Vannetta Chapman has written a wonderful Amish mystery by developing the character of Bishop Henry Lapp. I was intrigued by his savant abilities that allowed him to draw pictures from his subconscious. Henry was able to capture many interesting and valuable pieces of information in his drawings, including people’s emotions as he walked through various events in this story.

After capturing my attention from the first page, Chapman gave a different twist on the normal mystery by using Henry’s gift to help solve the crimes of fire and murder.

I found this story exciting and it gave me the desire to visit an Amish community. I could tell you more of this story but don’t want to spoil the ending. I also look forward to the sequel of this book.

I was given the opportunity to read this book by NetGalley and the publisher but it didn’t influence my evaluation of this book.

This book has a unique storyline and relatable characters. I'm always happy when I read something that's different from anything that I've read before.

I will have to say that oddly enough, the bishop was not my favorite character. That's not to say that I disliked him, because that's certainly not the case. My favorite character was Emma and quite honestly, she was the reason I kept reading.
For me, the story moved at a slow pace and I lost interest about halfway through. The pace picked up near the end and there are some things that kind of had me on the edge of my seat.
If you like Amish fiction with a bit of suspense, you'll like this book.
I received a copy of What the Bishop Saw through Netgalley and have given my honest opinion.

I’m not Amish but I sure wish I could attend Henry Lapps services, what a kind loving man, and yet he has had to deal with his own daemons.
The setting for this story is the breath taking valley of San Luis Colorado, and a quaint and closely-knit Amish community. What happens here is about to tear apart this group of plain people, and in the end leave some hurt and worse dead.
Now in his sixties Henry has a blessing, or a curse, depending on how you look at it, and now he needs to make a decision to use this for the greater good. As a youngster he was hit in the head with a baseball, a brain injury and that turned on a switch that gave him a rare ability.
As we travel this story to find the person responsible for the terror that these people are facing. Will they find the arsonist before they loose any more, or will be more be hurt and force some to make a hard decision to leave for their peace of mind.
These are pacifists and they are surely put to the test by the perpetrator, but why are these peaceful people being targeted? When you discover who is responsible, I had a feeling that he had been let down by society, and yet he is so wrong.
You won’t want to leave here and found myself doing so extra reading about being savant, very interesting. I hope we will be visiting with Henry and his community again; I wanted to immerse myself with the people.

I received this book through Net Galley and Harvest House Publishers, and was not required to give a positive review

What the Bishop Saw is a terrific Amish suspense. It is very well written with a good plot and great cast of characters. This is not you run of the mill Amish book. I look forward to reading more of Ms. Chapman's work .

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.

Thoughts:

WHAT THE BISHOP SAW by VANNETTA CHAPMAN leads us into an Amish mystery where all eyes are on the Bishop and the past he blatantly ignores.

In Colorado's San Luis Valley, the growing season dawns, but the dry season is dangerous. Once a fire sparks things can move quickly, but something is amiss when fingers point in different directions. However, Bishop Henry Lapp moves us into action to bring about something he keeps hidden!

Only a few will talk about it, but he is the only one living with it.

The congregation has been through much in a short time, from the expectations that did not materialize to the loss of others that they love, but they hold on to Gotte and to each other. Sometimes, happenings will steer them onto a new path. It may be that sometimes a Bishop needs to let go, but his heart may forever change in the middle of it all.

Flames bring the fire department, the neighbors, and the police onto the scene, but a death lures an Arson Investigator to their community. While the Amish people want to handle disturbances without law enforcement, this cannot happen inside a murder investigation.

One can see but not give an accurate depiction that anyone could believe. While during other times, what one knows is more than anyone would ever see.

When does a gift become a burden and when does anger turn into murder?

These answers take shape inside an excellent beginning to a new series that will keep you reading!

***This opinion is my own.***

Preview:

In WHAT THE BISHOP SAW by VANNETTA CHAPMAN a fire takes a Colorado Amish community into a storm leaving death, damage, and destruction in its wake.

The dry season of San Luis Valley always becomes a danger, but when a fire is set to hide a body, everything inside this Plain community is about to go under an Arson Investigator’s purview. Outsiders are not welcome here, and the people seem to take prodding more personally to land them at the top of a suspect list for murder!

