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Amish Quilt Shop Mystery #1
Murder, Plain and Simple
First in a new series!
When Angela Braddock inherits her late aunt’s beautiful Amish quilt shop, she leaves behind her career and broken engagement for a fresh start in Holmes County, Ohio.
With her snazzy cowboy boots and her ornithophobic French bulldog, Angie doesn’t exactly fit in with the predominantly Amish community in Rolling Brook, but her aunt’s quilting circle tries to make her feel welcome as she prepares for the reopening of Running Stitch.
On the big day, Angie gets a taste of success as the locals and Englisch tourists browse the store’s wares while the quilters stitch away. But when Angie finds the body of ornery Amish woodworker Joseph in her storeroom the next morning, everything starts falling apart.
With evidence mounting against her, Angie is determined to find the culprit before the local sheriff can arrest her. Rolling Brook always appeared to be a simple place, but the closer Angie gets to the killer, the more she realizes that nothing in the small Amish community is as plain as it seems....
When Angela Braddock inherits her late aunt’s beautiful Amish quilt shop, she leaves behind her career and broken engagement for a fresh start in Holmes County, Ohio.
With her snazzy cowboy boots and her ornithophobic French bulldog, Angie doesn’t exactly fit in with the predominantly Amish community in Rolling Brook, but her aunt’s quilting circle tries to make her feel welcome as she prepares for the reopening of Running Stitch.
On the big day, Angie gets a taste of success as the locals and Englisch tourists browse the store’s wares while the quilters stitch away. But when Angie finds the body of ornery Amish woodworker Joseph in her storeroom the next morning, everything starts falling apart.
With evidence mounting against her, Angie is determined to find the culprit before the local sheriff can arrest her. Rolling Brook always appeared to be a simple place, but the closer Angie gets to the killer, the more she realizes that nothing in the small Amish community is as plain as it seems....
347 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published September 3, 2013
211 people are currently reading
2428 people want to read
About the author
Isabella Alan
7 books332 followersIsabella Alan is the pseudonym for Amanda Flower, an Agatha-nominated mystery author, started her writing career in elementary school when she read a story she wrote to her sixth grade class and had the class in stitches with her description of being stuck on the top of a Ferris wheel. She knew at that moment she’d found her calling of making people laugh with her words. Her debut mystery, Maid of Murder, was an Agatha Award Nominee for Best First Novel. Amanda is an academic librarian for a small college near Cleveland.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 277 reviews
February 27, 2022
This book was written years ago but it is my first time reading it. Murder, Plain and Simple is book one of the Amish Quilt Shop Mystery series. I enjoyed this mystery and loved that it was a blend of Amish and non Amish characters. I was quickly swept into the mystery and found it to be baffling and hard to solve. I was unable to guess who the murderer was. The author kept readers guessing until the end of the book. I found the book to be entertaining, unpredictable and easy-to-read . I listened to an audio version of this book and the narrator Cris Dukehart did an excellent job with changing her voice for the different characters.
When Angie Bradic’s fiancé Ryan Dickerson called off their wedding she packed up her things and moved herself and her dog Oliver to Holmes County Ohio. Her Amish Aunt Eleanor had recently passed away and had left her quilting shop ,The Running Stitch , to Angie. Unknowingly Angie had stepped into the middle of a dispute with a disgruntled Amish man about who really owned the Running Stitch Shop. The deed for the shop was missing and without it there wasn’t any proof as to who the real owner of the shop was.
Joseph Walker was old order Amish and he didn’t approve of the English people moving into town and opening shops along the Main Street. He felt that the Amish people would eventually lose their identity if they blended with the NonAmish people. He wasn’t well liked by the English shop owners because of his attitude and his outspokenness to anyone who wasn’t Amish. As Angie and Joseph took up the ongoing argument over who owned the shop and the search for the missing deed escalated tension was at an all time high . Then as she opened the shop early one morning she found Joseph in the storage room lying in a pool of his own blood. It was murder plain and simple and Angie was the prime suspect because it happened in her shop and she had discovered his body. The motive was their argument over who was the rightful owner of the shop . Angie must investigate this murder on her own if she didn’t want to be measured for a orange prison outfit. There were plenty of other people in town who had motive enough to want Joseph Walker dead. All Angie needed to do was find out whodunnit.
I recommend this book to readers of Cozy Mystery and Amish fiction.
