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An Amish Mystery #5
A Churn for the Worse
The national bestselling author of Suspendered Sentence returns to Heavenly, Pennsylvania, where shop owner Claire Weatherly and Detective Jakob Fisher must put on their thinking kapps to solve a string of robberies and a murder in the Amish community...
When an Amish farmer is found dead in his barn, his family accepts his death as God s will. But Detective Jakob Fisher knows the farmer didn t hit himself in the head with the shovel lying beside his body. And when it comes to light that a stranger appeared at the farmer s home and now money is missing from their milk can, Fisher suspects robbery as the motive especially when another Amish family is victimized.
Getting to the truth proves difficult, however, since Fisher has two strikes against him in the eyes of the Amish his chosen career, and the Amish roots he left behind. Desperate to stop a murderous thief, Fisher turns to Heavenly Treasures shop owner Claire Weatherly for help. The trust she s earned from the Amish community enables her to go where the detective cannot straight into the path of a killer..."
When an Amish farmer is found dead in his barn, his family accepts his death as God s will. But Detective Jakob Fisher knows the farmer didn t hit himself in the head with the shovel lying beside his body. And when it comes to light that a stranger appeared at the farmer s home and now money is missing from their milk can, Fisher suspects robbery as the motive especially when another Amish family is victimized.
Getting to the truth proves difficult, however, since Fisher has two strikes against him in the eyes of the Amish his chosen career, and the Amish roots he left behind. Desperate to stop a murderous thief, Fisher turns to Heavenly Treasures shop owner Claire Weatherly for help. The trust she s earned from the Amish community enables her to go where the detective cannot straight into the path of a killer..."
393 pages, Hardcover
First published March 1, 2016
77 people are currently reading
585 people want to read
About the author
Laura Bradford
58 books883 followersAka Elizabeth Lynn Casey.
While spending a rainy afternoon at a friend's house nearly forty years ago, Laura Bradford fell in love with writing over a stack of blank paper, a box of crayons, and a freshly sharpened number two pencil.
Those early attempts at the craft had her writing and illustrating stories for young children. Wise beyond her years, Laura saved her first writing attempt in a hand decorated shoe box (complete with sparkly stickers) and moved on to her next idea. Her second book—O’Casey’s Wish—was so utterly brilliant, she sent it off to a well-known New York publishing house at the tender age of ten, confident she was on the verge of becoming the next Don Freeman (Corduroy) or Shel Silverstein (Giving Tree).
Months later, she received her first form letter rejection.
While she wasn’t of the mindset to save that first crushing blow for posterity, Laura did save the original copy of this particular literary masterpiece in the event the letter was a mistake.
Desperate to prove her flexibility as a writer, Laura soon found herself dabbling in jokes (for her Girl Scout troop’s newsletter), stories of angst (a somewhat autobiographical look at her teenage years), movie reviews (for the Xavier University Newswire), and countless news and feature articles (for newspapers in CT, SC, TN, and MO).
It wasn’t until Laura was home raising children of her own though, that she was finally able to dust off that rainy day dream and bring it back to its original form—writing fiction. Today, she is a bestselling mystery author with Berkley Prime Crime (Penguin Publishing), and an award winning romance author with Harlequin American. She lives in New York with her family.
Oh, and if you meet Laura at a book event in the future, ask her about O’Casey’s Wish. It tends to travel with her everywhere she goes.
While spending a rainy afternoon at a friend's house nearly forty years ago, Laura Bradford fell in love with writing over a stack of blank paper, a box of crayons, and a freshly sharpened number two pencil.
Those early attempts at the craft had her writing and illustrating stories for young children. Wise beyond her years, Laura saved her first writing attempt in a hand decorated shoe box (complete with sparkly stickers) and moved on to her next idea. Her second book—O’Casey’s Wish—was so utterly brilliant, she sent it off to a well-known New York publishing house at the tender age of ten, confident she was on the verge of becoming the next Don Freeman (Corduroy) or Shel Silverstein (Giving Tree).
Months later, she received her first form letter rejection.
While she wasn’t of the mindset to save that first crushing blow for posterity, Laura did save the original copy of this particular literary masterpiece in the event the letter was a mistake.
Desperate to prove her flexibility as a writer, Laura soon found herself dabbling in jokes (for her Girl Scout troop’s newsletter), stories of angst (a somewhat autobiographical look at her teenage years), movie reviews (for the Xavier University Newswire), and countless news and feature articles (for newspapers in CT, SC, TN, and MO).
