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Caroline Creek #1
Shadows We Remain
Private investigator Bruce Ellsworth is familiar with the Amish. In his previous job as Sheriff in Castleton, Illinois, he was occasionally summoned to the nearby Amish community of Caroline Creek to solve a minor disagreement. But when an Amish family arrives at his office seeking help in finding their missing son, Bruce quickly finds himself caught up in a tangled web of FBI informants, Mafiosos, and secret societies that threaten to upend his whole world - and possibly get him killed.
At seventeen, Maria Reader is destined to follow in the footsteps expected of all Amish girls that came before—baptism, marriage and about a dozen children. Unfortunately, it is Maria's brother Eli who has disappeared, which changes everything. Maria faces an impossible dilemma: forget about her brother, as her church elders demand, or do the unthinkable to try and save him herself?
Maria teams up with Bruce, and together they uncover a decades-old secret—Eli is not the first from Caroline Creek to disappear under mysterious circumstances. What’s even worse is that the criminals may be getting help from someone inside the community.
At seventeen, Maria Reader is destined to follow in the footsteps expected of all Amish girls that came before—baptism, marriage and about a dozen children. Unfortunately, it is Maria's brother Eli who has disappeared, which changes everything. Maria faces an impossible dilemma: forget about her brother, as her church elders demand, or do the unthinkable to try and save him herself?
Maria teams up with Bruce, and together they uncover a decades-old secret—Eli is not the first from Caroline Creek to disappear under mysterious circumstances. What’s even worse is that the criminals may be getting help from someone inside the community.
Kindle Edition
Published July 1, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
November 6, 2021
Shadows We Remain is Mose J Gingerich’s debut crime novel that intertwines an Amish community and modern day mob life. Eli Reader, an Amish teen, disappears from his home in Caroline Creek. His rebellious sister Maria works with Detective Bruce Ellsworth to locate Eli, but the two face unexpected obstacles on their search. The novel includes several plot twists and surprise character reveals that spur the reader’s curiosity. While trying to keep the characters straight, I realized each one had a significant role in how the storyline played out, even the minor characters. I gained more understanding of Amish communities and their culture and was able to connect with the author through Maria, who obviously didn’t want to conform with the religion’s rules. Lastly, the epilogue left me hanging, so I look forward to finding out what happens in book two of the Caroline Creek series.
December 31, 2021
Bruce Ellsworth is a private investigator that had worked with the Amish in the Caroline Creek community when he was a sheriff. An Amish couple comes to his PI office asking him to find their missing son, Eli Reader.
His older sister, Maria does not accept that Eli ran away. She tries to fit the “typical” Amish girl roles|boundaries but has always pushed a bit beyond them. For her, Eli did not run away.
Mix in the FBI, their informants, Mafiosos … and secret societies. Bruce knows that getting killed is a definite possibility. The question is can he stay alive and keep Maria that way too?
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Shadows We Remain is Mose J. Gingerich’s first book. Every budding author would hope their first book was a good as this one. The reader should keep in mind when reading that Mose (after reading his blog I feel like I know him) was raised Amish until he was 22.
Don’t start this book if you have a lot to do because it probably won’t get done. The scenes, the characters, the plots … and sub-plots are vivid. Pulling you into the situations as they occur. The pacing is wonderful, especially considering this is his first novel.
I do not want to give anything away about this story. It’s too good for you not to discover each twist and turn of the book. You almost feel like you should be ducking for cover part of the time. Other times you want to bash a couple of Amish heads together. All I can say is … READ IT as soon as you can. And don’t skip the Prologue!
... [Note: Not included in this review are two links to two articles on Mose's website.
This reviewer is delighted that there is book 2 of the Caroline Creek Series coming.
Title: Shadows We Remain. Great title. Fits the story.
Series: Caroline Creek #1.
Author: Mose J. Gingerich
Genre: Thriller, Mystery, Amish.
Publisher: Greendiver Press.
Release Date: July 2, 2021.
Format: Kindle (read), paperback.
Pages: 383.
Source: Kindle Unlimited.
Cover: Errie. Compelling. The title is easy to read when the cover is shown as a thumbnail. And perfect for this story.
#ShadowsWeRemain #MoseJGingerich #KindleUnlimited
His older sister, Maria does not accept that Eli ran away. She tries to fit the “typical” Amish girl roles|boundaries but has always pushed a bit beyond them. For her, Eli did not run away.
Mix in the FBI, their informants, Mafiosos … and secret societies. Bruce knows that getting killed is a definite possibility. The question is can he stay alive and keep Maria that way too?