Vernon Frey’s list of possible enemies engulfs two worlds, and those in the congregation are not immune to the problems seen among the Englisch. In fact, some money issues and family problems still plague this community, but could someone they know have killed Vernon?

It has come time for Bishop Henry Lapp to unearth the truth in the only way he knows how.

While his position may be a gift, it is a tremendous responsibility to weigh heavily on a man, and to run away can seem the better answer. Faith gets him through with courage, and Henry does have friends to help him in this task. Emma Fisher helps the way she always does, but his heart teeters inside a new territory.

Could beauty come from the ashes and would Grace heal the broken hearts?

I enjoy knowing I will learn something new when I read a Vannetta Chapman book.

We join Henry and his community while they are trying to figure out who killed one of their own in a suspicious fire. Henry has a special talent in being able to draw a scene and see things he does not consciously remember.

You will come to love Katie Ann who holds a special place in so many hearts.

It was pleasing to read about an Amish community in a not so familiar setting. I didn't know there was an Amish community in Colorado.

This is a great novel for Amish and mystery fans alike.

When a much disliked Amish man dies in a fire set by an arsonist, Bishop Henry Lapp must guide his people to safety and the truth. It doesn't help that the Englischer they have to communicate with most is a young, brash,red-haired female investigator. As the arsonist ramps up his attacks, Henry has to watch the People lose life, property, and even desire to remain in this Colorado community. Will he make the ultimate sacrifice that almost cost him dearly years ago in Goshen, In?

I truly love Vannetta Chapman's Amish mysteries, and this is the best one yet. So often the bishop of the People is portrayed as being strict, stiff, and power-hungry. Henry is none of these. He truly seeks God's will in all things, puts others before himself, and sees people with "the Father's Eyes." It would be a blessing to be a friend of Henry's.

We also get to know Emma's family. They are as complex as Henry, and are woven into the story along with others of the church to make a tightly woven,multi-dimensional tale.

One quote true for Amish and Englischers alike:
"They would all be remembered by their deeds, their kindnesses to one another,and the roots of love they left behind."
What The Bishop Saw motivates me to ask God for vision to see people as incredibly compassionately as Henry and ultimately God our Father see them.

I gratefully received this book from the publisher and NetGalley. I am freely leaving a review. I am solely responsible for the opinions therein.

What The Bishop Saw (The Amish Bishop Mysteries-Book One )
By: Vannetta Chapman
What The Bishop Saw is book one in The Amish Bishop Mysteries Series by Vannetta Chapman. Chapman did not disappoint me . I believe What The Bishop Saw is one of her best mystery and suspense. If you love a Good mystery and suspense , then you will love What The Bishop Saw. Chapman has woven a page turner in her first book in this series. I could not read fast enough or turn the pages fast enough to see what was going to happen next. The story and the characters both were so real and well developed. I really liked Bishop Henry Lapp . To me he was not like some of the other Bishop’s that I had read about. There is a fire in Bishop Henry’s District and he gets involved . He begins to think that the fire and the death of an Amish man , Vernon, was no accident. So is there an arsonist in the area? Henry has a very special talent. Will he use his talent to help find out who the killer and arsonist is ? This is a very exciting story and will keep you on the edge of your seat . I cannot wait to read book two in the Amish Bishop Mysteries.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book by NetGalley and Harvest House Publishers, but was not told that I had to give a positive review.

I will admit I was very unsure about this book as I stopped reading a lot of Amish novels as they turned into the same romance novel with just different characters. But this one is not that at all, it is a very good murder mystery. The Bishop saw has a lot of good twists and turns with very good story telling. I am very impressed by this author and want to read more of their writings.

I enjoyed Vannetta Chapman's book, "What the Bishop Saw". An Amish suspense book where the main character is in his sixties. I enjoyed getting to know Henry, who is the Bishop and a savant. There are interesting characters in the community of the San Luis Valley in Colorado who come together to help solve a murder and discover an arsonist. They will learn to lean of God and work together with the authorities to get it accomplished. I received this book from NetGalley for my honest review.

I am not an Amish Fiction fan. That said, I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this book. It had insightful and deep characters with a wonderful thread of suspense woven throughout the story. I enjoyed the unique plot line and all of the characters. If you love Amish Fiction, you will love this book. If you are not a typical Amish Fiction fan, you will STILL love this book! Highly reccommended.

