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The Secrets of Crittenden County #2
The Search
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Shelley Shepard Gray continues her Secrets of Crittenden County series with The Search —a page-turning romance novel that’s tinged with mystery, set in Kentucky Amish country. One of the most popular writers of Christian romantic fiction with Amish themes—a much beloved romantic storyteller who stands alongside such notable novelists as Beverly Lewis, Wanda Brunstetter, and Cindy Woodsmall—Gray returns once more to a small devout community rocked by the murder of a young, black sheep neighbor. An unforgettable tale of romance, faith, and duty, The Search tells the story of a love that blossoms between a young woman who’s guarding shocking secrets about the victim, and the dedicated “Englisher” homicide detective who has arrived from the outside world to investigate.
288 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 2012
97 people are currently reading
697 people want to read
About the author
Shelley Shepard Gray
134 books2,331 followersLibrarian Note: AKA Shelley Gray (Western Romance).
Shelley Shepard Gray has published over seventy novels. She currently writes Amish romances for Harper Collins, Kensington, and Simon & Schuster and contemporary women’s fiction for Blackstone Publishing.
Her novels have been Holt Medallion winners and Inspirational Readers Choice and Carol finalists. Shelley’s novels have appeared on both the New York Times and USA Today bestseller lists.
Her novels have been highlighted in the Philadelphia Enquirer, Washington Post, Time Magazine, and USA Today. She has also been interviewed on NPR as well as numerous regional radio stations.
Before writing romances, Shelley lived in Texas and Colorado, where she taught school and earned both her bachelor’s degree in English literature and elementary education and later obtained her master’s degree in educational administration. She currently lives in Colorado Springs and writes full time. Shelley is married, the mother of two young adults, and always has a dachshund by her side. She is an active member of her church, on Facebook and on Twitter. She also has a website, www.shelleyshepardgray.com.
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Shelley Shepard Gray has published over seventy novels. She currently writes Amish romances for Harper Collins, Kensington, and Simon & Schuster and contemporary women’s fiction for Blackstone Publishing.
Her novels have been Holt Medallion winners and Inspirational Readers Choice and Carol finalists. Shelley’s novels have appeared on both the New York Times and USA Today bestseller lists.
Her novels have been highlighted in the Philadelphia Enquirer, Washington Post, Time Magazine, and USA Today. She has also been interviewed on NPR as well as numerous regional radio stations.
Before writing romances, Shelley lived in Texas and Colorado, where she taught school and earned both her bachelor’s degree in English literature and elementary education and later obtained her master’s degree in educational administration. She currently lives in Colorado Springs and writes full time. Shelley is married, the mother of two young adults, and always has a dachshund by her side. She is an active member of her church, on Facebook and on Twitter. She also has a website, www.shelleyshepardgray.com.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 106 reviews
July 23, 2022
I am enjoying this series so much I’m gobbling up one a day.
Frankie is a character in how she thinks and behaves. She keeps those around her on their toes. I wasn’t sure if I would like Luke but he grew on me. I actually like him better than Sheriff Mose. Mose seems lazy in his Sheriff duty.
Both Jacob and Deborah return to Crittenden County in this book. Deborah being Perry’s sister seems like she is hiding something but then I think it could just be that she knew about his drug dealing and never said anything. Now it is eating at her. Jacob though is hiding a huge secret and I’m wondering if he was involved in the murder. His actions are smarmy.
On to the conclusion.
Frankie is a character in how she thinks and behaves. She keeps those around her on their toes. I wasn’t sure if I would like Luke but he grew on me. I actually like him better than Sheriff Mose. Mose seems lazy in his Sheriff duty.
Both Jacob and Deborah return to Crittenden County in this book. Deborah being Perry’s sister seems like she is hiding something but then I think it could just be that she knew about his drug dealing and never said anything. Now it is eating at her. Jacob though is hiding a huge secret and I’m wondering if he was involved in the murder. His actions are smarmy.
On to the conclusion.
