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Amish Village Mystery #1
Murder Simply Brewed
When the coffee shop manager is murdered in Middlebury’s Amish Artisan Village, two women from different walks of life must join together to solve the mystery.Spring has arrived in Middlebury, Indiana, and Amber Wright is optimistic about the growing profit from her collection of Amish shops---until she receives a call that Ethan Gray is dead. Hurrying over to A Simple Blend, she finds a solitary hole in the front window and the store manager lying next to the espresso machine, dead from an apparent heart attack. All the money is still in his register.When Amber hires a young Amish woman, Hannah Troyer, to take over the shop’s duties, the two women become fast friends---as well as amateur sleuths. The police believe Gray’s death is a by-product of vandalism, but Amber and Hannah aren't convinced.Clues that don't add up, a neighbor who is pulled into the midst of the investigation, a town with secrets to hide, and a blossoming romance---all will combine to push Amber and Hannah into unfamiliar roles in order to reveal answers to the mysteries around them.
358 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 1, 2014
226 people are currently reading
2048 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
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http://vannettachapman.com/blog/
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http://vannettachapman.com/book-list/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 432 reviews
January 24, 2026
The Plot - aka this is a good start!
Amber Wright manages several Amish artisan shops in Middlebury, Indiana. While she is not Amish herself, she knows and respects the locals customs.
Everything is going perfectly perfect...that is until Ethan Gray (manager of A Simple Blend) shows up dead as a doornail.
It's up to Amber to figure out this murder...and hope that she's not the next victim.
Overall - I liked the idea of the plot.
It sounded exciting, it sounded fresh...but it delivered on nothing and lost credibility when we hit the druggie and the boa constrictor.
(Come on Vannetta, are we really supposed to believe that one bad trip on acid turns you into a brain-dead eight-year-old?)
(Also, Vannetta - have you ever actually seen a boa constrictor in real life? Or even googled one?? Is plausibility too much to ask????)
Anyway, to channel my already long and ranty review, I will focus only on The Boredom, The Perfection, The Innocent Romance and Religion.
The Boredom - aka it's charming! It's quaint! It's a complete dud!
Probably the biggest problem with this novel is that it's horribly boring. I do not say this lightly.
I can (and often do) absolutely love a traditionally slow book, but there's a difference between slow burn and snoozefest.
There was far too much of the dialogue and page space devoted to the utterly mundane.
The quote above is just one of many examples where I'm just left wondering, why is this in here?
"For me?"
"Sorry to bother you. The florist delivered them at four thirty, not realizing you'd be gone."
"You mean they don't know that I arrive at work at seven in the morning? Service is slipping in this town."
It's boring, I'm bored.
Don't get me wrong, there have been novels where the most utterly mundane aspect charms the ever-living-heck out of me but...this was not the case here.
The Perfection - aka happy happy joy joy.
Amber Wright adores her perfect job, her wonderful cat, her small town life, if only her house was - wait, never mind. She loves that too.
"The Village kept her busy - the Amish Artisan Village...She loved her job as its general manager, even after twenty-two years."
If only she could find the perfect man! Oh wait! There he is!
"Outgrow the Dawdy Haus? Never!" Amber loved her home. She thanked God for it every night.
And he finds her perfect too!
"It seemed to him that she looked completely at home in the classic truck, but then, he supposed that spoke more of her personality than of the vehicle."
If only there was something to spice life up a bit...
Oh wait?
Is that a murder?
How perfectly perfect!
Essentially, everyone in this book was positively ingenious, their knowledge of the bible was flawless and they were completely good inside and out.
Which... got real old real fat.
Honestly, the biggest personal flaw I could find was that sometimes (sometimes!) Hannah (22 year old Amish girl) might have a *gasp* terribly vain thought and want to look into the mirror
But don't worry.
She prayed many a time for strength to resist vanity.
Thank goodness. The world would not survive otherwise...
Whew. That rant was really bitter, even for me, but honestly the more I read, the more the annoyance and resentment grew. Things were too good in this book.
There are ways to create conflict when the characters and surroundings are going well, unfortunately that was not done.
None of the characters stood out, simply because they were all cardboard cutouts of perfection and because of that, I disliked them all instantly.
The Innocent Romance - aka this isn't even borderline stupidity now
I do adore a sweet, innocent romance that develops between two likely (or unlikely) people...but my gawd. These people put innocent into a whole new category of stupid.
Amber, 40ish years old, makes it very clear that she's not looking for a man...and then sizes up every. single. unmarried. man.
All the while, solving the murder of her employee.
I can almost see her thought pattern, "Gee. It's a real bummer that Ethan Grey is six feet under but hey...that police officer could totally be a perfect life partner!"
Maybe it's just me, but I think husband-shopping would take a lower priority when dealing with an actual murder on your hands...?
No?
Apparently the modern woman really can do it all...
And then there's Hannah, the twenty-two year old Amish girl, who sounds.... well... like she's a bit slow.
She's supposed to be 22 but she comes off like she's barely 12.
"Yesterday had been her birthday, and today was a new beginning. She did not want a guilty conscience worrying her as she began her twenty-second year. Or was it twenty-third? Birthdays always confused her."
For example, she struggles with vanity but it is so childlike about the depth of her sins that it just is weird to read.
Her inner voice read so young that it honestly felt uncomfortable when she mentioned suitors because the mental picture was of a kid.
