Kappy King and the Puppy Kaper

An Amish Mystery #1

by Amy Lillard

Content to be unmarried and plain-spoken, Kathryn "Kappy" King is an odd-woman-out in the Amish community of Blue Sky, Pennsylvania. But she's skilled at making the special kapps local women need to cover their hair. And she might be the only one who can unearth the danger hiding in this peaceful valley . . .
When Kappy's neighbor, Ruth Peachey, turns up dead in her yard, everyone in Blue Sky believes it's a tragic accident. Until the Englisch police find the gentle dog breeder was deliberately struck down--and arrest her mentally-challenged son, Jimmy, for the crime . . .
Jimmy's sister, Edie, returns to Blue Sky clear his name, yet no one will speak to a shunned former Amish woman, much less give her information. Determined to help, Kappy starts digging for the truth among her seemingly-innocent neighbors. But suddenly a series of suspicious "accidents" threatens Edie and the Peachey farm--property Edie is determined to protect for her brother's future.
Now, as danger looms large in the small community, Kappy must bait a trap for a killer snapping hard at her heels. And Edie must decide whether to make a home once more in the town she thought she'd left behind . . .

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Amish, Cozy, Fiction, Dogs, Amish Fiction

256 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 2017

About the author

I'm a wife, mother, and bona fide Southern belle. Published author, expert corn bread maker, and Squirrel Princess.

I live in Tulsa, though I was born in Mississippi. I moved to the Sooner State when I was seventeen and met my soul mate and best friend not long after. I've retained a little of my Mississippi accent though most people think I'm from Texas. (?) Rob and I have been married for over twenty years and have a son--a mom proclaimed prodigy, of course!

I love homemade tacos, nail polish, and romance novels--not necessarily in that order. I'm a big fan of country music, a staunch proponent of saving the Oxford comma, and I'm shamefully obsessed with all things Harry Potter.

I believe that God is love. I guess that's why I adore romances.

I have always been intrigued with the Amish culture, their gentle ways and slower-paced lifestyle. (And I love, love, love the fact that they stay married for their lifetime.) But until recently I never thought to blend this interest with my penchant for romance. Okay, okay, I'm a bit old-fashioned and even enjoy the gender roles that are present in this culture. I love to cook and take care of my family. Yes, that's me June Cleaver with a laptop.

I dislike people trying to convince me to read the Twlight series (I'll get to it or I won't, either way I'm good with it), gratuitous violence, and strawberry ice cream. (I know I'm alone on this last one, and again, I'm good with it.)

Favorite movies--(besides HP) French Kiss, Maid of Honor, A Lot Like Love, Just Married, and Sweet Home Alabama. Oh, and Miss Congeniality, Sabrina (both versions) and a 1940's movie called Dear Ruth. If you haven't seen it, you should! A-dorable. Anything with Doris Day and most all of Marilyn's and Audrey's.

Reviews

[Jessica Baker (A Baker's Perspective) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a fun story. First, I just have to say that the cover is so adorable. I happen to have a beagle, and so I was instantly a fan of the cover and the story. It had the clean and fun elements of a cozy mystery, but the traditional elements of an Amish story (minus the big romance story). I had a smile on my face throughout the entire story and had a blast trying to solve the mystery alongside of Kappy and Edie.

I think the thing I like the most was that there was not a huge romance plot in this. Don't get me wrong, I reading romantic novels, especially of the Amish genre. Sometimes it is just nice to see something different. I think Amy Lillard is onto something here with this new series and I can't wait to read the next one. She has a strong female lead in Kappy. Kappy is not your traditional Amish woman. She's not afraid to speak to someone under the Bann, and is not afraid the do a little research of her own. I loved her reference to reading Sherlock Holmes!

