Member Reviews
I only recently started reading cozies with any religion or religious characters in them. It's a quick read and I enjoyed this book and look forward to looking for the first in the series to read as well.
A well-written murder mystery set in the heart of the Amish community of Monte Vista, Colorado. This faith filled community rallies together to aid the local sheriff in solving the perplexing murder of a young man who is shot during a rodeo event, in front of a crowd. The young people get involved to assist when asked, giving this a bit of a 'Nancy Drew' feel at times. A steady paced tale with an action-packed conclusion to the investigation, it kept me guessing with some interesting twists along the way.
This is the final book of the series, but easily reads as a standalone, and the author carefully leaves out spoilers from the first two mysteries, with just enough detail to tie them together. I loved the kindhearted, wise, patient Bishop Henry and his mature friendship turned romance with the widow Emma. Their relationship is a lovely example to others and the ending was a perfect way to wrap up the series; they reminded me of Father Tim and Cynthia from the Mitford series. Their bravery and love for their friends shows their faith in action. The Bible passages quoted and bits of Amish wisdom are naturally woven into the story. I like how Henry realizes the unusual gift he has been given to draw from a photographic memory is from God, and he need not be ashamed of it. We are all unique and can help each other when we come together as believers.
A well-written story that should appeal to any reader who enjoys Christian mysteries.
I rarely read novels in the heavily saturated Amish genre but I have enjoyed the ones from Chapman. I find them to be a good exploration of the Plain lifestyle as it intersects with the “Englisch.” I always like a good mystery and Chapman has included one here.
Part of what I find attractive in Chapman's writing is how she informs readers of the Plain lifestyle. Like urban families who deal with the increase in technology, so do those in this segment of the Amish. Some have phones in their workshops. All use a communal telephone shack. Some use solar panels, the blessing of which the bishop gives in this novel. There is a reference to American life in the decade before WW I and how it is similar to Plain life today.
Chapman centers on a problem we all face at some time. People may not be who they seem to be. Such is the case in the Plain community in Monte Vista, Colorado. It leads to murder and danger to members of the community. I like how Henry, the bishop of the book's title, enlists the entire community to help solve the mystery.
Chapman has placed a few transcripts of sheriff interviews within the narrative. I really felt that broke the rhythm of the plot. I would have rather had her write the scenes as regular action. Other than that, I enjoyed the plot and the good character development. It has been fun getting to know Henry, Emma, and the others in the community. I do recommend this novel to mystery lovers but start with the first in the series. This novel reads well on its own but following Henry's experiences from the beginning is even better.
I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.
This is the third book in this series and I am rather sad to see it end, I loved being with Henry, the Amish Bishop, and Emma, his soon to be wife, and would love to continue on with their lives.
In this book, the author has an Amish man competing in a Rodeo, and then he is murdered, in front of everyone, but no one seems to know where the shot came from.
As the story unfolds, surprises abound, and we learn of a dark side of this Rodeo Amish man, and who is responsible, and when you think you know the answers, things begin to spiral.
While I guessed early on who the perpetrator was, the story still kept me page turning, and when you learn how the shot was fired was mind boggling.
As I said I will miss this bishop and the people around him, and really hope for more.
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Harvest House, and was not required to give a positive review.
Another hit of success for this series! I really love the mysteries and faith that entwine together to create the story. Each time I get into a book from this series, I am always amazed at how the suspense is built. The author has a knack for creating breath holding moments.
Vannetta Chapman is one of my very favorite authors. I’ve read many of her novels and her mystery/suspense stories are my favorite. “ The Bishop” series is at the top of my list. “Who the Bishop Knows” is the perfect conclusion to this three-book series. I’ve loved the characters of Henry, Emma, and the setting in the Amish community of Monte Vista.
Both Henry and Emma are strong characters that complement each other. Henry’s ability to draw and detail exactly what he sees is one of the most unusual talents that’s ever been given to the main character of a mystery series and contributes to an intriguing storyline. Henry and Emma’s love story is a sweet one, but it’s the mystery surrounding the murder that is the showcase of this book. My attention was captured from the opening page of the book, and I did not want to stop reading until I finished the book. It’s a pleasure to read a mystery that is both entertaining because of the likable characters as well as suspenseful because of the twists and turns in the story. There’s a encouraging theme of faith in God during times of crisis.
This is a sweet, clean book. No bad language or embarrassing scenes. I would have no problem giving this book to a middle school student to read.
I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to give a positive review. This is my honest opinion of the book.
This has been a great series and I have enjoyed getting a peek in the lives of the people of the Amish community in Monte Vista, Colorado and how they get along with the Englischers. I know that this is probably the last book in the series but it would be fun to see other books taking place in the community. After all, there are many youngies coming along with the promise of some getting together.
Bishop Henry Lapp has a special gift of being able to draw a scene like a photograph capturing emotions and actions without consciously remembering the details. This is a gift that occurred after being hit in the head by a baseball as a child. He hasn't always considered it a gift but it has helped solve some mysteries. When a young Amish man is shot and killed while participating in a rodeo, he doesn't think he can help find the killer because he wasn't in the arena when it happened but was in line at a concession stand. But the killer doesn't know that he might not have seen anything. His soon to be bride, Emma Fisher, is tired of crime solving that she and Henry have been involved in and wants nothing to do with it. However, events happen to involve them and other loved ones against their wishes. This is a great addition/finale to the series and has lots of suspense with surprises along the way. It is recommended to read this series in order to get the best picture of the events that are taking place.
Thanks to NetGalley and Harvest House Publishers for an ARC of this book to read in exchange for an honest review.
Who the Bishop Knows is the third book and conclusion in this sweet Amish cozy murder mysteries. If that doesn't sound like a juxtaposition, it should. I think that is why I like Vannetta Chapman's series so well. She holds up the slower, trusting life of the Amish, represented by Henry Lapp and Emma Fisher and her clan, against the fast-paced life of the English world as it invades Henry and Emma's world once again with murder.
I love Henry and Emma and so many things about them. Their growing relationship as they prepare for their marriage; their gentleness and determination to be supportive of each other in whatever way possible; and also, their mutual love for their flock as well. They complement each other perfectly in their care for the People.
Chapman reminds us that Amish young people face the same temptations as their Englischer counterparts. Jeremiah Schwartz has his sights set on the rodeo circuit before (if) he joins the Church, and something about that desire brings his death.
Chapman ups the ante in this last book by limiting Henry's abilities. It is so neat to see how he and Emma finally reach their conclusions by other means. There were several other surprises as well that helped make this story the treat that I had expected. If you love Amish and cozies, you won't go wrong in picking up this series or this book. Best as part of the series, Who the Bishop Knows can stand alone as well.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher. I am under no obligation to leave a positive review, and all opinions are my own.
Quotable: " Sometimes dishonesty wasn't a matter of telling a lie. Sometimes it was as simple as not telling the truth.
This has been a most interesting series written by the author about a Colorado settlement of Amish. The characters from the previous books are also in this one, so you feel like you’re meeting up with old friends. The Bishop, Henry Lapp, 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, but has found that it has been most helpful in tracking down murderers of people in the previous books. In this book, he doesn’t actually “see” the murder happen, but is in the vicinity at a rodeo. An Amish cowboy riding in the rodeo is killed and no one has seen it happen. A shot came from within the stadium, but no one has any idea who killed the rider.
As Henry, Emma, his fiancé, and others work with the Sheriff to try to catch the killer, he wonders if maybe he did actually “see” something and decides to try drawing again. This time, however, after many pages of drawings, there are still no clues.
This book is filled with suspense as someone continues to target the Amish community. It is decided that the person know of the Bishop’s ability and is trying to stop him, not realizing that this time, it’s not what he “sees”, but “who he knows” and may know who is the murderer.
I have enjoyed reading this series so much and highly recommend it to anyone who likes to read Amish and mystery genres.
I received a copy of this book from Harvest House Publishers and Netgalley and was not required to give a positive review.
Who the Bishop Knows is the third book in the series (The Amish Bishop Mysteries) by Vannetta Chapman. It is a great book. I enjoyed this series. Bishop Henry Lapp has a special gift he has used to help solve crimes. But this time the Bishop doesn't see the crime happen when a young Amish man is killed at a rodeo, but the perpetrator doesn't know it. It puts him in danger along with others in their community of Monte Vista in Colorado. Read this book and you also get to reconnect with other characters from the previous books. And if you haven't read they first two books you should check them out.
I received this book from NetGalley/Publisher for my review and I was not required to give a positive one. All opinions are my own.
Another winner by Vannetta Chapman....I love her work...her writing style...and her suspense. Five stars.
Book 3 of the Amish Bishop Series was highly engaging book. As with the other books of the series, I loved it and it kept me reading late into the night.
Bishop Henry is again in the spotlight as his drawings of the crime scene appear on paper. Another murder mystery to cause deep concern and fears amongst the people in his Colorado Amish community...
This Amish mystery is not one you want to pass by. Very good read and gets your attention within the first page or two.
I enjoyed this book as well as the other books of this series and highly recommend it!
I received an ebook copy from Netgalley. All thoughts are my own.
What a terrific Amish mystery. This book has a good plot and likeable characters. I always enjoy this author’s books. I hope to read future books in this series..
This book had me hooked from page one. Characters bring the story to life.
Loved it couldn't put it down it is A great Amish mystery! loved all three books. Suggest you start from the beginning if you haven't read this series! If you haven't read her books at all. I suggest you start with this series. Than you'll be hooked for sure!
Who The Bishop Knows ( The Amish Bishop Mysteries-Book 3 )
By: Vannetta Chapman
Who The Bishop Knows is book there and the last in The Amish Bishop Mysteries Series. I want to say that I truly have enjoyed this series and hate to see it end. I believe it has been one of my favorites. The author has a way of bringing the story and the characters to life. I was grabbed at the start and did not want to put it down. We are carried back to the residents and small community of monte Vista, Colorado. Everyone is looking forward to the rodeo. There is a dead that was not expected. There is a mystery to solve and romance is in the air. Henry and Emma make a great team. Henry and his special talent, but is he able to help out this time?
I was given a complimentary copy by NetGalley and the publisher, but was not told that I had to give a positive review.
An Amish mystery that is paired with romance made Who the Bishop Knows an enjoyable read. It was good to see the Bishop and Emma were still together plus to see a few more couples get romantically involved. The mystery of who killed the Amish man who rode in the rodeo kept me guessing until the end. I was surprised at who did it and a little worried about the outcome.
I have to admit that I did skip over the interrogations because I just wanted to get to the heart of the story. I didn't miss anything by doing that. Some people of course may love to read them.
I loved Emma's character because she is close to how I feel as a grandmother. She feels so close to her grandchildren and knows exactly how they are and what they are capable of. She worries over them and has to remember to lean on God in times of distress.
A good read!
I received this book from Netgalley and was not required to give a positive review.
Who the Bishop Knows is book 3 in Vannetta Chapman’s The Amish Bishop Mysteries series. We return to the small Amish community of Monte Vista, Colorado in time for the annual Ski Hi Stampede. The state’s oldest rodeo dates back to the early 1900’s and the Amish community comes out to root for the local cowboys and cowgirls both Amish and English alike.
No one was in store for the turn that the rodeo took this year. Jeremiah was just visiting his grandmother and hoping to compete in this year’s rodeo events, but little did he know that it would be the last thing he was about to do. Unfortunately, Henry was not in the arena when the shooting occurred, so he in unable to help with the investigation by using his savant abilities by drawing the scenes from that dreadful night.
As other events start to occur in the community involving his congregation, Henry knows he must do his best to assist Sheriff Grayson and get the suspect in custody.
Honestly, I just love Henry Lapp and Emma Fisher. They are the not-so-typical Amish couple you read about in inspirational fiction. Not only are they an older couple, but how often do you find a mystery solving team that you can not only relate to but inspire to be like. Chapman has done a terrific job developing both these characters and others in the series that make the reader captivated and rooting for their story. Their story inspires us to accept the little quirks about ourselves and own the fact that God has created us and if he has given us a special talent or ability then we should use it to glorify Him.
I received an advance reader copy of this book from netgalley in return for my honest opinion of the book. All opinions and statements expressed are strictly my own.
Who the Bishop Knows is my favorite from The Amish Bishop Mysteries series. I liked it and give it 4 stars.
Since I had not read the first two books in this series I will have to go back and read them to get a fuller picture of this series. This was a very enjoyable book with an very unusual mystery solver. A new twist in Amish fiction. Recommended.