Among the Innocent by Mary Alford
My blurb …
Leah Miller was Amish until her whole family was murdered. Murdered right in front of her. Now, 10 years later, she is member of the local police force. Her memories under control til Beth, a young Amish woman, has been found dead — murdered. The same MO as Leah’s family. Now it is obvious the accused man, now dead, didn’t do it,
And a new police chief, Dalton Cooper has arrived–literally at the murder scene. He has a personal reason why he took the job but it quickly becomes clear — this latest murder was done by the same person. Soon it is apparent the killer is not done with Leah yet. Can Dalton find the answer to his quest? Can he and Leah solve the murders without being killed themselves?
My review …
Hang onto your hats! Among the Innocent is a humdinger of a story. You won’t figure out this whodunit quickly. No waiting for the story to build a hook that will grab you. That hook comes within a few pages and doesn’t let go for 300 more. This is a plot you can sink your teeth in.
Characters: Always a key element. Some authors might a problem making Leah likeable, tough, and vulnerable all at the same time. Mary Alford makes it seem like a breeze. She is loving & caring toward Marge, now a widow. Marge & her husband Police Chief Ellis Petri gave Leah a home after her family was brutally murdered. Leah was spared but not without physical injury; a scar she has to this day. But she is tough. And needs to be to have survived 10 years ago and survive now!
Dalton Cooper, the new police chief, arrives for his first day on the job literally at the scene of the Amish girl’s murder. Chief Petri was beloved by his police force and Dalton is fairly careful how he handles being the new chief and introducing himself while handling the murder scene. This book is abundant with rich characters and each fit their role in the story beautifully.
“Pacing is a tool that controls the speed and rhythm at which a story is told and the readers are pulled through the events.”
~ Writer’s Digest.
Pacing: For this reader, the pacing in Among the Innocent was just about perfect. Sometimes the story moves quickly — or maybe it was just me swiping my thumb across the Kindle to get to the next part. I never felt the pacing lagged. Never felt it was rushed. The story ebbs and flows as the plot builds.
Genre: It’s a thriller. It’s an Amish mystery. It’s about a small town police force. Maybe I should say it’s a Thriller Amish Mystery!
The only weakness (a minus of .5 stars) I found was near the end it became obvious to me, and I think to most readers, who the murderer is. We are supposed to do that. But our two very sharp police folks don’t see it when for this reviewer felt it was plain as the nose on their face. It was not in keeping with their smarts showed earlier. But, that didn’t ruin the book and I highly recommend to those who love thrillers, police books, and Amish mysteries. It’s definitely a winner.
Rating: a solid 4.5 stars rounded to 5 for websites that only show whole numbers.
I received a complimentary e-ARC copy of Among the Innocent via NetGalley from the publisher, Revell. A positive review was not required; the opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
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