I also thought it was great to include a down syndrome character. Jimmy was such a sweet character, and really a testimony to the fact that even though you may have a disability, you really can do anything you set your mind to. Proof to disregard the generalizations about disabled people, and get to know someone for who they really are. I cannot say enough how much this story put a smile of my face. It was a delight to read!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Gloria · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a delightful and fun book! I enjoy books with the Amish interacting with Englischers and this one was especially entertaining. An unusual relationship develops between Kathryn "Kappy" and Edie Peachey when Edie has to return upon the death of her mother. Edie left the Amish when she was younger because she wanted a different life. Now, she is under the Bann because she left the Amish faith and is ignored by all the Amish people. Her mother, Ruth, has been raising Beagle puppies to sell and they have lots of other animals that her special needs brother, Jimmy, takes care of. Kappy, a neighbor and local kapp maker for the Amish, discovered Ruth's body in her barn with Jimmy standing over her. The local sheriff's office arrest Jimmy because they feel that the evidence points to him as Ruth's killer but everyone knows that Jimmy would never do that. An unlikely friendship develops between Kappy and Edie as they set out to find out who really killed Ruth so that Jimmy will be released. What a funny time to watch the two of different cultures try to understand each other, especially Kappy understanding the Englisch culture. While Edie was raised Amish, she has been away awhile so she is familiar with both cultures. Kappy is "odd" to the other Amish and spends most of her time alone, not socializing other than church. This is a fun book to read and who can resist a story of precious brown eyed, floppy eared Beagle pups, one of my favorite breeds. The characters are well developed and interesting with a mystery that keeps the pages turning to figure out who in the pool of suspects is guilty. There is a little romance simmering in the background.

[Brittany · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun, cozy mystery full of some very quirky characters! Witty dialogue, a character with down syndrome, and two women who don’t fit in with the other members of the Amish community make this a romp of a mystery story that is unlike any other that I have read. “True dat!” – If you read this book, you will know why that phrase had me laughing out loud!

If you are a fan of cozy mysteries, this would be a good, lighthearted read. There was not a heavy romance thread throughout. The author leaves the possibility of romance open for these characters, yet the focus was on the developing friendship and exploits of Kappy and Edie. I enjoyed this unique tale.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

You can read this review on my blog:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...

[Patty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kappy King and the Pupper Kaper by Amy Lillard is the first book in An Amish Mystery series, and it was great fun. Kappy is a single Amish women, who finds her neighbor, Ruth Peachy, dead. Kappy is determined to find the real murderer when Ruth's disabled/simple minded son is arrested for the murder.

I really enjoyed this well written cozy, with all the quirky characters. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.


I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

[Carla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kappy King is a single Plain woman, who is known for her skill at making "kaps" that Amish woman wear to cover their hair. She had wanted to get married, but Kappy only wanted to marry someone who loved her as much as she loved him. Kappy's neighbour, Ruth Peachy is known for her dogs that she breeds and lives with her son, Jimmy who has developmental delays. When Ruth is found dead, it is assumed that it was an accident, but when it is found to be murder, Jimmy is quickly arrested. Kappy is sure it was not him and joins forces with his sister, Edie. Edie had left the Amish years ago and is shunned, so Kappy has to do all the talking. Can they find out what really happened to Ruth and who the culprit is?

I enjoyed this cozy mystery featuring Kathryn "Kappy" King. She is a strong female lead, who is not afraid to ask questions, or talk to Edie who is under the Bann. She even reads Sherlock Holmes. I liked that there was not a romantic storyline as it is nice to see that women don't have to have a man to be happy. Jimmy was a wonderful addition to this story. He has down syndrome, yet is capable and does a great job with the dogs. I am hoping Edie will be a regular character in this series. She is snarky, but does it in response to what she has dealt with during her life. She loves her brother and wants to do what she needs to for him. She adds some humour to the story. This was a fun, cozy mystery full of quirky characters. Both Edie and Kappy don't fit in with the Amish community, but it was great to see them develop a friendship and work together. I was kept guessing throughout the story and when the reveal came, the lights went on as I had my aha moment. I will definitely read more in this fun, cozy mystery series.

[Carrie Schmidt · Rating 5 out of 5]

“…the realization made her want to pray and eat ice cream, not necessarily in that order.”

Oh my goodness y’all. Kappy King bursts onto the scene in a delightfully quirky hot mess, and I loved every minute of it! She is one of the most unique Amish characters I’ve ever encountered (some of Jennifer Beckstrand’s characters would welcome Kappy with open arms), but it’s her interaction with her new Englisch best friend Edie that makes her even more delightful.

Edie and Kappy aren’t quite as opposite as one might first think. Though Edie is formerly Amish and under the Bann, she feels just as out of place as Kappy does. Whereas Kappy has come to accept her differences and embrace them, Edie still struggles to belong. Together, the two of them are like a Lucy-and-Ethel crime solving duo and the friendship that is born is truly endearing. Not only that, but their conversations read a bit like I imagine the Gilmore Girls would chat if they were (or had recently been) Amish. Lots of delightful sentence structure (I keep using the word ‘delightful’ but there’s just not a better word to describe all aspects of this read) and word choices keep the dialogue lively and thoroughly entertaining.

