Plain Murder

Miller (Leah’s Choice and other Amish-themed romance novels) tries her hand at a mystery, with modest success. Amish-born Rachel Mast has returned to Stone Mill, Pa., after a successful corporate career to open the B&B Stone Mill House, with hopes of turning the village into a tourist destination. Tightfisted local businessman Willy O’Day’s disappearance goes unlamented by everyone except his twin brother, George, but when Willy’s murdered body is found eight months later in a cow pasture, Rachel’s uncle, Aaron Hostetler, the owner of the pasture, comes under suspicion. Aaron’s faith leads him to refuse to defend himself or hire a lawyer, despite Rachel’s pleas, so she takes the case on herself. In the process, she tests her relationship with policeman Evan Parks. Rachel’s struggle to reconcile her traditional upbringing and “Englisher” lifestyle provides this whodunit with its most intriguing element. Agent: Evan Marshall, Evan Marshall Agency. (Jan.)