Monday, February 18, 2013

Falling to Pieces

Title: Falling to Pieces

Author: Vannetta Chapman

Publisher: Zondervan

Series: Shipshewana Amish Mystery, Bk 1

ISBN: 9780310330431

Pages: 318 + Group Discussion Questions

Obtained: Library copy

Comments:

I heard good things about this series, and it looked appealing; I just had to find the time to sit down and read it.  Once I did I found myself absorbed in an interesting mystery in an intriguing and appealing setting with very likable characters.

Oh, the characters.  I do like them so.  I've since read the second book in the series as well (I'll get to that in it's own post), and I still can't get enough of the characters.  They're just so admirable and inspiring - Amish and English alike (except for the bad guy and such of course).  This is the first print book I read after listening to The Casual Vacancy and the difference in characters between the two books is remarkable.  It's amazing what context of your overall reading can do for your impressions of a book.  But beyond that...

Callie has just come to Shipshewana after the death of her aunt, and she's lost.  Not physically lost, but emotionally.  She's floundering.  Confused and without direction.  But a trio of local Amish women need her to reopen her aunt's quilt shop, and suddenly she finds friends and at least temporary purpose... Then she becomes a suspect in a murder, and it's a good thing she's started developing friendships because she needs all the help she can get.

As with most cozy mystery series, this first book is setting the scene for the rest of the books.  This means we get to see an overall image of what Shipsewana is like.  And I would love to visit.  Ideally coming during one of the market days (I wonder if they really have those?), and maybe staying to see/feel the place after the rest of the tourists have gone.

Anyway, I really enjoyed this book, and (as I've already said) I already finished the second book.

5 comments:

  1. This one sounds really good. I really enjoy Amanda Flower's Amish mystery series and have heard good things about this series as well. Might have to add this one to the never ending list.

    Kimberlee
    www.girllostinabook.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I have Amanda Flower's Amish Mysteries on my list too. I actually had to decide between which to read first.

      Delete
  2. Shipshewana is in northern Indiana and it's a wonderful place to visit. And yes, they do have the market days--every Tuesday and Wednesday from May to October. Thank you for the review!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I've been to Nappanee a few times but not Shipshewana. I've suggested it to my family though, so maybe this year.

      Thanks for writing it! Not only was it just plain good, but I read it at a good time for me.

      Delete
  3. Kimberlee, Amanda is a good friend of mine. I adore her books! We've thought of starting an "Amish murder mystery tour." lol

    ReplyDelete

Please feel free to comment. I love to hear from you!

Comments on posts older than 6 days are moderated.