Murder, Plainly Written by Mindy Steele

 Murder, Plainly Written by Mindy Steele

About the Book

Book: Murder, Plainly Written

Author: Mindy Steele

Genre: Christian Amish Mystery

She just wanted to fit into Amish Country. . .now she’s standing out!

First novel in The Plain Order Ink Society series, in which Amish writers crack the case of local mysteries.

Sadie Lynch thought inheriting her late Amish aunt’s candle shop was a blessing—a chance to leave her stalled writing career behind and find a fresh start. But running a Plain business when she’s not Amish isn’t exactly filling her store with customers—especially when the local minister insists she sell out.

Sadie, who doesn’t want to leave, thankfully meets Wanda—an Amish woman with a secret obsession. As Wanda continues to visit the candle shop, an unexpected partnership blooms when Wanda agrees to help Sadie’s shop in exchange for writing advice.

But the grand reopening of the candle shop takes a deadly turn when the body of the Amish minister is discovered behind the counter. Now Sadie is the only suspect, prompting Wanda and the Plain Order Ink Society to try helping her solve the mystery.

But in this Plain community, secrets burn brighter than flames—and nothing is as simple as it seems.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Mindy Steele was raised in Kentucky timber country and has been writing since she could hold a crayon against the wall. Steele writes Amish Romance peppered with just the right amount of humor, as well as engaging Suspense, using rural America and the residents as her muse. Steele strives to create realistic characters for her readers and believes in engaging all the senses to make you laugh, cry, hold your breath, and root for the happy ever after ending. A hopeless romantic, with a lyrical pen, Steele wants her readers to find themselves somewhere within her pages. A mother of four and grandmother to a half dozen blessings, Steele enjoys hiking and gardening, coffee indulgences and weekend road trips, and is personally doing all she can to make peanut butter its very own food group.

More from Mindy

Murder, Plainly Written

The Story Behind the Story

Stories often begin in the most unexpected ways, and this one started with a group of remarkable new friends.

Several years ago, I had the opportunity to meet a number of Amish authors from different communities. Among them were Old Order Amish writers, a New Order Amish woman, and a Danner Amish author from the Dan Amish church. What began as introductions soon blossomed into friendships that I treasure deeply.

Before long, I was invited to attend one of their monthly gatherings. Sitting among these talented storytellers, listening to their experiences, laughter, and unique perspectives on life, I found myself inspired not only by their writing but by their personalities. Since then, I have remained in contact with many of them, and our friendship continues to be a blessing.

When I was asked to write a cozy mystery series, my thoughts immediately turned to those wonderful authors. Their distinct voices, humor, wisdom, and observations about life seemed perfectly suited for solving mysteries. As we talked, they enthusiastically embraced the idea and even helped by creating character names for the series.

I could not resist imagining how each of them might approach a mystery. Who would follow the clues? Who would rely on intuition? Who would ask the questions no one else thought to ask? Those playful questions became the foundation for this series.

Murder, Plainly Written is the first book in that journey. While the story itself is entirely fictional, many of the characters were inspired by real people, and many of the settings were drawn from real places and experiences. It has been a joy to blend mystery, friendship, and a touch of Amish life into a story that celebrates the people who inspired it.

I hope as you read you get to know the characters and perhaps solve a mystery or two along the way.

Thank you for joining me on this adventure.

—Mindy Steele

My Thoughts

Step into the glow of an Amish candle shop, add a close-knit community full of secrets, and you have the inviting spark that makes Murder, Plainly Written by Mindy Steele such a delightful cozy mystery. Set in the heart of Ohio’s Amish country, the story introduces Sadie Lynch, who has inherited her Amish aunt’s candle shop and soon finds herself drawn into a puzzling murder investigation. I especially enjoyed Wanda, a gracious and forthright woman who befriends Sadie and faces disappointment without letting it define her. 

As Sadie gets to know the community, readers are introduced to a memorable cast of characters, each with their own stories and secrets. The mystery surrounding the deceased minister is intriguing, and Sadie’s work with The Plain Order Ink Society gives the investigation a fresh, engaging twist. I appreciated the author’s friendly writing style, the cozy candle shop setting, the sense of faith and family, and the appealing idea of Amish writers joining together to solve a whodunit. With friendship, community, mystery, faith, and a gentle touch of romance, Murder, Plainly Written is a warm and satisfying debut for The Plain Order Ink Society. This series is off to a charming start, and I am already looking forward to the next visit with Sadie and her sleuthing circle.

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Mindy is giving away the grand prize of a $25 Amazon e-Gift card and a print copy of the book!!  Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click here or the link below to enter. 

https://gleam.io/q9rfA/murder-plainly-written-celebration-tour-giveaway

Ready to turn the page to your next unforgettable read? Murder, Plainly Written is available now on Amazon! While you’re there, follow Mindy Steele to be notified when the next novel in The Plain Order Ink Society series is released—and don’t forget to browse Mindy’s other engaging stories, too. I’ll return on Thursday, October 1, with Meghan Carver’s suspenseful Amish Country Witness. Until then, keep your bookmark handy and your reading list ready for its next exciting chapter!

Kris

The Avid Reader

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, September 30

The Avid Reader, September 30

Simple Harvest Reads, October 1 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 2

Texas Book-aholic, October 3

Artistic Nobody, October 4 (Author Interview)

For Him and My Family, October 5

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 6

Guild Master, October 7 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, October 8

Avid Reader Nurse, October 9

Mary Hake, October 9

Fiction Book Lover, October 10 (Author Interview)

Holly’s Book Corner, October 11

The Bookish Ledger, October 12 (Author Interview)

Lily’s Corner, October 13

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.  I am not required to leave a review.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.

Defending the Innocent Target by Carol J. Post

 Defending the Innocent Target

Book Summary

Danger in the shadows.

A K-9 keeping guard.

When Isaac Cooper and his K-9 partner investigate suspicious activity at the house next door, they discover Brandi Feldman, the frightened new owner who has been attacked. The home she inherited hides dark secrets, and there are traps around every corner. As threats against her escalate, it’s clear someone wants her gone—at any cost. Under Isaac’s vigilant protection, Brandi must uncover the truth about her deadly inheritance. But can they outmaneuver a killer determined to make Brandi’s next move her last?

From Love Inspired Suspense: Courage. Danger. Faith.

Canine Defense Series

Book 1: Searching for Evidence

Book 2: Sniffing Out Justice

Book 3:  Uncovering the Truth

Book 4: Witness Safeguard Mission

Book 5: Defending the Innocent Target

My Thoughts

What a page-turning adventure from the very first chapter! Defending the Innocent Target by Carol J. Post blends danger, intrigue, faith, and romance into a warm yet suspenseful story that kept me happily engaged. Post’s fast-paced writing brings just the right mix of adventure, emotional depth, and edge-of-your-seat mystery, while the subtle faith thread adds a meaningful touch. Brandi and Isaac are relatable, courageous characters, and I especially enjoyed watching their relationship grow naturally amid the danger surrounding them. With mysterious attacks, clever traps, hidden motives, and ties to the ongoing Canine Defense series, this story offers plenty for returning fans while remaining easy for new readers to enjoy. Defending the Innocent Target is a compelling, heartwarming suspense novel that left me turning pages—and smiling at the finish.

Ready to fetch your next page-turner? The intriguing Defending the Innocent Target is available on Amazon, along with the other engaging novels in the Canine Defense series. Be sure to follow Carol J. Post on Amazon so you’ll receive a notification whenever she releases a new book. Then, join me on Wednesday, September 30, when I’ll be featuring Murder, Plainly Written by Mindy Steele—and there will be a giveaway! Until then, may your day be joyful and your next great read be only a page away.

Kris

The Avid Reader

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.  I am not required to leave a review.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.

Magic City Murder by Bruce Hammack

 

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Magic City Murder by Bruce Hammack, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Magic City Murder 
Series: Smiley and McBlythe Mystery Series #16 
Author: Bruce Hammack 
Publisher: Jubilee Publishing 
Release Date: August 6, 2026 
Genre: Mystery / Private Detective

A missing husband. A murdered journalist. A city where everyone has something to hide. 

Blind former Houston homicide detective Steve Smiley and his partner Heather McBlythe take on what looks like a straightforward case: track down a missing husband so his estranged wife can finally file for divorce. 

The simple case turns deadly when the body of the woman the husband has been living with is found in a Miami canal. She wasn't just the missing man's companion — she was an investigative journalist silenced before her story could see the light of day. 