"Hers was more of a problem of attitude...choosing fabric with colors that accented her eyes, wondering if a small touch of blush and powder on her cheeks might help her...She hadn't actually worn makeup, but she'd thought of it."
There is a difference between making a character innocent and making her a complete child.
The Religion - aka where's my shoehorn
I don't really have the time nor the effort to truly get into this one, but suffice to say that everyone was perfectly versed in the bible and ready to cram down the teachings at a moment's notice.
I don't mind religion in a book - in fact I love characters who embrace their religion (it feels so rare to find that nowadays!).
But I do mind it when it's ham handedly done.
And when it's unrealistic.
Hannah was reminded of what her bishop had said to her when she'd spoken to him of her dreams. "Our mind has a way of working out our fears, but God--he has a way of making us a new creature if we let him."
I cannot remember the last time I visited a town where everyone was equally religious and was completely and wholly in unison with God...but fear not.
Middlebury is that place.
I could understand if the Amish were mostly the devoted ones but it almost felt like the author was afraid to include someone who wasn't devout.
"The Scripture was given to us to teach and to uplift. To provide a path to God."
It was just so over-the-top to the point of being completely and utterly annoying.
Overall - aka what a terrible introduction to Amish novels...
I have always been curious about Amish novels.
There are so many of them, they have such cute little hats, and I like the idea of a romance book where SEX is not the main goal of the characters...but this one felt so utterly blah.
I'm honestly ready to give up on this entire genre right here and now.
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January 28, 2016
This is a new author for me. It is a quick and light read, just what I needed after the previous book. Amber Wright feels she has the perfect job as manager of the Amish Artisan Village. Even though Amber is not Amish she gets along well with those running the shops in the village. The only one who is a bit of a downer is Ethan Gray. And then Ethan is discovered dead from what appears to be a heart attack. But is it? Some events lead Amber to believe it is not. Hannah, a young Amish woman who Amber appoints to take over the running of A Simple Blend after Ethan’s death, has her doubts too. Together they seek, with some help, to uncover the truth.
This was an enjoyable read and I was happy to go along with the story. Even though this is not a genre I normally read it is the second Amish based murder mystery I have read lately. I liked the characters that I was supposed to for example, Amber, Tate - her neighbour, Hannah and Hannah’s mother. And disliked those as a reader I wasn’t meant to who I won’t name. You’ll soon pick up who they are if you read it. I thought the plot was okay until I got to the boa constrictor. At that point it got farfetched and lost credibility for me. That affected my rating. Still it was a good change of pace and if you like cosy murder mysteries with an Amish slant you might like this one. Oh, and did I mention there is also a romance or two?
This was an enjoyable read and I was happy to go along with the story. Even though this is not a genre I normally read it is the second Amish based murder mystery I have read lately. I liked the characters that I was supposed to for example, Amber, Tate - her neighbour, Hannah and Hannah’s mother. And disliked those as a reader I wasn’t meant to who I won’t name. You’ll soon pick up who they are if you read it. I thought the plot was okay until I got to the boa constrictor. At that point it got farfetched and lost credibility for me. That affected my rating. Still it was a good change of pace and if you like cosy murder mysteries with an Amish slant you might like this one. Oh, and did I mention there is also a romance or two?
August 25, 2020
I really enjoyed this story! A fun mystery and I loved the Amish Village with its shops, hotel and restaurant. It seems like that would be a fun place to visit in real life. Looking forward to the rest of the trilogy.
March 23, 2014
Murder Simply Brewed is one of those books that I just curled up with and dove into the story. Right from the start of the book, the author had me invested in the outcome. I truly cared how things worked out for the characters.
This book is what I would call a cozy little mystery. The characters were interesting, the setting was quaint and there were many questions that need answering. The mystery was a good one and kept me guessing. Nothing too scary, but some twists and turns that I really enjoyed. I also giggled when the author made reference to her Shipshewana mystery series by having Hannah recall that there seemed to be a rash of murders occurring every six months up there, but at least those murders had been solved!
And romance…don’t forget about romance! This book has it and it is sweet. Although the love developed quickly in the story, it still felt reasonable and realistic.
In Murder Simply Brewed we follow two Englischers, Amber and Tate, and two Amish young adults, Hannah and Jesse as they try to piece together clues and figure out if a murder actually occurred. There are many interesting side characters as well, and the Amish Artisan Village that Hannah is the manager at was a great setting for this story.
A very enjoyable aspect about Murder Simply Brewed is that there are two distinct romantic relationships that begin to be established in this first book of the series. One is a relationship between two young adults who are Amish. The other potential relationship is between two people who are past the first blush of young love, a woman and man who are in their forties and fifties. It was a nice touch to see how these characters view life and love from their different perspectives.
I really enjoyed Murder Simply Brewed and am looking forward to reading the future books in this series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review, which I have given.
You can read this review on my blog at:
http://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.co...
This book is what I would call a cozy little mystery. The characters were interesting, the setting was quaint and there were many questions that need answering. The mystery was a good one and kept me guessing. Nothing too scary, but some twists and turns that I really enjoyed. I also giggled when the author made reference to her Shipshewana mystery series by having Hannah recall that there seemed to be a rash of murders occurring every six months up there, but at least those murders had been solved!
And romance…don’t forget about romance! This book has it and it is sweet. Although the love developed quickly in the story, it still felt reasonable and realistic.
In Murder Simply Brewed we follow two Englischers, Amber and Tate, and two Amish young adults, Hannah and Jesse as they try to piece together clues and figure out if a murder actually occurred. There are many interesting side characters as well, and the Amish Artisan Village that Hannah is the manager at was a great setting for this story.
