Cast A Blue Shadow

Amish-Country Mysteries #4

by P.L. Gaus

In Cast a Blue Shadow , his fourth Amish mystery, P. L. Gaus spins a suspenseful tale of power, pride, and tested faith. As always, Gaus explores the threshold of culture and faith among the Amish sects and their English neighbors, combining it here with the political divisions unique to the academic world. After an early winter blizzard in Holmes County, Ohio, a wealthy socialite is found murdered in her mansion. That same morning, a troubled student, Martha Lehman, turns up at her psychiatrist’s office, bloody and unable to speak. Professor Michael Branden and Sheriff Bruce Robertson begin an investigation that threatens to tear Millersburg College apart. Mute for many years as a child, Martha is once again unable (or unwilling) to speak. As Branden wrestles with the murder of the college’s leading benefactor, the real story of Martha Lehman begins to emerge—born Amish, converted to Mennonite, and drawn to the “English” world for the worst of reasons. This new edition of Cast a Blue Shadow features an exclusive interview with the author, reading group materials, and a detailed map and driving guide to Holmes County, Ohio, with everything one needs to visit the iconic scenes depicted in the story.

Genres: Mystery, Amish, Fiction, Christian, Mystery Thriller, Religion, Christian Fiction

225 pages, Paperback

First published November 15, 2003

About the author

Paul L. Gaus writes The Amish-Country Mysteries, set authentically in the Amish settlements of Holmes County, Ohio. Three life-long friends - Professor Michael Branden, Sheriff Bruce Robertson, and Pastor Caleb Troyer - work sometimes together and other times at crossed purposes to solve mysteries involving the often inscrutable Amish sects of the region. The rich cast of English characters includes the professor's insightful wife Caroline, Holmes County's tenacious Medical Examiner Melissa Taggert, and young Ellie Troyer, the sheriff's resolute dispatcher/secretary. Paul's novels illuminate Amish culture and lifestyle in the context of murder investigations that pull aside the veil on the daily lives of these purposefully plain religious separatists.

There are currently eight novels in the series, published by Plume, a Division of Penguin Group USA. The ninth novel, Whiskers of The Lion, is soon to be published by Plume. The first seven of his novels were originally published as The Ohio Amish Mysteries, by Ohio University Press, before they were all republished as trade paperbacks by Plume.

Paul’s extensive knowledge of the culture and lifestyle of the many Ohio Amish sects comes from over forty years of travel throughout Holmes and the surrounding rural counties in Ohio. His stories are rich with culture, much like the works of Tony Hillerman. It was Paul's friendship with Tony Hillerman that first inspired him to write culture-based mysteries about Amish people.

Reviews

[Donna · Rating 2 out of 5]

This had less to do with Amish culture than the series title would lead one to believe. It mentioned a lot of differences between Mennonite culture and the Amish and even the different off-shoots of both. That was probably more info than I wanted. The story chased a lot of red herrings but it kept the main story line rolling. However, the reveal was not only far-fetched but the second reveal was also.

But the biggest negative for me was the narrator. I'm just not a fan of every character sounding the same. It was so hard to tell who was talking. So 2 stars.

[John Yingling · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like the setting, which in Ohio is not far from where I live. The cast of characters was varied and interesting; I had feelings for most of them, whether negative or positive, although I thought the character of Juliet was a bit too obvious in her arrogance and distaste for most people. The sheriff as well was a bit over-the-top. The mystery set up nicely, with a fair number of suspects. And the solving of who the murderer was and the motivations of this character made sense. I really didn't care for the ending, with, frankly, a sappy romantic wrap-up. Otherwise, a legitimate four-star book.

[Ashley Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

The murder of a multimillionaire in her own home has the quiet county of Holmes stirred up. Being mostly Amish, there is little to no crime in the area, but when it happens the crime is BIG. The problem the police have in solving this case is it seems EVERYONE has a motive to murder Juliet Favor! She is a decidedly wicked woman with a vengeful streak and she has no problem telling people what she thinks of them, from her daughter to the president of the University….or cutting the funds her late husband endowed on Millersburg College and their children.
Martha Lehman is a troubled young lady with a terrible past and even she doesn’t understand everything that has happened to her. Silent for years in her youth after this tragedy, Favor’s murder, she goes back to the trusted silence for protection again. Mike Braden is a professor at the college who is aiding the police and a friend of Martha. He is helping interview possible suspects when he gets a call that Martha has been found with blood all over her!
The Amish community has never brought peace to Martha, so her friends get defensive when an old neighbor shows up to help Martha. She is either guilty of murder, covering up for someone or too traumatized to speak, but everything in the case hinges on Martha, and her silence is screaming.
With a masterful story telling ability, Gaus has you turning the pages of this book as quickly as you can to determine ‘who done it’ and how they did! You don’t want to miss this installment of his Amish-Country Mystery Series!
Reviewed by Ashley Wintters for Suspense Magazine

[JoAnn · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was intriguing to read. To be from Ohio, and not knowing about the Amish culture, i wanted to know more. This book was kind of slow moving at first, but then I eventually got into it, and the plot started to move faster and faster. The plot was about how an extremely rich woman, Juliet Favor became murdered in the Amish community. She was known as the mean woman, so the book made it seem like anyone could have killed her. It kept you guessing. Then the story goes on to say that a girl named Martha Lehman could have killed her, especially after she was found, covered in what seemed to be Juliet Favors blood. The story then goes back and forth between the two troubled families, and it didn't seem like in the end there was a TRUE killer. The story was very interesting, and it kept going. It wasn't boring, although it should have been a little more easy to follow. I would recommend this to people who like to think, and dig deeper within the book then what it tells you. The book let you follow your imagination, and who YOU think should be the suspect. i enjoyed it and wouldn't mind reading it again.

