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Serenity's Plain Secrets #8
Bloody Ties
Bloody Ties, the newest instalment of Serenity’s Plain Secrets, is a thrilling and unpredictable adventure of corruption, organized crime, and murder that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very last page.
When dead mobsters start turning up in Blood Rock, Sheriff Serenity Adams joins forces with a new recruit, a US marshal, and her ex-partner to solve the cases, but can she trust any of them? Her old partner, Ryan Donavan, is not acting like himself, and Serenity fears he’s keeping secrets. For all of his politeness, there’s something about Officer Jerome Wilson that doesn’t ring true, and Marshall Bryant always has his own agenda. Throw in the Moretti mafia family, a Mexican drug cartel, and a hillbilly moonshine making clan, and Serenity has her hands full.
But just as answers come into view, the investigations expand into the Amish community. The sudden return of an ex-Amish man marks more trouble for the sheriff, and local teenagers are once again facing bad luck.
As Serenity grasps at a little normalcy in her personal life, sinister forces descend on her town—and in a race against time, she must unravel the truth before she loses everyone she holds dear.
When dead mobsters start turning up in Blood Rock, Sheriff Serenity Adams joins forces with a new recruit, a US marshal, and her ex-partner to solve the cases, but can she trust any of them? Her old partner, Ryan Donavan, is not acting like himself, and Serenity fears he’s keeping secrets. For all of his politeness, there’s something about Officer Jerome Wilson that doesn’t ring true, and Marshall Bryant always has his own agenda. Throw in the Moretti mafia family, a Mexican drug cartel, and a hillbilly moonshine making clan, and Serenity has her hands full.
But just as answers come into view, the investigations expand into the Amish community. The sudden return of an ex-Amish man marks more trouble for the sheriff, and local teenagers are once again facing bad luck.
As Serenity grasps at a little normalcy in her personal life, sinister forces descend on her town—and in a race against time, she must unravel the truth before she loses everyone she holds dear.
217 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 15, 2020
621 people are currently reading
343 people want to read
About the author
Karen Ann Hopkins
43 books1,411 followersYou can visit Karen Ann Hopkins at her website: www.karenannhopkinsfiction.com.
"I loved joining Rose and Noah during their journey in the Temptation series by Karen Hopkins."-Katie McGarry, acclaimed YA author
Karen Ann Hopkins resides in northern Kentucky with her family on a farm that boasts a menagerie of horses, goats, sheep, peacocks, chickens, ducks, rabbits, pigs, dogs, and cats. Karen rescues and fosters a variety of pets and farm animals, but she also finds time to give riding lessons, coach a youth equestrian drill team, and of course, write. She was inspired to create her first book, Temptation, by the Amish community she lives in. The experiential knowledge she gained through her interactions with her neighbors drove her to create the story of the star-crossed lovers, Rose and Noah.
Karen grew up about a mile from Lake Ontario in Upstate New York. She was bitten by the horse bug at the age of five, and after diligently taking riding lessons for several years, she was rewarded with her first horse at the age of eleven. The feisty horse's name was Lady, a Quarter Horse-Thoroughbred cross, who became Karen's steadfast companion. Through the years, the constant force in her life was horses. Eventually, Karen found her place as a riding instructor herself. Before accepting her fate in the barnyard, she worked a short stint as a paralegal, traveled abroad, and guided tourists on horseback riding tours in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee.
Karen is currently working on her two interconnecting mystery/crime fiction series, Serenity's Plain Secrets and Possum Gap, along with several new projects.
To learn more about Karen and her books, please visit her website.
"I loved joining Rose and Noah during their journey in the Temptation series by Karen Hopkins."-Katie McGarry, acclaimed YA author
Karen Ann Hopkins resides in northern Kentucky with her family on a farm that boasts a menagerie of horses, goats, sheep, peacocks, chickens, ducks, rabbits, pigs, dogs, and cats. Karen rescues and fosters a variety of pets and farm animals, but she also finds time to give riding lessons, coach a youth equestrian drill team, and of course, write. She was inspired to create her first book, Temptation, by the Amish community she lives in. The experiential knowledge she gained through her interactions with her neighbors drove her to create the story of the star-crossed lovers, Rose and Noah.
Karen grew up about a mile from Lake Ontario in Upstate New York. She was bitten by the horse bug at the age of five, and after diligently taking riding lessons for several years, she was rewarded with her first horse at the age of eleven. The feisty horse's name was Lady, a Quarter Horse-Thoroughbred cross, who became Karen's steadfast companion. Through the years, the constant force in her life was horses. Eventually, Karen found her place as a riding instructor herself. Before accepting her fate in the barnyard, she worked a short stint as a paralegal, traveled abroad, and guided tourists on horseback riding tours in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee.
Karen is currently working on her two interconnecting mystery/crime fiction series, Serenity's Plain Secrets and Possum Gap, along with several new projects.
To learn more about Karen and her books, please visit her website.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
July 31, 2021
As much as I enjoyed this series and I think, author really needs to employ a proofreader to go through her work.
June 25, 2023
La storia non è male, anche se alcune cose mi sono apparse chiare ben presto. Necessita un po' di editing perché ogni tanto i personaggi vengono chiamati col nome sbagliato... Vado a leggere il libro successivo perché sono rimasta clamorosamente indietro e voglio recuperare un po', visto che ho quasi tutti i volumi finora usciti.
September 24, 2020
Another solid murder mystery set in Amish country, with likable characters. This is not a stand-alone.
Karen Ann Hopkins is one of my go-to authors when I want lighter crime fiction. Her mysteries are set in Amish country, which she describes in loving detail. The complex storyline is well-structured and straightforward, so it’s a quick read. If you’re new to this series, I suggest you start with earlier books. Domestic situations, criminal activities, and personal drama have story arcs—including one character arc which concludes in this book. Knowing the characters and their idiosyncrasies will help eliminate red herrings and find the villains. Examples: An incognito Federal agent is hiding in the mix and so is an unlikely villain.
I would’ve rated this 4-5 stars, except my reading experience was bumpy. Example: why is Daniel—a civilian and Sheriff Serenity’s husband—allowed at a crime scene of a victim with large caliber gunshot wounds to the head? An editor is needed for homonyms, punctuation, and grammar problems. There are stray quotation marks, which are annoying, because I think a character is speaking. But wait. There are no close-quote marks. Back up. Re-read. No one is speaking. Orphan quotation marks interrupt me, forces a re-read, and messes with my reading enjoyment.
I usually bleep over incorrectly pluralized surnames AND incorrect possession problems. In this book, there were too many to ignore. Example: surname is Moretti.
1. Singular is Moretti.
2. Plural is Morettis.
3. Singular possessive is Moretti’s.
4. Plural possessive is Morettis’.
3.5 stars, upped to 4 stars because I liked the mystery.
Karen Ann Hopkins is one of my go-to authors when I want lighter crime fiction. Her mysteries are set in Amish country, which she describes in loving detail. The complex storyline is well-structured and straightforward, so it’s a quick read. If you’re new to this series, I suggest you start with earlier books. Domestic situations, criminal activities, and personal drama have story arcs—including one character arc which concludes in this book. Knowing the characters and their idiosyncrasies will help eliminate red herrings and find the villains. Examples: An incognito Federal agent is hiding in the mix and so is an unlikely villain.
I would’ve rated this 4-5 stars, except my reading experience was bumpy. Example: why is Daniel—a civilian and Sheriff Serenity’s husband—allowed at a crime scene of a victim with large caliber gunshot wounds to the head? An editor is needed for homonyms, punctuation, and grammar problems. There are stray quotation marks, which are annoying, because I think a character is speaking. But wait. There are no close-quote marks. Back up. Re-read. No one is speaking. Orphan quotation marks interrupt me, forces a re-read, and messes with my reading enjoyment.
I usually bleep over incorrectly pluralized surnames AND incorrect possession problems. In this book, there were too many to ignore. Example: surname is Moretti.
1. Singular is Moretti.
2. Plural is Morettis.
3. Singular possessive is Moretti’s.
4. Plural possessive is Morettis’.
3.5 stars, upped to 4 stars because I liked the mystery.
June 8, 2021
Dead bodies start appearing..
.. in Blood Rock and they are not local residents. Serenity has been able to take on two new officers and it's a relief as they are being stretched across town trying to find the connection between the bodies.
Those new officers are beginning to cause their own special blend of trouble for Serenity. Ryan is CJ's ex boyfriend and Serenity's old partner in Indianapolis, he skates close to the wind and really hates the paperwork. While it appears he thought he could waltz straight back into CJ's arms and when he realises that she is not interested he turns his charms on Elayne Weaver.
Jerome is a by the book stickler for the rules and the pair are partnering each other for the time being so they are somewhat ironically both demanding that Serenity change things around. But Jerome seems a little too straight and narrow, and rather more experienced than his résumé indicates.