A very enjoyable aspect about Murder Simply Brewed is that there are two distinct romantic relationships that begin to be established in this first book of the series. One is a relationship between two young adults who are Amish. The other potential relationship is between two people who are past the first blush of young love, a woman and man who are in their forties and fifties. It was a nice touch to see how these characters view life and love from their different perspectives.
I really enjoyed Murder Simply Brewed and am looking forward to reading the future books in this series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review, which I have given.
You can read this review on my blog at:
http://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.co...
February 28, 2018
What a wonderful set of characters and a lovely town. This book had the perfect mix of mystery, light romance and Amish goodness. I loved it and look forward to the next book in the series!
July 9, 2021
This story was such an enjoyable series opener. It had an engaging author voice that pulled me in right away. I loved the descriptive narration. The mystery was superb, and I especially enjoyed how the Amish and Englischers worked well together.
Content: drugs, gambling
Content: drugs, gambling
dnf
May 11, 2022DNFd at 32% because it was just a little boring and the narrator’s “accent” for the main character’s mom annoyed me. 🤷🏼♀️
April 8, 2014
Murder Simply Brewed combines two of my favorite things: mysteries and coffee. Anyone who knows me knows that I like a good strong cup of Joe and I like to be drinking that good cup of Joe while reading a great book. Oh and I need to have a donut on hand too because mystery books usually make a person bite their nails as they try to figure out what is going on, right? I chomp down on a yummy pasty instead and save my nails. Guilt free because I can say Vannetta Chapman made me eat them all. I was a nervous wreck for the characters and turned to the dozen glazed delights to calm my nerves. Thanks a lot Mrs. Chapman!
A death at the Amish Artisan Village sets in motion a string of events leading to the eventual discovery that the death wasn’t so “simple”. It was actually a murder. (Cue the dramatic music) Now who would want to “off” little old Ethan Gray, who runs a coffee shop? Admittedly, he is a grumpy old man but that is no reason for someone to murder him especially in a quiet town like Middlebury. Amber Wright is the manager of the Village and she vows to get to the bottom of Ethan’s untimely demise-with or without the police. That’s when things start to get dicey…real dicey….
Vannetta has spun quite the story with her latest mystery. The characters were genuine, which of course is one of the reasons I always enjoy her books. Her characters are always well developed with just the right amount of detail to make you care enough to stick around till the end.I have to add that there is a part in this book that made me jump and gave me the willies! I am curious to find out if anyone else got jumpy like I did. Trust me, you will know what part I am talking about once you start reading :)
A copy of Murder Simply Brewed was provided to me from Zondervan/HarperCollins Publishing for review purposes.
A death at the Amish Artisan Village sets in motion a string of events leading to the eventual discovery that the death wasn’t so “simple”. It was actually a murder. (Cue the dramatic music) Now who would want to “off” little old Ethan Gray, who runs a coffee shop? Admittedly, he is a grumpy old man but that is no reason for someone to murder him especially in a quiet town like Middlebury. Amber Wright is the manager of the Village and she vows to get to the bottom of Ethan’s untimely demise-with or without the police. That’s when things start to get dicey…real dicey….
Vannetta has spun quite the story with her latest mystery. The characters were genuine, which of course is one of the reasons I always enjoy her books. Her characters are always well developed with just the right amount of detail to make you care enough to stick around till the end.I have to add that there is a part in this book that made me jump and gave me the willies! I am curious to find out if anyone else got jumpy like I did. Trust me, you will know what part I am talking about once you start reading :)
A copy of Murder Simply Brewed was provided to me from Zondervan/HarperCollins Publishing for review purposes.
August 31, 2014
MURDER SIMPLY BREWED by Vannetta Chapman, is definitely a 5 star novel. I absolutely loved everything about this story and was hooked after reading the very first page. Vannetta's description of the Middlebury, Indiana's Amish Artisian Village was so real that it brought this story to life and made you feel like you were right there visiting and enjoying a steaming cup of simply brewed kaffi.
This is a heartwarming whodunit with both Amish and English characters, working together to solve the mystery of a murder of one of the employees of the Village. MSB is a strong, well written, emotional, inspiring and educational novel as Vannetta has so brilliantly included some teachings of the Amish ways. I absolutely fell in love with all the interesting and colorful characters and the story line moves along so smoothly, it keeps you wanting to find out what happens next instead of laying the book down!
I enjoy a good ending and I guarantee you will not be disappointed with this one! I loved this book and I highly recommend it to all Amish and English loving readers!
You did an awesome job, Vannetta, and I look forward to reading more of your books.
I received this book from the Author after winning the giveaway at Goodreads. All thoughts expressed are my own and no monetary compensation was received.
This is a heartwarming whodunit with both Amish and English characters, working together to solve the mystery of a murder of one of the employees of the Village. MSB is a strong, well written, emotional, inspiring and educational novel as Vannetta has so brilliantly included some teachings of the Amish ways. I absolutely fell in love with all the interesting and colorful characters and the story line moves along so smoothly, it keeps you wanting to find out what happens next instead of laying the book down!
I enjoy a good ending and I guarantee you will not be disappointed with this one! I loved this book and I highly recommend it to all Amish and English loving readers!
You did an awesome job, Vannetta, and I look forward to reading more of your books.
I received this book from the Author after winning the giveaway at Goodreads. All thoughts expressed are my own and no monetary compensation was received.
