Amish Country Killer

by Mary Alford

An unsolved mystery…

Seeking the truth could be fatal.

Reopening the investigation of her mother's disappearance puts chief of police Diana Fisher in someone’s lethal sights. As she delves deeper into the mystery, a murderer resurfaces, targeting the Amish community. Detective Micah Nissley, whose fiancée went missing a decade ago, joins forces with Diana to stop the threats and bring the killer to justice. But can they uncover the connection between Diana and the culprit before she becomes the next victim?

From Love Inspired Suspense: Courage. Danger. Faith.

Genres: Suspense, Christian Fiction, Amish, Inspirational, Romantic Suspense, Romance, Fiction

272 pages, Mass Market Paperback

Published April 1, 2025

About the author

Mary Alford is a New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author who loves giving her readers the unexpected, combining unforgettable characters with unpredictable plots that result in stories the reader can’t put down. Her books have garnered several awards and nominations. Mary lives deep in the heart of Texas with her husband, two cats, and a dog. Discover more about Mary and her books at www.maryalford.net.

Reviews

[theliterateleprechaun · Rating 5 out of 5]

“No matter what we’re facing, God is there in the middle of it with us. His light shines into the darkest corners of our lives, bringing promise.”

Chief of Police Diana Fisher and her Dutch Shepherd, Kit, have returned to Rachel’s Crossing, Kentucky to continue investigating her mother’s disappearance. Fifteen years ago, her mother, Greta Fisher, left a note and walked out on her family. Diana has never stopped looking for her.

Micah Nissley with the Kentucky Department of Criminal Investigations is also searching. His fiancee disappeared after a disagreement and hasn’t been seen/heard from for years.

The two join forces in their desire to find answers and the results are eye-opening!

There’s a fine line between searing for answers and being ready to hear the truth. I walked in Diana’s shoes as she got closer to finding out what happened to her mother, but I was completely gobsmacked with the truth. I was blindsided. Alford leads her readers, enticing them with breadcrumbs, and then hits them on the side of the head with the truth. She does it so well.

Alford is also great at shining the light into dark corners. The Amish community in Rachel’s Crossing are living in fear and dark days consume their existence. Alford reveals that sometimes those stepping up to the plate to help shine the light are those we’d least expect and are often those who’d prefer to help in the shadows. I love Alford’s characters, even the fringe characters who are often overlooked, every single one of them is unique!

You won’t want to miss this fantastically twisty Amish thriller!

I was gifted this copy and was under no obligation to provide a review.

[Vickie · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Diana Fisher returns to her childhood home in Rachel’s Crossing, Kentucky, she is on a mission to find out what happened to her mother Greta who disappeared when she was only a child. As the new chief of police, she plans to keep the community safe while she continues to look into her mother’s disappearance. When DCI agent Micah Nissley shows up looking for answers about his missing former girlfriend, the two join forces to solve a mystery that spans decades. They are not prepared for what they discovered but the police procedural aspect of the book is fascinating. Set in a small mining town with Amish and a lot of secrets, their work is cut out for them when a serial killer is actively taking and killing young Amish women. This book was intense, intriguing and a look at darkness with a glimmer of hope shining through. I enjoyed the well-developed characters and how they gradually learned to trust each other. There were plenty of fake trails and red herrings to follow and a shocker of a revelation about the villain. This book held me captivated and on the edge of my seat and could not have been a better choice to read to keep my total attention from beginning to end.
Disclaimer: I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own.

[Laura (kroosreadsandreviews) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Each time I read a Love Inspired Suspense story it grips me from the beginning and leaves me with my mouth open in surprise at the end. The amount of criminal activity and depravity is intense but thankfully God's truth is told throughout the story!

Diana and Micah are in a fight for their lives as they struggle to find the serial killer. The struggle is so intense and the suspects are so many. I love how they depend on each other throughout the story.

Thanks to the author for the arc. The opinions are my own.

[Debbie Wentworth Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Before Diana Fisher has even settled into her old house at Rachel's Crossing, Kentucky, or has started her job as the new chief of police, someone assaults an Amish girl in the woods near Diana's home, then attacks her and her police dog Kit. She finds the girl who has been assaulted outside a neighbor's barn. The neighbor, DCI Detective Micah Nissley, comes back to his Amish roots to keep the house up. From that time forward, Diana and Micah are constantly on the run, trying to stop the killer who has been dormant for fifteen years.

When Diana was growing up, her mother left the area without saying goodbye. At the same time, several young Amish women, including Micah's fiancee, disappeared. As chief of police, Diana's father latched onto Micah as the guilty party. Everyone has presumed the girls were murdered, but no one has had closure. Diana has hoped to find evidence of what happened to her mother, and Micah became a detective in hopes of discovering what happened to Tessa.

Now, the killer has come back to murder, but it is not only Amish girls who are dying. For some reason, he has targeted Diana also.

Mary Alford's fast-paced plot kept me turning pages. Diana and Micah were interesting main characters with the wounds they each carried from their past.

A couple of things bothered me. From what I've read before, K-9 trainers and their dogs are very close. Yet, Diana leaves Kit with her deputy to work with him when she and Kit barely know him. That seemed odd. Also, at one time, the medical examiner gave a family member of a victim who had been missing for fifteen years some personal items. I thought those items would be held until after the trial, in case there were legal questions about the identity. Also, though Kit came into contact with the killer several times, she didn't seem to recognize him.

This was a fast-paced read with lots of suspense and mystery. I did not see the twist at the end coming.

[Megan · Rating 1 out of 5]

I don’t even know where to start. 1) how did the protagonists fall in love over the course of 1 day when the only thing they talked about was the murder investigation they were actively working on??? 2) at one point the main character is like we just got to wait for the killer to slip up; GIRL THIS MAN STARTS A SHOOT OUT WITH YOU EVERY 15 MINUTES!!! 3) I’m glad at least the killer was the dad, but also if he was concerned his daughter would figure it out when she became police chief literally why come out of murder retirement on her first day and try to murder like 5 people including her???

[Jo|Ruth Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story has all the ingredients of a gripping suspense. An unexpected target, a cold case involving a serial killer that's remained unsolved for years, bodies being uncovered, and finally, the long-awaited answers to questions that have haunted everyone for so long.

Diana returns to her hometown to take a new job, hoping it will lead her to uncover the truth about her missing mother. Her father warns her about the dangers of returning, especially since his own biggest unsolved case still lingers. However, as women are attacked and bodies are discovered, Diana quickly realizes she may be a part of the reason why. Amid this chaos, she crosses paths with Micah, who’s back in town working on his family’s property. He offers his help with her investigation, but he’s not without his own connection to the cold case... his ex-fiancée was one of the missing women, and he was once the prime suspect. Diana has every reason to be cautious about accepting his help, just as the community remains wary of him. But as the threat grows stronger, they both must work together to solve this case. And with all that time together, sparks are bound to fly between them. But they must focus on the case, before more women become victims to this killer!

An amazing story with endless twists and turns that kept me on the edge of my seat. The romance weaved throughout the suspense added just the right touch for me. And kept me guessing to figure out who is to blame but also turning pages to see the chemistry grow between Micah and Diana. Such a wonderful romantic suspense story!

I'd give this book a 4.5 rating, rounded to a 5!

I received a complimentary copy, and this review is my honest opinion.

[Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect no notes

[Debra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book as an ARC with no expectations of a positive review. Diana Fisher returns home to Rachel's Crossing as the police chief. She is responsible for rebuilding the police force after most of the officers and former police chief were let go because of corruption. She is sitting on the back porch of her childhood home when her K-9 dog, Kit takes off in the woods. After being attacked, she hears a scream. After following the sound, she finds an Amish women who is laying on the ground with bruises coming on her neck. A man appears, she discovers that Micah Nissley is a member of DCI. A cold case of her father's is starting again. Can Chief Fisher and Micah put an end to the Amish women being taken? Follow Diana and Micah on this wild roller coaster ride. I never saw the ending. This book will keep you guessing until the end. It is a must read for all romantic suspense fans.

[J.E. Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amish Country Killer is one of the most intense stories I've read lately. It's so good that it hardly gives you time to take a breath in between the chapters. Non-stop action that will leave you breathless, wondering what will happen next. The connections to the serial killer will tempt you to try to solve the secrets but will have you shaking your head.

Diana and Micah's characters had many layers, and the spiritual aspects of the story were woven seamlessly. I enjoyed turning the pages to watch everything unfold, and the ending wrapped everything up nicely but will surprise you. Highly recommended.

