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The Amish Suspect
ALONE
INJURED
AFRAID
Mary Kate Lapp wakes up covered in blood, a gun beside her, and two of her best friends are dead. Since she is the only survivor and her injuries have left her with amnesia of the event, the chief of police arrests her for murder. Caleb Beiler, a friend and neighbor, is shocked, confused and trying his best to believe in Mary Kate’s innocence but with no other suspects, mounting evidence of her guilt, and her inability to tell anyone what happened, he is finding it increasingly difficult.
When danger starts to impact the community, the bond between Mary Kate and Caleb is tested to the core. Will Mary Kate be able to prove her innocence? Will Caleb be strong enough to trust her, trust God, and face the truth he keeps trying to deny, that he is falling in love with the Amish suspect?
INJURED
AFRAID
Mary Kate Lapp wakes up covered in blood, a gun beside her, and two of her best friends are dead. Since she is the only survivor and her injuries have left her with amnesia of the event, the chief of police arrests her for murder. Caleb Beiler, a friend and neighbor, is shocked, confused and trying his best to believe in Mary Kate’s innocence but with no other suspects, mounting evidence of her guilt, and her inability to tell anyone what happened, he is finding it increasingly difficult.
When danger starts to impact the community, the bond between Mary Kate and Caleb is tested to the core. Will Mary Kate be able to prove her innocence? Will Caleb be strong enough to trust her, trust God, and face the truth he keeps trying to deny, that he is falling in love with the Amish suspect?
- GenresAmish
218 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 10, 2021
About the author
Diane Burke
35 books48 followersThis award winning author lives in Central Florida. She loves to visit the beach, spend time with friends and family, read, and, of course, write, write, write.
She loves to hear from her readers. Catch her on her website dianeburkeauthor.com for her latest books or write her at diane@dianeburkeauthor.com
She loves to hear from her readers. Catch her on her website dianeburkeauthor.com for her latest books or write her at diane@dianeburkeauthor.com
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
July 5, 2021
The hardest part about writing a mystery is making it believable.
The plot itself is good and interesting but ...
1 - I found the whole idea of an Amish woman picking up a gun ( this happens in the first 2 or 3 pages ) and holding it, carrying it to be unbelievable.
2 - I knew who the murderer was almost immediately. There was not enough characters introduced so it wasn't all that difficult.
For the most part, the grammar and spelling was okay throughout the book with two exceptions:
1) Spell a word the SAME way THROUGHOUT ... first, 'judgement' and then later 'judgment'.
2) if you, the writer, reference God's word and it is absolutely clear that is what you are doing, the word 'Bible' is ALWAYS, repeat ALWAYS, capitalized. It is never to be written in all lowercase letters.
It is still an okay read, but needed more suspicious characters.
The plot itself is good and interesting but ...
1 - I found the whole idea of an Amish woman picking up a gun ( this happens in the first 2 or 3 pages ) and holding it, carrying it to be unbelievable.
2 - I knew who the murderer was almost immediately. There was not enough characters introduced so it wasn't all that difficult.
For the most part, the grammar and spelling was okay throughout the book with two exceptions:
1) Spell a word the SAME way THROUGHOUT ... first, 'judgement' and then later 'judgment'.
2) if you, the writer, reference God's word and it is absolutely clear that is what you are doing, the word 'Bible' is ALWAYS, repeat ALWAYS, capitalized. It is never to be written in all lowercase letters.
It is still an okay read, but needed more suspicious characters.
June 22, 2021
The Amish Suspect
Wonderful and intriguing reading. It really is one of those books you can’t put down. I highly recommend it. It is at the top of my favorites.
Wonderful and intriguing reading. It really is one of those books you can’t put down. I highly recommend it. It is at the top of my favorites.
June 15, 2021
Suspense page turner
My first time reading a Diane Burke book. What a pleasure. This was a mystery. The story was well thought out . The characters and plot believable.
My first time reading a Diane Burke book. What a pleasure. This was a mystery. The story was well thought out . The characters and plot believable.
May 12, 2021
Anything by Diane Burke is bound to be good, and THE AMISH SUSPECT is no exception. Imagine an Amish woman--devoted to her faith and heritage--accused of murder! She would never do such a thing! Or would she? What secrets from her past does she hide?
