Broken English

Amish-Country Mysteries #2

by P.L. Gaus

The peaceful town of Millersburg, Ohio, in the heart of Ohio's Amish country, is rocked by the vicious murder of one of its citizens at the hands of an ex-convict. When a local reporter covering the story ends up dead as well, with the convict already behind bars, suspicion falls on David Hawkins, father of the first victim. But Hawkins is nowhere to be found, not even among the protective Amish colony that had taken him in as one of its own regardless of his shadowy past.

Following on the critical and popular success of his first book, mystery writer P. L. Gaus again brings us a moral and legal conundrum as Professor Michael Branden, Sheriff Bruce Robertson, and Pastor Cal Troyer set out to uncover the truth that seems so elusive in their otherwise quiet corner of the world.

Along the way, Gaus paints a unique portrait of the relationship between the Amish and the English cultures as seen from the inside. Against this backdrop, Broken English is a tale of honor, deception, and revenge, where circumstances and the search for justice test the mettle of the closest of friends and reveal the desperate measures of the strongest of foes.

Genres: Mystery, Amish, Fiction, Audiobook, Christian Fiction, Christian, Amish Fiction

205 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 2000

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

[Julia · Rating 2 out of 5]

I decided to try this book because it is set in Holmes County, Ohio, close to where I grew up. It is termed as "An Amish-Country Mystery." This author has written a series of crime stories "seamlessly interwoven with Old Order Amish culture."

Even though I just gave it 2 stars, it was O.K. I did get frustrated with the names of people. There were about 4 main characters and the author used their first names sometimes and then would switch and use their last names only, and I thought it was quite confusing who was who. Also, way too much detail on guns. It didn't seem to add to the plot line and I had to skim over those intensely boring details.

A quick reading and fairly entertaining. If you are looking to learn more about the Amish - it won't happen in this book. It is really just the setting for the story.

[DeB · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bit of a light weight compared to his first book. Very draggy at first; The Amish connection is contrived at best.

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Though this is marked as an Amish mystery, there is not much about the Amish other than Pastor Cal Troyer being one of the main characters. It was a good mystery, and I will look for more in this series.

[Mayda · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this intriguing mystery, P. L. Gaus explores the facets of guilt and culpability, deception and dishonor. Set in the Amish country in Ohio, the Amish and English live peaceably side by side. But can an ex-Army sharp shooter really turn his back on all he was and live a simple, plain life from now on? And when his newly acquired morals are put to the test, what will be the outcome? In this tense tale of murder and trust, Gaus sets up a series of complex circumstances that finally converge as the guilty party takes that last chance for revenge. Or is there more than one person involved in the plot? And who is really more guilty? Just when you think you have it all figured out, you realize there is far more to this mystery than murder.

[Edwina Book Anaconda · Rating 1 out of 5]

The plot just kind of plods along like a poor, tired, broken-down mule ... slowly dying while trying to get to the top of a very small hill.
Yes, this book was THAT bad.

[Teresa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Boring and predictable

[Dave Weller · Rating 4 out of 5]

As with Blood of the Prodigal, the first book in the Ohio Amish mystery series, Broken English centers on Mike Branden and his wife, Caroline, as they become involved in investigating a murder in Millersburg, OH. A local resident's daughter is murdered by an ex-convict, and her father has committed to the plain life of the Amish in order to marry his love. David Hawkins is the father's name, and he desires revenge but knows fulfilling that step violates the Amish code and, furthermore, disqualifies him from marrying his Amish love, Abigail. The rest of the story is for you to read and resolve. The author is quite knowledgeable about Amish traditions, and his descriptions of the land and customs is quite good. I grew up in Pennsylvania near Lancaster County, an Amish stronghold, so I really appreciate the author's descriptions of the farms, creeks, hills, valleys and the countryside. The plot was solid, and the ending was suspenseful. I recommend this book to any reader of thrillers and mysteries.

