Escaping his Amish community as a teen was about survival, but leaving meant breaking LizBeth Troyer’s heart. Now Detective Jackson Lapp is working a cold case—and the clue to a murdered Amish girl’s identity leads him back to his hometown. Can Jackson and LizBeth rebuild their broken trust and work together to catch a killer before another young Amish woman is murdered?
Shelley Shepard Gray has published over seventy novels. She currently writes Amish romances for Harper Collins, Kensington, and Simon & Schuster and contemporary women’s fiction for Blackstone Publishing.
Her novels have been Holt Medallion winners and Inspirational Readers Choice and Carol finalists. Shelley’s novels have appeared on both the New York Times and USA Today bestseller lists.
Her novels have been highlighted in the Philadelphia Enquirer, Washington Post, Time Magazine, and USA Today. She has also been interviewed on NPR as well as numerous regional radio stations. Before writing romances, Shelley lived in Texas and Colorado, where she taught school and earned both her bachelor’s degree in English literature and elementary education and later obtained her master’s degree in educational administration. She currently lives in Colorado Springs and writes full time. Shelley is married, the mother of two young adults, and always has a dachshund by her side. She is an active member of her church, on Facebook and on Twitter. She also has a website, www.shelleyshepardgray.com.
One of my favorite genres in fiction would be Cold Case mysteries from Love Inspired. Author Shelley Shepard Gray writes them so well. Amish Jane Doe has everything I enjoy reading about in a Cold Case mystery. At times I found this book to be edge of seat and riveting. I was completely drawn into the story and didn’t find any boring or slow parts in the entire book. This book was unpredictable, entertaining, and a fast read. This was an Amish English story with engaging and strong characters. The ending was a shock when the truth was revealed to readers.
Amish Jane Doe is a story about a teenage girl that had been found dead from a drug overdose in a motel room in Cincinnati Ohio. When Police Detectives found a Daisy Tote bag with an Amish prayer cap and dress inside they are led to believe this girl was Amish. Not able to identify her through DNA she is given the name of Amish Jane Doe. Unable to find much evidence except that she had been raped before she died police are led to believe it was murder from drugs that her attacker had forced her to take or had administered himself to Jane Doe against her will. Two years later due to a lack of evidence her case has become a cold case. Then Detective Jackson Lapp takes an interest in the case and starts to investigate it again. He finds himself in Holmes County Ohio which is a community Jackson knows well and would rather be any place else but there. Driven by a desire to bring justice for Amish Jane Doe and solving this cold case he begins to investigate and search for the truth.
I recommend this book to readers of Love Inspired suspense and Cold Case mysteries.
Once again, I loved another of Shelley's books. This newest book is a quick read, but very entertaining. Jackson Lapp grew up with his friend, LizBeth Troyer in the same Amish community. Due to circumstances beyond his control, he has to make a decision that hurts both their hearts. Fast forward twelve years, and Jackson is a Detective and he is back in his hometown to solve a murder of an Amish girl. As he works this case, both Jackson and LizBeth will have to make quality decisions for the future.
This book has a few surprising twists and it is a great read. Shelley writes a good mystery, and like always, I hated that it came to an end.
It’s so secret that I’m a big fan of Shelley Shepard Gray’s books and, while I love every book of hers I’ve read, my very faves are the ones that mix the genres in which she writes. In Amish Jane Doe, we are treated to one such story – merging contemporary (non-Amish) romance with Amish fiction with mystery and a dash of suspense, too.
Detective Jackson Lapp and LizBeth Troyer were teenage sweethearts, both raised Amish and both still haunted by the night that Jackson left – for different reasons. Years later their paths have crossed again, neither living Amish anymore, when Jackson returns to their community in hopes of solving a troubling cold case. I loved that, despite the length of time with no contact between them, the chemistry is still just as strong for adult Lizbeth & Jackson as it was when they were teens. Of course they can’t pick up right where they left off – too much life has passed in the meantime – so I appreciated that the author allowed their connection to build off the tentative friendship they begin anew. Albeit, a friendship with its share of sweet sparks still zinging around.