It wasn’t until Laura was home raising children of her own though, that she was finally able to dust off that rainy day dream and bring it back to its original form—writing fiction. Today, she is a bestselling mystery author with Berkley Prime Crime (Penguin Publishing), and an award winning romance author with Harlequin American. She lives in New York with her family.
Oh, and if you meet Laura at a book event in the future, ask her about O’Casey’s Wish. It tends to travel with her everywhere she goes.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews
February 27, 2016
This is the best installment of this series so far! You’ll have to put on your best thinking kapp to solve this one!
Laura Bradford is a phenomenal author. A magnificent storyteller. And while I adore all series written by her (She also writes as Elizabeth Lynn Casey), the Amish mystery series to me, is the biggest and brightest gem in her crown of work.
Truth be told, A CHURN FOR THE WORSE is THE best mystery I have read, not only this year, but in the last couple of years. The Amish Mystery series is in my top three favorite series. Each time I read a new book in this series, I feel like I am home again.
To say the characters in this series are wonderful would be a vast understatement. From the English (what the Amish call us), Claire, her Aunt Diane, and Jakob Fisher (once Amish), to the Amish characters Benjamin Miller, and Ester and Eli Fisher, just to name a few, Ms. Bradford has created characters, no, people with amazing depth and layers. Each book in this series brings out more about these lovely folks. Watching them develop and grow has been one of the best parts of reading this series.
As for the mystery, author Bradford has outdone herself! Bringing the victim into the story fairly early, the mystery surrounding the death, and investigation for the truth, spread throughout the entire story. There is also a secondary mystery happening in this book, ensuring every page will be filled with exciting reading. So, with my thoughts churning away, I didn’t put this book down until it was done. Wow! Ms. Bradford once again blew me away with her clever reveal. I never saw it coming.
If you’re looking for a great read, go no further than A CHURN FOR THE WORSE.
Make sure to check out the back of the book for a sneak peek of book one in Laura Bradford’s new Emergency Dessert Squad mysteries series, ÉCLAIR AND PRESENT DANGER!
Laura Bradford is a phenomenal author. A magnificent storyteller. And while I adore all series written by her (She also writes as Elizabeth Lynn Casey), the Amish mystery series to me, is the biggest and brightest gem in her crown of work.
Truth be told, A CHURN FOR THE WORSE is THE best mystery I have read, not only this year, but in the last couple of years. The Amish Mystery series is in my top three favorite series. Each time I read a new book in this series, I feel like I am home again.
To say the characters in this series are wonderful would be a vast understatement. From the English (what the Amish call us), Claire, her Aunt Diane, and Jakob Fisher (once Amish), to the Amish characters Benjamin Miller, and Ester and Eli Fisher, just to name a few, Ms. Bradford has created characters, no, people with amazing depth and layers. Each book in this series brings out more about these lovely folks. Watching them develop and grow has been one of the best parts of reading this series.
As for the mystery, author Bradford has outdone herself! Bringing the victim into the story fairly early, the mystery surrounding the death, and investigation for the truth, spread throughout the entire story. There is also a secondary mystery happening in this book, ensuring every page will be filled with exciting reading. So, with my thoughts churning away, I didn’t put this book down until it was done. Wow! Ms. Bradford once again blew me away with her clever reveal. I never saw it coming.
If you’re looking for a great read, go no further than A CHURN FOR THE WORSE.
Make sure to check out the back of the book for a sneak peek of book one in Laura Bradford’s new Emergency Dessert Squad mysteries series, ÉCLAIR AND PRESENT DANGER!
March 3, 2020
Wow!!! This reader thinks A Churn for the Worse is definitely Laura Bradford's best book of this series so far! I did not guess who killed Wayne Stutzman, Amish man and father to seven children and beloved husband to Emma. I liked that within this cozy mystery there was also another mystery. This reader being kept on the edge of her seat as the story unfolded page by page. Slowly and agonizingly, as I feared for the Amish community when the murderer targeted each vulnerable farm in the community. When would the killer strike out again? Who would the next innocent victim be? The end of this book had me shedding tears and skipping lunch.
This book will not disappoint readers of Amish cozy mysteries or readers of Cozy Mysteries in general. I know you will love it and I highly recommend it .
I down loaded a copy of A Churn For The Worse from The Ohio Digital Library. A review was not requested. I have expressed my own honest thoughts and opinions about my experiences in reading this book.
This book will not disappoint readers of Amish cozy mysteries or readers of Cozy Mysteries in general. I know you will love it and I highly recommend it .
I down loaded a copy of A Churn For The Worse from The Ohio Digital Library. A review was not requested. I have expressed my own honest thoughts and opinions about my experiences in reading this book.
March 10, 2016
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Another Heavenly trip to Heavenly! Laura Bradford continues to give us wonderful stories starring some of the most engaging cozy characters. When I pick up one of her mysteries it is like wrapping myself in a warm cozy blanket.
Claire Weatherly is in love and not only with Jakob Fisher. She loves this town, her work, and all the heartwarming people of Heavenly. Her greatest wish is to bring Jakob and his family together again after they have shunned him when he decided to become a law enforcement officer after he had been baptized. She pushes the boundaries to help him have contact with them while trying not break the rules of the Amish.
This time an Amish farmer has been killed and no one calls the authorities. “God’s Will”. Money goes missing, no one reports it. The man seemed “kind”. Well word gets back to Claire and she is sure to let Jakob knows what is going on. But will he be able to help if none of the Amish will talk to him? Claire does her best to keep her ears open and Jakob tries to get the Amish to understand he just wants to help. There is also a strong subplot that ties together a missing racehorse and the horses the Amish purchase to pull their buggies.
I love the way Claire and Jakob’s relationship is evolving. The pace has been perfect. They have built a trust working together, become friends and have now moved to courting. The author continues to nurture these characters in a delightful way.
I enjoyed learning about the horses too. I never really thought about the horses pulling the buggies and now it makes perfect sense. It is easy to see Ms. Bradford thoroughly researched this aspect to her story.
They main mystery in the story has someone preying on the local Amish community. It has to be someone familiar with their ways and traditions. We are given several suspects and a lot of different diversions as we try to solve the mystery right along with Jakob and Claire. I was totally wrong and surprised.
I loved this story and I love this series. Laura Bradford has churned up another captivating cozy for us to enjoy. Don’t hold your horses, race right out to get this one today.
Another Heavenly trip to Heavenly! Laura Bradford continues to give us wonderful stories starring some of the most engaging cozy characters. When I pick up one of her mysteries it is like wrapping myself in a warm cozy blanket.
Claire Weatherly is in love and not only with Jakob Fisher. She loves this town, her work, and all the heartwarming people of Heavenly. Her greatest wish is to bring Jakob and his family together again after they have shunned him when he decided to become a law enforcement officer after he had been baptized. She pushes the boundaries to help him have contact with them while trying not break the rules of the Amish.
This time an Amish farmer has been killed and no one calls the authorities. “God’s Will”. Money goes missing, no one reports it. The man seemed “kind”. Well word gets back to Claire and she is sure to let Jakob knows what is going on. But will he be able to help if none of the Amish will talk to him? Claire does her best to keep her ears open and Jakob tries to get the Amish to understand he just wants to help. There is also a strong subplot that ties together a missing racehorse and the horses the Amish purchase to pull their buggies.
I love the way Claire and Jakob’s relationship is evolving. The pace has been perfect. They have built a trust working together, become friends and have now moved to courting. The author continues to nurture these characters in a delightful way.
I enjoyed learning about the horses too. I never really thought about the horses pulling the buggies and now it makes perfect sense. It is easy to see Ms. Bradford thoroughly researched this aspect to her story.
They main mystery in the story has someone preying on the local Amish community. It has to be someone familiar with their ways and traditions. We are given several suspects and a lot of different diversions as we try to solve the mystery right along with Jakob and Claire. I was totally wrong and surprised.
I loved this story and I love this series. Laura Bradford has churned up another captivating cozy for us to enjoy. Don’t hold your horses, race right out to get this one today.
November 22, 2019
An Amish farmer is found dead in his barn and Jakob knows it was murder. Jakob also finds that money is missing from the house and other Amish Farmers. Since Jakob is ex Amish it is hard going to find out anything. He turns to his girlfriend , who runs a shop, to help him. Claire is very happy for her Amish friend who has just gotten a new horse and is interested in another friend’s tale of a missing horse. It is up to Claire to put all the clues together.
March 3, 2016
A Churn For The Worse is the fifth book in the An Amish Mystery series.
It's always nice to spend some time with Claire and Aunt Diane in Heavenly.
