Wednesday, May 4, 2011

On My Nightstand - Shadows of Lancaster County by Mindy Starns Clark

Anna Bailey finally discovers some peace and quiet in her life. A satisfying career as a skip tracer is interrupted when she receives a call from her frantic sister-in-law in Lancaster County.

Her beloved brother is missing and possibly in grave danger. Her job experience makes her the ideal person to investigate the situation, but she'll blow her carefully constructed new life to bits if she gets involved.

She returns and stays with her sister-in-law's Amish family. Newspaper reporters camp outside the house, making anonymity difficult. Anna reunites with old friends, including the handsome Reed Thornton.

Using her skills, she uncovers scary information. Could her brother be a murderer? Her heart says, "no," but evidence is mounting.

Will Anna face her past no matter what the cost and find her brother?

This is not your usual "Bonnet fiction." The main character is not Amish, but has strong connections to the community. Since my book has that kind of dynamic, it caught my eye.

Written in first person, I was immediately plunged into the story. The tension and mystery kept my heart racing.

Mindy Starns Clark did a great job intertwining both Amish and non-Amish characters. She combined an unusual occupation, two divergent cultures, and a medical angle that held my attention.

Thumbs up for this story. I'm looking forward to reading more of Mindy's books.



20 comments:

Kristen said...

I'm biting my nails already!! Totally going on my reading list.
Thanks, Susan.

(Also, thank you also for your support of my blog!! I really appreciate you!)

Unknown said...

Piqued my interest as my sister-in-law was recently contracted to write three Amish fiction books through Kregal. This book sounds like a good read! Thanks for the recommendation! Have a beautiful week, Susan!

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Kristen -

I liked the medical and missing persons angles a lot. I couldn't put it down.

Aww, I like all the interesting historical facts you share. :)

Blessings,
Susan

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Maria -

Very cool! Does your SIL have a blog? I'd love to check it out.

Blessings,
Susan :)

Chatty Crone said...

Sounds like yet another good one!

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Sandie -

It is. :)

Blessings,
Susan

Unknown said...

Sounds like a good story. Thanks for sharing!

God bless and keep you,
Sonia

Anonymous said...

This books sounds like it has it all. A murder, family connections, and a romance!

Rhonda Schrock said...

Sounds good, Susan! I love a good mystery.

Jill Kemerer said...

Oh, this book sounds really exciting and fast-paced. Win-win!

Jessica Nelson said...

Oh yeah, that definitely sounds interesting!

Nancy said...

The book sounds very interesting and I love the cover. I have read several Amish stories and would read this one since there is a contrast of cultures.

Karen Lange said...

Haven't read this one yet, I may have to check it out. Thanks, Susan, for the info!
Blessings,
Karen :)

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Sonia -

Thanks for stopping by. This book had an excellent story with lots of tension.

Blessings,
Susan :)

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Lynn -

Yes, it had a lot of elements to please even the pickiest reader. :)

Blessings,
Susan

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Rhonda -

You'd enjoy this, especially the medical mystery aspect. It was very well done.

Blessings,
Susan :)

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Jill -

Mindy dove right into the action. She did a good job.

Blessings,
Susan :)

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Jess -

I hope you give the book a try. I'd read a number of reviews and thought it sounded interesting. The medical angle piqued my interest.

Blessings,
Susan :)

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Nancy -

I liked how she blended the two cultures. Excellent book.

Blessings,
Susan :)

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Karen -

Yes, this is definitely a great addition to the TBR pile.

Blessings,
Susan :)