There's also Zeke, Daniel's cousin, who left the Amish just before Daniel himself did. The bishop and his ministers want him gone but Serenity is powerless to insist he leaves.
So while dealing with murder times four Serenity's also asking herself what Ryan and Jerome are hiding and what are they doing exactly in dull, boring Blood Rock? Where has Zeke been in all these years? And is he the trouble they claim he is?
.. in Blood Rock and they are not local residents. Serenity has been able to take on two new officers and it's a relief as they are being stretched across town trying to find the connection between the bodies.
Those new officers are beginning to cause their own special blend of trouble for Serenity. Ryan is CJ's ex boyfriend and Serenity's old partner in Indianapolis, he skates close to the wind and really hates the paperwork. While it appears he thought he could waltz straight back into CJ's arms and when he realises that she is not interested he turns his charms on Elayne Weaver.
Jerome is a by the book stickler for the rules and the pair are partnering each other for the time being so they are somewhat ironically both demanding that Serenity change things around. But Jerome seems a little too straight and narrow, and rather more experienced than his résumé indicates.
There's also Zeke, Daniel's cousin, who left the Amish just before Daniel himself did. The bishop and his ministers want him gone but Serenity is powerless to insist he leaves.
So while dealing with murder times four Serenity's also asking herself what Ryan and Jerome are hiding and what are they doing exactly in dull, boring Blood Rock? Where has Zeke been in all these years? And is he the trouble they claim he is?
August 17, 2024
A good read but very predictable
3.5 stars…The book was a quick, easy read and the story was engaging but with some big flaws. It was very predictable and it was annoying that Serenity didn’t see pretty obvious stuff. There is one storyline that seems to be left hanging and I’m not quite sure what the point of it was. It didn’t seem to add anything to the plot here. I’m kind of torn on several elements of the story and not sure what the author was attempting to say.
I am assuming some of the issues here will play a part in future books but some of it just didn’t work for me. I enjoy the books but I always have to take a break between (rather than doing a binge read) because the little things start to add up.
3.5 stars…The book was a quick, easy read and the story was engaging but with some big flaws. It was very predictable and it was annoying that Serenity didn’t see pretty obvious stuff. There is one storyline that seems to be left hanging and I’m not quite sure what the point of it was. It didn’t seem to add anything to the plot here. I’m kind of torn on several elements of the story and not sure what the author was attempting to say.
I am assuming some of the issues here will play a part in future books but some of it just didn’t work for me. I enjoy the books but I always have to take a break between (rather than doing a binge read) because the little things start to add up.
September 23, 2020
I got nothing on my to-do list done...
But I sure did enjoy this book! One of her best. Somehow you know the major players -- you don't know how it will turn out. Wonderful characters and I admit that having read most of the predecessors helped. If you read this one first, it will just make you want to get the previous books in the series. I found one error which sorta shocked me. You don't encounter errors in this author's books. It was the use of the word "break" instead of "brake".
But I sure did enjoy this book! One of her best. Somehow you know the major players -- you don't know how it will turn out. Wonderful characters and I admit that having read most of the predecessors helped. If you read this one first, it will just make you want to get the previous books in the series. I found one error which sorta shocked me. You don't encounter errors in this author's books. It was the use of the word "break" instead of "brake".
April 11, 2021
Another great read. Karen Ann Hopkins is one of the few American authors I read as I mainly read British crime authors, but I fell in love with this series from the moment I read the first one. The majority of the characters are very likeable and even the Bishop showed a more human side to him in this one. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would definitely recommend it. We are planning a visit to America when the world gets back to greater normality (we were supposed to go last year) and this is a part I would love to visit.
May 3, 2021
Amish life isn't really plain
Sometimes even the commitment to a simple life doesn't keep it simple. Just like parents don't stop being parents when a child turns 18 or 21. Life changes, things happen and you have to keep wishing for that cloudless day. The author has given us another example of how what is spoken of as a simple life, is so complex. Family dynamics, religious edicts, community standards many times conflict with the picture we sometimes paint of this community. Good mystery but also good insight into the Amish ways. Recommended.
Sometimes even the commitment to a simple life doesn't keep it simple. Just like parents don't stop being parents when a child turns 18 or 21. Life changes, things happen and you have to keep wishing for that cloudless day. The author has given us another example of how what is spoken of as a simple life, is so complex. Family dynamics, religious edicts, community standards many times conflict with the picture we sometimes paint of this community. Good mystery but also good insight into the Amish ways. Recommended.