A fire breaks out and a Amish man Vernon Frey is found dead. The fire department tells Bishop Henry Lapp that the fire was not a accident but it was set. When a man is accused of the fire Bishop Henry Lapp knows that the man is innocent and uses his gift from God to prove it. Bishop Lapp has the power that he can draw and see the accident. As more fires happen the Amish is afraid and some choice to move. This books keeps you wondering who is starting the fires and why are they doing it. A story of Faith and Love and forgiveness.

I enjoyed reading this book centered around a Bishop of an Amish community. This was different being centered around a male leader of the community, rather than the female aspect which we normally read in the Amish genre.

Bishop Henry is a very devoted man who has a real heart for his people. He also has a special talent that resulted from a head injury he received as a child. He is able to recreate scenes of happenings that he consciously doesn’t remember, but once starts drawing, his mind takes over and “remembers” and creates those scenes with extreme detail. He has always felt this was a curse and when a fire takes place and kills one of his Amish members, he has to decide whether or not to use this talent, which he hasn’t used for years. Would it really help in finding the arsonist, who seems to be targeting the Amish community?

His neighbor, Emma, encourages him to help the English investigator to find out who is setting fires and has killed their Amish friend.

Since the Amish strive to remain separated from the Englisher world, this is a hard thing for the Amish community to accept, however, they know this person must be caught.

The interaction between the Amish and English is very well written. I highly recommend this book to anyone who like reading the Amish genre.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher, Harvest House Publishers, and was not required to give a positive review.

Found this book a little hard going. I am not American and whilst I know a bit about the Amish, I found it hard to follow - it almost felt that I was dropped in the middle of a series. The mystery was good but I would have liked a bit of background to colour in the picture. I found the reference to the way of life and religion quite understated and fitting.

What the Bishop saw is on an amazing Amish novel and yes I did say novel not just a plain ole story. Ms. Chapman outdid herself in this novel. This is about Bishop Henry who guides the close knit Amish community. He is a very kind, wise, compassionate man. He does run things with a strong hand but everyone from the very young to the very old love him and turn to him for guidance, so when there is a string of arson in the Amish community (targeting them) he of course gets involved. A longtime friend Emma is the one who Henry turns to (she is also a widower like Henry). Henry has a gift for noticing the most miniscule things and remembering them, that's why he is so good at solving mysteries, but will he solve this one? This one has a murder on it, and they are blaming the wrong person. This is absolutely full of faith - AMEN - there is deceit, a kaleidoscope of feelings and GOD's intervention by giving Henry his gift for solving mysteries.

Enjoyed this book very much although it is different to my usual tastes. Set in an Amish community in America, it tells of the community life there as well as its main plot.
The main story is of a fireraiser who strikes at the community and tries to cast blame one of its members. Tensions rise between the Amish and the non -Amish community.
The Bishop of the title is the Amish pastor and as well as investigating the fires, we see his interactions and his way of leading the community. There are useful notes at the end explaining some of the terminology and the text is interspersed with Amish terms which do not intrude or interrupt the flow once you get into the story.
A good read with some interesting twists and insights into a life I previously knew nothing about.

A new series by Vannetta Chapman! This was such a captivating book and it's even better knowing this was book 1 in The Amish Bishop Mystery Series.

The story starts out with a deadly fire that kills an Amish community member, Vernon. But it doesn't stop there, there's lots more action going on in this once peaceful Amish community. People are getting pretty worried about what will happen next.

This book was a great read and was another of those books that are impossible to put down, until you get to the end. It's a great combination of Amish and mystery and won't disappoint.

Loved this book!

An excellent murder mystery that was hard to put down, The twists and turns of this story kept me guessing throughout as to who it was. Also got a chuckle out of all the women who brought the widower Bishop baked goods. A sweet Adult romance on the side, and a bit of a view of the Amish all combined to make a wonderful story. Highly recommend this book and author.

A deadly fire kills an older Amish man, Vernon Frey, in Saint-Louis Valley, Colorado. Henry Lapp gets involved in the investigation when an innocent person is being accused. His friend, Emma, encourages him to have faith in God to help solve the mystery.

What the Bishop Saw is a pretty good Amish suspense story. I think this is a good start to a new series.

Four stars

I received this book from NetGalley. This review is 100% my honest opinion.