But Lizbeth isn’t the only complicated relationship that Jackson must face on his return home. And the cold case in Amish Jane Doe brings up a wealth of emotions for him, painful memories of the reason he left in the first place and fond memories of the man who gave him a solid place to land. Jackson knows, though, that not everyone who offers to help Amish teens ‘jump the fence’ is operating from the same good intentions as the man who helped him – and the Amish Jane Doe he’s trying to identify is proof. I enjoyed the way the cold case juxtaposed against Jackson’s past as well as his sister Marie’s present. It kept the tension high and the layers deep, and in fact there were moments when I wasn’t sure how it was going to play out.
Bottom Line: Amish Jane Doe is signature Shelley Shepard Gray- engaging characters that readers will root for, a layered plot with a surprising twist that I didn’t see coming, a heartfelt romance, and a sweet underlying message of forgiveness and healing. I loved the mystery element of the cold case, as well as the dash of suspense that had me holding my breath and biting my nails with a wee bit of anxiety. Fans of Gray’s Secrets of Crittenden County series or cold case shows on television will love this latest release, too!
(I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book which I purchased for my own collection)
A magnificent story is found in Amish Jane Doe by Shelley Shepard Gray. I was reeled in from the start and stayed up late to finish this wonderful Love Inspired Cold Case story.
This cold case suspense is filled with admirable characters that brought two young people together, when Detective Lapp returned to his community to solve his latest cold case. The multiple twists and turns, coming to terms with his past and so much more kept the pages turning. The suspense, facing the past and gaining new insight along with a lovely theme of forgiveness made this the best suspense book Gray has written to date.
I received a complimentary copy of this book without any obligation to write a positive review. I have shared my own opinion.
È la prima volta che leggo un libro di questa autrice e devo dire che mi è proprio piaciuto. Una bella storia con personaggi credibili e interessanti; mi piacerebbe leggere altro su almeno due o tre di loro (forse uno è già stato protagonista di una storia, devo controllare). Terrò d'occhio questa autrice, che scrive storie ambientate fra gli Amish.
Very heart stopping book, trying to figure out who the killer is all through the book! I read the book with in a day , that is how much I got wrapped into this book! Very Very good book
This was a very good read about Directive Jackson Lapp going back to his hometown to investigate a cold case of an murdered Amish woman. As he investigates he runs into his ex girlfriend and family members.
This is a fantastic book filled with romance and suspense. I love the way the Amish are portrayed in this story. I love that the author shows that there are people with flaws in all groups. This book is very inspirational. LizBeth and Jackson become friends again and help each other during this cold case. I did not want to put the book down. I received a copy of this book from the publisher for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.
This is definitely one of my favorite books from this author. The title grabbed my attention and I knew this would be a book I wouldn’t be able to put down. I love how the author introduces us to Jackson by giving us a little background on him. Growing up Amish was hard on him because his dad was so strict. There were times that Jackson knew if he didn’t leave he may not be able to handle the abuse his dad continued to dish out. The hardest part for him was leaving in the middle of the night without saying goodbye to his mother or sister. What brings him back to his hometown is a missing young woman whose case has never been solved.
LizBeth moved on when Jackson left but what a surprise she has when she runs into him in her town. All these emotions are running through her as the man she thought she had a future with left without a word. This is a great teaching moment in the story when Jackson and LizBeth finally speak after so many years. Will LizBeth forgive Jackson ? Can Jackson explain his disappearance and why he has suddenly reappeared? The author shows us how two people can work things out if they forgive and swallow their pride.
The part of the story I really liked was when Jackson’s sister Marie becomes involved with someone she thinks will help her be on her own.She is not sure she can trust her brother since he abandoned her when she was young. Their relationship is strained and Marie is not wanting to share anything with him. Her decision to leave home may be a costly mistake when the man she thought she could trust becomes mean and cold to her. The moment when Marie was in extreme danger was written so well that it sent chills down my arms. The suspense is intense and I was shaking as I felt like I was next to Marie. The author takes you right into the scene as Marie lets out a scream that shatters the night. The story takes a darker turn when it isn’t just about one missing young Amish girl. I never saw this coming but wow did the author catch me completely off guard.
There is a good faith thread in the story which shows how God protects us in our darkest hour. We learn that relationships can be mended and are reminded we all have sinned. We must remember that we are not to judge but be kind and compassionate to others. The ending brings closure for some and for others it brings a second chance.
I received a copy of this book from the author. The review is my own opinion.
I knew from the title that Amish Jane Doe would have a unique storyline. I have read a TON of Amish fiction, but never one that featured a cold case. This is a series of books under the umbrella of inspirational cold cases. I would love to read more of these novels. I love that while they are a series, they each stand alone.
Amish Jane Doe is a quick, captivating read. Jackson came back to Berlin, Ohio, to try and solve a cold case that he is working. The case doesn't just lead him back to his hometown, it also leads him back to his family and his former girlfriend. The relationships are complicated; the case even more so.
When the case heats up and gets more personal, Jackson and LizBeth must work together, even if the outcome could break their fledgling trust.
Amish Jane Doe is about forgiveness, healing, and justice. There are several surprises in the story, and I did NOT see the "mastermind" coming. That is the trademark of a fabulous suspense novel. Shelley Shepard Gray has written another winner! I highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys Amish suspense, cold case stories, or clean suspense novels.
Thank you to the author for the opportunity to read this book. I was not required to provide a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I really enjoyed Shelley Shepard Gray's latest where Jackson and LizBeth grew up together in an Amish community but both have moved on and now they're back in each other's lives after a decade a part. Jackson is a detective solving a cold case murder that brings him back home to Amish country and into LizBeth's life again. Not only is there a murder to solve, but there are family issues to deal with and reconciliations in the works. It's a lot to manage and isn't always easy. But that's just like real life isn't it?!
This was a quick read that I finished in one day. I will always read a book by Shelley any chance I get!
Thank you to the author for an advanced reader copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
First off that cover piqued my curiosity of what was inside and I definitely was drawn in from the beginning with Jackson returning to his hometown after twelve years. I’m a big cold case fan so I was intrigued to watch Jackson try to solve the death of an Amish girl from two years ago. Ms. Gray does a wonderful job of blending Amish and English into an intriguing story that had me totally engrossed. A story of confronting your past, giving and receiving forgiveness, and solving a cold case all wrapped up in a neat package. A quick read that I wish was longer. This book will appeal to Amish fans as well as cold case fans as it is a balance of both. I received a complimentary copy from the author. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.
Hang to your hat, this one is a thriller for sure. Set in Amish country, both main characters are former Amish and have a past together. Can they catch the killer? And can they ID the girl that’s been killed?
Full of twists and turns, the author kept me reading quickly. I needed to know what happened next before I could go to sleep. And seriously, I did not see the ending at all. I was stunned when all was revealed!
If you’re looking for a quick but edge of the seat read, then you must read Amish Jane Doe.
I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.
This was a pretty good mystery. It was well developed, with good moments of intensity interspersed throughout. Jackson’s Family drama and romantic angst are major plot advancers.
The cold case brought the protagonist back to Berlin, Ohio’s Amish community, where he’d been shunned 12 years ago. The question of trusting a person who left town years ago surfaced repeatedly.
The only thing I did not like was the description of the car trip leaving Berlin and heading towards Cincinnati. I live in Ohio, and the author must have thought towns and cities are much farther apart. After “hours” of driving, Aaron only makes it to just west of Columbus?
I would read more by this author. She spins a good yarn.
This Love Inspired Suspense series will captivate anyone who loves Cold Case File Series. Amish Jane Doe will have you back in Amish Country where one Detective Jackson Lapp has to over come bitter memories of the Amish boy who ran away from home and left behind his little sister and his best friend ( girlfriend) when he ran for his life. Now back he comes face to face with his past and his best friend ( girlfriend ) Liz Beth Troyer who helps him find the killer . But they both are now on the killers raider.
#Shelley Shepard Gray Has written another 5 star book Detective Jackson Lapphas return home after escaping his Amish Community as a teen was about survival.By Leaveing he broke LizBeth Troyer's heart.Detective Lapp is working a cold case and clues to a murdered Amish Girlgirls identity leads him back to his home town can he find who she was ?.Well he find the murder?What well become of him and LizBeth..This book kelpt me on my toes.I kelpt reading to see how it would turn out.This is a 5 star book get it to day too see how it turns out.
I just finished reading Amish Jane Doe by Shelley Shepard Gray and all I can say is: "Wow! What a great book!" This is the very first cold case Amish suspense book that I have ever read and it won't be the last! This story captured my attention from the very first chapter and held it until the very last page. I couldn't stop reading it once I started. I actually pulled an 'all nighter' reading it because I just couldn't put it down! Her story was very well written. The characters were very realistic. The setting was perfect too! There were many scenes in this book that were very surprising and totally unexpected. Wait until you find out what an Amish woman had hanging on her walls for many years! You will definitely be surprised! I know that I was surprised. I highly recommend that you read this book! I guarantee that you won't be disappointed!