With Esther having gotten married, Claire has a new Amish girl, Annie, helping in her shop. One day when Annie arrives for work Claire can see that she has been crying. Annie tells Claire that a friend of hers, Henry Stutzman, had lost his father the previous evening, in what she called an accident in his barn. It is assumed that he stepped on a shovel and it hit him in the head and killed him. Claire is sure this is not the case and ask Detective Jakob Fisher (was Amish) about the story. They soon find out that some Englisher has been stopping by farms and asking for direction to some nearby place and they soon learn that money is also coming up missing from some of the houses. Claire, of course, has to help Jakob with the investigation as the Amish don't want to deal with the police and especially one that used to be a member of their faith. There's also a subplot that deals with a missing racehorse that was skillfully woven into the main story.
Once again Ms. Bradford has masterfully provided the reader with an interesting cast of characters. From the local residents and Amish to the interesting guest at her Aunt Diane's Bed and Breakfast.
Will be watching for the next book in this series.
It's always nice to spend some time with Claire and Aunt Diane in Heavenly.
With Esther having gotten married, Claire has a new Amish girl, Annie, helping in her shop. One day when Annie arrives for work Claire can see that she has been crying. Annie tells Claire that a friend of hers, Henry Stutzman, had lost his father the previous evening, in what she called an accident in his barn. It is assumed that he stepped on a shovel and it hit him in the head and killed him. Claire is sure this is not the case and ask Detective Jakob Fisher (was Amish) about the story. They soon find out that some Englisher has been stopping by farms and asking for direction to some nearby place and they soon learn that money is also coming up missing from some of the houses. Claire, of course, has to help Jakob with the investigation as the Amish don't want to deal with the police and especially one that used to be a member of their faith. There's also a subplot that deals with a missing racehorse that was skillfully woven into the main story.
Once again Ms. Bradford has masterfully provided the reader with an interesting cast of characters. From the local residents and Amish to the interesting guest at her Aunt Diane's Bed and Breakfast.
Will be watching for the next book in this series.
November 15, 2024
This is a re-read for me and well worth another visit! Here we learn more about the Amish way of life with Eli having bought a new horse for Esther, and Annie (Esther's replacement at Heavenly Treasures) getting her first horse and buggy. Along with this we have the killing of an Amish farmer and thefts from Amish families. Detective Fisher and Claire need to but their heads together to sort this out and make Heavenly safe again for the Englisch and more importantly the Amish.
I really hope there will be more in this wonderful series!
I really hope there will be more in this wonderful series!
December 10, 2018
Adoro questa serie! Per lungo tempo ho temuto che questo fosse l'ultimo libro, quindi me lo lasciavo da parte per leggerlo in un momento in cui avrei potuto goderlo in pieno. Fortunatamente, questo mese è uscito un nuovo titolo per cui ne deduco che la serie continuerà. Evviva!
March 7, 2016
http://openbooksociety.com/article/a-...
A Churn for the Worse
An Amish Mystery, Book #5
By Laura Bradford
ISBN13: 9780425273036
Author website: http://www.laurabradford.com/
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Kayt
Synopsis:
The national bestselling author of Suspendered Sentence returns to Heavenly, Pennsylvania, where shop owner Claire Weatherby and Detective Jakob Fisher must put on their thinking kapps to solve a string of robberies and a murder in the Amish community…
When an Amish farmer is found dead in his barn, his family accepts his death as God’s will. But Detective Jakob Fisher knows the farmer didn’t hit himself in the head with the shovel lying beside his body. And when it comes to light that a stranger appeared at the farmer’s home and now money is missing from their milk can, Fisher suspects robbery as the motive—especially when another Amish family is victimized.
Getting to the truth proves difficult, however, since Fisher has two strikes against him in the eyes of the Amish—his chosen career, and the Amish roots he left behind. Desperate to stop a murderous thief, Fisher turns to Heavenly Treasures shop owner Claire Weatherly for help. The trust she’s earned from the Amish community enables her to go where the detective cannot—straight into the path of a killer…
Review:
Once again Laura Bradford has brought her readers into her heavenly Amish/English setting. Written with love, kindness and skill, A Churn for the Worse, is heartfelt, enthralling and just Plain wonderful. I love coming back to Heavenly, Pennsylvania and visiting with the amazing characters there. Claire Weatherly, her boyfriend Detective Jakob Fisher, Aunt Diane and the Amish families and friends, are like old cherished friends to me. The storyline is well plotted and has plenty of twists. The one theme I love most is the kindness, friendship and love of family (blood kin and not) that radiates so powerfully in this series. Even when faced with evil in the form of murder and theft- that love prevails. You cannot get any better than Laura Bradford’s Amish Mystery series.
In this installment of the fabulous Amish Mystery series, and Amish farmer is found dead and even though his family believe it is “God’s Will”, a murderer needs to be found. Claire’s Amish employee Annie tells her about the tragedy and the information pushes Claire to get Jakob involved. There is no way the farmer could have accidentally been killed with his own shovel. Jakob worries it could be a hate crime, even more so when he learns the family’s money was also stolen. Other families are getting robbed by an English man who comes to their homes asking for directions, information on their products or even a glass of water. Jakob tries his best to find answers, but his past sometimes makes it hard. Not only is he a police detective (the Amish do not care to be involved with them), but also because Jakob is shunned for leaving the church after being baptized. Claire is a big help since most of her friends are Amish and they seem to trust her.
Several things are going on at the same time in this well paced and deftly written cozy. All of them are an essential part of the story. There are horses, candy, a push to change the people Heavenly attract and more. We learn a bit more about Claire’s wonderful Aunt Dianne and that is a real pleasure. I hope we see more of her in the forefront, but that is just my secret wish. Claire and Jakob’s relationship is moving forward. Their care for each other is so fresh and amazing. I am not always a fan of romance in my cozies as it sometimes seems forced. This is not the case with their romance. This is pleasant, heartwarming and so well written.
A Churn for the Worse is another wonderful hit for Laura Bradford. The characters keep getting better and better. The storyline is full of intelligence and complexity – just the right amount too. At times I thought I knew who the killer and thief were. At other times I was sure I knew the reason behind it all. Then the author would throw in another twist and I had to rethink things. Just wonderful, the perfect cozy. Even if you have not read any of the other stellar books in this series, this one (as all of them) can stand alone. It is the best yet, but do not miss the others. They are all fabulous and this is a truly magnificent series.
*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review*
A Churn for the Worse
An Amish Mystery, Book #5
By Laura Bradford
ISBN13: 9780425273036
Author website: http://www.laurabradford.com/
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Kayt
Synopsis:
The national bestselling author of Suspendered Sentence returns to Heavenly, Pennsylvania, where shop owner Claire Weatherby and Detective Jakob Fisher must put on their thinking kapps to solve a string of robberies and a murder in the Amish community…
When an Amish farmer is found dead in his barn, his family accepts his death as God’s will. But Detective Jakob Fisher knows the farmer didn’t hit himself in the head with the shovel lying beside his body. And when it comes to light that a stranger appeared at the farmer’s home and now money is missing from their milk can, Fisher suspects robbery as the motive—especially when another Amish family is victimized.
Getting to the truth proves difficult, however, since Fisher has two strikes against him in the eyes of the Amish—his chosen career, and the Amish roots he left behind. Desperate to stop a murderous thief, Fisher turns to Heavenly Treasures shop owner Claire Weatherly for help. The trust she’s earned from the Amish community enables her to go where the detective cannot—straight into the path of a killer…
Review:
Once again Laura Bradford has brought her readers into her heavenly Amish/English setting. Written with love, kindness and skill, A Churn for the Worse, is heartfelt, enthralling and just Plain wonderful. I love coming back to Heavenly, Pennsylvania and visiting with the amazing characters there. Claire Weatherly, her boyfriend Detective Jakob Fisher, Aunt Diane and the Amish families and friends, are like old cherished friends to me. The storyline is well plotted and has plenty of twists. The one theme I love most is the kindness, friendship and love of family (blood kin and not) that radiates so powerfully in this series. Even when faced with evil in the form of murder and theft- that love prevails. You cannot get any better than Laura Bradford’s Amish Mystery series.
In this installment of the fabulous Amish Mystery series, and Amish farmer is found dead and even though his family believe it is “God’s Will”, a murderer needs to be found. Claire’s Amish employee Annie tells her about the tragedy and the information pushes Claire to get Jakob involved. There is no way the farmer could have accidentally been killed with his own shovel. Jakob worries it could be a hate crime, even more so when he learns the family’s money was also stolen. Other families are getting robbed by an English man who comes to their homes asking for directions, information on their products or even a glass of water. Jakob tries his best to find answers, but his past sometimes makes it hard. Not only is he a police detective (the Amish do not care to be involved with them), but also because Jakob is shunned for leaving the church after being baptized. Claire is a big help since most of her friends are Amish and they seem to trust her.
Several things are going on at the same time in this well paced and deftly written cozy. All of them are an essential part of the story. There are horses, candy, a push to change the people Heavenly attract and more. We learn a bit more about Claire’s wonderful Aunt Dianne and that is a real pleasure. I hope we see more of her in the forefront, but that is just my secret wish. Claire and Jakob’s relationship is moving forward. Their care for each other is so fresh and amazing. I am not always a fan of romance in my cozies as it sometimes seems forced. This is not the case with their romance. This is pleasant, heartwarming and so well written.
A Churn for the Worse is another wonderful hit for Laura Bradford. The characters keep getting better and better. The storyline is full of intelligence and complexity – just the right amount too. At times I thought I knew who the killer and thief were. At other times I was sure I knew the reason behind it all. Then the author would throw in another twist and I had to rethink things. Just wonderful, the perfect cozy. Even if you have not read any of the other stellar books in this series, this one (as all of them) can stand alone. It is the best yet, but do not miss the others. They are all fabulous and this is a truly magnificent series.
*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review*
March 3, 2016
I loved this book!! Number 5 in the series is the best one yet!! I'm so enthralled with Heavenly, PA and the people who live there. Amish on one side of town, English on the other side, and they meet in the middle to operate their shops. A lovely tourist destination for mostly senior citizens and families. Lovely, that is, until one of the Amish farmers is found dead in his barn, from an unwanted meeting with a shovel.
Enter Claire Weatherly, English shop owner, and her beau, Jakob Fisher, who left the Amish to become a cop and is now shunned. Claire and Jakob put their heads together to find out who did the nasty deed. The killer is still roaming the area and has now turned to stealing large amounts of money from the Amish homes. Will Claire and Jakob find the killer before he strikes again?? Will Jakob's relatives or Claire be the next victim?? And will the missing race horse be found?? Miss Bradford has woven several sub-stories in this book that all come together at the end. Terrific book!! :)
Enter Claire Weatherly, English shop owner, and her beau, Jakob Fisher, who left the Amish to become a cop and is now shunned. Claire and Jakob put their heads together to find out who did the nasty deed. The killer is still roaming the area and has now turned to stealing large amounts of money from the Amish homes. Will Claire and Jakob find the killer before he strikes again?? Will Jakob's relatives or Claire be the next victim?? And will the missing race horse be found?? Miss Bradford has woven several sub-stories in this book that all come together at the end. Terrific book!! :)
March 3, 2016
The peaceful summer in Heavenly, Pennsylvania, is ruined when one of the Amish farmers is murdered. Was he targeted because he is Amish? Or was it part of a string of burglaries hitting that part of town? Claire and Jakob will have to work together to find out.
Once again, we are transported to the town of Heavenly and get to spend time with characters we have come to love. The growth in the characters and their relationships we see here is absolutely amazing. The mystery is good as well. I thought I had it figured out, but I only had a small portion of it figured out. If you like this series, you’ll love this book. And if you have yet to start this series, fix that today.
NOTE: I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
Once again, we are transported to the town of Heavenly and get to spend time with characters we have come to love. The growth in the characters and their relationships we see here is absolutely amazing. The mystery is good as well. I thought I had it figured out, but I only had a small portion of it figured out. If you like this series, you’ll love this book. And if you have yet to start this series, fix that today.
NOTE: I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
March 14, 2016
Ms. Bradford does it again, I thoroughly enjoyed my return visit to Heavenly. I swear that I can hear the horses and smell fresh air as I read. An Amish farmer is found murdered and money begins to disappear through the community, is it all connected? There is also a side mystery going that I found very interesting. I was certain that I had it figured out but with a surprising twist, I was wrong. I cannot begin to say enough good about the characters in this series, they are all likeable and I would love to be able to sit down with them. I don't think that you would have any problem reading this as a stand alone but I highly recommend that you read them all just for character development...and fun.
May 18, 2019
2019 bk 161. It's not just murder in this, the fifth mystery. Money is missing, large amounts, from Amish farms, and it may be tied into the murder of an Amish farmer. Through Claire, some of Jakob's wish to see his family is enabled as his niece and her husband find work around that will let Jakob know about his soon to be great niece or nephew. The theme of shunning runs through all of these stories, and that makes the episodes where Jakob encounters family members all the more poignant. It is in this book that Claire learns of her aunt's love of horses and the full importance of the importance of horses in the Amish community is understood. Another winner in the series, and I just learned that there are 2 short stories in the series available for the Kindle.