[Mayda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every action creates a reaction, and often the chain of events is unpredictable. P. L. Gaus spins a spellbinding tale of greed and motherly love careening out of control in this fourth book of his Amish mystery series. Set in Ohio, Gaus does a masterful job of describing the communities of the Amish and the English and what happens when the two interact. There is an undercurrent of despair and secrecy, of control and defiance. Clues are present for the astute reader: match your wits with the characters to solve the mystery.

[Janice · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 4th book in An Ohio Amish Mystery series. My friend lent me the series to read but forgot the first book, so I've also read 2 & 3. I think this is the best one so far. I'm glad to see improvement in the mystery writing part because Gaus has always done a good job with his descriptions of the Amish, their lives and the small towns and farm country in northeast Ohio. I live close to this area and have enjoyed reading the books.

[Connie · Rating 3 out of 5]

A pretty good story. I liked it better than the first one that I read. I buzzed right through this one.

[Dianne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am new to this series by P.L. Gaus (had to find a vacation book) and I really like it. As my first introduction to some of the continuing characters, I think I'll have to find more!

[Jean Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wasn't sure I would like this book, but got into it and had to see how it turned out. I ended up liking some of the characters enough that I wanted to see how things worked out for them.

[Mary Baker · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have enjoyed this entire series of books and am sad that I have now finished them all. They are good, clean books which tell interesting stories.

[Carol · Rating 2 out of 5]

Just couldn't relate to most of the characters and didn't care for the style of writing. I live near Holmes County so enjoyed reading about locations I've visited but I found the story line disappointing.

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this Ohio Amish Mystery more than a couple of the other books in this series. Interesting characters, believable situations, fast paced book with short chapters. Great for traveling or times when you are reading with lots of interruptions.

[Shell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Was a good book. Has a few typo's that the proof reader missed, along with...

Does anyone know how you squeeze your temples between your thumb and forefinger? The sentence reads {squeezing her temples between her thumb and forefinger}. That's not even possible.

[Pam Fredelake · Rating 3 out of 5]

When I read this book I didn't realize it was part of a series and that may explain the average rating. I found the characters lacked depth and the conclusions for the murder mystery were too convenient. But the chapters were short and it was an easy read.

[Gail Richmond · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoy P. L. Gaus’s mysteries since they provide insights into the Amish and Mennonite works of which I have little familiarity. The mystery in this one is rather conveniently—- and easily—-solved, but the setting in interesting as well as the crossing of cultures.

[Nancy · Rating 1 out of 5]

Cliff read and threw because of so much negative content.

[Toni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoy this return to the place and the characters. I thought the plot twist at the end was well done.

[Diane Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best part was the familiarity’ of the location. Also the insight into the history of the Plain People.

[Maureen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This a good story...I like the way he writes about the Amish...

[ANNETTE · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow ! what a " spin " on a mystery story. Then ending was good too.

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

The characters are likable. I learned a bit about Amish culture, and I didn't guess who committed the crime. Looking forward to trying more in the series.

[Anna Nolley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Money isn’t everything & this book literally proves it.

[Kathryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very good book. Like this author. Good Amish story. This book was about the college. Had a lot of secrets. Marsha stoped talking again.

[Sean · Rating 1 out of 5]

DTF, couldn’t do it. All characters are weird and nauseating

[Doylestown Bookshop]

Reviewed by Kimberly Underwood

I started the book and soon found that as it is the latest in a series one really needed to have read the previous books. I managed to locate the first book in the series and read it. I am looking forward to finding the others
and getting caught up so I can read this one. If the writer has continued in the fashion of the first book, I'm sure it will be a great read. But for right now, I cannot give any additional information.

[Caroline · Rating 4 out of 5]

I started reading this series years ago then somehow forgot about it. I think there was a lapse between the book I had finished reading and the one that had followed. Anyway, I really enjoy the characters that Gaus created and his treatment of the Amish and Mennonite peoples of Ohio. My dad had once lived in that area, and it is fun for me to hear of places and things I remember from those visits. Someone said that Gaus is the Tony Hillerman of the Amish people. I think that's about right.

[Andy Plonka · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book follows a character highlighted in a previous book in the series, Martha a girl who was sexually abused as a young child. Her troubles are continued in this book. Though the method of death was unusual the author offerred too much information to the reader such that the perpetrator and, in general, the motive became obvios before the professor exposed said villain.

[Patsy Tindell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fourth in the series this book focuses on a young woman who was sexually abused as a child. Her family left their Amish sect and joined a group of Mennonites. As a young adult her boyfriend's very rich mother was murdered. As usual the professor solved the mystery. This book was interesting because it dealt with various Amish and Mennonite sects.

[Jolynne · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was my book for the trip home. With the 3 hours of delays we had, it needed to be much longer. I finished with 1 1/5 hours left on the plane to SLC. Anyway, I felt like there was much left unresolved, but I will probalby read more in the series.

[Sandy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Like the Holmes County setting, because I visited there many times before it became so touristy. My husband's parents lived nearby. Story is ok, but not as good as his 1st book, Blood of the Prodigal.