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Shipshewana Amish Mystery #3
Material Witness
Tragedy strikes on the opening night of the Fall Crafters Fair when a woman is killed in the parking lot of Daisy's Quilt Shop, and the only material witness is one of Melinda Byer's boys. The investigation takes a more bizarre turn when detective Shane Black becomes convinced the killer was actually after Callie.This time it's a madman loose in the largest crowd of the year, and he's looking for something or someone. If they can't figure out what, one of Deborah and Callie's close circle of friends may be next.Masked identities, antique quilts with hidden messages, an Amish boy whose handicap makes him stronger, one brave dog, and a possible hidden treasure ... this time it's nonstop action, danger, and a dash of romance.
321 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 17, 2012
144 people are currently reading
957 people want to read
About the author
Vannetta Chapman
128 books1,453 followersVannetta Chapman is a New York times, USA Today, and Publishers Weekly bestselling author of over t0 novels. She has sold over one million copies and writes in a variety of genres that include dystopian, suspense, dystopian, romantic suspense, romance, and cozy mystery.
Chapman has 25 years educational experience as an English teacher at the high school and collegiate level. She currently resides in the Texas Hill Country where she writes full times.
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Chapman has 25 years educational experience as an English teacher at the high school and collegiate level. She currently resides in the Texas Hill Country where she writes full times.
Sign up for her newsletter and receive a free ebook! For more information, visit her at http://vannettachapman.com
https://twitter.com/VannettaChapman
https://www.facebook.com/VannettaChap...
http://vannettachapman.com/blog/
https://www.instagram.com/vannettacha...
http://vannettachapman.com/book-list/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 157 reviews
July 28, 2017
Once again Callie, owner of Daisy's Quilt Shop in Shipshewana, IN, finds herself embroiled in a murder. The body of the owner of a competing quilt shop is found in the bushes in her garden, the only witness to the murder Aaron, a young disabled Amish boy. His mother is distraught, fearing Aaron is now a target for the murderer. Led by Shane, the local officer, Callie and her friends are determined to protect the life of Aaron and bring the murderer to justice.
While I would classify this as a cozy Christian mystery, there is enough tension, excitement and romance to keep me engaged.
This is the third installment of a trilogy, and while it could be read as a stand alone, I would recommend reading "Falling to Pieces" and "A Perfect Square" first. These would make good Hallmark movies.
While I would classify this as a cozy Christian mystery, there is enough tension, excitement and romance to keep me engaged.
This is the third installment of a trilogy, and while it could be read as a stand alone, I would recommend reading "Falling to Pieces" and "A Perfect Square" first. These would make good Hallmark movies.
January 16, 2013
An Exciting Mystery - A Real Page Turner!
I felt like I was in Shipshewana right there with Callie and her friends Deborah, Melinda, and Esther. Another crime has been committed and of course Callie is right in the middle of it all. Was this latest crime targeted for her instead of the victim? The scary part was Melinda’s son Aaron witnessed it all. Would he be the next target?
The author Vannetta Chapman had me on the edge of my seat for this read. I turned those pages just as fast as my eyes would allow me to read. I was totally engrossed in helping Detective Shane Black solve this latest crime. Who did it I wondered. I didn’t even figure it out until the name was revealed! Good job Vannetta.
If you want a good mystery to read I am here to tell you that you don’t want to miss this one.
I just want to let you know there might be a little romance thrown in!
I felt like I was in Shipshewana right there with Callie and her friends Deborah, Melinda, and Esther. Another crime has been committed and of course Callie is right in the middle of it all. Was this latest crime targeted for her instead of the victim? The scary part was Melinda’s son Aaron witnessed it all. Would he be the next target?
The author Vannetta Chapman had me on the edge of my seat for this read. I turned those pages just as fast as my eyes would allow me to read. I was totally engrossed in helping Detective Shane Black solve this latest crime. Who did it I wondered. I didn’t even figure it out until the name was revealed! Good job Vannetta.
If you want a good mystery to read I am here to tell you that you don’t want to miss this one.
I just want to let you know there might be a little romance thrown in!
April 6, 2013
Book Three in the Shipshewana Mystery Series is a stand-alone book filled with mystery, romance and best-of-all friendship. Quilts have special meaning and tell a story as you will discover when you read this book. If Material Witness is your first Vannetta Chapman book it won't be your last!
August 19, 2012
Material Witness by Vannetta Chapman
4 STARS This book is the third book in the series but the first one I have read. So to me it seems like a stand alone novel with old friends back together. Now I would love to go back and read the ones I missed. This a mix of friends some amish and others english and some cops. They all seem to be friends and respect each others ways. The characters are warm and likeable. Except the murders of course. It keeps you guess till the end on who and why. It is a clean book no sex,no swearing, some kissing, some lying and some killings. The story begings at the Fall Crafters Fair that is going on in town. Daisy's Quilt Shop is busy at this time. Three kids leave thier parents and go look over the booths and almost back to the store one of the Matt realized he had left his wallet at one of two booths. So they parked Aaron in his wheelchair near a bench and the other two ran back to look for the wallet. It was Aaron idea to wait thier because he knew they could each run faster and check a booth and get back to him before they were all late getting back. While Aaron was waiting he saw a lady in the bushes looking at the store not wanting to be seen. He also so a man come up behind her and the lady fell face down and the killer bending over and picking something up and looked right into his eyes. Aaron had Max Callie's dog with him and he started barking loudly and the guy ran off. After the crime scene people had left Callie went back to her apartment that is by the store and got a phone call wanting the money of someone else would be hurt. She was being watched and if she went to the police he would know. Callie did not know how he knew where she was and what she was doing but she was not willing to take the risk. Especially when he mentioned Aaron and his wheelchair and killing Max. So she texted Shane the police detective who was in charge of the case that she would be late for thier breakfast and the new time and place. Callie was able to tell him about the phone call and trashing her place. They came up with a plan that would give them time. keep Callie safe and her friend's son Aaron safe. So while everyone met to work together to figure out what money was missing and how someone would think that she now had it and why they think it was Callie that was supposed to be hurt instead of killing a 80 year old lady who was dressed like her. So her friends and families all stayed at another amish house to keep them safe. The three teens also had thier own ideas and plans after they were almost killed by being run over. They wanted to stop the killer so they tried to lie to their parents. This was a good detective romance story. I did not put it down till I had finshed reading it. I was given this ebook to read in exchange for honest reviews by Netgalley. 09/01/2012 PUB Zondervan 320 pages ISBN 9780310330455
4 STARS This book is the third book in the series but the first one I have read. So to me it seems like a stand alone novel with old friends back together. Now I would love to go back and read the ones I missed. This a mix of friends some amish and others english and some cops. They all seem to be friends and respect each others ways. The characters are warm and likeable. Except the murders of course. It keeps you guess till the end on who and why. It is a clean book no sex,no swearing, some kissing, some lying and some killings. The story begings at the Fall Crafters Fair that is going on in town. Daisy's Quilt Shop is busy at this time. Three kids leave thier parents and go look over the booths and almost back to the store one of the Matt realized he had left his wallet at one of two booths. So they parked Aaron in his wheelchair near a bench and the other two ran back to look for the wallet. It was Aaron idea to wait thier because he knew they could each run faster and check a booth and get back to him before they were all late getting back. While Aaron was waiting he saw a lady in the bushes looking at the store not wanting to be seen. He also so a man come up behind her and the lady fell face down and the killer bending over and picking something up and looked right into his eyes. Aaron had Max Callie's dog with him and he started barking loudly and the guy ran off. After the crime scene people had left Callie went back to her apartment that is by the store and got a phone call wanting the money of someone else would be hurt. She was being watched and if she went to the police he would know. Callie did not know how he knew where she was and what she was doing but she was not willing to take the risk. Especially when he mentioned Aaron and his wheelchair and killing Max. So she texted Shane the police detective who was in charge of the case that she would be late for thier breakfast and the new time and place. Callie was able to tell him about the phone call and trashing her place. They came up with a plan that would give them time. keep Callie safe and her friend's son Aaron safe. So while everyone met to work together to figure out what money was missing and how someone would think that she now had it and why they think it was Callie that was supposed to be hurt instead of killing a 80 year old lady who was dressed like her. So her friends and families all stayed at another amish house to keep them safe. The three teens also had thier own ideas and plans after they were almost killed by being run over. They wanted to stop the killer so they tried to lie to their parents. This was a good detective romance story. I did not put it down till I had finshed reading it. I was given this ebook to read in exchange for honest reviews by Netgalley. 09/01/2012 PUB Zondervan 320 pages ISBN 9780310330455
January 1, 2016
SUMMARY: Tragedy strikes on the opening night of the Fall Crafters Fair when a woman is killed in the parking lot of Daisy's Quilt Shop, and the only material witness is one of Melinda Byer's boys. The investigation takes a more bizarre turn when detective Shane Black becomes convinced the killer was actually after Callie.
This time it's a madman loose in the largest crowd of the year, and he's looking for something or someone. If they can't figure out what, one of Deborah and Callie's close circle of friends may be next.
Masked identities, antique quilts with hidden messages, an Amish boy whose handicap makes him stronger, one brave dog, and a possible hidden treasure ... this time it's nonstop action, danger, and a dash of romance.
REVIEW: This is the third and final book in the Shipshewana Amish Mystery series. I have loved each and every book in this series, and once again Vannetta Chapman succeeds with another wonderful suspense read. Threaded with adventure, suspense, and romance as well as great characters, Material Witness grabbed my attention from start to finish. I fell in love with Max, Callie's dog and Aaron, the wheelchair bound son of Melinda. The growing romance between Shane and Callie as their relationship develops is sweet. The close friendship between this group of women and their spouses or significant others is a model for true relationships. Hated to see this series come to an end as I could see the possibility for further books. This book would appeal to younger readers as well since it involves several young people in the plot.
FAVORITE QUOTES: "To forgive heals the wound; to forget heals the scar."
"If you forget the harm, then not only will the ache be gone, but the scar will disappear as well. You'll have no recollection of the injury to tarnish your memory of the person."
"Busy hands help push back the worry."
"God had given her so many opportunities in life, and she had pushed them all away. She had slapped at his hand like a spoiled child, never satisfied."
"If there was one thing he had learned...it was that he did appreciate each and every day that he awoke alive and well. Gotte had given him that, and it was a gift for sure."
This time it's a madman loose in the largest crowd of the year, and he's looking for something or someone. If they can't figure out what, one of Deborah and Callie's close circle of friends may be next.
Masked identities, antique quilts with hidden messages, an Amish boy whose handicap makes him stronger, one brave dog, and a possible hidden treasure ... this time it's nonstop action, danger, and a dash of romance.
REVIEW: This is the third and final book in the Shipshewana Amish Mystery series. I have loved each and every book in this series, and once again Vannetta Chapman succeeds with another wonderful suspense read. Threaded with adventure, suspense, and romance as well as great characters, Material Witness grabbed my attention from start to finish. I fell in love with Max, Callie's dog and Aaron, the wheelchair bound son of Melinda. The growing romance between Shane and Callie as their relationship develops is sweet. The close friendship between this group of women and their spouses or significant others is a model for true relationships. Hated to see this series come to an end as I could see the possibility for further books. This book would appeal to younger readers as well since it involves several young people in the plot.
FAVORITE QUOTES: "To forgive heals the wound; to forget heals the scar."
"If you forget the harm, then not only will the ache be gone, but the scar will disappear as well. You'll have no recollection of the injury to tarnish your memory of the person."
"Busy hands help push back the worry."
"God had given her so many opportunities in life, and she had pushed them all away. She had slapped at his hand like a spoiled child, never satisfied."
"If there was one thing he had learned...it was that he did appreciate each and every day that he awoke alive and well. Gotte had given him that, and it was a gift for sure."
May 6, 2013
Happy times are flowing through Shipshewana, Indiana, that is until Aaron, Melinda Byer’s little boy witnesses a murder in the parking lot of Callie Harper’s quilt shop that sends this small town into shock. Material Witness has our quartet of leading ladies: Callie, Ester, Deborah and Melinda, who are once again involved in a murder investigation. Callie is beside herself and cannot believe this is happening. Little does she know that her world is about to be turned upside down and inside out. The killer wants something that Callie has and will not rest until they get it. Shane Black is back on the scene to investigate along with Andrew Gavin. Shane vows to protect Callie, who has taken up space in his heart and little Aaron who is the only one who can identify the mad man. Time is of the essence and they must all work together to figure out why Callie is involved before the killer strikes again. The ladies seem to think there are clues to this mystery hidden on a set of quilts that they were given. Shane thinks they may be off their rockers. A stack of quilts can’t possibly hold the answers they are looking for right? Or can they………
Material Witness grabs your attention right off the bat and doesn’t let you go until your fingers have turned the last page. This book had my heart pounding one minute and the next minute I was smiling and giving a little fist pump! The love between family, friends, and how far one is willing go to protect them is captured beautifully in this book. The interaction between the children was an added surprise because I think they stole the show! Although I am sad that my adventures are over in Shipshewana, I am fully satisfied with how Vannetta has ended this amazing series of books. All three books are top notch and will always have a spot on my bookshelf. When I read a book that is as wonderful as Material Witness, I am always a little miffed why on earth people say they don’t care to read Amish fiction. Vannetta Chapman has crafted a clever and witty tale that is full of suspense and engaging characters. Why would you not want to read something that will fill you to the brim with honest to goodness writing and beautiful story telling?
Material Witness grabs your attention right off the bat and doesn’t let you go until your fingers have turned the last page. This book had my heart pounding one minute and the next minute I was smiling and giving a little fist pump! The love between family, friends, and how far one is willing go to protect them is captured beautifully in this book. The interaction between the children was an added surprise because I think they stole the show! Although I am sad that my adventures are over in Shipshewana, I am fully satisfied with how Vannetta has ended this amazing series of books. All three books are top notch and will always have a spot on my bookshelf. When I read a book that is as wonderful as Material Witness, I am always a little miffed why on earth people say they don’t care to read Amish fiction. Vannetta Chapman has crafted a clever and witty tale that is full of suspense and engaging characters. Why would you not want to read something that will fill you to the brim with honest to goodness writing and beautiful story telling?
August 26, 2012
Tragedy strikes on the opening night of the Fall Crafters Fair when a woman is
killed in the parking lot of Daisy's Quilt Shop, and the only material witness is one of Melinda Byer's boys. The investigation takes a more bizarre turn when detective Shane Black becomes convinced the killer was actually after Callie.
This time it's a madman loose in the largest crowd of the year, and he's looking for something or someone. If they can't figure out what, one of Deborah and Callie's close circle of friends may be next.
Masked identities, antique quilts with hidden messages, an Amish boy whose handicap makes him stronger, one brave dog, and a possible hidden treasure ... this time it's nonstop action, danger, and a dash of romance.
My thoughts on Material Witness:
Wow! I love a good mystery and throw in a little romance and Amish life, and I am in reader's heaven!!! Vannetta Chapman has once again written a real winner of a novel. This book was so exciting. I was thrilled to learn even more about characters who have now become like old friends. This is the third installment in her Shipsewana Amish Mystery series and I feel like Callie, Deborah, Melinda, Esther, Gavin, Shane, Max, and the others are my best friends now.
I love the way the Amish community has accepted Callie, an Englischer, into their family circle. I love the way "the girls" work together to solve mysteries and quilt! I totally love that quilts are included in the series. I am learning to quilt myself and am learning many new things about quilting from the series. Vannetta has definitely put a great deal of time and effort into researching for her books.
Please read Material Witness. You can start with Falling to Pieces, then on to A Perfect Square, and end with Material Witness. I think you will also fall in love with the funny, sweet, endearing characters, and feel a true appreciation for the Amish and quilting when you finish reading these books.
killed in the parking lot of Daisy's Quilt Shop, and the only material witness is one of Melinda Byer's boys. The investigation takes a more bizarre turn when detective Shane Black becomes convinced the killer was actually after Callie.
This time it's a madman loose in the largest crowd of the year, and he's looking for something or someone. If they can't figure out what, one of Deborah and Callie's close circle of friends may be next.
Masked identities, antique quilts with hidden messages, an Amish boy whose handicap makes him stronger, one brave dog, and a possible hidden treasure ... this time it's nonstop action, danger, and a dash of romance.
My thoughts on Material Witness:
Wow! I love a good mystery and throw in a little romance and Amish life, and I am in reader's heaven!!! Vannetta Chapman has once again written a real winner of a novel. This book was so exciting. I was thrilled to learn even more about characters who have now become like old friends. This is the third installment in her Shipsewana Amish Mystery series and I feel like Callie, Deborah, Melinda, Esther, Gavin, Shane, Max, and the others are my best friends now.
I love the way the Amish community has accepted Callie, an Englischer, into their family circle. I love the way "the girls" work together to solve mysteries and quilt! I totally love that quilts are included in the series. I am learning to quilt myself and am learning many new things about quilting from the series. Vannetta has definitely put a great deal of time and effort into researching for her books.
Please read Material Witness. You can start with Falling to Pieces, then on to A Perfect Square, and end with Material Witness. I think you will also fall in love with the funny, sweet, endearing characters, and feel a true appreciation for the Amish and quilting when you finish reading these books.
May 26, 2014
Material Witness ( A Shipshewana Amish Mystery )
By: Vannetta Chapman
I have read all three of these books in Shipshewana Amish Mystery Series and I think that Vannetta Chapman really did an awesome job. This story starts out with action and it don't let up till the end. The name "Material Witness" really fits this book good. This one is my favorite of the three. At the opening of the Fall Crafter's Fair a woman is killed right outside of Daisy's Quilt Shop. This really upsets Callie Harper, the owner. She can't believe this is happening again. Someone has been killed and she is right in the middle of it. This time there is an eye witness to the killing.There is Shane Black the office who is heading the killing and he does not want Callie hurt. He has feeling for Callie. We have the non Amish Callie, and the Amish ladies Deborah, Melinda, and Esther. These ladies are so close that they feel like sisters. Yes they will have to help and find who the killer is before the killer goes after one of them. We also have another mystery about some quilts that these ladies just has to find out the mystery about them. I don't want to leave out the children and Max in this story. They play a big part in this story. I laughed one minute and on the edge of my seat the next minute. If you love a good clean mystery and light romance, you will love "Material Witness." Just be prepared when you start reading , you will not want to put it down. This last book has really turned out good. I would hope there would be another one .
I was given a copy of this book by the author for my honest review and I have given it.
By: Vannetta Chapman
I have read all three of these books in Shipshewana Amish Mystery Series and I think that Vannetta Chapman really did an awesome job. This story starts out with action and it don't let up till the end. The name "Material Witness" really fits this book good. This one is my favorite of the three. At the opening of the Fall Crafter's Fair a woman is killed right outside of Daisy's Quilt Shop. This really upsets Callie Harper, the owner. She can't believe this is happening again. Someone has been killed and she is right in the middle of it. This time there is an eye witness to the killing.There is Shane Black the office who is heading the killing and he does not want Callie hurt. He has feeling for Callie. We have the non Amish Callie, and the Amish ladies Deborah, Melinda, and Esther. These ladies are so close that they feel like sisters. Yes they will have to help and find who the killer is before the killer goes after one of them. We also have another mystery about some quilts that these ladies just has to find out the mystery about them. I don't want to leave out the children and Max in this story. They play a big part in this story. I laughed one minute and on the edge of my seat the next minute. If you love a good clean mystery and light romance, you will love "Material Witness." Just be prepared when you start reading , you will not want to put it down. This last book has really turned out good. I would hope there would be another one .
I was given a copy of this book by the author for my honest review and I have given it.
September 14, 2012
Just finished another great visit with Callie, and her Amish girlfriends. Deborah, Esther, and Melinda who have made Callie an honorary sister.
When the owner of the other fabric shop is found dead in Callie's parking lot, and the murder witnessed by young Aaron, Melinda's young handicapped son. You have to think...not again?? Mrs Knepp, the deceased has never liked Callie, but why was she murdered?
The only thing they can think of is the quilts that an elderly Amish woman left the four of them. Mrs Hochstetler, gave these quilts to them to be restored, and the money split.
Do the quilts that appear to tell a story hold a clue to this murder? Shane Black the Police Detective, has feelings for Callie, he had arrested her in the first Shipshewana mystery. Will things move forward with them, and will they even survive who ever seems bent on killing. He has even attacked Max, Callie's Aunt's dog that she inherited.
I read this book in less than a day, and couldn't put it down. I want to spend my days visiting with this great friends.
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Zondervan, and was not required to give a positive review.
When the owner of the other fabric shop is found dead in Callie's parking lot, and the murder witnessed by young Aaron, Melinda's young handicapped son. You have to think...not again?? Mrs Knepp, the deceased has never liked Callie, but why was she murdered?
The only thing they can think of is the quilts that an elderly Amish woman left the four of them. Mrs Hochstetler, gave these quilts to them to be restored, and the money split.
Do the quilts that appear to tell a story hold a clue to this murder? Shane Black the Police Detective, has feelings for Callie, he had arrested her in the first Shipshewana mystery. Will things move forward with them, and will they even survive who ever seems bent on killing. He has even attacked Max, Callie's Aunt's dog that she inherited.
I read this book in less than a day, and couldn't put it down. I want to spend my days visiting with this great friends.
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Zondervan, and was not required to give a positive review.
October 23, 2012
Material Witness is the third in Vannetta Chapman's Shipshewana Amish Mystery series, and definitely does not disappoint! I had a very difficult time putting this book down. The suspense built consistently throughout the book, and the plot was very carefully thought out. The characters in this series of mysteries were very well defined, and realistically portrayed. There wasn't a boring moment in this book! The first and second books in this series were excellent, and this final book is the icing on the cake! I look forward to many more of this author's works!
July 2, 2022
I enjoyed the friendship of Deborah, Callie and the others as they handle the upheaval in their community and lives. This book has all the elements of a cozy mystery, with an Amish setting mingled with their Englisch neighbors. I had read the first book in the series quite a while ago, so it took me some time to sort out all the names and get a feeling for who's who again. It was overwhelming at first with everyone being introduced along with bits about their backstory while new plot threads are simultaneously beginning. Eventually all that settled down and the layers of the story unfolded along with a little romance, which I'm always a fan of!
Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.
Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.
March 4, 2025
My favorite character Max the yellow lab! Mysteries and murder abound again within a year of the first novel taking place. Romance blooms and the kids play a part in this.
A close to visiting small-town Shipshewana and it's cast of characters.
A close to visiting small-town Shipshewana and it's cast of characters.
April 25, 2025
I need more….
November 20, 2012
An excellent, excellent ending to an almost flawless series. Vanetta Chapman, so very skilfully and masterfully, weaves intriguing hidden messages and a beautiful romance into a great mystery. Every detail fits perfectly in the plot, advancing the story, the drama and our interest in the characters. Nothing is out of place, everything is important to the story and every character has a mission to accomplish.
We once again see Callie interacting with her three Amish friends: Deborah, whom I love in a I-want-to-be-like-her kind of way (yeah, I'm a Deborah groupie), Esther, and Melinda. The depth their friendship has reached, the way their friendship has grown, progressed and mature is simply lovely. They are friends who love, support and look out for each other with fierce love and determination, and that is a rare thing even in a work of fiction. But we also get to see Callie falling in love with a man who really loves her and is not afraid to show it. I loved that. I'm a sucker for a good, sweet, clean romance.
Now, this time around, we get to know Deborah's and Melinda's children, too. Usually when writing kids, authors tend to write them as either too precocious or too bland and immature for their age. Not here. The children are written age appropriately, and we get to see how their mind works, how they plot and plan and how they take action in their strong-willed way. I loved the children's point of view, and how innocent and, at the same time, take charge they are.
The character development is one of the best I have seen/read in a long time. The way Mrs. Chapman uses descriptions and details to reveal the characters' personalities and traits is clever and makes everything fit together. Nothing is superfluous. The story flows, the pace never breaks, and every word, detail, dialogue and description serves a purpose.
The mystery, the drama, the suspense and the romance held my attention, kept my interest and had me turning the pages quickly and steadily. Intriguing, beautiful and sweet with a great ending that did not disappoint and gave me closure. Mrs. Chapman did such a great job that, even when things didn't necessarily turn out as I hoped, it still made me smile, completely satisfied.
Flawless!
We once again see Callie interacting with her three Amish friends: Deborah, whom I love in a I-want-to-be-like-her kind of way (yeah, I'm a Deborah groupie), Esther, and Melinda. The depth their friendship has reached, the way their friendship has grown, progressed and mature is simply lovely. They are friends who love, support and look out for each other with fierce love and determination, and that is a rare thing even in a work of fiction. But we also get to see Callie falling in love with a man who really loves her and is not afraid to show it. I loved that. I'm a sucker for a good, sweet, clean romance.
Now, this time around, we get to know Deborah's and Melinda's children, too. Usually when writing kids, authors tend to write them as either too precocious or too bland and immature for their age. Not here. The children are written age appropriately, and we get to see how their mind works, how they plot and plan and how they take action in their strong-willed way. I loved the children's point of view, and how innocent and, at the same time, take charge they are.
The character development is one of the best I have seen/read in a long time. The way Mrs. Chapman uses descriptions and details to reveal the characters' personalities and traits is clever and makes everything fit together. Nothing is superfluous. The story flows, the pace never breaks, and every word, detail, dialogue and description serves a purpose.
The mystery, the drama, the suspense and the romance held my attention, kept my interest and had me turning the pages quickly and steadily. Intriguing, beautiful and sweet with a great ending that did not disappoint and gave me closure. Mrs. Chapman did such a great job that, even when things didn't necessarily turn out as I hoped, it still made me smile, completely satisfied.
Flawless!
November 19, 2012
A suspense filled mystery with a surprisingly unique narritive.
Material Witness is the first book I have ever read in the Amish murder mystery genre. I was surprised by how suspenseful this story turns out to be and how it really kept me on the edge of my seat. Set in the small Amish town of Shipshewana, Indiana. Callie Harper an Englishcher and owner of Daisy's Quilt Shop is the main character in this story. During Shipshewana's largest Fall crafting and community festivals of the year a murder takes place right outside her shop. This crime is very personal to Callie as the person killed is a rival of hers and the only witness to the crime is a disabled child and son of one of her Amish friends and coworkers. It doesn't take long for Callie to be pulled right into the middle of the mess as she is later targeted by the potential killer. Detective Shane Black is the fortress in the community as he tries to keep everyone safe, especially Callie as he hunts down the killer. Shane and Callie also have a little romance going on, which is a delightful addition to the story.
A refreshing change for me with this story is how the Amish share a bond with the Englishchers within this community. One common theme was the coming together of the Amish community when in need during tragedy or misfortune. The author uses an interesting concept, Amish story book quilts are used in combination with a hidden mystery. The children of the Amish also are very involved in the story and even get themselves into hot water throughout the story. I would recommend this book and series to anyone looking for an exhilarating murder mystery with a mix of Amish and Englishchers and their interactions. This book stands well alone and can be read out of series, it contains a little bit of everything including romance, suspense and action. Chapman's easy to read writing style and unique narrative and perception of the Amish and Englishchers interactions is certainly a nice change from other Amish authors.
Material Witness is the first book I have ever read in the Amish murder mystery genre. I was surprised by how suspenseful this story turns out to be and how it really kept me on the edge of my seat. Set in the small Amish town of Shipshewana, Indiana. Callie Harper an Englishcher and owner of Daisy's Quilt Shop is the main character in this story. During Shipshewana's largest Fall crafting and community festivals of the year a murder takes place right outside her shop. This crime is very personal to Callie as the person killed is a rival of hers and the only witness to the crime is a disabled child and son of one of her Amish friends and coworkers. It doesn't take long for Callie to be pulled right into the middle of the mess as she is later targeted by the potential killer. Detective Shane Black is the fortress in the community as he tries to keep everyone safe, especially Callie as he hunts down the killer. Shane and Callie also have a little romance going on, which is a delightful addition to the story.
A refreshing change for me with this story is how the Amish share a bond with the Englishchers within this community. One common theme was the coming together of the Amish community when in need during tragedy or misfortune. The author uses an interesting concept, Amish story book quilts are used in combination with a hidden mystery. The children of the Amish also are very involved in the story and even get themselves into hot water throughout the story. I would recommend this book and series to anyone looking for an exhilarating murder mystery with a mix of Amish and Englishchers and their interactions. This book stands well alone and can be read out of series, it contains a little bit of everything including romance, suspense and action. Chapman's easy to read writing style and unique narrative and perception of the Amish and Englishchers interactions is certainly a nice change from other Amish authors.
August 25, 2012
Title: MATERIAL WITNESS
Author: Vannetta Chapman
Publisher: Zondervan
September 2012
ISBN: 978-0-310-33045-5
Genre: Amish/ mystery
It is the Fall Crafters Fair in Shipshewana, and Callie is running a thriving business at Daisy’s Quilt Shop, the business she inherited when she came up from Texas to attend her aunt’s funeral. But it isn’t even dark when an elderly woman is murdered in her front parking lot, the only clear witness a seven year old Amish boy, and a shop full of customers.
Detective Shane Black doesn’t like that Callie is once again in a killer’s sites, and the madman roamed loose in the largest crowd of the year. Something about the fabric shops seem to have what the killer is after, and either Callie or one of her friends may be the next target.
Masked identities, antique quilts with hidden messages, and a possible hidden treasure. It’s all included in MATERIAL WITNESS.
MATERIAL WITNESS is book three in Ms. Chapman’s A Shipshewana Amish Mystery series, but it easily stands alone. I have read book one, Falling to Pieces. I missed book two, A Perfect Square, but I wasn’t at all lost in MATERIAL WITNESS.
Callie is the main character and she is not Amish. There are Amish point of view characters in the story, and it is set in the backdrop of the real life town of Shipshewana, Indiana, and a fabric store that could be real.
I enjoyed reading this story, though some of the things didn’t appear entirely realistic, but I had an advance reader copy and they might have been corrected in the final printed version. Fans of cozy mysteries and Amish fiction will enjoy this book. $12.99. 320 pages.
Author: Vannetta Chapman
Publisher: Zondervan
September 2012
ISBN: 978-0-310-33045-5
Genre: Amish/ mystery
It is the Fall Crafters Fair in Shipshewana, and Callie is running a thriving business at Daisy’s Quilt Shop, the business she inherited when she came up from Texas to attend her aunt’s funeral. But it isn’t even dark when an elderly woman is murdered in her front parking lot, the only clear witness a seven year old Amish boy, and a shop full of customers.
Detective Shane Black doesn’t like that Callie is once again in a killer’s sites, and the madman roamed loose in the largest crowd of the year. Something about the fabric shops seem to have what the killer is after, and either Callie or one of her friends may be the next target.
Masked identities, antique quilts with hidden messages, and a possible hidden treasure. It’s all included in MATERIAL WITNESS.
MATERIAL WITNESS is book three in Ms. Chapman’s A Shipshewana Amish Mystery series, but it easily stands alone. I have read book one, Falling to Pieces. I missed book two, A Perfect Square, but I wasn’t at all lost in MATERIAL WITNESS.
Callie is the main character and she is not Amish. There are Amish point of view characters in the story, and it is set in the backdrop of the real life town of Shipshewana, Indiana, and a fabric store that could be real.
I enjoyed reading this story, though some of the things didn’t appear entirely realistic, but I had an advance reader copy and they might have been corrected in the final printed version. Fans of cozy mysteries and Amish fiction will enjoy this book. $12.99. 320 pages.
July 21, 2012
This book is the third in the Sheshewana mystery series and by far the best! One of Callie's competitor's has been murdered outside her quilt shop window. Aaron is a young Amish lad bound to a wheelchair is the only witness. This youngster is the child of one of Callie's dearest Amish friends. Pretty soon it becomes obvious that Callie was the intended victim instead of the older lady when Callie starts receiving threatening phone calls. She nicknames him The Creeper. Not only is her life at stake but the life of Aaron. Callie must take action soon to protect the ones she loves but how can the killer be found in the most busy time of the year? Their town is holding it's annual crafts fair and there are thousands of strangers in town but is it a stranger or it is someone in the community? All I can say is that you need to read this. I can't say much more or I will spoil the story for you. I hope the author plans to write more suspense stories.
This book will be released September 4, 2012. Thanks to Netgalley and Zondervan for providing me with this ebook to review.
This book will be released September 4, 2012. Thanks to Netgalley and Zondervan for providing me with this ebook to review.
August 1, 2015
A rousing conclusion to the Shipshewana Amish Mystery series. The romance is delectable and somewhat of a surprise. Callie had three potential suitors during the course of the series and I had been harboring hopes for the one not chosen. But I was definitely won over by the end. Swoon. And the mystery is intriguing...and just a tad edgier, leaning more towards suspense since Callie's life is in danger. Her Amish and Englisch friends rally and together they foil a dastardly plot and solve a 50 year old mystery. A plot packed with surprises kept me on my toes right to the very end. Awesome read!
November 28, 2016
Nice wrap up to the trilogy, although I did feel like the ending was a little hurried. The whole book, actually, didn't seem to fit with the others in terms the writing style.... still, it was highly enjoyable.
August 12, 2020
3.25 stars - pg13(mild?) (murder, knife, gun, but no bad language, etc.)
This is the third (and last?) book in a series and it can certainly be read as a standalone, but there’s a certain richness if you read them all in order, you can better appreciate the changes in the relationships and nuance of comments between characters.
I adored the first two books in this series so I eagerly ordered this third book as well as several books from other series' by this author. As I started reading this book, I seriously was second-guessing my purchase of all those other ones. I’m torn on my rating for this -- parts were 1-star and parts were 5-stars, parts were completely far-fetched and parts were fun, engaging and faith-filled. Author writes lovely stories with charming and vivid characters but she seriously nosedived into so much contrived and unbelievable nonsense in this book that my eyeballs were rolling totally-out-of-control and my frustration level was so elevated I needed to go take a baby aspirin! I almost threw the book in the trash three separate times. I had such high expectations for this book and am disappointed in the author and seriously hoping she doesn’t employ similar nonsense in other series.
Smart, logical, mature characters suddenly become STUPID, impulsive, unwise, immature and lose all rational, adult thought processes and do unbelievably ridiculous things. I hate when authors do this - - it seems the only way they can make their mystery story work is to suddenly change the entire character of a character - - and at the end when it seems they can’t quite figure out how to put all their ideas together and wrap it all up, someone (or in this case just about everyone!) loses some brain cells! Even the police became somewhat stupid towards the end. And the perp seems to completely change character, as well. It’s beyond frustrating to me! A little bit of contrived, eyeball-rolling ridiculousness is okay, or even expected, in a light, cozy mystery, but the amount in this book is out of control and makes me lose respect for the author who I know has the talent to do so much better. Hopefully this was just a one-book blip.
A lot of details were awkward or didn’t fit and the Amish (adults and children) are portrayed as more “modern” and worldlier (especially in language) than they were in previous books. Even so, with all the negatives previously listed, I still ultimately enjoyed the book. But I strongly advise starting at the beginning with Falling to Pieces.
”She bowed her head and she prayed…” ~ ~ ~ “God had given her so many opportunities in her life, and she had pushed them all away. She had slapped at his hand like a spoiled child, never satisfied. If she called out to him now, would he hear?” ~ ~ ~ “Deborah’s eyes met hers, and in that moment Callie knew her friend was praying. In that moment, she also knew it was the one thing that could save them.” ~ ~ ~ “She reminded herself that God was in control, that he would provide a solution.” <-- That right there is what makes this series, overall, better than the secular cozies I read. Some of those have better mysteries that are more complex and harder to solve. But this one has an engaging, well-told story (not counting this third book’s blip) that shows the importance of faith in God.
”One slat short of a fully functional rocker.” <-- Hah! I’ve never heard that fun expression.
And, once again, the author beautifully portrays the love between each of the married Amish couples in the book; you see the warmth and affection, and how each person worked hard to contribute to their growing relationship. I thought that, overall, Callie’s romance “quadrangle” was handled well throughout the series. Although I felt a bit lukewarm or letdown about exactly where Callie stood at the end of the story. I didn’t really see Callie working hard to contribute to her relationship in the same sweet way the Amish did in their relationships, unfortunately, Callie seems to take more than she gives (at least in the romance department). Here’s hoping she and ______ can work it all out and live happily ever after.
And finally, (Not really a spoiler, but just in case someone plans to read the series and does not want to know final resolution for one of the characters.)
For more info on what the Amish believe, in comparison to born-again Christians, one source I would suggest is the Mission to the Amish People started by former-Amish, Joe Keim and his wife.
Interesting article on their website about whether the Amish believe in salvation through faith, by grace, in Christ alone. http://www.mapministry.org/articles/2... And these books: Amish: Born Again the Same Way as Others? and Excommunication and Shunning
and My People, the Amish: The True Story of an Amish Father and Son
This is the third (and last?) book in a series and it can certainly be read as a standalone, but there’s a certain richness if you read them all in order, you can better appreciate the changes in the relationships and nuance of comments between characters.
I adored the first two books in this series so I eagerly ordered this third book as well as several books from other series' by this author. As I started reading this book, I seriously was second-guessing my purchase of all those other ones. I’m torn on my rating for this -- parts were 1-star and parts were 5-stars, parts were completely far-fetched and parts were fun, engaging and faith-filled. Author writes lovely stories with charming and vivid characters but she seriously nosedived into so much contrived and unbelievable nonsense in this book that my eyeballs were rolling totally-out-of-control and my frustration level was so elevated I needed to go take a baby aspirin! I almost threw the book in the trash three separate times. I had such high expectations for this book and am disappointed in the author and seriously hoping she doesn’t employ similar nonsense in other series.
Smart, logical, mature characters suddenly become STUPID, impulsive, unwise, immature and lose all rational, adult thought processes and do unbelievably ridiculous things. I hate when authors do this - - it seems the only way they can make their mystery story work is to suddenly change the entire character of a character - - and at the end when it seems they can’t quite figure out how to put all their ideas together and wrap it all up, someone (or in this case just about everyone!) loses some brain cells! Even the police became somewhat stupid towards the end. And the perp seems to completely change character, as well. It’s beyond frustrating to me! A little bit of contrived, eyeball-rolling ridiculousness is okay, or even expected, in a light, cozy mystery, but the amount in this book is out of control and makes me lose respect for the author who I know has the talent to do so much better. Hopefully this was just a one-book blip.
A lot of details were awkward or didn’t fit and the Amish (adults and children) are portrayed as more “modern” and worldlier (especially in language) than they were in previous books. Even so, with all the negatives previously listed, I still ultimately enjoyed the book. But I strongly advise starting at the beginning with Falling to Pieces.
”She bowed her head and she prayed…” ~ ~ ~ “God had given her so many opportunities in her life, and she had pushed them all away. She had slapped at his hand like a spoiled child, never satisfied. If she called out to him now, would he hear?” ~ ~ ~ “Deborah’s eyes met hers, and in that moment Callie knew her friend was praying. In that moment, she also knew it was the one thing that could save them.” ~ ~ ~ “She reminded herself that God was in control, that he would provide a solution.” <-- That right there is what makes this series, overall, better than the secular cozies I read. Some of those have better mysteries that are more complex and harder to solve. But this one has an engaging, well-told story (not counting this third book’s blip) that shows the importance of faith in God.
”One slat short of a fully functional rocker.” <-- Hah! I’ve never heard that fun expression.
And, once again, the author beautifully portrays the love between each of the married Amish couples in the book; you see the warmth and affection, and how each person worked hard to contribute to their growing relationship. I thought that, overall, Callie’s romance “quadrangle” was handled well throughout the series. Although I felt a bit lukewarm or letdown about exactly where Callie stood at the end of the story. I didn’t really see Callie working hard to contribute to her relationship in the same sweet way the Amish did in their relationships, unfortunately, Callie seems to take more than she gives (at least in the romance department). Here’s hoping she and ______ can work it all out and live happily ever after.
And finally, (Not really a spoiler, but just in case someone plans to read the series and does not want to know final resolution for one of the characters.)
For more info on what the Amish believe, in comparison to born-again Christians, one source I would suggest is the Mission to the Amish People started by former-Amish, Joe Keim and his wife.
Interesting article on their website about whether the Amish believe in salvation through faith, by grace, in Christ alone. http://www.mapministry.org/articles/2... And these books: Amish: Born Again the Same Way as Others? and Excommunication and Shunning
and My People, the Amish: The True Story of an Amish Father and Son
April 28, 2024
A Material Witness, Shipshewana Amish Mystery # 3, by Vannetta Chapman is the final book in the series about Callie, Deborah and their sleuthing in Shipshe. A elderly Amish woman is found dead outside Callie’s quilt shop and one of the Amish children, Melinda’s son, Aaron, witnessed the crime. The three Amish friends and Callie, try to help the police, capture the killer. I found this series to be very engaging and entertaining and highly recommend to others who enjoy Amish mysteries.
October 2, 2017
Pretty unbelievable, but still a fun read.
July 15, 2019
Never wanted to put it down.
November 3, 2018
Before I even talk about this book and get into the sadness of leaving behind Callie and the girls I just need to mention something. Have you ever noticed how creative Vannetta's titles are? First, I'm not a cover person so a pretty picture isn't going to be something that makes me want to read a book. I can appreciate a pretty or thought provoking cover but it's not a draw. A title though? A title is your introduction to the book. It's the bit you see on the shelf that makes you stop and look deeper. Vannetta has such chatchy, sometimes punny, titles that really do draw the attention to the goodness that is inside the covers. 'Material Witness' is no except to this rule but it's also a little piece of my heart breaking again. There are vast benefits to reading a series together like continuity and NOT having to wait months to a year between installments - just to name a couple. However, there are drawbacks too. I feel like as I am getting settled into my new friends lives they are leaving me. It's starting to feel like betrayal, ya know. Here, love me, adventure with me, oh wait sorry 'bout your luck but my time here is done. Tears people, sometimes there are tears.
OK, let's actually talk about this witness of material. I gotta tell ya, the girls took me on a ride that I wasn't sure I understood. There were a few rabbit trails and shiny squirrels that I wasn't sure were legit. A few moments of this adventure were a little too over the top, a little too 'out there'. I'm gonna throw a tiny spoiler here (and possibly more later, we'll see where the words take me), but I mean killing the wrong person on accident because you meant to hurt the other person and it's all about dress color. I mean, forget the fifty, or so, year age difference. Really? The thing is. . .I bought it. The entire crew hiding out together, really? But I bought it. I think in any other novel with any other writer I would be telling a completely different story. But the farfetched was woven so intricately believable that I couldn't help but roll with it. I couldn't help but sink into my questions and doubts and let the adventure own me. Even the obvious (really, like the bad guy is going to do what is expected?!?). I just adored this book.
I'm heart broken that I won't get to come back to Shipshe and visit Daisy's Quilt Shoppe. I won't get to watch Callie invite love back into her life after the heartbreak of losing her husband. Though I got a glimmer of it. I won't get to watch the kids grow up. I'll miss out on the future of . . . you get the idea. I'm firmly of mind that Rueben needs his story told. There's something there. A history of lost love, a secret of isolation from romance. And I think a future waiting to be discovered. Just sayin' Vannetta, perhaps it's time to revisit for a minute. You just can't leave unfinished lives on the table, it's not fair to Ruben and it's definitely not fair to me. And we all know which is really the most important :D Shipshewana Mysteries were a engaging stop along my path through the novels of Vannetta. I have zero regrets with this series, except Ruben of course. Callie and the girls will forever have a place in my heart. . .and my bookshelf. I think they will assuredly find a place in yours as well.
Originally posted at https://fizzypopcollection.com/materi....
OK, let's actually talk about this witness of material. I gotta tell ya, the girls took me on a ride that I wasn't sure I understood. There were a few rabbit trails and shiny squirrels that I wasn't sure were legit. A few moments of this adventure were a little too over the top, a little too 'out there'. I'm gonna throw a tiny spoiler here (and possibly more later, we'll see where the words take me), but I mean killing the wrong person on accident because you meant to hurt the other person and it's all about dress color. I mean, forget the fifty, or so, year age difference. Really? The thing is. . .I bought it. The entire crew hiding out together, really? But I bought it. I think in any other novel with any other writer I would be telling a completely different story. But the farfetched was woven so intricately believable that I couldn't help but roll with it. I couldn't help but sink into my questions and doubts and let the adventure own me. Even the obvious (really, like the bad guy is going to do what is expected?!?). I just adored this book.
I'm heart broken that I won't get to come back to Shipshe and visit Daisy's Quilt Shoppe. I won't get to watch Callie invite love back into her life after the heartbreak of losing her husband. Though I got a glimmer of it. I won't get to watch the kids grow up. I'll miss out on the future of . . . you get the idea. I'm firmly of mind that Rueben needs his story told. There's something there. A history of lost love, a secret of isolation from romance. And I think a future waiting to be discovered. Just sayin' Vannetta, perhaps it's time to revisit for a minute. You just can't leave unfinished lives on the table, it's not fair to Ruben and it's definitely not fair to me. And we all know which is really the most important :D Shipshewana Mysteries were a engaging stop along my path through the novels of Vannetta. I have zero regrets with this series, except Ruben of course. Callie and the girls will forever have a place in my heart. . .and my bookshelf. I think they will assuredly find a place in yours as well.
Originally posted at https://fizzypopcollection.com/materi....
September 1, 2014
Through most of this book, I thought the writer was getting better.
But too many technical errors. And where are the editors? They should be catching this stuff.