There are plenty of tender moments too, courtesy of this blossoming friendship and Edie’s brother Jimmy (a young Amish man with Down’s Syndrome) as well as Kappy’s maybe-boyfriend Hiram. I also enjoyed the subtle flirting and romantic developments going on with Jack and Edie; those scenes just had me grinning. But the crowning moment for me in the whole book is when Kappy looks at the culprit and says, “I know karate…My hands are lethal weapons.” It’s just so deliciously ‘Kappy’ that I couldn’t help but laugh out loud!

Bottom Line: Kappy King and the Puppy Kaper by Amy Lillard is witty, endearing, and just plain lots of fun. The mystery is well-plotted and kept me guessing until nearly the big reveal. The romance subplots are so subtle that it appeals even to readers who would rather just read a mystery but also satisfies those of us who like to swoon a little too. If you want a sweet, quirky and cozy mystery to keep you company on a cold winter’s night, this is a great choice! Perfect for fans of Jennifer Beckstrand and Jen Turano!

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)

first seen at Reading Is My SuperPower

[Maureen Timerman · Rating 5 out of 5]

A delightful and rather different Amish read, and oh so enjoyable and quickly became a page turner, and I didn’t want to put it down.
With a sad happening, a murder, and a handicapped son left without his mother, and soon ending up in the slammer, his words not mine. We begin an adventure, with Kappy King, a young woman the local Amish community thinks of as being different and mainly unseen. She soon teams up with the unseen or shunned daughter of the murdered woman Edie, and we are off on a task of finding the real murderer and freeing Jimmy.
Add to all of this a lot of adorable beagles, and you will soon feel your heart melted, as did Kappy, but who is out to destroy the family and their business? My guesses would change and then change again, and the eye witnesses were a lot like a group playing the old game of telephone. So, as you quickly turn the pages you will be guessing and changing your mind, at least I did, and you really may be surprised by who is causing all the chaos and worst of all a murderer.
I really enjoyed this read, and now I am looking forward to the next edition, coming soon!

I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Kensington, and was not required to give a positive review.

[Silvia Kay · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was the first Amish cozy mystery I have ever read and it certainly made me want to read more books from this niche. I've been fascinated by the Amish way of life for quite some time, so it is no wonder that I jumped at the chance to read this book.

The story moves at a brisk pace, although there was a moment or two when I thought the author could have glossed over a particular description or scene that wasn't adding much to the story (nor overall atmosphere). However, that is just a minor quibble. For the most part, the plot moved at a pace that felt perfectly natural and kept me at the edge of my seat.

I loved the character of Kappy so, so much. She is a very unusual Amish heroine. Though she is Amish through and through, and never once wavers in her religious beliefs, there is no denying that she is rather unconventional for an Amish woman. She turned down a suitor (for reasons explained in the second half of the book, so I won't get into them here) and is not afraid to do things that she feels are right, even though they are frowned upon by the community. For example, when she stumbles upon a murder victim, her first reflex is to call the dead woman's estranged daughter, who abandoned the Amish way of life years ago. They then become friends and allies, united as they are in their pursuit of justice.

I must say that I did guess the murderer, which is why I'm deducting one star, but I still enjoyed the reading experience very much and will definitely check out the rest of the series.

[Patrizia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Credo che questo sia il primo cozy mystery, almeno fra quelli che io abbia letto, ad avere una protagonista Amish. Anche se Kappy è alquanto particolare, di sicuro pensa con la sua testa pur essendo fedele alla sua chiesa.
La storia non è male, sebbene abbia capito subito chi fosse il colpevole. Non male anche i due personaggi non Amish, Edie (un'ex-Amish scomunicata) e Jack (il detective). Leggerò di sicuro anche i libri successivi.

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was just the most delightful, adorable book! If you like mysteries, minus gore, think Hallmark mysteries, you would love this book! I look forward to the second one coming out next month.

[Doreen Petersen · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a delightful cozy mystery!!!

[Betty · Rating 4 out of 5]

The cover caught my attention. Kappy King_a young Amish woman living by herself is dismay to find her front door painted blue. She goes to confront the painter, only to find standing over the body of his Mother saying "I am sorry." Over and over again. The police array him but Happy feels he is not cable of murdering someone. She made friends with his sister and together they explore the factors of the case regardless of various kinds of harassment that keep occurring. Will Happy succeed in keeping Jimmy, the mental challenge son from spending the rest of his life in prison? I recommend this book.