June 15, 2012
When most people think of the Amish, they think of a tranquil god loving people living a simple life. While that is true for the most part, even they can't always escape the evils of the outside world that they live among, yet separate from. Perry Borntrager, one of their own, strayed from the fold. He got addicted to drugs and his downfall was noted by pretty much everyone in the small community. People attempted get him back on the right path, but sometimes when addiction takes hold, it just isn't always possible. If the person doesn't see what they are doing to themselves, or others, no help can be had. Now after a period of being missing, Perry's body has been found and there is no doubt that he has been murdered.The police are attempting to find the murderer, and people are being questioned, stories being collected, and possibilities are being raised.
In the midst of the grief and sadness his death was stirring, an attraction that seems ill fated begins to stir between Frannie Eicher and Luke Reynolds, a detective working on the case. When Frannie becomes the main focus of the investigation, things get complicated between the two. Frannie had broken off her relationship with Perry the day he'd died and evidence suggests she lied or at the very least didn't give a full disclosure of the events that transpired that fateful day. In Luke's line of work, you can never discount anyone. Everyone is a suspect.
_________________
This was the second book of The Secrets of Crittenden County series. I didn't really feel lost by not reading Missing, the first book of the series, but it did seem there was some past history that would have been nice to have seen between Luke and Frannie. So if you want to get the full details of their relationship I recommend reading the first book prior to reading this one.
This was the first Amish romance I've ever read and I was thankful I'd taken German in high school or some of the words may have thrown me. The use of the word gut, however, had me totally confused until I realized it was not referring to gut as in the bodily organ, but rather to the German word gut which means good. Oh, and in case you're wondering, gut is pronounced goot like good with a 't'.
I have to say that Frannie seemed much older than I believe she is, and she runs the Yellow Bird Inn. That is very unusual for a woman to do in the Amish community; it was bequeathed to her by her aunt when she passed. She is a likeable character who had hoped to save Perry when he obviously lost his way. On the day he died, she realized he was beyond any help that she could offer. She had finally come to the realization their paths were going in different directions. He wanted to move away for Crittenden County, but to her it would always be home. So she'd left him figuratively and literally and never saw him alive again.
There are many people who are potential suspects. Perry was not the person he once was and had burned a lot of bridges and upset a lot of people on his downward spiral into drugs. While the 'Search' is on for the murderer in this book, it won't be until a later book that the killer will be found.
Overall, this one gets a 2 1/2 out of 5 roses. This was an okay read for me, but I don't think I'll be making a habit of reading Amish romances. It was a sweet love story, but had a rather slow pace. This may have been done deliberately by the author to mimic the lifestyle of the Amish where nothing is really rushed. It also was a very religiously rooted story with a lot of talk of God. On the Lisarenee Romance Rating Scale, this one gets a SMILE rating--a lady always tries to be polite so a smile should suffice (ie no heat whatsoever). I actually enjoyed the secondary love attraction going on between Chris and Beth more because I got to see the beginning of their relationship as it happened. I'm hoping they'll be the subject of the next novel in the series, Found.
Notes to keep you in the know:
If you are curious about Amish words, here is a website that tells you what they mean and how to pronounce them: http://www.wandabrunstetter.com/amish...
Pictures of Amish:
Above photos were found on Photobucket.
Order of series:
In the midst of the grief and sadness his death was stirring, an attraction that seems ill fated begins to stir between Frannie Eicher and Luke Reynolds, a detective working on the case. When Frannie becomes the main focus of the investigation, things get complicated between the two. Frannie had broken off her relationship with Perry the day he'd died and evidence suggests she lied or at the very least didn't give a full disclosure of the events that transpired that fateful day. In Luke's line of work, you can never discount anyone. Everyone is a suspect.
_________________
This was the second book of The Secrets of Crittenden County series. I didn't really feel lost by not reading Missing, the first book of the series, but it did seem there was some past history that would have been nice to have seen between Luke and Frannie. So if you want to get the full details of their relationship I recommend reading the first book prior to reading this one.
This was the first Amish romance I've ever read and I was thankful I'd taken German in high school or some of the words may have thrown me. The use of the word gut, however, had me totally confused until I realized it was not referring to gut as in the bodily organ, but rather to the German word gut which means good. Oh, and in case you're wondering, gut is pronounced goot like good with a 't'.
