Plain Confession

An Amish Mystery #5

by Emma Miller

When Rachel Mast returned to Stone Mill, Pennsylvania, she unwittingly became a bridge between the closed Amish community and the Englisch police. Now, as she prepares for her wedding, she's drawn into an investigation that could end in a different ceremony--her funeral . . .

Rachel didn't know Daniel Fisher well, but it still comes as a shock when her fiance, a state trooper, tells her that the young Amish man's death may not have been a hunting accident. The police believe he was murdered and they need Rachel's help telling the family. But when she does, they don't seem upset or even surprised. Even more unsettling, Daniel's brother-in-law confesses--while his mother begs Rachel to prove his innocence. But why would he give a false confession? Who is he trying to protect?

As Rachel's search for answers overshadows her wedding plans, rumors swirl that she might not show up at the altar--and that Daniel wasn't as upstanding as he seemed. While the list of people who wanted him dead grows, Rachel is caught in the killer's crosshairs, and if she's not careful, it may be more than her feet that turn cold . . .


Praise for the Amish Mystery series

"An excellent addition to the Amish mystery subgenre."--Library Journal

"An exciting tale of mystery, love, and danger."--Booklist

"A well-informed look into the tranquil world of the Amish with a fairly edgy puzzler."
--Kirkus Reviews

Genres: Amish, Mystery, Amish Fiction, Cozy Mystery, Christian Fiction, Fiction, Suspense

304 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 27, 2018

Reviews

[Shirley Chapel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Plain Confession is book five and the final book of Emma Miller's Amish Mystery series. I can't say that this book has been my favorite one but as far as the mystery part I will say that it had me on the edge of my seat in the final chapter. Rachel Mast , our sleuths of the series always backs herself in the corner in every dangerous situation and this time I thought she was a goner for sure. Emma Miller saved the best till the last chapter and I couldn't even come up with a good guess on who the real murderer was. That part I loved but I found myself getting very upset with our Rachel because it didn't seem that she wanted to marry Evan Parks. She would constantly forget her appointment for her final fitting for her wedding dress and the same with the florist. Kind of ticked me off to be honest. What bride would forget these important dates unless she didn't really want to get married. Evan was beginning to think along those lines too. Also the other thing I didn't like was the epilogue. It seemed that the author was rushing to tie all lose ends together in the epilogue. I really thought the ending seemed kind of corny. If not for this I would have gladly gave five stars.
The story opens with a Amish funeral in progress. An Amish married man has died in a hunting accident. After the burial while the mourners are still having lunch and comforting the widow and family Evan Parks arrives on official police duty to notify the family that upon further investigation it has been determined that Daniel Fisher didn't die accidentally but instead he was murdered.
The victims brother in law Moses Studer admits to Police Detective Sharpe that he killed Daniel. The Studer family had asked Rachel to go to the Police on their behalf to tell them that Moses couldn't have possibly killed his brother in law. He wasn't that kind of person and he would never kill another human being. Once a person confesses to murder usually the plea cannot be changed and Moses is still claiming he killed Daniel. Why would he do that if he was innocent? Rachel has a wedding to plan but now she is involved with this case so even though her fiance doesn't want her to investigate on her own she just can't walk away from it. In her heart she feels Moses is innocent and trying to take the blame to protect someone else.
I recommend this book to readers of Cozy Mystery and Amish Fiction. This book is part of a series and should probably be read in order. Characters are carried over from other books in the series and things mentioned in this book will make more sense if you've read the other four books first.
I borrowed a copy from the digital library. A review was not requested. All opinions expressed here in this book are my own.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Plain Confession

Emma Miller

Received from Netgalley

PLAIN CONFESSION is the fifth book in the An Amish Mystery series. It can easily be read as a standalone. Rachel Mast has left her Amish faith but acts like a go between for the Amish and the English law enforcement. An Amish man has been found dead of what everyone presumes is a hunting accident but Rachel isn't so sure. Her fiancé, Evan Parks is still trying to get her to the alter, but she kept coming up with excuse after excuse. He is also dealing with this death as he is a state trooper. The dead man, Daniel Fisher had many secrets as Rachel soon finds out. His young brother in law confesses to killing him, but Rachel doesn't believe him.