Disclosure: I received a free copy from Kennington Books through NetGalley for an honest review I would like to thank them for this opportunity to read and review the book. The opinions expressed are my own.

[Andrea Guy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm a sucker for Amish books and an Amish cozy mystery is probably one of the best things for me.

This book brought me so much joy! It was truly fun and quite different. I've read Amish mysteries before, but never a cozy mystery.

Kappy is a spinster, who makes the "caps" that Amish ladies wear. She's a little bit odd, but she's very lovable

When her neighbor is found murdered and her handicapped son is arrested, Kappy steps in helping out Ruth's daughter Edie find the killer. Edie is under the Bann for leaving the Amish community after being baptized. I'm pretty sure this friendship goes against much of the Amish belief when it came to "shunning" but I loved Kappy and Edie because they were so different. Edie is a bit naive for a woman who has been living away from the Amish for 10 years.

This book was the perfect cozy, full of fun and funny characters that you will fall in love with. Its fast paced and well, once you start reading you won't want to put the book done. I know I didn't.

The way Edie and Kappy went about hunting Ruth's killer was a bit madcap, but it made things more fun.

There weren't many people with a reason to want someone like Ruth dead, so as they checked off suspects things got really interesting. I really wasn't expecting the killer to be who it was.

I look forward to reading more books about Kappy and Edie, and I kind of hope Edie returns to the fold.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first in a new series, Kappy King and the Puppy Kaper is a fun and quirky Amish mystery. While it may be difficult to imagine an Amish woman turned Englischer who is shunned and an Amish woman who is considered odd by those in her community teaming up to solve a murder but that’s exactly what you have in this story. Edie Peachey, who left the Amish faith after being baptized into the church, has returned to Big Sky and is determined to find who murdered her “Mamm”. She enlists the help of the only person in Big Sky that will speak to her, Kathryn “Kappy” King, the local prayer kapp maker. They have quite the adventure! Will their ‘sleuthing’ pay off? Guaranteed to put a smile on your face.
I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Carole Jarvis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reviewed at The Power of Words: http://bit.ly/2AJa5b2

Quirky, funny, entertaining, and full of puppy love … Kappy King and the Puppy Kaper has a lot of heart and I loved it! Amy Lillard begins a delightful new series that combines the best of cozy mystery and Amish fiction. I can honestly say that I’ve never read anything quite like it, and that’s very good.

One strength of this mystery is the crime-solving duo of Kappy and Edie. I’m not sure this pairing would work in any other setting, but it is most delightful here. Kappy, who makes Amish kapps, is a perfect example of someone who marches to their own drumbeat, as the saying goes, and I rooted for her all the way. She’s basically the district’s eccentric, choosing to remain on the fringes of her community How could I not connect with a character who refuses to conform to tradition, yet is a strong woman of faith in God?

One area of being out of step is in speaking to her neighbor, Edie, who is under the Bann for leaving the Amish church after being baptized – and not only speaking to, but befriending. Actually, each is what the other needs and I love their friendship. Edie’s brother Jimmy, who has Down syndrome – sweet as pie, stubborn as a mule, and cute as a button on a shirt” – is one of my favorites. Honestly, how could anyone believe he could be guilty of the crime with which he is charged? The author does a great job making Jimmy real and showing all that someone with this disability is capable of.

It was fun to follow the well-crafted mystery as Kappy and Edie questioned people – and the beagle puppies are absolutely precious! (Spoken by a cat lover). Spiritual themes are subtle, evidenced by Kappy’s conviction that God has a plan for everybody, especially for these three – one in jail for murder, one seemingly invisible to the Amish community, and one on the outskirts of that community.

I would love more character depth in Kappy and Edie – and that’s a compliment, because Lillard has created characters I want to know better and I’m eager to read the next story that releases in June 2018. Kappy’s closing thoughts indicate that there’s a lot more to come …

After all, it was a new day in Blue Sky. And on a new day anything could happen.

Recommended.

I was provided a copy of this book through Great Escapes Tours. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

[Melissa Henderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Murder and mystery are found in this intriguing story. Who committed the murder? Why? Will the truth ever be known? Does the sale of puppies have anything to do with the strange happenings in this town? I could not stop reading this one. The author has written another great story. I received a copy of this book from the author and this is my honest personal opinion.

