Dead Set

Agatha's Amish B&B #3

by Vannetta Chapman

It was supposed to be a simple remodel.

She didn’t plan on finding buried treasure…or looking down the barrel of a gun.

Agatha Lapp is elated when Channel 4 News decides to run a feature story on Amish businesses. The extra publicity should guarantee even more success for her Plain and Simple B&B, especially after she’s finished with the remodel. The cameras are rolling live when Agatha raises the rubber mallet and punches the first hole in her living room wall. That’s when things get complicated…

Hidden inside the wall is a diamond-studded belt buckle stolen twenty years earlier. The police return the buckle to the owners and refuse to re-open the case. The public is convinced more stolen goods are hidden at Agatha’s. When overzealous treasure hunters break into the B&B and a dead body is found half a mile down the road, Agatha knows she needs to take this investigation into her own hands.

With the help of a retired detective and her best friend, Agatha sets out to solve the mystery of the Lost Texas Treasures and find a killer. Their chase leads them through the Texas Hill Country to the famed YO Ranch where Agatha finds herself looking down the barrel of a gun. Suddenly, she’s no longer worried about a remodel. She just wants to live through this showdown.

Genres: Cozy Mystery, Mystery, Amish, Christian Fiction, Fiction, Amish Fiction

210 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 1, 2021

About the author

Vannetta Chapman is a New York times, USA Today, and Publishers Weekly bestselling author of over t0 novels. She has sold over one million copies and writes in a variety of genres that include dystopian, suspense, dystopian, romantic suspense, romance, and cozy mystery.

Chapman has 25 years educational experience as an English teacher at the high school and collegiate level. She currently resides in the Texas Hill Country where she writes full times.

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Reviews

[Shirley Chapel · Rating 3 out of 5]

When renovating her B&B Agatha finds a diamond studded belt buckle behind her walls. After the newspaper writes an article about it curious people break into the B&B trying to find more hidden treasure. A young man is found dead near the B&B from a gun shot at close range. Things become more aggressive and the break ins continue. Are people really that greedy that they would do damage to someone's house in order to find treasures that didn't belong to them? Would finding hidden treasure be worth killing a young man who should have had a lot of years ahead of him?
I didn't like this book as much as I liked the first two books of the series. I just couldn't seem to get into the story this time. I felt that part of it was entertaining and I didn't guess Whodunit . I wasn't fond of the ending which I found rather confusing.
This book is for readers who enjoy cozy mysteries. Those who read Amish Fiction would appreciate it too.

[Kristina Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Agatha Lapp is having renovations done on her bed and breakfast before heading Indiana to visit her children and grandchildren. Agatha makes a few ceremonial whacks into the wall for the local news which reveals something shiny inside. It appears a diamond studded belt buckle that was stolen twenty years ago has been found. Unfortunately, treasure hunters believe there is more booty to be found on Agatha’s property which results in a series of break-ins. After the latest destructive break-in, a man is found dead down the road. Agatha, Gina, and Tony decide to do a little hunting of their own. Dead Set is the 3rd tale in Agatha’s Amish B&B series. Dead Set can be read as a standalone for those new to the series (I really recommend reading all three merry tales). It is always a delight to visit Agatha Lapp along with Gina and Tony. I can always count on having a good time. Dead Set is well-written with engaging characters. There is a great cast of secondary characters as well. Agatha has a wonderful bishop who is very supportive. The story moves along at a quick pace. I began reading Dead Set and did not want to stop. It has a great whodunit that is multifaceted. It involves the past when there was a string of burglaries in the area and the present with people trying to recover the stolen goods plus a murder. Agatha, Tony, and Gina actively work the case. There are several good suspects along with misdirection. I had fun solving the mystery where I discovered it is important to pay close attention to the details. There is humor scattered throughout the story that had me laughing. Gina’s deeds and words were especially amusing. Dead Set is a jolly cozy mystery that I did not want to end. I cannot wait for my next trip to Texas to visit Agatha, Gina, and Tony. Dead Set is an amusing whodunit with bedazzled belt buckle, tenacious treasure hunters, worrying renovations, trigger happy housekeeper, a tender neighbor, and a probing B & B owner.

[Debbie O'Brien · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this series!! Good story!!

[Kelly McCall Holloway · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

A new favorite book. The characters are so believable. I’d definitely vacation there and visit if it was a real place.

[Brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dead Set, book three of Agatha’s Amish B&B, has the enjoyable cozy charm of the other books in the series. You could probably jump in and enjoy this book on its own, however, Agatha and her friends, Gina and Tony, are introduced in the earlier books and their murder solving exploits add to this story, as well.

This novel contains the calm feel, with a touch of humor, that sets cozy mysteries apart from other mystery and suspense novels. I love the interactions between friends and one who may perhaps be more than just a friend.

The author did a good job of surprising me with who was behind the mayhem in this story. I love that these books are set in the hill country of Texas, an area populated with small towns, ranches, and rugged scenery. It is a great backdrop to this fun series.

(4.5 stars)

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

You can read this review on my blog:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...

[Linda Hahn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a fun read!

A little hard to imagine an older Amish woman falling for an ‘Englischear’ but I look forward to the next in the series. The characters are so endearing!

[Crystal Rhoads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Action packed adventure

Great adventure shared by a very unlikely group of friends. Join the fun, romance, murder, and sharing life with a twist of humor!

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great series with a wonderful lead character.

[Kay Garrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

DEAD SET by Vannetta Chapman is the third book in the Agatha's Amish B&B set. It’s the wonderful whodunit featuring Agatha Lapp (a 57 year old widow, owner of an Amish B&B and who lives and loves the simple life) and Antonio “Tony” Vargas (retired police detective, Agatha’s neighbor & friend and local fishing guide).

Agatha is very happy living out her uncle’s dream of running a B&B. After the completion some additions, she knows it’s time to remodel the main structure. She’s hired Dewald Renovations, owned by Derrick Dewald, to accomplish the renovation.

Although normally the Amish shy away from publicity, Agatha’s bishop was fine with her doing an interview on her B&B and its renovations thinking it would benefit the whole community positively with the coverage. Little did anyone know that during the interview when asked to swing the first blow that her rubber mallet would expose a very expensive diamond-studded belt buckle that had gone missing years ago. When treasure hunters descended during all hours of the day and night, a young man is murdered and after failed attempts to kidnap her horse for ransom of the supposed treasure, Gina - her best friend, and Tony decide that that drastic steps need to be taken to protect Agatha and her B&B.

After having gone through two murder investigations together - when Russell Dixon was found dead behind one of the cabins and Nathan King was found dead on the other side of the river – Agatha and Tony knew they worked well together, but they had hoped to not go down the sleuthing road again. It’s been over two years since Tony’s wife died and it was Agatha that helped to pull him out of his depression. Over time, he’s become very fond of her and is determined that no harm will come to her. Tony’s past detective experience, his connections and his instincts aid in that desire to protect Agatha. In the same token, Agatha’s developed very strong feeling towards Tony. Where this friendship between an Amish woman and a catholic Englischer will go, they aren’t sure, but for now they look out for each other, enjoy spending time together and are happy to let things take their course.

Will their investigation lead to answer or more questions? Were the multiple robberies years ago all connected? Was Sean Neal‘s murder a few years back while in jail because he was going to reveal the location of the stole belt buckle, diamond necklace, gold spurs and jewel-studded Stetson? Who killed the young man on the Dewald crew and why? Are the Dewald’s connected to the missing teasures? Who is the detective assigned to the cold case? Will Agatha and Gina find answers or will those answer lead to them being in grave danger? When will life get back to normal? Will Dewald Renovations come back and finish her renovations so she can take her trip and open again in the fall? Will murder and intrigue bring Agatha and Tony’s to a closer relationship?