Amish Jane Doe is a thrilling mystery written by Shelley Shepharf Gray. This story has fantastic characters and a very intriguing storyline. The secrets and mysteries within this story will keep you turning pages. I loved the reuniting if friends and family that haven't seen each other for twelve years. The healing of a family from physical abuse is very heartwarming as well. The author has once again delivered an excellent story for her fans reading pleasure.
I was not 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 story that I can highly recommend to others.
I was enthralled. This book will hold your attention throughout. The characters are wonderfully created and I love how they help one another in this cold case! The book makes you read it straight through without stopping. You will not be able to put it down. The twists and turns will keep you wondering what happens next??? Yes, this one is a page-turner!!!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. All thoughts are my own.
I thought the story was a great idea, human trafficking in Amish communities, it makes sense that it could happen there like everywhere else. The characters were great, Jackson Lapp, former Amish as a cold case detective goes back to his Amish community to try to solve a case and reunites with his former girlfriend and his family. Inspirational, suspense, action, and some romance.
Amish Jane Doe by Shelley Shepard Gray Inspirational Cold Case Collection +228-page Kindle Ebook story ends on 208
Genre: Inspiration, Crime Fiction, Clean Romance, Amish Fiction, Christian Fiction
Featuring: Epigraphs, Berlin and Cincinnati, Ohio; Former Amish, Homicide Detective, Family Drama, Shunning, Abuse, Trafficking, Multiple POVs, Drugs, Mentions of Rape, Innuendos, Forgiveness, Prayers, Excerpt from After She Vanished by Shirley Jump - 16 Pages, Chapter One, Christian Fiction, Podcaster, Missing Teen, North Carolina, Detective, Dual POVs
Rating as a movie: PG-13 for mentions of rape, murder, drugs, and innuendos for crime and sex
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️👮🏼♂️🛍
My thoughts: 🔖Page 73 of 228 Chapter 10 - This is a good story but I'm curious as to why there isn't a photo being shopped around.
This was a bit obvious at first but it's actually pretty good as the revelations surprised me. I don't usually read excerpts but I gave this one a try and I think I will read this collection beyond the SSG books.
Recommend to others: Yes. This is a bit darker than usual but it's still Clean Romance and Cozy Crime.
Out of the Ashes by Anne Galbraith (2021) Widow's Secrets by Shelley Shepard Gray (2021) Danger Next Door by Donna Alward (2021) Justice Overdue by Lisa Childs (2021) Grave Secrets by Susan Gee Heino (2022) Silent Witness by Lara Lacombe (2022) After She Vanished by Shirley Jump (2022) Amish Jane Doe by Shelley Shepard Gray (2022) Evidence Uncovered by Jacquelin Thomas (2022) Texas Betrayal by Susan Gee Heino (2022) Buried Ranch Secrets by Lisa Childs (2022) Killer Past by Ali Olson (2023) A Cowboy's Justice by Lisa Childs (2023) Cold Case Deceit by Jacquelin Thomas (2023) Amish Fugitive by Shelley Shepard Gray (2023) Buried Threat by Susan Gee Heino (2023) A Grave Mistake by Shirley Jump (2023) Hidden Evidence by Anne Galbraith (2023)
I found myself quickly drawn into Amish Jane Doe by Shelley Shepard Gray. Jackson Lapp left the Amish community as a teenager when he could no longer tolerate his father’s behavior. He left behind his sister and his close friend, LizBeth Troyer. Twelve years later, Detective Jackson Lapp returns to solve a cold case. Jackson reconnects with LizBeth who may be able to help him identify the victim in his cold case. The attraction they felt as teens is still there. Jackson gets a chance to speak with his younger sister, Marie. Marie is a teenager who is upset that her brother left her behind to deal with their strict father. She wishes to escape, and Marie has found someone who can help her. Can Jackson and LizBeth work together to find the culprit before another Amish girl is lost? Amish Jane Doe is a quick read. I was able to finish it in a couple of hours on a rainy afternoon. I like the author’s engaging writing style. I thought the characters were realistic. I enjoyed visiting Berlin, Ohio which is Jackson’s hometown. It is a suspenseful story with an intriguing mystery. There were twists and turns along the way. I had a good time solving the mystery. I like the blend of Amish and English. The ending was sweet (made me smile). Amish Jane Doe is a story about facing the past, forgiveness, healing, family, love, and a cold case. Amish Jane Doe is a gripping tale with a curious cold case, a troubled teen, an erstwhile friend, a recognizable clue, a determined detective, and an unidentified foe.
