Plain Truth

Military Investigations #10

by Debby Giusti

AMISH COUNTRY SECRETS

When widowed doctor Ella Jacobsen is attacked and left for dead in her children's clinic, the peace she's found in Georgia's Amish country is shattered. Someone is after something in her clinic and wants her out of the way…but what are they looking for? Ella knows only that her life is in the hands of army special agent Zach Swain. Zach can't resist the vulnerable but headstrong Ella, who stares down danger to care for the people she loves. With one look, the loner soldier goes from investigator to protector. To save Ella, he must uncover the secrets that swirl around the idyllic community. And he needs to do it fast, because Ella is running out of time.

Genres: Love Inspired Suspense, Amish, Romance, Suspense, Romantic Suspense, Harlequin, Christian Fiction

288 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published September 1, 2016

About the author

Debby Giusti is a medical technologist who loves working with test tubes and petri dishes almost as much as she loves to write. Growing up as an Army Brat, Debby met and married her husband – then a Captain in the Army – at Fort Knox, Kentucky. Together they traveled the world, raised three wonderful Army Brats of their own and have now settled in Atlanta, Georgia, where Debby spins tales of suspense that touch the heart and soul.

Reviews

[Carmen · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was a bad book. I was looking for an opening quote but can't find one.

Someone attempts to murder Dr. Ella and her patients. When Zach comes to investigate, for some reason he takes Ella with him on all his investigations.

Ella is a doctor. Her husband died, and he was a real prick. She serves the Amish community in Georgia.

Um... what can I say about this book?

One, it suffers from the same problem I get with 90% of Romantic Suspense, and that is that the love story takes a backseat to the mystery. Also, when you put both a mystery book and a love story in the same book, I feel like neither gets the attention and careful crafting they deserve. It's rare I find a Romantic Suspense book that I truly enjoy.

Two, the book suffers from a lot of stupid moments. Here's one example:

"Is this your normal modus operandi?" she asked.

"You speak Latin?"

OH, FOR FUCK'S SAKE! *Carmen is yelling at the book* I know what modus operandi means, and I don't fucking speak Latin!!! Most people know what modus operandi means!!!! Or m.o. It's just basic.

The idea that he thinks she speaks Latin because she knows the phrase "modus operandi" is so dumb.

And this is only one of the many moments that are going to have you questioning your sanity.

Another infuriating thing about the book - and again, I find this to be a staple in a lot of Romantic Suspense - is that late in the book, Zach accuses Ella of being the murderer. And he's very cruel about it. I have a lot of problems with this. First off, if he can think she's a MURDERER this late in the game then the romance is basically dead. Second off, he is so mean about it.

"Did you drive to Memphis or were you already there?" he asked, his voice stern.

"What?"

"It's evident by your facial expression when you talk about your husband that something was amiss in your marriage. You wanted to fix everything, but you couldn't. Would it be better to have your husband die rather than face what was to come? Had he asked for a divorce? Was there insurance? You could have built an even larger clinic if he had a big policy, but that money wouldn't be paid if it was suicide. You didn't think about that, did you, Ella?"

Tears filled her eyes, and she fought to keep them in check. "I can't believe you would suspect me." She pointed to the door. "I'd appreciate you leaving now."

So I thought she was being really strong and kicking this asshole out of her life, but she ends up APOLOGIZING to him. YES. SHE apologizes to HIM.

"I'm sorry if I came off as antagonistic."

YOU are sorry? If YOU came off as antagonistic?! YOU have nothing to apologize for! He's the one who accused YOU of murder! JFC. Grow a spine.

Three, Giusti is OBSESSED with the word/concept of "affirming." She uses it ALL THE TIME.

p. 245
She was taken aback by his comment. He was probably just being nice and making idle chitchat, but she was so accustomed to Quin's negativity that she hadn't expected anything as affirming and supportive. For some reason, she suddenly wanted to cry.

p. 324
"I'm not used to getting compliments from beautiful women."

Her smile faded and a look of confusion washed over her face.

He glanced at her. "You're not blushing because you don't believe what I just said."

"No one has ever called me beautiful." Her voice was low.

"Shame on everyone else then."

"You're not only affirming," she said, "but also prone of offering compliments. That's a winning combination."

p. 418
"You're a doctor. I'm in good hands."

"Ever the optimist and always affirming."

p. 436
"And you're always quick with praise." She smiled. "Which is so... well, affirming. I'm thanking God that both of us survived."

p. 440
Ella appreciated the boy's compliment and the artful way his mother had used affirmation to build up her son before she corrected him.

Glancing at Zach, Ella thought of the many times he had affirmed her, which was so opposite from Quin.

p. 441
"And thank You for new beginnings," Zach continued. "For affirmation and love, for peaceful settings and for all Your blessings."

p.322
He laughed. "You must have a low opinion of law enforcement types."

"That's not true. It's just that I picked up on your obvious antagonism toward the medical profession."

He held up his hand. "Present company excluded."

"I'm not so sure," she teased.

"Cross my heart." He traced the sign on his chest, then glanced at her and winked. "Really. You're the exception to the rule, Doc."

