick read and well-written.

[Lori · Rating 3 out of 5]

Unlike other books in this series, this one is a continuation of the former installment. One needs to read the earlier book to understand what is going on in this one. Professor Mike Brandon's sabbatical is nearly over, and it's been a few months since the action in Florida. Fannie Helmuth is still missing, and Sheriff Robertson questions his effectiveness as sheriff since he's unable to locate her. Howie Dent, the young man with whom she fled, is found tortured to death. Sheriff Robertson begins to suspect Fannie's friend who seemed to be a victim of the drugs in the suitcases scheme might actually be working with the cartel. The detectives learn the couple sent messages back home through the pages of the Budget via scribes in various communities and are able to track down Fannie. With the FBI involved, can Fannie remain safe from the cartel? Although Professor Brandon seemed a bit more involved in this investigation than in the previous book, I miss the precedence set by the older books in the series. It seems the departure from the established normal transpired when the books ceased to be published by Ohio University Press. While I still enjoy the series, I prefer the older books to the "noir" genre of the latest installments. (3.5 stars)

[Jjean · Rating 4 out of 5]

An Amish mystery - fast read with many twist & turns - unknowing some of the girls become drug mules- interesting with all involved , sheriff, FBI, & Amish.

[Mary Baker · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book which had lots of twists and turns in it as the Sheriff and his men try to find a witness to a crime before her enemies find her. I like the way the author keeps the meaning of the title present throughout the novel, and the soul searching Sheriff Robertson does about his effectiveness in his job. I have enjoyed getting to know the main characters who reappear in this series of books. The author's writing style is good; his sentences flow smoothly. I am anxiously awaiting for another addition to the Amish Country Mystery series.

[Rick · Rating 4 out of 5]

What does it take to protect a key witness in a major crime? What does it take if she is an Amish girl? Can she hide among her own people, or must she accept the plan of law enforcement personnel? This is one of Gaus's better Amish mysteries. It continues the story which began in The Names of Our Tears.

[Book Concierge · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is book number nine in the Amish-Country Mystery series, but the first one I’ve read.

It was an interesting mystery with a great cast of (I presume) regular characters: Sheriff Bruce Robertson, his wife (and medical examiner) Melissa Taggert, deputy (and college professor) Mike Branden, and detective Pat Lance.

New deputy Stan Armbruster is checking a farm from which a couple has gone missing when he spots Howie Dent’s distinctive yellow VW bug. What he finds in the farmhouse is horrifying evidence of a brutal murder. But where is Fannie Helmuth, the young Amish woman who can identify the notorious drug kingpin Teresa Molina?

There were a lot of twists and turns, and I got the distinct impression that this drug cartel business is a continuing theme in the series. Gaus doesn’t overly explain things that regular readers of the series would obviously know, so I felt a little lost at time, but I don’t fault him for that.

Readers who might assume that “Amish” means a cozy mystery will be wrong. This is a hard-hitting crime novel, that happens to be set amid the Amish communities of Ohio. I had never read any of his books before, and probably got this at one of the “mystery conventions” I used to attend, where we would almost always get a bag full of books provided by publishers. Given my experience with this book, I would recommend reading the series in order.

[Dave Weller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Whiskers of the Lion is the seventh book that I read in the Amish Country Mystery series, and it is a continuation from The Names of Our Tears, and I read that one as well. This novel centers on Sheriff Bruce Robertson; whereas, earlier novels were more focused on Professor Mike Branden, although Branden maintains a prominent role in this installment. The plot revolves around young Amish women who spend time working as waitresses in Florida, and they unknowingly become mules in drug trafficking. Robertson and his department are engaged in the pursuit of the drug dealers and in the process they provide protection for Fannie Helmuth, one of the aforementioned Amish women. The mutilated body of Helmuth's friend Howie Dent is discovered by Stan Armbrister, one of Robertson's deputies, and this event kicks off the investigation. Robertson beats himself up and blames himself for allowing Fannie Helmuth to escape his custody and then for allowing the murder of Howie. As has been the case with all the books in this series, Gaus does an excellent job of weaving the Amish culture into the fabric of a mystery novel. I especially liked the section that described all the sects, and their different rules regarding the usage of modern equipment and technology. I am on board for the next book in the series.

[Evelyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a slow atmospheric mystery that unlike the previous books in this series incorporates blood, gore and violence as an integral part of the story. A key character in the earlier mysteries barely makes an appearance here, although the book briefly reiterates background information for those new to the series. It also continues its efforts to expand its universe of characters by adding and focusing on new characters, although it fails to flesh them out. And, as in past books the resolution is telegraphed well before the conclusion. However, the author fails to integrate the twist at the end into the tale. It feels hurried and jumbled, as if the author was tired and just wanted to end the story without explaining the how and why of doing so by this means.

The novel concludes the previous tale in this series. It leaves the reader wondering why the editor did not send the two books back to the author for a revision which would have combined both into one creating a far superior more compelling and satisfying novel than this one.

This book rates 3.5 stars.

[Elizabeth · Rating 2 out of 5]

Set in Holmes County, Ohio, this story is about a young Amish woman caught up in a drug ring and murder, and the policeman trying to help her survive. For a short book, this one had lots of extraneous words! I wasn't a fan, but certainly other people are as it is #9 in a series.

[Nefty123 · Rating 3 out of 5]

I feel that characters are defined as much by their physical descriptions as by their speech patterns. The characters in this book seemed to all use the same speech pattern and that made it hard for me to distinguish between them. The plot was well formed. And I liked the insight into Amish life.

[Pat · Rating 4 out of 5]

This ties up all the loose ends in "The Names of Our Tears." They could be one book!

[Megan Kinderman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Slow read but ended up liking it.

[KDawn · Rating 2 out of 5]

Meh. 2.5 stars maybe. I didn’t like what Gaus did with the characters in this installment.

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun to read because of the details about Amish life. Frustrating to read because of the details. Enjoyed the mystery but started skimming to avoid getting bored down in details! Still enjoyed it.

[Sue in Alaska · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hard to read last half. Annoyed at the stupidity of a character.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hard to believe that this is the ninth book in this series. Each book builds this series to an even stronger read. I love each of the characters and how the author develops them. He really is able to bring his characters to life. I am so glad to have found this author and his books. He takes the time to research and set each scene and each scenario in the book. It helps that I also know some of the area in which his books are taking place. I will continue to read this author and pray he continues to write these wonderful novels.

In this book, Fannie is still on the run from both the drug ring and the law. Which will find her first? Meanwhile, the Sheriff is struggling in his own life. Will he be able to settle this matter or will this be the case that will break him? While it is a continuation of the 8th book, this book can be read as a stand alone. With all the twists and turns in the mystery, one cannot but keep turning the page. I would highly recommend this novel!!

[Maureen Timerman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Whiskers of the Lion will have your heart skipping beats; from beginning to end you will never see what is coming. Who or whom can be trusted, and there is plenty of suspense and murder to go around.
The book does open with a grisly tortured body being found, and from there we see the far-reaching hands of the drug cartel hunting and killing in Amish country. Will this horrendous crime spree ever end? Will Fannie Helmuth be found? Will she be alive at the time?
This is the ninth book in this series, and the characters are well developed and familiar, especially if you have enjoyed the previous stories, although this one can be read alone, don’t deprive yourself? This one left me wanting more, and does answer some of my questions, a really great read!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Plume through the Penguin Group, and was not required to give a positive review.

[Wanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really a good story about an Amish girl hiding out from a drug dealer who wants to kill her and the search to find her. Her friend is murdered and the sheriff is trying to figure out who did it and where the girl is. They eventually find her hiding among other Amish and then try to protect her and trap the killer. Some side stories include a deputy who has just made it to detective, the sheriff dealing with a new communications operator and the former operators pregnancy. Lots going on. One of the detectives assumes the identity of the Amish girl and finds out it is more than just dressing up like someone who is Amish, it is a whole different attitude and is very difficult. A few twists in the end. Enjoyable.
Definitely helped to have read the novel prior to this one in the series.

[Barbara Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Great Amish-Country Mystery by Author P.L. Gaus! I love and enjoy reading this author's style of writing, even though it may be a little different. I've always thought the author gives a creative and unusual title for his books. Whiskers of the Lion is an exciting mystery with twists and turns. I love how the characters are so unique in their own way. Whiskers of the Lion is Book Nine in the Amish-Country series. I'm looking forward to the next book by Author P.L. Gaus.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. This review is one hundred percent my opinion.

[Amy Thorleifson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Amish country mystery involving drug trafficking. This one is a follow-up to "The Names of our Tears" which I recommend you read first. Sympathetic characters and much information about the Amish culture. The Amish woman at the heart of the story appeared too naïve for the final scenes, and was difficult to relate to. Several side plots featured recurring characters, but seemed irrelevant to the main plot lines.
Still an enjoyable read and brought closure not present in the first book of this duo.

[Jen Yonit · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found the descriptions and the metaphors clunky. There was also some repetition of these strong images that made it awkward to read. I did like the characters and while I have not read any of the other books in the series, I felt up to speed. The mystery itself was good and what kept me going through the more difficult passages.

[Patsy Tindell · Rating 3 out of 5]

A part of the Amish-country mysteries, Whiskers of the Lion features the usual characters, the sheriff, the professor, the preacher etc. This time they help an Amish girl escape a drug cartel, but a new detective almost looses his life in the process. Along the way the reader learns some of the differences in the Amish sects. Actually it is 3+ stars.

[Tucker · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although mysteries set in Amish country have become more common in recent years, this series provides an interesting and unique look into that community.

Thank you to Penguin and NetGalley for an advance copy of this book.

[Gay Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Guas is not your typical Amish story; the author brings Amish and Englishers together in a mystery that shows how the cultural belief's clash. Sheriff Roberson is seeking out a member of a drug ring.
You won't believe the tension of the plot and not always a "feel good" Amish tale.

[Marie Dorry · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the best one so far. It kept you guessing right to the end. It is #9. I hope there are more.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Awesome Read!
There's lots of twists and turns a truly enjoyable read.
Keeps the reader engaged, loved the characters, I did not want the book to end.

[Cyndi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well plotted and well told, as always. Bonus for me Holmes County is @45mins away from me.

[Charlene · Rating 4 out of 5]

As always this series offers a picture of the Amish country and each one shows another facet of the Amish communities. P. L. Gaus is well versed in this area and lives in the Holes County region.

[Marie Dorry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this series.