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Serenity's Plain Secrets #9
The Widow
Some Amish communities aren’t so cozy.
The Widow is the next installment to the Serenity’s Plain Secrets’ mystery/crime thriller series.
Is it suicide or murder?
A young Amish widow turns up dead in Blood Rock and Sheriff Serenity Adams investigates in this gripping new whodunit mystery.
The Widow is the next installment to the Serenity’s Plain Secrets’ mystery/crime thriller series.
Is it suicide or murder?
A young Amish widow turns up dead in Blood Rock and Sheriff Serenity Adams investigates in this gripping new whodunit mystery.
233 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 15, 2020
998 people are currently reading
516 people want to read
About the author
Karen Ann Hopkins
43 books1,410 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 101 reviews
January 19, 2021
Is it suicide or murder?
A young Amish widow turns up dead in Blood Rock and Sheriff Serenity Adams investigates in this gripping new whodunit mystery.
3.5 stars.
This was a pretty good installment in the series, but not one of my favorites. I was surprised at who ended up murdered in this book and also at certain details of her life that were discovered after reading about her in another book and her being so 'upstanding' in that one. I couldn't stand her in the other book, but despite that I wanted to feel bad that she was murder here. Am I a horrible person for not feeling so bad? 🙄
Overall this was entertaining and I will continue to read this series, but I felt like some things that I thought were decided by the main character in the last book were just rehashed here and I got a little bored of that.
Review also posted at Writings of a Reader
A young Amish widow turns up dead in Blood Rock and Sheriff Serenity Adams investigates in this gripping new whodunit mystery.
3.5 stars.
This was a pretty good installment in the series, but not one of my favorites. I was surprised at who ended up murdered in this book and also at certain details of her life that were discovered after reading about her in another book and her being so 'upstanding' in that one. I couldn't stand her in the other book, but despite that I wanted to feel bad that she was murder here. Am I a horrible person for not feeling so bad? 🙄
Overall this was entertaining and I will continue to read this series, but I felt like some things that I thought were decided by the main character in the last book were just rehashed here and I got a little bored of that.
Review also posted at Writings of a Reader
June 27, 2023
Interessante storia, soprattutto non avrei mai potuto immaginare la soluzione del giallo. Sembra che in futuro ci potrebbe essere una svolta decisiva nella vita privata della protagonista. Sempre che non si faccia ammazzare prima...
October 19, 2023
the Widow
Good story. proofreading was a fail. As long as you keep going, you can understand the errors. I had a lot of questions. When the Amish leave aren’t they shunned? Maybe it’s all explained in earlier books considering this is ninth in the series. Maybe her marriage and the marriage of her friend is explained earlier. Good story though.
Good story. proofreading was a fail. As long as you keep going, you can understand the errors. I had a lot of questions. When the Amish leave aren’t they shunned? Maybe it’s all explained in earlier books considering this is ninth in the series. Maybe her marriage and the marriage of her friend is explained earlier. Good story though.
July 10, 2023
A young Amish widow turns up dead in Blood Rock in the Amish Community and Sheriff Serenity Adams investigates – Question: Was it suicide or was it murder? And thus begins the ninth entry in Karen Ann Hopkins’ Serenity's Plain Secrets mystery series: “The Widow.” I had not read Hopkins before, but I was somewhat intrigued by the Amish setting. I normally do not start later in a series; however, I came across this one ~ the ninth in the series ~ on sale, so I purchased it.
Set in Amish Community in Blood Rock (what a great name for a community in a murder mystery), the story opens with a death. Sheriff Serenity Adams is trying to determine if an Amish widow committed suicide by hanging herself from a tree. But some things just do not add up: there was no ladder to reach the limb or no suicide note. So, the sheriff is uncertain about the popular opinion of suicide: she thinks it was a homicide.
“The Widow” was my first book by Hopkins and one of the few I have read about an Amish community. Interesting characters revealed some of the differences between the Englishers and the Amish. Hopkin’s descriptive writing enhances the community’s local color and draws the reader into each scene. It was a nicely crafted plot with a compelling storyline with plenty of twists and turns to keep the reader engaged right up to a surprise ending. Not a lot of depth but a good cozy mystery set in the Amish world. Well, Book #9 read ~ I think I need to start at the beginning.
Set in Amish Community in Blood Rock (what a great name for a community in a murder mystery), the story opens with a death. Sheriff Serenity Adams is trying to determine if an Amish widow committed suicide by hanging herself from a tree. But some things just do not add up: there was no ladder to reach the limb or no suicide note. So, the sheriff is uncertain about the popular opinion of suicide: she thinks it was a homicide.
“The Widow” was my first book by Hopkins and one of the few I have read about an Amish community. Interesting characters revealed some of the differences between the Englishers and the Amish. Hopkin’s descriptive writing enhances the community’s local color and draws the reader into each scene. It was a nicely crafted plot with a compelling storyline with plenty of twists and turns to keep the reader engaged right up to a surprise ending. Not a lot of depth but a good cozy mystery set in the Amish world. Well, Book #9 read ~ I think I need to start at the beginning.
December 20, 2020
Solid mystery that starts with a possible hanging-suicide
3.5 stars
This hanging takes place in Amish country, where everyone knows everybody else’s business. Sheriff Serenity Adams arrives at a contaminated crime scene and finds 1) dozens of onlookers, 2) the victim already cut down, and 3) the noose removed. There are some anomalous scene-of-crime findings and non-findings, so is this a staged murder? The intricate storyline is carefully planned with several good twists. The characters are well-developed, and not only are there excellent red herrings, the author skillfully hides the culprit(s).
As the investigation proceeds, the mood darkens as violence against women increase. As do expectations of womanly virtue; the judgement of women; sinful behavior and female shame. The mystery is inextricably tangled with the Amish way of life, especially the expectations of a patriarchal society.
I’ve read and enjoyed other books of this series, but I found this one difficult to rate. I mulled on it for a couple of days, because I had problems with police protocols, some of the forensics, and scene of crime investigation. The denouement is a bit rushed but is satisfying overall. The ending is not clean due to a rather breathless lead-in to the next book.
3.5 stars
This hanging takes place in Amish country, where everyone knows everybody else’s business. Sheriff Serenity Adams arrives at a contaminated crime scene and finds 1) dozens of onlookers, 2) the victim already cut down, and 3) the noose removed. There are some anomalous scene-of-crime findings and non-findings, so is this a staged murder? The intricate storyline is carefully planned with several good twists. The characters are well-developed, and not only are there excellent red herrings, the author skillfully hides the culprit(s).
As the investigation proceeds, the mood darkens as violence against women increase. As do expectations of womanly virtue; the judgement of women; sinful behavior and female shame. The mystery is inextricably tangled with the Amish way of life, especially the expectations of a patriarchal society.
I’ve read and enjoyed other books of this series, but I found this one difficult to rate. I mulled on it for a couple of days, because I had problems with police protocols, some of the forensics, and scene of crime investigation. The denouement is a bit rushed but is satisfying overall. The ending is not clean due to a rather breathless lead-in to the next book.
June 26, 2021
Return to Blood Rock
Once again we are back in the Amish Community reviewing a body when a widow, , us found hanging from a tree in an apparent suicide. Despite this being a sin and really out of character the Amish don't want Serenity investigating. So it's another investigation fraught with difficulty as the community are torn between doing what's right by their rules and doing what is required by law.
I am not sure they would approve of the way they are depicted at times. It's impossible to get a true understanding of their beliefs and values as an outsider and as usual they come across as deliberately difficult when they are actually most likely just following their ordnung to the best of their respective beliefs and values and trying to avoid censure. This doesn't make it a bad book but just be aware that it's one side.
It would be interesting to actually see it from their side although I have no idea if they are allowed to write books about their lifestyle.
Once again we are back in the Amish Community reviewing a body when a widow, , us found hanging from a tree in an apparent suicide. Despite this being a sin and really out of character the Amish don't want Serenity investigating. So it's another investigation fraught with difficulty as the community are torn between doing what's right by their rules and doing what is required by law.
I am not sure they would approve of the way they are depicted at times. It's impossible to get a true understanding of their beliefs and values as an outsider and as usual they come across as deliberately difficult when they are actually most likely just following their ordnung to the best of their respective beliefs and values and trying to avoid censure. This doesn't make it a bad book but just be aware that it's one side.
It would be interesting to actually see it from their side although I have no idea if they are allowed to write books about their lifestyle.
March 24, 2021
I used to read alot of Amish stories but seem to all sound the same after awhile. But not Serenity's. This story is more interesting and holds you to it. It has English people and Amish people thru out the whole story. It is brought up about Amish who left to be English and visa versa. A young Amish widow is found hanging from a tree. Everyone thought it was a suicide but not the Sheriff. She thought she was murdered. But how and by whom. Lots of suspects questioned. Did she have any men friends , as she did want to marry again before she got much older. Most Amish prefer to settle things amongst themselves but then again some crimes are handled by a Sheriff . Things are always what they seem.
March 25, 2021
The sheriff is trying to determine if an Amish widow committed suicide by hanging herself from a tree. There was no ladder or suicide note. The sheriff thinks it was a homicide, because she knew the woman a little and hasn't uncovered anything that would indicate the woman was depressed. Then a sixteen year old girl gets kissed by a young Amish man, which is not acceptable by Amish ways. And he knew the suicide victim. Is he connected to the hanging? The sheriff interviews all of the people who had recent contact with the woman, as well as anyone that might have started a courtship with her. And the the autopsy provide some shocking information.
A good story, even more interesting (to me) because of the depictions of the Amish.
A good story, even more interesting (to me) because of the depictions of the Amish.
April 6, 2021
As solid 3.5 star read
Is it suicide or murder? If course, it's murder but Sheriff Serenity has to prove it one way or the other.
I like this author. I know I'll get a solid "good read" from any of her books. This one wasn't as good, IMHO, as the previous books in this series. I knew who the murderer was long before it was revealed her the ending definitely does have its surprises. There is a small hook into book 10 as well.
The characters didn't "sing" for me in this one. Only Serenity acted more like herself. The rest felt a bit cardboardy -- if I can make up a word.
Yet I enjoyed the book. Glad I read it and am looking forward to book 10 in the series.
Is it suicide or murder? If course, it's murder but Sheriff Serenity has to prove it one way or the other.
I like this author. I know I'll get a solid "good read" from any of her books. This one wasn't as good, IMHO, as the previous books in this series. I knew who the murderer was long before it was revealed her the ending definitely does have its surprises. There is a small hook into book 10 as well.
The characters didn't "sing" for me in this one. Only Serenity acted more like herself. The rest felt a bit cardboardy -- if I can make up a word.
Yet I enjoyed the book. Glad I read it and am looking forward to book 10 in the series.
April 12, 2021
Interesting characters showing the differences between the Englishers and the Amish. It makes it more interesting to learn some of the Amish ways while trying to figure out a whodunit murder mystery. Living near Lancaster, I have always found the Amish way of life interesting and this book delves a little deeper into the Amish with their close knit communities, their values and the way they view life and forgiveness. Great way to learn more about other cultures while being entertained trying to figure out who did it.
October 10, 2023
Serenity tries to get her head round a possible suicide but can't decide if it was murder. There are too many suspects in the end and she finally finds her culprit(s) because of a bit of psychic intervention from her mother in law or a little bird told her ? The Amish are as obtuse as ever and would rather let a murderer walk than admit anything is wrong in their community and Serenity and Todd almost come to a sticky end before one of the suspects is overcome with remorse. She is walking a tightrope between Amish and English and one of these days it will not end well.
October 18, 2023
Once again, as sheriff of Blood Rock, Serenity Adams is called upon to unravel a puzzling, grizzly murder in the Amish community. With few obvious clues and tight-lipped neighbors and relatives to question, Serenity is in for a very difficult time solving this case. As this gripping story builds and expands to involve more people and their offenses, it's hard to determine the outcome and ensure Serenity's safety. This thoroughly engrossing plot and the variety of unexpected developments added at every turn made this book a very, very good read!!!!!~
July 26, 2025
An Amish clairvoyant?
When the Bishop's recently widowed neice is found hanging from a tree, Serenity is pulled into the baffling case. Was it suicide or murder? Then, when her husband Daniel's neice Sarah suffers from Elmer's unwanted advance, Serenity moves Elmer's to the top of the suspect list. Serenity's Amish mother-in-law tells of the vision she had, and that adds to the mystery of the case. Poisoning, sexual assault, murdered, and the Amish's strict beliefs of sin all add to this intriguing story.
When the Bishop's recently widowed neice is found hanging from a tree, Serenity is pulled into the baffling case. Was it suicide or murder? Then, when her husband Daniel's neice Sarah suffers from Elmer's unwanted advance, Serenity moves Elmer's to the top of the suspect list. Serenity's Amish mother-in-law tells of the vision she had, and that adds to the mystery of the case. Poisoning, sexual assault, murdered, and the Amish's strict beliefs of sin all add to this intriguing story.
March 19, 2021
Justice Is Served In The End
In the Amish community there is only one right way. The wrong way can end up bad for members of the community. When a crime is committed they like to take it in their own hands unless the sheriff has control first. When a young widow is found hung from a weeping willow tree it is the sheriff’s job to find out if it is murder or suicide. When outsiders are involved the case gets more interesting.
In the Amish community there is only one right way. The wrong way can end up bad for members of the community. When a crime is committed they like to take it in their own hands unless the sheriff has control first. When a young widow is found hung from a weeping willow tree it is the sheriff’s job to find out if it is murder or suicide. When outsiders are involved the case gets more interesting.
June 13, 2021
Average but with an almost comical ei
Another death in Amish land. Can Serenity ever get a break?
I’m thinking if the mayor and is so concerned about image and Blood Rock has one horrifying evil happenings month after month. He fire her. 🤣
I thought there were 11 already released books, but i’m wrong number 10 won’t be released for another few days. Oh, well, I have a true crime I want to read.
Another death in Amish land. Can Serenity ever get a break?
I’m thinking if the mayor and is so concerned about image and Blood Rock has one horrifying evil happenings month after month. He fire her. 🤣
I thought there were 11 already released books, but i’m wrong number 10 won’t be released for another few days. Oh, well, I have a true crime I want to read.
March 14, 2022
they just keep getting better
I have read a few books in this series. The characters are pretty much the same and there’s always a murder the sheriff must solve. I guess what surprises in this mystery is the psychological content. An Amish widow is hungry for someone to love her. Several men have misguided views regarding women. Serenity must determine is a death is suicide or murder. Excellent
I have read a few books in this series. The characters are pretty much the same and there’s always a murder the sheriff must solve. I guess what surprises in this mystery is the psychological content. An Amish widow is hungry for someone to love her. Several men have misguided views regarding women. Serenity must determine is a death is suicide or murder. Excellent
October 31, 2023
Wow
When the widow Rosetta is found hanging in a tree, the first thoughts were that it was suicide. Although it does look like suicide, Serenity has enough doubts to keep investigating. As Sheriff, dealing with the Amish community can be tricky. New information about Rosetta's life is exposed, leading Serenity to the killer. Finding the culprit brings out many surprises. I highly recommend reading this one.
When the widow Rosetta is found hanging in a tree, the first thoughts were that it was suicide. Although it does look like suicide, Serenity has enough doubts to keep investigating. As Sheriff, dealing with the Amish community can be tricky. New information about Rosetta's life is exposed, leading Serenity to the killer. Finding the culprit brings out many surprises. I highly recommend reading this one.
October 2, 2024
Good. mystery with lots of red herrings
This was an intriguing case of murder or suicide. Dogged investigation on Serenity’s part ultimately leads her to some important clues. Serenity’s gut and her mother-in-law’s visions also play an important role. Lots of suspicious behavior and the ending is a bit of a shock and a bit what we thought. An interesting conclusion though I’d have liked an epilogue on the community reaction and the result.
This was an intriguing case of murder or suicide. Dogged investigation on Serenity’s part ultimately leads her to some important clues. Serenity’s gut and her mother-in-law’s visions also play an important role. Lots of suspicious behavior and the ending is a bit of a shock and a bit what we thought. An interesting conclusion though I’d have liked an epilogue on the community reaction and the result.
March 19, 2021
Twists and turns!
Liked the pace of book! I learned a few things about a different religious culture that was disturbing. The challenge to survive if you are a bit different that leads to your demise. The obsiticals surrounding collecting the facts are vague and compelling. The end is was a surprise! I truly enjoyed this book. I would reccomend this as a good read!
Liked the pace of book! I learned a few things about a different religious culture that was disturbing. The challenge to survive if you are a bit different that leads to your demise. The obsiticals surrounding collecting the facts are vague and compelling. The end is was a surprise! I truly enjoyed this book. I would reccomend this as a good read!
April 3, 2021
Great story!!
Love this series. One thing that Hopkins does well is show how little difference the Amish and the English actually are. Not so much as far as the religious practices are concerned, but human interactions can be not so far apart. Wonderful characters and situations!
Love this series. One thing that Hopkins does well is show how little difference the Amish and the English actually are. Not so much as far as the religious practices are concerned, but human interactions can be not so far apart. Wonderful characters and situations!
April 28, 2021
The curse of the free book strikes again. I've started a new series at the end instead of the beginning. Thankfully it didn't complicate my reading pleasure as there was enough background history supplied.
It was a great read with likeable characters. I enjoyed it so much I've decided to go back to the very beginning of the series.
It was a great read with likeable characters. I enjoyed it so much I've decided to go back to the very beginning of the series.
May 18, 2021
Enjoyed this book
This book was different from other Amish books I have read! The heroine is an English sheriff who is charged to solve whether the death of a young Amish widow died by suicide or was murdered. There are several suspects & the plot makes some twists & turns. Good character. development, interesting plot , clean language!
This book was different from other Amish books I have read! The heroine is an English sheriff who is charged to solve whether the death of a young Amish widow died by suicide or was murdered. There are several suspects & the plot makes some twists & turns. Good character. development, interesting plot , clean language!
October 18, 2023
Serenity is one heck of a Sheriff.
I love all the books about Serenity and the Amish community she patrols. It’s a very complementary relationship between the English and Amish, and provides hope for everyone to get along. Each has their pros and cons and these books meld them together in wonderful but sad stories. I recommend these books to anyone who loves a good mystery!
I love all the books about Serenity and the Amish community she patrols. It’s a very complementary relationship between the English and Amish, and provides hope for everyone to get along. Each has their pros and cons and these books meld them together in wonderful but sad stories. I recommend these books to anyone who loves a good mystery!
December 18, 2020
More twists and turns then I could keep up as the plot thickened! Absolutely will keep you turning pages all night!
After reading all nine of KAREN ANN HOPKIN's AMISH books, I wonder where all her ideas come from! I recommend reading all her Serenity series. Thanks
After reading all nine of KAREN ANN HOPKIN's AMISH books, I wonder where all her ideas come from! I recommend reading all her Serenity series. Thanks
March 17, 2021
An Amish Mystery
This book was filled with a strong, smart woman sherrif. She wouldn't rest till the murderer was brought to justice. It was interesting seeing how differently the Amish reacted to murder. I highly recommend this book!
This book was filled with a strong, smart woman sherrif. She wouldn't rest till the murderer was brought to justice. It was interesting seeing how differently the Amish reacted to murder. I highly recommend this book!
March 18, 2021
Enjoyable mystery
I have read several of the books in this series and have enjoyed them all. The mysteries are intriguing and it is fun to try and figure out the culprit from the clues and interviews. I also enjoy learning a bit more about the Amish culture through the stories.
I have read several of the books in this series and have enjoyed them all. The mysteries are intriguing and it is fun to try and figure out the culprit from the clues and interviews. I also enjoy learning a bit more about the Amish culture through the stories.
March 19, 2021
Murders untamed
An interesting story about an Amish widow very short lived, gone but not forgotten, an eye view of a strange relationship of an Amish Widow, short story quiet a mixed up ending. I recommend it as a fast read,
An interesting story about an Amish widow very short lived, gone but not forgotten, an eye view of a strange relationship of an Amish Widow, short story quiet a mixed up ending. I recommend it as a fast read,
March 19, 2021
Intrigue and cultural clashes abound
Cultural differences complicate the solution of a crime. Murder initially thought a suicide. Novel kept me engaged and reading won out over chores.
Cultural differences complicate the solution of a crime. Murder initially thought a suicide. Novel kept me engaged and reading won out over chores.
March 21, 2021
Suicide is not the unpardonable sin.
Suicide is a sin just like all other sins. It is not the unpardonable sin.
When do Amish drive vans ?
Amish build RVs. Why can’t they build buggies ?
Suicide is a sin just like all other sins. It is not the unpardonable sin.
When do Amish drive vans ?
Amish build RVs. Why can’t they build buggies ?
March 21, 2021
I enjoy reading about sheriff serenity and her family and friends. This was about an Amish widow looking for a good man to marry. I didn’t figure out who done it until almost the end i was totally surprised. I enjoy reading the books because of the setting and the Amish.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 101 reviews