On the morning that Owen Esch is killed by an arrow through his heart while walking on the Pumpkinvine Trail, Andrew Miller returns home to Middleburg, Indiana. Andrew left during his Rumspringa and has only returned briefly a couple of times. His parents act like the prodigal son has returned, but his brother Jesse is questioning Andrew's every move and motive.

As the police delve into Owen's murder, the trail of evidence leads to Mary Weaver and her yarn shop in The Village, a commerce center containing a conference center, hotel and a grouping of shops outside Middleburg. This brings Amber Bowman, general manager of The Village complex, back into the forefront as the police investigate.

Amber and one of her shop managers, Hannah Troyer, helped local law enforcement just a few months ago to solve another murder committed at A Simple Brew, the coffee shop in The Village. The sheriff warns Amber and Hannah to stay out of this investigation, but both ladies just can't leave amateur sleuthing alone. Together with Jesse Miller, they begin ferreting out clues and making a list of suspects. Is Andrew somehow involved? Why is he back in Middleburg, and what is he up to?

MURDER TIGHTLY KNIT is a masterfully crafted tale of suspense and romance. In this second book in her An Amish Village Series, Vannetta Chapman brings delightful former characters back to this story, gives us new characters to love and pulls characters from her Shipshewana Amish Series to help solve this murder.

Amber and Hannah are strong characters and strong women. Though one is Amish and one is Englisch, they work together to bring peace and harmony back to their small community. A plethora of supporting characters help to move the plot along at a good pace. There's just enough suspense and romance at every turn to keep the reader turning pages. Ms. Chapman seamlessly knits several sub-plots together to deliver a truly great mystery. With the murder of such a young man, the characters question the concept of God's will and plan for each person's life. Amber, Hannah and Jesse all learn that they should not fret over things that they cannot control.

Ms. Chapman is one of my favorite mystery writers, because her stories are always very inspirational and thought- provoking.