Among the Innocent - by Mary Alford

What an incredibly intense story! The genre is considered romantic suspense, and it is, but there is also an element of psychological thriller mixed in. Prepare to be captivated by all the details that make up this fascinating read. The story is set in the small Amish community of St. Ignatius, Montana. We the readers join the story about ten years after the family of Leah Miller has been brutally murdered. In those intervening years Leah has left the Amish and been taken in by the local police chief Ellis Petri and his wife Marge. Their love and kindness has helped Leah to heal and move on with her life. She has chosen to join the police force and follow in the footsteps of her new father. As the anniversary of her family's deaths looms closer it becomes evident that there is a serial killer in their midst. What a terrifying thought. In so many ways the Amish are easy targets. In general they are trusting people and they are also non violent. I was so stressed out for them as I was reading their story! Mary Alford has taken Amish fiction and kicked it up a notch. I have read a few of her other romantic suspense titles and I think she's a very talented author. I do have to say that I think that Among the Innocent is her best yet. I received a copy of this book to facilitate my review.

Among the Innocent is the first book that I have read by Mary Alford, but it will not be my last. Among the Innocent grabbed my attention from the beginning. I had a hard time putting it down to get anything done. From the opening scene, you sense something is not as it should be. Leah is a strong female protagonist. While she is independent, she had to learn to be from her circumstances; she is not stubbornly independent, which I found refreshing. I found all the characters, except our killer, to be likable. I ached for the victims and their naivety, which stuck with me even after finishing the book. My daughter is around the same age as the victims, and while she is not Amish, I couldn't help but wonder what she would do in similar situations, because she is quite naive. Among the Innocent has a realism factor that is missing in many suspense novels. There is time and space between each incident and a creep factor that is prevalent today. The incidents were gruesome, and even this sensitive reader had to see what would happen next. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves nail-biting suspense, especially authors like Jaime Jo Wright, Nancy Mehl, and C.C. Warrens. Thank you to Revell for the opportunity to read this book. I was not required to provide a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Among the Innocent by Mary Alford is the amazing romance suspense tale of Leah Miller. Leah‘s family was murdered almost 10 years ago. Leah had been seeing Jon behind her parents back. Raised in the Amish church, this was forbidden by Leah‘s family. Unfortunately Jon was not trustworthy and ended up murdering Leah‘s entire family in front of her. He promised he would one day come back for her. Dalton is the new sheriff in town. Taking over for Ellis, the late sheriff who took in Leah after her family died and raised her. Leah was no longer Amish but now a police officer. However something just isn’t right and Dalton knows too much about the case. Why is Jon back now? Who is Jon? Simply put, I could not put this book down. I have read other Amish romance books but this seem to be a whole different genre. I thoroughly enjoyed the story. It kept me on the edge of my seat. Looking forward to many more books by this author. I was given a free copy from the publisher for my honest review which I was happy to do. I highly recommend Among the Innocent.

“You’ll never belong to him or any other man. You’re mine. Do you hear me? You’re mine,” Leah is told repeatedly in Mary Alford’s novel, Among the Innocent. ~ What ~ This three-hundred-and-four-page romantic suspense targets those interested in a serial killer taunting a woman a decade later in a small Montana town. With no profanity but adult situations, topics of violence, brutality, and murder may not be appropriate for immature readers. The ending includes the author’s biography and advertisements In this story, Police Officer Leah Miller still has internal demons chasing her from when a sweet-talking man lured her away from the Amish faith and killed her family. With physical, spiritual, and mental scars from the past, her life is upended when another Amish girl is found dead. With the help of a new police chief named Dalton, the two try to stop more murders but are always a step behind the killer, especially when they realize she is the target. ~ Why ~ This is a non-stop thriller with a hint of romance that keeps the reader wondering what happens next to Amish girls who are swayed by an Englisher. The tale of secrets moves along quickly as both protagonists try to overcome their pasts to locate the killer. I liked the blend of the simple way the Amish live with a police force that erroneously closed a murder case years ago. ~ Why Not ~ Those who do not like romantic suspense with a touch of Christianity about praying to God may not consider this book, although it is lightly mentioned. Others may not care for the scenes containing violence and death, but they are pivotal to the read. I guessed the ending about halfway through reading. ~ Wish ~ I normally do not read any Amish novels anymore as they are predictable in the romance department, yet this one’s tone was not pivotal to the story and could have been omitted. It would have been thoughtful to include the eternal plan of salvation in this story. I prefer all pronouns of God capitalized for reverence. ~ Want ~ If you like an Amish story that has a psychopath determined to follow up on a past crime and characters who keep secrets hidden, this would be an engaging read that includes a bit of romance. Thanks to Revell for this complimentary book that I am under no obligation to review.