[Lola · Rating 1 out of 5]

Nothing about the Amish was really here until the description of the barn raising. Story was
not of interest to me but I did read it all to give it a chance. Gaus has a 6 book series that I
thought I'd like, in fact I brought two of his books home. I won't be reading the others. Sorry. I think he was trying to write a mystery & just happened to give it an Amish setting.

[Rena · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm not going to finish this book. I have too many others that are better to read. A former military special agent, turned Amish, maybe back to murder.

[Kristina · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars, rounded up

The story starts off dark from the very first chapter when Jesse Sands is being released from prison. He then immediately begins a crime spree, including murders. The next pivotal character in the mystery is David Hawkins, who appears Amish. He visits Sands in jail and forgives him for the murder of his daughter a few days prior. Hawkins then quickly becomes violent after Sands whispers something to him, showing his military training in action as he disarms the guard. He is talked down by his friend and English (as in not Amish) Pastor, Caleb Troyer, who accompanied him on this visit.

Within a month, there's another murder, this time a reporter…and Hawkins is the prime suspect as the deceased uncovered information about Hawkins’ past. It turns out he was Special Forces for the Army during the Vietnam War, purportedly joining the CIA soon after. Professor Michael Branden is tasked with finding Caleb Troyer, as he is likely the key to locating Hawkins. Branden, longtime friends with both the sheriff and Troyer, cannot believe that Troyer would be involved in any crime and any way, but is curious to find some answers about this case.

While part of the mystery was apparent very early in the book, I was still surprised at how all of the elements wrapped up. I also loved seeing Hawkins renounce his former life in favor of a more God-centered lifestyle in joining the Amish. The snippets of his relationship within that community were a treat to watch, and his redemption arc was well done.

This is the second book in the Amish Country Mysteries series, featuring the Old Order Amish in Holmes County, Ohio. However, the focus is more on an outsider’s perspective into the Amish community. While I would classify this as Christian fiction, it is a bit darker than typical Amish novels. There was a good bit of discussion about guns in this volume, containing information about specific models of firearms. Despite that, there are beautiful faith elements woven into the stories of some of the characters.

[Johnny Bennett · Rating 3 out of 5]

P.L. Gaus’s Broken English, the second installment in the Amish-Country Mysteries series, shifts the tone noticeably darker than its predecessor. While the first book leaned toward a cozy mystery, this follow-up dives into deeper moral and emotional territory, beginning with a brutal crime and concluding with weighty consequences. It remains largely non-graphic, but the thematic elements carry more intensity, pushing it beyond the comfort zone of traditional cozies.

The narrative follows Professor Michael Branden, Sheriff Bruce Robertson, and Pastor Cal Troyer as they investigate a tangled case that begins with the murder of a local woman and unravels into a web of vengeance, justice, and long-buried secrets. Each character is given room to breathe, with the standout being Ms. Raber—a well-crafted, sympathetic presence whose role adds heart to the story.

Though the mystery occasionally feels slightly contrived, the deliberate pacing and chapter structure keep the reader grounded. Gaus excels at painting a thoughtful and respectful portrait of the cultural interplay between the Amish and “English” communities, infusing the novel with both realism and depth. While the book can technically stand alone, returning readers will appreciate the developing dynamics between recurring characters.

Labeling this work as Christian Fiction is somewhat misleading—it’s more aptly described as a mystery written by a Christian author, devoid of offensive content but not overtly didactic or theological in nature. It offers thoughtful storytelling within a unique cultural setting, without leaning heavily on spiritual messaging.

Broken English is recommended for readers who enjoy character-driven mysteries, particularly those set in Amish communities. While it doesn’t quite reach the emotional resonance of the first book, it remains an engaging and worthwhile entry in the series.

[Judith · Rating 3 out of 5]

The daughter of an ex-military sniper, David Hawkins, is murdered in the small town of Millersburg, Ohio. The sheriff believes Hawkins is out for revenge when Hawkins disappears after the presumed killer is caught by a passing security guard. Professor Michael Branden, however, thinks differently. He has been talking to Pastor Caleb Troyer, who firmly believes Hawkins has given up his old ways to embrace the Amish life. He even proposed to an Amish woman and it appears the two are very much in love.

