by Karen Ann Hopkins
Series: Serenity's Plain Secrets #1
Genres: Crime Fiction, Mystery, Romantic Suspense
Source: Tour
Purchase*: Amazon *affiliate
Lamb to the Slaughter is a story about the intertwining lives of three unlikely people in an Indiana Amish Community and the devastating results when a rebellious teenage girl is found shot to death in a corn field during the harvest. Serenity Adams is the newly elected young sheriff in the country town of Blood Rock and besides dealing with the threatening behavior of her predecessor, she now has a dead Amish girl on her plate. At first glance, the case seems obvious. The poor girl was probably accidently shot during hunting season, but when the elders of the Amish community and even the girl’s parents react with uncaring subdued behavior, Serenity becomes suspicious. As she delves deeper into the secretive community that she grew up beside, she discovers a gruesome crime from the past that may very well be related to the Amish girl’s shooting. Serenity enlists the help of the handsome bad-boy building contractor, Daniel Bachman, who left the Amish when he was nineteen and has his own dark reasons to help the spunky sheriff solve the crime that the family and friends who shunned him are trying desperately to cover up. Serenity’s persistence leads her to a stunning discovery that not only threatens to destroy her blossoming romance with Daniel, but may even take her life in the end.
Lamb to the Slaughter by Karen Ann Hopkins offers readers a view into the small town of Blood Rock, Indiana that borders and interacts with a local Amish Community. Hopkins delivers a murder mystery that has the new local sheriff navigating the two communities to catch a killer. Mini Review: fascinating whodunit with a side dish of romance.
5 reasons to grab a cup of coffee & curl up with Lamb to the Slaughter:
- You like small town settings and are curious about the Amish community. Hopkins does a great job of sharing small-town politics, Amish culture and dealing the issues that arise when dealing with criminal acts.
- You like a nice, slow-burning romance and aren’t looking for it to be all wrapped up in a neat bow at the end. I liked the chemistry between Serenity Adams and Daniel Bachman. The romance is definitely a side dish to the murder mystery, but an enjoyable one.
- Strong, complex characters who are also flawed or damaged. Serenity is tenacious when it comes to solving crimes and seeking justice for the victim. She is skittish when it comes to relationships despite her obvious attraction and warm fuzzy feelings towards Daniel. It was delightful watching them interact.
- You enjoy tagging along on an investigation and digging up clues. Hopkins did a great job of creating suspects and offered up a suspenseful mystery with twists. She provided subtle clues that allow the reader to piece together the crime. The tale had multiple perspectives, including those of the victim. This gave us terrific insight into the character and the events leading up to the crime. I had an inclination of who the killer was and I was pleased with how this tightly woven case unfolded. Hopkins gave me a satisfying, realistic conclusion to the investigation.
- You like reading series that feature the same lead characters and, like each book, focuses on a fresh case.
Lamb to the Slaughter was an easy, enjoyable read that I completely enjoyed. I was over the moon, excited to hear that there will be more books in this series. Serenity and Daniel will solve cases involving Amish communities throughout the Midwest!
About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
CJ Schindler
Sounds to me like some good reasons to pick up this book! I’m so happy this is going to be a series because I can tell it’s unique and well-written. Thanks for sharing!
kimbacaffeinate
enjoy 😉
Christina R.
I’ve always been interested in Amish communities because of their social laws, how they work together. I totally love mysteries too!! This sounds wonderful. The author, I know, writes beautifully!
I love that the romance works, that it’s a well written love affair, and that the mystery gets readers trying to figure it out too 🙂
Lovely post!
Thank you 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
I love studying the culture too Christina. Good luck and enjoy!
Jan
Great review, Kimba. It inspired me to go buy the book!
kimbacaffeinate
Oh I am glad Jan. I love the setting and mystery. The side dish of romance was nice too 🙂 I look forward to hearing your thoughts on it.
A Voracious Reader
I like the sound of this one and a new-to-me author taboot. Win!
kimbacaffeinate
I really enjoyed this Carol and cannot wait to go on the next case with this duo.
Glass
I have to admit that this is not kind of read I’d pick up. I like whole mystery part of the story, but I’m not so sure about Amish. It’s not that I’m judgmental or anything like that (actually I know very little about it) – I simply don’t find that appealing too much religious talk in my books.
Great review.
kimbacaffeinate
Actually there is very little if any religious talk, it is more about their way of life.
Kay
Not only does this sound incredibly unique, but the title and cover really grabbed my attention. Your positive review pushed me into the “I really want to read this” category. It has been added to my TBR. 😀
kimbacaffeinate
Enjoy Kay, I am excited by this series and look forward to spending more time with these characters.
MaryAnn
This looks intriguing ~ going to check it out now!
kimbacaffeinate
Thanks MaryAnn, it was well done. Good luck!
Ginny
This sounds terrific. I really enjoy slow building romances that occur in the backdrop of the main story. I am adding it to my read soon list. Thanks for the giveaway. Off to share it with my peeps now. 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
Good luck and I am glad you added it Ginny!
Mary Preston
This sounds amazing. It ticks all the boxes for me.
kimbacaffeinate
Sweet, I hope you try it Mary 🙂
Andrea
Those are five great reasons, Kim. I’m glad you enjoyed Lamb to the Slaughter. Great review!
kimbacaffeinate
thanks Andrea, I love mysteries and the culture and romance simply added to the tale!
bn100
Interesting reasons
kimbacaffeinate
thanks it had many elements I enjoy 🙂
Michelle
This isn’t my typical type of read but it does sound really good! Thanks for sharing it Kimba!
kimbacaffeinate
thanks Michelle I quite enjoyed this one 🙂
Christy
Yeah, I’ve been eyeing this one. Sounds good!
Also, I did a couple of these reasons to read/reason I loved posts and really liked it. It was nice doing it a little different than usual.
kimbacaffeinate
Awesome that you are trying new formats, I had fun with this one 🙂
Diana Leigh
You have me very curious about this one! I don’t think I’ve read a book about the Amish community, though I’m a big fan of mystery/suspense.
kimbacaffeinate
There aren’t many in this genre, they tend to be romance, so I am excited!
Karen Ann Hopkins
Just wanted to let you all know that the giveaway is INTERNATIONAL! Also, the quilt is authentically Amish and will be gorgeous 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
Thanks Karen, and I did contact my international followers 🙂
blodeuedd
>Not really my genre but it sounds cool
kimbacaffeinate
Ah, we need to get you reading mysteries:)
Braine Talk Supe
I’ve only read ONE Amish book & it’s paranormal. I love the rest of the reasons and trying a contemporary Amish one would be interesting.
kimbacaffeinate
Was it The Hollowed Ones? LOL I loved that 🙂
Melissa (Books and Things)
I do like a good twisty mystery! Oh and I do like the unusual setting as well. I wasn’t happy about the not so tied up ending until you said there were more books. Okay, now I can deal. LOL This does sound like something I would enjoy!
kimbacaffeinate
I was the same way until I learned it will be a series, then I was fully on-board.
Sophia
I do love the title – Lamb to the Slaughter – very interesting! Unfortunately I’m not a huge fan of romance… as proved by my hate relationship with those books, LOL.
kimbacaffeinate
LOL, well the mystery is front and center in this, and the romance is a slow-burning side dish 🙂
Debbie Haupt
Great review Kimba and wow what a freaky premise. I’m getting more into Amish fiction I love the intermixing of cultures.
Thanks
deb
kimbacaffeinate
I couldn’t agree more 🙂
Candace
Lately I’ve been really fascinated with anything to do with the Amish so that’s what got my attention about this one. I’m going to grab it right now!
kimbacaffeinate
Enjoy Candace, I am anxious for the next book already 🙂
Michelle
This looks interesting. I can’t say that I have read too many (ok any) amish stories. IN fact, my amish knowledge is almost exclusively from the show Amish Mafia, so I am sure that I am VERY WELL informed. 😉
I do love mystery stories, so this one might be a good match for me.
Great review Kimba
kimbacaffeinate
hahaha…you crack up Michelle:)
brandileigh2003
The variety and strength of the characters sound like it makes the story great. I love a flawed or damaged character, makes them easier to relate to.
kimbacaffeinate
I agree Brandi and it also allows for growth.
Jenny
“You like a nice, slow burning romance and aren’t looking for it to be all wrapped up in a neat bow at the end.”
Love the sound of that Kim! Normally I like everything all wrapped up in a bow at the end, but since I know this is a series now, I’ll be fine with things a bit more up in the air. So glad you loved this and thank you for being a part of the tour!
kimbacaffeinate
hehehe..this was why I needed to know if it was standalone..I would have been unhappy with the open ending. Thanks Jenny 🙂
Melliane
oh I haven’t read a lot of Amish books… well in fact one by Laura Bickle and I loved it. I think it’s always so interesting to follow a culture we don’t know a lot about. It’s the reason why I’m really intrigued by this one as well now.
kimbacaffeinate
I loved Bickle’s books and yes I agree it is interesting. I hope you grab this Melliane 🙂
kindlemom1
After reading The Hallowed Ones last year I am so up for another great Amish read!
kimbacaffeinate
I loved the Hallowed and you will love this too Ali 🙂
Nick
OK, this sounds absolutely amazing. I’m fascinated by Amish communities and murder mysteries, so I can tell this is going to be a book that I’ll enjoy. Also, love that cover! I hadn’t heard of this one before, but I’ll be adding it to my to-buy list.
Great review, Kim!
kimbacaffeinate
The cover spoke to me Nick, and I think you will love all the elements in this one!
Jenea
This sounds like a fantastic murder mystery and an Amish setting makes it even more interesting sounding. Great review.
kimbacaffeinate
Thanks Jenea! I enjoyed this 🙂
Lauren
Ooh I’m definitely curious about this one! I’ve been wanting to read her series, and this sounds like a great way to get a taste for her writing. I would like to read a book that dives into the Amish way of life, and I love slow burning romance. I’ll have to check this out!
kimbacaffeinate
Lauren this had the right blend of Amish details, mystery and romance. Enjoy!
Franny
I’ve been obsessing (well, not entirely, lol!) about the Amish community since I watched both seasons of Breaking Amish, so this kinda intrigues me. I loved how you pointed the reasons why we should all read this book, and I’m definitely gonna put it on my Goodreads list!
Oh, and thanks for having an International giveaway! 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
We grew up not far from a large community and I love books, and history regarding the Amish.
Franny
Wow, really? That must’ve been cool! (and I realized the giveaway is NOT international so, never mind!)
Watching those shows made me realize that I would never survive in there. I guess we grew up with too modern stuff…
kimbacaffeinate
you are right, I alerted tour. I would not want to give up internet or reading.
finley jayne
Oh, I really like the sound of this one! Adding it to my tbr list 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
I am excited you added it, I loved so many elements and hope you do too 🙂
Melanie (YA Midnight Reads)
Oh I do love small town settings so putting this under my radar!
brilliant review, kimba! <33
kimbacaffeinate
Enjoy Melanie, this was a great start and I am excited it will be a series 🙂
Siiri
Ha! I have a so-so relationship with small towns since I’m form one and sometimes I prefer the big cities, though it does have it’s good sides of reading about small communities. SLOW BUUURN!!! And I do love me some more.. realistic endings. Yay for awesome characters and a great mystery. I’m so happy to see that you enjoyed this, Kim 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
I grew up in a small town, and so I always find them interesting. Yes, this romance is sweet and I anxious for more!
Jennifer Bielman
Well, I got to admit, you caught my interest. I am not one to look for Amish books but this solving mysteries thing seems fun.
kimbacaffeinate
Sweet, this was fun and I look forward to working with this team again 🙂