Publisher's Weekly Review
In Bradford's delightful second Amish mystery (after 2012's Hearse and Buggy), toy manufacturer Robert Karble, of Karble Toys, comes to Heavenly, Pa., to look into the local toymakers and launch a new line of their handcrafted work. This could mean an employment boon for the people of Heavenly. When Karble is found dead at the annual Amish Food Festival, a half-eaten pretzel and a blood-soaked rock near the body reveal both Karble's last bite of food and the murder weapon. Claire Weatherly, the proprietor of an Amish-themed gift shop, Heavenly Treasures, turns sleuth. Lending assistance-and romantic interest for the divorced Claire-are Det. Jakob Fisher, who's been excommunicated, and Benjamin Miller, who's a less likely prospect because he's Amish. That Karble was planning to make the new toys outside the Amish community provides a motive for murder. Well-portrayed characters and authentic Amish lore make this a memorable read. Agent: Jessica Faust, BooksEnds. (Mar.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
Booklist Review
The second in Bradford's Amish Mystery series, set in Heavenly, Pennsylvania, and starring English shopkeeper Claire Weatherly, explores the murder of toymaker Rob Karble, whose company reneged on a deal that would have brought lots of work to the Amish community. Meanwhile, an inn in town owned by Claire's aunt Diane is ransacked, giving Claire another reason for investigating. Heavenly police detective Jakob Fisher, who was shunned by his family when he left the Amish community, would like to reforge a connection with Claire, but that may prove difficult when some of his family become suspects in the murder. Claire has her own personal issues, as she tries to make sense of her inappropriate feelings for two Amish men, both of whom are struggling with their history and identity. Amish stories continue to hold interest for readers, and Bradford makes the most of the setting, which is supported by solid characters and a realistic murder plot. Readers will also enjoy Amanda Flower's Appleseed Creek mysteries.--Alessio, Amy Copyright 2010 Booklist
