Among The Innocent is a fast-paced romantic suspense novel that left me guessing. The small Idaho town where Leah Miller lives was devastated by the events 10 years in the past when Leah was the sole survivor of the murder of her family. Now nearing the anniversary of the horror, young women are found killed in the same manner. Leah, now a police officer, joins forces with the new police chief, to discover if there’s a copycat or the murderer has in fact returned. The murders, while gruesome, are not depicted in an overly graphic manner by Alford, but there is blood — just an FYI for the squeamish. The case is a puzzler that had me and the characters seemingly one step behind the killer. I loved all the twists and turns. Within the small community is a group of Amish, and they are the first ones targeted, hence the title. While not an Amish novel, it was interesting to see the interplay between the Englisch and the Amish in this tough situation. Leah is a vulnerable character, yet is determined to find justice for her family. Dalton Cooper, the new police chief also is personally invested in the case. Not sure either of them would have been involved in real life, but I liked their interactions and their budding relationship. Leah lost her connection with God when she left the Amish, but Dalton expresses the importance of faith. He lives out his faith in a natural way that drew Leah in. I liked that too.

If you are looking for a romantic suspense to take along to the pool or beach (or even the back porch), I recommend Among The Innocent. It was a quick read for me that I very much enjoyed.

Recommended.

Audience: adults.

Among the Innocent is a riveting thriller set in St Ignatius, an Amish community in MT. This novel has all the creep factors multiplied by 10. While the crimes are revolting, I couldn’t put it down.

Leah’s family was murdered in front of her but the killer let her live. Now he’s back and he wants her. But he’s going to play a little game first. The psychological aspect captured my full attention and I felt like I was solving the murders right along with Leah and Dalton. Their stories are entwined as well and that was an interesting plot twist. I liked both of these main characters a lot.

This was my first book by Alford but it won’t be my last. Fans of Amish and non-Amish suspense will enjoy this one.

I received an electronic copy of the book from the publisher through Netgalley. No compensation has been received.

Oh My Goodness!! I have never read a Mary Alford book before this one, but you can bet I will be looking for more! Among the Innocent was an excellent read. I actually listened to the audio version while traveling and would get so mad when my GPS interrupted. Simply captivating. It will keep your pulse racing and you will continue to guess until the end; at least I did. The story is about Leah Miller, a young woman whose entire family was brutally murdered ten years ago. When it happened, she left the Amish faith and went to live with the police chief and his wife. Now, the killer is back. He is targeting Amish girls and sending messages to Leah. With the help of Dalton, the new police chief, she will try to stop him. And possibly, find hope for her future in the end.
Great Book! Go get it! Are you reading it yet?? You won't be disappointed! Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the chance to read and review. All opinions are my own.

This is one intense story! The plot is so well planned with a scary killer, feasible back stories for the main characters with a build up to a heart pounding crescendo. There are secrets and lies, innocently gullible victims and terrible sadness.
The author proves that a murder mystery can be told well without foul language or sexual encounters. She blends good with evil, causing angst to the characters and reader. Her community of "Englishers" and Amish feels realistic. I could certainly visualize scenes from the writing.
This is a very good murder mystery. I did figure most of it out but that did not lessen the intensity for me. I received my advanced reader's copy from the publisher through NetGalley. This was an excellent read for me and this is my own unsolicited opinion. Now, I want a follow-up book. This could definitely make a great start for a series.

WHOA. Excuse me for a moment while my heart stops pounding...

Ok. So I'm supposed to be reading this for an online book club. And I was SUPPOSED to read the prologue-chapter 6 for tomorrow. Um. That didn't work out.

I was literally holding my breath while keeping the tears at bay at one point. Heart-pounding, edge-of-the-seat, couldn't-stop-reading action. Also, don't start reading this at 8:00 pm. Because you'll look at the time, look at how much of the book you have left, and decide that you can read-you know the drill-"just one more chapter." You also know that that doesn't work. So then you have to decide whether it's more important to have the kids wear clothes that match, have hair that's brushed, and breakfast eaten before church the next morning. THEN you decide how much more to read. Trust me when I say it isn't an easy decision to make.

And then if you decide that church is more important, it won't matter! Because your heart won't stop pounding for another hour or so.

So I guess what I'm saying is, read at your own risk. But you do need to read this.