PLAIN CONFESSION finds the people of Stone Mill, Pennsylvania taking bets on Rachel and marrying Evan. Most people think she will leave him at the alter. It's quite funny how every time Rachel has an appointment for a dress fitting or picking out her wedding flowers, something comes up and she doesn't go to the appointment. PLAIN CONFESSION really had me puzzled as to who killed Daniel. He wasn't as nice as he let the church elders think he was. Once I had it figured out, Emma Miller steered me in a whole new direction. I read this story pretty quick as I had to know who killed Daniel and why.


I enjoyed every minute I spent reading PLAIN CONFESSION and am looking forward to spending more time in Stone Mill. If you are looking for an Amish mystery filled with twists and turns then PLAIN CONFESSION is the story you should read. Once I started reading I had a hard time putting this intriguing story that is filled with many thrilling moments, down. The story of Rachel and her best friend, Mary Aaron and them trying to find the real killer really held my interest. I'm excited to continue with this series and go back and read the ones I missed.

[Maureen Timerman · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author has us back at Rachel Mast’s Inn, and we catch up with her life, and with Mary Aaron, and Evan, and of course her State Trooper fiancé, and without a doubt there will be a mystery.
Balancing her wedding, and running the inn, along with the murder of a local Amish man, keeps our girl busy, and missing appointments. There are even odds that she will bolt from her ceremony.
This one is going to keep you guessing from beginning to end, and we get to meet a lot of interesting characters while we try to guess to find out who the murderer really is.
I enjoy being in this community, and hope for more, need to know what happens with Mary Aaron, and the rest of the folks we have come to know.
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Kensington, and was not required to give a positive review.

[Elaine - Splashes Into Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: 4.5/5

I have to admit that whenever I spot another book in this series I endeavour to read it! However, don’t let that make you think you need to have read any other books from the series to enjoy this one - you don’t, I believe it works well as a standalone although to setting and some of the characters are common throughout the series.

Rachel Mast had grown up in the local Amish community but chosen not to be baptised into that faith after falling in love with her fiancé, Evan Parks, an Englisher state trooper. When Evan is at the home of an Amish family where someone has been shot, he asks Rachel to help liaise with the Amish community who are reticent to work with the Englishers. When she gets there, a young man confesses to murdering his brother-in-law but Rachel doesn’t believe him to be guilty. When his mother asks Rachel to help prove he is innocent she can’t help getting involved - despite already being busy trying to sort out her own wedding! As she struggles to reveal the truth, she’ll put herself into danger of being the murderer’s next victim and keep missing key appointments for her wedding preparations! Can she survive to marry Evan or will she be the next to die?

I really enjoyed this Amish murder mystery and found it an enthralling read. It is so full of twists and turns to keep you guessing and you’re never certain what will happen next - or if Rachel will actually make it to the church on time for her own wedding! I love the excellent character development, the insight into an Amish community and the intrigue concerning the local recluse and the murder. I’ll definitely continue to look out for more in this series in future and have no hesitation in highly recommending it to anyone who enjoys romantic suspense.

I requested and received a copy of this novel via NetGalley. This is my honest review after choosing to read it.

[Carla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rachel Mast, is a character that lives between two worlds. Born and raised Amish, she presently lives as an Englisher and runs a Bed & Breakfast as well as a gift shop in the nearby town of Stone Mill, Pennsylvania. At this time, she is planning her upcoming marriage to Evan Parks, an English State Trooper. Rachel often acts as a go-between when the Amish people have any issue with English law enforcement. Rachel is helping her mother at the wake of a young Amish man, Daniel Fisher, who died in a hunting accident. Evan arrives to tell her the detectives want to question the family as Daniel's death is actually a murder. When the detectives arrive, Rachel assists the family while they are being questioned, much to the chagrin of the detective. When Moses, the older brother of the widow is arrested after he confesses to the crime, Alma, Daniel's mother-in-law asks Rachel to help find the real killer. Moses is considered odd, but Rachel thinks he has Asperger's Syndrome. Rachel and her cousin, Mary Aaron begin to ask questions. They are sure that Moses is covering for someone. As the investigation continues, the townspeople are taking bets on whether the wedding will actually take place at all or whether Rachel will back out.