June 15, 2019
Someone is stealing from the Amish, and a farmer is killed in his barn with a shovel, leaving behind a widow and several children. Ben steps in to help look after the family and Claire suspects that he won't be lonely for much longer.
Bill, a man who organizes tours, is staying at the B&B and seems to have taken an interest in Claire's Aunt Diane
Bill, a man who organizes tours, is staying at the B&B and seems to have taken an interest in Claire's Aunt Diane
December 10, 2018
I enjoyed the writing style and likable characters, so much so I bought two more. However, there really was too much romance for a mystery novel and I was expecting a more complex mystery based on reviews but I easily guessed the entire mystery early on (I was waiting for a plot twist that never happened lol) light, easy reading.
October 17, 2022
This is such a sweet series. I really enjoy the characters and their relationships. While I had a broad guess at the culprit for most of this my narrowed down choice was wrong. No matter what it was a good story.
April 25, 2024
An Amish farmer is killed in his barn but also it is discovered that other Amish families are having money stolen from their houses. Detective Jakob Fisher is investigating but needs help convincing the families to report the crime. The book was an easy read.
January 27, 2019
A Churn for the Worse is the 5th suspense filled book written by Laura Bradford in her An Amish Mystery series. I really enjoyed this book and it is a fantadtic adfition to the series. Again there are two different mysteries playing out in this story but they become mingled at the conclusion. The author has once again written such a compelling story that will keep the readers interest to the end.
I really enjoyed the characters in this series and in each book there is always a new character added. The author has done an excellent job telling her story through her characters. I love the way she interacts the English characters with the Amish characters. Claire is definetly a heartwarming character who is on a mission to bring Jakob back in good graces with his family and community. This story shows the author has done her do diligence in gathering information about the Amish and the way the build their homebased businesses.
I was not given a complimentary copy of this book to read and review. I was not approached by anyone to post a favorable review. I have rated this book with five stars for meeting my expectations of an excellent story that I can highly recommend to others. I am hoping for another book to continue this series.
Congratulations to Laura Bradford for releasing this fantastic series for her readers to enjoy.
I really enjoyed the characters in this series and in each book there is always a new character added. The author has done an excellent job telling her story through her characters. I love the way she interacts the English characters with the Amish characters. Claire is definetly a heartwarming character who is on a mission to bring Jakob back in good graces with his family and community. This story shows the author has done her do diligence in gathering information about the Amish and the way the build their homebased businesses.
I was not given a complimentary copy of this book to read and review. I was not approached by anyone to post a favorable review. I have rated this book with five stars for meeting my expectations of an excellent story that I can highly recommend to others. I am hoping for another book to continue this series.
Congratulations to Laura Bradford for releasing this fantastic series for her readers to enjoy.
April 23, 2016
A Churn for the Worse is the first of Laura Bradford's Amish Mysteries that I have read; it is the fifth in the series. The story tazkes place in Heavenly, PA, a serene yet popular Amish tourist community. The Amish and the English get along well for the most part. However when an Amish farmer, good husband and father of seven is found murdered in his barn Heavenly Police Detective Jakob Fisher is concerned it may be a hate crime. A stranger is stopping at Amish farms to seek directions or a glass oif water and stealing or attempting to steal monney. Claire Weatherly, Jakob's girlfriend and owner of Heavenly Treasures is also concerned and determined to help solve these mysteries.
There are several storylines in this fine book. It is fast-paced and filled with delightful and likable characters. I loved the interactions between the Amish and English and a real glimpse into Amish culture. It will certainly not be my first and only Laura Bradford book as I am looking forward to reading the first four in this wonderful series.
There are several storylines in this fine book. It is fast-paced and filled with delightful and likable characters. I loved the interactions between the Amish and English and a real glimpse into Amish culture. It will certainly not be my first and only Laura Bradford book as I am looking forward to reading the first four in this wonderful series.
April 2, 2016
As always, the 5th entry in Laura Bradford’s Amish Mystery series is wonderful. Well written, excellent descriptions of the lovely town of Heavenly, and richly developed characters. Ms. Bradford strikes the perfect balance between keeping the pacing fast and creating a devious plot that kept me guessing until the end.
The Amish community is unsettled when a farmer is found dead in his barn. The members of his group want to believe it was a sad accident, but, when it is found to be murder, the gentle people are terrified that someone is preying upon their innocence and generosity. Claire and Jakob’s romance is coming along nicely, too, and they make a good team.
I can’t wait for the next one!
