Material Witness (Shipshewana Amish Mystery, A) [Versión Kindle]

UPDATE Sep 2012; This author WINS the ACFW Mystery Carol Award for her book in this series: "FALLING TO PIECES" (link provided at the end of this review.)

Shipshewana, IN, is real. Vannetta Chapman writes Amish mystery convincingly. It reads real. I like that. She does mystery to Amish Shipshe, what J. Karon did cozy quaint to Mitford. Chapman adds suspense to a horse-n-buggy village, like P. Gulley added humor to his Harmony, IN series. All good reading. I hope the "Shipshewana Amish Mystery" series continues forever. Like the others, it is Christian fiction.

Individual books are stand-alone by plot and events, but there is a core carry-through group of Amish and Englischers endearing to the series' readers. After two previous Amish murder mysteries, there is another Shipshe murder 50 feet from Callie's quilt shop. Having helped clear herself as a murder suspect 15 months earlier, it would not be long before her quilting needles were replaced by sleuthing tools. Her Amish quilting friends, Deborah, Melinda, and Esther, return equally involved. It's not exactly the Amish way, nor appreciated by Shipshe police.

Unfortunately Melinda's young Amish handicapped boy saw the attack. Worse, the attacker saw that he had witnessed. He's a 7-yr-old material witness of murder from the shadows of quilt material. The victim's shop competed feverishly with Callie's. Is she a suspect, again?
Another attack. The perp's intent needs rethought. For the 3rd time, will local cops need Callie's Agatha Christie sleuthing instincts? Of course the plot(s) get much, much more complex.

Men will like this heavy mystery, light on romance. Suspense adventure strongly includes several youth. It may also appeal to younger readers. Series previous: Falling to Pieces (A Shipshewana Amish Mystery), A Perfect Square (A Shipshewana Amish Mystery). Book includes a glossary, family groups, and discussion questions.

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Happy times are flowing through Shipshewana, Indiana, that is until Aaron, Melinda Byer's little boy witnesses a murder in the parking lot of Callie Harper's quilt shop that sends this small town into shock. Material Witness has our quartet of leading ladies: Callie, Ester, Deborah and Melinda, who are once again involved in a murder investigation. Callie is beside herself and cannot believe this is happening. Little does she know that her world is about to be turned upside down and inside out. The killer wants something that Callie has and will not rest until they get it. Shane Black is back on the scene to investigate along with Andrew Gavin. Shane vows to protect Callie, who has taken up space in his heart and little Aaron who is the only one who can identify the mad man. Time is of the essence and they must all work together to figure out why Callie is involved before the killer strikes again. The ladies seem to think there are clues to this mystery hidden on a set of quilts that they were given. Shane thinks they may be off their rockers. A stack of quilts can't possibly hold the answers they are looking for right? Or can they.........

Material Witness grabs your attention right off the bat and doesn't let you go until your fingers have turned the last page. This book had my heart pounding one minute and the next minute I was smiling and giving a little fist pump! The love between family, friends, and how far one is willing go to protect them is captured beautifully in this book. The interaction between the children was an added surprise because I think they stole the show! Although I am sad that my adventures are over in Shipshewana, I am fully satisfied with how Vannetta has ended this amazing series of books. All three books are top notch and will always have a spot on my bookshelf. When I read a book that is as wonderful as Material Witness, I am always a little miffed why on earth people say they don't care to read Amish fiction. Vannetta Chapman has crafted a clever and witty tale that is full of suspense and engaging characters. Why would you not want to read something that will fill you to the brim with honest to goodness writing and beautiful story telling?

This book was provided to me from Zondervan via NetGalley for review.

This book was as wonderful as the first 2. I love the Amish women and Callie. I really love how their relationship has continued to develop. I believe this is the last in the series and will miss these characters. Callie's romance continues to blossom. I became quite engrossed with the solving of this murder, the figuring out of the quilt puzzle and how the characters all protected one another. I always love that God is intertwined through the pages. Enjoy and blessings. Susan Fryman