About the book:
Anna thought she left the tragedies of the past behind when she moved from Pennsylvania to California, but when her brother vanishes from the genetics lab where he works, Anna has no choice but to head back home. Using skills well-honed in Silicon Valley, she follows the high-tech trail her brother left behind, a trail that leads from the simple world of Amish farming to the cutting edge of DNA research and gene mapping.
Anna knows she must depend on her instincts, her faith in God, and the help of the Amish community to find her brother. She also must finally face her own shadows—and pray that she's stronger than the grief that threatens to overwhelm them all.
My review:
I dare say I have discovered the perfect suspense/mystery novel today when I finished Shadows of Lancaster County by Mindy Starns Clark.
Phenomenal. Intelligent. Masterful. Complex. Amazingly well-written, and full of intrigue. These are a few of the things that come to mind as I reflect on the mystery/suspense aspects of the story. The entire novel was edge-of-your-seat suspense, but there was also a very complex and believeable plot that thankfully didn't insult my intelligence. By that I mean it was easy to follow but brilliantly plotted. I learned a lot while putting the pieces of the mystery puzzle together.
And the red herrings actually worked! Plus, the "surprise" at the end was totally believable, which is often not the case. Sheesh, I don't even like mysteries or suspense novels all that much but even I was riveted to the text. The romantic element was pleasurable, too. This was simply an incredible story that captivated me from start to finish. It's going to make my best fiction list, too. I've been fortunate with my reading selections as of late. Those I finish, anyway.
One final note. I love it when I am so into a story that even I don't know who to trust. Did I mention this was an incredible story? It's one not to miss. The last time I read an intelligent novel with ethical dilemmas that captivated me as much as this novel was over a year ago when I read Informed Consent by Sandra Glahn, (Cook 2007). That was a masterpiece, too, but I daresay Ms. Starns Clark has managed to top that one as well.
Shadows of Lancaster County was published by Harvest House and released in January 2009.
45 comments:
I have read EVERY book by Mindy Starns Clark and I absolutely love all her books. She's pretty much one of those author's that as long as her name's on the book I have to read it. And the description sounds great too, mystery and Amish? I'm so there.
One Day i shall win your contest...one day...
Would love to be entered in this contest. It sounds like just the book to hit the spot for a February read. My e-mail addy, if you chose my name, is WillisWay (at) aol (dot) com. Thanks!
I am intrigued by the description because most Amish stories that I have read are focused so entirely on the Amish community and culture, and this story seems to be more than that.
wow, that is SUCH a different plot for an amish book so it would have to be an interesting read.
i have never read anything by this author and have to say that i don't actually think i've even heard of her!
southeastcountrywife @ gmail . com
Mindy Starns Clark's "The Million Dollar Mystries" series is one of my favorite sets on my bookshelf. Shadows of Lancaster County sounds intriguing; DNA research, a missing brother and an Amish community, quite an interesting setting.
worthy2bpraised{at}gmail{dot}com
I have read most of the books by Mindy Starns Clark, most recently Whispers of the Bayou. This one has a different setting than her other books but what a concept - high tech and the Amish combined in a mystery! Would love to win it but if not, it will be on my to buy list.
i have never read any of her books however this would be a great start. From what you have written it seems like it just grabs you at every corner thanks for the giveaway
I have never ready Mindy STarns Clark, but I am always on the look out for new authors to read. The genetics lab scenerio sounds interesting. Thanks for the giveaway!
Since I live in PA, I am fascinated by the Amish lifestyle, so this book sounds like a good read. No, I have never read any books by Mindy Starns Clark. Thanks for the chance.
I not read any of Mindy Starns Clark books this one looks great. My mother would love it I am sure
I was just introduced to Mindy Starns Clark this past year and I am now a fan for life! I already own about 5 of her books and I plan to add to my growing collection. This book sounds like another great storyline from her! Thanks.
I have never read a book by this author and I think the Amish lifestyle is so interesting
tiramisu392 (at) yahoo.com
I've haven't read any of Mindy Starns Clark's books. However, I love Amish setting stories. What intrigues me most about the story is the vanishing part. I love mysteries. I'd love to win this books. Sounds good.
ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com
This sounds very interesting.
I've never read any Amish books, not even from other authors.
I find this book particularly intriguing because I live in California and grew up in small town Southern Alberta. Once, when I went home for a visit, a friend said she couldn't believe that I, of all people, could be living in a city and not be involved in horses. I went everywhere on the back of a horse as a child. Last year, I went back for the first time in many years and what a wonderful experience!
I say all this, because I can readily imagine how Anna must have felt returning to a simpler life after living a life of high tech.
Anyhoo - my email address: lynnsquire [at]gmail[dot]com
l have never read any books by Mindy. l am a big fan of the Amish way of life, this book sounds good (wanted to use a word with "I" but cant say it or spell it right-now stop laughing) to read. Percy :)
I have not read anything by Mindy Starns Clark but the cover of this book makes me want to. I also love mysteries so this sound like something I would like. Adding the Amish twist sure makes it more interesting. Thanks for entering me in the drawing.
Sherry
love2stitch(at)hotmail(dot)com
I love the thriller/genetic science angle. I don't really enjoy romance novels that much, so it's nice to see christian fiction expanding beyond that a bit with novels like this one. I wanted to be a geneticist, when I was in 7th grade. Missed my calling! :)
Oo oo oo, pick me, pick me, pick me! I adore her books. Whispers of the Bayou was one of my favorites last year. She really knows how to create a certain mood in her books.
I read "A Penny for Your Thoughts" by Mindy and loved it. She is one of my favorite mystery authors. The fact that this book has an Amish theme, yet different from other popular Amish authors, really appeals to me. Thank you for the giveaway.
cjarvis [at] bellsouth [dot] net
Sounds like a great book to read! I'd love to win, read and pass it on!
Thanks
nancyrobster@gmail.com
I have read all of Mindy Starns Clark's books and love them all. My favorite series is the Million Dollar Mystery Series which you must read in order. The Shadows of Lancaster County sounds interesting because of the mystery, but also it will be interesting to see how she combines the two worlds of Amish and english. I know it will be a great mystery that will keep me guessing until the end. That is the best kind of mystery. Agatha Christie is one author that has been able to do that.
Samitude@hotmail.com
I don't think I've ever read any of Mindy Starn Clark's books, but have always wanted to. This book sounds very intriguing. I like the mystery it sounds like it has in it along with the Amish setting. Thank you for the entry.
koinonia572001@yahoo.com
This book looks interesting to me because I just started watching Season 1 of "Without a Trace" on DVD and have found the whole disappearance storyline to be intriguing. I've never read anything by Mindy Starns Clark, either, but have heard really good reviews. Please count me in!
author_erin(at)lycos(dot)com
I haven't read any of her books yet. I think this story sounds interesting- I love the suspense and also the fact that its set in Amish country. I read another book called Plain Truth by Jodi Picoult and it had an Amish setting and I really enjoyed it.
stacie_vaughan@hotmail.com
I have not read any of this writers works, yet. Now what I like about the write up and your review is the mystery DNA plays in this book. I find DNA fastinating (sp?)! And this book sounds like a good read and will feed my DNA thirst!
Thanks!
Darby
darbyscloset at yahoo dot com
I haven't read any of Mindy's books, but I love Amish books. Usually I read them more for cultural understanding, but his sounds like a great mystery. Thanks for the chance to participate in the contest.
Ann
teachesl3@aol.com
I don't think I've read any of her books but this one souns interesting. I like books that involve the Amish.
rachelmarie42@yahoo.com
I have never read any of her books and the setting of this one is something that is interesting because of the inherent mysteries of that area. Would love to read it.
madamerkf at aol dot com
With a review like that how could I not want to read it. Plus, I love and write mystery/suspense!!!
I have never read anything by this author, but this book sounds intriguing, and I also like that part of it is set in the Amish country.
Please enter me in the contest.
Thank you,
Becky C.
rec(at)hiwaay(dot)net
I haven't read any of her books, but the phrase: "She also must finally face her own shadows—and pray that she's stronger than the grief that threatens to overwhelm them all." is what grabbed me.
Stronger than her grief? Over what? What shadows? What's the secret? Ohhhh, I wanna find out. Please enter me: sheriboeyink[at]cox[dot]net
I hope i'm the lucky winner :)
I love Mindy's books. I have read the Trouble with Tulip. I think this new books sounds great. Combining a mystery in an Amish setting will make it a very interesting story. And since Michelle says it's good...I am sure I will like it!
Blessings,
Carrie
carrie(at)turansky(dot)com
I have never read any of her books before but after reading your review on this one I know I want to read it. I love the one word introduction starting with phenomenal. Hope I win the drawing. spowell01(at)bellsouth(dot)net
Mindy Starns-Clark is the author who first turned me on to Christian fiction. After reading the Million Dollar Mysteries, and as an aspiring author myself, I contacted her with a few writing-related questions and told her she was a Christian Sue Grafton. She said that was exactly her intent when she started writing this mystery series. I absolutely adore Mindy and her books - including the Tulip series - too fun! I've been waiting for this book to come out and it would be awesome to get it for free! Thanks for offering this contest. lyndaschab (at) gmail (dot) com
I have never read any of Mindy Starns books, but I would love to. I really like the fact that Anna in the book is from the Amish farming area of Pennsylvania. I actually went there once years ago. It's a very pretty area.
ayancey(at)dishmail(dot)net
Honestly I don't think I've ever heard of Mindy Starns Clark, but I am definatly going to look up her other books! This book sounds interesting because I like mysterious books and the cover is really nice. Thanks for entering me.
I love that it involves the Amish AND something as interesting as DNA mapping. My first thought is, "What?!" Doesn't sound like the two could come together. But with such a great review by you, I know I can't miss it!
Lindsey
ladyufshalott at yahoo.com
Hi!
Thank you for a fascinating review. Please enter me in the competition if it's open to international readers.
Things I liked- the juxtaposition of the Amish pastoral life and high tech DNA research. Also that you found that the red herrings worked and that there was a believable surprise at the end.
I've read and enjoyed two of Mindy's books- The Trouble with Tulip and A Quarter for a Kiss.
Best wishes
Ruth Dell
ruthdell [at] mweb.co.za
I haven't had the opportunity to read anything by Mindy Starns Clark yet. This book sounds so interesting. It goes from the high tech world of silicon valley to the simpler life lived by the Amish what a big difference! Thanks for a great review!
savvysahmreviews (at) yahoo (dot) com
Please enter me in the contest for the drawing of Mindy Starns Clark book. I love the books about the Amish. They are so intrigueing. Thank you for your time.
Lela Fox
1947 Meadow Drive
West Plains, Missouri 65775
bubbysgammaw@peoplepc.com
I have never read a book by her before.
I think this book will be interesting i love reading books with the Amish community in them
Hello! It sounds like a great mystery book with a heroine who has a strong faith! Suspense and inspiration are two things that I enjoy in a book. I have not yet read anything by this author. Books about the Amish Communities interest me very much. Many thanks, Cindi
jchoppes[at]hotmail[dot]com
I love stories about people who have to return back home...it makes me happy to read about ppl reconciling with their families.
Thanks for the chance to win!
carolynnwald at hotmail dot com
And the winner is...
Sherry!
Post a Comment