The Search

The Search: The Secrets of Crittenden County, Book Two  

June 19, 2012

by Shelley Shepard Gray 

• Paperback: 288 pages
• Publisher: Avon Inspire
• ISBN-13: 978-0062089724
• Genre: Amish/cozy mystery

In the midst of a murder investigation in the heart of Amish country, one young policeman finds his heart led astray

The serenity of the quiet Amish community of Marion, Kentucky, is disrupted when the body of Perry Borntrager is discovered in an abandoned well. Now the small town faces the first death by mysterious circumstances in more than twenty years, and Detective Luke Reynolds is brought in to help investigate. But before he can solve the crime, he faces unexpected feelings for Frannie, the Amish owner of the local bed-and-breakfast. Though they butt heads at first, Luke finds himself drawn to Frannie's bedside when she's injured in a kitchen accident.

Soon it becomes clear that Frannie knew Perry better than she let on . . . they'd been secretly courting when he disappeared.

Has Luke fallen for the very woman responsible for the crime?

My thoughts: 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.