Plain Dead

An Amish Mystery #3

by Emma Miller

When a newspaperman is murdered in the Amish community of Stone Mill, Pennsylvania, Rachel Mast digs up the dirt to find out who wanted to bury the lead…
 
Although she left her Old Order Amish ways in her youth, Rachel discovered corporate life in the English world to be complicated and unfulfilling. Having returned to Stone Mill, she’s happy to be running her own B&B. But she’s also learning—in more ways than one—that the past is not always so easily left behind.
 
After local newspaperman Bill Billingsly is found gagged and tied to his front porch, left to freeze overnight in a snowstorm, Detective Evan Parks—Rachel’s beau—uncovers a file of scandalous information Billingsly intended to publish, including a record of Rachel pleading no contest to charges of corporate misconduct. Though Evan is certain of her innocence, it’s up to Rachel to find the real killer. A closer examination of the victim’s unpublished report leads Rachel to believe the Amish community is far from sinless. But if she’s not careful her obituary might be the next to appear in print…

Genres: Amish, Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Amish Fiction, Cozy, Romance, Crime

274 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 29, 2015

Reviews

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

PLAIN DEAD is filled with mystery, suspense, and romance. Everything you could want in a delicious cozy. I love Rachel's character and how she is not afraid to keep digging until she finds out the truth. The mystery in this story is well plotted and will keep you guessing as to who dun it. I changed my mind on who it was a few times and I love when I think I have it all figured out only to be thrown in a different direction by the author. Emma Miller is quickly becoming one of my favorite go to Amish authors. PLAIN DEAD is very easy to read and well written. I can not wait to continue with this wonderful series.

[Shirley Chapel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Intriguing mystery and very gripping in the last chapter. I enjoyed this book so much that I think so far it is the best book of this series. I wasn't able to guess who the murderer really was and I was shocked by the books conclusion. Didn't see it coming and neither did Rachel Mast. This cozy mystery is both unpredictable and perplexing and I was so drawn into it that I lost track of time.
I recommend this book to readers of Amish Fiction and cozy mysteries. You would get more out of your reading experience if the books are read in order.
I borrowed a copy from Hoopla. A review wasn't requested. All opinions expressed here are my own.

[Carla · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book I have read in the "Amish Mystery" series but it will not be the last. I had no problem with following the story or the characters even though it is the third book in the series.

Rachel Mast, is a character that lives between two worlds. Born and raised Amish, she left home at seventeen to go to university and then went to live in the big city and work for Corporate America. When that did not pan out, she returned home, but not to the Amish home, she lives as an Englisher and runs a Bed & Breakfast as well as a gift shop. She is the chairperson of the "Winter Frolic" a festival to highlight the town and well as the Amish people. The only bee in her bonnet at this time is Bill Billingsly, a nosy, interfering, newspaperman with lots of gossipy research. Then he is discovered, dead of exposure, frozen to death on his front porch. With all the people he has upset and alienated, there are many suspects and Rachel is one of them. She must find out who the real culprit it to clear her name.

This story is filled with mystery, suspense, and romance. Rachel's character is strong, loyal, smart, stubborn, persistant and doing an amazing job of balancing her old and new worlds. She is so caring of the Amish world and its traditions that they let her in, even though she has left the "Plain World" to live as an Englisher. The mystery in this story is well plotted and will keep you guessing as to who is the guilty party. I changed my mind on who it was a few times and I love when I think I have it all figured out only to be thrown in a different direction by the author. I did figure it out just before the reveal, and that made the story even more interesting for me. Definitely an author I will follow, especially as I learn more about the Amish life.

[Rod Hansen · Rating 4 out of 5]

The editor of the local scandal rag has been murdered, leaving nearly everyone in the quaint Amish village of Stone Mill a suspect.

Among this list is Rachel Mast, kindly owner of the local bed and breakfast. With Rachel being the fiancé of a local lawman, the drama simmers high.

Add to this a minister’s love child, alleged insider trading, and a suspicious death in a farmhouse accident, and you have a cozy mystery that is positively chilling.

This entry of the Amish Mystery series has a darker tone than previous chapters, and thus carries more weight. There is more going on in this pastoral landscape than milking cows and potluck suppers, and PLAIN DEAD casts it under revealing light.

