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Serenity's Plain Secrets #12
The Offering
Following a string of crimes and the murder of a young woman in a neighboring community, local authorities make an arrest, but do they have the right man? Sheriff Serenity Adams has her doubts and embarks on her own investigation to solve the case. As she delves into the corrupt lives of her counterparts, she discovers a web of deceit that leads her to a dysfunctional family and the evil past of a picture-perfect town. No one is telling Serenity the whole truth, and law enforcement is keeping their own secrets. The closer Serenity gets to unraveling the mystery, the more danger she must face. A race against time to save an innocent man turns into a fight for her own survival in this unexpected and heart-pounding installment of Serenity’s Plain Secrets.
217 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 30, 2021
About the author
Karen Ann Hopkins
45 books1,415 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 41 reviews
May 17, 2022
I won this book (Kindle version) on Goodreads for my honest review.
This is my first book by this author and now I believe I will need to go and search out her other titles! She writes with a great story telling flare that gives the reader a bit of time to digest the characters and their surroundings to satisfaction. The mystery is well thought out and keeps the reader guessing. The main character is someone you would want to meet and sit and have a chat with, or become friends with. The story kept me engaged and was thrilling. Like I said at the beginning of this review, I look forward to reading more from this author.
This is my first book by this author and now I believe I will need to go and search out her other titles! She writes with a great story telling flare that gives the reader a bit of time to digest the characters and their surroundings to satisfaction. The mystery is well thought out and keeps the reader guessing. The main character is someone you would want to meet and sit and have a chat with, or become friends with. The story kept me engaged and was thrilling. Like I said at the beginning of this review, I look forward to reading more from this author.
April 29, 2022
An okay read. I liked it but not as much as other mysteries I've read.
January 19, 2022
Sheriff Serenity Adams feels she owes Bobby, Blood Rock’s coroner. So — when he asks her to “dig” into the murder outside of her authority, she does but it is *not* something she wants to do. Bobby’s best friend, a coroner in Sugar Grove, has asked Bobby for help. He, in turn, asks Serenity. And the more she looks…
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I have read all the books in the Serenity’s Plain Secrets series. It was an easy decision when this book popped up on a “special”. The series title hints Serenity deals with a Blood Rock Amish community and The Offering does as well, just more lightly than the previous books.
Advice — don’t make this book your bedtime reading.
The Offering is not a light read. It’s a mystery and for this reviewer a fairly dark one. You’ll identify the antagonist easily. The pull is how will Serenity defeat that person — without getting killed in the process.
The flow of the story ranged from okay to quite good. But for me, something was missing. The plot did keep me engaged throughout and it took me awhile to figure out what wasn’t there. And it was two things — not enough involvement with the Amish and Serenity’s family.
I started reading this series because it was an Amish mystery series. One, I miss Serenity working through a plot solution with Bishop Esch. I just want my Marta Perry Amish mystery back. And two, Serenity must face her family dynamic. She’s a mama now and this story did not feel like she had come to terms with that role -and- being a sheriff. These two elements made this a three-star read.
Title: The Offering
Series: Serenity’s Plain Secrets #12
Author: Karen Ann Hopkins
Genre: Mystery
Publisher: Self-published; EbookPbook provided formatting.
Release Date: November 30, 2021
Format: Kindle (read), Paperback
Pages: 192
Source: Purchased
Cover: Love the cover. Mysterious, brooding. With the title, you know you don’t want the offering — whatever it is — not even if the whole house was free.
#TheOffering #KarenAnnHopkins
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I have read all the books in the Serenity’s Plain Secrets series. It was an easy decision when this book popped up on a “special”. The series title hints Serenity deals with a Blood Rock Amish community and The Offering does as well, just more lightly than the previous books.
Advice — don’t make this book your bedtime reading.
The Offering is not a light read. It’s a mystery and for this reviewer a fairly dark one. You’ll identify the antagonist easily. The pull is how will Serenity defeat that person — without getting killed in the process.
The flow of the story ranged from okay to quite good. But for me, something was missing. The plot did keep me engaged throughout and it took me awhile to figure out what wasn’t there. And it was two things — not enough involvement with the Amish and Serenity’s family.