I received an ARC from the author and voluntarily chose to review it. A positive review is not required. All opinions are my own.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Another fascinating story by Mary Alford. You never know what’s going to happen next. Well developed characters combined with a great plot make for a great read. This author is quite skilled at weaving mysteries. I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed are my own.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another wonderful mystery, suspense book by Mary Alford. Huge twist that is kind of shocking. Little bit of romance and unsolved deaths, you won’t want to miss. Thank you for this arc book, this is my honest review!

[Ethelann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amish Country Killer is an exciting page turning book. You don't want to put it down.
Diana is the new chief of police in the Amish community of Rachel's Crossing. She's back there because of her mother's disappearance, but also because it looks like a serial killer is back after a decade.
DCI agent Mich is also back after being falsely accused of the disappearance of his fiancée and to find out what's happening to all the young girls being taken with no sign of them being found.
As they work together to solve the mystery, the twists this book takes will keep you turning pages. But the ending, that was totally mind-blowing!!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher, and this is my honest review

[Aaron Gomez · Rating 1 out of 5]

PoV: you find out your dad was amish & also one of the must successful serial killers in the usa

[Linda Palmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great suspense story with a surprise ending. This story will keep you on the edge of your seat. I received a a copy of this book from the author and all opinions are my own.

[Karen Torrance · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not sure how to start. Diana has come back to her home in Amish country as a police chief in a former corrupt police form. Most of the old police and been ousted , but her dad had been chief and so he retired. Her mother left them when she was a child so that always stayed on her mind. So many page turners,so many surprises. The end really surprised me.

[Carrie Schmidt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh. My. WORD. Y’all. Amish Country Killer is an intense thriller that kept me on the edge of my seat, with some twists that took my breath away.

When the man who succeeded her father as police chief of Rachel’s Crossing is forced out of office, Diana Fisher returns to her small Kentucky hometown and takes the newly vacated job. She hopes to finally learn why her mother left their family fifteen years ago (and where she’s been all this time), but author Mary Alford doesn’t wait long to put Diana and her loyal K-9 partner Kit in the crosshairs of a serial killer instead. (And for my fellow ‘don’t kill the dog or I throw the book across the room’ readers: Don’t worry – Kit survives the book just fine.) The question of whether this is a copycat or the same person responsible for the yet unsolved disappearances of four young Amish women from several years ago is just the beginning of the nail-biting layers to this story, and I could not tear myself away.

I found Diana to be a very likable and resilient heroine who was easy to root for, but I was also glad she wasn’t left to face this evil alone. The pace of constant danger and high-stakes suspense balances out with Kit’s big personality and the sweet romance between Diana and her neighbor Micah Nissley (who also happens to be a Kentucky criminal investigations detective with deeply personal ties to the original investigation). I giggled more than once at Kit’s ‘complaints’ and melted at her well-timed face licks, but I also admired (and held my breath over) her bravery and selfless instincts to protect Diana. Micah’s backstory is compelling, and I really enjoyed getting to know him too. He’s a steady presence when Diana needs one, but he lets her shine and doesn’t try to take over the investigation.

Bottom Line: Amish Country Killer by Mary Alford is intense and stunning and brilliantly-plotted. I loved ‘meeting’ Diana and Micah and, of course, Kit. The characters (including several supporting players) have complex layers that – along with the riveting suspense elements – make the story wholly compelling and impossible to put down. I ignored everything else around me in favor of reading this in one sitting, and I had to remind myself to breathe several times. Not only did I feel like I was right there with them – and consider myself lucky to have escaped with no head injuries or bullet wounds – I also kept bracing for whatever would happen next. What. A. Ride! My new fave novel by Mary Alford!

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)

first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower

[Hallie (Hallie Reads)]

a thrilling pursuit of an elusive serial killer!

diana fisher returns to her hometown as chief of police to investigate her mother's long-cold disappearance. of course, her return brings the return of the town's serial killer, too. detective micah nissley, who also has history with this killer, steps in to help amidst town politics, deadly scares, and buried secrets.

amish country killer is fast-paced with plenty of twists and discoveries—and a touch of romance along with the suspense (though it did feel a little ill-timed to me). for the reader of romantic suspense (especially with an amish element), this could be quite the enjoyable read.

(i received a complimentary copy from the author. i was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions i have expressed are my own.)
 

considerations: 
—language: none
—spice: kisses only
—faith: an amish community, mentions of God and prayer
—content: murder, violence

[DeeAnn · Rating 5 out of 5]

So suspenseful! I could’ve read this in one sitting, but of course life gets in the way 😊
Main characters in this story are chief of police, Diana Fisher and Detective Micah Nissley. They are a very strong team.
Many years ago, Micah was excommunicated from the Amish community. Even that they couldn’t prove it they believed that he was the cause of the death of one of the young girls from his community. Diana is back in town to take over the position of chief of police. This is also where she grow up as a young girl. And where she was left behind by her mother at a very young age. She’s hoping that she can somehow find her mother or what happened to her mother.
There is so many twist and turns in this book. You will not want to put it down! And every time you think you know what’s gonna come the story twist again. Never did I expect the ending at all.!
Well, done once again Mary! I wish I could give it more than five stars. And I highly recommend this suspenseful read.

I was given this ARC from the author and return for my honest review

[Becky Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Don’t go back there, Diana. There’s nothing in Rachel’s Crossing but ghosts.”

Yet, Diana Fisher feels compelled to return to her childhood stomping grounds. While she followed in her father’s steps and joined the police force in Louisville, KY, it’s her childhood home that has left her with questions and scars. Obtaining the job of police chief in her once- hometown, again following in her father’s esteemed footsteps, can she discover why her mother left her, when she, Diana, was a teen?

Mary Alford brings us her best-yet Amish romantic suspense with this title, Amish Country Killer. Diana doesn’t even have time to begin her new job before terrible things happen. Kidnappings and murders with ties to a long-ago unsolved case involving young Amish women re-ignite. Amish neighbor Micah Nissley was a suspect in the long ago murders. Now an Englischer, back in town on the old homestead and a verified DCI Fed agent, he is determined to join Diana in her search for truth. Unfortunately, “He’d learned true evil existed everywhere... even among the innocent.” The stakes are high for Micah!!

But… can he be trusted. Or can…well, it seems like half the people that a new police chief *ought* to be able to trust.
There is so much action your mind will spin, if your eyes don’t from hurrying to get to the conclusion. ( By the way, at 30% the way through, I picked out a suspect and wrote the name down. I was *sooo* very tempted to peek at the end.) As the tension escalates, more murders and crimes occur, and it becomes obvious that the murderer is toying with Diana. I was blown away by the final scenes where the mastermind is revealed. I don’t know if Alford can top this twist!!

If you read any romantic suspense, Amish Country Killer needs to be on your TBR!

While I received a copy of the book from JustRead Tours, I also bought my own copy. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.

Notable Quotables:

“No matter what you face now, and in the future, no matter how bleak things may get, there is a light that outshines all the darkness in this world, and it can be found in Jesus.”

“I’m not a killer,” he said softly and stepped closer. Would he be able to convince her of what he hadn’t been able to convince her father or Tessa’s family?

[Trudy Cordle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved Diana and Micah's story!! Diana is back in her childhood home town as Chief of police. She's decided that she'll look into her mother's disappearance. As she delves into her mother's disappearance, she becomes a target, and discovers a link between her mother's disappearance and the disappearance of some Amish girls. Micah lived in the Amish community, and now he's back fixing up his childhood home while working for DCI. Now, he's working with Diana and her K-9, Kit. Micah walked away from not only the Amish way of life, but also his faith. However, working with Diana has him re-thinking his walking away from God, and even finds himself praying some. With all that's going on, neither needs the complication of falling in love, especially since both of them have closed themselves off to that emotion for years. Will they be able to solve the crimes and fall in love, or will things end before it really starts??

I received a complimentary copy of this book, was not required to leave a review, and the opinion expressed is my own.

[Carla Bruns · Rating 5 out of 5]

Diana Fisher returned to her hometown as the police chief to look into her mother's disappearance. The past returns as soon as she arrives, and young Amish women start disappearing. Detective Micha Nissley lives next door to her and steps in to assist, even though he has to deal with the memory of his fiancée, who went missing almost a decade ago.

The ending of this book was shocking. Never, in my wildest dreams, would I have guessed the killer's identity. In addition to Alford's ability to keep me guessing, I liked that suspense was kept in the forefront of this book, and the romance was very low-key. Not even flirting. Diana and Micha were focused on catching a serial killer, not making a love connection. I felt this was very appropriate to the setting.

This book could not have been better. I was not in a reading mood when I picked this up, but as I kept going, that mood changed. To the point where I did not want to put it down. So here I am, writing a review well after my normal bedtime so I can get the word out that everyone who loves suspense must read this book.

I received a copy of this book from the author. All opinions are my own.

[Carolyn Bryant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amish Country Killer ushers in the Rachel’s Crossing series in an intense, impressive manner! A serial killer, dormant for fifteen years, has reappeared targeting young Amish women in Rachel’s Crossing, Kentucky. Police Chief Diana Fisher and DCI agent Micah Nissley head up the search to apprehend the illusive villain which becomes very personal for both of them. The expertly plotted, fast-paced, action-packed, deeply emotional storyline roped me in immediately and didn’t let go until the last page was turned. Although one of my prime suspects turned out to be the killer, the story was so well-written that I was still beyond shocked when the reveal came! Well-crafted characters with relatable emotional struggles add depth believability to the story. The vividly described remote mountain setting, especially the coal mine tunnel maze inside Black Mountain, intensifies the suspense and danger. I value the gentle faith aspect that is incorporated seamlessly into the story. This compelling story, heavy on suspense and light on romance, is top notch inspirational romantic suspense, and I highly recommend it.
I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher with no obligation to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Vicky Sluiter · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first book to read by Mary Alford. And oh my goodness. For a Love Inspired this is one intense story. It kept me on the edge of my seat. I often wanted to put it down but couldn't. I had to know “who dun it” and I was shocked. She kept me guessing and my heart literally pounding through the entire story.

The characters in Amish Country Killer are well developed with strong personalities. And issues. They all have issues that they need help with. But then don’t we all? This makes them feel more real.

Alford also does a great job of describing the countryside with its mountains and coal mines, including a few surprises about the terrain. Honestly, this book is full of surprises.

If you enjoy a suspense book that isn’t graphic yet leaves nothing to the imagination, and keeps you wanting to read through the night, then Amish Country Killer is a good one for you. If you can read it after dark.

I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.

[Tara Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh wow!! I absolutely love Amish Country Killer!! I've read a lot of Mary Alford books and this one is a very favorite of mine!! Exciting, intense, action packed, sitting on the edge of your seat, heart stopping, romantic suspense with unexpected twists and turns!! A shocking ending I never would have imagined!! I enjoyed meeting the new characters Diana, Mica, Casey and K9 Kit!! I hope Casey gets his own story!! I was sad when the story ended!! I wish I could give ten stars instead of five!! A must read for sure!! I was given a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.

[Jesus Beach Girl Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

To me, no one can write Amish Christian Suspense like Mary Alford. I didn’t really read anything Amish until I started reading Mary’s stories.

This story reeled me in from the get go with the chief of police reopening her mother’s disappearance case. When Diana joins forces with Detective Micah Nissely and they find themselves in someone’s crosshairs - the story is totally blown out of the water. A great new read.

I received an advanced reader’s copy from the author. All opinions are my own.

[Carole Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alford does it again with this action packed, suspenseful, story about an Amish community that is shaken up by kidnapping and death! She writes extremely strong characters and always includes faith!

[Pianosue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow wow Wow! Lots of action and suspense in this book. You need to check it out! Quite a few twists and turns and drama.

[Deena Peterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This seals the deal for me: I’m a fan of Mary Alford fiction!

Amish Country Killer introduces Diana and Micah and Kit (canine police dog) as they team up to track down an elusive and prolific serial killer.

The killer’s targets? Young Amish women. The killer’s hunting ground? Rachel’s Crossing. And now you’re all caught up!

Alford creates intense scenarios with interesting characters. The twists are numerous and sometimes jaw dropping, and you don’t see them coming until after they appear. And it always makes sense and fits the narrative perfectly.

I love twisty thrillers and Alford always delivers. I can honestly say I did not see that reveal coming until seconds before the killer was unmasked. Heartbreaking and intense!

You simply have to read this book!

[Leanne Munn · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you like suspense and books about serial killers this book is for you. This nonstop adrenaline rush book has you wanting to get to the end. At first, I thought it was going to go too fast and I wouldn't get a chance to know the characters. However, we were able to get a bit of a glimpse into their lives. I was able to guess the serial killer pretty easy in this book, but at times was questioning if I was right and was still suspicious of other characters.

I received a free complimentary copy and was not required to leave a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Renee Helton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book.
Wonderful story.
Fascinating characters.
Full of plot twists and action.
Definitely recommend.