When Angie Bradic’s fiancé Ryan Dickerson called off their wedding she packed up her things and moved herself and her dog Oliver to Holmes County Ohio. Her Amish Aunt Eleanor had recently passed away and had left her quilting shop ,The Running Stitch , to Angie. Unknowingly Angie had stepped into the middle of a dispute with a disgruntled Amish man about who really owned the Running Stitch Shop. The deed for the shop was missing and without it there wasn’t any proof as to who the real owner of the shop was.
Joseph Walker was old order Amish and he didn’t approve of the English people moving into town and opening shops along the Main Street. He felt that the Amish people would eventually lose their identity if they blended with the NonAmish people. He wasn’t well liked by the English shop owners because of his attitude and his outspokenness to anyone who wasn’t Amish. As Angie and Joseph took up the ongoing argument over who owned the shop and the search for the missing deed escalated tension was at an all time high . Then as she opened the shop early one morning she found Joseph in the storage room lying in a pool of his own blood. It was murder plain and simple and Angie was the prime suspect because it happened in her shop and she had discovered his body. The motive was their argument over who was the rightful owner of the shop . Angie must investigate this murder on her own if she didn’t want to be measured for a orange prison outfit. There were plenty of other people in town who had motive enough to want Joseph Walker dead. All Angie needed to do was find out whodunnit.
I recommend this book to readers of Cozy Mystery and Amish fiction.
January 10, 2016
Three and a half stars.
This is a cute read. Angie Braddock moves from Texas, when she inherits a quilt shop from her Amish aunt. Not everyone in Rolling Brook is happy that a non-Amish person has inherited Running Stitch. Not everyone agrees the shop belongs to Angie. Joseph Walker an Amish woodworker insists the shop is his. They need to find the deed to prove who owns the shop. But it seems to be missing. When the murder of Joseph Walker occurs one night after the shop is closed. Angie becomes a prime suspect.
I liked the character of Angie and I also liked Oliver, her French bulldog who is afraid of birds. That added an amusing touch to the story. The cast of characters are well drawn and interesting. There is a hint of a love interest which I suspect may develop in later books. As in any murder mystery, there are several red herrings designed to try and lead the reader away from the real culprit until the end. I wasn't totally convinced about the ending.
Not being a quilter or a craft person at all, I ignored the Amish Quilting Tips at the end. I also avoided reading the preview of the next book in the series, not became I won’t read it but because I don’t like reading previews. I’d rather wait till I can get my hands on the book. This is the first book in a cosy mystery series and I think it is likely I will check out some others.
This is a cute read. Angie Braddock moves from Texas, when she inherits a quilt shop from her Amish aunt. Not everyone in Rolling Brook is happy that a non-Amish person has inherited Running Stitch. Not everyone agrees the shop belongs to Angie. Joseph Walker an Amish woodworker insists the shop is his. They need to find the deed to prove who owns the shop. But it seems to be missing. When the murder of Joseph Walker occurs one night after the shop is closed. Angie becomes a prime suspect.
I liked the character of Angie and I also liked Oliver, her French bulldog who is afraid of birds. That added an amusing touch to the story. The cast of characters are well drawn and interesting. There is a hint of a love interest which I suspect may develop in later books. As in any murder mystery, there are several red herrings designed to try and lead the reader away from the real culprit until the end. I wasn't totally convinced about the ending.
Not being a quilter or a craft person at all, I ignored the Amish Quilting Tips at the end. I also avoided reading the preview of the next book in the series, not became I won’t read it but because I don’t like reading previews. I’d rather wait till I can get my hands on the book. This is the first book in a cosy mystery series and I think it is likely I will check out some others.
April 24, 2021
This book is another Amish cozy mystery by Isabella Alan. ( aka Amanda Flowers) the 1st book in series. Angie inherits her Amish Aunt's quilting shop Running Stitch. Her and her Frenchie dog Oliver he was scared of birds (ornithophibia) went to Ohio( in Amish County) from Texas. Her ex fiancee Ryan said he needed to find himself after 6 years together. Martha was Angie aunt's business partner and welcomed Angie to Running Stiched. A Amish named Joseph owned a woodworking shop right by Angie new quilt shop. When Angie saw Joseph he was very mean. Come to find out he did not like Englishners and he told Angie that the deed was in his family for Angie shop and it was his. Other people were very nice. A reporter Danny was wanting to get the inside scoop on Angie. The Miller's owned a Bake shop that they made a humongous donut for Angie and then they made more and they sold like hot cakes. Love Amish cozy mysteries. Isabella make it very interesting how Amish people live and have total faith in God. Will keep on reading this series. I Loved other Amish series she has wrote. About Bailey her Amish grandma wonderful plots both series
December 9, 2020
2.5 stars
The clientele are mostly Amish, and while some are welcoming...others? Not so much.
With fingers pointing everywhere, Angela needs to do something (and fast!) to clear her name!
First off - kudos to this book for being the only book that's ever seriously used this phrase: "She's not the only one with a watermelon motive."
Second off - I have not met a more dense main character in a long, long time.
The book started off decently enough.
Angela Braddock and her cute little frenchie move into the new community and pick up the shop. But then...the murder happens.
A cute police officer takes her statement and does a standard set of questioning to her.
TO which, Angela interprets as him believing she's the murderer...and then the rest of the book consists of her trying to find the REAL murderer.
It just got...really ridiculous...considering how hard Angela tried to "prove" her innocence and how all of her efforts just made her so dang suspicious.
It got old...fast.
And what does Angela do?
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In my everlasting effort to find a good - nay, a great - Amish love story...I find myself here. Sigh.
On the heels of my broken engagement, I learned I'd inherited my Amish aunt's quilt shop, Running StitchAngela Braddock is ready for a restart - so she leaves her career, her ex-fiance and her old home and sets off to Holmes County, Ohio to take over a quilt shop.
The clientele are mostly Amish, and while some are welcoming...others? Not so much.
"You'll be gone soon enough..."People aside, Angela soon learns that she has a much, much bigger problem.
"What do you mean, you can't find it?"The deed to her inherited shop is missing and then...the one person who loudly contests that...winds up dead. In her shop.
With fingers pointing everywhere, Angela needs to do something (and fast!) to clear her name!
First off - kudos to this book for being the only book that's ever seriously used this phrase: "She's not the only one with a watermelon motive."
Second off - I have not met a more dense main character in a long, long time.
The book started off decently enough.
Angela Braddock and her cute little frenchie move into the new community and pick up the shop. But then...the murder happens.
A cute police officer takes her statement and does a standard set of questioning to her.
TO which, Angela interprets as him believing she's the murderer...and then the rest of the book consists of her trying to find the REAL murderer.
It just got...really ridiculous...considering how hard Angela tried to "prove" her innocence and how all of her efforts just made her so dang suspicious.
It got old...fast.
And what does Angela do?
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July 16, 2016
This is the first in the Amish Quilt Mystery Series, and what a delightful, cozy read it was.
Angie Bradock inherits her aunt's quilt shop in Ohio. After a failed marriage engagement in Texas, Angie believes this inheritance is a sign from God. This should be a happy time for Angie, but she soon finds that Joseph, the ornery Amish woodworker next door, claims ownership of the quilt shop and wants Angie out. The morning after the grand reopening, Angie finds Joseph has been murdered in her storeroom. Angie decides she must clear her name and find the killer.
The Amish culture is very interesting and unique. The author does a good job of mixing the Amish and Englisch ways of life in her story. The characters are entertaining and fun, and I enjoyed getting to know them. I especially loved Angie's companion, the bird-phobic French bulldog, Oliver. So funny! He truly was the star here.
If you're a fan of Amish mysteries, or cozies, you will enjoy spending time with Angie and her friends. This was a quick, light read, and it kept me guessing until the end- which is how a cozy murder mystery should be.
Angie Bradock inherits her aunt's quilt shop in Ohio. After a failed marriage engagement in Texas, Angie believes this inheritance is a sign from God. This should be a happy time for Angie, but she soon finds that Joseph, the ornery Amish woodworker next door, claims ownership of the quilt shop and wants Angie out. The morning after the grand reopening, Angie finds Joseph has been murdered in her storeroom. Angie decides she must clear her name and find the killer.
The Amish culture is very interesting and unique. The author does a good job of mixing the Amish and Englisch ways of life in her story. The characters are entertaining and fun, and I enjoyed getting to know them. I especially loved Angie's companion, the bird-phobic French bulldog, Oliver. So funny! He truly was the star here.
If you're a fan of Amish mysteries, or cozies, you will enjoy spending time with Angie and her friends. This was a quick, light read, and it kept me guessing until the end- which is how a cozy murder mystery should be.
March 22, 2020
I just knew I'd love this series as much as I do the Amish Candy Shop seeing how it's by the same author using a pen name. This is an older series that I'd been wanting to start for a long time now, and I'm so glad I did! It definitely didn't take long for me to get completely immersed in this small Amish town and its awesome characters. I just love little Oliver, Angie's French bulldog who was excited about getting a new little kitten as a sibling. Poor little guy was afraid of nearly everything, but at least he liked cats.
I hadn't quite guessed the killer, so I just read while it played out. The showdown was quick but effective. I know this was a limited series that's ended, but I can't wait to read the next book to see how things progress between Angie and the sheriff as well as how a new competitor works out.
I hadn't quite guessed the killer, so I just read while it played out. The showdown was quick but effective. I know this was a limited series that's ended, but I can't wait to read the next book to see how things progress between Angie and the sheriff as well as how a new competitor works out.
August 1, 2019
Angie moves from Dallas to Ohio's Amish country when she inherits her Amish aunt's quilt shop. The small Holmes County town where it is located consists mostly of Amish-owned businesses, and some people, including the woman who managed the shop while her aunt's health failed, want to keep it that way. When the man next door who tries to lay claim to shop's deed turns up dead in the shop's storeroom, Angie feels she needs to do a little investigating to keep herself out of jail. This first in the series is full of engaging characters who will keep readers coming back for more. Her dog, a "Frenchie," fears birds of all sorts, providing some amusing moments. I listened to the audio version of the book, and it's clear neither the narrator nor the producer thought to check the pronunciation of towns in Holmes County. They consistently mispronounced Berlin, and I corrected the narrator every time she mispronounced it. I hope listeners let Tantor Media know of the problem before the second book was narrated.
May 14, 2021
I am really enjoying this series!
May 18, 2019
Angie has inherited a quilt shop from her Amish aunt, but there is a question about the actual ownership. A rather strong-minded Amish man claims that the shop belongs to him, which Angie disputes. The deed which would clear up everything can’t be found anywhere. There are arguments between the two but all that comes to a sudden stop when the Amish man is found murdered in Angie’s shop. This cozy has much to commend it. The characters are well thought out and the plot is intriguing. Even the secondary characters, especially the dog who is afraid of birds, are quite interesting. This is a very good start for what is sure to be a great series.
March 31, 2015
What a pleasant little surprise this book was. In the beginning I was not to sure but it got better as it went along I thought. A solid 3.5 stars, that is if I could give half stars but since I cannot I will round up to 4 stars. Well continue on with this series.
May 24, 2014
When Angela Braddock inherits her late aunt’s beautiful Amish quilt shop, she leaves behind her career and broken engagement for a fresh start in Holmes County, Ohio.
With her snazzy cowboy boots and her ornithophobic French bulldog, Angie doesn’t exactly fit in with the predominantly Amish community in Rolling Brook, but her aunt’s quilting circle tries to make her feel welcome as she prepares for the reopening of Running Stitch.
On the big day, Angie gets a taste of success as the locals and Englisch tourists browse the store’s wares while the quilters stitch away. But when Angie finds the body of ornery Amish woodworker Joseph in her storeroom the next morning, everything starts falling apart.
With evidence mounting against her, Angie is determined to find the culprit before the local sheriff can arrest her. Rolling Brook always appeared to be a simple place, but the closer Angie gets to the killer, the more she realizes that nothing in the small Amish community is as plain as it seems….
Dollycas’s Thoughts
I really enjoyed this debut from Isabella Alan. One of the things I miss most since my accident is not being able to create all the quilt designs in my head. It is books like this that make things a bit easier. I quilt vicariously through the characters in the book.
While our protagonist visited her Aenti often she is still an outside and an Englischer. It would take time for everyone to adjust under normal circumstances but with the question of the shop’s true ownership hanging over her head and the man questioning it dead in the store room things are far from normal. Her Aunt’s friends rally around her but there are others in the community both Amish and English that believe she really killed the man.
Alan has surrounded Angie with some great supporting characters including her dog, Ollie, who happens to be deathly afraid of birds. There are also the friends she made on those summer visits who are now all grown up and these friends really add depth to the story and maybe a bit of romance in the future. Then again her mother hopes Angie will sell the store and come back to Texas and marry the man she broke up with. We just have to wait and see what happens :)
The author has patched together quite a mystery too. There are several threads to follow before the real murder is caught and everything is all sewn up. She kept me guessing all the way.
I am very excited to read Murder, Simply Stitched. It comes out June 3 and Isabella Allen will be her for Cozy Wednesday on June 18.
With her snazzy cowboy boots and her ornithophobic French bulldog, Angie doesn’t exactly fit in with the predominantly Amish community in Rolling Brook, but her aunt’s quilting circle tries to make her feel welcome as she prepares for the reopening of Running Stitch.
On the big day, Angie gets a taste of success as the locals and Englisch tourists browse the store’s wares while the quilters stitch away. But when Angie finds the body of ornery Amish woodworker Joseph in her storeroom the next morning, everything starts falling apart.
With evidence mounting against her, Angie is determined to find the culprit before the local sheriff can arrest her. Rolling Brook always appeared to be a simple place, but the closer Angie gets to the killer, the more she realizes that nothing in the small Amish community is as plain as it seems….
Dollycas’s Thoughts
I really enjoyed this debut from Isabella Alan. One of the things I miss most since my accident is not being able to create all the quilt designs in my head. It is books like this that make things a bit easier. I quilt vicariously through the characters in the book.
While our protagonist visited her Aenti often she is still an outside and an Englischer. It would take time for everyone to adjust under normal circumstances but with the question of the shop’s true ownership hanging over her head and the man questioning it dead in the store room things are far from normal. Her Aunt’s friends rally around her but there are others in the community both Amish and English that believe she really killed the man.
Alan has surrounded Angie with some great supporting characters including her dog, Ollie, who happens to be deathly afraid of birds. There are also the friends she made on those summer visits who are now all grown up and these friends really add depth to the story and maybe a bit of romance in the future. Then again her mother hopes Angie will sell the store and come back to Texas and marry the man she broke up with. We just have to wait and see what happens :)
The author has patched together quite a mystery too. There are several threads to follow before the real murder is caught and everything is all sewn up. She kept me guessing all the way.
I am very excited to read Murder, Simply Stitched. It comes out June 3 and Isabella Allen will be her for Cozy Wednesday on June 18.
May 5, 2020
Digital Audio read by Cris Dukehart.
From the book jacket: When Angela Braddock inherits her late aunt’s beautiful Amish quilt shop, she is welcomed to Holmes County, Ohio. With her snazzy cowboy boots and her French bulldog, Angie doesn’t exactly fit in with the predominantly Amish community, but her aunt’s quilting circle makes her feel at home as she prepares for the reopening of Running Stitch. On the big day, Angie gets a taste of success as the locals and tourists browse the store’s wares while the quilters stitch away. But when Angie finds the body of ornery Amish woodworker Joseph in her storeroom, the future of Running Stitch looks bleak.
My reactions:
I found this moderately entertaining as cozy mysteries go. There’s a decent premise, and I did like Oliver (her bulldog, who is afraid of birds). Alan gives the reader the beginnings of a possible love interest, which will likely develop in subsequent books in the series. And there’s a reasonable cast of supporting characters. Of course, our heroine believes she is the number one suspect in the murder and MUST investigate on her own to prove her innocence. I know this is a common thread in cozy mysteries, but frankly, it’s really not a very plausible plot device.
Still, it held my interest and I was sufficiently entertained that I would read another in the series.
Cris Dukehart did a fine job performing the audiobook. Clear diction and a decent pace.
From the book jacket: When Angela Braddock inherits her late aunt’s beautiful Amish quilt shop, she is welcomed to Holmes County, Ohio. With her snazzy cowboy boots and her French bulldog, Angie doesn’t exactly fit in with the predominantly Amish community, but her aunt’s quilting circle makes her feel at home as she prepares for the reopening of Running Stitch. On the big day, Angie gets a taste of success as the locals and tourists browse the store’s wares while the quilters stitch away. But when Angie finds the body of ornery Amish woodworker Joseph in her storeroom, the future of Running Stitch looks bleak.
My reactions:
I found this moderately entertaining as cozy mysteries go. There’s a decent premise, and I did like Oliver (her bulldog, who is afraid of birds). Alan gives the reader the beginnings of a possible love interest, which will likely develop in subsequent books in the series. And there’s a reasonable cast of supporting characters. Of course, our heroine believes she is the number one suspect in the murder and MUST investigate on her own to prove her innocence. I know this is a common thread in cozy mysteries, but frankly, it’s really not a very plausible plot device.
Still, it held my interest and I was sufficiently entertained that I would read another in the series.
Cris Dukehart did a fine job performing the audiobook. Clear diction and a decent pace.
January 26, 2016
Angela Braddock is from Dallas, Texas but has moved to Holmes County, Ohio along with her dog, Oliver to inherit her aunt's quilting shop and just in the nick of time. Her fiance' broke off their engagement after seven years of dating and Angela needs some space to mend her broken heart. Angela was born in Holmes County but moved to Texas with her family when she was a young girl. She and her family were not Amish and neither was her aunt but she married an Amish man and became Amish. The quilting shop has been Amish as have many of the other shops in town. Because Angie is not Amish, there has been friction with a few other Amish in town. One particular unhappy shop owner wounds up dead after confronting Angie. She becomes a suspect in his murder but she sets out to find who his murderer really is since it was not her. Angela takes chances and sticks her neck into places that she shouldn't and has some close calls. I have to say that I kept guessing until the end and suspected someone else of the crimes. I want to read the next book because there is unfinished business from this first in the series.
November 3, 2015
I love anything that has to do with murder and crafts. Whether it's knitting, crocheting, needlepoint or quilting, I'm going to read it. What caught my eye was the cover. I love bright & vibrant covers. I enjoy really looking at them and seeing the details. This book had everything I love so I had to read it. I was not disappointed. Angie Braddock is getting over a broken engagement and what better way but to inherit am Amish quilt shop. Angie and her dog Oliver return to Holmes County, Ohio to take over Running Stitch. Unfortunately, not everyone is happy with an Englisher taking over an Amish shop, especially Martha, who had been running the shop and was certain she would inherit. If that isn't enough to upset Angie, here comes Joseph Walker who insists he still owns the building. Angie Braddock needs to find the deed to prove her Aunt did own the building and Angie is now the rightful owner. When Angie goes into the shop early one morning, she finds the body of Joseph Walker, dead in her store. This story is interesting and intriguing, a definite must read.
December 3, 2019
It was a really good story and page turner as well. Most of the time, I felt like I was there. The descriptions were not overdone, yet were done very well so the reader could visualize everything. Poor Oliver the dog is scared of birds and the scenes with him and the birds were hilarious! The only downside was that you were always told about Angie's aunt getting sick and dying, but you never know why or what from. Can't wait to see what happens next.
August 3, 2013
Isabella Alan asked via Facebook, if anyone wanted an advance reader Netgalley copy of Murder, Plain and Simple and of course I jumped at the chance. Anytime you can you experience one of your favorite authors for free, why wouldn't you?
Murder, Plain and Simple introduces us to Angie and her dog Ollie. Angie is taking over her aunt's quilt shop because her aunt has recently passed away. Thinking that her life would be less chaotic and simple, Angie tries to settle into Rolling Brook. Before long though, it becomes apparent that there are many that do not welcome Angie's presence.
Joseph, the Amish woodworker next door to her shop, claims that his family owns Angie's shop and vows to get it back. Before long, Joseph winds up dead in Angie's stockroom and Angie is almost accused of murder by the local sheriff.
Angie sets out on her own investigation because she doesn't trust that the sheriff will explore all options when it comes to figuring out the killer.
What a great start to a new Amish series! Unlike Alan's other series, written under her name Amanda Flower, this one does not have religion woven into it. I love Rolling Brook and Angie is an interesting character. She does lose a few cliches and can be over the top with her exclamations but overall, she's a character that you can definitely relate to. Her poor little doggy is afraid of birds and causes some crazy antics of his own. The other characters in town are well-written and I can't wait to get to know them more!
Murder, Plain and Simple introduces us to Angie and her dog Ollie. Angie is taking over her aunt's quilt shop because her aunt has recently passed away. Thinking that her life would be less chaotic and simple, Angie tries to settle into Rolling Brook. Before long though, it becomes apparent that there are many that do not welcome Angie's presence.
Joseph, the Amish woodworker next door to her shop, claims that his family owns Angie's shop and vows to get it back. Before long, Joseph winds up dead in Angie's stockroom and Angie is almost accused of murder by the local sheriff.
Angie sets out on her own investigation because she doesn't trust that the sheriff will explore all options when it comes to figuring out the killer.
What a great start to a new Amish series! Unlike Alan's other series, written under her name Amanda Flower, this one does not have religion woven into it. I love Rolling Brook and Angie is an interesting character. She does lose a few cliches and can be over the top with her exclamations but overall, she's a character that you can definitely relate to. Her poor little doggy is afraid of birds and causes some crazy antics of his own. The other characters in town are well-written and I can't wait to get to know them more!
May 20, 2016
A wonderful start to a cozy series, Murder, Plain and Simple was a book that I devoured.
I absolutely loved Angie, she was funny but at the same time realistic, in fact, all of the characters were well-written and realistic. Anna, Rachel, and Jonah were all very fun characters, that I hope we see again. There was hints of conflicting interests when it came to the MC's love life, but yet nothing that would turn out to be a love triangle.
The mystery was good, but the killer was sorta out-there in the fact that their reasons were not really murder-worthy in my eyes. The MC is a little too blunt, when questioning suspects, but nothing that can't be overlooked, and definitely not the worst I've read.
Overall not a bad book at all; a lot of semi-mysterious characters that served as suspects, and other funny, friendly characters, yet a mystery that wasn't the best leads me to give Murder, Plain and Simple 4/5 stars. I'll be looking for the next one!
I absolutely loved Angie, she was funny but at the same time realistic, in fact, all of the characters were well-written and realistic. Anna, Rachel, and Jonah were all very fun characters, that I hope we see again. There was hints of conflicting interests when it came to the MC's love life, but yet nothing that would turn out to be a love triangle.
The mystery was good, but the killer was sorta out-there in the fact that their reasons were not really murder-worthy in my eyes. The MC is a little too blunt, when questioning suspects, but nothing that can't be overlooked, and definitely not the worst I've read.
Overall not a bad book at all; a lot of semi-mysterious characters that served as suspects, and other funny, friendly characters, yet a mystery that wasn't the best leads me to give Murder, Plain and Simple 4/5 stars. I'll be looking for the next one!
November 16, 2014
I liked this one...a LOT! I liked that it took place in Holmes County, Ohio, rather than Pennsylvania Dutch country like almost all the other Amish stories do. Good and very believable characters and a well plotted story. I didn't catch on to who the killer was until near the end of the book! Have the next one in The Pile and will be moving it up very soon! RECOMMEND!
February 27, 2019
This was a cozy murder mystery - with the emphasis on the cozy. I loved Oliver, the French bulldog, but the story, and some of the writing in general, was a little weak. It’s the first in a series, but I’m not sure that I’m interested enough to continue with the others.
April 7, 2019
This is cute story, but similar format to her other books (or just about every cozy mystery). A young woman inherited a small business from a deceased relative, moved to that quaint little town with a broken heart, found a body and met a new man - a local cop.
February 16, 2014
Really enjoyed this book...a great mystery. Bits of humor here and there...I found myself laughing out loud.
September 24, 2020
I really enjoyed this first installment in the Amish Shop Quilt Mystery. I loved the small town feel, and how the English woman was kind of shunned by some of the Amish in the town. I didn't figure out who the killer was either until the end. I loved the dog too - Oliver, afraid of birds. I plan on reading more in this series.
June 13, 2021
Set in Ohio Amish town, Angie remembers fondly her time with her Amish aunt while she mourns her death and settles into running the quilt shop left to her. No easing into things for her, things start happening before she can even get her internet set up. I enjoyed the story of the transplanted former Texas beauty pageant girl and her skittish dog adjusting to her new life in Rolling Brook.
An enjoyable read with characters that are growing on me.
Happy Reading!
An enjoyable read with characters that are growing on me.
Happy Reading!
February 13, 2021
Angie is the new owner of the Amish quilt shop despite not being Amish. She walks b/w the 2 worlds. Similar to the Amish candy shop series, this is an Englischer gal w/a close relative whose Amish so she takes over the shop & walks b/w the 2 worlds.
mystery was ok, lots of clues/suspects
but another entertaining listen of a series.
the negative-lots of characters, i forgot who was who.
The pet in this one is a dog but of course, it's one that has quirks.
On a side note-Seriously, what is up w/the cute cops & these business owners turned amateur detectives? Ok, so yeah...they "accidentally" find dead bodies...but how coincidental is that?
mystery was ok, lots of clues/suspects
but another entertaining listen of a series.
the negative-lots of characters, i forgot who was who.
The pet in this one is a dog but of course, it's one that has quirks.
On a side note-Seriously, what is up w/the cute cops & these business owners turned amateur detectives? Ok, so yeah...they "accidentally" find dead bodies...but how coincidental is that?
April 3, 2018
A good read.
Not the best... and not really super Christian based.
But, still a cozy mystery about the Amish culture that I enjoyed.
Not the best... and not really super Christian based.
But, still a cozy mystery about the Amish culture that I enjoyed.
April 10, 2021
I loved how sweet all the Amish ladies were to Angie. I loved Amish bakery that had baseball sized pastries. Danny was the one who killed Joseph.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 19, 2024
4 red stars
I found this book to be an enjoyable cozy read - pretty typical of the genre with a bit of humor and a potential love interest for future installments. The author is not Amish, but does live in or near Amish country. I can't vouch for her portrayal of the Amish, but it was refreshingly humanizing. They weren't portrayed as saintly or ultra-religious. Her portrayal of the tensions between the Amish of the community and the "Englisch" seemed authentic. And the tourists! There were enough plausible suspects to keep one guessing about the murderer, but neither was the reveal surprising. I liked the chemistry between Angie and Sheriff Mitchell, and found it amusing that Angie seemed stuck on the idea that he thought she was the killer. The book apparently contains "tips for quilters" at the end. The audiobook did not. The narrator did a good job, and I would listen to more of this series.
Description: When Angela Braddock inherits her late aunt’s beautiful Amish quilt shop, she leaves behind her career and broken engagement for a fresh start in Holmes County, Ohio. With her snazzy cowboy boots and her ornithophobic French bulldog, Angie doesn’t exactly fit in with the predominantly Amish community in Rolling Brook, but her aunt’s quilting circle tries to make her feel welcome as she prepares for the reopening of Running Stitch. On the big day, Angie gets a taste of success as the locals and Englisch tourists browse the store’s wares while the quilters stitch away. But when Angie finds the body of ornery Amish woodworker Joseph in her storeroom the next morning, everything starts falling apart. With evidence mounting against her, Angie is determined to find the culprit before the local sheriff can arrest her. Rolling Brook always appeared to be a simple place, but the closer Angie gets to the killer, the more she realizes that nothing in the small Amish community is as plain as it seems....
I found this book to be an enjoyable cozy read - pretty typical of the genre with a bit of humor and a potential love interest for future installments. The author is not Amish, but does live in or near Amish country. I can't vouch for her portrayal of the Amish, but it was refreshingly humanizing. They weren't portrayed as saintly or ultra-religious. Her portrayal of the tensions between the Amish of the community and the "Englisch" seemed authentic. And the tourists! There were enough plausible suspects to keep one guessing about the murderer, but neither was the reveal surprising. I liked the chemistry between Angie and Sheriff Mitchell, and found it amusing that Angie seemed stuck on the idea that he thought she was the killer. The book apparently contains "tips for quilters" at the end. The audiobook did not. The narrator did a good job, and I would listen to more of this series.
Description: When Angela Braddock inherits her late aunt’s beautiful Amish quilt shop, she leaves behind her career and broken engagement for a fresh start in Holmes County, Ohio. With her snazzy cowboy boots and her ornithophobic French bulldog, Angie doesn’t exactly fit in with the predominantly Amish community in Rolling Brook, but her aunt’s quilting circle tries to make her feel welcome as she prepares for the reopening of Running Stitch. On the big day, Angie gets a taste of success as the locals and Englisch tourists browse the store’s wares while the quilters stitch away. But when Angie finds the body of ornery Amish woodworker Joseph in her storeroom the next morning, everything starts falling apart. With evidence mounting against her, Angie is determined to find the culprit before the local sheriff can arrest her. Rolling Brook always appeared to be a simple place, but the closer Angie gets to the killer, the more she realizes that nothing in the small Amish community is as plain as it seems....
September 19, 2018
When Englisher Angela Braddock inherits her Amish aunt's quilting shop, she has several clashes with her Amish neighbors, some serious and some humorous, as she tries to settle into her new role as shopkeeper and make friends in her new community. But her biggest problem happens when the Amish man with whom she had a serious disagreement shows up murdered in her shop, so what can she do to ensure the handsome local sheriff doesn't consider her his prime suspect except find other suspects for him to investigate? This cozy mystery was a fun and fast read; it was written well and had several interesting characters. I really enjoyed it and plan to read more of the series.
February 6, 2022
Great cozy mystery. When Angie inherits her aunt's Amish quilt shop and moves from OH to TX, she is in for many surprises. Her French bulldog is afraid of birds and always hiding when they are around. She meets many of her aunts friends and quilting circle and she is excited to be there in the Amish community......
When Angie finds a body inside her shop all of a sudden her future at Running Stitch looks very bleak. There are many suspects and between her and the sheriff she is determined to find out who killed the man before the sheriff makes an arrest. It seems this small town is not as plain as it seems.
When Angie finds a body inside her shop all of a sudden her future at Running Stitch looks very bleak. There are many suspects and between her and the sheriff she is determined to find out who killed the man before the sheriff makes an arrest. It seems this small town is not as plain as it seems.
March 8, 2022
I found this to be a slow start but soon the storyline got me turning the pages rapidly. I loved the Amish quilting story and I really like the mix of characters from the Amish to the English. Most of the characters I really liked were the Amish, and not the English who a lot of them seemed to be down on the Amish. I am hoping Mitchell, the sheriff and Angie develop a relationship and I would love to spend time learning how to quilt at the Running Stitch or get some baked good from the bakery across the street. I didn't guess who the murderer was till almost the end and the story line had lots of red herrings. A good start to a new series.
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