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eggjen's review against another edition
5.0
Another great book from one of my favorite authors / series. I always enjoy reading about this town and characters.
theavidreaderandbibliophile's review against another edition
4.0
Murder, Plainly Read by Isabella Alan is the fourth book in An Amish Quilt Shop Mystery series. Angela Braddock is the owner of Running Stitch a quilt shop in the town of Rolling Brook, Ohio. She inherited the shop from her Amish aunt about a year ago. Angie is also a town trustee. She is taking a quilt that her quilting circle made (customer order) to Austina Shaker, the librarian on the bookmobile. Angela gets roped into running the library sale that weekend (someone hurt themselves and cannot run it). When Angela shows up the next day, she finds Austina standing over the body of Bishop Bartholomew Beiler. Bishop Beiler was against the bookmobile and books in general. He felt that they would corrupt the people in his district. When Sheriff James Mitchell (and Angela’s boyfriend) shows up, he is not happy to see Angela at the scene of another murder (she does have a knack for finding dead bodies). Austina is the immediate suspect (she was standing over the body and no sign of forced entry).
Austina asks Angela to investigate the murder and clear her name (actually insists). Anna Graber (a feisty Amish friend of Angela’s in her 60’s) loves investigating and tells Austina that they will take the case. Angela sets out to clear Austina’s name and find out who killed Bishop Beiler. Along the way Angela will have to deal with her interfering and overbearing Mother who decides to help with the book sale (and push Angela towards the alter).
I found Murder, Plainly Read to be so much fun to read. There are times when you will be laughing out loud (especially from the antics of Angela’s mother). It was nice to revisit Rolling Brook, Angela, Anna, Mattie, Sheriff James Mitchell, and the rest of the characters. I found the mystery to be medium level (I solved it before I was halfway through the book) but the author did a good job leaving clues and trying to lead the reader down different paths. Murder, Plainly Read is well-written and is a pleasant way to while away a few hours. I give Murder, Plainly Read 4.75 out of 5 stars (since I was able to figure out the killer early in the book). I cannot wait for the next book in An Amish Quilt Shop series.
I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley (and the author) in exchange for an honest review.
More details on my blog: http://bibliophileandavidreader.blogspot.com/2015/10/murder-plainly-read.html
Austina asks Angela to investigate the murder and clear her name (actually insists). Anna Graber (a feisty Amish friend of Angela’s in her 60’s) loves investigating and tells Austina that they will take the case. Angela sets out to clear Austina’s name and find out who killed Bishop Beiler. Along the way Angela will have to deal with her interfering and overbearing Mother who decides to help with the book sale (and push Angela towards the alter).
I found Murder, Plainly Read to be so much fun to read. There are times when you will be laughing out loud (especially from the antics of Angela’s mother). It was nice to revisit Rolling Brook, Angela, Anna, Mattie, Sheriff James Mitchell, and the rest of the characters. I found the mystery to be medium level (I solved it before I was halfway through the book) but the author did a good job leaving clues and trying to lead the reader down different paths. Murder, Plainly Read is well-written and is a pleasant way to while away a few hours. I give Murder, Plainly Read 4.75 out of 5 stars (since I was able to figure out the killer early in the book). I cannot wait for the next book in An Amish Quilt Shop series.
I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley (and the author) in exchange for an honest review.
More details on my blog: http://bibliophileandavidreader.blogspot.com/2015/10/murder-plainly-read.html
kristi518's review
5.0
Who knew a murder mystery could be so fun? Isabella Alan writes a story that at the same time is hilarious and keeps you wondering who the murderer is. I don't think I have ever laughed so much while reading a book.
Although I haven't read the three previous books in the series, I didn't have any trouble getting to know the characters. They are well developed and have their own quirky personalities. My favorite characters have to be Oliver, the French bulldog, and Petunia, the goat. These two had me in stitches with their antics. I also enjoyed the sometimes awkward relationship between Angie and her mother.
The story moves at nice, steady pace giving the reader time to get to know the characters and the situations they find themselves in. There is never a chance to be bored though as there is alway something going on. I really enjoyed the fact this was a light, fun book even though it was a murder mystery. Never have I been so entertained!
This book has made me an Isabella Alan fan and I will be reading the first three books in this series. I will be anxiously awaiting more books from her as I love her humor, wit, and writing style. If you are looking for a fun read, look no further than Murder, Plainly Read!
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion which I have given.
Although I haven't read the three previous books in the series, I didn't have any trouble getting to know the characters. They are well developed and have their own quirky personalities. My favorite characters have to be Oliver, the French bulldog, and Petunia, the goat. These two had me in stitches with their antics. I also enjoyed the sometimes awkward relationship between Angie and her mother.
The story moves at nice, steady pace giving the reader time to get to know the characters and the situations they find themselves in. There is never a chance to be bored though as there is alway something going on. I really enjoyed the fact this was a light, fun book even though it was a murder mystery. Never have I been so entertained!
This book has made me an Isabella Alan fan and I will be reading the first three books in this series. I will be anxiously awaiting more books from her as I love her humor, wit, and writing style. If you are looking for a fun read, look no further than Murder, Plainly Read!
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion which I have given.
mandyb_75's review against another edition
5.0
Another excellent installment of a great series! It kept me guessing until the end. This is a perfect cozy series, it feels like you are visiting with friends while reading it. Perfect to curl up and spend the day with.
_bookdreamer's review against another edition
3.0
Another book that I recieved from Berkley Publishing last summer and finally got around to.
I was actually pleasently surprised by this one. I didn't think I would like it because I have no interest in Quilting. But the writing and setting were so good that I found myself enjoying it quite a bit.
I love how distinct the Amish world and the "every day" world were written. You could always tell which part the main characters were in. The talking styles and everything about the characters aligned with the setting.
The actual mystery was really good as well and well thought out.
Also there was a library in it, how could you not enjoy it? great book!
I was actually pleasently surprised by this one. I didn't think I would like it because I have no interest in Quilting. But the writing and setting were so good that I found myself enjoying it quite a bit.
I love how distinct the Amish world and the "every day" world were written. You could always tell which part the main characters were in. The talking styles and everything about the characters aligned with the setting.
The actual mystery was really good as well and well thought out.
Also there was a library in it, how could you not enjoy it? great book!
kristi518's review against another edition
5.0
Who knew a murder mystery could be so fun? Isabella Alan writes a story that at the same time is hilarious and keeps you wondering who the murderer is. I don't think I have ever laughed so much while reading a book.
Although I haven't read the three previous books in the series, I didn't have any trouble getting to know the characters. They are well developed and have their own quirky personalities. My favorite characters have to be Oliver, the French bulldog, and Petunia, the goat. These two had me in stitches with their antics. I also enjoyed the sometimes awkward relationship between Angie and her mother.
The story moves at nice, steady pace giving the reader time to get to know the characters and the situations they find themselves in. There is never a chance to be bored though as there is alway something going on. I really enjoyed the fact this was a light, fun book even though it was a murder mystery. Never have I been so entertained!
This book has made me an Isabella Alan fan and I will be reading the first three books in this series. I will be anxiously awaiting more books from her as I love her humor, wit, and writing style. If you are looking for a fun read, look no further than Murder, Plainly Read!
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion which I have given.
Although I haven't read the three previous books in the series, I didn't have any trouble getting to know the characters. They are well developed and have their own quirky personalities. My favorite characters have to be Oliver, the French bulldog, and Petunia, the goat. These two had me in stitches with their antics. I also enjoyed the sometimes awkward relationship between Angie and her mother.
The story moves at nice, steady pace giving the reader time to get to know the characters and the situations they find themselves in. There is never a chance to be bored though as there is alway something going on. I really enjoyed the fact this was a light, fun book even though it was a murder mystery. Never have I been so entertained!
This book has made me an Isabella Alan fan and I will be reading the first three books in this series. I will be anxiously awaiting more books from her as I love her humor, wit, and writing style. If you are looking for a fun read, look no further than Murder, Plainly Read!
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion which I have given.
dollycas's review against another edition
5.0
Dollycas’s Thoughts
I have loved this series from the very beginning. Murder, Plainly Read is an excellent addition.
Angie is involved in not only the Rolling Brook library’s annual book sale but the grand opening of The Miller’s Amish Pie factory’s as well. She also needs to run her own quilt shop. Thankfully she has good help there because when Bartholomew Beiler is found dead in the bookmobile and Austina Shaker, the bookmobile librarian, is charged with his murder she has to add FIND THE REAL MURDERER to her long list of Things To Do!
Because Angie’s aunt married an Amish man she is a little more accepted in the Amish community than most Englischers. Not by all but many of them welcome her into their homes and businesses. Bartholomew Beiler is the bishop for an Old Order Amish sect and they are not as open or welcoming even when Angie explains that she is trying to help them. These characters are so well written and so real. It is so interesting getting to know all of them. I enjoyed the new characters and my favorites were all back too, including a certain goat that has stolen my heart.
Angie jumps into solving the mystery with both feet and we get to tag along right with her. She does raise my blood pressure when she follows the clues and puts herself and her bulldog Oliver in peril. The author has stitched together quite a mystery. She not only keeps the reader guessing until the final reveal but has us in stitches with some delightful humor too.
I read this book at in one sitting. The was no way I could put it down. Now I am excited for Murder, Handcrafted coming this summer.
I have loved this series from the very beginning. Murder, Plainly Read is an excellent addition.
Angie is involved in not only the Rolling Brook library’s annual book sale but the grand opening of The Miller’s Amish Pie factory’s as well. She also needs to run her own quilt shop. Thankfully she has good help there because when Bartholomew Beiler is found dead in the bookmobile and Austina Shaker, the bookmobile librarian, is charged with his murder she has to add FIND THE REAL MURDERER to her long list of Things To Do!
Because Angie’s aunt married an Amish man she is a little more accepted in the Amish community than most Englischers. Not by all but many of them welcome her into their homes and businesses. Bartholomew Beiler is the bishop for an Old Order Amish sect and they are not as open or welcoming even when Angie explains that she is trying to help them. These characters are so well written and so real. It is so interesting getting to know all of them. I enjoyed the new characters and my favorites were all back too, including a certain goat that has stolen my heart.
Angie jumps into solving the mystery with both feet and we get to tag along right with her. She does raise my blood pressure when she follows the clues and puts herself and her bulldog Oliver in peril. The author has stitched together quite a mystery. She not only keeps the reader guessing until the final reveal but has us in stitches with some delightful humor too.
I read this book at in one sitting. The was no way I could put it down. Now I am excited for Murder, Handcrafted coming this summer.
jenndian's review
4.0
Murder, Plainly Read is the fourth in the Amish Quilt Shop mysteries by Isabella Alan. This is the first book I've read of the series and look forward,to starting the series from the beginning! Alan creates believable, original characters and writes a great cozy mystery that has good twists and turns. Great descriptions and I wish I knew how to quilt so I could make the project described in the book and has some instruction at the end. Altogether a very satisfying read with the perfect blend of romance, murder, and suspense.
*** Disclaimer, I won the book through an author contest for an honest review of the book.
*** Disclaimer, I won the book through an author contest for an honest review of the book.
murderbydeath's review
3.0
I pre-ordered the first book in this series, [b:Murder, Plain and Simple|15985366|Murder, Plain and Simple (Amish Shop Quilt Mysteries #1)|Isabella Alan|https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1368411743s/15985366.jpg|21739811], so when I saw this release I grabbed it, eager for an introduction to the characters and setting.
This felt longer than most of the in-between novellas I've read and definitely a bit more involved. Was Eric pushed or did he fall from the roof during a barn raising 15 years ago? It's a very straight forward mystery, as it needs to be in it's shorter format. As such, the suspects are few and the outcome somewhat predictable. But you don't really to buy a novella for the plot, so much as for more information on the characters. I liked Angie and the dog sounds like a gem. I was disappointed that it seems we can count on a cantankerous old biddy who will be going out of her way to make Angie's life miserable in future books, in the form of Martha. Hopefully she'll be offset by Anna, and possibly Rachel.
Overall, a good introduction if you're interested in reading the first book of the series.
This felt longer than most of the in-between novellas I've read and definitely a bit more involved. Was Eric pushed or did he fall from the roof during a barn raising 15 years ago? It's a very straight forward mystery, as it needs to be in it's shorter format. As such, the suspects are few and the outcome somewhat predictable. But you don't really to buy a novella for the plot, so much as for more information on the characters. I liked Angie and the dog sounds like a gem. I was disappointed that it seems we can count on a cantankerous old biddy who will be going out of her way to make Angie's life miserable in future books, in the form of Martha. Hopefully she'll be offset by Anna, and possibly Rachel.
Overall, a good introduction if you're interested in reading the first book of the series.
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