I don't think 6:30 pm in September is so dark in Indiana that one can't see clearly.
Why in this 3rd book of the series is Shane just now mentioning his sister was murdered when he was a child? It sounds like it was a new idea that was just shoved in at this point.
Then all the 'sweetheart' name calling. It's just not done these days in real life, even in Indiana. It's obvious Shane wants Callie, at least in this book he's kissing her, but with little response from Callie. We hardly get any thoughts from her about the subject. If she's on the fence about him, she'd be protesting his kisses, not just sitting there and letting it happen.
When there is a murderer loose in you area, women just do not wander around on their own, even if they have a quilt puzzle to solve, it can wait for safer times. I suspect they'd even cancel the local festival if it were so. Funny that none of the other festival goers even act like they know, altho Trent has been busy getting photos of some of the victims.
And the dog Max. Even well behaved dogs make a ruckus when they've been away from their owner and can now see them. Max would have also. He would not have obediently sat on the porch as his owner got into a car and left. She didn't even command him to 'stay'.
Chapters 27 thru 31 are a mess, it's like someone did some wild cutting and pasting with no regards to the words. Shane is just arriving (in his loud muscle car) and is watching Thomas. Why isn't Thomas looking over his shoulder for Shane? Then it says Thomas doesn't know yet that Deborah is missing. Good Grief, we don't even know that yet, it doesn't happen until the next chapter. But when it does, Martha steps out of the bushes and grabs her. Bushes that Thomas has just walked past. If Martha was so deeply hidden, she couldn't have gotten to Deborah without making the bushes rustle quickly enough to grab her.
At one place Callie thinks its a good thing she took a self-defense course, just out of the blue like the author needed more words in the story. But yet later when she's grabbed she doesn't use anything she learned, she doesn't even wonder to herself what parts of the course she could use when Thomas has a knife against her throat.
In another place, Shane asks where the pond is. We've already been told it was the same pond in the last book. Shane was there, he should have remembered it.
Surely this series has to get better, but am I willing to read another to find out? That's the real mystery. In real life I'm not so impressed with the Amish people. It's their life, they make the choices they do. I've never really felt any excitement or interest when my friends suggest we "go to Amish country" It's like they want to go to the zoo to see what the animals are doing. But many years ago I vowed to read all the quilt fiction that I could (there was a lot less of it then). I just didn't realize some of it would be poorly written.
Added 9-1-14:
Looking back at this review I did 9 months ago, I'm appalled at my writing. I guess I was just trying to get my thoughts out quickly so I could forget this book.
But too many technical errors. And where are the editors? They should be catching this stuff.
I don't think 6:30 pm in September is so dark in Indiana that one can't see clearly.
Why in this 3rd book of the series is Shane just now mentioning his sister was murdered when he was a child? It sounds like it was a new idea that was just shoved in at this point.
Then all the 'sweetheart' name calling. It's just not done these days in real life, even in Indiana. It's obvious Shane wants Callie, at least in this book he's kissing her, but with little response from Callie. We hardly get any thoughts from her about the subject. If she's on the fence about him, she'd be protesting his kisses, not just sitting there and letting it happen.
When there is a murderer loose in you area, women just do not wander around on their own, even if they have a quilt puzzle to solve, it can wait for safer times. I suspect they'd even cancel the local festival if it were so. Funny that none of the other festival goers even act like they know, altho Trent has been busy getting photos of some of the victims.
And the dog Max. Even well behaved dogs make a ruckus when they've been away from their owner and can now see them. Max would have also. He would not have obediently sat on the porch as his owner got into a car and left. She didn't even command him to 'stay'.
Chapters 27 thru 31 are a mess, it's like someone did some wild cutting and pasting with no regards to the words. Shane is just arriving (in his loud muscle car) and is watching Thomas. Why isn't Thomas looking over his shoulder for Shane? Then it says Thomas doesn't know yet that Deborah is missing. Good Grief, we don't even know that yet, it doesn't happen until the next chapter. But when it does, Martha steps out of the bushes and grabs her. Bushes that Thomas has just walked past. If Martha was so deeply hidden, she couldn't have gotten to Deborah without making the bushes rustle quickly enough to grab her.
At one place Callie thinks its a good thing she took a self-defense course, just out of the blue like the author needed more words in the story. But yet later when she's grabbed she doesn't use anything she learned, she doesn't even wonder to herself what parts of the course she could use when Thomas has a knife against her throat.
In another place, Shane asks where the pond is. We've already been told it was the same pond in the last book. Shane was there, he should have remembered it.
Surely this series has to get better, but am I willing to read another to find out? That's the real mystery. In real life I'm not so impressed with the Amish people. It's their life, they make the choices they do. I've never really felt any excitement or interest when my friends suggest we "go to Amish country" It's like they want to go to the zoo to see what the animals are doing. But many years ago I vowed to read all the quilt fiction that I could (there was a lot less of it then). I just didn't realize some of it would be poorly written.
Added 9-1-14:
Looking back at this review I did 9 months ago, I'm appalled at my writing. I guess I was just trying to get my thoughts out quickly so I could forget this book.
December 6, 2012
I just love it when really talented authors take some of my favorite genre's and mix them together to create such a seamless blend for a great story you truly fall in love all over again with being an avid book reader. In the case of Material Witness by Vannetta Chapman, we are taken back to the small Amish town of Shipshewana, Indiana that is comprised of about 600 residents, not all of them Amish. Here in this small town there's been a bit of competition between two owners of Amish quilt stores. Mrs. Knepp is the eighty-year-old owner of Quilts and Needles and feels that Callie Harper and her friends that run Daisy's Quilt Shop have deviated from the traditional Amish ways by offering quilting, knitting and other craft classes that draw much of the business to their shop. Even the English tourists have been frequenting Daisy's Quilt Shop over Mrs. Knepps.
Yet in the middle of the Fall Festival, things are about to get interesting. Now the population of the small town is well over thirty thousand and business is booming. The streets are crowded and no one seems to notice an Amish women standing in the shrubs just outside the parking lot of Daisy's Quilt Shop. No one that is except for Aaron, a small boy who is confined to a wheelchair and a Labrador named Max. Without any sound, the woman falls sprawled out on the ground. There is no sound, no blood. In the darkness only the evil eyes of a man who stands over the women and then stares at Aaron is the only lasting memory of what has just happened.
When Callie Harper learns what has happened and to whom, she is immediately ridden with guilt for all the months that her and Mrs. Knepp argued over their businesses. What's worse is this is the third murder to happen in the small town of Shipshewana in the last fifteen months and in every single one of those cases, Callie Harper has been involved. Not it seems that this murder case is about to get personal on many levels. Callie Harper is the target and not only does someone want what she has or they'll risk murder, but Aaron is the only eye witness. Will Callie be able to help solve this crime or will she finally run out of options?
I received Material Witness by Vannetta Chapman compliments of Zondervan Publishing and Net Galley for my honest review. I absolutely LOVED this book and it immediately captivated my interest from the first page and I could not put it down until I knew who did it! This is the third book in the Shipshewana Mystery series and once again brings back the characters we have fallen in love with including the romantic tension between investigator Shane Black and Callie Harper. Will they finally realize their interest lies more than just in solving cases and goes much, much deeper? You'll have to pick this one up to find out. I personally give this one a 5 out of 5 stars!!!
Yet in the middle of the Fall Festival, things are about to get interesting. Now the population of the small town is well over thirty thousand and business is booming. The streets are crowded and no one seems to notice an Amish women standing in the shrubs just outside the parking lot of Daisy's Quilt Shop. No one that is except for Aaron, a small boy who is confined to a wheelchair and a Labrador named Max. Without any sound, the woman falls sprawled out on the ground. There is no sound, no blood. In the darkness only the evil eyes of a man who stands over the women and then stares at Aaron is the only lasting memory of what has just happened.
When Callie Harper learns what has happened and to whom, she is immediately ridden with guilt for all the months that her and Mrs. Knepp argued over their businesses. What's worse is this is the third murder to happen in the small town of Shipshewana in the last fifteen months and in every single one of those cases, Callie Harper has been involved. Not it seems that this murder case is about to get personal on many levels. Callie Harper is the target and not only does someone want what she has or they'll risk murder, but Aaron is the only eye witness. Will Callie be able to help solve this crime or will she finally run out of options?
I received Material Witness by Vannetta Chapman compliments of Zondervan Publishing and Net Galley for my honest review. I absolutely LOVED this book and it immediately captivated my interest from the first page and I could not put it down until I knew who did it! This is the third book in the Shipshewana Mystery series and once again brings back the characters we have fallen in love with including the romantic tension between investigator Shane Black and Callie Harper. Will they finally realize their interest lies more than just in solving cases and goes much, much deeper? You'll have to pick this one up to find out. I personally give this one a 5 out of 5 stars!!!
November 19, 2019
Very clever!
May 3, 2013
From the first page, this book had me smiling. Another murder has taken place in Shipshewana during The Fall Festival and this time the murderer knows all about Callie and their little town. The murderer claims that Callie has access to a load of money that she knows nothing about and this person is threatening her loved ones. It’s up to Callie, Deborah, Melinda, Esther, their families, and the police department to find out how to stop this murderer without anyone else getting hurt.
It’s difficult to have sympathy for a man who murders an old woman then attempts to hurt a dog, children, and a police officer. This person is either desperate or extremely dangerous or both!
The reader does not get to witness Callie dumping iced tea on anyone in this book (read the book Falling to Pieces for that wonderful scene), but in Material Witness we get to read about her falling in love which is also unchartered territory for Callie. However, her feisty behavior is enjoyed throughout the book.
Even though there is sweet romance in this story, the most enjoyable part was watching the Amish community, Callie’s friends and their families, band together in unexpected ways to find this killer while keeping Callie and Max safe. This community watches out for their own and even though they are a peaceful bunch, they still take risks in doing the right thing. I was eager to see who Callie falls in love with. Even though it wasn’t the man I had initially hoped it would be, I was very pleased with Callie’s choice and Chapman does an excellent job making this man a perfect match for Callie. One of the characters in the story watched a John Wayne movie so there are several references to that.
This book isn’t a typical page-turner, but it’s a wonderful conclusion to the series and it’s a treat to see how everything gets resolved. I highly recommend it. This book can be considered a stand alone, but my suggestion is to read the other two books before it so the reader will fully understand each relationship and why Callie feels hesitancy about certain things. Chapman does an amazing job describing the friendship Callie experiences with Deborah, Melinda, and Esther but that friendship slowly blossoms from the first book. The next book I will be reading by this author is the ebook, A Simple Amish Christmas.
It’s difficult to have sympathy for a man who murders an old woman then attempts to hurt a dog, children, and a police officer. This person is either desperate or extremely dangerous or both!
The reader does not get to witness Callie dumping iced tea on anyone in this book (read the book Falling to Pieces for that wonderful scene), but in Material Witness we get to read about her falling in love which is also unchartered territory for Callie. However, her feisty behavior is enjoyed throughout the book.
Even though there is sweet romance in this story, the most enjoyable part was watching the Amish community, Callie’s friends and their families, band together in unexpected ways to find this killer while keeping Callie and Max safe. This community watches out for their own and even though they are a peaceful bunch, they still take risks in doing the right thing. I was eager to see who Callie falls in love with. Even though it wasn’t the man I had initially hoped it would be, I was very pleased with Callie’s choice and Chapman does an excellent job making this man a perfect match for Callie. One of the characters in the story watched a John Wayne movie so there are several references to that.
This book isn’t a typical page-turner, but it’s a wonderful conclusion to the series and it’s a treat to see how everything gets resolved. I highly recommend it. This book can be considered a stand alone, but my suggestion is to read the other two books before it so the reader will fully understand each relationship and why Callie feels hesitancy about certain things. Chapman does an amazing job describing the friendship Callie experiences with Deborah, Melinda, and Esther but that friendship slowly blossoms from the first book. The next book I will be reading by this author is the ebook, A Simple Amish Christmas.
June 24, 2019
I really enjoyed reading this series by Vannetta Chapman. After reading the first book, I knew I had to read the others. The mystery, suspense, hidden messages, and even a little romance made for a "hard-to-put-down" book. I am now following this author and plan to read more by her in the future.
September 10, 2012
Mrs Knepp, the ornery owner of the one of the two quilt shops in Shipshewana, Indiana, is found dead outside Callie Harper's quilt shop, and the only witnesses are a dog and a disabled seven-year-old boy. Callie soon hears from the murderer, when he drugs her dog, tears up her apartment and threatens to harm the boy if she doesn't turn over the money. It is an obvious case of mistaken identity because she doesn't have 'the money', but can the police find the murderer before he makes good on his threats?
Meanwhile, Callie and her Amish friends, Deborah, Melinda, and Esther, have received a strange commission in the will of old Mrs Hochstetler: to restore and sell three antique quilts. The quilts are not in traditional Amish patterns, and they seem to present their own mystery to solve.
Material Witness was good, but not as good as the other two books in the series. Although I liked the way the plot lines all came together at the end, the last couple of chapters almost felt a little rushed, as if something had been cut out to make way for the required epilogue that ties up all the loose ends. I think I would rather have had more detail around the puzzle surrounding the quilts, and have left the relationship a little more vague. But the thing I really liked about this series was still present: a positive presentation of mature Amish women, as I am over the teenage Amish romances that have flooded the market in recent years.
I understand that this is the final of Vanetta Chapman’s Shipshewana Mysteries. While I have enjoyed this series, I am pleased for the residents of Shipshe (pop. 563), who might have wanted their small town to retain its name as a well-known shopping destination, not a potential murder capital! However, (fictional) murder in small Amish towns is obviously a trend that is catching on, as I have another book in my review pile from another author that is also set in Shipshewana, so this won’t be the last time I visit (in a literary sense). And I hope that the author will consider writing a similar series in another location, because I do enjoy these mystery novels.
Thanks to Zondervan and NetGalley for providing a free book for review.
This review also appears on my blog, www.christianreads.blogspot.com.
Meanwhile, Callie and her Amish friends, Deborah, Melinda, and Esther, have received a strange commission in the will of old Mrs Hochstetler: to restore and sell three antique quilts. The quilts are not in traditional Amish patterns, and they seem to present their own mystery to solve.
Material Witness was good, but not as good as the other two books in the series. Although I liked the way the plot lines all came together at the end, the last couple of chapters almost felt a little rushed, as if something had been cut out to make way for the required epilogue that ties up all the loose ends. I think I would rather have had more detail around the puzzle surrounding the quilts, and have left the relationship a little more vague. But the thing I really liked about this series was still present: a positive presentation of mature Amish women, as I am over the teenage Amish romances that have flooded the market in recent years.
I understand that this is the final of Vanetta Chapman’s Shipshewana Mysteries. While I have enjoyed this series, I am pleased for the residents of Shipshe (pop. 563), who might have wanted their small town to retain its name as a well-known shopping destination, not a potential murder capital! However, (fictional) murder in small Amish towns is obviously a trend that is catching on, as I have another book in my review pile from another author that is also set in Shipshewana, so this won’t be the last time I visit (in a literary sense). And I hope that the author will consider writing a similar series in another location, because I do enjoy these mystery novels.
Thanks to Zondervan and NetGalley for providing a free book for review.
This review also appears on my blog, www.christianreads.blogspot.com.
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