She rolled her eyes. "And I thought you were so affirming."

p. 357
"You asked what I do on weekends. Often I cook and then freeze what I fix in smaller containers. That way if I'm busy with patients late into the day, I can eat a nourishing dinner without having to spend time getting everything made."

"Smart lady."

She turned back to him and smiled. "You're an affirming person."

p. ??? "My father was a positive man. Perhaps I learned affirmation from him."

Was affirmation/affirm the cool Christian buzzword in 2016 or something? Because it's in here A LOT. And none of these are sentences I would ever say. "Oh, you're such an affirming person!" WTF?

The story also has a lot of references to God, but not so many that you are going crazy. Maybe 26 times.

Giusti also has a tendency to end her chapters on super-dramatic notes. It's silly. It reminds me of GOOSEBUMPS, the children's series. Goosebumps is actually better, IMO. Here are some examples.

What she realized made her tremble with fear. Last night, the police were looking for an assailant who had broken into her clinic and attacked two women.

Today that assailant had become a killer.

And the person he wanted to kill was her.

Or how about:

She and Zach had come to the Fisher home hoping for information. But they may have found even more. They may have found the assailant.

Or how about:

But Ella had felt the pressure on her back. Someone had wanted her to fall. Someone had known the train was approaching, and he'd shoved her off the platform.

Or how about:

Getting over Ella would take time, but he would succeed. He had to. He had no other choice than to say goodbye to her and to what he had hoped would develop between them.

What Zach had hoped for would never be.

Not now.

Not ever.

It's ridiculous and hilarious. You can end each chapter with ominous music: Dum dum DUM!

LOL Hard to take seriously.

Another huge problem with the book is the complete lack of sexual chemistry between these two. As is expected in a Christian romance, I guess. No sense that these two want to be anything more than friends. It's so platonic it hurts.


TL;DR - There's nothing I can recommend about this book.

ROMANCE CATEGORIES:
Contemporary Romance
Inspirational Romance
Military Romance - Zach is military police
Romantic Suspense
Police Romance
Doctor Romance
Widow Heroine
He's Military Police, She's a Doctor

[Kav · Rating 5 out of 5]

I do so love a suspense that starts with a crash of ominous thunder. It puts me in the shiveries and I know I can settle in for some hair-raising scenes -- like the opening one in Plain Truth. Nail-biting! And the stellar suspense kept me on my toes right to the very end. And there's as much tension in the romance as there is in the suspense. The kind that kept me glued to the page and my poor garden languishing for an entire afternoon. The way the author weaves it all together -- including some fascinating Amish elements -- is pure reader bliss!

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

PLAIN TRUTH is suspense set in Amish country and involved a medical doctor specializing in diseases of the Amish. The suspense was high and the victim was uncertain. Were they after the mother, the twins, or the doctor? I had my suspicious who-dun-it, but I was wrong and the real "bad guy" surprised me.

The Amish talk rather stilted in this book (not at all like the Amish I know!) and there are some untrue facts or generalizations about the Amish, but this is suspense first and foremost, set in an Amish community and the main characters are not Amish so I suppose it could be the characters' point of view about the Amish.

I enjoyed reading this book and trying to figure out who-dun-it.

I was given a copy free from a friend (not by the publisher or author) and all opinions are my own.

[Pamela Pavkov · Rating 5 out of 5]

Plain Truth is an exciting story written by Debby Giusti. This story takes the reader back to Gorgia and revolves around another army special agent, Zach Swain. The characters are absolutely perfect to tell this story and fit well together. The storyline is full of suspense and drama. You won't find a full moment in this book. When a country doctor, Ella Jacobson, is left for dead in her clinic the peaceful life she craved had been shattered. But why was she attacked, her clinic totally ransacked, and an innocent mother shot and on the verge of death. What the attacker was looking for a complete mystery. Ella is confused as to who she can trust with so many suspects on the list. What does the death of Ella's husband have to do with the recent attacks? This story takes many twist and just when you think you have it figured out something else happens. This story is filled with a lot of emotions but at the conclusion you will be shocked at the outcome.

I did not receive a complimentary copy of this book to read and review. A favorable response was not expected. I have rated this story with five stars for meeting my expectations of a wonderful story that I can highly recommend to others.

Congratulations to Debby Giusti for writing a truly suspenseful mystery for her readers enjoyment.

[Lucy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m late to the party reading this one, but better late than never. I enjoyed the suspense and romantic tension from the first crash of thunder. I figured out one of bad guys but was surprised by the second one. I found the genetic testing and treatment fascinating. An enjoyable read especially for a dark stormy night. Just don’t jump out of your skin.

[Kimberly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lighthearted and a fast read. Love story included with a religious undertone. Good mystery build up, but it ended so quickly. Also very predictable ending.

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

BACK OF THE BOOK BLURB
When widowed doctor Ella Jacobsen is attacked and left for dead in her children's clinic, the peace she's found in Georgia's Amish country is shattered. Someone is after something in her clinic and wants her out of the way...but what are they looking for? Ella knows only that her life is in the hands of army special agent Zach Swain. Zach can't resist the vulnerable but headstrong Ella, who stares down danger to care for the people she loves. With one look, the loner soldier goes from investigator to protector. To save Ella, he must uncover the secrets that swirl around the idyllic community. And he needs to do it fast, because Ella is running out of time.