No matter what genre the author writes in all of her books are fabulous. I started this one and simply couldn't put it down. It grabbed my attention and wouldn't let go. A young man leaves the Amish faith as soon as he turns eighteen unable to maintain the strict lifestyle his father imposes upon him and the worsening situation he endures, which takes him away from the woman he loves. He misses his years younger sister but had no choice but to escape when he did. In his new way of life he is now a LEO and an unsolved Cold Case mystery brings him back to his old neck of the woods. He convinces his now older teen sister to speak to him and he tries to get clues to solve this case after he returns from a twelve year absence. He is determined to solve the identity of who the murdered Amish girl is surely someone knows something. A strong sense of coming to terms with your past,emotions,second chances and forgiveness The author does all of this with such talent you won't be able to stop reading until you're done.
Published August 23, 2022 I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
The cover and title of this new book are attention grabbers, for sure, and the story that unfolds inside is equally compelling! Who was the young Amish woman who was found murdered in a seedy motel two years ago and why do the clues lead back to Berlin, Ohio? Cincinnati police Detective Jackson Lapp returns to his hometown after a twelve-year absence determined to learn the victim's identity and uncover the killer. His findings, however, may be more than he ever bargained for! His high school sweetheart still lives in Berlin and the old feelings they once shared may not have ended after all!
Amish Jane Doe is a wonderful mixture of Amish values, engaging suspense, and second chances. Multiple twists and turns, a killer who is a total surprise, and a heartwarming theme of faith, family, and forgiveness make this a book that I couldn't put down. Shelley Shepard Gray once again proves her unique talent and I'm hoping that she will share more Cold Case Files with us.
I received a copy of this book from the author and publisher. There was no obligation for a positive review.
A former Amish man turned policeman returns to his first love in his hometown.
Enjoyed being with this author again. Jackson and Lizabeth story was exciting from start to finish. Both had done a lot of growing up well they were apart. But their love for each other was never put out. Both of them worked well together. Marie Jackson sister was a gal on the run. She learned the hard way what running would do. When that happened things changed for both Jackson and Marie with their parents. It became better for them. It so sad even in the Amish community bad can happen. Marie and Jackson kept in better touch. Elizabeth love for Jackson brought him home. Will read more by this author.
First thing I need to say about this book is why didn't I read it sooner. Once I started reading, I couldn't put it down and finished it in one day! You have Jackson who left his Amish home when he was a teenager and he became a cop in Cincinnati. He is now back in his hometown looking for a murderer from a cold case. He runs into his former girlfriend, Lizbeth who has also has become an Englischer, but still lives and works in her hometown. Can the two of them put aside their feelings and help catch the killer before he kills another young Amish girl. I really enjoyed reading this book and was surprised by who was behind everything. If you love suspense and Amish stories, grab this one. You will love it!
Amish Jane Doe by Shelley Shepard Gray I like all of this authors books but with that said I really liked this book, it’s a Cold Case Mystery. All the characters are Amish/Ex Amish and that adds to the interesting mystery of the book. I really loved how both Jackson Lapp and Liz Beth worked together, to not only settle there past but this case. My favorite character was Jackson as he wanted nothing more than to give peace to the families or victim of his cold cases, he never wavered in his faith and knew all work work out as God saw fit. I really think you will enjoy this book as much as I did. Happy reading
I have read many of Shelley's books. I would rate this gem near the top of the list! The story line is really unique and is part of Love Inspired's Cold Case series. I enjoy detective stories and murder mysteries and this book honestly had all the intrigue of those types of books with none of the parts that aren't so fun to read. Shelley proves that you don't have to be detailed in all the mess to get certain plot points across to the reader. I was given a copy of this book in return for my honest opinion. I'm happy to submit this review, and I hope that you will want to pick up this book!