This story is filled with mystery and suspense. There are many twists along the way with more than a couple suspects. 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. Rachel's character is strong, loyal, smart, stubborn, persistent and doing an amazing job of balancing her old and new worlds. I enjoyed the character of the English "prepper", Charles, who lives on the mountain. It looks like he may become a friend and I would love to see him in a future story. Mary Aaron is still trying to decide which world she wants to live in. She works well as Rachel's sidekick. Of course Evan continues to be the patient, understanding man who is proud of Rachel and her feelings for others. He has moments in this story where he has issues, but that makes him more realistic. Another great story by Emma Miller and I look forward to my next visit to Stone Mill, Pennsylvania. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book via Netgalley.

[Patrizia · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stelle e mezza
Buona conclusione di una bella serie. Alla fine era ovvio dove bisognasse cercare il colpevole, ma nonostante tutto il mistero mi è piaciuto. Come il finale del libro è della serie: veramente appropriato.

[Cozybooklady · Rating 4 out of 5]

Plain Confession by Emma Miller is another great addition to the series.

Rachel is an interesting character. She was raised in the Amish community, left for her own reasons and now has returned to her Amish family.

Rachel still considers herself an Englisher, but she is also practicing some of the Amish traditions as well.

When a dead body is discovered and the wrong person takes the blame, Rachel sets out to help.

Rachel and Evan are getting married soon and trying to plan a wedding seems to be getting in the way of her investigation.
I enjoy this series very much and I'm looking forward to seeing if Rachel and Evan finally say I Do!

I voluntarily read an ARC of this book provided by the publisher and NetGalley.

[Kristina Anderson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Plain Confession by Emma Miller is the fifth book in A Stone Miller Amish Mystery series (aka An Amish Mystery series). Rachel Mast owns Stone Mill House, a bed and breakfast, in Stone Mill, Pennsylvania. She is attending the funeral of Daniel Fisher who died in a hunting accident. Many people comment on Daniel’s kindness and the improvements he made to the Studer farm since his marriage to Mary Rose. Rachel is surprised when Evan Parks, her fiancé and a state trooper, shows up at the funeral with the news that Daniel’s death was not an accident. Detective Sharp is in charge of the investigation (since Evan stepped down), but he is unfamiliar with the Amish and he is lacking in people skills. Moses Studer, Daniel’s brother-in-law, confesses to killing Daniel when he is questioned which leads to his arrest and the end of the police’s investigation. Alma Studer, Daniel’s mother-in-law, comes to Rachel asks her to prove Moses innocence. Rachel agrees to help Moses and sets out to find the truth. She needs to work in her wedding preparations in between her sleuthing. Rachel and Evan’s wedding is fast approaching, and Rachel has yet to have her final dress fitting. Townspeople are wondering if Rachel will show up at the altar or become a runaway bride. After making some inquiries, Rachel soon discovers that outward appearances are deceiving. Rachel becomes intent on solving the case before she walks down the aisle. Who killed Daniel Fisher? Will Rachel make it to her wedding? Return to Stone Mill and help Rachel solve the case in Plain Confession.

Plain Confession is the fifth book in the series, and it can be read as a standalone. Details on Rachel, her family and Evan are included. I found Plain Confession to contain good writing, and it was easy to read. Emma Miller is a descriptive writer which helps bring a book to life. I did feel that some details were not needed. An example is as a person is driving down the road readers get a detailed description of the scenery, the turns the person makes while driving, etc. Rachel Mast is a unique character. She was raised Amish, but she was not baptized into the faith. She stayed in the community where she was raised and runs a bed and breakfast. This allows her to interact with the Amish and Englisch. I like that Rachel honors Amish traditions (dressing modestly and covering her head for example) and is respectful. I felt that she became too fixated on the case. It made it seem like she was having second thoughts about her marriage to Evan Parks. I did not like how Evan did not want her to look into Daniel’s case and kept reminding her (once was enough). It felt off since Rachel has helped Evan on past cases. I like that the main characters are established and nicely developed. I was not a fan of Detective Sharp. Sharp is a cliché nasty detective that is similar to those in other cozy mysteries. The mystery has some good components, but I felt it was too simple. I wish it had been more complicated and harder to identify the culprit. The investigation consists of Rachel asking questions and then speculating on the case. I was curious as to why Daniel’s body had been released for the funeral when the investigation into his death was not complete and the autopsy results were not in. Of course, the police showing up at the funeral was tacky and inconsiderate (they could not wait until the next day). Plain Confession needed more action. The pace was too slow at times which made my attention wander. Christian elements are woven seamlessly into the story (having faith, God’s mercy), power of prayer). My rating for Plain Confession is 3 out of 5 stars. While Plain Confession is not my favorite book in the series, I will continue to read the books in A Stone Mill Amish Mystery series.

[Clare O'Beara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is extremely impressive and solid crime writing. The author deserves to be read by those who don't just enjoy cosy mysteries. Character presentation and culture contrast are here in plenty, and vivid descriptive writing brings us right to the scene, whether in a grocery store, a ham smokehouse or an open hillside.

A young woman who is preparing for her wedding is required to act as a go-between for her Amish relations and local law enforcement. While she didn't take the community vows she is still seen as almost one of the faith by contrast with the Englisch. A man has died in a presumed hunting accident, but early on we are told the medical examiner thinks he may have been murdered. The first suspect for the police is an odd young man - he may have autism but that doesn't make him a killer.

I really enjoyed the book and recommend the tale to crime fans everywhere.

I downloaded an e-ARC from Net Galley and Fresh Fiction. This is an unbiased review.

[Tasha · Rating 2 out of 5]

Book five and this one just did nothing for me. Rachel running around trying to find the real killer after a false confession instead of focusing on her upcoming wedding. Evan grumpy because Rachel is running around and not doing wedding planning. Yes their were some interesting new characters but the whole book was just flat for me.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book and hope to read more in the series to catch up.
4 stars

[Mary Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Plain Confession
An Amish Mystery, Book #5
Emma Miller
5 Stars

Synopsis:

When Rachel Mast returned to Stone Mill, Pennsylvania, she unwittingly became a bridge between the closed Amish community and the Englisher police. Now, as she prepares for her wedding, she's drawn into an investigation that could end in a different ceremony--her funeral . . .

Rachel didn't know Daniel Fisher well, but it still comes as a shock when her fiance, a state trooper, tells her that the young Amish man's death may not have been a hunting accident. The police believe he was murdered and they need Rachel's help telling the family. But when she does, they don't seem upset or even surprised. Even more unsettling, Daniel's brother-in-law confesses--while his mother begs Rachel to prove his innocence. But why would he give a false confession? Who is he trying to protect?

As Rachel's search for answers overshadows her wedding plans, rumors swirl that she might not show up at the altar--and that Daniel wasn't as upstanding as he seemed. While the list of people who wanted him dead grows, Rachel is caught in the killer's crosshairs, and if she's not careful, it may be more than her feet that turn cold . . .


Praise for the Amish Mystery series

"An excellent addition to the Amish mystery subgenre."--Library Journal

"An exciting tale of mystery, love, and danger."--Booklist

"A well-informed look into the tranquil world of the Amish with a fairly edgy puzzler."
--Kirkus Reviews (Goodreads)

Review:

The characters are well rounded, well developed and three dimensional. Rachel is caring, smart and willing to do whatever it takes to help her friends. When she feels that an Amish man is wrongly accused of murder, she is determined to find the real killer.
Rachel is a buffer between the Amish world and the English world and she knows that without her help, the wrong man will get sent to prison. I really like the fact Rachel continues to respect the traditions and beliefs of the Amish, although she is no longer a part of their world.

The writing style flows smoothly and allowed me to see the setting and activity through the eyes of the characters. The setting was inviting and I could picture it in my mind while reading the book. That helped pull me into the story right from the beginning.

