Amish Outsider by Marta Perry
My sketch… Michael Forster, who has been living as an Englisher, & his daughter return to the Amish community in River Haven after his estranged wife’s murder. While not charged, there are those who believe he is guilty. Hoping for a quiet life & restoration of his little daughter to a happy child, he goes back to his Amish roots. Thankfully, Teacher Cathy is able to gain little Allie’s confidence. But the past threatens everything and everyone including Allie and Cathy.
My review…
I really enjoy Marta Perry’s Amish mysteries. They always have a uniqueness to them that makes for an enjoyable read. And Amish Outsider doesn’t disappoint. Michael like other Amish youths during rumspringa leaves his Amish community in River Haven along with the young woman who would become his wife. But she wants more … and more … and eventually the couple lives apart.
Little Allie is sad and withdrawn and it breaks her Daddy’s heart. So Michael returns to River Haven. His family opens their home and hearts to them but it is Teacher Cathy that breaks the wall around little Allie.
Not everyone is happy to see Michael back — remember, his wife was from River Haven too. And the mystery doesn’t stop there. You can imagine the Amish gossip machine is active. And since Michael did not murder his wife … the murderer is still out there.
The plot is nicely developed along with the characters. You love Allie’s cousin, Ruthie. She is a charmer. And Aunt Verna. Of course, there are characters not nearly so nice. Sometimes it is just good to read a book where the pacing just moves along. Sorta like taking a stroll which is not the same as a walk for the exercise.
I loved a word Marta used — schnickelfritz — I heard that word growing up.
Some wisdom is imparted in a single sentence. The book begins with an Amish proverb — “Death isn’t the greatest loss in life. It’s what dies inside of us while we still live.”
I enjoyed Amish Outsider. I think you will too.
#AmishOutsider #MartaPerry