I love mysteries, and this one had me guessing all the way through. In fact, joy of joys, I was wrong! Ms. Burke has a way of weaving in details, back-story, and characters that causes her stories to flow, and I couldn't put this one down.
If you like good mystery-romances, THE AMISH SUSPECT is the way to go.
I love mysteries, and this one had me guessing all the way through. In fact, joy of joys, I was wrong! Ms. Burke has a way of weaving in details, back-story, and characters that causes her stories to flow, and I couldn't put this one down.
If you like good mystery-romances, THE AMISH SUSPECT is the way to go.
February 15, 2025
sophomoric
Illogical at times. Overall immature, superficial. Loose plot hard to hold interest. Got a bit over halfway then had to give ip
Illogical at times. Overall immature, superficial. Loose plot hard to hold interest. Got a bit over halfway then had to give ip
November 27, 2023
3 ⭐️
I loved the story, the characters, and the book overall. The suspense was great and I did not see the very end coming.
There was a lot of repetition that did not flow. It’s almost as if the author forgot a character said something and had them say it again a few sentences later. It seemed like a proofreading error instead of just repetitive writing. There were also lots of grammar issues, which usually doesn’t bother me, but it did take away from the story.
A big issue for me were the holes in the story. For instance, the gun was left with MK in the beginning, but near the end was found in a suspects closet? That made zero sense. Even when it was clarified how the gun got there, it still made no sense because it would have been in evidence, it wasn’t floating around for grabs. If it was revealed to have been stolen from evidence that would have been an easy (still a little unbelievable) explination. MK was also given a burner phone at one point and that was the only mention of it. Everyone ran a country mile to alert authorities anytime they needed to, instead of incorporating the burner phone. It wasn’t done in a sense that the burner phone was prohibited, because this Amish community were allowed cellphones in certain instances. It’s as though the burner phone was forgotten by the author. Lastly, Linda called MK “Teflon” and then some 50 odd pages later, Dorothy calls MK “teflon” as though she was the one that said it in the first place. These holes stuck out like store thumbs. All in all, this book seems poorly proofread. If that wasn’t the case it would easily be 5 stars for me.
I loved the story, the characters, and the book overall. The suspense was great and I did not see the very end coming.
There was a lot of repetition that did not flow. It’s almost as if the author forgot a character said something and had them say it again a few sentences later. It seemed like a proofreading error instead of just repetitive writing. There were also lots of grammar issues, which usually doesn’t bother me, but it did take away from the story.
A big issue for me were the holes in the story. For instance, the gun was left with MK in the beginning, but near the end was found in a suspects closet? That made zero sense. Even when it was clarified how the gun got there, it still made no sense because it would have been in evidence, it wasn’t floating around for grabs. If it was revealed to have been stolen from evidence that would have been an easy (still a little unbelievable) explination. MK was also given a burner phone at one point and that was the only mention of it. Everyone ran a country mile to alert authorities anytime they needed to, instead of incorporating the burner phone. It wasn’t done in a sense that the burner phone was prohibited, because this Amish community were allowed cellphones in certain instances. It’s as though the burner phone was forgotten by the author. Lastly, Linda called MK “Teflon” and then some 50 odd pages later, Dorothy calls MK “teflon” as though she was the one that said it in the first place. These holes stuck out like store thumbs. All in all, this book seems poorly proofread. If that wasn’t the case it would easily be 5 stars for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 9, 2022
The Amish Suspect is a thrilling drama written by Diane Burke. This story doesn't waste a page to get the reader hooked. There is so much going on in this story with three murders, a devastating house fire, a young woman shot, and a crippling fall from a ladder. When you think you have figured out who is really behind all of this you may be wrong. The characters have been really defined for this story and add life to it. The storyline just keeps adding more tension and drama at ever turn. When all is revealed a real twist takes place. I enjoyed this story and hope those who read it will as well.
I was not given a complimentary copy of this book to read and review. I was not approached to post a favorable response and all opinions are my own. I have rated this story with five stars for meeting my expectations of a wonderful mystery that I can highly recommend to others.
I was not given a complimentary copy of this book to read and review. I was not approached to post a favorable response and all opinions are my own. I have rated this story with five stars for meeting my expectations of a wonderful mystery that I can highly recommend to others.