I have to say that Frannie seemed much older than I believe she is, and she runs the Yellow Bird Inn. That is very unusual for a woman to do in the Amish community; it was bequeathed to her by her aunt when she passed. She is a likeable character who had hoped to save Perry when he obviously lost his way. On the day he died, she realized he was beyond any help that she could offer. She had finally come to the realization their paths were going in different directions. He wanted to move away for Crittenden County, but to her it would always be home. So she'd left him figuratively and literally and never saw him alive again.
There are many people who are potential suspects. Perry was not the person he once was and had burned a lot of bridges and upset a lot of people on his downward spiral into drugs. While the 'Search' is on for the murderer in this book, it won't be until a later book that the killer will be found.
Overall, this one gets a 2 1/2 out of 5 roses. This was an okay read for me, but I don't think I'll be making a habit of reading Amish romances. It was a sweet love story, but had a rather slow pace. This may have been done deliberately by the author to mimic the lifestyle of the Amish where nothing is really rushed. It also was a very religiously rooted story with a lot of talk of God. On the Lisarenee Romance Rating Scale, this one gets a SMILE rating--a lady always tries to be polite so a smile should suffice (ie no heat whatsoever). I actually enjoyed the secondary love attraction going on between Chris and Beth more because I got to see the beginning of their relationship as it happened. I'm hoping they'll be the subject of the next novel in the series, Found.
Notes to keep you in the know:
If you are curious about Amish words, here is a website that tells you what they mean and how to pronounce them: http://www.wandabrunstetter.com/amish...
Pictures of Amish:
Above photos were found on Photobucket.
Order of series:
September 30, 2019
Perry’s murder continues to affect this Amish community. Some condemn him for his involvement with illegal drugs and blame him for selling them to others. When a detective, Luke Reynolds, comes to investigate the murder even while recovering from an injury and on leave, he is taken with Frannie, an Amish innkeeper. But Frannie withholds some secrets from Luke concerning her relationship with Perry. This novel, the second in the series, combines the elements of mystery and romance in a well-written and engrossing tale of intrigue.
August 13, 2015
I read this series out of order, for best reading enjoyment, I recommend not doing what I did. The first book in the series is Missing, THE SEARCH, Found, and followed by a novella, Peace. I read Found and Peace before THE SEARCH, so this is kind of backstory for me.
I enjoy Ms. Gray's Amish books, and even her cozy mystery Amish books are engaging. I like characters in this book, the way she includes random comments made by people, and the way it's in many different POVs. It leaves you guessing who did kill Perry Borntrager and brings everyone to life. There's also a mystery including a bed and breakfast guest, Chris, that had me guessing.
If you haven't read Ms. Gray's The Secrets of Crittenden County series yet, pick up all three books and the novella today. These do NOT stand alone. You'll want the whole series.
Available in paperback, ebook, and audio.
I got this book from the library and was not required to write a review.
I enjoy Ms. Gray's Amish books, and even her cozy mystery Amish books are engaging. I like characters in this book, the way she includes random comments made by people, and the way it's in many different POVs. It leaves you guessing who did kill Perry Borntrager and brings everyone to life. There's also a mystery including a bed and breakfast guest, Chris, that had me guessing.
If you haven't read Ms. Gray's The Secrets of Crittenden County series yet, pick up all three books and the novella today. These do NOT stand alone. You'll want the whole series.
Available in paperback, ebook, and audio.
I got this book from the library and was not required to write a review.
August 25, 2017
Because the first one didn't have a conclusion, I didn't think I would consider buying another in the trilogy. But for $.99 I went ahead and bought it. I was hoping for a few answers...my mistake. It's one long book broken into three parts, but it didn't have to be. Ah well...
Good writing, fairly interesting though.
Good writing, fairly interesting though.
August 14, 2021
Review coming soon
April 13, 2023
Loved it! Can’t wait to read book #3
May 11, 2012
At the beginning of THE SEARCH by Shelley Shepard Gray, we find out that Perry Borntrager has been missing but now his body's been found in the well on the Miller's Farm. This had me intrigued. I love a good mystery and a murder mystery even better. I dove head first into this story. I soon discover this is an ongoing investigation. Perhaps if I had read MISSING, the first book in The Secrets of Crittendon County series, I might not have struggled so much to get through this book.
Frannie Eicher was the last to see Perry alive, at least as far as we know. They'd argued. Perry wanted her to leave Crittendon County and leave her Amish ways behind. Frannie wanted nothing to do with Perry's ideas or him at the moment. When he was on drugs, he frightened her.
Luke Reynolds came to town to investigate a young man's disappearance but found himself ever more drawn to the one person who stood out as the most obvious suspect. When Frannie ends up in the hospital, it's Luke who sits at her side and comforts her.
Beth Byler is the character I enjoyed the most. She shouldn't have been a star of the story but she ended up just that. She's funny, quirky, and a total disaster in the kitchen but I found myself looking forward to what was happening with her.
THE SEARCH by Shelley Shepard Gray is not what I'd expected when I first started reading. I was surprised when I fell into the middle of a mystery but aside from trying to catch up, I found the story difficult to follow. There were times when I was ready to quit but then I'd wonder how Beth was faring in her tasks at the inn and I'd continue. I felt the mystery wasn't enough to keep my attention but then again, neither was Frannie and Luke's story. Did she want to be with Luke or Micah, or was she still pining for Perry? If you've read the first book in The Secrets of Crittendon County series, I believe you'll enjoy THE SEARCH by Shelley Shepard Gray. For the rest of us, I think we have to go back to the beginning before we do.
Frannie Eicher was the last to see Perry alive, at least as far as we know. They'd argued. Perry wanted her to leave Crittendon County and leave her Amish ways behind. Frannie wanted nothing to do with Perry's ideas or him at the moment. When he was on drugs, he frightened her.
Luke Reynolds came to town to investigate a young man's disappearance but found himself ever more drawn to the one person who stood out as the most obvious suspect. When Frannie ends up in the hospital, it's Luke who sits at her side and comforts her.
Beth Byler is the character I enjoyed the most. She shouldn't have been a star of the story but she ended up just that. She's funny, quirky, and a total disaster in the kitchen but I found myself looking forward to what was happening with her.
THE SEARCH by Shelley Shepard Gray is not what I'd expected when I first started reading. I was surprised when I fell into the middle of a mystery but aside from trying to catch up, I found the story difficult to follow. There were times when I was ready to quit but then I'd wonder how Beth was faring in her tasks at the inn and I'd continue. I felt the mystery wasn't enough to keep my attention but then again, neither was Frannie and Luke's story. Did she want to be with Luke or Micah, or was she still pining for Perry? If you've read the first book in The Secrets of Crittendon County series, I believe you'll enjoy THE SEARCH by Shelley Shepard Gray. For the rest of us, I think we have to go back to the beginning before we do.
February 1, 2019
This was a well-written second novel in a great Amish series full of great characters. This is a rather unique series of books because the first three novels involve a mystery that is solved by the end of the third novel and at the same time three different couples sort through various obstacles in their way to forming a life together, but the fourth tag-along novel is a suspenseful romance due to a secondary romance that was introduced in the second novel. (According to the author's note, this was a piece of the story that she didn't expect to become as developed as it did. I still get confused by authors saying such-an-such character surprised me or such things. I think of authors as being God except than an author's characters aren't real and don't have free will like people do, so why wouldn't you know what your creation was going to do? But I digress.) In this particular novel, we focus on Frannie, an independent Amish woman who runs a bed and breakfast, and Luke, an Englisch man, a detective at that, and their story is actually mostly finished at the end of the novel because they are engaged despite their differences. I feel that their solution to their clash of lifestyles made a lot more sense and felt more authentic and honestly resolved than how the romance between Lydia and Walker was finally resolved at the end of the third novel. But anyhow, I really enjoyed this series and fell in love with the characters and the small town feel of Crittenden County.
June 23, 2022
The Search by Shelley Shepard Gray 261+ pages Paperback
The Secrets of Crittenden County #2
Genre: Mystery, Christian Fiction > Amish, Family, Suspense, Adult Fiction, Romance, Inspirational
Featuring: Epigraphs, Marion, Crittenden County, Kentucky, Cincinnati, Ohio, Murder Investigation, Detective, Secrets, Author's Letter, Discussion Questions, Book Preview: Found
Rating as a movie: PG-13 for adult content
My rating: ⭐⭐⭐¾
My thoughts: Page 101 of 261 - Ch. 11 - This is much better than the last book. I know the epigraph about trusting a fool was used in the last book and now the one for chapter 11 is nearly identical to the one used for chapter 3. Shame.
📖 131 Ch. 14 - These people! Whatever the crazy choice is they take it every time. I'm frustrated.
📖 180, Ch. 20 - It was going so well then Beth messed it up, now it's up in the air. It's like a cozy mystery with actual detectives that are amateur sleuths.
This was better than the first book, however plotholes, lying and bad investigating stopped it from being a solid 4 star read. I'm hoping I finally get closure with the next book.
Recommend to others?: Maybe. It not her best, but it's not bad.
The Secrets of Crittenden County #2
Genre: Mystery, Christian Fiction > Amish, Family, Suspense, Adult Fiction, Romance, Inspirational
Featuring: Epigraphs, Marion, Crittenden County, Kentucky, Cincinnati, Ohio, Murder Investigation, Detective, Secrets, Author's Letter, Discussion Questions, Book Preview: Found
Rating as a movie: PG-13 for adult content
My rating: ⭐⭐⭐¾
My thoughts: Page 101 of 261 - Ch. 11 - This is much better than the last book. I know the epigraph about trusting a fool was used in the last book and now the one for chapter 11 is nearly identical to the one used for chapter 3. Shame.
📖 131 Ch. 14 - These people! Whatever the crazy choice is they take it every time. I'm frustrated.
📖 180, Ch. 20 - It was going so well then Beth messed it up, now it's up in the air. It's like a cozy mystery with actual detectives that are amateur sleuths.
This was better than the first book, however plotholes, lying and bad investigating stopped it from being a solid 4 star read. I'm hoping I finally get closure with the next book.
Recommend to others?: Maybe. It not her best, but it's not bad.
December 3, 2017
Second in the Secrets of Crittenden County, The Search continues the story of a murdered Amish man. The suspense and tension is just as good as in the first book, Missing. The story is well written with crisp dialogue, emotional tension, and strong characters. Readers will be quickly caught up and compelled by the lives of the characters and their stories as they relate their knowledge of the victim and his last days. I like how before each chapter the author uses a quote from one of the characters related to the missing man and it adds to the mystery. Looking forward to book three! I listened to the audiobook and Bernadette Dunne does a great job with the narration, making for an enjoyable listening experience.
January 15, 2022
I didn’t like this book . It may be because I don’t know much about the Amish community and also this book is one of a series of others I’ve never Read. Nothing seems real .. it’s too fast .. too corny .. predictable… there was no reason for many of the scenes, comments , & storylines in this book . I kept waiting for some of the information I read in earlier parts to be used in something that will unfold later but I was let down … this is hardly a romance even for Amish level .. the only real interesting mystery is why she even wrote this book .. I won’t even attempt to get ahold of & read the others in the series … 2 stars because the Amish language touch was unique. And the Authors written format is well but other than that it’s a poor story …
July 2, 2012
So who really killed Perry? Luke, the detective from Cincinnati who is recovering from an on the job shooting, is still trying to find out in this second book in the series. He is also attracted to Frannie, the owner of the Yellow Bird Inn, but she is Amish. We will have to wait until the next book Found.
Words just for me:
I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. Philippians 4:11
Though no one can go back and make a brand new start, anyone can start from now and make a brand new end. Amish Proverb
261 pages
Words just for me:
I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. Philippians 4:11
Though no one can go back and make a brand new start, anyone can start from now and make a brand new end. Amish Proverb
261 pages
September 23, 2012
This is a filler book for what should really be a short mystery story. This one can probably be skipped since not much happens.
All the lying Amish people really bothered me. Lying is a sin and they are supposed to be so righteous so why are they lying?
Why was Frannie making 60 mini quiches when only one person was staying at the inn?
Why was everyone waking Frannie up while she was recovering in the hospital? Who paid for the hospital anyway?
All the lying Amish people really bothered me. Lying is a sin and they are supposed to be so righteous so why are they lying?
Why was Frannie making 60 mini quiches when only one person was staying at the inn?
Why was everyone waking Frannie up while she was recovering in the hospital? Who paid for the hospital anyway?
August 15, 2023
the search, book 2 in this series, shows relationships between Lydia and Walker, Beth and Chris and Frannie and detective Luke. the mystery of Perrys' murder continues through the whole book and into the final book 3. I prefer mystery to romance, and the murder continuing through three books, thus my rating. I have book three and will finish the series.
August 13, 2018
eh.... not that good. too many characters so none get developed properly. this trilogy should probably have been a stand alone novel,
July 9, 2023
this is a filler book between books 1 and 3, but still good IMO :-)
This Summary/Review was copied from other sources and is used only as a reminder of what the book was about for my personal interest. Any Personal Notations are for my recollection only.
**
**
When most people think of the Amish, they think of a tranquil god loving people living a simple life. While that is true for the most part, even they can't always escape the evils of the outside world that they live among, yet separate from. Perry Borntrager, one of their own, strayed from the fold. He got addicted to drugs and his downfall was noted by pretty much everyone in the small community. People attempted get him back on the right path, but sometimes when addiction takes hold, it just isn't always possible. If the person doesn't see what they are doing to themselves, or others, no help can be had. Now after a period of being missing, Perry's body has been found and there is no doubt that he has been murdered.The police are attempting to find the murderer, and people are being questioned, stories being collected, and possibilities are being raised.
In the midst of the grief and sadness his death was stirring, an attraction that seems ill fated begins to stir between Frannie Eicher and Luke Reynolds, a detective working on the case. When Frannie becomes the main focus of the investigation, things get complicated between the two. Frannie had broken off her relationship with Perry the day he'd died and evidence suggests she lied or at the very least didn't give a full disclosure of the events that transpired that fateful day. In Luke's line of work, you can never discount anyone. Everyone is a suspect.
_________________
I have to say that Frannie seemed much older than I believe she is, and she runs the Yellow Bird Inn. That is very unusual for a woman to do in the Amish community; it was bequeathed to her by her aunt when she passed. She is a likeable character who had hoped to save Perry when he obviously lost his way. On the day he died, she realized he was beyond any help that she could offer. She had finally come to the realization their paths were going in different directions. He wanted to move away for Crittenden County, but to her it would always be home. So she'd left him figuratively and literally and never saw him alive again.
There are many people who are potential suspects. Perry was not the person he once was and had burned a lot of bridges and upset a lot of people on his downward spiral into drugs. While the 'Search' is on for the murderer in this book, it won't be until a later book that the killer will be found.
This Summary/Review was copied from other sources and is used only as a reminder of what the book was about for my personal interest. Any Personal Notations are for my recollection only.
**
**
When most people think of the Amish, they think of a tranquil god loving people living a simple life. While that is true for the most part, even they can't always escape the evils of the outside world that they live among, yet separate from. Perry Borntrager, one of their own, strayed from the fold. He got addicted to drugs and his downfall was noted by pretty much everyone in the small community. People attempted get him back on the right path, but sometimes when addiction takes hold, it just isn't always possible. If the person doesn't see what they are doing to themselves, or others, no help can be had. Now after a period of being missing, Perry's body has been found and there is no doubt that he has been murdered.The police are attempting to find the murderer, and people are being questioned, stories being collected, and possibilities are being raised.
In the midst of the grief and sadness his death was stirring, an attraction that seems ill fated begins to stir between Frannie Eicher and Luke Reynolds, a detective working on the case. When Frannie becomes the main focus of the investigation, things get complicated between the two. Frannie had broken off her relationship with Perry the day he'd died and evidence suggests she lied or at the very least didn't give a full disclosure of the events that transpired that fateful day. In Luke's line of work, you can never discount anyone. Everyone is a suspect.
_________________
I have to say that Frannie seemed much older than I believe she is, and she runs the Yellow Bird Inn. That is very unusual for a woman to do in the Amish community; it was bequeathed to her by her aunt when she passed. She is a likeable character who had hoped to save Perry when he obviously lost his way. On the day he died, she realized he was beyond any help that she could offer. She had finally come to the realization their paths were going in different directions. He wanted to move away for Crittenden County, but to her it would always be home. So she'd left him figuratively and literally and never saw him alive again.
There are many people who are potential suspects. Perry was not the person he once was and had burned a lot of bridges and upset a lot of people on his downward spiral into drugs. While the 'Search' is on for the murderer in this book, it won't be until a later book that the killer will be found.
August 27, 2019
3.75 stars. The Search was an interesting, quick middle-of-the-trilogy read. I read the bulk of it in a day and a half on the beach. It's quite a dragged out story but each short chapter keeps drawing you in, wanting to find out what happens next. Of course it ends with another cliff-hanger, which is great actually; my biggest complaint is how easily the characters pair up and fall in love (like immediately with the first new person they encounter). It's so cheesy but maybe that means my complaint is really just with romance novels... This series centers around a mystery though - the murder of a local Amish boy gone wrong who was a drug dealer and general screw-up. I'd say it's about 60/40 mystery/romance. I like the theme of the Amish world and the modern world clashing in a such a dramatic way and the ripple effect on all of the members of the community. Good read if you like these genres!
March 13, 2019
This is book 2 in the series, and it picks up where book 1 left off. Neither the Sheriff (Mose) or his Cincinnatti detective friend Luke has a clue as to who killed Amish teenager Perry Borntrager. However, Luke is beginning to be accepted by the community, and he's learning more facts that people had originally kept from. Meanwhile, he's starting to fall for Fannie, the Amish innkeeper. Unfortunately, new information is casting her as a potential suspect. Things get even more intense when a suspicious man checks into Fannie's inn right before Fannie is taken to the hospital for an injury. While Fannie's friend Beth tends to the B&B in Fannie's absence, the new guest seems to be kidnapped by some very scary men, who somehow are tied to the dead teenager.
The mystery of Perry's death still hasn't been solved, but the "plot thickens" as the saying goes. I'm looking forward to book 3.
The mystery of Perry's death still hasn't been solved, but the "plot thickens" as the saying goes. I'm looking forward to book 3.
June 21, 2018
Missing, The Search, and Found a trilogy by Shelley Shepard Gray
A three-part mystery novel centered around an Amish county. There was a young man who was considering leaving the Amish community who turned up murdered. The books weave a tale of a close-knit community that doesn't want to let a murder, even of one of their own, be solved out of fear that they're (a) not being good forgiving Amish, (b) are afraid of what their little piece of the puzzle says, and (c) dislike the outsiders who are investigating.
Included in each of the three novels are individual coming of age stories and blooming romances, showing that even in the middle of a terrible situation, life goes on.
A three-part mystery novel centered around an Amish county. There was a young man who was considering leaving the Amish community who turned up murdered. The books weave a tale of a close-knit community that doesn't want to let a murder, even of one of their own, be solved out of fear that they're (a) not being good forgiving Amish, (b) are afraid of what their little piece of the puzzle says, and (c) dislike the outsiders who are investigating.
Included in each of the three novels are individual coming of age stories and blooming romances, showing that even in the middle of a terrible situation, life goes on.
July 28, 2024
Great Book and Series
This is the second book in The Secrets of Crittenden County series. It is a good blend of mystery and romance that continues to work toward solving the mystery of what happened to Perry. As the mystery continues, new relationships begin to bloom between some members of the group. Also, a mystery player comes into the mix.
I was kept guessing and turning pages in this mix of mystery and romance. The mystery continues with the third book of the series, and I will definitely be reading that one next.
This is the second book in The Secrets of Crittenden County series. It is a good blend of mystery and romance that continues to work toward solving the mystery of what happened to Perry. As the mystery continues, new relationships begin to bloom between some members of the group. Also, a mystery player comes into the mix.
I was kept guessing and turning pages in this mix of mystery and romance. The mystery continues with the third book of the series, and I will definitely be reading that one next.
June 19, 2019
The second installment in the Crittenden County series did not disappoint. Full of well developed lovable characters that feel so real. I like how the books take you in depth into the lives of the characters. Weaving them together amidst their own stories. Like a soap opera of sorts.
As the search for Perry's killer goes on, the community tries to live life as close to normal as possible. More secrets are revealed, and even love is found. Cannot wait for the third installment!
As the search for Perry's killer goes on, the community tries to live life as close to normal as possible. More secrets are revealed, and even love is found. Cannot wait for the third installment!
October 1, 2021
This series is one of my favorites. Amish and suspense, love both of these genres. Shelley did an excellent job of writing this series and I love her sense of writing. I had to keep going to find out what was happening next.
I highly recommend this book/series and the author also. Shelley is my all-time favorite author. You will not be disappointed in her books.
This review is of my own, I was not persuaded to leave a positive review.
I highly recommend this book/series and the author also. Shelley is my all-time favorite author. You will not be disappointed in her books.
This review is of my own, I was not persuaded to leave a positive review.
February 23, 2021
This Crittenden County series set in Kentucky attempts to solve the mystery of finding a young Amish fellow dead in an abandoned well. The tale is full of secrets, everyone's secrets and deals with facing our secrets. You'll discover how Englishers and Amish folk interact and learn to respect their own religious rules.
September 2, 2024
I liked this book better than the first one, mostly because more questions get answered and I really like the relationship between Frannie and the Detective. I also loved Beth and Chris's budding relationship. Not all questions are answered in this book, but it ends with the Detective thinking he knows who murdered Perry.
July 31, 2024
I absolutely loved this book! The second book in the series (The Secrets of Crittendon County) is way better than the first one. It is a quick read; I didn't want to put it down! It is my first time reading a series quite like it—a Mystery/ Romance in an Amish community. I was on the edge of my seat, waiting to find out who murdered Perry.
Sigh... Unfortunately, that won't happen until I read the next book in the series, "Found."
As Luke (a detective) questioned Frannie, I liked to see her thought process and character unfold. Should she tell the truth? Could she trust Luke? Frannie had a lot going on, injuring herself and ending up in the hospital, recovering from this injury. She was pretty brave in opening up to Luke.
There were so many good characters in this book! Beth, Frannie, Luke, and Chris. I liked watching Beth and Frannie's loyal friendship and how they helped one another. I liked seeing the relationship between Frannie and Luke unfold as he cared for her, and I was hoping that more would come from Beth and Chris's relationship as well.
One thing I noticed in this book was how distrusting the Amish are of the English people. It takes a while for an outsider to gain the trust of the Amish. I am looking forward to the next book and seeing if Luke can gain the trust of the Amish people in this community and reveal the killer.
I highly recommend this book!
Sigh... Unfortunately, that won't happen until I read the next book in the series, "Found."
As Luke (a detective) questioned Frannie, I liked to see her thought process and character unfold. Should she tell the truth? Could she trust Luke? Frannie had a lot going on, injuring herself and ending up in the hospital, recovering from this injury. She was pretty brave in opening up to Luke.
There were so many good characters in this book! Beth, Frannie, Luke, and Chris. I liked watching Beth and Frannie's loyal friendship and how they helped one another. I liked seeing the relationship between Frannie and Luke unfold as he cared for her, and I was hoping that more would come from Beth and Chris's relationship as well.
One thing I noticed in this book was how distrusting the Amish are of the English people. It takes a while for an outsider to gain the trust of the Amish. I am looking forward to the next book and seeing if Luke can gain the trust of the Amish people in this community and reveal the killer.
I highly recommend this book!
March 27, 2025
The Search
What another great intense book by the best author I've found. Shelley Shepherd Gray!! This book kept you wondering if they'd ever figure it out or not, who the murderer was.
What another great intense book by the best author I've found. Shelley Shepherd Gray!! This book kept you wondering if they'd ever figure it out or not, who the murderer was.
January 26, 2026
Book Two in this series was just as enjoyable as Book One. We still don't know "who done it" but we are on the trail of the murderer...between romance blooming all over the place. This was a fun quick read for me.
December 27, 2016
A wonderful second book in the series! I think I know who killed Perry, but I will know for sure in the next book.
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