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The Brotherhood of the Raven #2
Vanish in Plain Sight
Since she was a little girl, Marisa Angelo has been haunted by the image of her mother walking away, suitcase in hand, to return to her Amish roots.
Marisa and her "Englischer" father never saw or heard from her again. Now Marisa has received a shocking call from police. Her mother's bloodstained suitcase was found hidden inside the wall of a Pennsylvania Dutch farmhouse.
Desperate for answers, Marisa heads to Lancaster County. But no one—not the police or Marisa's tight-lipped Amish relatives—can explain what happened to her mother.
Only one man is as determined as Marisa to unravel the mystery—Link Morgan, the handsome ex-military loner who found the suitcase in the house he inherited from his uncle. Now both Link's and Marisa's family members are implicated in the decades-old disappearance.
The secret lies somewhere in the quaint Amish settlement. But someone will do anything to ensure the truth remains hidden forever.
Marisa and her "Englischer" father never saw or heard from her again. Now Marisa has received a shocking call from police. Her mother's bloodstained suitcase was found hidden inside the wall of a Pennsylvania Dutch farmhouse.
Desperate for answers, Marisa heads to Lancaster County. But no one—not the police or Marisa's tight-lipped Amish relatives—can explain what happened to her mother.
Only one man is as determined as Marisa to unravel the mystery—Link Morgan, the handsome ex-military loner who found the suitcase in the house he inherited from his uncle. Now both Link's and Marisa's family members are implicated in the decades-old disappearance.
The secret lies somewhere in the quaint Amish settlement. But someone will do anything to ensure the truth remains hidden forever.
376 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2011
About the author
Marta Perry
196 books740 followersMarta Perry is a Pennsylvania-based author of over 35 novels, many of them inspirational romances. She uses her rural Pennsylvania life and her Pennsylvania Dutch heritage in writing her books, especially in her Pleasant Valley Amish series for Berkley Books and her new Amish-set suspense series for HQN Books.
Marta and her husband live in a centuries-old farmhouse in a quiet central Pennsylvania valley. They have three grown children and six beautiful grandchildren, and when she's not busy writing her next book, she's usually trying to keep up with her gardening, baking for church events, or visiting those beautiful grandkids.
Marta and her husband live in a centuries-old farmhouse in a quiet central Pennsylvania valley. They have three grown children and six beautiful grandchildren, and when she's not busy writing her next book, she's usually trying to keep up with her gardening, baking for church events, or visiting those beautiful grandkids.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 114 reviews
May 18, 2011
A LASR 'BEST BOOK'!
Some books are so good you find yourself recommending them as you’re reading them. Vanish in Plain Sight is like that. Marta Perry caught me with the blurb and held on tight through the entire book with characters so well rounded I’d swear they were real. Even minor characters with walk on roles were clearly people rather than cutouts. The Amish community is a character with a personality, and many of the characters were members of that community. There isn’t an Amish community where I live, so I’ve never had experience with them outside of books. Their solid, conservative, communit-minded, faith-filled view of life was refreshing. Marisa’s lack of familiarity with the culture made learning about the Amish easy for the reader.
Marta Perry has a knack for organic writing. Information flows naturally. The plot develops logically. The reader learns about the Amish culture and follows the clues effortlessly. Stereotypes were explored and explained so organically, so naturally, that it wasn’t until I was about to write this review that I realized how much I’d learned. The mystery is fascinatingly revealed one piece at a time so it feels as if the reader and the characters discover things together.
Both Link and Marisa are both strong and weak in turn. Both have baggage, know they have baggage, and are working through some of the bags, but have accepted that other bags will be with them forever. Like real people. Their personal histories are part of the characters, not something put into the story to add depth. The romance between Link and Marisa is the most natural thing. It’s chemistry with respect and maturity—true emotional connection instead of lust. Their growing affection is simultaneously longed for and rejected, unexpected yet unavoidable. Yet, despite the genre, the ending didn’t feel like a given.
In a word, this book was captivating. It was also satisfying. Okay, that’s two words. Captivating and satisfying. I am so glad I was the one who got to review this book. I’ll be suggesting this title for my book club once it’s out in print.
originally posted at http://longandshortreviews.blogspot.c...
