It was a fun feel good read. ( )

It was a fun feel good read. ( )

“Material Witness” by Vannetta Chapman is a Shipshewana Amish Mystery. I don’t know why I enjoy the books about the Amish and Mennonites so much. Maybe it’s because of the simple lifestyle and non-violent aspects of their faith. “Material Witness” is a really good murder mystery. I live in Indiana and am familiar with Shipshewana and the area of northern Indiana so I can identify with the story a little more than I would otherwise. Callie, an Enslischer, Deborah, Melinda and Esther, Amish women are best friends who seem to always be involved in some sort of mystery “who-dun nit”. The three Amish friends are married with children who are occasionally pulled into the drama. Callie has a sort-of relationship with Shane Black who is a detective with the Shipse police. I can tell you that I was so intrigued with this story that I read this book in one day. There were so many suspects in my own mind that I just had to find out who the perpetrator of the crimes was. I cannot further comment on the story line because it might give away the ending and believe me, you will want to read until you find out what happens. Good book!

This book was a free Advanced Reading Copy from the publisher for review purposes.

You can also find a review at:
http://imhookedonbooks.wordpress.com/2012/06/26/material-witne…nnetta-chapman
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An Exciting Mystery - A Real Page Turner!

I felt like I was in Shipshewana right there with Callie and her friends Deborah, Melinda, and Esther. Another crime has been committed and of course Callie is right in the middle of it all. Was this latest crime targeted for her instead of the victim? The scary part was Melinda’s son Aaron witnessed it all. Would he be the next target?

The author Vannetta Chapman had me on the edge of my seat for this read. I turned those pages just as fast as my eyes would allow me to read. I was totally engrossed in helping Detective Shane Black solve this latest crime. Who did it I wondered. I didn’t even figure it out until the name was revealed! Good job Vannetta.

If you want a good mystery to read I am here to tell you that you don’t want to miss this one.

I just want to let you know there might be a little romance thrown in! ( )

A suspense filled mystery with a surprisingly unique narritive.

Material Witness is the first book I have ever read in the Amish murder mystery genre. I was surprised by how suspenseful this story turns out to be and how it really kept me on the edge of my seat. Set in the small Amish town of Shipshewana, Indiana. Callie Harper an Englishcher and owner of Daisy's Quilt Shop is the main character in this story. During Shipshewana's largest Fall crafting and community festivals of the year a murder takes place right outside her shop. This crime is very personal to Callie as the person killed is a rival of hers and the only witness to the crime is a disabled child and son of one of her Amish friends and coworkers. It doesn't take long for Callie to be pulled right into the middle of the mess as she is later targeted by the potential killer. Detective Shane Black is the fortress in the community as he tries to keep everyone safe, especially Callie as he hunts down the killer. Shane and Callie also have a little romance going on, which is a delightful addition to the story.

A refreshing change for me with this story is how the Amish share a bond with the Englishchers within this community. One common theme was the coming together of the Amish community when in need during tragedy or misfortune. The author uses an interesting concept, Amish story book quilts are used in combination with a hidden mystery. The children of the Amish also are very involved in the story and even get themselves into hot water throughout the story. I would recommend this book and series to anyone looking for an exhilarating murder mystery with a mix of Amish and Englishchers and their interactions. This book stands well alone and can be read out of series, it contains a little bit of everything including romance, suspense and action. Chapman's easy to read writing style and unique narrative and perception of the Amish and Englishchers interactions is certainly a nice change from other Amish authors. ( )