Thursday, April 20, 2017

What the Bishop Saw: The Amish Bishop Mysteries


Thank you for stopping by today.  Do you watch The Librarians on TNT? If so, I highly recommend the two books based on the television series. The first book is The Librarians and the Lost Lamp. The second book is The Librarians and the Mother Goose Chase.  It will be out on April 25 (it is wonderful).  

What the Bishop Saw by Vannetta Chapman is the first book in The Amish Bishop Mysteries.  Bishop Henry Lapp lives in San Luis Valley, Colorado.  Henry is awakened with news of a fire at nearby Vernon Frey’s house.  When Henry arrives at the scene, he finds out that Vernon did not survive.  It is disturbing to find out that the fire was set deliberately.  Henry is asked to write a list of people who might have wished to harm Vernon.  Within days a second fire breaks out at a construction site in town.   Sam Beiler spots the fire and calls 911.  Turns out that Sam also called in Vernon’s fire.   Sam is soon arrested for arson and the murder of Vernon.  Henry visited Vernon the day before the fire, and he has a gift that could assist the investigators.  Henry has not used his talent in fifteen years.  But it seems the time has come to use his God given gift once again.  It could provide a helpful clue that will lead to the arsonist.  Unfortunately, the fire bug is not finished and Henry’s workshop becomes the next target.  Meg Allen, the arson investigator, works with Henry and the Amish community to ferret out clues.  Will they be able to identify the arsonists before he claims more victims?

What the Bishop Saw is well-written and is easy to read.  The book has a good pace.  The story has engaging characters.  My favorite are Henry Lapp and Emma Fisher.  They are adorable and nicely complement each other. They both have loving hearts and you can tell how much Henry cares for the people in his community.  It was good to see growth in the characters by the end of the book.  I loved the subtle, slow paced romance between Henry and Emma.  I appreciated the author’s unique setting.  I have not read an Amish novel set in Colorado previously.  I found the scripture and prayer quotient to be medium level (it goes well with the book).  I give What the Bishop Saw 4 out of 5 stars.  The mystery was interesting, though, readers can easily identify the culprit based on the clues.  There is a little suspense near the end that will have readers on the edge of their seats.  I did feel that the book was a little long and some information was repeated.  I liked the epilogue.  It was a good ending to the story.  What the Bishop Saw is the beginning of a delightful series.  What the Bishop Saw is currently available in Kindle format and will be out on May 1 in paperback.

Would you like to win a copy of What the Bishop Saw?  Vannetta Chapman was kind enough to offer a copy for a giveaway!  Leave a comment along with your email to win!  I will pick a winner on April 25!  UPDATE:  The contest is now over!  Thank you for entering!  I am off to run the sweeper and dust.  When you have dogs and cats, sweeping is a constant household chore!  I will be back on Friday to review Upon a Spring Breeze by Kelly Irvin. May each of you have a lovely Thursday.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris
The Avid Reader

18 comments:

  1. I love Vannetta's stories and am eager to read WHAT THE BISHOP SAW! Thanks so much for sharing this great review and giveaway!!

    texaggs2000 at gmail dot com

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  2. I'd love to have this book. I haven't read a book by her in a long time!
    susanlulu@yahoo.com
    Susan in NC

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  3. I love anything Bennett's writes. Thanks for the chance to win!

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  4. I am a fan of Vannetta Chapman's work and would love to add this book to my collection. Thank you.

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  5. Can't wait to read this book! Thanks for the opportunity to win!

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  6. Just realized I forgot my email

    jtabalk(at)hotmail(dot)com

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  7. Thank you for this review - very helpful! kk49242 at Gmail dot com

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  8. Would love to win this book! Thanks for this chance!

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  9. I enjoy reading Vanetta Chapman's books. I would love to win this one.

    grace_soo_amazing(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  10. This sounds like a fun book!!
    gracelz1(at)hotmail(dot)com

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  11. Thanks for giving your thoughts on this book by Vannetta, I like reading her stories too. I have read of amish in colorado before I think there was a series by a man and for now the name escapes me.
    Paula O(kyflo130@yahoo.com)

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  12. I absolutely loved this book! It was so exciting and Henry was adorable!

    queenofeverything1016(at)yahoo.com

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  13. I hope I'm not too late! I love Vannetta's books! Thanks for the review & chance to win! rw620 AT aol DOT com

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  14. Love your books. They are very interesting and very wholesome. Look forward to reading this new book. God Bless

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  15. I love her books, and have been wanting to read this one. Thanks, Vanetta for the chance to win.

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    1. Forgot to leave my e-mail amylsmith At bledsoe Dot net

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  16. Sent an email....thank you so much!

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