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Covert Police Detectives Unit #1
Undercover Amish
Detective Olivia Mast would rather run through gunfire than return to her former Amish community in Unity, Maine, where she killed her abusive husband in self-defense and witnessed her family’s murder.
After an Amish man is murdered, the community will not pursue justice or answer questions from the police, so she begrudgingly dons her old prayer kapp and heads to Unity to investigate the murder undercover. To make things even worse, her captain also orders her to protect the man she dated as a teen: Isaac Troyer, who was attacked on the night of the murder but cannot remember the incident.
The handsome and quirky cabinet maker begins to fall for Olivia once again, unaware that she carries a 9mm under her skirt as she must fake her way into rejoining the Amish community to gain the people’s trust. After another murder, some deadly pranks, and a kidnapping, Olivia realizes she needs Isaac's help most of all because of his personal ties to the suspect.
Will Isaac be willing to break Amish rules to help her arrest the killer? Or will he be unable to forgive her for lying to the community…and for lying to him?
After an Amish man is murdered, the community will not pursue justice or answer questions from the police, so she begrudgingly dons her old prayer kapp and heads to Unity to investigate the murder undercover. To make things even worse, her captain also orders her to protect the man she dated as a teen: Isaac Troyer, who was attacked on the night of the murder but cannot remember the incident.
The handsome and quirky cabinet maker begins to fall for Olivia once again, unaware that she carries a 9mm under her skirt as she must fake her way into rejoining the Amish community to gain the people’s trust. After another murder, some deadly pranks, and a kidnapping, Olivia realizes she needs Isaac's help most of all because of his personal ties to the suspect.
Will Isaac be willing to break Amish rules to help her arrest the killer? Or will he be unable to forgive her for lying to the community…and for lying to him?
280 pages, Paperback
Published January 28, 2019
2279 people are currently reading
797 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 240 reviews
September 1, 2022
This book by author, Ashley Emma, is the sweet story of a former Amish woman tasked with returning undercover to her former Amish community to investigate crimes in the area. In the process, she is forced to reexamine her feelings for a former love interest. This is a sweet story with likeable characters that make it a good, solid read.
July 1, 2024
i don't think miss ashley did any research on police work
vlog: https://youtu.be/QpCY3r9sA3E
vlog: https://youtu.be/QpCY3r9sA3E
September 16, 2017
Sorry to give poor review, but its my honest opinion. Very little character development and thought plot superficial and predictable, and a bit ho-hum all round.
dnf-set-aside-for-later
November 20, 2018Audiobook Review
I am a softy for books set in the Amish community. When paired with a murder mystery and a lady detective who left the Amish faith and a former sweetheart only to be ordered back for an undercover assignment, I was doubly eager to give this one a go.
But, something was off from the beginning. I thought it was just a mood so I returned my earbuds to my ears and kept going. I stopped and started several times and was content to pick up other books and other audios before coming back to it. It is nothing for me to breeze through a few hours a day with an audio book, but I'm only about four hours in two weeks later.
The story begins with an abused Amish woman defending her very life against a husband trying to choke her to death. She accidentally kills him in self-defense. Then the story picks up years later when she is an experienced police detective in a covert crimes unit. Her work is her life. Her captain calls her in and against her vehement 'no' tells her that her job is on the line. Departmental cuts and she's low man so she has to prove herself. Not only that, she is under a Shunning and must first repent to get reinstated in the community and pretend she wants to get back with her high school crush to stay close and guard him since he might have witnessed a murder.
And, right there, I felt it went wrong. I just couldn't wrap my mind around this must subterfuge especially since the man, Isaac, is well aware of the danger and it is his choice not to involve the police let alone a special unit after he woke up from his attack. This isn't a guy who saw something to bring down the mob or a drug empire, but a single murder in rural Maine. I'm not trying to sound callus about a murder, but bringing in covert ops to do witness protection and nose around for a murderer just seemed over the top. What do I know? Maybe this is normal stuff for a special covert police unit.
And, then there was the part about faking all that she was going to have to fake- a religious repentance, returning to her faith and the lifestyle where she would be lying to her family and entering a courtship all to have one more win on her record and an extra week in the Bahamas for her vacation? Just in the time I was listening, she kept bouncing back and forth between believing her thing in the past and the present with Isaac was infatuation to knowing it is love all the while she's lying big time. It didn't set well with me that he was completely honest about love and everything else, but she wasn't- I know it was under orders some of it, but, hey, it wasn't working in the romance part for me.
I never could warm up to this story and I constantly felt the disconnect. The narrator was good and did both Liv and Issac's narration turns well. I think I might have given up sooner without Callie Beaulieu's narration work. I was just under half-way and thought about pushing on through, but why. I wasn't into it. It happens to all of us. So, if it sounds like just the thing and you want to give it a go, why not.
My thanks to Tantor Audio for the opportunity to listen to this book in exchange for an honest review.
I am a softy for books set in the Amish community. When paired with a murder mystery and a lady detective who left the Amish faith and a former sweetheart only to be ordered back for an undercover assignment, I was doubly eager to give this one a go.
But, something was off from the beginning. I thought it was just a mood so I returned my earbuds to my ears and kept going. I stopped and started several times and was content to pick up other books and other audios before coming back to it. It is nothing for me to breeze through a few hours a day with an audio book, but I'm only about four hours in two weeks later.
The story begins with an abused Amish woman defending her very life against a husband trying to choke her to death. She accidentally kills him in self-defense. Then the story picks up years later when she is an experienced police detective in a covert crimes unit. Her work is her life. Her captain calls her in and against her vehement 'no' tells her that her job is on the line. Departmental cuts and she's low man so she has to prove herself. Not only that, she is under a Shunning and must first repent to get reinstated in the community and pretend she wants to get back with her high school crush to stay close and guard him since he might have witnessed a murder.
And, right there, I felt it went wrong. I just couldn't wrap my mind around this must subterfuge especially since the man, Isaac, is well aware of the danger and it is his choice not to involve the police let alone a special unit after he woke up from his attack. This isn't a guy who saw something to bring down the mob or a drug empire, but a single murder in rural Maine. I'm not trying to sound callus about a murder, but bringing in covert ops to do witness protection and nose around for a murderer just seemed over the top. What do I know? Maybe this is normal stuff for a special covert police unit.
And, then there was the part about faking all that she was going to have to fake- a religious repentance, returning to her faith and the lifestyle where she would be lying to her family and entering a courtship all to have one more win on her record and an extra week in the Bahamas for her vacation? Just in the time I was listening, she kept bouncing back and forth between believing her thing in the past and the present with Isaac was infatuation to knowing it is love all the while she's lying big time. It didn't set well with me that he was completely honest about love and everything else, but she wasn't- I know it was under orders some of it, but, hey, it wasn't working in the romance part for me.
I never could warm up to this story and I constantly felt the disconnect. The narrator was good and did both Liv and Issac's narration turns well. I think I might have given up sooner without Callie Beaulieu's narration work. I was just under half-way and thought about pushing on through, but why. I wasn't into it. It happens to all of us. So, if it sounds like just the thing and you want to give it a go, why not.
My thanks to Tantor Audio for the opportunity to listen to this book in exchange for an honest review.
February 15, 2019
Teen book?
I felt like I should have read this book in middle school. I selected it because I used to live in a Mennonite area and found that interesting. This book just didn’t enthrall me.
I felt like I should have read this book in middle school. I selected it because I used to live in a Mennonite area and found that interesting. This book just didn’t enthrall me.
October 4, 2020
Olivia Mast left her beloved Amish community some years ago. She knew the community with their pacifism will not understand her self defence action against her violent husband. She's made a life as a police detective and loving her job where she could help others who are just as helpless as she was. There are some mysterious happenings in her Amish community though and her Captain insisted that she's the best one to go undercover to investigate. Despite her misgivings, she did miss her family and one of the victim was an old beau of hers, so she went... putting her life at risk to protect the community but her heart was also at risk.
Undercover Amish is an easy comfortable read. The mystery looks kind of straight forward but then you realised you're not even close to the end of the book so there must be more! It was an interesting twist but I was a little underwhelmed with the resolution.
Undercover Amish is an easy comfortable read. The mystery looks kind of straight forward but then you realised you're not even close to the end of the book so there must be more! It was an interesting twist but I was a little underwhelmed with the resolution.