*I was given a copy of this ebook by NetGalley for review. All opinions are my own.*

Wow oh wow! Among the Innocent by Mary Alford is a wonderful, suspense novel that holds your attention from the first word until the last. Although I do not usually read Mystery, Suspense, after hearing so much about the book and it taking place in Amish country, how could I not try it? I am so glad I did.

Thank you Revell Publishing for allowing me to read this great book through NetGally. Opinions are all my own, and I was not required to give a positive review.

Leah Miller's Amish family was killed 10 years ago when she was only sixteen. Leah has now grown up and become a police officer in her hometown. She and the new police chief, Dalton Cooper, begin working on a murder case together. It doesn’t take long to realize Leah and Dalton have more in common that just the job.

Each new character is important to the story and adds to the twist and turns. There is even a little romance thrown in for good measure.

This book grabs your interest from the first sentence and never lest go. I highly suggest you order this 5-star read today. You will not be sorry.

Leah Miller's entire family was murdered almost ten years ago. Afterward she left the Amish and later became a police officer in the same community her family was killed in. It was thought for many years that the true killer was dead. As more Amish women are found dead leading up to the 10th anniversary of Leah's family's murder, it becomes apparent that the wrong person was charged with the murder. The killer is back.

Dalton Cooper is the new police chief. Together he and Leah are on the search for the killer. The killer is determined to finally kill Leah, as he attempted to almost ten years ago. Dalton and Leah are determined to stop him.

Amish suspense is a new genre for me and I truly enjoyed this story. Ms. Alford hooks the reader from the first page and the suspense just builds as the story progresses. The action is well paced and the conclusion is so very well written. I had an idea of where the author was going, but the final details surprised me.

This was my first book by Mary Alford and I look forward to reading some of her other books.

I voluntarily received a copy of this book from Revell Publishing. All views are simply my honest opinion.

A fast paced thriller full of suspense leaving the reader guessing until the end! Leah Miller survived an attack 10 years ago that left the rest of her Amish family dead. While others believed the killer committed suicide a few months after the killings, Leah was never sure. When another young Amish girl turns up dead in Leah’s family barn killed in the same way as her family, she knows the real killer is back to finish what he started with her.

Dalton Cooper is the new police chief in town with his own secrets. His brother, Harrison, is the one falsely accused of killing Leah’s family. He accepts the job to find justice for his brother only to find himself thrown into a murder investigation eerily similar to the past. He and Leah must work together to find out who killed her family before more people are hurt.

This book was my first from this author but will not be my last! It was difficult to put down with its nonstop drama leaving you needing to know what happened next. An excellent book!

I was given a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are completely my own.

This story is a combination of a lot of different elements. Recently I have noticed that books are being published that cross genres and sometimes not just two but three or four. This book had elements of Mystery, Christian, Suspense and Sweet Romance. Centering the heart of the story in an Amish community caught my eye as I have lived near the Amish and was curious to see where a story with all of these parts would lead.

The main character (and a few supporting ones) were raised Amish but now live in the world of the Englischer or non-Amish. Leah’s whole family was murdered, and it appears that the killer may be back and killing young Amish girls. The story takes place ten years after the murder when Leah is now a police officer in her hometown. One unique aspect of the story is that the reader also gets a glimpse inside the mind of the serial killer known as John. Having that accessibility as a reader helped build the suspense aspect as you could experience his thoughts and actions while simultaneously Leah and the police force are trying to catch him. However, the author does not dive too deeply into the heinous acts of the killer, making the reading more palatable.

The couple that adopted Leah after the murder of her family was the police chief Ellis and his wife Marge. Unfortunately, in this book, Marge is dealing with dementia and all the frustrations this can cause to the person suffering and the family watching it. The going into and coming out of confused states add to the tension and questions Leah has about the murders and her adopted parent's backgrounds.

While I know that a lot of readers enjoy this mixture of genres, my only comment is that I wish the romance was not part of the story. There was so much here that created an intriguing story on its own that the romance was a distraction for me, especially since it was almost love at first sight,
and that is not a personal preference.

Leah Miller was born into an Amish family. Her life was going as it should until she began sneaking around to meet up with an Englisch man. The last evening she met with him, he wanted her to run away with him, but she couldn't leave her family and the Amish way of life. He became very angry with her. Later, her entire family was herded out to the barn where a masked man violently killed everyone, with the exception of Leah whom he only injured.
Leah became Englisch when she was then adopted by the police chief and his wife. They loved her dearly, and she loved them. Leah, also joined the police force and loved her work.
Now, ten years later, a teenage Amish girl has been found murdered in the same way Leah's family was. Even in the same barn. What does this mean as everyone believes the person responsible for the death of Leah's family is dead? It this a Copycat?
The new police chief, Dalton Cooper who is determined to catch the killer. Dalton has a personal stake in this. He and Leah work together.
Then, there is another murder of an Amish teenage girl with the same MO.
Dalton does not believe that the person believed to have murdered Leah's family is truly dead. Could the former police chief have framed that person, and why would he do that? What could he possibly have had to hide?
Leah dearly loves her adoptive mother who now has dementia, but says things at times that are beginning to make Leah question some things.
Leah begins to suspect that the man she knew as a teenager may have returned.
This was my first book to read of Mary Alford's and I hope it won't be the last. Great author!
I was given a complimentary ecopy by the publisher, Revell through Netgallery. I was under no obligation to write a positive review.

Evil exists. He killed before and plans to do it again. Leah survived his first attempt. Would she this time?

What a story. It kept me in suspense until the very last page. The characters were realistic and likeable. I can't resist Amish books but this was different. It was more of a criminal mystery in an Amish village. I loved it.

This is my first book by this author. I recommend you pick up this book.

I received this book from Revell to review.





◄ Romans 12:21 ►
New International Version
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

This was a multi layered suspense with elements of deceit, mystery, murder and insanity. I loved it!! Imagine as a young teen watching a killer murder your mother, father, sister and brother by slashing their throats. He leaves her alive but cuts her throat just enough to scare her. Leah Miller was haunted by these memories. She left the Amish, was adopted by Marge and Ellis and later became a police officer.
Ten years later this small community begins experiencing the deaths of young Amish women by the same method as before. Dalton, the new chief of police, enlists the help of Leah to search out the killer. The killer soon lets it be known that he will be coming after Leah to finish off what he started ten years ago.
Wow! This was a novel that had so many questions for this reader and only one mystery that I figured out before it was revealed, and that only partly. You will be surprised, maybe even shocked at the final outcome. Find a comfortable seat, a cup of coffee (or tea) and dig in to a book you won’t soon forget. I know I won’t!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through the author but was not required to write a review positive or otherwise.

What an action-packed, nail-biting take on the suspense genre! This was the first of Mary Alford's books I have read, but it won't be the last. I loved the unique twist of a suspense novel centered on an Amish community and a small town police department. Leah is a strong, smart heroine who has taken the tragedy of her past and used it for good, although her past comes back to haunt her in this book. Unbeknownst to her, she and Dalton are connected through that tragedy ten years ago... now that the killer is back, they are thrown together as they race to put an end to his twisted plot once and for all. Full of likable characters, a fast-paced plot, and plenty of surprises to keep you guessing, this book will delight fans of DiAnn Mills and Nancy Mehl!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Among the Innocent by Mary Alford is a captivating suspense novel. I thought the book was well-written with realistic, developed characters. I like that the main characters have suffered tragedies. They are flawed characters just like real people. There is plenty of action and tense suspense in Among the Innocent. A killer is back after ten years bringing back of flood of unwanted memories for Leah Miller. Unbeknownst to Leah, the new police chief, Dalton Cooper also has a connection to the crime that took Leah’s family. The pair must work together to capture a deadly killer. There are plenty of twists and turns in this edgy romantic suspense. There is graphic violence in the story (fair warning). The police follow leads, collect evidence, and try to keep people safe. Unfortunately, the killer always seems to be one step ahead. Be prepared for the hairs on the back of your neck to stand on end. The idea of such an evil person is terrifying. I enjoyed collecting clues so I could figure out the killer’s identity before the gripping reveal. I like how faith was woven into the story. Dalton Cooper is a man of deep faith. He shares his beliefs with Leah whose faith could use some boosting. I enjoyed the picturesque descriptions of St. Ignatius, Montana. The author really brought the area alive with her vivid word imagery. Among the Innocent is a book that will have you staying up late, quickly turning the pages so you can find out how the story ends (be prepared for a book hangover the next day). Mary Alford successfully combined solid characters, an absorbing plot, scary suspense, and faith into one suspenseful tale.

What a story! The victim of a heinous crime, Leah Miller is now part of the investigating team trying to stop the serial killer who took her family from her.

I liked that Leah was a strong and smart character, even as she struggled with survivor’s guilt resulting from the murder of her family. The new police chief, Dalton Cooper, was also determined to catch the real killer and clear the name of the man who was blamed ten years earlier.

The villain was a master manipulator who easily targeted and controlled willing and innocent young women from the Amish faith. It was helpful to have Leah as part of the investigation, providing a connection to the Amish community which she was once a part of. It was sad to watch as the various girls fell victim to the villain’s charms, yet it provided some great suspense, too.

(4.5 stars)

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

Super intense, both heart wrenching and heartwarming, and slightly graphic at times. Among the Innocent is a well written book with a good dose of suspense! If you like Colleen Coble's novels - specifically Because You're Mine - then you're sure to like Among the Innocent!

Thank you to Revell and NetGalley for provinding me with a complimentary e-copy in exchange for my honest review!

I read this book twice a few weeks apart, and even the second time through I stayed up to three in the morning to finish it. Yes, it's that good. The characters are great. Mary Alford makes them come to seem like someone that you know and care about. They do get their HEA. The suspense is off the charts! The plot has twists and turns, so hold on tight. You're going for a wild ride. I highly recommend Among the Innocent to readers of clean romantic suspense. I would definitely read more from this author.
I received a complimentary copy through NetGalley and am sharing my opinion of this well-written and exciting book.

This is the first book that I have read by this author but will definitely be checking out her other books.



This book had me turning the pages like crazy trying to figure out what is going to happen next. Leah is a former Amish person who leaves the community after her family is murdered. She becomes a police officer to avenge her families deaths. Almost 10 years later there is another murder that is very similar to Leah's attempted murder.



The dreamy new police chief, Dalton, is also keeping secrets on how he is connected to the initial murders. I enjoyed how protective he was of Leah.



This was a great story to read and definitely kept my interest.



Thanks so much to netgalley and the publisher for the arc. The opinions are my own.

This is the first book I have read by this author and now I'm wondering why! This Christian Suspense novel has everything I look for in a book: developed characters, fascinating backstory, a bit of mystery, a hint of romance, and action-packed scenes that will have you wondering if you can put the book down or if you will need to continue reading the book.

I haven't read a book that included Amish characters in some time and I forgot how much I enjoy the simple life, slightly different language, and the close-knit ties they have in their communities. I have read about rumspringa for the teens and how that can influence their desire to stay in the Amish community or venture out on their own. The downside to this is that the teens can be easily influenced by western culture since it is very different from their own. We see that with several of the female characters that are taken in by the killer's charm and don't realize that what he is portraying is not right.

Leah is familiar with both worlds and is able to bridge the gap when needed. However, the death of her family dredges up memories when new girls are found murdered and notes are left behind for Leah. I wondered throughout the book who was behind all of this and I did start to figure it out but not until closer to the end when a few clues are provided. I still didn't grasp the full impact of those clues until all was revealed. I thought Leah could be reckless when it came to her own safety at various times throughout the book, but thankfully Dalton, the new police chief, did his best to keep her safe. However, sometimes the killer had the jump on Leah and Dalton which just added to the tension in the story.

Dalton may be the new chief but he has another motive for his move to St. Ignatius. It is hinted at but we don't find out the true reason until much later in the book. There are some twists regarding his secret and the outcome but you'll have to read the book to find out what.

While this is a Christian-based book, the religious aspect is minor, but it brings in the faith that Leah and Dalton have that everything will turn out ok and that a higher power is watching over them.

This was a fantastic read and I will be investigating more of this author's works. We give it 5 paws up.

A serial killer who targets innocent Amish girls must be stopped, but he is as elusive as the girls think he’s charming. And he has his eyes set on Leah Miller, a former Amish girl who once escaped his grasp and now serves as police officer on his trail. The tangled threads of connections in this story make a web hard to unravel. The powerful suspense attaches its tentacles and won’t let go. Secrets and surprises add to the tension. If you like clean thrillers, this is for you. I received a copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own.