Review: Murder in Plain Sight by Marta Perry

Marta Perry, author of more than 35 books, has once again set this murder/suspense tale in the context of the Amish culture as it clashes with the outside world.

Few Americans really know much about the Amish culture or the philosophy behind it. Originating in Germany and East Europe, the Amish are a people who are non-violent, guided by their religious beliefs as stated in their guidebook know as the Ordnung and who have chosen to preserve their way of living in a separatist setting. Without the so-called modern conveniences of the 21st century, they embrace the values of family and friendship as they draw their life from the land and are supported and strengthened by their faith. Membership in the Church comes only in adulthood after a time known as Rumspringa, a period during which teens are free to explore friendships, employment, and even living in the outside world among non-Amish folk called the "English." When one of these young people determines that the Amish life is what they choose, they return fully, are baptized into the Church, and become a permanent member of the community.

This novel tells the story of an Amish teen who is in the midst of his Rumspringa and who is found unconscious right next to the dead body of an "English" girl, holding the weapon that killed her. He is charged with her murder, placed in prison to await trial--a world that is totally foreign to him and against which he has no protection. He is truly like a lamb being led to the slaughter. An elderly local attorney has taken over his defense, but he feels completely unprepared to try the case. Mrs Geneva Morgan, matriarch of a local family that is prominent and whose businesses employ a large number of the citizenry, calls in an attorney from a New York law firm in the hopes that someone from outside the area can better find the real killer.

Jessica Langdon is relatively new as a member of a private law firm having begun her law career as an assistant district attorney. Her firm wants her to get a plea agreement and close the case quickly. But Jessica doesn't feel that is the right thing to do, especially after meeting the accused and meeting his family. She is also introduced to Mrs. Morgan's son, Trey, the actual CEO of the Morgan Family holdings. He is reserved, overbearing, sometimes friendly and sometimes not, convinced of Thomas' guilt, and resentful that his mother is making such a fuss and getting involved with what is turning out to be a very controversial case.

This is a wonderful look-see into the Amish culture and how it clashes with the "English" world. It is a story that is full of friendship and caring, and the developing attraction between Jessica and Trey is central to the book. It is also about Jessica's own journey toward professional maturity as she must make some decisions that could well put her relationship with her father in danger.

Marta Perry writes out of her own experience and exposure to the Amish culture as a life-long resident of Pennsylvania. She writes with respect and admiration for the strength of their connections to one another, their values and the positive influences they bring to any community in which they interact. She has created a novel that is one more of her "keep-the-reader-on-the-edge-of-the-chair" stories, with twists and turns and surprises all throughout the narrative. Probably a seasoned mystery reader will find the resolution to the tale more easily, but this is still a great book and holds the reader's interest from start to finish. While Jessica and Trey's love story is central to the tale, this is not erotic romance but gentle and winsome. It is truly a delightful book.

So I recommend it to all who enjoy contemporary romance and who enjoy discovering ways of living that are out of the ordinary. I give this novel a rating of 4 out of 5.

Review: Hide in Plain Sight -- by Marta Perry

Marta Perry is one of those authors who have centered almost, if not all, of her stories around the geographical area in which she was raised. Set in rural Pennsylvania and involving both Amish and "English" characters, Perry tells stories that are inspirational as well as contemporary in scope and romantic in nature

This is one of her suspense novels with an on-going mystery involving "accidents" and incidents that seem to be aimed at preventing the opening of the Three Sisters Inn, a new Bed and Breakfast designed to bring an income to the Unger family -- a grandmother and her granddaughter Rachel. However, a hit-and-run accident puts Rachel, a trained cordon bleu chef, in the hospital with two broken legs. Her sister, a professional financial planner, comes from New York to be with their grandmother while Rachel is recuperating. She is not convinced that this B & B project is wise or can really be pulled off, so her participation in the preparations for the grand opening are less than enthusiastic.

This book is also the story of Andrea Hampton, the New York granddaughter, and Calvin Burke, a tenant at the Unger residence and a person who is not well-liked by some in the village. He is somewhat mysterious, having kept his personal background to himself even while he is establishing his business as a carpenter and furniture maker in the Amish style and tradition. Their instant dislike of each other upon Andrea's arrival due to her sister's accident is gradually overcome because they must join forces to prevent further harm to the Unger B & B project as well as protect Grandmother Unger. Little incidents and "accidents" that continue to happen stop looking like isolated occurrences. Andrea is victimized by being locked in a small closet where her claustrophobia escalates into panic. Add in some questionable characters from the town and from the Unger family past, and you have a ripper of a mystery. You also have a very quiet but persistent growing romance between Andrea and Cal.

I like Perry's writing -- it is quality and her stories are substantive. The topics in her books are of contemporary interest and are taken from real life. Real people can relate. This book is no exception. She has developed the plot well and builds up the mystery to its surprising conclusion. This is one of those books that is fun to read but holds the reader's interest. It is full of caring and family, dealing with the kinds of problems so many must face who have difficult childhoods and unresolved hurts. There are wonderful moments when the kindness that is part of the Amish communal tradition also come to the fore and make a lasting and positive impression. If you have not read one of Perry's stories I think you will like this. It is inspiring and a really good read. I give this book a rating of 4.25 out of 5.