I have read other love inspired suspense amish books by this author and I was aware of the book description and content this book was about. However, I wasn’t prepared for reading chapters on the serial killer point of view which was really disturbing and more graphic that I thought a Christian fiction book would be. (This book is classified as a Christian Mystery & Suspense Romance Book on amazon) I definitely think this book should come with a warning due to the nature and killer POV being included. This book upset me for days after I finished it. With that being said; I did read the book cover to cover because of the steady suspense and engaging main characters. I had to know how it was going to end! I always underestimate how evil someone can be, especially if mental illness is involved. It made me sad that innocent Amish women were targeted in this book, hence the title. Leah and Dalton, the main characters, are trying to find the serial killer lose in the Amish community who had ties to Leah 10 year earlier and who they thought had died. I figured out the end beforehand, but it wasn’t predictable and had a couple twists and surprises. Not something I would read again, but if you aren’t a sensitive reader like me, you would probably enjoy this Amish suspense book! I received a copy of this book complimentary for blog and social media review. All opinions are my own.

Among the Innocent by Mary Alford is a captivating suspense novel. I thought the book was well-written with realistic, developed characters. I like that the main characters have suffered tragedies. They are flawed characters just like real people. There is plenty of action and tense suspense in Among the Innocent. A killer is back after ten years bringing back of flood of unwanted memories for Leah Miller. Unbeknownst to Leah, the new police chief, Dalton Cooper also has a connection to the crime that took Leah’s family. The pair must work together to capture a deadly killer. There are plenty of twists and turns in this edgy romantic suspense. There is graphic violence in the story (fair warning). The police follow leads, collect evidence, and try to keep people safe. Unfortunately, the killer always seems to be one step ahead. Be prepared for the hairs on the back of your neck to stand on end. The idea of such an evil person is terrifying. I enjoyed collecting clues so I could figure out the killer’s identity before the gripping reveal. I like how faith was woven into the story. Dalton Cooper is a man of deep faith. He shares his beliefs with Leah whose faith could use some boosting. I enjoyed the picturesque descriptions of St. Ignatius, Montana. The author really brought the area alive with her vivid word imagery. Among the Innocent is a book that will have you staying up late, quickly turning the pages so you can find out how the story ends (be prepared for a book hangover the next day). Mary Alford successfully combined solid characters, an absorbing plot, scary suspense, and faith into one suspenseful tale.

This is Amish fiction combined with contemporary mystery. Leah Miller is a deputy sheriff in the small town in Montana where she grew up and where her family was murdered. She feels responsible for their deaths because the young English man she was secretly seeing at the time is the one who killed them and wounded her. As a deputy, she wants to find the man who disappeared a decade ago. The new chief of police, Dalton Cooper, also wants to find the suspect, but mostly because young Amish girls are currently being murdered in like manner to Leah’s family. Sure that the cases are connected, Dalton joins forces with Leah to track down the killer before he kills again or goes after Leah. The action is fast-paced and riveting with some red herrings thrown into the mix to keep things interesting. The characters are realistic and portray their humanity in several ways, the most endearing being that they end up falling in love with each other. I enjoyed that Leah’s foster mother Marge is involved in the center of the mystery and has a secret herself that is revealed slowly and methodically. There were some parts of the book that were predictable, most notably when young Amish girls had clandestine meetings with strangers. But the predictability did not detract from the entertainment value of the book. I enjoyed the setting out west, a place that I had never associated with the Amish before and I liked the research that went into including tribal law enforcement in the quest of justice. All in all, this is a solidly entertaining and engaging book and I recommend it for those who enjoy clean romantic suspense with more than a little mystery included. Disclaimer Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”

I've long enjoyed her books but Mary Alford's outdone herself with this book. The first page of Among the Innocent reeled me in and I didn't want to stop reading about the search for a truly evil villain! After a ten-year absence "John" has returned to the small Amish community in Montana where he first killed, and his new reign of terror puts the peace-loving people in acute danger. This worst kind of villain hides behind his devastating charm to lure young, innocent, impressionable Amish teenage girls to their deaths, and there seems to be no stopping him! In this book, Alford proves her ability to completely stir emotions with her words. I could feel the fear, uncertainty, and disbelief, along with the frantic need to find this madman before he killed again. Yes, this story is intense, but there are also moments of joy in seeing the friendship that develops between Leah Miller and Dalton Cooper and watching their individual journeys to finding true faith. Among the Innocent is a danger-filled, pulse-altering book that kept me wondering who, how, and why? I recommend it to all who enjoy Christian romantic suspense. I received a copy of this book from the author and publisher. There was no obligation for a positive review. These are my own thoughts.

Mary Alford has written an excellent, well balanced clean romantic suspense novel that keeps the reader engaged and on the edge of their seat! I found police officer, Leah Miller and Police Chief, Dalton Cooper to be very believable and easy to like characters. Leah had suffered through the loss of her family because of a killer who had also injured her. Now that he’s back, it will take Leah and Dalton working together to try to end the killer’s reign of terror. Mary Alford pulls the reader in and allows them to feel so much of what the characters in the book feel. I didn’t want to put this book down once I started reading it.

I read this book twice a few weeks apart, and even the second time through I stayed up to three in the morning to finish it. Yes, it's that good. The characters are great. Mary Alford makes them come to seem like someone that you know and care about. They do get their HEA. The suspense is off the charts! The plot has twists and turns, so hold on tight. You're going for a wild ride. I highly recommend Among the Innocent to readers of clean romantic suspense. I would definitely read more from this author. I received a complimentary copy through NetGalley and am sharing my opinion of this well-written and exciting book.

"You'll always belong to me" are the terrifying words the twisted killer whispered in her ear after killing her family in front of her eyes. Ten years ago Leah Miller was the only member of her Amish family who survived a horrific slaughter. Now the killer is back, the heinous killing has begun again, and Leah is firmly in his sights. In the intervening years, Leah leaves the Amish faith and her community, is taken in and raised by a loving couple, and is now a police officer in her small town. Dalton Cooper is now the new police chief after the previous one is murdered. "He and Leah were kindred spirits. Though she'd lost so much more than he could ever imagine, they both had been affected by the same crime. Only she had no idea of their connection." Hang on to your hats as this story starts out with such intensity and never lets up. A complete page-turner! Fans of well written, creepy, can't-put-it-down, romantic suspense won't want to miss Among the Innocent by author Mary Alford. Thank you to Revell and Net Galley for allowing me to read an early copy. All opinions are my own.

This book had me reading in the wee hours. It was so good. It was VERY suspenseful, a total nail-biting experience! Former Amish Leah, witnessed the death of her entire family. 10 years later she is a member of the police force and working under the new chief, Dalton. They work together to find who is again following the same MO of the murders of Leah's family. There is non-stop action, lots of unsolved crimes and a fearful Amish community as the killer continues his crime spree. The killer is after Leah and is relentless in tormenting her. There is a little romance here, too, so not only suspense to keep your interest going. Leah's character is well developed by the author and you become so engaged with the plot you won't be putting it down for too long. You are going to love this one! I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and was not required to give a positive review. All thoughts are my own.

Edge of your seat, roller coaster thrill ride, that has you hanging on by your fingertips. I was into this book from the get go and was able to pick up on some clues but was glad I couldn’t completely figure it out. Definitely a top notch mystery with great characters. I loved how Leah and Dalton each had a tie in to the previous crime and how that drew them together to solve the current ones. This story is so intricate that it keeps you on your toes and you won’t want to put it down. Heartbreakingly realistic that you will ache for the characters pain. I especially loved how Leah grew in her faith. I highly recommend just start early so you don’t stay up way to late to finish. I received a complimentary copy from the author. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.

She wasn’t ready to play the killer’s games again. Wow!! Do not expect to put this down and it might be better not to start it late in the day, as there will be no sleep if you do! The author has done a fabulous job of drawing the reader in and not letting you relax until the killer is caught, you hope. The Amish setting leads the reader to believe life is calm with most everyone living peaceably, only to find out that horror can enter their serene lives as well. Leah is the only survivor of the horrific murder of her parents and two siblings. After 10 years this atrocity still haunts her every waking hour. Will she ever be able to live without fear? One has to begin to wonder when another murder occurs. Has the killer returned? This ARC was received through Baker Publishing Group, Revell and NetGalley. These thoughts and impressions are my own and were in no way solicited.