DEAD SET is a fabulous cozy mystery that will have you turning pages and trying to figure out whodunit to the very end. Vannette Chapman has created a host of characters that you can’t help but fall in love with, get nervous when they are in danger and want the very best happily ever after for. Agatha’s fresh, innocent and honest approach to life will have you wishing she was your neighbor. I know I’d gladly accept some of her home cooking goodies wrapped in a dish towel any day and know I’d be like Gina ready to defend and help her in any way I could. She’s the type of person to bring that out in you.

Although part of a series, DEAD SET can most definitely be read as a standalone book. If this is your first book by Vannetta Chapman, I’m sure after reading this one that it won’t be your last. She’s the type of author you want to grab her books as soon as they are off the press. This one gets my FIVE STARS as I excitedly wait for the next book about Agatha’s Amish B&B!

[Marilyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This cozy mystery had me immense into the tale from the start. Dead Set has the same calm feeling as Chapman’s other cozy mysteries she has written. There is wit, some romance, questionable characters who could be the culprit in all the attacks and the wonderful characters Agatha, Tony and Gina who gets involved to resolve the mysterious find in the walls Agatha’s bed and breakfast. I like how the Amish community in Hunt gets involved to help Agatha even though the Englischers are involved with the hidden treasure found in the walls of her B & B.

I really appreciate how Chapman spins her stories with events to enhance possible twists and turns to solve the cozy mystery. This book can be read as a standalone, but I highly recommend fans of Amish cozy mysteries read the entire series in order to see how Agatha, Tony and Gina relationships has grown throughout the series.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author without any obligation to write a positive review. I have shared my own thoughts.

[Patti Whitson Stephenson She Lives to Read · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love reading Vannetta Chapman’s intriguing cozy mysteries.
She perfectly times the twists and turns throughout the storyline; and I’m always surprised at the ending of the book when the mystery is finally solved. But it’s the characters in her books that I love the most, and in this “Agatha’s Amish B & B” series, she’s given us the feisty, determined, and compassionate main character of Agatha to draw us into the story.

In this book, Agatha’s decided that her B & B needs a makeover. During the remodeling process, an unexpected “treasure” is discovered. Agatha’s property is overrun by treasure-seekers and mystery-solvers. At first, it’s only an inconvenience and hinders Agatha’s remodeling progress. But when the treasure seeking turns deadly, Agatha finds herself in danger. As Tony, Agatha, and Gina work together to swiftly solve the mystery of the missing treasure, they’ll find themselves dealing with life-threatening discoveries.

This book also has a very “Texas” attitude, which I loved! (You’ll understand this when you read the book.) This adds dashes of humor and charm in the middle of the suspense.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

[Sharen J Sleater · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a a Wonderful Three Book Series

I chose this rating because the story line was a good one, from the first book to the last book. I love the characters because they are very believable. Learning new things about a different religious set of beliefs apart from mine is always interesting to me. I would really like more books in the series.

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book another great story in this series!

[Reader57 · Rating 3 out of 5]

The latest in this series takes on a search for Texas treasures. Treasure hunters will not be discouraged by any factual information of course and descend on the B&B turning life upside down. The press are on hand to add to the confusion. Agatha just wants to get her B&B remodeled in time to go to Indiana and visit family.

[Connie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Agatha, Tony and Gina are some of my favorite sleuths! Almost like Miss Marple, the things that Agatha gets caught up in while minding her own business, literally, can be quite comical. I always finish these books saying I cannot wait for the next installment of their lives!

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent Amish series
I loved this mix of Amish and English mystery. Fantastic end to this series. I would love more from this series but a highly satisfying end.

[Dali Castillo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delightful Story!

Agatha is at it again. As usual, not by choice, but as a victim of circumstance. Who would think that a renovation project would open the door to another mystery? Clearly Agatha and her friends did not, but that's exactly what happened..And on hand to help Agatha solve the mystery are her good friend and employee, the gun toting Gina, and her neighbor, "friend," and retired police officer, Tony.

The story draws you in from the start and moves on from there as it takes twists and turns that keep you guessing almost to the very end. Woven into the mystery and intrigue are tender moments, moments that had me laughing out loud, and others that had me holding my breath wondering what would happen next. The characters are delightful and engaging, and the setting had me wishing there was a real Agatha's Amish B&B in Texas Hill Country that I could go visit. The story moves along at a good pace offering details to help you try to fit all of the pieces together in order to figure out who done it.

Although Dead Set is the third installment in Agatha's Amish B&B series, it can be read as a stand alone. I highly recommend that you don't miss out on this delightful story, and while you're at it, go ahead and read the rest of the series. You won't be disappointed.

[Kailey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun read! I enjoyed the quirky characters and their interactions. While this is part of a series and having not read any of the books before it, I didn't feel like I was missing anything. I enjoyed them trying to find the treasure and solve the mystery. Now I would like to read the rest of the series!

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

[Tammy G. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love stories authored by Vannetta Chapman. I was over.the.moon.happy to receive this third book in Agatha's Amish B&B series.

This is the third book but it can be read as a stand alone. But don't miss out on the first two books. They are all fantastic.

I relate to Agatha's friend Gina. We huff and puff and roll our eyes but we love our people and are always trying to help.

Tony is a great friend to Agatha. And no matter if your Englisch or plain you need a boyfriend to help you with the "hard things." Tony is also a retired policeman which doesn't hurt.

The mystery begins right away as Agatha hammers a whole in the wall on a local TV station. And she finds a super expensive belt buckle in the wall. Well it's off to a mystery...the why's and what if's begin but then it gets really exciting when Agatha and Tony head to the Texas Hill country. Yeah, guns are involved just not on Agatha's hip but the uhmmm...other guy.

I loved this story. I must say out of the the three books this was my favorite. Maybe because it has a lot of excitement and romance. And baked goods and coffee are always on the docket.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.*

[Pamela Pavkov · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dead Set is the third installment in Agatha's Amish B&B series written by Vanetta Chapman. This is an Amish Cozy Mystery and the author has done a fantastic job telling this story through her very likeable characters. This mystery takes a lot of twist and definitely keeps the reader turning pages. I was intrigued from the first few pages.

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 story that I can highly recommend to others. I hope there will be a fourth book so we can see what happens between Agatha and Tony.

[Shayne Archer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dead Set

Love Vannetta Chapman's Agatha and friends as they solve the mystery, they grow closer together and closer to God. Amish mysteries are great!

[Teri Pre · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm enjoying the interaction between Agatha and Tony. It will be interesting to see where it goes.

[Rebecca Bates · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love visiting Agatha's B&B

Reading this series made me want to visit an Amish B&B, one without this much excitement. Love all of Vannetta Chapman's Amish series.

[Karen Stewart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Renovation Murder

I loved Vannetta Chapman's, Agatha's Amish B&B series. I found the third book a little slow but I still couldn't put it down so I guess it was still very intriguing and that is why I rated it five stars. I really enjoyed the ending. Everything was pretty well tied up but the big red bow was missing, which I liked. I will recommend this series to my Third Thursday Book club.

[Wynona R]

I need more stories about Status and Tony

These three books were so delightful and interesting I hoped through them too quickly. I sincerely hope the author plans to release more adventures.

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've really enjoyed reading this series. Loved Agatha, Gina and Tony. They all worked well together with different strengths to play off each other. All three books in the series had good mysteries in each. I'm hoping that there would be at least one other in the series but this author usually only has three books to a series. I would like to see the ending for Agatha and Tony's relationship.

[Sharyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyable Read

Fun series. Laughed out loud. Hope to hear more about the B&B. Truly good stories and pleasant reading. Loved it.

[Teresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ll miss Agatha and Tony. I was a little disappointed to not know how Tony and Agatha got together with their differences in lifestyle/religion.

[Sharil · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Wholesome Read

If you are looking for a really good mystery then you can't go wrong spending time with Miss Agatha, Gina and Tony.

[Kathy Fisher · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just loved these three books. Will start reading the others by this author! Thank you for great reading adventures.