The mystery was carried out well throughout the whole book and it was well paced. There were enough suspects to consider and clues to sift through. There were enough twists and turns and red herrings thrown in that it was not an easy mystery to solve.

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery. If you like Amish based mysteries as much as I do, this book is a must read.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher, Kensington Books, and NetGalley, which I greatly appreciate.

[Carolyn Vandine West · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really great book. Lots of muddied tracks behind what seemed like a simple hunting accident. But then the police said murder!
When the off the books investigation leads Rachel Mast to try to help her friend see why her son confessed to a murder, she gets herself in hot water. She is getting married soon, she misses dress fittings and flower choices. Her hubby to be, a state trooper, is getting upset with her.
This was a confusing trail to find the murderer, I was shocked at the ending.
This was part of a series that I got from the library

[Pamela Pavkov · Rating 5 out of 5]

Plain Confession, a novel written by Emma Miller, is full of love, compassion, and is definetly a thriller. This book continues the story of Rachel Mast and her exit from the Amish community. Even though she has left the community she has not left the faith. Rachel still tries to live her life by the way she was raised.

The characters in this storyline are very likeable and realistic and i enjoyed getting to know them a little better thru this book. My favorite character was Rachel because of her strength, the love she has for others, and her independence. She wants to do what others want her to do but still does what she feels is right for her.

I enjoyed the way the plot played out in this book and I had a few times where I felt I knew who did the murder but yet things didn't add up. The author continues to make each novel in this series better than the last one.

I was not given a complimentary copy of this amazing book to read and review. I was not approached to post a favorable review at anytime. I have rated this book with five stars for meeting my expectations of a wonderful story that i can highly recommend to all those who love the Amish genre along with some mystery.

Congratulations to Emma Miller for once again writing a story that her readers can enjoy and I look forward to reading more amazing books by this author in the future.

[Angela (Kentuckybooklover) Brocato-Skaggs · Rating 4 out of 5]

As Rachel is finalizing her wedding plans to State Trooper Evan she learns that a local man's death may not have been an accident. Daniel was an Amish man that the town had nothing bad to say until his death then stories started circulating that he was not whom he seemed. Will Rachel focus on her wedding plans so this time the wedding will go off without a hiccup or will she find herself in the middle of the investigation and losing sight of her future?

I have been wanting to read this series for several years as my mom has read a few of them and raves how good the stories are in her opinion. I have to agree, after reading the 5th book in the series it is now on my summer TBR list. I instantly liked Rachel. She is ex-Amish but still tries to follow her life as she was raised. She runs a local inn with the help of her cousin who is in her rumpsringa (a time when Amish youth get to live in both worlds). Since moving back to her hometown she has found herself in the middle of several murder investigations. This time it is two weeks before her wedding. Her wedding has been postponed once already.

On the surface Daniel appeared to be everything an Amish man should be but as Rachel starts questioning his death at the request of his mother-in-law she learns he was quite the opposite. Moses, Daniel's brother-in-law, has confessed to killing Daniel but no one except for the English law system believes he really did it. Rachel is almost certain he is autistic and had he been diagnosed properly years ago he would be better understood. The more she investigates the more dead ends she runs into.

Two of the side characters are really amazing characters that I hope I see more of as I catch up on this series. There is Chuck, a doomsday prepper, who has seen more death and tragedy serving in the war than one should ever experience and Salome, the elderly midwife and herbalist, who knows everyone's stories and secrets. Both turned out to be true friends to Rachel.

If you are interested the series in order is:
1. Plain Murder
2. Plain Killing
3. Plain Dead
4. Plain Missing
5. Plain Confession

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Kensington through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Kav · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the fifth book in Miller's Amish Mystery series but it can be read as a standalone. The only spoiler isn't really one -- the romantic development that cozy mysteries build up through a number of books. In Plain Confession, Rachel is just weeks away from marrying Evan so there's the bonus of a sweet romantic thread in the middle of the mystery.

If you're not familiar with the series, Rachel was raised Amish but 'jumped the fence' and has spent her adult years in the Englisch world. She returned to her hometown to open a bed-and-breakfast and try to mend her relationship with her Amish family which leaves Rachel caught between two worlds. This series explores the complexities of family and how to honor father and mother while still remaining true to yourself. That's what drew me to these Amish mysteries in the first place and it keeps me coming back for more. Such a fascinating twist for a cozy!

In the midst of struggling to complete wedding preparations, Rachel finds herself once again enmeshed in another tragic murder. Acting as a buffer between the Amish and the police, she's compelled to do her own sleuthing -- despite the disapproval of her fiance and the new (and abrasive) police detective. But the victim is Amish and Rachel seems to be the only one coming up with answers. Maybe that's because she knows what questions to ask -- or, more importantly -- how to ask them.

The clever mystery taxed my armchair sleuthing skills, but I might have been a bit distracted by the wedding angst so I'm not being too hard on myself. :-) Another winning addition to the Amish Mystery series.

[Kate Harmer]

What a treat to find!
I love the Amish genre. I also love Cozy Murder Mysteries. So, Amish Murder Mystery? I'm in!
Rachel has left her Amish faith, but not her family and community ties here in Stone Mill, Pennsylvania. Because of her unique position, standing with one foot on each side of the Amish world and the outside "English" world, her fiance' (a state trooper) has asked for her help when they have to break the news to a local Amish family that their son-in-law has been murdered. Even more shocking is when their son confesses. But no one, including Rachel, believes that he did it. But with a confession, the police are ready to close the case. Rachel finds herself, once again, becoming an amateur sleuth searching for clues to prove the boy's innocence. In the middle of all this, Rachel's wedding plans are getting muddled and her family and friends are wondering if this is an excuse to call it off. Tensions rise between her and her fiance' as she investigates. Will she be a bride or the next victim? Risking it all, Rachel is determined to find the real killer.
This book is for anyone that enjoys cozy mysteries or the Amish genre. An enjoyable read. The descriptions of violence were not put into great detail. It contained all of my favorite requirements: describing the Amish customs, the home interiors and the food. I could almost taste the sticky buns! I did not realize it was book 5 but it did not confuse the storyline and could be read as a stand-alone book. But, now that I know, I am going to look for the previous ones.

[Barb · Rating 3 out of 5]

“Plain Confession” is the 5th book in the A Stone Mill Amish Mystery series by Emma Miller. Rachel Mast has returned to Stone Mill, Pennsylvania. She has inadvertently become a bridge between the Amish and local law enforcement. An Amish man has been found dead apparently the victim of a hunting accident. While his mother, wife and children are grieving, the Amish community steps up to provide comfort.

Evan Parks is a state trooper and Rachel’s fiancé. He comes to the wake with disturbing news, which doesn’t seem to upset the family at all. It seems that Daniel Fisher’s death was not an accident, but a case of murder. Nobody shoots themselves accidently two times. Rachel searches for answers as to why this well thought of man in the community with seemingly no enemies would be murdered. Oh yes, Rachel and Evan are to be married in a few weeks, but Rachel seems so intent on finding the murderer that Evan thinks she is getting cold feet. Her search brings her to dangerous people. Finding the murderer of Daniel Fisher may just be the end of her.

Good Amish mystery and thriller. I enjoyed reading this novel from Ms. Miller and look forward to reading similar novels.

I received a complimentary Kindle copy of this book from NetGalley.com in return for my honest review. You can find this review on my blog at https://wp.me/p2pjIt-u7. Other reviews can be found at http://imhookedonbooks.wordpress.com.

[Patricia Bond · Rating 5 out of 5]

PLAIN CONFESSION ( AN AMISH MYSTERY #5)

In Plain Confession, Book #5 in Emma Miller's An Amish Mystery, the author once again takes us back to the town of Stone Mill, Pennsylvania and to Rachel Mast, the owner of the town's B&B.
This time we find Rachel preparing for her wedding to Pennsylvania State Trooper Evan Parks, and the townspeople are taking bets on whether or not the wedding actually happens.
In the mist of her wedding planning, Rachel and her cousin Mary Aaron become involved in the investigation in the hunting accident of Daniel Fisher, a member of the Amish community in Stone Mill. When Rachael' fiancee Evan tells her that Daniel' s death was not the result of a hunting accident but a murder, the police ask for her help to tell the family.
The further Rachel and Mary Aaron do their own "investigation" secrets about Daniel's past are reveled and it seems that he is not the person who the members of the Amish community thought he was. As the list of of people who wanted Daniel dead grows, Rachel finds herself in danger.
Plain Confession is a book full of twist and turns in the story and you will not want to put the book down until Daniel's "killer" is revealed.
I would highly recommend Plain Confession and you might want to "check out" the other Amish Mysteries that Emma Miller has written.

[Leslie McKee · Rating 3 out of 5]

I reviewed this book for RT Bookreviews Magazine : https://www.rtbookreviews.com/book-re...

This is the fifth installment of Miller’s An Amish Mystery series, but it can easily be read as a standalone. The mystery is well written and solid overall, but the pace is a bit slow in parts, making it difficult to stay engaged on occasion. While there are nuances of the Amish culture, much of the story has a bit more of an Englisch/em> feel to it. The inspirational message is woven in, and there is a nice blend of mystery and romance.

Rachel is preparing for her wedding, but plans keep getting pushed aside. The latest reason is the death of local Amish man, Daniel Fisher. It appears that what was declared a hunting accident may instead be murder. Rachel’s fiancé, Evan, is the police officer assigned to the case. He needs Rachel’s help in bridging the gap between the Amish and the Englisch police department, as she used to be a member of the Amish community. Daniel’s brother-in-law confesses, but it appears he may be protecting someone else. Evan wonders if Rachel is using the case as a convenient excuse to postpone their wedding. Will she find herself in the killer’s line of fire instead of walking down the aisle? What will be uncovered in the investigation?

[Kate Vale · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is another Amish mystery in which Rachel Mast, on the eve of her wedding to her police officer fiance, Evan, agrees to help an Amish family whose older son has confessed to the murder of his sister's husband. While she helps another Amish woman decide whether she wants to declare her faith and return to the church of her birth, Rachel manages the B&B she's taken over in the town near where her Amish parents still live. Attempting to straddle by the Amish and Englisher life is difficult.

Rachel is certain that Moses didn't do the crime, but how can she find out who did when everyone in his family refuses to tell her the truth, and when the police appear to have closed the case since his confession?

As Rachel digs further into the situation, she uncovers issues no one else has admitted to, including spousal abuse, and why a local neighbor thought to be crazy really just wants to be left alone to live in peace. When one clue after another finally convinces her to go back and ask one more question the morning of her wedding, Rachel puts herself in danger when she confronts the person she thinks killed the man, only to discover too late that she is wrong again. But this time, she may lose her life when a person she never suspected confesses.

[LittleRead · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rachel Mast runs an Inn in Stone Mill, Pennsylvania, the Amish community she was raised in. With ties to both the Amish and Englisher Worlds, Rachel often helps law enforcement when they need to speak to the Amish.

When a murder occurs in the local Amish community, Rachel steps in to help the police and is shocked when a gentle, young Amish man confesses to murder. But Rachel doesn’t believe he is guilty and agrees to help his mother by trying to prove his innocence.

Planning for her upcoming wedding and running the inn takes a lot of work, bur Rachel does her best to try and uncover the truth. Though her state trooper fiancé, Evan, asks her to let the police do their job and focus on their wedding. But a promise is a promise and Rachel ties to balance it all without having her world fall down around her.

While this is the fifth book in the Amish Mystery series, it is the first one that I have read and is great as a standalone if you have not read the previous books. Definitely a page turner and I can’t wait to spend more time in Stone Mill with Rachel, her friends and family/

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rachel Mast returned to her home town of Stone Mill, Pennsylvania. Not wanting to return all the way to her Amish roots, Rachel opens an Inn and becomes a bridge between law enforcement and the Amish in the area. It is almost wedding time for she and her state trooper fiancé Evan to finally walk down the aisle. However, with the hunting death of Daniel Fisher, plans do not go as planned. Will Rachel and Evan finally tie the knot? Or will a funeral be in order?

