Truffle Trouble (An Amish Candy Shop Mystery Book 10), by Amanda Flower

 

Publication March 31, 2026

Everyone in the village of Harvest, Ohio, seems to be excited for the upcoming wedding of chocolatier Bailey King and Sheriff Aiden Brody. What could possibly go wrong with a wedding that includes a seven-tier wedding cake and Jethro the pig as ring bearer? I'm sure long time readers can make a close guess and, most likely add, hey, what about a murder? If you're one of those, good guess. Yes, Jethro gets the first bite out of the cake but that ranks as relatively well-behaved for this not-at-all-spoiled pig, but before Bailey and Aiden can make their exit a guest drops dead. Needless to say, not only does the new groom suddenly have to don his role as sheriff but Bailey is quickly on the case as a good friend is initially the most obvious suspect. Add on Margot Rawling guilt tripping Bailey into being front-and-center for the upcoming summer wine tasting event since the honeymoon was obviously delayed, her family's needs, and, of course, pig sitting Jethro, and Bailey barely has time to get used to her new title of wife. 

This is the 10th book in this series that I've so come to enjoy. The regulars are all well-fleshed out, though new readers may wonder about that brick in Lois' bag, and generally likable. True, I'm not too fond of the overbearing Margot or Ruth Yoder but even they have their good points, albeit I do wish Bailey would learn to stand up for herself a bit more where they're concerned. Even if you're unfamiliar with the Amish culture, this book does an excellent job explaining not just the beliefs but the thoughts behind them. True, Bailey may have wished not to have been stuck behind a couple slow moving horse and buggies at one point but she respects their role in the Amish way of life. She struggles to smooth the way for Margot's wine tasting event even when it isn't well received by the community but makes it work, for instance.

Speaking of the wine tasting event, the four wine representative involved have a lot of drama behind their interaction. That does nothing to make the already crunched for time Bailey's job easier as she finds herself investigating rather than honeymooning. I don't want to share any more of the plot except to say everything somehow seems to be intertwined. As usual, it's fun to try to sift through the clues as Bailey finds them while laughing at the antics of Jethro. Unfortunately, Bailey isn't quite as amused by them as usual due to her worries about her grandmother's health and her friend being a suspect. The plot moves along quickly and works well as a standalone although this is such a fun series I recommend you check it out in full as some point as it'll give you some insight into inter-relationships and how the past has shaped the regulars that, while explained to satisfaction, doesn't go into the depth long time readers will have. Thanks #KensingtonPress for this early peek at characters I feel like I've come to know as friends while enjoying the quirkiness and warmth of the village of Harvest. Have some chocolate hand as you read, everyone, and be sure to check out the recipes at the end. I bet Jethro isn't the only one with a weakness for truffles. Grin. 

Newlyweds Can Be Knocked Off (An Amish Matchmaker Mystery #6), by Amanda Flower

 

Publication Nov. 25, 2025

Having lived in Florida, it was fun to take this virtual trip there with Millie and Lois. Seeing Millie experience Florida for the first time was a hoot. Lois dubbed it a Bachelorette Getaway, never mind that Millie is a relative newlywed and Lois, well, she's had a few husbands. Unfortunately, it soon turns into a murder investigation although, phew, they still manage to work in some typical tourist activities. The surprise is how many of their home town friends and associates are in Florida, too, at the same place. Pinecraft is hosting a multi-religion ministers' convention of sorts and that brought not just the likes of Ruth Yoder and husband but others. Even Jethro, the always entertaining "Comfort Pig" is there.

Then there's a murder. Always caring and friendly, Millie Fisher, the Amish matchmaker (or Amish Miss Marple as Lois has dubbed her) befriends a young, solo traveler, Caroline, on the bus trip south. Sadly, the next day, while experiencing her first Florida sunrise on the beach, Millie discovers Caroline's dead body washed up by the pier. Her hands had been tied and there were signs of trauma. Let's just say, all signs point to murder. Who'd have killed this seemingly harmless young woman, a recent convert to the Amish way of life after marriage to Cainan, a young Amish man who runs a business in Pinecraft. I won't detail the plot further other than to say there are lots of crossover cast appearances from author Flower's Amish Candy Shop series. Even Bailey, its main character, makes a small but significant appearance. Trust me, both Millie and Lois wish she were there with her pig wrangling expertise. Keeping Jethro out of mischief could be a full time job.

Bottom line, another fun, interesting read from Amanda Flower. I thoroughly enjoyed the virtual trip south and could only grin as Millie encountered things like not just the often oppressive heat but manatee viewings, sea grapes, the seashore, and clash of cultures. It's always fun to wonder what unexpected thing Lois will matter-of-factly pull from her bag this go-round and she never disappoints. In the process of trying to experience Florida, they are, of course, dealing with grieving family and suspicious minds. The past plays a role, too, as it frequently does in mysteries. Thanks to #KensingtonPublishing and #NetGalley for this early virtual trip/peek at Millie and Lois's Florida adventure. To answer Millie's pondering of how many Floridians would leave warm Florida for colder climes, I'm one of them. Grin. 

Gingerbread Danger, by by Amanda Flower

 

Publication October 20, 2024

It's always fun to hang out with Bailey and Jethro, albeit it'd probably be exhausting in real life. And, oh,, Jethro is a pig, an absolutely adorable little pig that seems to find something to get into no matter how well Bailey and the rest monitor him. He isn't even Bailey's. I adore him but, no, don't want a pig, even one as cute and personable as Jethro. He does manage to make friends everywhere he goes, however, some of them surprising. Oh, you're going to have to read the book to discover Jethro's latest new best friend. 

This has become a favorite series and the mix of Amish and non-Amish characters adds to the fun. Okay, and occasionally misunderstandings and havoc but, hey, no one's perfect. I enjoy the characters although keep waiting for Bailey to stiffen her backbone and stop allowing others to take advantage of her so often. It isn't like she doesn't have enough going on in her life. Not only is she dealing with Margot blasting orders constantly and Juliet's tendency to drop off Jethro for Bailey to pig-sit without notice, but she's dealing with her candy shop crews, fiance Aiden Brody being distracted by a rash of robberies despite the imminent arrival of her parents , and then, oh, my, one of her employees falls to their death from the roof of her building. Was it a horrible accident or murder? Who'd have wanted to kill Zeph? Bailey being Bailey, of course, finds herself unable to stop investigating. Will her questioning get her in trouble? Danger? Hey, this is a cozy mystery, so I'm sure you can guess. 

Bottom line, Amanda Flower's Amish Candy Shop Mystery series has become a favorite. This one kept me guessing until the very end, too, not to mention chuckling over Jethro's antics. Flower's ability to weave side stories into a whole continue to impress and despite the quirky, sometimes overbearing characters that surround Bailey, they're all likable. Even the various animals have well-rounded out personalities, Jethro maintaining his status as top pig, of course. It seems like we got to know Bailey's parents a bit more this go-round than in the past, so another plus, albeit her mother's actions may drive Bailey to distraction, especially when Juliet (Aiden's mother) gets in on the plan. So, a solid mystery that will keep you guessing, intriguing characters from both the Amish and non-Amish community, lovable critters, family pressures, and, well, a life-sized Candy Land game courtesy of Margot (which actually sounds like a blast). Thanks #KensingtonPublishing - #KensingtonCozies for allowing me to drop in early on Bailey's holiday, even if trying to keep up with her is enough to make ones head spin. It was fun!

Murder of an Amish Bridegroom (An Amish Seamstress Mystery #1), by Patricia Johns

 Publication Dec. 5, 2023w

What stuck with me was the pluck of Petunia and the interesting friendship developing between Amish Petunia and outsiders Asher as they work together to solve a murder. Since my only real knowledge of Amish culture and customs comes from books such as Amanda Flower's Amish related series, it took me awhile to settle into the book but once I did, I enjoyed it. I mean, after all, who can't root for a main character that has dubbed herself the "youngest old maid" in Blueberry, Pennsylvania, at age 22.

The story begins almost immediately. Petunia has promised to make ice cream for the group of tourists her father is taking around. When she realizes she doesn't have the necessary ice on hand, she heads off to the ice house in her buggy. She arrives at the same time as her father's tour group and sees her friend Eden's buggy is there, too. Then a dead man is found. The ice man. Even worse, Eden is found with the body and bloody hands. Not good. 

Petunia's outspoken manner leads new-to-the-area Detective Asher Nate to recruit her to help him. He's wise enough to know the Amish community tends to be reluctant to talk to outsiders, which basically translates to anyone non-Amish. It's interesting to see how Petunia and Asher work together, their reluctant pairing turning into a friendship. Petunia is torn as she knows the killer must surely be of the community. Even worse, it may be another friend. She just cannot believe Eden is guilty of murder, even though it turns out Eden has some secrets that might give a lesser friend pause. Eden isn't the only one with secrets. It's easy to believe the simplicity of the Amish life means no crime, especially murder, but people are people. And, people keep secrets. Even family. 

Will Petunia be able to tread the fine line of helping bring justice without further alienating herself from the more hard-line believers? Why did seemingly sweet Eden even like the guy anyway, much less plan to marry him? Will Asher's newness and differences allow him to find answers with Petunia's help? What might be the penalty be for Petunia for daring to help an outsider investigate the community and even friends? Could Petunia be putting herself in danger? 

Who....oh, enough teasers. This was a fun, easy read (even with my personal running around complicating things) and I wound up liking the characters a great deal. It's my understanding the the author has published several Amish romances, so it'll be interesting to see if/how she deals with the interesting dynamics emerging between Petunia (who he's calling "Pet" by the end) and Asher as the book ends. Thanks #NetGalley and #CrookedLaneBooks for introducing me to this intriguing setting and its people. I'm looking forward to continuing this new series soon.

Murder with Chocolate Tea (Daisy's Tea Garden Mystery #10 ), by Karen Rose Smith

 

Publication Nov. 28, 2023

Being a fan of "Only Murders in the Building" on Hulu television, I found the use of a true crime podcast as part of the plot intriguing. That said, if Trevor continues with the podcast, he really, really needs to tone down both the name dropping and be smarter himself about the possible danger. Words matter. It probably goes without saying that the mystery storage trunks mentioned to Trevor after his initial podcast relating to the murder wind up with Daisy and friends.

The story centers around Daisy Swanson and podcast journalist Trevor Lundquist investigating not just a 20 year-old murder case but a modern one, too. Both become targets. Daisy should be focused on her upcoming wedding but can't seem to stop thinking of anything other than the investigation. She keeps asking questions, many pointed, and, well, this is a cozy mystery. You know she'll eventually face danger. In-between, there's a 100 year anniversary of the local covered bridge to celebrate, finding the perfect gown for her wedding, getting her daughter ready for her first year of college, trying to help her oldest daughter mend her worrisome marriage, and more.  

I won't detail the plot further. The characters were largely likable and the setting sounds charming. I mean, carriage rides? Well, this does take place in Pennsylvania's Amish country. Daisy's soon-to-be husband, Jonas, is a former cop, now woodworker/furniture maker, and provides a solid foundation for Daisy's sometimes over zealousness. The wedding planning seems to be frequently interrupted for murder matters but I hope to hear more about that gazebo in future books. Thanks #NetGalley and #KensingtonBooks - #KensingtonCozies for inviting me to the wedding. I'm looking forward to Daisy's next adventure. This one was a fun read that kept me guessing until the very end.

Dating Can Be Deadly (An Amish Matchmaker Mystery #5), by Amanda Flower

 Publication Oct. 24, 2023

Comfortable. I realized at some point while reading that I felt quite comfortable and safe in Harvest, Ohio, maybe because I knew whatever happened, Millie and Lois would handle it. I also chuckled early-on as author Amanda Flower revealed that one of the activities of the fair was axe-throwing. Not long ago, Flower shared her own experiences trying out this sport at a fair. Let's just say, while she eventually did okay, she'd better keep her writing job. Lois Henry, Millie's best-friend-forever in the series, turned out to be amazingly proficient. Unfortunately for Millie, though she didn't try throwing around an axe, one of her talents seems to be stumbling over bodies. In this case, it's the body of Tara, who was not only to judge the quilting competition that Millie had entered but was chief organizer of the fair itself.

It was fun to watch the differing ways Lois and Millie approach investigating. Millie, Amish and unassuming, is quietly competent, not eager to call attention to herself. Lois, on the other hand, is flamboyant and quite vocal about how they've helped the police in the past. Let's face it, with her multi-colored, heavily gelled, spiky hair, non-Amish Lois doesn't exactly fade into a crowd. Hard to believe these two are in their 60's. Part of the fun of this series is learning a bit more about the Amish beliefs and lifestyle with each book. I love how Flower uses bits of their language and even sayings, my favorite this go-round being "You are only poor when you want more than you have." 

The whole pace of this series/book might be described as gentle. Rather and odd term when so much is going on, much of it involving the well-being of a child, but it also falls into the slower paced Amish style at times. Let's face it, Millie drives a horse and buggy when she has to go somewhere, so there is ample time to ponder clues and things like her own romantic life. Unlike Lois, who remains eternally hopeful where love is involved, Millie is more cautious, slow to allow herself to yield the widow's life she's now lived for so many years. She puts her own concerns aside repeatedly, however, to dive into finding out whodunit as well as be of help to others, which makes her easy to like. Of course, we have ample critter antics for comic relief with even Jethro, the almost-star pig of a related series making an appearance. I also wanted to give Millie's patient horse a carrot for all the driving around they were doing in what was a very hot spell. 

So, who killed Tara? It was fun to watch Lois and Millie tackle suspect after suspect. Maybe it was the ex-husband? Why does he keep turning up? Surely not the owner of the mangled quilt found with the body? Then again, the quilter was not happy with Tara. Maybe someone working at the fair? Who let the goats out anyway? Or, maybe it was....nah. Enough teasers. This is a delightful, easy read, full of fun characters, mischief loving goats, cute kittens, romance, and more. You'll like the ending, I think, and it definitely moves the series along, too, for fans. Thanks #NetGalley and #KensingtonBooks - #KensingtonCozies for allowing me a sneak peek both into Lois and Millie's world but, hmm, maybe what's coming with Bailey and Aiden? Somehow I just know Jethro will play a major role.

Blueberry Blunder (An Amish Candy Shop Mystery #8), by Amanda Flower

 

 

Publication May 23,2023

 

Somehow, somewhere, I think there's a book in the joke name "The Great Parakeet Attack" episode. Seriously, Jethro? Is there any kind of mischief you can't manage to get into?

 

Anyway, on to the current mystery: Who killed Bailey's contractor, Wade? Why? Was it somehow tied to Aiden's first PI case? Why is Charlotte so sad as her wedding day approaches? Did you know most Amish don't even have Social Security numbers, let alone credit cards? Why is Aiden's return to town a bit awkward? How can nasty Sheriff Marshall keep his job? Why is a film crew following Bailey around? Is Devon always this obnoxious of is she up to something? Who....oh, way too many teasers. 

 

This is one of my favorite Amanda Flowers' series. Full of fully developed characters, whose background is deftly provided early on, with touches of romance and humor, it's a fun read. Heck, the antics of Jethro the polka-dot pig are always a hoot, so no wonder the first chapter opens with Jethro, well, being Jethro.  It's an easy read, too, that will keep you turning pages with Bailey seemingly always involved in something, even if it's just pig-sitting. I found it hard to put down once I started reading. The ending of this one is particularly satisfying, so give it a read. Even if you haven't read other books in the series, you'll quickly come to feel at home.

Thanks #NetGalley and #KensingtonBooks - #KensingtonCozies for inviting me to that amazing Blueberry Festival. After the sweet ending, already looking forward to my next invite to Harvest, Ohio.

Honeymoons Can Be Hazardous (An Amish Matchmaker Mystery #4), by Amanda Flower

 

Publication Dec. 27, 2022

Millie Fisher and Lois Henry are the Odd Couple of Harvest, Ohio. Millie may not be the strictest Amish woman in town but her heart is Amish. Her best friend Lois? Not even Amish. Not only that but flamboyant, outspoken, colorful, and has multiple divorces behind her. She's still a romantic, however, and hasn't given up on love even as Millie and she push toward age 70. Together, these two make a formidable sleuthing team.

Amanda Flower is one of my go-to authors, not to mention that I enjoy following her own farm adventures on Facebook. I enjoy how she deftly blends in bits about the Amish culture and beliefs in her Amish related books, all the while allowing Millie and others to push back gently against its strictures. In addition, Flower is a master at character building, creating characters with both flaws and strengths, such as the Bishop's overbearing wife who often seems more intent on enforcing Amish laws than celebrating its heart, with Millie always finding something to admire about her even when exasperated at her attitudes. It isn't just the humans who have strong personalities, either. There's Jethro the seemingly always in mischief pig, a bit of a tv star in his own right on a blended over character from another Amish series by Flower. Then there are rambunctious goats Phillip and Peter, who are cranky but loving and protective of their human, even when they perhaps think their human, Millie, has lost her mind. In other words, the characters that people this series seem real enough that one might expect to meet them should you happen upon an Amish gathering in Ohio.

As for the mystery, it's an odd one. Who killed Paige via a, no lie, a cuckoo clock falling from a tower (see cover photo)? Millie and Lois are on the site when it happens since Paige's new husband just happened to be one of Lois' ex-husbands. What are the odds of such a strange event being murder? As it turns out, pretty high. In the meantime, everyone in town is saddened by the drug fueled death of an Amish father's son. I won't detail the plot further except to say as bizarre as the means of murder, it works and flows smoothly and steadily forward. Life events often intertwine and they certainly do in this instance, leading to both a sad but satisfying conclusion. Give it a read.

Thanks to #NetGalley and #KensingtonBooks for inviting me back to Harvest, Ohio, to spend some time hanging out with Millie and Lois. It was fun to see Bailey blend over into this series and I'm looking forward to finding out how her business expansion is coming along.

Peanut Butter Panic (Amish Candy Shop Mystery #7), by Amanda Flower

 

 

Is it good or bad that at one point I was so caught up in the antics of Jethro the pig that I momentarily forgot there was a murder? I'm going with good. It simply shows how focused main character Bailey King could be in the face of, well, I won't share because I want you to enjoy them as they happen, but will say in the face of some funny but pulse raising events. Heck, she even manages to elude some attack turkeys. Nope, don't ask. Not telling. You really, really need to read this book.

In any case, back to the murder. If it wasn't bad enough that Margot, organizer of Harvest, Ohio's Thanksgiving festivities, is upset by the visit of her overbearing, self-focused, and, well, terribly unlikable mother, Zara, but her mother's much younger boyfriend is murdered at the event. Who did it and why? Was it daughter Margot, already distressed by her mother's unexpected visit? How about one of the Amish who suffered because of the harsh punishments Zara doled out as a judge? Or, hmm, maybe someone from Blaze's own past? How will Bailey sort it all out while getting up to make candy for the shop in what amounts to the middle of the night for most of us, babysitting Jethro, juggling her media presence, avoiding the sharp teeth of Zara's little dog Gator, making future business plans, investigating the murder, and trying to sort out her own relationship with Aiden? There are even some genuine booby-traps she has to avoid.

Nope, not telling, but you'll enjoy the ride. Not only is Bailey likable but her family and friends are, too. They're people we'd like to know and spend time with. I love how sensitive Bailey is to the Amish community, for instance, an affection that isn't always readily returned, but it shows her caring personality. Aiden, the love interest, shows an emotional, caring side of himself, too, and, well, his mother seems to be a lovable force all her own. Read this one. You'll love it. Number 7 in Amanda Flower's longer running series to date, "Peanut Butter Panic" is a winner. I hated to see it end.

Thanks to #NetGalley and #KensingtonBooks for allowing me to spend some time with Bailey while I enjoyed Jethro's antics, not to mention flashing back to my own encounter with some "attack turkeys". Amanda Flower knows her farm critters.

Dairy, Dairy, Quite Contrary, by Amy Lillard

"Never miss a good chance to shut up."  

That was one of the sayings used to begin each chapter. It's advice Sissy should have taken to heart. I mean, she wrote it under her "Aunt Bess" column identity. She didn't take it to heart, however, and it almost got her in trouble more than once as she tries to figure out who killed Kevin the milkman. New in Yoder, an Amish community, and the one to discover Kevin's body, Sissy feels she is the focus of the police as Earl Berry shows up repeatedly to question and, in her eyes, look at her with suspicion. While not as conservative as many Amish communities, the nuances of life in Yoder take some getting used to and Sissy, with her bright red convertible and adorable Yorkshire terrier Duke doesn't exactly blend in despite her family connection to the town. Is someone trying to pin the murder on her? She barely knew the victim, having only been in town for less than three days.

Although uncomfortable under Earl Berry's scrutiny, Sissy believes everything seems to have fallen in place for her stay in Yoder. She isn't ready to reveal her secret as the columnist who writes the popular Aunt Bess advice column under the guise of being seventy year old Aunt Bess. She turns out not to be the only one with secrets. Who is Josie and why does seem seem to get a pass for her behavior, especially in this Amish village? Is her aunt Bertha glad Sissy is there to help or not? In a town where so many have the family name of Yoder, how does everyone keep it straight who is who and related to who? Does Sissy watch too many crime shows on TV? Is her imagination running wild or does she have legitimate reasons for her suspicions? Why the excitement over the upcoming birth of a child? Why has Evan Yoder taken such a dislike to Sissy? And, why does Duke the dog seem to dislike him when he's so friendly to Gavin and others? What is it that Sissy suddenly remembers about the day she found the body? Why doesn't she tell the police? Will Gavin ever get her back on a bicycle after the soreness and stiffness she experienced after the last ride? And, hey, who the heck killed Kevin and why?

Nope, not telling. You'll have to read the book to find out. While I enjoyed the way the author brought some of the stories together as the book progressed, i found it rather slow paced, I did like Sissy and found the mystery intriguing. I'd like to know more about the town and its nuances. This is the first of a new series, I understand, so some of the perceived slowness may have been simply to introduce characters and get us acquainted with Yoder, too, as well as those about Sissy. I'll be on the lookout for the next book in the series, especially with, hmm, that closing hint of romance.

Thank you #NetGalley and #KensingtonBooks for inviting me to visit Yoder. Looking forward to getting to know Sissy, Duke, Gavin, and the rest soon. Wonder if I can snag a ride in Sissy's convertible?