I enjoyed this addition to the Amish Mystery library, and look forward to further volumes. With more depth now given to Rachel Mast, future adventures are sure to intrigue.

[Lisa Ks Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is nothing plain about PLAIN DEAD!

This is my first book in the Amish Mysteries by author Emma Miller, but I will be going back and reading the first two installments, PLAIN MURDER, and PLAIN KILLING.

Author Miller has penned an amazing story in PLAIN DEAD. I was hooked from page one, and the story just kept getting better. I instantly liked protagonist Racheal Mast and her fiancée Detective Evan Parks. They make a wonderful couple to read about, and I loved the interactions between them.

PLAIN DEAD was an intriguing mystery with plot twists that really kept me guessing. The murder was pretty unique for a cozy-traditional mystery. Not your normal stabbing or poison. And the killer? Wow! That’s all I’m saying other than, I didn’t see that one coming!

This book will be a sure hit with mystery fans, and readers of Amish fiction. Reads from teens to seniors will all enjoy PLAIN DEAD.

A fun bonus for me…author EMMA MILLER lives in Kent County Delaware just like I do! 

[Betty · Rating 5 out of 5]

At the Winter Frolic Rachel Mast learns that newspaper reporter, Bill Billingsly has learned why she return to Stone Mill. He plans to print it in his gossip column that week. That evening in a manor snowstorm she walks to his home but decides not to knock on it on the door. The next morning Bill Billingsly is found frozen to death in his front yard. Rachel and several of her friends are suspected in the case. Rachel begins to explore what happen against the advice of the police. The twists that the book takes will keep you turning the pages. The AmIsh way of life is explained in contrast with the outsiders. I will read more by this author.

Disclosure: I received a free copy from Kensington Books through Netgalley for an honest review. I would like to thank them for this opportunity to read and review the book. The opinions are my own.

[Icy-Cobwebs-Crossing-SpaceTime · Rating 5 out of 5]

PLAIN DEAD by Emma Miller

A comfortable cozy that warms the reader, like hot cocoa and a crackling fireplace in the depths of winter, Emma Miller's PLAIN DEAD neatly delineates community and personal lives of Amish (the Plain People) and "English" (non-Amish). Protagonist Rachel Mast has a foot in both camps, as it were. Born and raised Amish, at seventeen she left the community for university and corporation. When that palled, she returned and opened a B&B and gift shop. Her organization of the Winter Festival (and her engagement) are quite successful; but Amish peace and tranquility are threatened by a nosy, interfering, newspaperman with lots of gossipy research. Then he is discovered, dead of exposure--but clearly his death was no accident.

[Mary Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Plain Dead
Emma Miller
5 Stars

Synopsis:

When a newspaperman is murdered in the Amish community of Stone Mill, Pennsylvania, Rachel Mast digs up the dirt to find out who wanted to bury the lead…

Although she left her Old Order Amish ways in her youth, Rachel discovered corporate life in the English world to be complicated and unfulfilling. Having returned to Stone Mill, she’s happy to be running her own B&B. But she’s also learning—in more ways than one—that the past is not always so easily left behind.

After local newspaperman Bill Billingsly is found gagged and tied to his front porch, left to freeze overnight in a snowstorm, Detective Evan Parks—Rachel’s beau—uncovers a file of scandalous information Billingsly intended to publish, including a record of Rachel pleading no contest to charges of corporate misconduct. Though Evan is certain of her innocence, it’s up to Rachel to find the real killer. A closer examination of the victim’s unpublished report leads Rachel to believe the Amish community is far from sinless. But if she’s not careful her obituary might be the next to appear in print… (Goodreads)


Review:

I have read all of the books in this series and I thought they were all excellent. All the things that I look for in a cozy are here: mystery, suspense, romance, and small town feel. In addition to all of these things, this book is an Amish mystery, which is one of my favorite types.

The characters are well developed and well rounded. Rachel is smart and is not afraid to stick her nose into things that really are not any of her business. But, as we all know, that is the only way to find a killer. She really does not take a lot of unnecessary chances but she will take every opportunity to go snooping. I really enjoy the fact that although she is now an Englisher, she still honors the traditions of her Amish family.