I love this series. There are not many Amish mystery books. Emma Miller does a wonderful job of combining the two. I love how when we return to Stone Mill, all of the characters seem like old friends. During this book, I kept cheering Rachel on in her plans for her wedding. However, I can relate to her reluctance for all the formalities that come along with a wedding. I highly recommend this series and hope there is another story. I received a copy through Netgalley. A review was not required.

[Kathleen Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well done sort of cozy which addresses the issue of domestic violence in the Amish community. I've only read one other book in this series so this was more or less a standalone for me and I was fine with it. Rachel, who left the Amish but resides in the community, and her cousin Mary Aron, who is debating her own future, find themselves investigating the murder of Daniel, who was not as well liked as his family wanted everyone to believe. There's some tension between Rachel and her fiancé Evan because Rachel keeps skipping appointments related to their wedding (partly, it's worth noting, because she's unfamiliar with English wedding customs.). It's a good read and the only thing missing are recipes ;). Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. I'm looking forward to the next one!

[Mia · Rating 1 out of 5]

Until I got this book to read from my library reading group, I did not know that there was a sub genre of “Amish Mystery.” This is a really poorly plotted book that moves as slowly as an Amish buggy on a freeway. I have no idea if the clothing and headdress requirements exist or if anything is really Amish about the characters. Several reviews state that the main character is “assisting” the police, but she wades into the murder without knowing (1) the cause of death, (2) type of weapon used, (3) who found the body,(4) location of the body and lots more. She has a lot of improbable adventures along the way, endangering herself and others. There are so many cliches in this book that I don’t care to list them all. A total waste of time (ATWOT).

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the fifth installment of the Amish mystery series. Rachel Mast moved back to Stone Bridge and is running a B&B but always seems to be pulled into helping local police solve a mystery. Rachel once Amish (not baptized) can help bridge the gap between the Amish community and “English” police Amish community as she speaks their language and she is trusted. Rachel is engaged and getting ready for her wedding to her State trooper fiancé Evan and becomes involved in solving the mystery of a murder of an Amish in a supposed “hunting” accident. The brother-in-law confesses but Rachel does not believe him and sets out to solve the mystery to save an innocent man.

[Sheila · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have thoroughly enjoyed this series and I hope this is not the last story. The author touched on people and problems in our society. Like Rachel's friend, Coyote, who is fostering a little girl with Down Syndrome; Moses who probably had Aspergers; Chuck with his PTSD; and, spousal abuse. Poor Rachel is trying to plan her wedding to Evan and solve the mystery of Daniel's death. The reason for Daniel's murder was okay with me. If that person hadn't tried to kill Rachel, I would've turned a blind eye! The wedding in the end was funny and very appropriate for the couple. Can't wait to see what crimes they solve together!

[Ken N · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is the fifth and final book in the series about Rachel Mast. This book was big disappointment and you can tell the author ran out of ideas. This series has just become way to predictable. Same story, someone dies, Rachel gets involved trying to solve it, Rachel winds up in a life or death situation as she tries to solve the murder, even though she is only an owner of a bed and breakfast and not a detective . as usual she is saved in the last minute. This girl is like a cat with seven lives. On top of all of that is this book she left a lot of open ends with no answers which was a huge disappointment.

[Karen Debolt · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the story and the characters in this book. I feel that Rachel does her investigating without much thought to her safety or anyone else. I feel sorry for Evan having to worry about her all the time. I was having trouble trying to figure out who was the murderer and was surprised when I found out. I never though about who did it as a suspect. I am glad that she and Evan were finally able to get married and wonder what life together will bring for them. I do hope that there are more books in this series to follow.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Plain Confession” by Emma Millet is the fifth and final book of The Amish Mystery cozy series. Rachel Mast, former Amish, is getting ready to marry Evan. Between all of the detailed preparations, Rachel is pulled into yet another mystery in the Amish community of Stone Hills.

I enjoyed this book, and did not guess the murderer’s identity until the end. While this book can be read as a stand-alone, I suggest reading the other books in the series first for back the character backgrounds.

4 stars. I recommend to cozy mystery readers, Christian fiction readers, and Amish fiction readers.