When the Bishop Needs an Alibi: The Amish Bishop Mysteries

Happy September 1.  The Lost Sisters by Lindsey Hutchinson is out today. Readers are taken back to the later years of Queen Victoria's reign when Hortense Buchanan sets out to ensure her husband's money will all come to her. She is not going to let anyone stand in her way.  

When the Bishop Needs an Alibi by Vannetta Chapman is the second installment in The Amish Bishop Mysteries.  Henry Lapp is the bishop of the small Amish community in San Luis Valley, Colorado.  Henry is out birdwatching with his beagle, Lexi at the Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge when he discovers the body of Sophia Brooks.  Sophia had been in town for about five weeks where she worked at Maggie’s Diner (Henry eats several meals a week at the diner).  Henry could tell that something was troubling Sophia by her nervous and furtive behavior.  Henry and Emma Fisher tried to help the woman, but she would not let them assist her.  When Henry ends up being the police’s prime suspect in Sophia’s death, he can tell someone is setting him up.  It is up to Henry’s friends to follow the clues and clear his name.  Henry had done some drawings of Sophia at the diner that aids the group in their investigation.  But the killer is willing to go to great lengths to keep his activities under wraps. 

When the Bishop Needs an Alibi is well-written and has a great main character.  Ms. Chapman’s word imagery brings the scenes alive.  I like Henry Lapp with his unwavering convictions, strong faith, love of animals, his gentle nature and his unique ability.  Emma Fisher is the perfect companion/counterpart for Henry.  They nicely complement each other.  I thought When the Bishop Needs an Alibi to have a nice, steady pace and full of suspense (especially near the end).  I kept reading to see what would happen next.  The mystery is complicated, but only a small part can be solved before the reveal.  The mystery is one that plays out and we must read to find out how it will turn out (that was disappointing).  As most of you know, I prefer a mystery that I can solve.  While When the Bishop Needs an Alibi is the second novel in this series, it can be a stand-alone.  Everything a reader needs to know is included in this story (about the community, Henry’s ability, what happened to Henry in the past, his relationship with Emma).  However, I do recommend reading What the Bishop Saw as it is a wonderful story.   My rating for When the Bishop Needs an Alibi is 4 out of 5 stars (I liked it).  The ending is heartwarming and so sweet (it will make you smile).  There are discussion questions, recipes, and a glossary at the end of the book.  I will definitely be reading Who the Bishop Knows when it comes out next spring.  

I appreciate you taking time to read my review.  I am still battling this cold/flu.  I should have taken stock in a tissue company.  I would have made a mint with the amount I have been using lately.  I am currently reading Pudding Up with Murder by Julia Buckley.  May each of you have an unbelievable day (I am for aiming high and then settling for making it through another day safely).  I will be evaluating Grave Errors by Carol J. Perry next time.    Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

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