I started reading this series because it was an Amish mystery series. One, I miss Serenity working through a plot solution with Bishop Esch. I just want my Marta Perry Amish mystery back. And two, Serenity must face her family dynamic. She’s a mama now and this story did not feel like she had come to terms with that role -and- being a sheriff. These two elements made this a three-star read.
Title: The Offering
Series: Serenity’s Plain Secrets #12
Author: Karen Ann Hopkins
Genre: Mystery
Publisher: Self-published; EbookPbook provided formatting.
Release Date: November 30, 2021
Format: Kindle (read), Paperback
Pages: 192
Source: Purchased
Cover: Love the cover. Mysterious, brooding. With the title, you know you don’t want the offering — whatever it is — not even if the whole house was free.
#TheOffering #KarenAnnHopkins
March 5, 2024
Sheriff Serenity Adams of Blood Rock, Indiana, finds corruption and evil in nearby Sugar Grove, when the Blood Rock coroner asks her to review the case of a possibly autistic young man accused of murder. The suspect doesn’t have the mental capacity to murder someone and move the body around to avoid detection, but the sheriff seems keen on locking him up anyway. Maybe because the sheriff isn’t on the up and up. Does being out of her jurisdiction stop Serenity? No, not at all. She’s also fighting the Blood Rock Amish bishop, who doesn’t want her to investigate a local barn burning. She can’t let go of that either. Her investigation leads her to a dysfunctional family and a “perfect” small town infused with evil.
Despite a few typos which took me out of the story (weird for an established author like this), I still enjoyed this book. I liked watching Serenity trying to balance being a new mother with doing her job. I appreciate that her now husband, Daniel, a former Amish, mostly supports her work, even going out on interviews with her. This series has a good balance between mystery solving and day-to-day life, with interesting sidelights about Amish living.
These books can be read out of order. I know this one was way out of order for me – when I started, I was like wait, what, she has a baby now? But the author does a good job of filling in the backstory so readers can keep up, so I was still able to enjoy the story. I do think they are more enjoyable in order, and plan to go back and catch up.
Despite a few typos which took me out of the story (weird for an established author like this), I still enjoyed this book. I liked watching Serenity trying to balance being a new mother with doing her job. I appreciate that her now husband, Daniel, a former Amish, mostly supports her work, even going out on interviews with her. This series has a good balance between mystery solving and day-to-day life, with interesting sidelights about Amish living.
These books can be read out of order. I know this one was way out of order for me – when I started, I was like wait, what, she has a baby now? But the author does a good job of filling in the backstory so readers can keep up, so I was still able to enjoy the story. I do think they are more enjoyable in order, and plan to go back and catch up.
April 18, 2022
Serenity Adams, sheriff of Blood Rock has been asked by Bobby the local coroner to look into a case involving the death of a young woman whose charred body was discovered in, Sugar Grove, a neighboring community six weeks ago.
According to Bobby, his friend and a fellow coroner in Sugar Grove who brought the case to Bobby’s attention believes that Sugar Grove law enforcement arrested the wrong man for the crime.
After going through the files, Bobby promises to talk to Serenity about investigating the case because he thinks the suspect was set up.
Her husband Daniel seems to think it’s not a good idea considering the case is in another jurisdiction and she might be stepping on toes namely Sheriff Patrick Brown of Sugar Grove.
A local named Jeremiah Fisher is wanted in connection with an arson incident. Though Bishop Aaron is being evasive about it, Serenity’s determined to look into the matter.
When she learns Jeremiah is from Sugar Grove and recently moved to Blood Rock to live with his brother and his family but has since moved back to his parents' farm, she tries to put two and two together.
According to Bobby, his friend and a fellow coroner in Sugar Grove who brought the case to Bobby’s attention believes that Sugar Grove law enforcement arrested the wrong man for the crime.
After going through the files, Bobby promises to talk to Serenity about investigating the case because he thinks the suspect was set up.
Her husband Daniel seems to think it’s not a good idea considering the case is in another jurisdiction and she might be stepping on toes namely Sheriff Patrick Brown of Sugar Grove.
A local named Jeremiah Fisher is wanted in connection with an arson incident. Though Bishop Aaron is being evasive about it, Serenity’s determined to look into the matter.