July 12, 2021
This is the first book in the series that I have read. I probably should have started at the beginning but this one caught my eye. There definitely would have been some benefit to reading the previous books but it wasn’t difficult to follow along without all the previous reads. The story was good and I enjoyed the characters. For me, it felt a little bit slow in some parts, like some scenes were just a little more wordy or drawn out than were required. The action bits however, were well done and exciting.
September 28, 2020
A Cornucopia of Crimes.
Serenity welcomes her former partner to the force just when the mob, gangsters and drug smugglers all converge on Blood Rock. Add a hit man, a local crime family and four dead bodies and you have a recipe for chaos. Serenity needs all the help available to bring peace to her town in time for her best friend's wedding. It's all wrapped up Serenity style with an explosive conclusion. Another page Turner from Karen Ann Hopkins.
Serenity welcomes her former partner to the force just when the mob, gangsters and drug smugglers all converge on Blood Rock. Add a hit man, a local crime family and four dead bodies and you have a recipe for chaos. Serenity needs all the help available to bring peace to her town in time for her best friend's wedding. It's all wrapped up Serenity style with an explosive conclusion. Another page Turner from Karen Ann Hopkins.
February 3, 2021
Another Great Serenity book by Karen Hopkins
This author creates such well rounded and believable characters that you are immediately pulled in. I don’t think she can write them fast enough for me. I have read everyone, so when she writes a new book for the series it feels as if you can pick right up where she left off in the previous novel. I truly look forward to the next installment in this series.
This author creates such well rounded and believable characters that you are immediately pulled in. I don’t think she can write them fast enough for me. I have read everyone, so when she writes a new book for the series it feels as if you can pick right up where she left off in the previous novel. I truly look forward to the next installment in this series.
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April 29, 2021suspenseful mystery with interesting facts about leaving the Amish religion
The author does a great job keeping your attention on the plot while giving you information about those folks that leave the Amish faith and enter the world outside their community. The story plot while suspenseful was a little unbelievable. Would recommend this book to the general reader not for a real mystery reader.
The author does a great job keeping your attention on the plot while giving you information about those folks that leave the Amish faith and enter the world outside their community. The story plot while suspenseful was a little unbelievable. Would recommend this book to the general reader not for a real mystery reader.
May 16, 2021
A decent story utterly derailed by atrocious editing. Missing words, misused words, incorrect subject/verb agreement, flagrant abuse of apostrophes, and more -- most of which any free grammar checker would flag for the author's attention so they could be addressed before publication. Add to that the unnecessary repetition of story points and more than one pair of visually similar character names, and what would have been an enjoyable light read turned into a slog.
June 10, 2021
Lost its punch
I've read the previous 7 books in the series, but was disappointed in the 8th. The story wasn't too mysterious and the editing was horrible. Sheriff Serenity has lengthy high moral speeches at the most ridiculous times and she seems to get constantly admired by both sides of the law which had a cheesy feel to it.
I've read the previous 7 books in the series, but was disappointed in the 8th. The story wasn't too mysterious and the editing was horrible. Sheriff Serenity has lengthy high moral speeches at the most ridiculous times and she seems to get constantly admired by both sides of the law which had a cheesy feel to it.
June 12, 2021
Back to average for me
Average me but I’m sure for the many fans of Serinty and Blood Rock will claim it was amazing🥱.
The ‘why are they in Blood Rock?’ will be pretty easy for almost any reader. The when and where of the big climax, was not difficult and once it started the outcome wasn’t to hard to imagine. It did have the moments of the unknown to make it a good read though.
Average me but I’m sure for the many fans of Serinty and Blood Rock will claim it was amazing🥱.
The ‘why are they in Blood Rock?’ will be pretty easy for almost any reader. The when and where of the big climax, was not difficult and once it started the outcome wasn’t to hard to imagine. It did have the moments of the unknown to make it a good read though.
October 23, 2021
Okay.
This book is an okay read. I have read the other books in this series and they are just okay. This book could have used better editing. There were many missing words and at one point Joshua was referred to as Joseph. Linda Castillo this author is not! If you have not read any of her books check out her Kate Burke holder series.
This book is an okay read. I have read the other books in this series and they are just okay. This book could have used better editing. There were many missing words and at one point Joshua was referred to as Joseph. Linda Castillo this author is not! If you have not read any of her books check out her Kate Burke holder series.
March 21, 2024
Gripping
One day Serenity will run out of lives. This story is gripping, Serenity runs the risk of losing the people she loves and her own life. She navigates the twists and turns of this almost impossible case. My brain is aching just trying to keep up. This book is gripping. I have recommended it to my work mates. A must read.
One day Serenity will run out of lives. This story is gripping, Serenity runs the risk of losing the people she loves and her own life. She navigates the twists and turns of this almost impossible case. My brain is aching just trying to keep up. This book is gripping. I have recommended it to my work mates. A must read.
October 13, 2020
Bloody Ties
As always never disappointed in Karen Ann Hopkins writings. Love the Serenity Series. Love the way she can twisted the endings. Can't wait for Serenity #9. Thank you for your neat books.
As always never disappointed in Karen Ann Hopkins writings. Love the Serenity Series. Love the way she can twisted the endings. Can't wait for Serenity #9. Thank you for your neat books.
March 7, 2021
Bloody Ties
Karen Ann Hopkins does it again. She's an amazing writer with even more amazing story telling skills. This is definitely one of my favorite book series and honestly it's one that I hope never ends. Well done
Karen Ann Hopkins does it again. She's an amazing writer with even more amazing story telling skills. This is definitely one of my favorite book series and honestly it's one that I hope never ends. Well done
April 8, 2021
Bloody Ties
This is another good book by Karen about organized crime hitting an Amish community. The characters are well developed and engaging. I can't wait to read what the next book brings.
This is another good book by Karen about organized crime hitting an Amish community. The characters are well developed and engaging. I can't wait to read what the next book brings.
April 29, 2021
Another great read
This Serenity series is very well written and absorbing. Love the characters and descriptions of Amish life, especially as they interact with the outside world. Definitely recommend.
This Serenity series is very well written and absorbing. Love the characters and descriptions of Amish life, especially as they interact with the outside world. Definitely recommend.
May 2, 2021
Drugs and money
Good plot, some new characters, and plenty of the usual cast of characters. Like learning about Amish life and their beliefs. Despite knowing why the bad guys were in town, surprised st the outcome
Good plot, some new characters, and plenty of the usual cast of characters. Like learning about Amish life and their beliefs. Despite knowing why the bad guys were in town, surprised st the outcome
May 3, 2021
The story goes on
The author has always kept the characters going in the right direction. The books are seamlessly put together. The plot moved along well as usual. I really enjoyed reading this.
The author has always kept the characters going in the right direction. The books are seamlessly put together. The plot moved along well as usual. I really enjoyed reading this.
May 8, 2021
Another good read about Serenity, good story. You have same characters plus new ones coming into the story line. We have drugs, mafia,dead and top of all that a wedding going to happen. Plus. A challenge 4 people have to consider. Read to find out what happens.
May 13, 2021
I have read several of these books about a female sheriff who not only deals with lawbreakers, but the Amish culture in her area. This one deals with cartels coming to avenge a person on her staff. Lots of mayhem insues. A very good read, indeed!
May 18, 2021
Great Series
This series has been great to read. The author is able to tug at your emotions. Great character development! One thing I noticed. The mayor’s name has gone from Ed to Fred, back to Ed and then Fred again in the series. Anyway, I’m looking forward to the next book.
This series has been great to read. The author is able to tug at your emotions. Great character development! One thing I noticed. The mayor’s name has gone from Ed to Fred, back to Ed and then Fred again in the series. Anyway, I’m looking forward to the next book.
May 31, 2021
Another Amish located mystery. Some of the customs were incorporated, but less harsh for the most part. I knew who "done it" but didn't know exactly how it would play out. Kept my interest to the end.
June 11, 2021
Great read! Now I have read books 1 through 7 in the series!
I'm hooked! Good read that kept your interest throughout. I'll need to go back and start the Serenity series from the beginning. Good job, Karen Ann!!
I'm hooked! Good read that kept your interest throughout. I'll need to go back and start the Serenity series from the beginning. Good job, Karen Ann!!
June 26, 2021
This one does not hold back the punches!!
Wow! This was a powerful story. Who would have thought that small town of Blood Rock would be full of criminals and drug dealers? Great story - I think one of Karen Ann Hopkins finest! I cannot wait for the next one!
Wow! This was a powerful story. Who would have thought that small town of Blood Rock would be full of criminals and drug dealers? Great story - I think one of Karen Ann Hopkins finest! I cannot wait for the next one!
July 7, 2021
Bloodrock, IN
When you think of Hicksville, USA this wouldn't be the town you'd think would end up in tatters over a wrong decision but it is. Spellbinding and riveting and a good read all the way around.
When you think of Hicksville, USA this wouldn't be the town you'd think would end up in tatters over a wrong decision but it is. Spellbinding and riveting and a good read all the way around.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews