Review: WHISPERS FROM THE DEAD by Karen Ann Hopkins

WHISPERS FROM THE DEAD

Serenity's Plain Secrets #2

by Karen Ann Hopkins

Publication Date: January 6, 2015

Pages: 277

Source: Kismet Book Touring/Author

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Some Amish communities aren't so cozy.

Whispers From The Dead is the powerful and thrilling sequel to Lamb to the Slaughter in the Amish mystery series, Serenity’s Plain Secrets. Sheriff Serenity Adams and Daniel Bachman are once again partnered up in a criminal investigation, when they travel to a northern Amish settlement that has been riddled by arsons for the past two decades. Serenity quickly discovers that there is a lot more going on than just barns being set on fire in the touristy community of Poplar Springs. And this group of Amish has their own secrets to hide. Serenity begins to unravel an extensive criminal underworld that threatens to destroy everything that the simple people of Poplar Springs hold dear, and once again puts her own life in jeopardy. And even though Serenity tries desperately to avoid it, things begin heating up between her and Daniel, making her wonder if true love and happiness are really within her grasp. 

*Some language and romantic sexual content.

My Thoughts

Whispers from the Dead, the newest title in the Serenity's Plain Secrets series, is an intense mystery, full of danger and intrigue. I've come to look forward to reading novels by this author and about the lives of the characters she creates. One of the things I love is that Hopkins is a master at creating an opening scene that grabs the reader immediately, leaves them rattled and then curious for more. 

Another thing I love about this series is the main character, Serenity. I like reading about her because she isn't a character that lets things happen to her. She's a take charge kind of woman. She is gutsy and instinctual. She takes chances, but she isn't always all business. Her inner dialogues reveal her humor, but her longing too.

When I finished the Lamb to the Slaughter, I wanted to know more about the relationship between Serenity and Daniel and I got it. Serenity is continuously at battle with her feelings for Daniel because of past relationships, but she is beginning to see that Daniel shouldn't be judged on the actions of other men from her past. There are few interactions between them, but it is obvious they are important to each other.

If the first two books of this series are any indication of how the each book will continue, each story will take place in a different community. I really like this technique, but I enjoyed some of the characters in this book that I wouldn't mind revisiting them in the future. (And there are a lot of characters in this book, it took a while to get them all sorted out and remember who was who and what connection/relation the characters had to each other.) 

I really loved Whispers from the Dead. I don't want to say that is my favorite by this author because I find myself saying that with each book that I read, but this one is near the top. I am a fan of Karen's books, her writing style, the Amish setting, and her characters. I will continue to read her books as fast as she can publish them and share them with readers.

Disclaimer:  I received this e-book from the author as part of a promotional blog tour hosted by Kismet Book Touring in exchange for my honest review.  I was not compensated in any way other than the e-book provided. Thoughts and opinions are my own.

As part of the Whispers from the Dead blog tour, the author is offering a tour-wide giveaway.

What’s up for grabs:

• 5 e-copies of Lamb to the Slaughter, Book 1 of Serenity’s Plain Secrets

• 5 e-copies of Whispers from the Dead, Book 2 of Serenity’s Plain Secrets

• A traditional Amish style hand stitched wall hanging/lap quilt

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