Faith, Sleuthing, and a Lot to Love
Series: The Plain Order Ink Society, Book 1
Written by Mindy Steele
Published by Barbour Fiction
Release Date: 09.01.26
Genre: Christian Mystery & Suspense, Amish & Mennonite Fiction
5+ Stars
I loved Sadie, the Plain Order Ink Society, the humor, and the mystery itself. But what made this book exceptional for me was the way Mindy Steele handled the murder.
The victim never became a prop. From the scene itself to the conversations that followed, there was a reverence for the life that had been lost. People grieved. Wanda prayed for his family while she waited to be questioned. His death mattered because he mattered.
That may sound simple, but it is something I greatly miss in murder mysteries. A story can be warm, humorous, and engaging without forgetting that a precious life has been taken. Too often, the clues, suspects, and sleuthing begin and the person who died almost disappears from the story. Steele never lets that happen here. The victim remains a person, a precious life, a human being created in the image of God.
I hope this remains a hallmark of the Plain Order Ink Mysteries. Christian mystery needs more stories that remember the life behind the crime.
The faith throughout the story gave me even more to love. Wanda had chosen her faith over the future Rodney wanted with her, and years later he could still remember how her life had drawn him back toward God. Her faith had cost her something, and it had also borne fruit in someone else’s life.Sadie made me laugh, too: “Yes. For this entire day to be erased.” Same, Sadie. Same.
I am already attached to these characters, and the Plain Order Ink Society may be one of my favorite new groups of amateur sleuths. I loved how they interacted with each other and how the community took shape around them. I want to be there with them every day.
I’m reaching for book two! Where is it?
I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher, Barbour Fiction, via NetGalley. My review reflects my honest opinion.
Comments