September 24, 2016
Vannetta Chapman has accomplished what many can only dream to...
A succesful Amish Mystery!
Wow, I am so impressed actually. What a great concept that was satisfying and interesting. I mused so much over this book. I loved all the details and tie-ins to the Amish community, yet successfully pulling off a murder mystery. Simply brilliant! Not only that, she also knit in a lovely romance. I am speechless and will be broke because I am getting this whole series, lol!!
Recommended as an Adult & YA Christian Mystery novel
16+
A succesful Amish Mystery!
Wow, I am so impressed actually. What a great concept that was satisfying and interesting. I mused so much over this book. I loved all the details and tie-ins to the Amish community, yet successfully pulling off a murder mystery. Simply brilliant! Not only that, she also knit in a lovely romance. I am speechless and will be broke because I am getting this whole series, lol!!
Recommended as an Adult & YA Christian Mystery novel
16+
April 16, 2014
My Comments
I was so thrilled to get a review copy of this book, I’ve read so many of Chapman’s books and they never disappoint. She has a unique talent of mixing Amish and Englischer characters within a small community and having her readers fall in love with these characters. I didn’t connect with Murder Simply Brewed as much as I hoped I would, but I still really enjoyed what can be easily described as a cozy mystery.
The two women in this book are Amber and Hannah. They make an unlikely bond in this story that becomes a sweet friendship as they investigate a death in their community that the police deem is not a murder, but natural causes. However there are just too many “coincidences” related to Ethan Grey’s death that put Amber in a sleuthing role despite the risks that go with it. Hannah doesn’t get as involved, but she does share any new information with Amber and they rely on each other throughout the story. Both women are very observant and eager to resolve the entire situation. The only question I have is, was Hannah finally able to taste the coffee she prepared or maybe that’s for the next book?
I couldn’t believe some of the pranks in this book; some were totally outrageous while others were utterly creepy! Even though the story started out slow for me, once these pranks were put into motion I was eager to find out what would happen next.
My two favorite characters were Tate and Elizabeth. They are both incredibly supportive of Amber and had me smiling.
There was a sweet romance between Tate and Amber and Jesse and Hannah. However, I really enjoyed reading more about Tate and Amber even though they start out as total opposites in personality. Tate is still grieving his late wife when the story begins, but he ends up helping Amber with the investigation and I just loved the scenes they have together. Leo the cat was also an enhancement to the story.
Even though I didn’t connect with this story as I’d hoped to, it’s still accurate to say that anything Chapman writes is wonderfully entertaining and always illustrates what it means to have faith in God no matter what culture you’re from. The characters keep things interesting, I had no idea who the culprit was, the police had me suspicious because of their nonchalant attitude towards Amber, the romance is subtle but perfectly done, the friendships are pure delight, the Amish community stick together and help each other in such precious ways, and even when you discover who the “villain” is there is forgiveness available for this person. I’m grateful for authors like Chapman and I know her readers will enjoy this book as I did!
I want to thank BookLook Bloggers and Zondervan for the review copy received. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own.
I was so thrilled to get a review copy of this book, I’ve read so many of Chapman’s books and they never disappoint. She has a unique talent of mixing Amish and Englischer characters within a small community and having her readers fall in love with these characters. I didn’t connect with Murder Simply Brewed as much as I hoped I would, but I still really enjoyed what can be easily described as a cozy mystery.
The two women in this book are Amber and Hannah. They make an unlikely bond in this story that becomes a sweet friendship as they investigate a death in their community that the police deem is not a murder, but natural causes. However there are just too many “coincidences” related to Ethan Grey’s death that put Amber in a sleuthing role despite the risks that go with it. Hannah doesn’t get as involved, but she does share any new information with Amber and they rely on each other throughout the story. Both women are very observant and eager to resolve the entire situation. The only question I have is, was Hannah finally able to taste the coffee she prepared or maybe that’s for the next book?
I couldn’t believe some of the pranks in this book; some were totally outrageous while others were utterly creepy! Even though the story started out slow for me, once these pranks were put into motion I was eager to find out what would happen next.
My two favorite characters were Tate and Elizabeth. They are both incredibly supportive of Amber and had me smiling.
There was a sweet romance between Tate and Amber and Jesse and Hannah. However, I really enjoyed reading more about Tate and Amber even though they start out as total opposites in personality. Tate is still grieving his late wife when the story begins, but he ends up helping Amber with the investigation and I just loved the scenes they have together. Leo the cat was also an enhancement to the story.
Even though I didn’t connect with this story as I’d hoped to, it’s still accurate to say that anything Chapman writes is wonderfully entertaining and always illustrates what it means to have faith in God no matter what culture you’re from. The characters keep things interesting, I had no idea who the culprit was, the police had me suspicious because of their nonchalant attitude towards Amber, the romance is subtle but perfectly done, the friendships are pure delight, the Amish community stick together and help each other in such precious ways, and even when you discover who the “villain” is there is forgiveness available for this person. I’m grateful for authors like Chapman and I know her readers will enjoy this book as I did!
I want to thank BookLook Bloggers and Zondervan for the review copy received. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own.
April 1, 2014
Title: MURDER SIMPLY BREWED
Author: Vanetta Chapman
Publisher: Zondervan
March 2014
ISBN: 978-0310326168
Genre: Amish/cozy mystery
When the coffee shop manager is murdered in Middlebury's Amish Artisan Village, two women from different walks of life must join together to solve the mystery.