[Jessica Robbins · Rating 4 out of 5]

For complete review check out my blog at https://booksaplentybookreviews.blogs...

[Diana Montgomery · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love books by Amy Lillard. You think you have already read her best well guess what you haven't. This one is awesome it is a Amish mystery.I started the book and couldn't put it down. Awesome well written characters you will adore. I know i am looking forward to the next one in the series. Kappy King and the Puppy Kaper is book one in the Kappy King Mysteries. Kappy lives alone and is determined she is not to marry. People think of her as being odd in their community. Blue Sky is a peaceful town till her neighbor Ruth Peachey is found dead by her in her barn. Who would want to kill such a sweet woman? Only evidence they have is her son Jimmy who is handicapped and they arrest him and put him in jail for her death. Kappy gets his sister Edie back in town to help with him and to help find who done it. Awesome book you will not be disappointed. Full of adventure.

[Kav · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cracking good fun! Kappy is...unique. A misfit among her Amish neighbours but more out of habit than for any tangible reason. She was raised by an eccentric aunt and I think the community just let her slip into that position after her aunt's death. Which makes Kappy an outlier and she's fine with that. Especially after her broken engagement. Sort of. Love the things I don't know about this Amish community as much as the things I do. Looking forward to exploring why folks are so standoffish and what's up with the Bishop in future books in this series.

So there's Kappy, content to live a lonely existence until murder happens just down the road and somehow she becomes embroiled in it all. She spends most of this book trying to get back to peacefully sewing her kaps but Amish-turned-Englischer Edie keeps dragging her into the fray. These two make a great detective team, switching Holmes and Watson rolls along the way. Kappy, plain-spoken and calm. Edie, cagey and volatile. But a friendship develops nevertheless as they hone their sleuthing skills.

A solid mystery, with enough red-herrings and intriguing suspects to keep me befuddled right til the end. (I was almost right.) And the criminal take-down is hilarious! Yay Kappy! Shrinking Amish maidel she's not. :-) Plus there's potential romance for both our heroines -- definitely of the rom/com variety. I laughed myself silly.

A quirky cozy mystery that's lots of fun.

[Marilyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fun and witty book to read with some intense moments to pure laughter. Kappy found herself caught in the middle of wanting to sew her kapps but she wanted to assist Edie, her neighbor’s shunned daughter, to find out who had killed her and Jimmy’s mother. When lovable mentally-challenged Jimmy was arrested they were off on a run with clues that went no where. Jimmy knew how to care for all the dogs, something Edie and Kappy had to take care of while he was in jail. But when misfortunate events start happening at the Peachey’s dog farm, they are on high alert to find the assailant. There are twists and turns that kept the pages turning to keep me guessing the individual responsible for Ruth’s death. There is a quiet weaving of romance in this cozy mystery, too. Kappy didn’t want romance but wanted to make the kapps she was known for and was her livelihood. Kappy King and the Puppy Kaper is a well written and thought out story that readers of Amish fiction will enjoy. There’s also a sneak peek of Lillard’s next Amish mystery, Kappy King and the Pickle Kaper, which I look forward to reading.

I won an ARC of this book from a giveaway on Goodreads. I was not required to write a positive review but to share my thoughts. I have expressed my sincere opinion for Amy Lillard’s new mystery, Kappy King and the Puppy Kaper.

[JoAnne · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love Amish stories and Amy Lillard is among my favorite authors of this genre. While I liked the idea of an Amish mystery it didn't hit the mark for me. The story was too simplistic and didn't have the depth to the characters or the story that I've come to expect from this author.

The story flowed smoothly and I got to know the characters but there was almost a feeling of slapstick as I read it. There was a crime to be solved and lots of other crimes and destruction being committed but Kappy and Edie, who has been shunned since she turned away from her Amish roots to live among the Englischers, seem to be working the case more than the police. Edie's brother, Jimmy, was endearing and I loved all the puppies. There is a little romance and attraction between characters which was fun to watch.

There is some closure as the mystery is solved but enough loose ends to take us to Kappy and Edie's next adventure and mystery to be solved, Kappy King and the Pickle Kaper. There was an excerpt in the back of the book that left me wanting to see what would happen next.

I look forward to reading more of the series but hope the books have more of the flavor of the other Amish stories Lillard's written and that I've grown to love.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wasn't required to review this book but I wanted to anyway.
This is a different sort of writing that Amy has done and I enjoyed it to the fullest!!
Not being overly fond of mysteries I took quite an interest in it. I couldn't wait to see Who done it.
I sort of figured it out from the beginning but I wanted to see how long it would take the girls.
I definitely love Kappy!! I can definitely relate to her seeing as how she's on the different side of life. I am too lol!!!
I'm not fond of crowds and I love being by myself most times.
I know I compare myself in most books but it's how I can relate to the characters.
Y'all I can't wait to for you to read this wonderful book!!!

[Virginia Winfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an Amish mystery and I loved it. It is so much fun. I loved Kappy and Edie. They work so well together. I had a lot of laughs throughout and did not want to put the book down. I am looking forward to the next book and hope there will be as much fun in it also. I received a copy of this book from the author for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

[Kristina Anderson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kappy King and the Puppy Kaper by Amy Lillard is the first book in An Amish Mystery series. Kathryn “Kappy” King lives alone making kapps for the women of her community in Blue Sky, Pennsylvania. Kappy arrives home from shopping to find her front door painted blue which implies an available maidel lives here. Kappy knows instantly that Jimmy Peachey, next door neighbor’s son with Downs syndrome, painted her door and heads over to talk with him. She finds Jimmy in the barn crying with his mother, Ruth dead on the floor. When the police arrive, they arrest Jimmy. Detective Jones states that Jimmy confessed to the crime. Edith “Edie” Peachey, Jimmy’s shunned sister, returns to town determined to find her mother’s killer and get Jimmy released from jail. Since the Amish will not speak with Edie, she asks Kappy to assist her. The pair start questioning the neighbors and then Ruth’s business acquaintances (dog breeder) hoping for clues that will lead them to the killer. Then the Mifflin County Animal Welfare arrives thanks to an anonymous complaint that they are running a puppy mill on the property. The next day animal rights activists arrive. This is just the beginning of a series of incidents. Who is doing this to them and why? Kappy and Edie need to work quickly before things turn deadly.

I enjoy reading Amy Lillard’s Amish novels and was eager to read her new Amish mystery. However, Kappy King and the Puppy Kaper missed the mark. I found the book easy to read and it had a nice flow. The characters, though, lacked development. In a way, Kappy and Edie reminded me of Laverne and Shirley with their antics (but not as humorous). It is mentioned that Kappy is eccentric, but I could not figure out why (except her how she conducted her business). Edie was the unconventional one especially with her manner of dress. I am thankful that the zany is mild and not over-the-top. Identifying the killer and the person behind the destructive incidents is child’s play. The book needed more substance and a feeling of community. Readers are given few details on the town. We are told about Hiram Lapp who owns Sundries and Sweets. Kappy was engaged to Hiram, but she recently broke it off with him (and I can see why with his dominating ways). Kappy feels she is unworthy of Hiram. Hiram talks several times to Kappy to get her to reconsider her decision as well as trying to deter her involvement in the investigation. There was also some flirting between Detective Jones and Edie. Jimmy was a sweetie along with the cute puppies (and the other adorable animals). There is a preview of Kappy King and the Pickle Kaper at the end of the book. Readers who are looking for a light, amusing cozy mystery should take check out Kappy King and the Puppy Kaper.

[Odessa Green · Rating 5 out of 5]

So Initially i looked over this book because of the title. It didn't strike me as a usual cozy title. I decided to see what the blurb was about and discovered that it was an Amish Cozy.  I only began reading Amish cozies last year (and Christian cozies this year) and I really enjoy them.

In this book we are introduced to Kathryn King. Also known as Kappy in her community because she is the only Kapp maker in town (for those of you who don't already know what a Kapp is, it is a prayer head covering that Amish women and girls wear). She lives alone after her engagement has broken up and has resigned herself to being an old maid while running her Kapp making business.

Returning home one day from the store she discovers that her front door is now painted blue--signaling that there is an available woman of marrying age living in the home. Although trying to keep her emotions in check she is somewhat embarrassed. She feels as though she is already an outcast and she doesn't need another reason for people to find her strange. She is fairly certain that she knows who painted her door blue without permission--her neighbor, Jimmy Peachey. She doesn't believe he did it with any malice. Jimmy, a young man of twenty who lives with his Mamm (mother) across the street from Kappy, has Down syndrome. Kappy decides to go see if he in fact did paint her door and why he did it. From the moment she sets foot on the Peacheys property she hears the incessant barking of dogs. Jimmy's mother, Ruth Peachey, is a widow who leases her farm land left to her by her husband and runs a beagle breeding business. The dogs are at it in full force today. Although some people in her community enter homes without knocking Kappy prefers to knock (she doesn't like people coming into her home unannounced so she doesn't go into anyone else's home unannounced). No one answers although Ruth's buggy is home. Maybe she is in the barn with the dogs. Maybe that's why they are barking so much. Kappy makes her way to the barn. She notices Jimmy standing, rocking back and forth and very distraught. At his feet lay the body of his Mamm, Ruth. Dead.

Kappy notifies the authorities. The police arrive and question Kappy. Although they won't confirm, it looks like they suspect foul play.  The Bishop arrives and tasks Kappy with taking care of Jimmy. She isn't thrilled about it, and the Bishop tells her that his wife will help once she returns home but for the time being it was her duty to help Jimmy. She accepts it because it is part of her duty as a member of the church to help others in the community and even though he may be able to do many things for himself he does has a developmental delay and needs someone to look out for him.

I wasn't sure how I would feel about this book. I am the mother of a beautiful little girl who has Down syndrome. Anytime people with Down syndrome are portrayed in movies, television, and books I am critical. Not because I don't like seeing people with Down syndrome in media outlets but rather I don't like seeing people with Down syndrome portrayed in stereotypical ways. Getting on my soapbox for a minute, people like my daughter are not always portrayed as being able to do anything for themselves, or as the token disabled person (anytime a role calls for a disabled person it is generally either someone with DS or someone with Autism or a person in a wheelchair--I haven't seen much variance). I don't like when DS is portrayed negatively--it isn't something I feel sad about. My daughter is amazing everyone that I've met through parent groups is amazing. Everyone has their struggles but that's across the board for people in general, not just people who happen to have DS. They are people first and using People First language is important to me. Getting off of my soapbox, I was weary to even continue reading the book because if it began to stereotype the only thing that reading further would do is agitate me. But I decided to give the book a chance. It would either be something I could appreciate or something that casts such negativity and helplessness on Trisomy 21 that I would bring up in reviews, to other parents and support groups, and even the publisher if need be. Although it wasn't my favorite portrayal, as some of it just didn't seem realistic to me, it wasn't something that I took offense to.

The police follow up and believe that Jimmy is responsible for his mother's death. Surely this couldn't be the case could it? Not wanting to believe that Jimmy hurt his mother whom he loved dearly, and at the urging of Edie (Jimmy's shunned sister) Kappy is on the case.

The scene where Jimmy has to go with the police was so very well written. It made me sad. That being said in a few places I felt like the transitions and scenes jumped all over the place. More than once I found myself needing to go back and reread a page or two because I thought I missed something. It felt like there was an awkward scene jump. I prefer smoother changes. Still I continued reading the book. I don't feel like I can give an honest review if I don't see it through.

As the book progressed the writing seemed to get better. There weren't any more weird scene jumps. It didn't feel like the author was jumping all over the place. The transitions were much smoother and it made reading the book that much easier and honestly more enticing. When I began reading the book and would have to stop to do other things I wasn't overly excited to pick it up and read more. However, once the writing seemed to pick up I actually sat and read numerous chapters and made myself put my kindle away to charge. Twice I took it off of the charger, because I didn't want to wait, to read "just one more chapter" until there were only two chapters left. It felt like the author found her rhythm and everything just clicked.  I found myself smiling and even laughing out loud (literally) a few times.

I enjoyed the unlikely friendship between the two women. I liked that they bonded over a shared sense of not belonging and each woman dealing it and still being okay, even before finding each other. It was a fast friendship and I feel like it is something that would actually happen. Two people unknowingly in need of each other finding and supporting one another.

I will read the next book in the series.



I received a copy of this book from Netgalley.

[Connie Lynch · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are fan of a bit of mystery and intrigue Amy Lillard has delivered it with Kappy King and the Puppy Kaper. What an enjoyable change of pace from the usually story lines. Kappy is a gem and truly your best friend in the book. I would personally love to have her as a neighbor. If you read for pure enjoyment this is the series to grab. Kappy teaches us the struggles of having faith in each other and loving each other. If you are a fan of Amy Lillard or new to Amy you will not be disappointed in this delightful book.

[Tammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you goodreads for this free Amish mystery giveaway. You couldn't help but like Kappy the kap maker who lives in Kishacoquillas Valley. I enjoyed her play on words and it was interesting to see how some words we hear or see are unheard of there. She also gave an insight on land issues and down syndrome in a positive manner. Being a dog owner myself, her inclusion of beagle puppies was an instant win over. The relationship between the odd amish lady and the shunned lady to solve the mystery of who killed Ruth the dog breeder will keep the pages turning. Simply put "a winner."

[Sally Hannoush · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first Amish Cozy Mystery I ever read. I was surprised how much I enjoyed it. I really wasn't sure how it was going to go. It had cultural humor. The characters were full of personaility and were fun to read. I did have a feeling I knew whodunit- and I was right. But it didn't takeaway from the joy of reading the book.

[Sylvia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book!! I can't wait for the next book in the series to be released!! Great story!! starting to like the author!!

[Hannah Munley · Rating 1 out of 5]

Wanted to like this, and gave it more than a fair chance, but ultimately realized that there is no story.

After reading 76 pages of nothing happening, decided to skim the penultimate chapter to see if anything had happened by then. (I’ve never done this with a book before, and it’s not like me. I’d been driven to madness.)

Was shocked to see that nothing had. It says so - Kappy reflects on how despite their “investigating,” (doing nothing, eating casserole, shoveling dog poop, asking a couple neighbors…) they hadn’t gotten any closer to solving the mystery, and didn’t have any more clues than are found in the first couple chapters. (These “clues” also don’t go anywhere.) The killer is not only obvious, but is deduced not through putting cumulative clues together, but rather a random event happening at the end that Kappy suddenly makes a guess about who stands to gain from. There isn’t any evidence that points to the person except motive, and then their reaction/being caught in a lie when confronted.

There is scene after scene and dialogue after dialogue that are essentially repeated. I don’t know how else to put it - it’s like the author forgot they already wrote said scene, and you get it again with maybe a couple minor details changed? The same things are said. Sometimes there was dialogue that clearly referred back to something specific, but there was nothing it referred to, as if said thing got deleted and the author forgot to take out or change this bit of dialogue to reflect that. In general, the dialogue is boring and unrealistic, and frequently the responses are as if the characters are reading each other’s minds in a way that is impossible. Most importantly, the dialogue doesn’t move the story forward at least 90% of the time.

The main character, Kappy, is not eccentric, yet continually described as such. It never explains in what way. She’s supposed to be an outsider and thinks people purposely shun or ignore her, and she’s lonely - but she just makes no attempts to socialize and actively tells people to avoid her when coming to buy their kapps from her (just leave money at the back door). As a main character in a mystery novel, she is so disinterested in the case, and constantly says so. How can we be interested when the main character isn’t? Even that doesn’t make sense, though, considering that we learn early on that she apparently likes mysteries enough to secretly read Sherlock Holmes despite being Amish.
Edie is the one driving them to “investigate,” and Kappy is merely being drug along. Why wasn’t Edie the main character? She also is the one who has the arc of change.
This author, at least in this book, doesn’t seem to realize that you don’t have to describe every second of the time during which the story takes place. There are no time jumps except for when people are asleep. Every single second - them walking from place to place, having dinner, doing nothing — just everything and every second is there, in real time. That is why it reads so slow. This also results in so many chapters and scenes where nothing changes. But that is what a scene is: something — **anything** — changes. In this story, things happen, rather than the characters causing things to happen. And the things the characters do don’t cause anything to change, except, it seems, for the confrontation at the end.

The only good thing in the book was Edie’s arc of change, though it was very obvious.
Jimmy’s character was the most interesting, but we don’t really see much of him.
Apparently this author has published over 40 novels and novellas since 2012! She’s found her niche and is cranking them out at lightning speed. Perhaps **too** fast. Other than the polished grammatical editing, this read like a first draft.
Perhaps her romances are better…I would like to hope so. But I won’t be checking.

I don’t like to leave such a scathing review, but I simply couldn’t not warn potential readers. Especially when I saw that many of the reviews are from dedicated fans of the author, who perhaps only read her/Amish fiction? And those who didn’t like it didn’t say why, or said things like “just couldn’t get into it,” making it seem like a simple matter of preference. (I usually ignore those types of reviews when making a decision on whether to read a book.) But there are specific and objective reasons why.