MY REVIEW
I have read several books by Debby and have been pleased with each one. This was a great story about the Englisch and how they are trying to help Amish children with a disorder that is not often found in Englisch children. Debby kept me very interested in this story of Ella's survival so I can highly recommend this as a great book.

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow just wow. I was stumped till the end who caused all the attacks to Ella, her clinic, Zach and patients mother. Ella moves to Georgia after her husband's apparent suicide and sets up a clinic to help the Amish children. When her patients mom is attacked and left for dead during an power outage. The military becomes involved and this is where Ella meets Zach. Zach takes it on himself to be her protector. Things progress and trouble insues. Will they figure it out before it is to late. Read the book to find out. It will have you on the edge of your seat.

[Sheri Jesse · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quick, easy read. This book may be set in an Amish town but the main story is about a doctor and an Army Special Agent. Ella is a doctor in a town with Amish families. A mother of her twin patients is attacked at her clinic. The woman is married to a man in the Army which is why Zach gets involved. The mystery is not evident (at least not to me) so Ella and Zach work together to find out what's going on. The story moves at just the right pace and was a pleasure to read.

[Marilyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Plain Truth was definitely suspenseful till the end in trying to figure out who had attacked Dr. Ella Jacobsen at her children’s clinic in Amish country. The connection with the military investigation personnel and others was well researched. The characters are compelling that kept the pages turning till the end along with all the action that was not predictable. This is the first book I’ve read by Debby Giusti, but it will not be my last one.

[Cody Paul Futrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love it tell the end

I would have to say that it was very good book. The best part is that you don't want to have to put the book down . I hope latter maybe a part just see how everything worked out.

[Megan Rang · Rating 5 out of 5]

When a doctor’s rural clinic is broken into and a woman is shot things get crazy in this small Amish town. Who could have broken into the clinic? What could they possibly want? A military detective helps unravel the clues.

[Wendell Hennan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dr. Ella Jacobsen lost her husband to suicide although she refused to believe it. She moved to Georgia after his death and opened a child care clinic near an Amish community but one day during a torrential thunderstorm, the clinic loses power and when she returns to the clinic after failing to get the generator going, she finds her patient has been attacked. After the investigators have finished with her office, she returns to find it has been broken into again and files are strewn about as though someone was searching for something. She attends a conference where an award is given posthumously to her husband for his research into a rare child disease that seems more prevalent in children born to Amish parents. The story quickly comes to a conclusion as several corrupt directors of the research project play their hand. Fast moving and at times tense, an enjoyable read.

[Nancy Luebke · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this suspenseful romance. I voluntarily chose to review this story. I've given it a 5* rating. This story pulled me in right away. There are a lot of twists and turns to stir this up and innocent children involved. Lots to learn too about some childhood diseases and a doctor that does not give up. This was another love-inspired and I was not disappointed. It was so hard to put down.

[Sarah A · Rating 2 out of 5]

Romance, with military connections in Amish country. Oh and a widowed doctor trying to treat rare genetic conditions in the local kids.
This was a nice easy read but I was cross that the doctor was so naive and unfortunately I "got" the plot very early on so not enough plot twists for me.

[Judy Shutter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Plain truth

I always like Debbie Giusti's Stories From the military investigations. Very interesting and keeps you interested in the book without it being boring. Look forward to reading more of her books.

[Carole · Rating 1 out of 5]

Did not read this

[ANNETTE · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it.

[Ashley Meyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Decent story. Hard to become attached to the characters.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a new-to-me author, and I enjoyed her approach to love-inspired suspense. Just the right amount of romance, and she knocked it out-of-the-park with her who-dun-it suspense. I had my suspicions but wasn’t prepared for the ending. As Dr. Ella Jacobsen and Special Agent Zach Swain work together will they find themselves attracted to each other? Will they find the answer to the secrets that have invaded the quiet Georgia Amish country? Woven throughout the story is a thread of forgiveness.

[Kate Vale · Rating 3 out of 5]

Follow how widowed Dr. Ella Jacobsen is attacked, as is one of her neighbors, but why is unknown. Special Agent Zach Swain becomes involved when a military spouse is harmed as well. Is it related to a genetic disease found more among Ella's Amish patients than in the general population? Or is Ella's late husband's research related? No one knows.

What follows is a roller coaster of tension as Ella and Zach work together to uncover who wants her day and why--all in rural Georgia.

[Elaine. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a suspense romance set near the Amish community and dealing with a Doctor who treats the Amish children and is accepted by most of the community.

[Harlequin Books]

Miniseries: Military Investigations

[Harlequin Books]

Miniseries: Military Investigations

[Kim]

Doctor Ella Jacobson is left for dead in her children clinic.

[Sandy Larivee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read

This was a new author for me. The book held my interest till the very end. Would read more of her books.