Spring has arrived in Middlebury, Indiana, and Amber Wright is optimistic about the growing profit from her collection of Amish shops---until she receives a call that Ethan Gray is dead. Hurrying over to A Simple Blend, she finds a solitary hole in the front window and the store manager lying next to the espresso machine, dead from an apparent heart attack. All the money is still in his register.
When Amber hires a young Amish woman, Hannah Troyer, to take over the shop's duties, the two women become fast friends---as well as amateur sleuths. The police believe Gray's death is a by-product of vandalism, but Amber and Hannah aren't convinced.
Clues that don't add up, a neighbor who is pulled into the midst of the investigation, a town with secrets to hide, and a blossoming romance---all will combine to push Amber and Hannah into unfamiliar roles in order to reveal answers to the mysteries around them.
Ms. Chapman is a stellar mystery writer, and MURDER SIMPLY BREWED is one of her best ones yet. I did enjoy her previous series set in Shipshewana, based around the quilt shop, but what could be better than one set around a coffee shop! Combining Ms. Chapman’s classic writing style, Amish, murder, mystery and a touch of romance, this first book in An Amish Village Mystery is not to be missed. I can’t wait for the next one to release. $15.99. 368 pages. 4.5 stars.
Author: Vanetta Chapman
Publisher: Zondervan
March 2014
ISBN: 978-0310326168
Genre: Amish/cozy mystery
When the coffee shop manager is murdered in Middlebury's Amish Artisan Village, two women from different walks of life must join together to solve the mystery.
Spring has arrived in Middlebury, Indiana, and Amber Wright is optimistic about the growing profit from her collection of Amish shops---until she receives a call that Ethan Gray is dead. Hurrying over to A Simple Blend, she finds a solitary hole in the front window and the store manager lying next to the espresso machine, dead from an apparent heart attack. All the money is still in his register.
When Amber hires a young Amish woman, Hannah Troyer, to take over the shop's duties, the two women become fast friends---as well as amateur sleuths. The police believe Gray's death is a by-product of vandalism, but Amber and Hannah aren't convinced.
Clues that don't add up, a neighbor who is pulled into the midst of the investigation, a town with secrets to hide, and a blossoming romance---all will combine to push Amber and Hannah into unfamiliar roles in order to reveal answers to the mysteries around them.
Ms. Chapman is a stellar mystery writer, and MURDER SIMPLY BREWED is one of her best ones yet. I did enjoy her previous series set in Shipshewana, based around the quilt shop, but what could be better than one set around a coffee shop! Combining Ms. Chapman’s classic writing style, Amish, murder, mystery and a touch of romance, this first book in An Amish Village Mystery is not to be missed. I can’t wait for the next one to release. $15.99. 368 pages. 4.5 stars.
May 31, 2014
I won my copy of Murder Simply Brewed through GoodReads FirstReads. It's about a touristy Amish village that gets rocked by the death of the guy who runs the coffee house. Although that's the gist of the story that's basically what it's about, that and the mind-numbingly boring Amish folks who work in the village. I expected them to be dull and, well....simple, but jeez they were boring. The main Amish character, Hannah, went on and on about not focusing on her appearance too much then checking her self in every possible reflection. The other main character, Amber, though not Amish (but was just as boring), she helps run the village and settles any problems that arise, all while making mental accounts of the men she encounters and basically finding attraction to all of them. I'm sorry, but this book simply bored me to tears of frustration. The mystery is slow, and I just didn't care what happened, to be honest. Sorry!
April 24, 2017
The Amish Artisan Village sounded like a delightful place to work and visit. However things changed when Hannah Troyer discovered a dead man in his coffee shop. The police said he died from natural causes but Hannah and her English boss Amber Wright aren't too sure about that. The police didn't want to get involved except to investigate the vandalism on the Village property.Amber and Hannah are suspicious the death and vandalism are connected and decide to find their own answers.
I loved how this story intertwined the lives of both Amish and English people. I enjoyed the romances of Hannah and Amber with their boyfriends; one a young couple and the other a middle aged couple. It was hopeful and inspiring. I loved Hannah's mother. She was so wise and I could appreciate her. I couldn't help caring about the characters and looking forward to other books by this author. This was a sweet read.
I loved how this story intertwined the lives of both Amish and English people. I enjoyed the romances of Hannah and Amber with their boyfriends; one a young couple and the other a middle aged couple. It was hopeful and inspiring. I loved Hannah's mother. She was so wise and I could appreciate her. I couldn't help caring about the characters and looking forward to other books by this author. This was a sweet read.
March 27, 2014
I can just picture the setting for Vanetta Chapman’s new book Murder Simply Brewed, so much peace. We are at a place called the Village, or Amish Village, filled with quaint shops, a hotel, restaurants, and a coffee shop called A Simple Blend. I could just picture myself walking the trail surrounding the pond, and sitting on one of the benches…of course the weather is mild and there is a warm breeze.
This is the setting for a mysterious death, heart attack? Bee bee gun holes in the window, and a body slumped on the counter? The beginning, and with a bit of back tracking, and with one step forward, and two back, we head down the trail of suspicion. Especially when other odd things begin to happen, the police seem to have an answer for everything, but why all the coincidences at once? The funny part is all the people that show up for the mystery that is advertised on the Internet. They do make a mess of this little village.
