The Amish life is a quiet and simple one, right ... well not
always. Bishop Henry Lapp is again in the middle of a murder
investigation. Henry is a birdwatcher. On an early morning
trip to the Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge in the San
Luis Valley of Colorado, he stumbles across a body lying in
the marsh. When he turns it over, he discovers it is Sophia
Brooks, a new waitress in town at the local diner. Henry has
tried to be friendly to Sophia because he could see that
something was bothering her. He even enlisted his good
friend Emma Fisher to help him try to get Sophia to open up.
Neither of them had any success.
Now Henry is the prime suspect in this investigation. He and
Emma gave Sophia a buggy ride to a motel and then she ended
up spending a night at Emma's home. Because Henry had so
much contact with Sophia, the police believe he was stalking
her. And because she died on federal property, the FBI is
called in to take over the investigation. Could things get
any worse?
Sophia's sister Tess comes to Monte Vista to find the real
killer. She knows Henry did not do it and intends to prove
it. A phone call with a message from Sophia just before she
died makes Tess believe that the same person who killed
Sophia's husband just a few months back has now killed
Sophia. Tess, Emma, and Henry set out to find out who killed
them both and why.
Vannetta Chapman brings us her second book in her new Amish
Bishop Mysteries series. Ms. Chapman is well versed in
the Amish culture and gives us a very realistic picture of
life in this small Amish community. She seamlessly
integrates Amish and Englisch characters into her stories as
they live and work together side by side. Henry and Emma are
strong, determined characters who have a special bond with
each other. Both have lost their spouses and enjoy each
other's company. Could something more come of their
relationship? WHEN THE BISHOP NEEDS AN ALIBI is full of
inspirational dialogue that shares God's love and grace.
It's a story about His unfailing provisions in our times of
greatest need. I highly recommend all of Ms. Chapman's books.
A Terrible Secret Hides in the Bulrushes
Amish bishop Henry Lapp eagerly awaits the annual arrival of
20,000 sandhill cranes to the San Luis Valley of Colorado.
But his visit to the Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge
reveals more than just a miracle of God's creation. Hidden
among the bulrushes and cattails is the deceased body of a
young woman.
As the local authorities attempt to unravel the mystery,
Henry feels God's calling to use his extraordinary talent to
aid in the investigation. His ability to draw from memory in
photographic detail could help solve this puzzling case.
Henry's closest friend, Emma Fisher, has always urged him to
embrace his gift. As their relationship deepens, Henry
realizes his involvement could put him and those he loves in
the direct path of a killer, one who is willing to do
anything to cover up a brutal crime, including framing the
bishop.
When the Bishop Needs an Alibi is a compelling story
of faith, friendship, and finding courage only God can provide.