As Smiley and McBlythe dig deeper, they uncover a trail of political corruption and cartel money that someone powerful is determined to keep hidden. With a growing list of suspects, a city full of secrets, and a killer working in the shadows, Smiley must sort through the tangle of lies before whoever is cleaning up loose ends decides Smiley's next.  

Pick up your copy of Magic City Murder today and follow Smiley and McBlythe from Houston to Miami as they chase down a missing husband and a killer who's running out of places to hide. Perfect for fans of Agatha Christie-style whodunits who love clever plots, professional detective work, and clean reads without the gore, violence, or explicit content.  

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | BruceHammack.com | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop | BookBub

More in This Series

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About the Author

Bruce Hammack, a native Texan, began his professional writing career in the tenth grade when the local Rotary Club sponsored a writing contest for students in civics class. To the amazement of students and teachers alike, he won the prize of a twenty-five-dollar savings bond.

After retiring from a career in criminal justice, Bruce picked up the proverbial pen again. He now draws on his extensive background with law enforcement (and criminals) to write contemporary, clean read detective and crime mysteries. 

An avid Hercule Poirot and Sherlock Holmes fan, Bruce firmly believes the world can’t have enough whodunits. When not writing, he enjoys travel, classic whodunits and a quiver full of children and grandchildren. Having lived in eighteen cities around the US and the world, he now makes his home in the Texas Hill Country with his wife of thirty-plus years. 

Connect with Bruce by visiting brucehammack.com to follow him on social media and subscribe to email newsletter updates.

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My Thoughts

Miami’s shadows have never looked so irresistible. Magic City Murder by Bruce Hammack is a fast-paced, well-crafted suspense novel packed with sharp twists, engaging dialogue, and memorable investigators. Hammack brings Miami vividly to life, blending the city’s glamour, danger, and gritty underbelly into a mystery that feels both authentic and exciting. From missing persons and murder to organized crime, red herrings, and hidden motives, the plot keeps the pages turning and the suspects shifting. I especially enjoyed how the story balances traditional detective work with emotional depth, giving it heart without ever slowing the suspense. The surprise ending is satisfying, clever, and well earned. Although Magic City Murder is the sixteenth installment in the A Smiley & McBlythe Mystery series, it works equally well as a standalone. Magic City Murder is the kind of mystery that grabs you early and keeps you guessing to the very last page.

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Excerpt

It wasn’t long before the police detective returned and spoke in a firm, somber tone. “A car registered to Daniella Cutter is in a canal on the north side of the city. There’s a body in it.” Kate let out a gasp, her knees buckled, and she eased herself down to the floor. 

Steve turned his attention to Detective Ruiz. “No mention of a second body in the car?”

“Only one, believed to be a woman. I asked.”

“We’ll stay with Kate until we hear from you.”

“Thanks. You know the drill. I’ll need to talk to Ms. Bridges if it’s Daniella Cutter in the car.”

After seeing Manny to the door, Heather returned to the living room in time to see Rasheed helping

Kate off the floor. Steve wrestled a chair from the kitchen table. “Heather, help Rasheed. Put Kate next to the recliner and bring a chair over for you.” Kate took a long drink of water and seemed to rally. “Is this when the questions start?”

“We’ll ease into it,” said Steve. “By your reaction, I think you’ve heard the name Daniella Cutter

before.”

“Peter left me for her. End of story.”

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Tour Giveaway

(3) winners will each receive a signed paperback copy of Magic City Murder, a Smiley And McBlythe bookmark, a Reading Log, and book lover stickers!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight September 23, 2026 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on September 30, 2026. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

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Ready for a mystery packed with suspense, secrets, and plenty of twists? Magic City Murder is available now on Amazon! While you’re there, explore the other novels in the A Smiley & McBlythe Mystery series, along with more thrilling reads from Bruce Hammack. I’ll be back on Tuesday, September 29, with Defending the Innocent Target by Carol J. Post. Until then, have a fantastic weekend—and don’t leave the mystery unsolved: enter the giveaway before you go!

Kris

The Avid Reader

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Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.  I am not required to leave a review.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.

The Memory House by Mary Alford

 The Memory House

Book Summary

Some truths aren't buried.

They're hidden inside us.

When grief counselor Elise Warren inherits Coldwater Hollow, the crumbling Victorian estate of her estranged father, she expects to settle his affairs and finally leave the past behind.  Instead, she finds hidden journals, secret recordings, and evidence that her father’s controversial psychological treatments may have harmed more than they healed.

As Elise digs deeper, fragments of her childhood begin surfacing—memories of a frightened girl named Ivy, whispered warnings from her long-missing mother, and a darkness lurking beneath the house itself. But the more Elise uncovers, the less she trusts her own mind.

Someone has been inside Coldwater Hollow.

Someone is watching her search for answers.

And someone desperately wants one missing piece of evidence to stay buried.  Because if Elise remembers what really happened twenty years ago, she may discover that the greatest mystery was never what happened to Ivy. It's who Ivy was.

And the truth could destroy everything she believes about herself.

The Memory House is a gripping psychological suspense novel about memory, identity, and the dangerous secrets families bury in the name of protection.

My Thoughts

Step inside The Memory House by Mary Alford, and you can almost hear the old Victorian walls whispering their secrets. This atmospheric psychological suspense pulls readers into a haunting mystery filled with hidden rooms, buried truths, and the uneasy question of what can—and cannot—be trusted when memory itself feels uncertain. Alford creates a wonderfully Gothic mood, letting the tension build gradually so each revelation has room to land with real impact. The slower pace works in the story’s favor, reflecting the protagonist’s fragile state of mind and giving the mystery a layered, immersive feel. 

While readers who prefer a nonstop thriller may find the psychological elements more intricate, those details add depth and make the final disclosures even more satisfying. At its heart, the novel explores how families sometimes bury painful truths in the name of protection, and how those truths can shape identity long after the past should have stayed behind. The reveal of who Ivy truly was gives the story an emotional twist that elevates it beyond a simple mystery. Richly atmospheric, thoughtfully paced, and full of quiet tension, The Memory House is a suspenseful read that lingers like a secret you cannot quite shake.

Get ready to fill your reading list with mystery, suspense, and plenty of page-turning excitement! Mary Alford’s The Memory House arrives Thursday, September 24, and is available for preorder on Amazon. Mary is a wonderfully versatile writer, so be sure to explore her other engaging novels while you’re there. Also on Thursday, September 24, I’ll be featuring Bruce Hammack’s fast-paced, suspenseful Magic City Murder—and there will be a giveaway, too! Mark your calendar, bring your love of mysteries, and don’t miss your chance to uncover a thrilling read and win a special treat!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.  I am not required to leave a review.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.

A Killer for Christmas by Kim Harrington

A Killer for Christmas

Book Smmary

Wrapped in red has a bloody new meaning in this contemporary holiday romance with a murderous twist, perfect for readers who enjoyed The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year.

Christmasville, Maine, is the only place where Kelsey Hendricks has ever felt happy. When she loses both her job and her boyfriend, the move is a no-brainer, especially when she sees a listing for a position as Christmasville’s social media manager. Surrounded by twinkling lights and candy canes and with the perfect job, this tinsel town is working its magic on Kelsey. With two heartthrobs vying for her attention, her life is now just like a Christmas movie.

Except for the murders.

The first one is dismissed as an accident. But after the second, and definitely the third, it becomes abundantly clear that Santa is leaving coal in someone’s stocking this year.

Determined to bring back the holly jolly spirit to the town before tourists begin canceling their reservations, Kelsey must sleuth her way out of a chilling murder mystery and back to a holiday rom-com.

This charming and clever mystery-romance where a cozy winter wonderland warms the heart while suspense chills the bones is the perfect read for the holiday season.

My Thoughts

Pour yourself some cocoa and settle in—A Killer for Christmas by Kim Harrington is a festive little mystery that brings just the right dash of holiday cheer, cozy romance, and suspense. Set in the tourist town of Christmasville, Maine, this lighthearted story blends a cozy mystery with a sweet holiday-romance thread, giving the suspense a fun rom-com sparkle without letting it take over. The mystery is well paced and satisfying, with a twist that adds a nice surprise, and the plot stays refreshingly easy to follow rather than becoming overly complicated. 

The Christmas setting may be unusual for a murder mystery, but it works beautifully and never feels forced. I also enjoyed the quirky cast of characters and the warm small-town atmosphere that make Christmasville feel inviting. The romance is gentle and supportive, adding charm and coziness while still leaving the mystery at the center. Overall, this is a quick, feel-good read with steady pacing, a relatable heroine, and a festive backdrop that makes Kim Harrington’s adult mystery-romance debut a cheerful seasonal treat. If Christmasville had a welcome sign, this book would be the twinkling lights around it.

Books, porch weather, and one very determined cat—what more could a reader ask for? Kim Harrington’s A Killer for Christmas is available now on Amazon. I’ll be back on Wednesday, September 23, with Mary Alford’s richly atmospheric and suspenseful The Memory House. Meanwhile, my cat, Dickens, has decided that the screened porch is the place to be. Since it’s still hot and humid, I don’t quite understand the appeal—and Dickens doesn’t understand why I won’t let her stay outside all night. Perhaps it has something to do with the coyotes and raccoons roaming our village since the nearby woods were cleared to make way for new homes! At eighteen, Dickens still acts like a kitten, proving that a little curiosity—and a good mystery—never gets old.

Kris

The Avid Reader

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.  I am not required to leave a review.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.

A Heart to Cherish by Amy Clipston

 A Heart to Cherish

Book Summary

Return to Amish country in an uplifting story of faith, friendship, and finding the courage to follow your dreams—and your heart.

Jeannie Graber is grateful for her life in Bird-in-Hand, Pennsylvania, where she enjoys working at her family’s fabric shop and saving for her future. Still, she longs for something more.

When customers suggest she offer quilting lessons, she jumps at the chance to remodel the storeroom into a sewing studio where she can give classes. Jeannie sees this as her opportunity to prove she is no longer the flighty girl no one takes seriously. She just needs help getting her dream off the ground.

Matthew Fisher works for his brother’s construction business, but he has dreams of his own. While he’s good with a hammer and nails, he’s even better with drafting tools. When Jeannie—the woman he’s quietly loved for years—asks him to design and build her business space, he knows God has given him the perfect opportunity to prove himself, to both his brother and Jeannie.

When a beloved elderly woman disappears from the community, Jeannie and Matthew join forces to bring her home safely. As they work side by side, faith and friendship blossom into something deeper. Will old insecurities keep them apart or will they finally trust God—and each other—with their hearts?

A Heart to Cherish is a must-read for anyone who loves the beauty and simplicity of Amish life and culture, characters with emotional depth who long to prove their value, and seeing how God brings two hearts together.

My Thoughts

Some stories feel like a gentle invitation to slow down, settle in, and remember what matters most—and A Heart to Cherish by Amy Clipston is one of them. Set in Bird-in-Hand, Pennsylvania, this heartfelt Amish romance beautifully blends faith, dreams, love, and a touch of suspense. Clipston draws readers into a world rich with wholesome traditions, close-knit community, and deeply held values, creating a setting that feels both comforting and alive. The two main characters each wrestle with personal doubts and the desire to prove their worth, which makes their journey feel honest, tender, and easy to connect with. 

The disappearance of an elderly woman from the community adds just the right amount of tension, keeping the story moving while the romance unfolds in a natural and meaningful way. Clipston’s close ties to Amish life shine through in the realistic details and emotional depth she brings to the page. A Heart to Cherish is the second book in her From the Heart Amish series and can be read as a standalone, though I would encourage readers to begin with A Heart Set Free for the fullest experience. With its small-town charm, heartfelt tenderness, quiet mystery, and uplifting message of faith and purpose, A Heart to Cherish is a story that lingers warmly long after the final page.

Grab your favorite bookmark, because today’s post has a sweet mix of heartwarming reads, cozy book news, and a little birthday joy. A Heart to Cherish is available from Amazon, and if you are new to the From the Heart Amish series, you can start with A Heart Set Free. These books come from Guideposts, the publisher behind several delightful cozy mystery series. I’ll be featuring the fifth heartwarming book in A Gift Shop Mysteries, A Lighthouse Legacy, on Tuesday, September 22. For now, I’m off to enjoy my birthday, made extra special this year by my mother and daughter, and I’m so grateful for the love they’ve poured into the day. I hope your next book brings you the kind of comfort, joy, and page-turning delight that makes reading feel like a celebration.

Kris

The Avid Reader

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.  I am not required to leave a review.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.