There are also a few romances going on here. An English one with Amber, the person in charge at the Village, and Tate, who when I meet him I picture an old widower. First impressions are often wrong, and I surely did it here. Then there is sweet Amish girl Heather, who has spent all of her life living next door to Jesse. He just happens to be there when a girl is having a bit of trouble.
Just when you think you really know what has happened and who is responsible, blink and it changes. I was in a way rather surprised at the culprit, and what happens. I really enjoyed this fast pace, and quick read, just not liking that I have it all finished, I wanted more.
I received this book through the Publisher Zondervan and Net Galley, and was not required to give a positive review.
This is the setting for a mysterious death, heart attack? Bee bee gun holes in the window, and a body slumped on the counter? The beginning, and with a bit of back tracking, and with one step forward, and two back, we head down the trail of suspicion. Especially when other odd things begin to happen, the police seem to have an answer for everything, but why all the coincidences at once? The funny part is all the people that show up for the mystery that is advertised on the Internet. They do make a mess of this little village.
There are also a few romances going on here. An English one with Amber, the person in charge at the Village, and Tate, who when I meet him I picture an old widower. First impressions are often wrong, and I surely did it here. Then there is sweet Amish girl Heather, who has spent all of her life living next door to Jesse. He just happens to be there when a girl is having a bit of trouble.
Just when you think you really know what has happened and who is responsible, blink and it changes. I was in a way rather surprised at the culprit, and what happens. I really enjoyed this fast pace, and quick read, just not liking that I have it all finished, I wanted more.
I received this book through the Publisher Zondervan and Net Galley, and was not required to give a positive review.
October 23, 2017
This series is set in the small town of Middlebury, Indiana populated by both Amish and Englishers. The main attraction is an Amish Village accompanied by a large inn, conference center and restaurant. Amber Wright is the Manager of the Amish Village and accompanying buildings. Each of the Village shops is managed by Amish. Tourism is the main economy in the small town. When the Amish manager of the "Kaffi" shop is found dead by what looks like natural causes, a cascade of apparent pranks take place that look unrelated to the death except by Amber and her friend Tate.
This cozy had a plethora of twists, turns, red herrings, and possible suspects which kept me guessing until nearly the end. The newly developing relationship between Amber and Tate (loved the fact this was a middle age romance) and between Hannah and Jesse (Amish courting) was played out nicely as they all pursued clues to determine if a murder had really taken place and who the guilty party might be. I also enjoyed the interactions and relationships that took place between the Amish and the Englishers. Hannah's mother was wise when she told her that "Gott" put friendships in our path for a reason. I am eager to read the book 2 in this series to find out what happens next to the community of Amish Village.
FAVORITE QUOTE: "Can't force anyone to do anything. Not really....A good friend told me that once. You can offer, and you can pray, but you can't force."
This cozy had a plethora of twists, turns, red herrings, and possible suspects which kept me guessing until nearly the end. The newly developing relationship between Amber and Tate (loved the fact this was a middle age romance) and between Hannah and Jesse (Amish courting) was played out nicely as they all pursued clues to determine if a murder had really taken place and who the guilty party might be. I also enjoyed the interactions and relationships that took place between the Amish and the Englishers. Hannah's mother was wise when she told her that "Gott" put friendships in our path for a reason. I am eager to read the book 2 in this series to find out what happens next to the community of Amish Village.
FAVORITE QUOTE: "Can't force anyone to do anything. Not really....A good friend told me that once. You can offer, and you can pray, but you can't force."
January 15, 2021
I am a total sucker for a great cover, and this one drew me right in. I've read a few novellas by this author and thought I'd be in for a treat. Sadly, Murder Simply Brewed was as disappointing as lukewarm coffee.
Part of the problem might have been that I listened to the audiobook. Amish fiction so often includes words in Pennsylvania Dutch or whatever the Old Order Amish weave into their everyday language. Many times I drifted off into LaLaLand because my brain just could not latch onto this story. Suddenly the narrator's pronunciation threw me off, making me scramble to figure out what donkey she was talking about...but pretty sure the context was "danke".
I tried to hang in there for the end of the story, but OH MY GOSH that was the worst part. I don't want to give away spoilers, but honestly? I'd probably be doing you a favor. That way you don't have to read the whole thing to get to the most ridiculous events.
I did appreciate the fact that this was a clean romance. It was overly so -- sickly sweet, like a G rated Hallmark movie. Any sense of romance was very basic and innocent. VERY. There are a lot of Amish novels I've enjoyed so I may stick it out for one or two more of this author's novels; however, definitely won't be reading more in this series.
Part of the problem might have been that I listened to the audiobook. Amish fiction so often includes words in Pennsylvania Dutch or whatever the Old Order Amish weave into their everyday language. Many times I drifted off into LaLaLand because my brain just could not latch onto this story. Suddenly the narrator's pronunciation threw me off, making me scramble to figure out what donkey she was talking about...but pretty sure the context was "danke".
I tried to hang in there for the end of the story, but OH MY GOSH that was the worst part. I don't want to give away spoilers, but honestly? I'd probably be doing you a favor. That way you don't have to read the whole thing to get to the most ridiculous events.
I did appreciate the fact that this was a clean romance. It was overly so -- sickly sweet, like a G rated Hallmark movie. Any sense of romance was very basic and innocent. VERY. There are a lot of Amish novels I've enjoyed so I may stick it out for one or two more of this author's novels; however, definitely won't be reading more in this series.