The Amish community is unsettled when a farmer is found dead in his barn. The members of his group want to believe it was a sad accident, but, when it is found to be murder, the gentle people are terrified that someone is preying upon their innocence and generosity. Claire and Jakob’s romance is coming along nicely, too, and they make a good team.
I can’t wait for the next one!
June 11, 2016
This book's Amish country setting was fascinating and even though I was starting in the middle of a series, the author made it easy for me to understand past relationships without giving too much away about earlier plots. This was an entertaining and enjoyable read.
July 12, 2016
An ok addition to a great series but definitely wasn't my favorite. I started this book several times but just couldn't get excited. I finally finished it and thought "This was akin to eating a meal, you're full but not satisfied."
March 8, 2016
It was a lovely read. A sweet story of love and friendship accompanies this cozy mystery. It was a treat to read and like taking a scenic vacation in Amish country.
May 21, 2017
This is her 5th book in the series, so I liked it well enough. But anyone with brains had it figured out long before the "detective" did!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 6, 2024
The national bestselling author of Suspendered Sentence returns to Heavenly, Pennsylvania, where shop owner Claire Weatherly and Detective Jakob Fisher must put on their thinking kapps to solve a string of robberies and a murder in the Amish community...
When an Amish farmer is found dead in his barn, his family accepts his death as God’s will. But Detective Jakob Fisher knows the farmer didn’t hit himself in the head with the shovel lying beside his body. And when it comes to light that a stranger appeared at the farmer’s home and now money is missing from their milk can, Fisher suspects robbery as the motive—especially when another Amish family is victimized.
Getting to the truth proves difficult, however, since Fisher has two strikes against him in the eyes of the Amish—his chosen career, and the Amish roots he left behind. Desperate to stop a murderous thief, Fisher turns to Heavenly Treasures shop owner Claire Weatherly for help. The trust she’s earned from the Amish community enables her to go where the detective cannot—straight into the path of a killer...
April 22, 2020
Challenges: RRRCs October 2019 (belated) - farming (5); March Mystery Madness 2020 - Bingo: Fifth book in series; MMM Cover Scavenger Hunt - wood (3, barn), vehicle (20, buggy), animal (21, horse), weapon (25, shovel), hat (30, Amish), five-word title (31); and, Steeped in Books/Stacking the Series - Level 3b/Book 5. A nice installment in the ongoing story of how Amish families and their industry work together with the English. One romance moves further along, and two blossom. The story line leaves the reader wondering whether the mayor of Heavenly will listen to his hired consultant on the economy of the town and take a 'churn for the worse'. The mystery was easily solved.
October 10, 2019
Terrific book!! Someone is stealing from the Amish homes and searching through their barns. An Amish farmer is found murdered as well. Claire tries to help Jakob with solving the murders. As usual in these books, the characters are family and it was difficult to figure out the killer. I was certain it was one person, but it turned out to be someone entirely different. I can't wait for more of these books and the charming town of Heavenly with it's delightful citizens!!
November 4, 2019
Another Great Read
Usually when I read a series of books, I find that some are stronger than others. That is not the case here. Ms. Bradford makes each subsequent book as delightful as the first, and I know that when I finish the last of the series, I will want to read other books that she has written.
Usually when I read a series of books, I find that some are stronger than others. That is not the case here. Ms. Bradford makes each subsequent book as delightful as the first, and I know that when I finish the last of the series, I will want to read other books that she has written.
December 1, 2019
A good solid book. Except. Except. It all seemed a bit simple. Not necessarily a fault in a book about Amish and their simple lifestyle. And their simple dialog could reflect people speaking a second language. And having a transparent plot is not so terrible.
So three stars. I read it, I mostly enjoyed it, and I won't seek out another by the author.
So three stars. I read it, I mostly enjoyed it, and I won't seek out another by the author.
December 12, 2019
The mystery, the characters, the setting and just everything about this series I love. Oh and the writing style and pace of course. Also near the end got a little intense. What more could I say about this series that I haven't said for the other books. Five books in and already want to read the next one.
December 1, 2021
It's a good mystery.
But they kept talking about a topic all the time. I mean it kept popping up everywhere. To the point I knew it wasn't a coincidence so I figured out that was the motive for murder. Although I didn't figure out who did it. I was so sure it was someone else and I was wrong.
But they kept talking about a topic all the time. I mean it kept popping up everywhere. To the point I knew it wasn't a coincidence so I figured out that was the motive for murder. Although I didn't figure out who did it. I was so sure it was someone else and I was wrong.
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