-----------
Shadows We Remain is Mose J. Gingerich’s first book. Every budding author would hope their first book was a good as this one. The reader should keep in mind when reading that Mose (after reading his blog I feel like I know him) was raised Amish until he was 22.
Don’t start this book if you have a lot to do because it probably won’t get done. The scenes, the characters, the plots … and sub-plots are vivid. Pulling you into the situations as they occur. The pacing is wonderful, especially considering this is his first novel.
I do not want to give anything away about this story. It’s too good for you not to discover each twist and turn of the book. You almost feel like you should be ducking for cover part of the time. Other times you want to bash a couple of Amish heads together. All I can say is … READ IT as soon as you can. And don’t skip the Prologue!
... [Note: Not included in this review are two links to two articles on Mose's website.
This reviewer is delighted that there is book 2 of the Caroline Creek Series coming.
Title: Shadows We Remain. Great title. Fits the story.
Series: Caroline Creek #1.
Author: Mose J. Gingerich
Genre: Thriller, Mystery, Amish.
Publisher: Greendiver Press.
Release Date: July 2, 2021.
Format: Kindle (read), paperback.
Pages: 383.
Source: Kindle Unlimited.
Cover: Errie. Compelling. The title is easy to read when the cover is shown as a thumbnail. And perfect for this story.
#ShadowsWeRemain #MoseJGingerich #KindleUnlimited
February 27, 2022
Intriguing and captivating, this 51-chapter novel will keep the reader on their literary toes. A narrative opening unfolds the story ... a kidnapping... and onward... bouncing back and forth between key characters and the events surrounding their lives... until reaching its exciting climax. The 'insider' details, those details one knows from experiencing them, also provide good foundational structure to this story all along its interconnected pathways. The 'tunnel scene' was one of my favorites, I felt as though I was there with the character.
As one reads, one can feel what the characters must be feeling when tradition and/or varied deviations from the wealth of wisdom, insight, etc. found within the sixty-six separate books compiled within the Bible become dominated by temporal humans with limited views clocked by their cultural norms. Some may even blame God for their problems in life "A person’s own folly leads to their ruin, yet their heart rages against the Lord." Proverbs 19:3
Something to keep you wondering... 'Who would want to kidnap an Amish kid... and why?'
Though not much involved with fiction reading any longer, I found this novel a nice excursion away from my other literary endeavors and writing projects. The contentment of completing a novel is only second to the writing of it.
This debut novel, written in the sleeper cabin of the author's big rig while trucking coast-to-coast, commences the series’ journey… the next novel, 'Caroline Creek Chaos', is scheduled for publication during spring of 2022.
-Excerpts:
"It was the second bullet that finally convinced Sparrow that the innocent training exercise was something..."
“The world is full of demons and sinners,” he said in a thin voice that complemented his pale face and sunken features. “Give Satan your little finger and before you know it, he has your whole body."
"An image comes of a silver-haired man who lurks in the shadows. Then the man is gone, and the kind woman weeps tears of sorrow."
As one reads, one can feel what the characters must be feeling when tradition and/or varied deviations from the wealth of wisdom, insight, etc. found within the sixty-six separate books compiled within the Bible become dominated by temporal humans with limited views clocked by their cultural norms. Some may even blame God for their problems in life "A person’s own folly leads to their ruin, yet their heart rages against the Lord." Proverbs 19:3
Something to keep you wondering... 'Who would want to kidnap an Amish kid... and why?'
Though not much involved with fiction reading any longer, I found this novel a nice excursion away from my other literary endeavors and writing projects. The contentment of completing a novel is only second to the writing of it.
This debut novel, written in the sleeper cabin of the author's big rig while trucking coast-to-coast, commences the series’ journey… the next novel, 'Caroline Creek Chaos', is scheduled for publication during spring of 2022.
-Excerpts:
"It was the second bullet that finally convinced Sparrow that the innocent training exercise was something..."
“The world is full of demons and sinners,” he said in a thin voice that complemented his pale face and sunken features. “Give Satan your little finger and before you know it, he has your whole body."
"An image comes of a silver-haired man who lurks in the shadows. Then the man is gone, and the kind woman weeps tears of sorrow."
August 14, 2022
Authentic details of everyday life in an Amish home and community
I couldn't put this book down! Mose Gingerich, in his first novel shows us what a creative writer he is! I can't wait to start book 2.
The problem with many authors who try to write about the Amish is that they don't understand Amish mindset. These writers end up creating conversations, situations and actions that would not likely occur with a real Amish person! These writers can't understand how different growing up Amish can be, how the close knit community insulates Amish people from the society around them.
Mose has the experience growing up Amish, and spending a life time struggling with staying or leaving, weighing the losses and gains. He understands the language, and interprets for the subtle nuances that are lost in a word by word translation.
I also appreciated Mose showing us the reality of home life for some Amish families. Domestic abuse, alcoholic and drug abuse, gambling, the occasional abuse of power in church leadership and in this patriarchal society.
Thank you Mose, for a great book and a wonderful authentic glimpse into the Amish community
I couldn't put this book down! Mose Gingerich, in his first novel shows us what a creative writer he is! I can't wait to start book 2.
The problem with many authors who try to write about the Amish is that they don't understand Amish mindset. These writers end up creating conversations, situations and actions that would not likely occur with a real Amish person! These writers can't understand how different growing up Amish can be, how the close knit community insulates Amish people from the society around them.
Mose has the experience growing up Amish, and spending a life time struggling with staying or leaving, weighing the losses and gains. He understands the language, and interprets for the subtle nuances that are lost in a word by word translation.
I also appreciated Mose showing us the reality of home life for some Amish families. Domestic abuse, alcoholic and drug abuse, gambling, the occasional abuse of power in church leadership and in this patriarchal society.
Thank you Mose, for a great book and a wonderful authentic glimpse into the Amish community
January 7, 2026
This was a very good book written by a former Old Order Amishman. This book brings to the forefront the issue that when babies are born in the Amish community, the birth is not registered by authorities and therefore susceptible to fraud by outside groups. My family was friends with Amish in Shipshewana Indiana and there is persecution that the general population is unaware of when it comes to religious matters. The book starts with a teenager going missing and his parents hiring a private investigator to find him. This eventually leads to a mob connection and a fight for survival. A good read.
October 6, 2021
The disappearance of fifteen-year-old Eli Reader doesn’t cause much of a stir in the quiet Amish community until the missing teen is connected to a mob hit that took place just five miles outside of Caroline Creek. With evil accusations flying about her younger brother, Maria Reader is quick to return the insults with sharp words of her own. As the tensions within the church boil over, Maria turns to the outside world for help...
Full Review at OnlineBookClub: https://forums.onlinebookclub.org/vie...
Full Review at OnlineBookClub: https://forums.onlinebookclub.org/vie...
February 28, 2023
This book begins with seemingly unconnected storylines. The reader can become invested in several characters. Overlapping and the ultimate melding into a single storyline is achieved through various viewpoints. The last chapter is quite satisfying while still leaving a minor touch of room for a sequel. Then the reader is hit by the epilogue. That turns the book into a different mystery in itself. I dare readers to close the book without questioning the level of fiction vs fact or the quiet strangers on the street.
July 20, 2023
Spectacular, thrilling and page turning
Wow what a story . It’s great reading for all ages. The characters are so believable and the story flows seamlessly. The excitement builds until the crescendo ending . The ending leaves you satisfied of a story well read and well written. I loved it and recommend it for everyone.
Wow what a story . It’s great reading for all ages. The characters are so believable and the story flows seamlessly. The excitement builds until the crescendo ending . The ending leaves you satisfied of a story well read and well written. I loved it and recommend it for everyone.
August 11, 2022
Great!
This novel is a mystery that takes place in and involves an Amish community. I really enjoyed it- twists and turns and the Amish community. The ending makes me want to read more.
This novel is a mystery that takes place in and involves an Amish community. I really enjoyed it- twists and turns and the Amish community. The ending makes me want to read more.
November 22, 2022
Amish and Mystery
Take a story that involves the Amish, police and the mob, where can that take you? This book is well written and hard to put down. It has so many twists and turns, you continue to guess until the end.
Take a story that involves the Amish, police and the mob, where can that take you? This book is well written and hard to put down. It has so many twists and turns, you continue to guess until the end.
November 25, 2022
Keeps your attention.
I found this story to keep my attention as it moved forward. The characters were interesting and well thought out . One thing that would have made me happy would be for a certain spiteful person to get her comeuppance. Great read!
I found this story to keep my attention as it moved forward. The characters were interesting and well thought out . One thing that would have made me happy would be for a certain spiteful person to get her comeuppance. Great read!
November 27, 2022
Awesome
An honest pick into a world we barely know, despite their members been our neighbors. A mystery shrouded in unknown rites, well thought and developed. Kept me hooked from the start. Conrad Samayoa.
An honest pick into a world we barely know, despite their members been our neighbors. A mystery shrouded in unknown rites, well thought and developed. Kept me hooked from the start. Conrad Samayoa.
October 14, 2021
A great read
This is a particularly good story, with interesting characters. I'm grateful to the author for enticing me into the world of the Amish. I wish it was on Audible.
This is a particularly good story, with interesting characters. I'm grateful to the author for enticing me into the world of the Amish. I wish it was on Audible.