March 25, 2014
Murder Simply Brewed
By: Vannetta Chapman
Vannetta Chapman has did it again, She has woven a book with Amish, English, Mystery, Murder, and romance all rolled up in Murder Simply Brewed. This book takes place in Middlebury Indiana where , Amber Wright, an English woman who has a collection of Amish Village shops. Amber gets word that her store manager, Ethan Gray , of A Simply Brewed is found dead with what looks like a heart attack in his store. Hannah Troyer is a young Amish woman that Amber hired to take over A Simply Brewed after the death of Ethan. Amber and hannah becomes really good friends and the two decide to try and solve the mystery death. Now there is a lot of people that did not like Ethan, but who would want him dead?
There is also some romance in Murder Simply Brewed. Vannetta Chapman has done a good job of joining the Amish and English together. Her Characters are so real you feel like you are right there with them. When I started reading Murder Simply Brewed I did not want to put it down . I was on the edge of my seat trying to hang on to see what happen next.
I love this book and I believe you will too.
I was given a copy of this book by the author and publisher Zondervan for my honest review .
By: Vannetta Chapman
Vannetta Chapman has did it again, She has woven a book with Amish, English, Mystery, Murder, and romance all rolled up in Murder Simply Brewed. This book takes place in Middlebury Indiana where , Amber Wright, an English woman who has a collection of Amish Village shops. Amber gets word that her store manager, Ethan Gray , of A Simply Brewed is found dead with what looks like a heart attack in his store. Hannah Troyer is a young Amish woman that Amber hired to take over A Simply Brewed after the death of Ethan. Amber and hannah becomes really good friends and the two decide to try and solve the mystery death. Now there is a lot of people that did not like Ethan, but who would want him dead?
There is also some romance in Murder Simply Brewed. Vannetta Chapman has done a good job of joining the Amish and English together. Her Characters are so real you feel like you are right there with them. When I started reading Murder Simply Brewed I did not want to put it down . I was on the edge of my seat trying to hang on to see what happen next.
I love this book and I believe you will too.
I was given a copy of this book by the author and publisher Zondervan for my honest review .
March 28, 2014
Delightfully brewed Amish mystery!
Vanetta Chapman has penned yet another hair raising mystery that involves teamwork and friendship between Amish and Englischers. A crotchety old barista who works in an "Amish Village" of shops is found dead. While the police declare the death one of natural causes, the Englisch manager of the village,Amber,and the young Amish worker, Hannah, who finds the body are not so convinced. They begin investigating as bad things begin happening to them or around them. Fortunately, Amber's neighbor, Tate takes an interest in helping her as well as an interest in Amber as a lady. Hannah turns to her friend,Jesse, for advice and comfort.
However, human comfort and advice can only take one so far. As the mystery deepens and both ladies realize the extent of the danger they face, they begin to realize the truth of God's love;the peace that God alone brings; and a gratefulness for each new day God grants.
A heart-pounding, heartwarming mystery I had to rush to finish to satisfy my curiosity and fear!
Vanetta Chapman has penned yet another hair raising mystery that involves teamwork and friendship between Amish and Englischers. A crotchety old barista who works in an "Amish Village" of shops is found dead. While the police declare the death one of natural causes, the Englisch manager of the village,Amber,and the young Amish worker, Hannah, who finds the body are not so convinced. They begin investigating as bad things begin happening to them or around them. Fortunately, Amber's neighbor, Tate takes an interest in helping her as well as an interest in Amber as a lady. Hannah turns to her friend,Jesse, for advice and comfort.
However, human comfort and advice can only take one so far. As the mystery deepens and both ladies realize the extent of the danger they face, they begin to realize the truth of God's love;the peace that God alone brings; and a gratefulness for each new day God grants.
A heart-pounding, heartwarming mystery I had to rush to finish to satisfy my curiosity and fear!
March 20, 2014
I was waiting, waiting on this book. I love Vannetta's books and I love mystery. UPS delivered this book on Tuesday and I started reading it the same night. It was so worth the wait. Such a great story. Lots of suspense, in fact I was really stumped as to who was to blame for the murder right up to the reveal. I was so surprised! LOVED that! I loved the teaming up of Hannah and Amber, an unlikely pair to be friends or to be working on solving a murder together. I have to say one of my favorite characters in this book was not even really a key character and that was Hannah's mom. She was so laid back and not uptight like lots of the Mamms in Amish stories often are. A very encouraging mother and a great character. This book was a great book, lots of suspense and action. 5 stars from this reviewer
This book was provided for review purposes only, no payment was received for this review.
This book was provided for review purposes only, no payment was received for this review.
April 9, 2014
I cannot begin to tell you how much I love this book….but I’ll try!
This story combines all of my favorite things…a cozy, Amish, romantic, murder-mystery featuring amateur sleuths that takes place in a coffee shop- what more could a book-lovin gal like me ask for?!? It’s almost too much excitement!!!!
Vannetta Chapman weaves a wonderful tale full of colorful, come-to-life characters.
I loved that the main characters are women from two totally different walks of life.
This made it so interesting- seeing the story unfold from their perspectives.
I sooo cannot wait for the next book in this series.
If you are a fan of cozy mysteries- this is a MUST READ!!!!
This story combines all of my favorite things…a cozy, Amish, romantic, murder-mystery featuring amateur sleuths that takes place in a coffee shop- what more could a book-lovin gal like me ask for?!? It’s almost too much excitement!!!!
Vannetta Chapman weaves a wonderful tale full of colorful, come-to-life characters.
I loved that the main characters are women from two totally different walks of life.