July 4, 2021
Amish Suspect
This book was truly amazing. I was hooked on page one. I went back and forth between who actually did the murders. This is my first time reading from this author, and I look forward to reading more of her books. Please read this page turner, you will not be disappointed.
This book was truly amazing. I was hooked on page one. I went back and forth between who actually did the murders. This is my first time reading from this author, and I look forward to reading more of her books. Please read this page turner, you will not be disappointed.
June 10, 2021
The Amish Suspect
I can't say enough about this book. I really loved all of it. It was just like I was there with them in each word and action. I loved the story and loved the characters. You can't leave this one alone. You must read it. I really recommend it to anyone.
I can't say enough about this book. I really loved all of it. It was just like I was there with them in each word and action. I loved the story and loved the characters. You can't leave this one alone. You must read it. I really recommend it to anyone.
May 31, 2022
Great quick read!
This novel is a combination of a mystery and a romance. Most of the main characters are Amish. The ending is unexpected but makes sense. I really enjoyed reading this and I hope the author writes more Amish mysteries.
This novel is a combination of a mystery and a romance. Most of the main characters are Amish. The ending is unexpected but makes sense. I really enjoyed reading this and I hope the author writes more Amish mysteries.
October 13, 2022
Very Entertaining Story
What an entertaining story … even though it includes death an mayhem … but because it also includes sweet romance and gives God credit for the happily ever after ending. Thank you,
Ms.Burke for a very enjoyable afternoon.
What an entertaining story … even though it includes death an mayhem … but because it also includes sweet romance and gives God credit for the happily ever after ending. Thank you,
Ms.Burke for a very enjoyable afternoon.
March 10, 2023
The Amish Suspect was a page turner. I could not put it down until I finished it. I would recommend
I would recommend this book to everyone. It was a page turner that I couldn't put down until I finished it.
I would recommend this book to everyone. It was a page turner that I couldn't put down until I finished it.
March 24, 2024
New Amish Romance
This story was well written and kept my interest until the very end. Characters were believe able and true to life. Never expected the surprise ending. Look forward to more by this author.
This story was well written and kept my interest until the very end. Characters were believe able and true to life. Never expected the surprise ending. Look forward to more by this author.
December 18, 2021
An excellent book, full of suspense and mystery with an unexpected twist to the ending.
May 7, 2022
the Amish suspect
Not until the last chapter did I know “who done it”. Great little story and I love anything about the Amish and their culture!
Not until the last chapter did I know “who done it”. Great little story and I love anything about the Amish and their culture!
June 7, 2022
A Murder with a Twist
I love the ending. I didn't see the hidden ending. I had already thought the one person was guilty. I love a story with a good twist.
I love the ending. I didn't see the hidden ending. I had already thought the one person was guilty. I love a story with a good twist.
March 13, 2023
I liked the storyline. The book is well written but there was too much prayer written into the story.
April 14, 2023
The Amish Suspect
Well written, very much surprise at the end. Loved this book and plan to read more of this author's books
Well written, very much surprise at the end. Loved this book and plan to read more of this author's books
December 13, 2023
suspense
I enjoyed this book and was so surprised at the ending. It will keep you in suspense. Very good book.
I enjoyed this book and was so surprised at the ending. It will keep you in suspense. Very good book.
January 6, 2024
Great read
Wonderful read. Very suspenseful and you will be tempted to read ahead to find out the killer but don't. A wonderful mystery.
Wonderful read. Very suspenseful and you will be tempted to read ahead to find out the killer but don't. A wonderful mystery.
September 29, 2024
Great book
Great book could not stop reading stayed up au night to finish the book would recommend this book to everyone
Great book could not stop reading stayed up au night to finish the book would recommend this book to everyone
July 26, 2025
3.5 stars ⭐️
February 18, 2026
Excellent book if you’d like to read about the Amish. I really enjoyed this book and had a lot of twist and turns and was quite intriguing.
March 8, 2026
I enjoy Amish reads in general. It was a good story, it flows well. I enjoyed it. A great story with a good plot.
July 23, 2022
Keeps You Guessing
Really enjoyed this book. Loved the characters and their loyalty to one another. Loved their faith and support of each other even when doubts. Who done it - kept me guessing.
Really enjoyed this book. Loved the characters and their loyalty to one another. Loved their faith and support of each other even when doubts. Who done it - kept me guessing.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews