Book Review: Who the Bishop Knows by Vannetta Chapman

Who the Bishop Knows by Vannetta Chapman is a stellar end to a superb series.

In the final installment of Chapman's Amish Bishop Mysteries series, Henry Lapp and Emma Fisher are attending the rodeo when Jeremiah Schwartz is fatally injured. In the past, Henry's special gift has helped the local authorities solve mysteries. This time, however, he wasn't in the arena when Jeremiah was killed, so drawing what he saw won't work. When other members of his community are threatened, Henry will need to rely on his keen sense of human character and observation to crack the case.

I'm sorry to see this series end; but if it must end, I am so glad it went out in such a spectacular way. Beloved characters blend with new characters and a plot filled with twists and turns to create an engaging mystery. Chapman has always been talented in creating that vital sense of community that is indicative of the genre. Her books highlight the challenges and blessings of working alongside the Englisch members living nearby. This series has been as much about building bridges between the two worlds as it is in solving the mysteries.

Though this is a stand alone novel, I highly recommend starting with the first book, What the Bishop Saw. It's nice to watch the relationships evolve throughout the three books. Faith, friendship, and learning to accept our talents are recurrent themes. If you like Amish fiction and enjoy mysteries, you won't want to miss Who the Bishop Knows by Vannetta Chapman.


Series: The Amish Bishop Mysteries (Book 3)
Paperback: 352 pages
Publisher: Harvest House Publishers (March 6, 2018)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 073696651X
ISBN-13: 978-0736966511


I purchased a copy of this book from Amazon. This review contains my honest opinion, which I have not been compensated for in any way.

Book Review: When the Bishop Needs an Alibi by Vannetta Chapman

Bishop Henry Lapp, Emma Fisher, and more familiar faces return in When the Bishop Needs an Alibi, the second book in Vannetta Chapman's Amish Bishop Mystery series.

Henry and Emma find themselves in the middle of another mystery when he discovers the body of a young woman while visiting the Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge to witness the annual arrival of 20,000 sandhill cranes to the San Luis Valley of Colorado.

When Henry quickly becomes the primary murder suspect, it seems like God is calling him to use his special talent to help in the investigation. He realizes his involvement in discovering the truth could put those he cares about in the path of a dangerous killer who will stop at nothing to make sure Henry is framed for murder.

As much as I enjoyed the first book in this series, What the Bishop Saw, I loved this one more. Faith, friendship, and courage blend together to create an engaging story that pulls you in immediately. It's wonderful to watch Henry and Emma's relationship evolve in the second novel. In addition, the strong ties that bind this community together add a meaningful dynamic to the story. Chapman continues to fascinate me with her ability to weave an amazing story that keeps you riveted and also touches your heart.

I can't wait for Who the Bishop Knows, which is due out this spring. I highly recommend this series to lovers of Amish fiction and cozy mysteries.

Paperback: 352 pages
Publisher: Harvest House Publishers (September 1, 2017)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0736966498
ISBN-13: 978-0736966498

I received a copy of this book from the author. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.

Coming in May: What the Bishop Saw by Vannetta Chapman

Somewhere in the Embers Lies the Truth

A fire blazes out of control in the San Luis Valley of Colorado, leaving an elderly Amish bachelor dead. Bishop Henry Lapp rushes to the scene, and he learns the fire was no accident. Someone intended to kill Vernon Frey. But who would want to kill Vernon? Well, practically everyone—Amish and Englisch alike.

When the police point the finger at a suspect Henry knows is innocent, the bishop must decide whether or not to use his mysterious, God-given gift—one he's tried desperately to ignore all these years—to try and set the record straight. His close friend and neighbor, Emma, encourages Henry to follow God's leading.

Could the clue to solving the case be locked somewhere deep in his memory? Will Henry find the courage to move forward in faith and put the right person behind bars? Is his friendship with Emma becoming something more?


What the Bishop Saw is a story of extraordinary talents, the bonds of love and friendship, and the unfailing grace of God.

Series: The Amish Bishop Mysteries (Book 1)
Paperback: 352 pages
Publisher: Harvest House Publishers (May 1, 2017)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0736966471
ISBN-13: 978-0736966474

Pre-order here!