This made it so interesting- seeing the story unfold from their perspectives.
I sooo cannot wait for the next book in this series.
If you are a fan of cozy mysteries- this is a MUST READ!!!!
August 11, 2016
This is the first book I have read by Vannetta Chapman, and I thoroughly loved it. I thought the characters were wonderful, especially Amber and her neighbor, Tate. I really liked watching their romance develop. The mystery aspect of the storyline caught and kept my attention, and it kept me guessing throughout the book. I am looking forward to more in this series. I received this as an ARC through Netgalley.
July 24, 2017
I loved this book! Kept me guessing the entire time; gripping read with good character development, sweet romance, and mostly everything wrapping up at the end. One character was left a tad open ended when it was all said and done (or I could have overlooked it), but I still loved the book and can't wait to read more in the series.
December 18, 2019
Read Harder Challenge 2019: A Cozy Mystery
The title drew me in (love me some coffee), the location intrigued me (25 minutes from my hometown), and I was only half correct in my assumption of 'who done it'. 3.5☆
Now I just have to talk myself into keeping my Saturday plans that involve biking the path where some of the vandalism took place in the story. LOL
The title drew me in (love me some coffee), the location intrigued me (25 minutes from my hometown), and I was only half correct in my assumption of 'who done it'. 3.5☆
Now I just have to talk myself into keeping my Saturday plans that involve biking the path where some of the vandalism took place in the story. LOL
March 21, 2019
Loved the Amish Village Mysteries!
April 21, 2022
Adorable!
May 24, 2019
I’ve always wanted to read a cozy mystery and this fit the bill quite nicely. However, I was put off by the fact that every character (while wholesome and innocent) was SO ingenuous to the point that it bordered-and even crossed into-utter stupidity.
For instance, the main character-a 40-something year old who has never been married-sets out to solve the mystery of an employee that was murdered. Meanwhile, she nonchalantly mentions every man in her life that’s also single and wonders if she could see herself in a relationship with them. Is this really how the author wants to portray what unmarried women think? She also teams up with the local cop (they know OF each other but aren’t friends and yes, she mentioned whether he could be a potential suitor of hers, because of course) to solve the mystery and during their first AND ONLY late night excursion, she asks him point blank, “Are we dating?” As in, ‘Is this late night excursion to find out who killed my employee a date?’
YOUR EMPLOYEE DIED AND ALL YOU CAN THINK ABOUT IS WHETHER YOU’RE DATING THE COP YOU NEVER REALLY TALKED TO UNTIL HE HELPS YOU SOLVE THE MURDER?!
In another instance, a different character named Hannah-who’s an 18 year-old girl also trying to solve the murder-goes with her friend Jesse to the victim’s house to find clues. They see a picture of the victim with some other people and Jesse tells her to “flip the photo over” at which point she says, “Huh? Turn it over?” and he replies, “Yea, turn the picture around. English people (aka not Amish people) sometimes write on the back of photos...” How does Hannah have NO idea what “flip it over” means? I just don’t get how dense these characters can be.
And don’t get me started on the boa constrictor *insert major eye roll*.
For instance, the main character-a 40-something year old who has never been married-sets out to solve the mystery of an employee that was murdered. Meanwhile, she nonchalantly mentions every man in her life that’s also single and wonders if she could see herself in a relationship with them. Is this really how the author wants to portray what unmarried women think? She also teams up with the local cop (they know OF each other but aren’t friends and yes, she mentioned whether he could be a potential suitor of hers, because of course) to solve the mystery and during their first AND ONLY late night excursion, she asks him point blank, “Are we dating?” As in, ‘Is this late night excursion to find out who killed my employee a date?’
YOUR EMPLOYEE DIED AND ALL YOU CAN THINK ABOUT IS WHETHER YOU’RE DATING THE COP YOU NEVER REALLY TALKED TO UNTIL HE HELPS YOU SOLVE THE MURDER?!
In another instance, a different character named Hannah-who’s an 18 year-old girl also trying to solve the murder-goes with her friend Jesse to the victim’s house to find clues. They see a picture of the victim with some other people and Jesse tells her to “flip the photo over” at which point she says, “Huh? Turn it over?” and he replies, “Yea, turn the picture around. English people (aka not Amish people) sometimes write on the back of photos...” How does Hannah have NO idea what “flip it over” means? I just don’t get how dense these characters can be.
And don’t get me started on the boa constrictor *insert major eye roll*.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 28, 2020
I picked this book up in a rush at a thrift store while my baby was crying, and I am consumed with regret.
I used to like Amish novels, like Beverly Lewis, when I was a teenager. I pored over them and found them quite intriguing. I might still like those ones again if I were to re-read them.
Not this one. Ugh. Boring and ridiculous. 350 pages and should have been 200 at the most. Very nearly DNF but I’m an enneagram 3 and I don’t like leaving things undone.
I used to like Amish novels, like Beverly Lewis, when I was a teenager. I pored over them and found them quite intriguing. I might still like those ones again if I were to re-read them.
Not this one. Ugh. Boring and ridiculous. 350 pages and should have been 200 at the most. Very nearly DNF but I’m an enneagram 3 and I don’t like leaving things undone.
April 23, 2023
Very good!
June 2, 2017
This was a new author to me but I enjoyed book 1 of 3 in the series. Easy read - fast moving. Good mystery. I look forward to books 2 and 3. If you enjoy books set in the Amish community - you will enjoy this book!
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