A Perfect Square

Title: A Perfect Square

Author: Vannetta Chapman

Publisher: Zondervan

Series: Shipshewana Amish Mystery, Bk 2

ISBN: 9780310330448

Pages: 337 + Group Discussion Questions

Obtained: Library copy

Comments:

After I wrote my post on the first book in this series, Falling to Pieces, I didn't have much to add for this one.  Like with the first I found myself in a state of warmth and kind of longing while reading it.  It is a different story though.  This time, the murder has less to do with Callie and more to do with the Amish citizens of Shipshewana (and elsewhere).  While Callie is interested in the truth of the matter, Deborah takes on much more of an amateur sleuth interest.  Callie ends up adopting another case... one of a man who lost his daughter as a child years ago.  He'd like to reunite with her before he passes and for some reason this really connects with Callie.

As for character development, Callie's friendships within the community grow and she seems to be exploring a new relationship at the end that I am very pleased about.

Anyway,  I look forward to reading the third book, Material Witness, which I am currently on the library's request list for.

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.