Branden decides to seek out other answers, especially to the question of who killed the journalist who was investigating Hawkins' past. What he finds out causes him to wonder what is going on here and could he be looking in the wrong direction?

It's an interesting take on a mystery, with the Amish life interwoven into the English.

[Allen Steele · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not the best mystery book I've ever read. What police do you know will tell a professor at a local college, with no background in law enforcement, about the details to the most significant case that town has ever had. It did have a few really good parts about the Amish life and the simpleness of it. Basically the last chapter. This story just happened to be set in an Amish area, not really an Amish book. It did have Amish in it, but the main characters were a professor & his wife, an Ex-CIA operative, an Ex-Army Sniper, a fugitive, the Sheriff & his deputy's.

[Sally Woodard · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in Ohio Amish Mystery series that I have read. I enjoyed the first one, Blood of the Prodigal, and so I tried this one.
I liked Broken English even more. It was fast moving and had me very interested and I didn't want to put it down.
I like the characters and their interactions. The description of location is good, I really feel like I can picture the location.
I will not rush out to get book #3, but, I suspect that I will read it someday in the next year.

[Mary Baker · Rating 3 out of 5]

This novel is a good read if you like mysteries, good clean stories without objectionable language and minus unnecessary sex scenes. The same three men, childhood friends, are in this book as in the first book of the series. They work together to solve a mysterious killing. I found it provided good, safe escape.

[Lori · Rating 2 out of 5]

I needed a quick read cleanser after spending way too much time and energy on a LONG science fiction. An Amish mystery sounded right. But in its own way it was as tedious. There was way too much detail about weapons, confusing use of first and surnames, a curious move into present tense each time the geography was described, and didactic in tone. Maybe third time will be the charm.

[Theresa Lacko · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good read, but not great.

I enjoyed this book and enjoyed learning more about the Amish. I'm just used to a little more danger and excitement, but still looking forward to the next book in the series.

[Johazel Ehnes · Rating 1 out of 5]

The author goes in too many directions with is "Dragnet" format. I like to read a story that keeps with the plot. This was the 2nd book I read in this series and plan to return it along with the next 3 in the series unread.

[Steve · Rating 5 out of 5]

An interesting story set in the Ohio Amish country. A rapist is let out of prison and goes on a bit of a killing spree until he is "randomly" caught by a retired security guard after killing the daughter of an SF sniper who has converted to the Amish faith.

[Barbara Schweitzer · Rating 2 out of 5]

Sorry but this was a waste of time. I have been re-reading all of Linda Castillo's wonderful Amish mysteries and they are far superior to this one. The writing is plodding and Amish country is just a setting, not a character.

[Alex Schweitzer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wouldn’t call it a literary masterpiece, but it was an entertaining crime mystery novel. The Amish theme was hardly a main running part of the book, but did supply an interesting sub-setting for the story. A quick and engaging read overall.

[Brenda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Based in an Amish community in PA, this follows the investigation into the death of a young woman, the apprehension of the apparent killer and the suspicion that retribution is at hand. Not all is as it seems and there's an interesting plot twist at the end.

[Jill · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF - I read/skimmed through the first book in this series. I thought I would give the send book a chance. I just did not like and couldn't get into the plot.

[Pat · Rating 4 out of 5]

The peaceful world of Millersburg, Ohio is rocked by a murder. Three friends who should trust each other don't. The ending is not what you expect!

[steven souder · Rating 4 out of 5]

A pretty good who done it.

My first of the series. Good action and we'll worth the time. I suppose the Amish community has it's share of things that go bad

[Maureen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Liking this series more and more ...

[Rosa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amish convert has secret past. Totally immersed in the Amish. Great mystery.

[Marjorie W · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read that makes you think about the real meaning of right and wrong…..

[Anna Nolley · Rating 1 out of 5]

Good book but had to return the book in the middle. It stopped playing.

[Kathryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very good book. Was sad when the reporter passes. The professor was as good as ever. Like this author so far.