When she learns Jeremiah is from Sugar Grove and recently moved to Blood Rock to live with his brother and his family but has since moved back to his parents' farm, she tries to put two and two together.
July 5, 2022
This is our third reading in this “Amish mystery” series, of which “The Offering” is the 12th and latest about an “English” Sheriff over a small Indiana half-Amish half-English town. Serenity somehow is not totally likable; and, like the horrid proofreading job of a book with numerous wrong words and other errors, the basic premise of this one is seriously flawed. First of all, a sheriff with zero jurisdiction in another’s sheriff’s town would never pursue a case so hotly, meddling ad nausea into the “official” proceedings. Secondly, the arrest of the mentally-deficient suspect, not to mention his coerced confession, could have been reversed by a law school rookie in an hour, with a big wrongful arrest suit to follow to boot.
After those factors, it was hard to get engaged, frankly a problem we’ve had with all three of Hopkins’ novels about Serenity so far.
As previously remarked, try Linda Castillo’s awesome Police Chief Kate Burkholder series to see how the Amish thing is done right! {2.5}
After those factors, it was hard to get engaged, frankly a problem we’ve had with all three of Hopkins’ novels about Serenity so far.
As previously remarked, try Linda Castillo’s awesome Police Chief Kate Burkholder series to see how the Amish thing is done right! {2.5}
July 2, 2022
A real seat sticker
No way you will be able to put this book down. On e started you ha g on to the pages till it finishes. Another terrific'Senerity' book from a very entertaining series. Highly recommended, as usual, for aļ lovers of murder/mystery genre books. Serenity, more than just a pretty female sheriff, combined with her own townsfolk, investigates the puzzling mystery of a murder of a local girl and the vehemen5
No way you will be able to put this book down. On e started you ha g on to the pages till it finishes. Another terrific'Senerity' book from a very entertaining series. Highly recommended, as usual, for aļ lovers of murder/mystery genre books. Serenity, more than just a pretty female sheriff, combined with her own townsfolk, investigates the puzzling mystery of a murder of a local girl and the vehemen5
May 25, 2026
This was #12 in the Serenity's Plain Secrets series, and it was another good read. This series has its good ones and its not so good one, in my opinion, but I am invested in the characters now and will continue reading. This one was one of the better ones, just like the prior one was. There are 24 books in this series so I am at the halfway mark. Taking a break to read other things, but I am enjoying this series.
March 4, 2022
The Offering
I have read several of this author’s books and thoroughly enjoyed most of them. The grammatical errors and poor syntax in this book were so frustrating. An author should have enough pride in their work to give readers the very best product. So disappointed, even though the story was entertaining I would not recommend this book to other readers.
I have read several of this author’s books and thoroughly enjoyed most of them. The grammatical errors and poor syntax in this book were so frustrating. An author should have enough pride in their work to give readers the very best product. So disappointed, even though the story was entertaining I would not recommend this book to other readers.
April 23, 2022
Bad boys bad boys
A great mystery. I was 1\2 way done before I figured it out. For me that's a long time. I read non stop all types of murder mysteries. At least one a day. This is one of the mysteries I'd read again in future. I'm also not type of reader that reads a book twice unless its very good
A great mystery. I was 1\2 way done before I figured it out. For me that's a long time. I read non stop all types of murder mysteries. At least one a day. This is one of the mysteries I'd read again in future. I'm also not type of reader that reads a book twice unless its very good
April 28, 2022
Well written plot with a satisfying conclusion, the sheriff will wait he's got it coming to him. Serenity saves the boy and catches the real culprits just how it should be but not without risk to herself. She should take more care and possibly shoot more before she starts talking so she doesn't get sneaked up on. Evil house or evil family, you will have to make your own judgement.
September 29, 2024
Solita piacevole lettura. Devo dire che ho capito chi fosse il colpevole non appena fa la sua apparizione, ma prima non sapevo cosa pensare. In questa storia c'è anche un poliziotto che non fa il suo dovere e questa è una cosa che proprio non mi piace: almeno nei libri voglio sperare che gli uomini di legge non siano corrotti.