September 7, 2016
Loved it!!
This was such a good story!! I usually don't write reviews bit I had to give this book a 5! I love mysteries and I enjoy reading about the Amish. Great combination!!
This was such a good story!! I usually don't write reviews bit I had to give this book a 5! I love mysteries and I enjoy reading about the Amish. Great combination!!
May 18, 2024
This book was absolutely ridiculous but it did keep my attention 😂
January 19, 2020
I liked the story. It is a Christian Amish book with a great dose of romance and suspense. The story was engaging, very well written. And Callie's voice made the story as interesting as it was. Great performance. It is a 5-star book for me.
February 5, 2018
Not predictable and a good story
I bought this book by accident but I am glad I did!
This book is a page turner and a story line that can not be predicted. I read this in one day..... I could not put it down.
Detective Olivia Mast use to be Amish. She left her Amish faith after she killed her abusive Amish husband in self defense.
Now six years later, there have been bad things happening in her old community. Her boss wants her to go undercover and solve the mystery. Olivia does not ever want to go back to all those buried memories but she also has to obey her boss. Believe me, this book will have you sitting on the edge of your seat as you follow Olivia back to her old community and an old friend she cared for growing up and the twists and turns of a murder mystery.
I bought this book by accident but I am glad I did!
This book is a page turner and a story line that can not be predicted. I read this in one day..... I could not put it down.
Detective Olivia Mast use to be Amish. She left her Amish faith after she killed her abusive Amish husband in self defense.
Now six years later, there have been bad things happening in her old community. Her boss wants her to go undercover and solve the mystery. Olivia does not ever want to go back to all those buried memories but she also has to obey her boss. Believe me, this book will have you sitting on the edge of your seat as you follow Olivia back to her old community and an old friend she cared for growing up and the twists and turns of a murder mystery.
July 23, 2017
Good Read
This book is full of suspense and surprises. I thought I knew who the bad guy was but I was wrong. This book has murder, attempted murder, arson, kidnapping, false imprisonment, and domestic violence. I felt so bad for Olivia, she endured so much hurt and sorrow. But in the end she got the victory, I fell in love with Isaac so caring. Loved him and Olivia together.
This book is full of suspense and surprises. I thought I knew who the bad guy was but I was wrong. This book has murder, attempted murder, arson, kidnapping, false imprisonment, and domestic violence. I felt so bad for Olivia, she endured so much hurt and sorrow. But in the end she got the victory, I fell in love with Isaac so caring. Loved him and Olivia together.
January 16, 2023
It’s not the worst book I’ve ever read, but it’s not among the better ones. The plot is implausible and the writing is juvenile. The word “sinisterly” is used without irony — this should tell you everything you need to know. If I didn’t have the ability to listen at double speed on Audible, I probably wouldn’t have finished it.
September 6, 2016
A very good book
I enjoyed this book, it covers lots of emotions from religion, love, life as an Amish community and law enforcement action. I recommend to any one that enjoys a good read.
I enjoyed this book, it covers lots of emotions from religion, love, life as an Amish community and law enforcement action. I recommend to any one that enjoys a good read.
July 17, 2018
The emotions were too nice, and there were some plot points that could have been fleshed out better. Good plotline though. I think the hardest part for me was that I was told everything. There was no room for me to infer anything or put the pieces together. Which defeats the purpose of a mystery.
July 23, 2017
Quick read, but I figured out the end so quickly, and then back and forth of the protagonist and Isaac was so la-la-la. Pretty much every character needed depth.
September 28, 2017
This book was really poorly written and I couldn't get past the awkward prose and the unrealistic story line.
January 25, 2021
I literally read this book in two days, it was a quick read and kept me captivated, I love this new author and she is from Maine! So exciting. I ordered more books from her today from Amazon can't wait to read the next in this series! I am a sucker for Amish mysteries then throw in some romance and you got me! Clean book with Christian themes, glad I just happened to grab this one on Amazon when I ordered some others before Christmas! Passing this on to my mom!
March 25, 2023
Okay, so 2023 has become the year of reading books I’d normally not read, AND I HAVE BEEN PLEASANTLY SURPRISED.
Liv + Isaac forever. 🫶🏼
And even though I am not remotely religious, those pieces of the story were not overwhelming to me.
The mystery was good. I was surprised!
My heart broke and was put back together again.
Will read more. 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
Liv + Isaac forever. 🫶🏼
And even though I am not remotely religious, those pieces of the story were not overwhelming to me.
The mystery was good. I was surprised!
My heart broke and was put back together again.
Will read more. 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
June 30, 2017
I wasn't expecting to be too interested in this book. I enjoy reading Amish fiction/nonfiction but I'm not a huge fan of mystery/suspense. I was wrong! I couldn't put this book down. It was a page turner and I was anxious to read what was going to happen next. Ashley Emma made the characters come alive and you felt like you were right there with them.
December 29, 2024
Taking a break from serious reading and taking advantage of Kindle Unlimited. The book was a bit campy and predictable. I agree with the other reviewers on the lack of research on law enforcement practices. The language and dialogue also felt far fetched and inaccurate for the setting.
August 10, 2023
A good story.
June 28, 2017
A page turner that had me hooked from the start. An emotional roller-coaster, with twists and turns, mystery, abuse, death, murder, arson, family, friendship and love. An interesting insight into a community Amish.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.
August 15, 2017
A very well written book that grabbed my interest right away, and was hard to put down. I don't read a lot of fictional novels, but this book was not only informative, but Ashley weaved a suspense novel that kept me wanting more. She beautifully integrates one Amish lifestyle with a detective from the community. She has a way of maintaining the integrity of the Amish lifestyle and at the same time integrating a murder mystery. There are a number of great twists and turns throughout. She cleverly mixes murder, a love story, and grabs at your many emotions. I'm a 63 year old man, and she was able to bring tears to my eyes. She knows and develops her characters flawlessly. I am amazed that this young author can put together such a great book. I don't want to give away anything in the storyline, but I highly recommend you read this book. This is an author who is polished and I expect her name will grow!
October 19, 2017
Short version:
Fun story, poorly executed.
Details:
Editing/Proofing:
Spelling/grammar were well done but the book could use a professional editor. Must’ve had a strong proof reader or the author self-edits. Continuity is poor and much is repeated throughout. Could easily shave 10,000 words off or more, without actually losing anything.
Perhaps author cannot get past their own impulse to repeat certain points over and over again, but it feels more like they have no faith in their reader. I’m not interested in reading / buying books from an author who seemingly goes into it thinking I’m stupid.
Formatting:
This was fine, book looks pretty good overall. Nothing special but easy enough on the eyes.
Overall:
Like I said above, too much was repeated. I found myself skimming through much of it, as I just don’t need to read the same thing over and over again. That isn’t exciting.
It also took a while to get going. It literally took me about 6 months to get through the first 40% or so. Suuuuuper dull, and backstory just repeated itself a few times. I’d read a little bit and have to find something else to do or read, out of severe boredom. Once it finally got going though, I found the story was fun and I did want to pick it back up. I liked Isaac and Olivia as characters and I liked their romance as well - star-crossed and all, it was cute.
The back of the book is, of course, filled with the author’s other works. What rubbed me the wrong way was her advertisement, claiming she’ll teach others how to write when she clearly needs some help herself. I’d check out her non-fiction, it sounded interesting and she *can* write. Just needs some work in the fiction department. She needs to have more faith in her readers, actually care about continuity, and use a professional editor. If she did these things, I’d consider more from her in the fiction department, as well.
Overall….
2-3 stars. I’d say, “needs work.”
Fun story, poorly executed.
Details:
Editing/Proofing:
Spelling/grammar were well done but the book could use a professional editor. Must’ve had a strong proof reader or the author self-edits. Continuity is poor and much is repeated throughout. Could easily shave 10,000 words off or more, without actually losing anything.
Perhaps author cannot get past their own impulse to repeat certain points over and over again, but it feels more like they have no faith in their reader. I’m not interested in reading / buying books from an author who seemingly goes into it thinking I’m stupid.
Formatting:
This was fine, book looks pretty good overall. Nothing special but easy enough on the eyes.
Overall:
Like I said above, too much was repeated. I found myself skimming through much of it, as I just don’t need to read the same thing over and over again. That isn’t exciting.
It also took a while to get going. It literally took me about 6 months to get through the first 40% or so. Suuuuuper dull, and backstory just repeated itself a few times. I’d read a little bit and have to find something else to do or read, out of severe boredom. Once it finally got going though, I found the story was fun and I did want to pick it back up. I liked Isaac and Olivia as characters and I liked their romance as well - star-crossed and all, it was cute.
The back of the book is, of course, filled with the author’s other works. What rubbed me the wrong way was her advertisement, claiming she’ll teach others how to write when she clearly needs some help herself. I’d check out her non-fiction, it sounded interesting and she *can* write. Just needs some work in the fiction department. She needs to have more faith in her readers, actually care about continuity, and use a professional editor. If she did these things, I’d consider more from her in the fiction department, as well.
Overall….
2-3 stars. I’d say, “needs work.”
December 30, 2018
No, no, no, just no.
I got through the short prologue and half of the first chapter before rage-deleting this thing. Given how little of the book I read I don't need to include spoiler tags, but I will because apparently some authors read their reviews. You can see all of this for yourself (should you so wish) by downloading the book preview. If you're the author: please don't read this.
Got it as a freebie on Amazon.
I got through the short prologue and half of the first chapter before rage-deleting this thing. Given how little of the book I read I don't need to include spoiler tags, but I will because apparently some authors read their reviews. You can see all of this for yourself (should you so wish) by downloading the book preview. If you're the author: please don't read this.
Got it as a freebie on Amazon.
September 8, 2016
Amish Detective
When Olivia was Amish a tragedy caused her to leave and become a detective. When a murder happens in her old Amish community she is assigned to go undercover as Amish. Things quickly get complicated with many criminal acts which seem to center around her and a former boy friend. She has to pretend to be Amish and follow their rules which frustrates her work. Discover what happens by reading this interesting book. I recommend it.
When Olivia was Amish a tragedy caused her to leave and become a detective. When a murder happens in her old Amish community she is assigned to go undercover as Amish. Things quickly get complicated with many criminal acts which seem to center around her and a former boy friend. She has to pretend to be Amish and follow their rules which frustrates her work. Discover what happens by reading this interesting book. I recommend it.
June 21, 2019
This book failed to completely draw me into the story. There were times when I enjoyed it but other times I found that it didn't seem realistic,especially with the Amish characters. Also it didn't flow smoothly in most places. The plot was good and it had a lot of potential but somehow for this reader it just fell short.
I downloaded this book from The Kendal Lending Library. A review wasn't requested . All opinions shared here about Undercover Amish are my own .
I downloaded this book from The Kendal Lending Library. A review wasn't requested . All opinions shared here about Undercover Amish are my own .
January 2, 2021
Amazing book
I found this book through Kindle Unlimited.
Amish world is very interesting for me and additional to that the book shows romantic relationships, action/thriller and mystery.
For me this is the perfect book, I loved everything and didn't feel at all bored and suffering while reading the book.
I highly recommend this book!
Do yourself a favor and read the book, you won't be disappointed :)
I found this book through Kindle Unlimited.
Amish world is very interesting for me and additional to that the book shows romantic relationships, action/thriller and mystery.
For me this is the perfect book, I loved everything and didn't feel at all bored and suffering while reading the book.
I highly recommend this book!
Do yourself a favor and read the book, you won't be disappointed :)
May 2, 2024
Disappointing Amish Read
This book was a series of unlikely occurrences. With only an eighth grade education, NO ONE advances to Police Detective in a few brief years. Furthermore, for such an “astute” detective, our heroine made many errors in judgement that almost cost her her life.
This book was a series of unlikely occurrences. With only an eighth grade education, NO ONE advances to Police Detective in a few brief years. Furthermore, for such an “astute” detective, our heroine made many errors in judgement that almost cost her her life.
March 1, 2017
I loved this book. It was definitely a page turner. It had me guessing the whole time. Once I started reading it I didn't want to stop. I recommend this book if you enjoy Amish books and a good mystery. I can't wait to read more books from this author.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 240 reviews