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An Amish Mystery #7
A Killer Carol
Heavenly, PA has been transformed into a Christmas wonderland, and Claire is delighted to celebrate the season...but a fiendish killer has other plans in this all-new installment in the national bestselling series.
As the owner of Heavenly Treasures, the local gift shop, Claire is busier than ever helping her English customers (and even a few of her Amish friends, like Esther and Ben) find the perfect gift for the special people on their shopping list.
Claire makes sure she has time for her boyfriend, Detective Jakob Fisher. But the man, who was raised and then shunned by the Amish over his choice of career, has been unusually secretive lately. She tries not to worry, to trust their relationship, but trying and doing aren't exactly matching up.
Before she can figure out what's going on with Jakob, word comes that Ruth and Samuel Yoder are being questioned in the death of an elderly Amish couple, found murdered not long after the newlyweds were seen leaving the victims' farm. Ruth, in turn, seeks Claire's help in convincing the police that she and Samuel had nothing to do with what happened. But when Claire comes across a cryptic note tucked inside the wedding gift the victims had given the newlyweds no more than an hour before their murder, she finds herself in dire need of a little convincing as well.
Can Claire get to the bottom of things in time to ensure a merry Christmas for all?
As the owner of Heavenly Treasures, the local gift shop, Claire is busier than ever helping her English customers (and even a few of her Amish friends, like Esther and Ben) find the perfect gift for the special people on their shopping list.
Claire makes sure she has time for her boyfriend, Detective Jakob Fisher. But the man, who was raised and then shunned by the Amish over his choice of career, has been unusually secretive lately. She tries not to worry, to trust their relationship, but trying and doing aren't exactly matching up.
Before she can figure out what's going on with Jakob, word comes that Ruth and Samuel Yoder are being questioned in the death of an elderly Amish couple, found murdered not long after the newlyweds were seen leaving the victims' farm. Ruth, in turn, seeks Claire's help in convincing the police that she and Samuel had nothing to do with what happened. But when Claire comes across a cryptic note tucked inside the wedding gift the victims had given the newlyweds no more than an hour before their murder, she finds herself in dire need of a little convincing as well.
Can Claire get to the bottom of things in time to ensure a merry Christmas for all?
304 pages, Mass Market Paperback
Published September 24, 2019
155 people are currently reading
518 people want to read
About the author
Laura Bradford
58 books885 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 105 reviews
September 16, 2019
I just finished reading, A KILLER CAROL, and I wish I had the next book in this series to read right now. Seriously, waiting for a new book in this series to be released it close to unbearable. I’m always bummed when I’m finished reading one. It’s like being on the best vacation ever, only to wake up the next day back at home.
A KILLER CAROL (I miss the puny Amish themed title with this one), is another delightful installment to the Amish Mysteries. Author Laura Bradford has once again taken us to Heavenly, Pennsylvania. I love the setting of this series and I adore the characters.
Ms. Bradford knows how to write a mystery that pulls me in. This book was no different. There’s a double murder to solve this time, and the main suspects are an Amish couple that are friends of protagonist, Claire. While the Amish are said to do no harm, it’s easy to believe that just may be the case this time. With Amish and “English” (non-Amish) adding to the suspect pool, this was one mystery that had me stumped.
If you’re a fan of true to the meaning “cozy” mysteries, you’re going to love, A KILLER CAROL. If you’re an Amish fiction fan, you’re going to love, A KILLER CAROL. If you’re a fan of Laura Bradford, you’re . . . okay, you see where I’m heading with this right? Plain and simple, you are going to love, A KILLER CAROL!
A KILLER CAROL (I miss the puny Amish themed title with this one), is another delightful installment to the Amish Mysteries. Author Laura Bradford has once again taken us to Heavenly, Pennsylvania. I love the setting of this series and I adore the characters.
Ms. Bradford knows how to write a mystery that pulls me in. This book was no different. There’s a double murder to solve this time, and the main suspects are an Amish couple that are friends of protagonist, Claire. While the Amish are said to do no harm, it’s easy to believe that just may be the case this time. With Amish and “English” (non-Amish) adding to the suspect pool, this was one mystery that had me stumped.
If you’re a fan of true to the meaning “cozy” mysteries, you’re going to love, A KILLER CAROL. If you’re an Amish fiction fan, you’re going to love, A KILLER CAROL. If you’re a fan of Laura Bradford, you’re . . . okay, you see where I’m heading with this right? Plain and simple, you are going to love, A KILLER CAROL!
September 20, 2019
Christmas is approaching in Heavenly, Pennsylvania, and Claire Weatherly has her hands full. Not only does she have the normal tourists coming into her shop, Heavenly Treasures, but she is organizing the first annual One Heavenly Night event designed as a chance for residence and tourists to enjoy the town at Christmas. However, murder rears its ugly head once again one night. Annie, the Amish teen who works for Claire, is out Christmas caroling with some friends, and when they stop at the Esch’s farm, they find both of the them dead. Detective Jakob Fisher is quick to realize it was murder. Unfortunately, the last people to visit the victims were Claire’s Amish friend Ruth and her new husband Samuel. Even worse, the couple appear to have a motive for committing the crime. Claire doesn’t believe they could have done it, but Jakob has to follow the evidence wherever it leads, even if it ruins the unofficial inroads he has made in building relationships with the people who used to be his family before he left the Amish community. Can Claire help him solve the case before that happens?
This series works best when the characters are driving a strong mystery, and that’s definitely the case here. I’ve felt like I knew the series regulars from their first appearances in the series, so it was fantastic to spend time with them again. They are still just as strong as ever, and the new character are just as compelling. Since Heavenly sits on the edge of an Amish community, life is a bit slower, and that is reflected in the plot. This isn’t a twist a page type of book, but that faster pace wouldn’t feel right. Don’t get me wrong, we do have twists and surprises, but the impact on the characters is just as important, and the two combined keep me glued to the book. I had to fight to keep from peaking ahead and making sure everyone was going to be okay. Honestly, just reading about Heavenly refreshes my soul, so picking up this book was great. The Christmas setting was an added bonus since I love that season so much. There are a couple of niggles with the book, but they are minor. This is a fantastic addition to a favorite series.
NOTE: I received a copy of this book.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
This series works best when the characters are driving a strong mystery, and that’s definitely the case here. I’ve felt like I knew the series regulars from their first appearances in the series, so it was fantastic to spend time with them again. They are still just as strong as ever, and the new character are just as compelling. Since Heavenly sits on the edge of an Amish community, life is a bit slower, and that is reflected in the plot. This isn’t a twist a page type of book, but that faster pace wouldn’t feel right. Don’t get me wrong, we do have twists and surprises, but the impact on the characters is just as important, and the two combined keep me glued to the book. I had to fight to keep from peaking ahead and making sure everyone was going to be okay. Honestly, just reading about Heavenly refreshes my soul, so picking up this book was great. The Christmas setting was an added bonus since I love that season so much. There are a couple of niggles with the book, but they are minor. This is a fantastic addition to a favorite series.
NOTE: I received a copy of this book.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
October 12, 2019
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Claire Weatherly is so excited about the holidays and the event she has created. One Heavenly Night is sure to bring in the tourists and bring the residents a fun time too. She has gone over all her lists and checked them twice but MURDER was not on the list!
While a group was out caroling they find an elderly couple dead. Detective Jakob Fisher arrives on the scene and tries to reconstruct Daniel and Mary Esch’s final hours. That leads him to newlyweds Ruth and Samuel Yoder. They appear to be the last people to have visited the Esch’s farm. Ruth comes to Claire for help. Claire has helped the police solve cases before and she knows her friend is innocent . . . or is she . . . Claire finds a note that could change everything!
I always anxiously await each new book in this series. I love these characters and the entire feel of Heavenly, PA.
This time both Jakob and Claire are super busy, but that is usually the case and they still find time for each other. Claire feels Jakob is hiding something and she is not sure if their relationship can survive. One of the best things about this series is the true friendships made amongst the characters and their huge hearts that reach out to not only their friends but others in the community. There are several significant moments like that in A Killer Carol. Ms. Bradford has created characters with many layers and the character development over the series has been stellar.
The author also gives readers a strong mystery. The Amish theme means things unfold at a slower but perfect pace. She details Amish traditions and way of life alongside the Englisch ways. Claire has truly found her place in Heavenly and crosses comfortably between the two even though the practice of shunning still wears on her. This ability allows her to go places and talk to people that are closed off from Jakob. While trying to save her friend Claire is on a journey herself in this story. Both parts take hold and make this book impossible to put down.
The Christmas theme was the icing on the cake. The cover of the book is gorgeous and brings on that Christmas feeling even when the actual weather outside is still pretty balmy. The ending had me singing some happy carols of my own.
Awesome characters, an idyllic setting, a wonderful story. I wish I had book 8 in my hands right now. Waiting will be torture but I know it will be worth it.
This entire series is outstanding! I highly recommend them all! Run, don’t walk, get your copy today! Enjoy! You can thank me later 🙂
Claire Weatherly is so excited about the holidays and the event she has created. One Heavenly Night is sure to bring in the tourists and bring the residents a fun time too. She has gone over all her lists and checked them twice but MURDER was not on the list!
While a group was out caroling they find an elderly couple dead. Detective Jakob Fisher arrives on the scene and tries to reconstruct Daniel and Mary Esch’s final hours. That leads him to newlyweds Ruth and Samuel Yoder. They appear to be the last people to have visited the Esch’s farm. Ruth comes to Claire for help. Claire has helped the police solve cases before and she knows her friend is innocent . . . or is she . . . Claire finds a note that could change everything!
I always anxiously await each new book in this series. I love these characters and the entire feel of Heavenly, PA.
This time both Jakob and Claire are super busy, but that is usually the case and they still find time for each other. Claire feels Jakob is hiding something and she is not sure if their relationship can survive. One of the best things about this series is the true friendships made amongst the characters and their huge hearts that reach out to not only their friends but others in the community. There are several significant moments like that in A Killer Carol. Ms. Bradford has created characters with many layers and the character development over the series has been stellar.
The author also gives readers a strong mystery. The Amish theme means things unfold at a slower but perfect pace. She details Amish traditions and way of life alongside the Englisch ways. Claire has truly found her place in Heavenly and crosses comfortably between the two even though the practice of shunning still wears on her. This ability allows her to go places and talk to people that are closed off from Jakob. While trying to save her friend Claire is on a journey herself in this story. Both parts take hold and make this book impossible to put down.
The Christmas theme was the icing on the cake. The cover of the book is gorgeous and brings on that Christmas feeling even when the actual weather outside is still pretty balmy. The ending had me singing some happy carols of my own.
Awesome characters, an idyllic setting, a wonderful story. I wish I had book 8 in my hands right now. Waiting will be torture but I know it will be worth it.
This entire series is outstanding! I highly recommend them all! Run, don’t walk, get your copy today! Enjoy! You can thank me later 🙂
September 29, 2019
This is one of my all-time favorite cozy mystery series and each book just keeps getting better. I think this is perhaps my favorite book in the series, although it is hard to choose. This series hits all the high notes I look for in a cozy mystery. The setting is idyllic, the characters are full, rich and well developed and the mystery is strong with a good steady plot. When I open a book in the Amish Mystery series I know I am going to be swept away to a quieter and simpler place for hours of entertainment. When I opened this book, I was excited to visit with these characters and return to Heavenly, PA. By now these characters feel like familiar friends and I can't wait to catch up and see what is new in their lives. Laura Bradford has created a delightfully authentic series and I sincerely hope that there are more books to come because this is one series cozy series I can't imagine not being able to read.
September 22, 2019
"A Killer Carol" is a cozy mystery. It's the seventh book in a series. You don't need to read the previous novels to understand this one, and this novel didn't spoil the whodunits in the previous novels. The author wove in details about living near the Amish and what it's like for people to be or leave the Amish.
The mystery was clue-based. Claire helped find new information about what happened leading up to the murder which helped her and the detective to realize whodunit. Due to the murderer planting false clues, uncovering the correct whodunit was more complex than in most cozy mysteries. The characters were engaging, complex, and reacted realistically.
There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this mystery.
I received this book as a review copy from the publisher.
The mystery was clue-based. Claire helped find new information about what happened leading up to the murder which helped her and the detective to realize whodunit. Due to the murderer planting false clues, uncovering the correct whodunit was more complex than in most cozy mysteries. The characters were engaging, complex, and reacted realistically.
There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this mystery.
I received this book as a review copy from the publisher.
September 24, 2019
Truth be told, I have never enjoyed Amish fiction. I know there are many readers who do enjoy this type of literature, but I do not. If you enjoy Amish fiction, that's great! When Berkley offered A Killer Carol, I decided to read it because Laura Bradford is the author. I have read many positive reviews about her books and as such, I've been wanting to read one of her stories for awhile. Well, I am happy to say, I was not disappointed.
In, A Killer Carol, it's Christmas time and Claire is busy running her business, Heavenly Treasures. Claire is also busy coordinating a community holiday celebration, One Heavenly Night. Shocked unbelief courses through the community when an elderly couple is discovered murdered in their home. Detective Jakob Fisher is feeling the stress of investigating in an Amish community and needs Claire's support. Two members of the Amish community are the primary suspects in this investigation. That can't be good. Claire and Jakob have a precious romance developing, unfortunately, their relationship is under stress, not only because of the investigation but because Claire thinks Jakob has found another. So, this story is full of seasonal activity, a relationship with a little stress and a very puzzling murder. Well-written, I thought it was a little more complicated than most Amish stories I've read. I didn't have a clue as to the identity of the killer. I thought this was a tough mystery to crack. Well-written. Puzzling. 4.5 stars!
A BIG thanks to Berkley Prime Crime!!!
In, A Killer Carol, it's Christmas time and Claire is busy running her business, Heavenly Treasures. Claire is also busy coordinating a community holiday celebration, One Heavenly Night. Shocked unbelief courses through the community when an elderly couple is discovered murdered in their home. Detective Jakob Fisher is feeling the stress of investigating in an Amish community and needs Claire's support. Two members of the Amish community are the primary suspects in this investigation. That can't be good. Claire and Jakob have a precious romance developing, unfortunately, their relationship is under stress, not only because of the investigation but because Claire thinks Jakob has found another. So, this story is full of seasonal activity, a relationship with a little stress and a very puzzling murder. Well-written, I thought it was a little more complicated than most Amish stories I've read. I didn't have a clue as to the identity of the killer. I thought this was a tough mystery to crack. Well-written. Puzzling. 4.5 stars!
A BIG thanks to Berkley Prime Crime!!!
January 23, 2020
This mystery has an interesting setting and while some of the cosy mystery stereotypes are present, we are given good reasons. The heroine sleuth runs a craft shop; this suits Amish country where tourists come to buy hand made goods. Her boyfriend is a police officer; this role is the reason the man decided not to be a full member of the Amish church, presenting him with personal dilemmas. The Amish men locally would not get involved with a non-Amish lady so this heroine was lucky she liked the policeman.
Winter is bitter during the Christmas themed tale. A couple are found dead at home and the presumption is murder. Amid snow and a Christmas gift festival, the sleuth scouts for clues. Mainly this is derived from conversation and chance meetings.
I was not keen on the way that the heroine is just told about the conclusion. Either involve her or show someone else's point of view, who is involved.
This non-traditional mystery will entertain; but it is quite slow paced.
I was sent an e-ARC by Fresh Fiction. This is an unbiased review.
Winter is bitter during the Christmas themed tale. A couple are found dead at home and the presumption is murder. Amid snow and a Christmas gift festival, the sleuth scouts for clues. Mainly this is derived from conversation and chance meetings.
I was not keen on the way that the heroine is just told about the conclusion. Either involve her or show someone else's point of view, who is involved.
This non-traditional mystery will entertain; but it is quite slow paced.
I was sent an e-ARC by Fresh Fiction. This is an unbiased review.
May 15, 2020
This cozy mystery kept my interest level high from start to finish. A double murder is committed and detective Jakob Fisher begins to investigate it. Claire Weatherly, owner of Heavenly Treasures and a slueth detective gets involved when Jakob places her Amish friends on his prime suspects list. She must work hard to find more suspects and remove her friends from Jakobs list.
It couldn't have happened at a worst time. Claire is busy heading up One Heavenly Night , a Christmas festival. Spirits are high as the season approaches. And then this! A kindly and well thought of older Amish couple murdered in their own home! Will there be any joy this Christmas in Heavenly? Who would want to murder such a nice and well respected Amish couple? Or were they really such a nice couple?
A Killer Carol left this reader with an overall good feeling. I love the characters of this national bestselling series. Laura Bradford is the author and I've come to love her cozy mysteries. I did not guess who the real murderer was. I thought I knew but Laura surprised this reader. My feelings were all wrapped up in the last chapter.
If you have read the other books of this series than put this one in your TBR pile of Christmas books. If cozy mystery is your genre than cuddle up with this book. I highly recommend it for your Christmas reading pleasure.
I borrowed a paperback copy of A Killer Carol from the local library. I was not asked to write a review. All opinions expressed and shared in this review are my own.
It couldn't have happened at a worst time. Claire is busy heading up One Heavenly Night , a Christmas festival. Spirits are high as the season approaches. And then this! A kindly and well thought of older Amish couple murdered in their own home! Will there be any joy this Christmas in Heavenly? Who would want to murder such a nice and well respected Amish couple? Or were they really such a nice couple?
A Killer Carol left this reader with an overall good feeling. I love the characters of this national bestselling series. Laura Bradford is the author and I've come to love her cozy mysteries. I did not guess who the real murderer was. I thought I knew but Laura surprised this reader. My feelings were all wrapped up in the last chapter.
If you have read the other books of this series than put this one in your TBR pile of Christmas books. If cozy mystery is your genre than cuddle up with this book. I highly recommend it for your Christmas reading pleasure.
I borrowed a paperback copy of A Killer Carol from the local library. I was not asked to write a review. All opinions expressed and shared in this review are my own.
September 24, 2019
Christmas should be a time of joy, family time and ringing tills! certainly not murder and potential break ups.
Claire is worried, Jakob seems to be pulling away from her and taking calls that he is being really secretive about she hopes that it is just pressure of work for both of them, but the worry is still there. She is explaining this to her Aunt Diane when they are interrupted by the sight of Police lights headed into the Amish farmland and a phone call from the young Amish girl (Annie) who is Claire's assistant, apparently Annie and other of the young Amish people had gone to sing carols outside the home of an elderly Amish couple only to discover them dead! Initially they all think that they died together of natural causes ... but this isn't the case. Now Claire and Jakob are butting heads over the case as his only suspects are Samuel and Ruth Yoder (nee Miller) the newly married couple.
Now Claire wants to figure out what is happening with Jakob, she needs to give her friend Ben a push in the right romantic direction, and help Ruth and Samuel prove their innocence and all before the Christmas season starts in earnest!
Claire is worried, Jakob seems to be pulling away from her and taking calls that he is being really secretive about she hopes that it is just pressure of work for both of them, but the worry is still there. She is explaining this to her Aunt Diane when they are interrupted by the sight of Police lights headed into the Amish farmland and a phone call from the young Amish girl (Annie) who is Claire's assistant, apparently Annie and other of the young Amish people had gone to sing carols outside the home of an elderly Amish couple only to discover them dead! Initially they all think that they died together of natural causes ... but this isn't the case. Now Claire and Jakob are butting heads over the case as his only suspects are Samuel and Ruth Yoder (nee Miller) the newly married couple.
Now Claire wants to figure out what is happening with Jakob, she needs to give her friend Ben a push in the right romantic direction, and help Ruth and Samuel prove their innocence and all before the Christmas season starts in earnest!
October 9, 2019
The Amish series is one of my favorite cozy series. I love the small town settings, the characters, the interaction between the Amish characters and the English characters. It is definitely my favorite books of the series!
November 10, 2019
Clairie is busy helping her customers and friends find Christmas gifts and being in charge of the town Christmas celebration and wanting it to be perfect. An elderly Amish couple is found dead and two of her friends are the last to see them. She is sure they didn't do it and against her boyfriends wishes she starts investigating. Her romance seems to be going sore when her boyfriend is getting calls that he won't let her see. She continues to wonder about the Amish's shunning and how it affects her boyfriend and others in town.
September 26, 2019
This just might be the best book in the series so far.
September 26, 2019
Love this series!
November 30, 2019
A perfect holiday read!
A mystery amidst planning for a holiday festival in Heavenly What more could Claire ask for as she plans One Heavenly Night for the town than a perfect evening? Unfortunately a frantic call from Annie sends Claire and Jakob searching for a murder in Amish country. Misdirection ensues not just about the murder but in Claire‘a relationship with Jakob A fun holiday, cozy read.
A mystery amidst planning for a holiday festival in Heavenly What more could Claire ask for as she plans One Heavenly Night for the town than a perfect evening? Unfortunately a frantic call from Annie sends Claire and Jakob searching for a murder in Amish country. Misdirection ensues not just about the murder but in Claire‘a relationship with Jakob A fun holiday, cozy read.
February 8, 2021
This book was AMAZING!! I enjoyed every moment of the story. I loved revisiting the town of Heavenly and the characters who reside there. The mystery was great, and the ending was phenomenal!!!!! I hope Laura Bradford continues this series. This is one of my favorite cozy series 📖📚🧡
December 13, 2020
Adoro questa serie! Ma dopo essere arrivata alla fine del libro (ed essermi commossa), temo che sia finita... Spero proprio di sbagliarmi!
April 3, 2025
This is the second book I've read in this series, and I seem to have had the same reaction to both. That is, I really enjoyed the first half. I'm not a fan of "Amish Fiction", but I like reading about this community where the two worlds meet and mingle, if a little uneasily. I suspect the Amish life is presented more realistically here, with a bit less idealism. In this story the mystery was fascinating and I definitely wanted to see it solved. It wasn't so much a case of a lot of suspects as wondering why anyone would have done it, which added a nice twist. So I read along quite happily until about the halfway point, when my attention started to wander. I desperately hoped for a plot twist or sudden surprise, and none came.
I think the problem is that the MC is perfectly nice woman but she's not particularly interesting or compelling to read about. So once the characters and crime are established, just watching her go around town and talk to people isn't all that interesting. Fortunately the story picked up about 70 pages later and I happily cruised through to the end. There's a "twist" in her relationship that you'll see coming a mile away, but as those two characters aren't the best part of the story, I didn't mind. And the solution to the mystery was satisfying. (There was a moderate amount of Christmas here, too, including some snow, for readers who are looking for that.)
I think the problem is that the MC is perfectly nice woman but she's not particularly interesting or compelling to read about. So once the characters and crime are established, just watching her go around town and talk to people isn't all that interesting. Fortunately the story picked up about 70 pages later and I happily cruised through to the end. There's a "twist" in her relationship that you'll see coming a mile away, but as those two characters aren't the best part of the story, I didn't mind. And the solution to the mystery was satisfying. (There was a moderate amount of Christmas here, too, including some snow, for readers who are looking for that.)
October 13, 2019
I was eagerly awaiting this 7th in the series and I wasn't disappointed.
Claire is busy organizing a Christmas celebration for Heavenly. Things go downhill fast when an Amish couple is found murdered and Claire's close friend is a suspect. Added to that, Claire suspects that she is being lied to by someone close.
Ms. Bradford has a way of bringing a book to life so that you find it very easy to wrap yourself into the story. The feelings that Claire goes through comes through with all that is going on. The mystery was excellent and wrapped up nicely and I thoroughly enjoyed the ending. I will definitely continue on with this series and am eagerly awaiting the next book.
Claire is busy organizing a Christmas celebration for Heavenly. Things go downhill fast when an Amish couple is found murdered and Claire's close friend is a suspect. Added to that, Claire suspects that she is being lied to by someone close.
Ms. Bradford has a way of bringing a book to life so that you find it very easy to wrap yourself into the story. The feelings that Claire goes through comes through with all that is going on. The mystery was excellent and wrapped up nicely and I thoroughly enjoyed the ending. I will definitely continue on with this series and am eagerly awaiting the next book.
December 9, 2019
A Killer Carol is the seventh book in Laura Bradford’s fabulous Amish Mystery series. This book is another great story filled with the elements of a cozy mystery including suspense, romance, humor, love, friends and family, and a sense of community. The setting is perfect for a Christmas mystery: it is snowing outside, there are festive decorations all around Lighted Way, and Christmas music is often playing. I would love to visit Heavenly. The ending was so awesome - even though I had guessed early on what was going on with Jakob - it still made me teary-eyed.
October 26, 2024
A Killer Carol is book seven in Laura Bradford's An Amish Mystery series. It is Christmas time in Heavenly, PA, and during this season, Claire Weatherly, owner of Heavenly Treasures, is organizing the first Heavenly Christmas festival. When a family member is accused of killing the elder couple, Claire has to forget about worrying about her boyfriend and starts to investigate to find the killer. The readers of A Killer Carol will continue to follow Claire Weatherly's investigation to discover what happens.
A Killer Carol was the first book I read by Laura Bradford. It is an enjoyable, cozy mystery. From the first page, I was engaged with the characters and story and stayed engaged until the end. I love Laura Bradford's portrayal of her characters and their interactions throughout this book. A Killer Carol is well-written and researched. Laura Bra, Sandford's description of the settings complemented the book's plot.
The readers of A Killer Carol will learn about living in an Amish community and the consequences of greed and jealousy on the person and everyone around them.
I recommend this book.
A Killer Carol was the first book I read by Laura Bradford. It is an enjoyable, cozy mystery. From the first page, I was engaged with the characters and story and stayed engaged until the end. I love Laura Bradford's portrayal of her characters and their interactions throughout this book. A Killer Carol is well-written and researched. Laura Bra, Sandford's description of the settings complemented the book's plot.
The readers of A Killer Carol will learn about living in an Amish community and the consequences of greed and jealousy on the person and everyone around them.
I recommend this book.
December 24, 2020
I had a few issues with this book which caused me to rate it this low.
1. Even though the murder happens early in the book, the investigation didn't really start until 50% in. So I found the beginning slow and pointless.
2. There were too many Amish characters that I quickly lost track of who was who, who was married to whom, who were brothers or sisters or best friends. And one of the difficulties with an e-book, is flipping back through pages to try to sort things out. Maybe if each of the characters had been developed more with distinct personalities, I would have fared better.
3. The whole "mystery" with Jakob was drawn out, overly dramatized from Claire's perspective, and 100% predictable. Plus I found Claire's confusion and feelings of betrayal completely unrealistic. It made me want to slap her (and the author) for making such a big deal out of something that was obvious, cliched, and again predictable.
I'm willing to give this author another chance someday, perhaps I'll read her "Sewing" mysteries she writes under her real name. But I think I'm done with these Amish mysteries for a while.
1. Even though the murder happens early in the book, the investigation didn't really start until 50% in. So I found the beginning slow and pointless.
2. There were too many Amish characters that I quickly lost track of who was who, who was married to whom, who were brothers or sisters or best friends. And one of the difficulties with an e-book, is flipping back through pages to try to sort things out. Maybe if each of the characters had been developed more with distinct personalities, I would have fared better.
3. The whole "mystery" with Jakob was drawn out, overly dramatized from Claire's perspective, and 100% predictable. Plus I found Claire's confusion and feelings of betrayal completely unrealistic. It made me want to slap her (and the author) for making such a big deal out of something that was obvious, cliched, and again predictable.
I'm willing to give this author another chance someday, perhaps I'll read her "Sewing" mysteries she writes under her real name. But I think I'm done with these Amish mysteries for a while.
December 22, 2019
2019 bk 420. Jealousy, Greed, Envy, Revenge, Laziness - any one of those can contribute to a murder, this one seems to have all of the elements when murder steals an elderly couple from the Heavenly community. Laura Bradford has written another excellent cozy mystery in her series of a young business owner and her police officer boyfriend.
May 15, 2024
The story is set in the holiday season. There is a murder of an elderly Amish couple which means that Jakob is the investigator. Also Claire senses that Jakob is keeping something from her and jumps to the incorrect conclusion. The book has a very happy ending. It was easy to read.
October 11, 2019
Another killer book in this series!! I'm ready for the next one.
December 28, 2019
I have loved every title in this series but this one has to be the best!!!!
April 7, 2022
Very good read! This is a wonderful series!
January 4, 2020
Love this series! Book 7 and still going strong. I can almost feel myself in Heavenly. The descriptions are wonderful.
December 26, 2022
Picked this one up for the holidays & thought it might be interesting since it's set near my home. Sadly, this just wasn't for me -- as more of a "suspense" lover, I found this pretty dull & the mystery didn't suck me in at all. The writing style was not my speed & it was just overall too wholesome for me. It was adequate for a seasonal holiday read, but that's about it. I will not be reading more by this author as I just don't think this style book is for me.
October 1, 2019
I stayed up till past Midnight reading A killer Carol . I couldn’t stop. I wanted to found out the mystery, but I wanted it to go on also! I sure hope there will be a another one to follow!!!
January 21, 2020
Claire is busy planning a Christmas celebration for the community when an elderly couple are killed.
Suspicion falls on Claire's friends in the Amish community and she feels she needs to help Jakob find the real killer.
Jakob is taking mysterious phone calls while with Claire and she is heartbroken to think he is seeing someone else.
This being a cozy mystery and a Christmas story to boot, we know the ending will be exactly as we want it to be. It is obvious to the reader, if not to Claire and Jakob, who the killer is.
A nice little Christmas story that is not mentally challenging.
Suspicion falls on Claire's friends in the Amish community and she feels she needs to help Jakob find the real killer.
Jakob is taking mysterious phone calls while with Claire and she is heartbroken to think he is seeing someone else.
This being a cozy mystery and a Christmas story to boot, we know the ending will be exactly as we want it to be. It is obvious to the reader, if not to Claire and Jakob, who the killer is.
A nice little Christmas story that is not mentally challenging.
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