December 6, 2021
I have really enjoyed this series of books, but feel it is time for Serenity to hang up her guns and focus on being a wife and mother. Too many close calls become unbelievable, even for fiction, especially in one small community.
January 18, 2022
A predictable but fun read. Especially good for relaxing the neurons after reading a weightier tome. Better editing would've earned this one a four, but I wouldn't mind heading into Serenity's small town again.
I did receive this book as a Goodreads giveaway.
I did receive this book as a Goodreads giveaway.
January 24, 2022
❤❤❤❤❤
I loved this book just as much as I loved the previous 11. Serenity fights for the under dog, and that's honorable. I just worry about her poor head, she's always getting hit on it.
I loved this book just as much as I loved the previous 11. Serenity fights for the under dog, and that's honorable. I just worry about her poor head, she's always getting hit on it.
February 5, 2022
This is the first book in this series that I've read. If I'd read the others, I might have enjoyed this one better. If I get the opportunity to read the earlier books, I will likely read this one again and write a new review.
I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway.
I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway.
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April 18, 2022Amazing!!!
Its amazing how each one of this series gets better than one before it. I can not believe how this author can do do it, but she does. I look forward do at least a dozen more in series!
Its amazing how each one of this series gets better than one before it. I can not believe how this author can do do it, but she does. I look forward do at least a dozen more in series!
August 6, 2022
Skip it.
Barely 200 hundred pages. A good 10% of it is word for word descriptions of people/places from previous books. As the previous 11 books, it’s full of editing and proofreading errors. Plus a weak story line…as in no plot.
Barely 200 hundred pages. A good 10% of it is word for word descriptions of people/places from previous books. As the previous 11 books, it’s full of editing and proofreading errors. Plus a weak story line…as in no plot.
August 14, 2022
Always five stars
Karen Ann Hopkins writes about the Amish community and real crime as well as strange happening. The books are always well written and entertaining. Having finished book 12 I can't wait to read the next book.
Karen Ann Hopkins writes about the Amish community and real crime as well as strange happening. The books are always well written and entertaining. Having finished book 12 I can't wait to read the next book.
June 13, 2023
Great read
These book was great. Exciting and fast moving. I enjoyed it. It was hard to put down. Well written and lots of twists a d turns I liked Serenity and Danial, most of the characters were great and the bad ones were bad. Great book
These book was great. Exciting and fast moving. I enjoyed it. It was hard to put down. Well written and lots of twists a d turns I liked Serenity and Danial, most of the characters were great and the bad ones were bad. Great book
December 13, 2021
I liked it hut...
The dialogue at the end felt contrived and not at all authentic. I liked the ending but didn't like how we got there
The dialogue at the end felt contrived and not at all authentic. I liked the ending but didn't like how we got there
December 17, 2021
serenity
Another excellent accounting of the life of serenity. This book takes her into danger again only this time it's to find the truth of what happened to a young victume.
Another excellent accounting of the life of serenity. This book takes her into danger again only this time it's to find the truth of what happened to a young victume.
January 5, 2022
needed editing
Excellent plot and characters. Nefarious seems to be the author’s favorite word. Some editing and fly-specking would have helped. Keep writing, please.
Excellent plot and characters. Nefarious seems to be the author’s favorite word. Some editing and fly-specking would have helped. Keep writing, please.
April 17, 2022
Great as usual
What can I say, I know when I come across serenity books, I am in for a real treat, just simply awesomr
What can I say, I know when I come across serenity books, I am in for a real treat, just simply awesomr
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April 20, 2022Read 4/22
May 4, 2022
Good story
It was a good story I like the characters hope to read more like it it's a good read hope everyone else likes it to
It was a good story I like the characters hope to read more like it it's a good read hope everyone else likes it to
May 9, 2022
Good story and with the intriguing background of the Amish. Always spices up a book to have a bit of the unknown about it. Interesting plot and room for further
May 11, 2022
Great, as usual
The books about Serenity are all well written an fun to read. The characters and scenes are well drawn. The plot moved along well with a good ending.
The books about Serenity are all well written an fun to read. The characters and scenes are well drawn. The plot moved along well with a good ending.
June 6, 2022
Good story, good characters, a good mystery.
July 6, 2022
Always a great mystery. Love the characters and their relationships.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews