A Plain Disappearance by Amanda Flower - REVIEWED

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing A Plain Disappearance B&H Books (September 1, 2013) by Amanda Flower

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Amanda Flower, an Agatha-nominated mystery author, started her writing career in elementary school when she read a story she wrote to her sixth grade class and had the class in stitches with her description of being stuck on the top of a Ferris wheel. She knew at that moment she’d found her calling of making people laugh with her words. Her debut mystery, Maid of Murder, was an Agatha Award Nominee for Best First Novel. Amanda is an academic librarian for a small college near Cleveland.



ABOUT THE BOOK

USA Today recently hailed award-nominated author Amanda Flower for A Plain Death, calling it “the first Amish rom-com . . . bring on the next one!” As the enthusiastic reviews continue to mount, she’s back with her third Appleseed Creek mystery, A Plain Disappearance.

It’s Christmastime in Amish Country, and Chloe Humphrey has begun settling into her life in Appleseed Creek excited to see where her new relationship with Timothy Troyer will lead. Unfortunately it leads to murder when the couple discovers the body of Amish teenager Katie Lambright while on their first date.

Near the scene there is evidence that Timothy’s friend and auto mechanic Billy Thorpe is involved with the crime. The police reveal Billy is not really who he said he was and has been living the last decade in Knox County under a stolen alias. Now, Chloe and Timothy must find Billy, bring him to justice, or prove his innocence.

My Thoughts:

Years ago, my local librarian introduced me to a style of Amish writing that really appealed to me…writing that didn’t dwell so much on the differences between the Amish and the “Englishers” but rather the problems that arise when crime is committed and one or both societies point fingers at each other in their search for the truth.  To discover Amanda Flower and her writing is an even richer although similar experience.  The different responses for both communities as they face a brutal murder is enriched by the main character (Chloe  Humphrey) sharing the transforming truth of the gospel,  as well as some very true relational hurdles that everyone faces – parent/sibling, dating, marriage…almost every angle is looked at and explored.

A Plain Disappearance is my first encounter with Amanda Flower and her writing, and so I’m not real certain about the genesis of Chloe Humphrey’s relationship with either Timothy Troyer nor her involvement with the local law enforcement.   However, you can be certain that I have plans to correct this lack of knowledge as soon as possible!  This is a fascinating series that takes a realistic look at relationships in all their many forms…and how those relationships flounder in the midst of conflict…and how forgiveness can bring restoration.

In short, this is a very rich reading experience.  One to be savored and enjoyed at many levels!  Amanda Flower, thank you for a great story and a great series!  I look forward to getting to know you and your work better!  I am happy to recommend A Plain Disappearance to everyone!!

If you would like to read the first chapter of >A Plain Disappearance, go HERE.