Some books are so good you find yourself recommending them as you’re reading them. Vanish in Plain Sight is like that. Marta Perry caught me with the blurb and held on tight through the entire book with characters so well rounded I’d swear they were real. Even minor characters with walk on roles were clearly people rather than cutouts. The Amish community is a character with a personality, and many of the characters were members of that community. There isn’t an Amish community where I live, so I’ve never had experience with them outside of books. Their solid, conservative, communit-minded, faith-filled view of life was refreshing. Marisa’s lack of familiarity with the culture made learning about the Amish easy for the reader.
Marta Perry has a knack for organic writing. Information flows naturally. The plot develops logically. The reader learns about the Amish culture and follows the clues effortlessly. Stereotypes were explored and explained so organically, so naturally, that it wasn’t until I was about to write this review that I realized how much I’d learned. The mystery is fascinatingly revealed one piece at a time so it feels as if the reader and the characters discover things together.
Both Link and Marisa are both strong and weak in turn. Both have baggage, know they have baggage, and are working through some of the bags, but have accepted that other bags will be with them forever. Like real people. Their personal histories are part of the characters, not something put into the story to add depth. The romance between Link and Marisa is the most natural thing. It’s chemistry with respect and maturity—true emotional connection instead of lust. Their growing affection is simultaneously longed for and rejected, unexpected yet unavoidable. Yet, despite the genre, the ending didn’t feel like a given.
In a word, this book was captivating. It was also satisfying. Okay, that’s two words. Captivating and satisfying. I am so glad I was the one who got to review this book. I’ll be suggesting this title for my book club once it’s out in print.
originally posted at http://longandshortreviews.blogspot.c...
June 23, 2017
Link Morgan has been gone from Lancaster County for several years and is home after serving time in the Army immediately after college. His family owns several businesses in Lancaster County that his brother Trey has been running since the death of their father. Link wants nothing to do with the family business and plans to be in town only long enough to remodel the house that his uncle left him in his will. When he discovers a suitcase hidden in the wall that appears to have blood on it, the local township police chief is called in. Inside the suitcase are some Amish clothing, including a prayer kapp and a picture of a woman and a little girl. It is decided that the suitcase belongs to Barbara Angelo, a woman who left the Amish community to marry an Englischer. But since then, Barbara left her husband and daughter and has been missing for years. Barbara worked as a housekeeper for Link and Trey's uncle before she disappeared.
Marisa Angelo can't believe it when Adam Byler, police chief, called her to let her know that her mother's suitcase had been found in the wall of the house where she worked. Her father is off traveling around in an RV and she can't get in touch with him. She doesn't remember her mother but her father Russ has always told her that her mother left to go back to her Amish family in Indiana. He and Marisa left Lancaster County after his wife left them. Over the years, Marisa has tried to get in touch with her relatives to find out about her mother but they were not very helpful. While in Lancaster County, Marisa keeps hitting dead ends with the Amish. No one will talk to her about her mother. She does finally connect with a cousin of her mother's. Link doesn't want to think that his uncle could be involved. It seems that there was friction between Barbara and an old suitor as well as a cousin. But as she and Link continue to investigate, someone wants the mystery to stay hidden and will do whatever it takes to stop Marisa from finding the truth.
This is Amish suspense that will keep you glued to the pages--typical of Marta Perry novels.
Marisa Angelo can't believe it when Adam Byler, police chief, called her to let her know that her mother's suitcase had been found in the wall of the house where she worked. Her father is off traveling around in an RV and she can't get in touch with him. She doesn't remember her mother but her father Russ has always told her that her mother left to go back to her Amish family in Indiana. He and Marisa left Lancaster County after his wife left them. Over the years, Marisa has tried to get in touch with her relatives to find out about her mother but they were not very helpful. While in Lancaster County, Marisa keeps hitting dead ends with the Amish. No one will talk to her about her mother. She does finally connect with a cousin of her mother's. Link doesn't want to think that his uncle could be involved. It seems that there was friction between Barbara and an old suitor as well as a cousin. But as she and Link continue to investigate, someone wants the mystery to stay hidden and will do whatever it takes to stop Marisa from finding the truth.
This is Amish suspense that will keep you glued to the pages--typical of Marta Perry novels.
August 14, 2021
Vanish in Plain Sight by Martha Perry is the second book in the Brotherhood of the Raven series. Link Morgan was renovating his uncle’s house that he inherited, when he found a suitcase hidden in between the walls. The police discovered it belonged to Barbara Angelo, a former Amish woman, who had disappeared twenty-three years earlier. They contacted Marisa Angelo, her daughter, and notified her of the discovery. Marisa immediately came to the Lancaster community to try to learn what this find meant. This is a suspenseful story and needs to be read after the first book since spoilers are present about what transpired in the first book. This is a 5-star mystery and I highly recommend this to Marta Perry fans.
February 5, 2020
I found the writing stilted to start with but once I got used to it I found the story flowed quite easily. Likeable characters and an intriguing mystery.
January 5, 2021
Love Marta Perry
This is an excellent second Book in this trilogy. Perry is a master character writer. I need to go buy book three now.
This is an excellent second Book in this trilogy. Perry is a master character writer. I need to go buy book three now.
June 12, 2011
Link Morgan has returned to his home and family in Lancaster County. Link has inherited his uncle’s old farmhouse and is in the process of preparing the property for sale. Link is planning to sell the farm and move. Link is knocking down the paneling in a later addition to the farmhouse and discovers an old stained and battered suitcase concealed in the wall. The suitcase contains women’s clothing, including an Amish woman’s black apron and a white prayer kapp. The suitcase also included a photograph of a woman and child. The child is about four or five years old. Link contacts the Spring Township police. The police arrive and take possession of the suitcase.
One of the officers recognizes the woman as Barbara Angelo. Barbara was an Amish woman who came to town to visit relatives. Barbara met and fell in love with Russ Angelo. The couple married and had a daughter, Marisa. The town gossip spread around that Barbara could no longer live in peace away from her Amish family and had gone home to them leaving her husband and her daughter.
Marisa Angelo had grown into a beautiful woman and is very successful as an illustrator of children’s books. When Marisa was contacted by the police, she returned to claim her mother’s suitcase and try to find out what had really happened to her mother. The Amish in the area were not willing to discuss the matter with her. It is only with the help of Link’s mother and Link’s family that she finally began to piece together what really happened so many years ago when she had lost her mother.
The main flaw that I found in the book was the fact that Barbara found herself in danger when she overheard a meeting that was taking place at Link’s Uncle’s home but the purpose of that meeting was never revealed in the book. Overall, the book was an enjoyable read.
One of the officers recognizes the woman as Barbara Angelo. Barbara was an Amish woman who came to town to visit relatives. Barbara met and fell in love with Russ Angelo. The couple married and had a daughter, Marisa. The town gossip spread around that Barbara could no longer live in peace away from her Amish family and had gone home to them leaving her husband and her daughter.
Marisa Angelo had grown into a beautiful woman and is very successful as an illustrator of children’s books. When Marisa was contacted by the police, she returned to claim her mother’s suitcase and try to find out what had really happened to her mother. The Amish in the area were not willing to discuss the matter with her. It is only with the help of Link’s mother and Link’s family that she finally began to piece together what really happened so many years ago when she had lost her mother.
The main flaw that I found in the book was the fact that Barbara found herself in danger when she overheard a meeting that was taking place at Link’s Uncle’s home but the purpose of that meeting was never revealed in the book. Overall, the book was an enjoyable read.
May 19, 2011
This book blew me away! It’s such a good murder mystery, and as I am highly intrigued by the Amish lifestyle, this was the perfect novel for me. Perry is an extremely talented writer and I was drawn into the story from the very first page. I couldn’t put it down, and I ended up reading the entire book in one sitting! The prose, the dialogue, the characters, the mystery… it’s all beautifully written, and I can’t get over how wonderful the novel really is.
Perry is a fantastic writer and the amount of research she puts into her novels is amazing. Her facts and information pertaining to the Amish was eye opening, and the prose is beautiful. The story was very fast paced, and at one point or another, every character seemed a suspect, and I loved how much action and how fast paced the story really was. Usually I have an inkling as to who the responsible parties are within a mystery novel, but Perry does a phenomenal job keeping the reader guessing, and I was flabbergasted by the reveal—I never saw it coming. Although the novel is close to four hundred pages, it doesn’t feel like such a long read—Perry keeps the novel shrouded in suspense and mystery and I was so wrapped up in it that time just flew by as I read.
To read my full review (5/25):
http://bookvacations.wordpress.com/20...
Perry is a fantastic writer and the amount of research she puts into her novels is amazing. Her facts and information pertaining to the Amish was eye opening, and the prose is beautiful. The story was very fast paced, and at one point or another, every character seemed a suspect, and I loved how much action and how fast paced the story really was. Usually I have an inkling as to who the responsible parties are within a mystery novel, but Perry does a phenomenal job keeping the reader guessing, and I was flabbergasted by the reveal—I never saw it coming. Although the novel is close to four hundred pages, it doesn’t feel like such a long read—Perry keeps the novel shrouded in suspense and mystery and I was so wrapped up in it that time just flew by as I read.
To read my full review (5/25):
http://bookvacations.wordpress.com/20...
August 23, 2011
At first let me say that I was a little afraid to read this because it is published by Harlequin and when I was younger I used to read some books from Harlequin and it seemed they were all the same with different names and places. Well, I learned a great lesson from this book, Harlequin is not what it used to be.
Now, I love books about the Amish so that is what prompted me to get this book to review and I am glad that I did because I couldn't put it down. It wasn't as much about the Amish as I thought but it did have an Amish background but it really didn't matter because it was a great book anyway.
Marisa Angelo had quite a life growing up without her mother and having to deal with the fact that she believed that she left her and her father and that she did not want her. That is a lot for a child to deal with. I do have to admit that this story didn't really go where I expected it to go but that is good because then I don't think the book would have been quite as great!!
You can see my complete review at: http://lovemy2dogs.blogspot.com/2011/...
Marta Perry
Now, I love books about the Amish so that is what prompted me to get this book to review and I am glad that I did because I couldn't put it down. It wasn't as much about the Amish as I thought but it did have an Amish background but it really didn't matter because it was a great book anyway.
Marisa Angelo had quite a life growing up without her mother and having to deal with the fact that she believed that she left her and her father and that she did not want her. That is a lot for a child to deal with. I do have to admit that this story didn't really go where I expected it to go but that is good because then I don't think the book would have been quite as great!!
You can see my complete review at: http://lovemy2dogs.blogspot.com/2011/...
Marta Perry
August 17, 2011
This is the second mystery book that I've read by this author. Great writing and will definitely read any other books that she writes. Very suspenseful!
Read
December 2, 2012Good lil book, lots of suspense
May 27, 2017
As I mentioned in a previous review, sometime after the first book in this series, Linda Castillo learned how to write and craft a good mystery novel. In this book, Kate Burkholder is investigating a crime from the past while dealing with the aftermath of a killer tornado that sweeps through town. As always she is surrounded by her staff, and, of course, Ohio Bureau of Investigation John Tomasetti.
My big problem with this book is that things just got wrapped up to tidily at the end, leaving some questions.
SPOILER ALERT!!!
1. What were the feral hogs doing in the old barn on the Amish farm? Who put them there? Why?
2. It was obvious that the baby who Kate rescued during the tornado would end up having been killed through child abuse, because it is absolutely unthinkable that Kate, through her actions would kill a child. It might have added to the suspense had it been one of the other police officers who rescued the baby and was then accused of causing her death. Not only would that have opened the possibility of the accusation being true, but then it would have been interesting to watch Kate try to sort through the various threads and decide whether or not to support her own police officer.
3. And the ending of that story was much too abrupt. At the very least, I would like to have seen the mother's dad confronted with the truth, and probably the mother as well.
4. Even the ending to the murder story was rushed. There has to be some kind of impact on the Amish community in finding out that a murderer had not only lived among them for so many years, but had pretended to be completely disabled. Other people had to have known that he could actually walk and talk? Sorting through those issues would be very interesting and tell a much more in depth story.
As it is, this is an okay genre mystery, but I'd like to see Castillo take it a little deeper and explore the repercussions of the various actions.
My big problem with this book is that things just got wrapped up to tidily at the end, leaving some questions.
SPOILER ALERT!!!
1. What were the feral hogs doing in the old barn on the Amish farm? Who put them there? Why?
2. It was obvious that the baby who Kate rescued during the tornado would end up having been killed through child abuse, because it is absolutely unthinkable that Kate, through her actions would kill a child. It might have added to the suspense had it been one of the other police officers who rescued the baby and was then accused of causing her death. Not only would that have opened the possibility of the accusation being true, but then it would have been interesting to watch Kate try to sort through the various threads and decide whether or not to support her own police officer.
3. And the ending of that story was much too abrupt. At the very least, I would like to have seen the mother's dad confronted with the truth, and probably the mother as well.
4. Even the ending to the murder story was rushed. There has to be some kind of impact on the Amish community in finding out that a murderer had not only lived among them for so many years, but had pretended to be completely disabled. Other people had to have known that he could actually walk and talk? Sorting through those issues would be very interesting and tell a much more in depth story.
As it is, this is an okay genre mystery, but I'd like to see Castillo take it a little deeper and explore the repercussions of the various actions.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 4, 2023
This Amish adjacent read will grab any mystery lover. It also offers a different look at Amish culture thats quite intriguing. However, I don't think the romance was very strong. You want the best for this couple and it's clear that it's each other. So, you do root for them and want more. Secondly this included my least favorite trope, nag until I care. I much prefer when the hero agrees to help because he believes in the heroine and/or her cause. What I got was respectful reluctance. And the heroine got to be self righteous about it all. Without ever having to understand the Amish or the larger dynamics of the community. But you want her to know what happened to her mother. So you root for something to break. This was truly a good mystery.
February 28, 2020
Awesome book! This is the second in the series , you don’t need to necessarily the first one , however it makes more sense if you start at the beginning! I love the mystery in this book - just as the last one I couldn’t figure out who “dun it “ till the end!!’ Loved the mix of love, Amish culture and mystery ‘ looking forward to the next one !
May 8, 2020
A good mystery
This was my first Marta Perry mystery. I can honestly say it was a well crafted story and held my attention. Even though I had not read Book 1, it was easy to get into the story.
This mystery was filled with suspense, clues and kept the readers attention.
I will definitely try another book by this author.
This was my first Marta Perry mystery. I can honestly say it was a well crafted story and held my attention. Even though I had not read Book 1, it was easy to get into the story.
This mystery was filled with suspense, clues and kept the readers attention.
I will definitely try another book by this author.
July 13, 2017
Vanish in Plain Sight was a terrific book. I enjoyed the plot and the characters. I always enjoy this author's books. The Brotherhood of the Raven was a good series. I read them out of order but that didn't cause any confusion. I highly recommend this book.
August 22, 2018
The second book in this series is just as exciting as the first. The author continues the thread of an old brotherhood in this story. How far is the truth buried? Looking forward to the third book, now.
December 29, 2019
Totally out of my genre reading....good storyline, good character development but the ending sucked! I guess the author was getting tired of chasing around the Amish village. Mmmmm, maybe I will read another.
June 18, 2020
Was very enjoyable reading clean mystery
story was filled with mystery, sadness love &forgiveness Was nice when the Bishop helped, Surprise ending. Recommended for serious readers ,🏠
story was filled with mystery, sadness love &forgiveness Was nice when the Bishop helped, Surprise ending. Recommended for serious readers ,🏠
July 8, 2017
A quick read with lots of mystery and romantic angst.
October 23, 2018
Slow story. Very difficult to keep my attention
July 22, 2018
The second book in this series is just as enjoyable as the first. I love the Amish setting. Good mystery.
May 2, 2019
Enjoyed this suspenseful tale with engaging characters, a unique plot and a great mystery to solve. Glad I took a chance on this one. Happy reading/listening!
July 1, 2019
Very good Amish whodunnit!!
July 13, 2019
Awesome
I love this book. Very suspenseful story. Made me not want to leave the book down. I expected it to be much like the other Amish suspense novels I read, but it was not.
I love this book. Very suspenseful story. Made me not want to leave the book down. I expected it to be much like the other Amish suspense novels I read, but it was not.
September 10, 2019
When mystery meets romance in Amish country you get: Vanish in Plain Sight. Always engaging though I preferred the first in the series 3.5⭐
Read
September 2, 2020Love it
Very good turning points. You never know what is coming next. Did not want to put it down once I started
Very good turning points. You never know what is coming next. Did not want to put it down once I started
November 7, 2020
Good crime mystery. 30 year old mystery about an Amish woman who disappeared leaving a 5year old. As an adult the girl finally gets some clues that could put her in danger.
December 21, 2020
A good read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 114 reviews