The mystery is well plotted and carried on perfectly throughout the book. There are suspects to consider and clues to reveal and decipher if the murderer is ever going to get caught. The method of killing was unique, which I enjoyed. There are enough twists and turns to make you stop and rethink the culprit a few times.

The writing style flows smoothly and the book is an easy read. The author is very talented in creating suspense with the written word. She is talented in giving enough description to allow the reader to get the images in their head but not so much that the book begins to drag.

I would highly recommend this book (and series) to all those who enjoy a well crafted cozy mystery. If you like Amish mysteries, this book (and series) is a must read.

I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for a honest review. I would like to thank NetGalley and Kensington Books for the opportunity to read and review this book.

[Kristina Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Plain Dead by Emma Miller is the third book in the An Amish Mystery series. Rachel Mast owns and runs the Stone Mill Bed and Breakfast. Rachel was raised in the Amish faith, but she decided not to be baptized into the faith. She tried the corporate life, but Rachel found it unsatisfactory. Rachel is happy to have returned to Stone Mill, Pennsylvania. She is currently dating Evan Parks who is a detective with the state police. The one thorn in Rachel’s side is Bill Billingsley. He is the local newspaperman who has started a nasty gossip column (he is printing people’s secrets). Bill has also been taking pictures of the local Amish against their will (you should always get permission first). Rachel has a secret that she does not want anyone to find out (she has not told her family or Evan). Rachel decided to confront Bill late one night and even got as far as his house. Rachel changed her mind and went home.

The next morning Bill is found tied to his front porch and frozen to death. Unfortunately for Rachel, she is the number one suspect. Rachel will have to investigate to clear her name and prove to Evan that she is not guilty. It turns out that plenty of people in the area have secrets that they wish to keep hidden. Will Rachel be able to find the killer before she ends up in jail or becomes the next victim? Rachel also has her hands full organizing the Winter Frolic and deciding whether or not to wear Evan’s engagement ring (he proposed at the end of the last book).

Plain Dead is well-written and easy to read. The mystery was interesting (best part of the book). I just wish the writer had provided more clues. We keep getting told different information, but none of it helps the reader to find the killer (just one clue right before the killer is revealed). I did find Rachel a wee bit frustrating. Rachel left the Amish way of life, but she still caters to her family (by dressing the way they expect when she goes visiting for example). The one thing that had my blood boiling was the comments from an Amish man about a woman’s place. I would hope that in this day and age no one would actually expect a woman to stay home, cook, clean, and raise children (evidently the Amish do though). If that is what a woman choses to do, that is fine. But it should not be a given (sorry for the rant). Plain Dead is a good book, but it was not my favorite in the series. I give Plain Dead 4 out of 5 stars. While Plain Dead is a part of a series, it can be read alone. The author does a good job at updating the reader.

I received a complimentary copy of Plain Dead from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Fore more information, check out my blog: http://bibliophileandavidreader.blogs...

[Tina Watson · Rating 5 out of 5]

When your past, know matter how old of the past it is, comes back to meet you in the face, what would you do? Tell your Old Order Amish parents and siblings, hoping they understand? Tell your Detective boyfriend, who has you on the list as a suspect?

Meet Rachel Mast who was raised Old Order Amish and is currently the owner of a Bed and Breakfast that she runs. She finds herself in trouble and she's bound to clear her name. When her Detective boyfriend Parks is over looking two major clues in Rachel's eyes, she decides to find the answers. Will looking for those answers land her in more trouble than she was looking for?

The answer to these questions and more can be answered by reading "Plain Dead" by Emma Miller. You will not want to miss this Amish Mystery.

If you like suspense and mystery that keeps you looking for the murderer, then "Plain Dead" by Emma Miller is the book for you. Emma Miller has out done herself with "Plain Dead". I did not know who the murderer was in this book, nor did I suspect this murderer by the end of the book. Well done Emma with keeping my blindsided.

The characters, the setting, the plot, are all well developed; feels like you are there with the characters. The over all writing of this book reads smoothly and easy to follow. The flow runs evenly and stays current, no jumping back from current to past days back to current days.



I received a free copy of this book through NetGalley for an honest review. No money was exchanged. This is my honest review in my own words.

[Hilary (A Wytch's Book Review) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just when things seem to be going smoothly there is a jog in the road in this the latest Stone Mill installment, and Emma Miller keeps you guessing right until the end!

Rachel Mast and some others have set up the inaugural Winter Fare which is providing a much needed boost for both the Amish community and the English one, the problem is there is a snake in the grass, or more to the point a vicious and vindictive newspaper man, he has dug up things long buried and is publishing them, and Rachel Mast is due to be one of his victims she discovers, she plans to see if she can talk him out of it but changes her mind, the problem is that night he was brutally killed and the police, more to the point Evan her fiancé, have accessed to the information. Whilst Even is sure she isn't the killer the leads keep circling back to her, out of desperation she starts to investigate, only to upset both people in the English community she has joined and the Amish community she left.

[Hannah · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was probably the least favorite of the Amish mystery series so far. Rachel was impulsive, selfish, and acting as if her parents did not raise her with sense. I can hardly believe she walked all the way to Billingsy's house in the night, absolute insanity Honestly I am not sure how I feel about there being more books, I mean why is this small Amish town so rife with crime. I plan to continue reading though because I am dying to know what's going on with Mary Aaron, she has been my favorite character throughout the novels.

[Liz Bechy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another one from Melina’s bookshelf. Nice easy read 👌🏻

[Jeanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rachel has left her Amish community only by keeping the Amish traditions that she was raised in. She is more English than Amish. Having her own business, wearing certain clothes and currently she is investigating a the murder of the local newspaperman who was always looking for smut on everyone including herself. She along with several others becomes the prime suspect of his murder. Being currently engaged to the local police detective Evan, has made the situation even worse as her past comes back to haunt her. The secret that could destroy her family and the community that she loves.

Rachel is determined to solve the murder when another suspicious death occurs among the Amish community. The evidence points that the death is Amish related. What secret would a practicing Amish kill for?

This Amish read was different from other Amish novels that I have the pleasure of reading. It was light on faith and religious undertones which I was a little disappointed in however, it might create a wider audience because of that. It is a clean book but it does not create the Amish has spiritual wonders but as men and women that make mistakes (what I would call sin) and overcome by coming clean. Learning to trust and lean on family. What I found enjoyable was Rachel's relationship with her Amish parents and the heartbreak they had as she turned to her English ways. It was witty and had the spirit of love and fun.

A fun read with mystery and a community coming together!

A Special Thank you to Kensington Books and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.

[Cozybooklady · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I have read by this particular author. I have read several different Amish cozy mysteries and this one was quite good. For me, I really enjoyed the concept of this story. In most Amish cozies, the protagonist is either full Amish or an Englisher. Rachel Mast is neither, while she holds strong to her Amish roots, her time as an Englisher is important to her as well.
This story is set in January and the town is getting ready for their Winter Frolic. Rachel has worked hard to bring new growth to the small community of Stone Mill, PA, and she is pleased with the turnout. Her Bed and Breakfast is booked for the festivities and her personal life with Evan seems to be moving along at a comfortable speed. The Winter Frolic would be a huge hit if only nasty newspaperman Bill Billingsly would keep his gossip to himself. It seems that the nasty reporter loves digging up the dirt on his fellow neighbors and he doesn't know when to stop. It seems his gossip has made someone hate him enough to do the unthinkable and when his body is discovered it seems Rachel has made the suspect list. This story is very well written and I found it easy to lose myself in the quaint little town of Stone Mill.
.I will be sure to recommend this book and author to my friends.
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my fair and honest review.

[Pamela Pavkov · Rating 5 out of 5]

Plain Dead is written by Emma Miller and it takes her readers thru another wonderful mystery involving the Amish. Emma's characters are described so that you feel like you can them standing in front of you! I love the character Rachel Mast who was formally Amish but now owns her own B&B in Stone Mill where she grew up! She is a strong willed young lady and doesn't stop investigating murders even when fiancé ask her to.

When a body turns up dead it throws the community into a turmoil especially because of the way the murder happens. Since Rachel had a disagreement with the person who was murdered will she be placed on the list of people of interest? Can Rachel follow the clues in the right direction and clear her name? Is her place in the community put in danger? Just when Rachel thinks she knows who committed the murder something else pops up to prove her wrong!

I was not given a complimentary copy of this book for review. I am submitting my honest review for you the readers to choose to read this book or not. I highly recommend this book to all those who love mysteries involving the Amish. I have rated this book with five stars for an excellent story. Congratulations to Emma Miller for another great book. I am hoping there will be another book in this series.

[Jackie Roche · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would like to thank NetGalley and Kensington Books for giving me the opportunity to read this in return for an honest and open review.
After the death of a newspaper editor in The Amish community of Stone Mill, Bed and Breakfast owner Rachel uncovers a string of secrets.
This is the first book I've read by Emma Miller and it wasn't until I'd finished it that I discovered what a prolific writer she is. Although this is book 3 of "An Amish Mystery" series, I had no problems reading it as a stand-alone thriller.
What I particularly liked about this book was learning about the Amish way of life. In fact I was so intrigued by it I did some research into it.
I would certainly recommend this to anyone who loves a good mystery.
I will certainly by reading more of Ms Miller's books.

[Peggy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book that I have read by this author and found it to be very enjoyable. I am a fan of cozy mysteries with an Amish setting so when I was provided the opportunity to read this book I didn't hesitate. The book is well written with a good pace and a solid mystery. Set in a charming town, I found the characters to be well developed and likeable. I will definitely be reading more by this author.

I was provided an ARC of this book by the publisher through Netgalley.

[Stevie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book continues to develop the relationship former Amish woman Rachel Mast has with her Amish family and the English world in which she lives. Her relationship with Evan has grown to a new level in this book yet her heart continues to struggle with the next step in their relationship. When a secret from Rachel’s past threatens to get exposed she’s certain it will bring shame to her family and her relationships. Then the nosy newspaper reporter ends up dead and Rachel is one of the suspects. While Evan tries to solve the case, their relationship sours. Will she be able to solve it before being charged with a crime she didn’t commit? Will her relationship with Evan recover from the sins of her past?

As with the other books in this series, the story telling is captivating, the relationships draw you in and you feel as if you’re a part of this small Pennsylvania town. You feel the conflicts of Rachel’s heart, you are left guessing who committed such a horrible murder and you may be just as surprised as Rachel was when the murderer is revealed.

[Ken N · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the third book I have read by this author which deals with the main character Rachel Mast. The series as far as I know there are five books and this in number three. It is set in a Community with the Amish and English. They are all murder mysteries. She tried to give you turns and twists, although this one to me falls short from the first two. She is much more into the romance in this one and I personally prefer more mystery and just normal human interactions without so much romance. It has made it where I am starting to dislike both of the couple because they can be so annoying with each other. If not for that I would have probably rated it higher.

[Holly · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked this book up at a used book sale knowing nothing about the author or the series. It's a cozy little murder mystery set in Amish country. The story line is very straightforward, no heavy lifting but a nice cadence and pace. What's interesting about the book (and apparently the whole series) is the contrast between the Amish lifestyle and that of the Englishers. The characters are drawn lovingly and their interactions highlight both the differences and similarities to their diverse lives.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Plain Dead” is the third book in The Amish Mystery series by Emma Miller. Rachel, Evan, Mary Aaron, and the other members of Stone Mill continue to solve crime while enjoying their small town.

In this book, the local newspaper writer is murdered during the Winter Frolic Week. Locals and tourists have reasons to dislike the deceased. The murderer was a surprise to me - which I like.

This is my favorite book of the series so far. I recommend this book to others, but especially to those who like Amish fiction, cozy mysteries, and/or clean fiction. 4.5 stars rounded to 5 stars!

[Lynda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I didn't see that coming !!!! And I bet you won't guess the ending either.
This is an Amish mystery and wow it's part of a series it could be read alone. And it's going to have you wondering who did it the entire book. Highly recommend. Book is on kindle unlimited.

[Amy Paget · Rating 3 out of 5]

A well-written cozy mystery that gives you a real sense of the Amish/English border. I enjoyed this and will be reading others in the series.

[Wanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed reading this book. Learned a great deal about the Amish and their beliefs.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good volume but jumped over some time from the last volume. Waiting to see if that occurs in future outings.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just love this series.

[Ruth Turner · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good read

[Joanne Cheek · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF

[Tinae Goodell, Lowe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Slow start and then better. I hadn’t read the other 2 but wasn’t too much of a problem getting into this