August 17, 2022
Thrilling read!
So well told, so many characters entwined to make a very satisfying and sleep deprived read because I just couldn't put it down!
So well told, so many characters entwined to make a very satisfying and sleep deprived read because I just couldn't put it down!
August 31, 2022
This is a decent book even if it isn't great. Some of the elements seem more far-fetched than others, but overall I think the author did a pretty good job for his first novel.
December 3, 2022
kept me guessing….
A really great read! Every time I thought I had something figured out…WHAM! Had to find a new starting point. I very much enjoyed the book!
A really great read! Every time I thought I had something figured out…WHAM! Had to find a new starting point. I very much enjoyed the book!
January 21, 2023
shadows
Excellently written, this book intrigued me into its depths and held me captive till the last shadow withdrew into the darkness
Excellently written, this book intrigued me into its depths and held me captive till the last shadow withdrew into the darkness
December 2, 2023
Captivating
Read
January 6, 2026There are not enough stars to rate this book as it is so good. This book has so many twists and turns in the plot it is hard to guess what is going to happen next. I found myself trying to predict what was going to happen next but was unable to do so. Some of the characters you love, and others you cannot stand as they are so evil. I cannot wait to read the second book in this series.
November 12, 2021
Just finished 'Shadows We Remain' and am so impressed!
Not many books keep me thinking about them throughout the day when I'm not reading them.
Not many books keep me up WAY too late.
Not many books make me read in the middle of the day (I'm a bed time reader).
Not many books make me long for the next.
This one DID!
When can we expect the next book????
Not many books keep me thinking about them throughout the day when I'm not reading them.
Not many books keep me up WAY too late.
Not many books make me read in the middle of the day (I'm a bed time reader).
Not many books make me long for the next.
This one DID!
When can we expect the next book????
February 27, 2022
Intriguing and captivating, this 51-chapter novel will keep the reader on their literary toes. A narrative opening unfolds the story ... a kidnapping... and onward... bouncing back and forth between key characters and the events surrounding their lives... until reaching its exciting climax. The 'insider' details, those details one knows from experiencing them, also provide good foundational structure to this story all along its interconnected pathways. The 'tunnel scene' was one of my favorites, I felt as though I was there with the character.
As one reads, one can feel what the characters must be feeling when tradition and/or varied deviations from the wealth of wisdom, insight, etc. found within the sixty-six separate books compiled within the Bible become dominated by temporal humans with limited views clocked by their cultural norms. Some may even blame God for their problems in life "A person’s own folly leads to their ruin, yet their heart rages against the Lord." Proverbs 19:3
Something to keep you wondering... 'Who would want to kidnap an Amish kid... and why?'
Though not much involved with fiction reading any longer, I found this novel a nice excursion away from my other literary endeavors and writing projects. The contentment of completing a novel is only second to the writing of it.
This debut novel, written in the sleeper cabin of the author's big rig while trucking coast-to-coast, commences the series’ journey… the next novel, 'Caroline Creek Chaos', is scheduled for publication during spring of 2022.
-Excerpts:
"It was the second bullet that finally convinced Sparrow that the innocent training exercise was something..."
“The world is full of demons and sinners,” he said in a thin voice that complemented his pale face and sunken features. “Give Satan your little finger and before you know it, he has your whole body."
"An image comes of a silver-haired man who lurks in the shadows. Then the man is gone, and the kind woman weeps tears of sorrow."
As one reads, one can feel what the characters must be feeling when tradition and/or varied deviations from the wealth of wisdom, insight, etc. found within the sixty-six separate books compiled within the Bible become dominated by temporal humans with limited views clocked by their cultural norms. Some may even blame God for their problems in life "A person’s own folly leads to their ruin, yet their heart rages against the Lord." Proverbs 19:3
Something to keep you wondering... 'Who would want to kidnap an Amish kid... and why?'
Though not much involved with fiction reading any longer, I found this novel a nice excursion away from my other literary endeavors and writing projects. The contentment of completing a novel is only second to the writing of it.
This debut novel, written in the sleeper cabin of the author's big rig while trucking coast-to-coast, commences the series’ journey… the next novel, 'Caroline Creek Chaos', is scheduled for publication during spring of 2022.
-Excerpts:
"It was the second bullet that finally convinced Sparrow that the innocent training exercise was something..."
“The world is full of demons and sinners,” he said in a thin voice that complemented his pale face and sunken features. “Give Satan your little finger and before you know it, he has your whole body."
"An image comes of a silver-haired man who lurks in the shadows. Then the man is gone, and the kind woman weeps tears of sorrow."
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews