The Armour Of God

Who The Bishop Knows by Vannetta Chapman is a wonderful Amish murder mystery. It is the third book in the Amish Bishop Mysteries series but can be read as a stand-alone.

Once again Bishop Henry and Emma are called upon to solve crimes in partnership with the police department. It is all very ‘Miss Marple’ as the Amish duo do the thinking and the police department provide the back-up.

The Amish are community based. “We celebrate together and we mourn together.” They are there to support each other. “Very few burdens are heavy if everyone lifts.” This sense of community reaches out to the reader.

Friends are important. They support us in the good and the bad. We all need friends who are just ‘there’ for us. “Not talking… so much as sharing the burden of grief.” In times of grief when words cannot help, a kind friend is invaluable.

We never know when our time is up – it is important to practice carpe diem. “The moment you were in was the one you had to enjoy, because there was no way to control what happened next.” Live every day as if it is your last.

Vannetta Chapman employs the technique of pathetic fallacy as a storm mirrors the action.

We need to place our trust in God. We need to pray to Him at all times. He will hear and answer. We need to trust His timing. If we rely on Him, we need never fear tomorrow.

I am loving this Amish Bishop Mysteries series. All the stories are gripping and well thought out. I love the amateur sleuthing that gets the job done. These are fun reads and would make smashing Hallmark viewing.

I received this book for free from Net Galley. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.

JULIA WILSON