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.

Reading Now: Who the Bishop Knows by Vannetta Chapman

What You Don't See Might Hurt You

Every year, residents of the small Amish community in Monte Vista, Colorado, look forward to the Ski Hi Stampede, the state's oldest professional rodeo. The rodeo is always good, clean entertainment for the hardworking farmers of the San Luis Valley. But this year, the Stampede turns deadly for one Amish man. Did rodeo fans see an unfortunate accident? Or something more sinister?

Amish bishop Henry Lapp is known far and wide for his uncanny ability to draw and remember the smallest details of anything he's seen, skills that have served him well in past investigations. He was at the rodeo that day. The problem? He didn't see Jeremiah Schwartz's death.

With a murderer on the loose and members of his community being threatened, Henry must act fast. But can he solve a crime he didn't see? This time around, Henry will have to rely on his keen sense of human character and observation, skills he's honed in his role as bishop, if he hopes to crack the case.

What the Bishop Knows is a story of accepting our talents, putting one another first, and trusting that God will care for His children.

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

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Reading Now: When the Amish Needs an Alibi by Vannetta Chapman

Amish bishop Henry Lapp eagerly awaits the annual arrival of 20,000 sandhill cranes to the San Luis Valley of Colorado. But his visit to the Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge reveals more than just a miracle of God’s creation. Hidden among the bulrushes and cattails is the deceased body of a young woman.

As the local authorities attempt to unravel the mystery, Henry feels God’s calling to use his extraordinary talent to aid in the investigation. His ability to draw from memory in photographic detail could help solve this puzzling case.

Henry’s closest friend, Emma Fisher, has always urged him to embrace his gift. As their relationship deepens, Henry realizes his involvement could put him and those he loves in the direct path of a killer, one who is willing to do anything to cover up a brutal crime, including framing the bishop.

When the Bishop Needs an Alibi is a compelling story of faith, friendship, and finding courage only God can provide.

Release Date: September 2017
Page Count: 352
ISBN: 978-0-7369-6649-8

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

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Kindle Bargain: Murder Freshly Baked by Vannetta Chapman

The Amish Artisan Village of Middlebury, Indiana, might be the last place you would ever expect to find a murderer. But Amber has been managing the Village for decades and there’s nothing she hasn’t seen. Or so she thought.

When poetic notes begin appearing around the bakery, warning that some of the pies have been poisoned, Amber is as confused as she is concerned. Who poisons pies? And more to the point, who leaves poems of warning after they’ve done it? When Amber decides to help the police track down the sweet-toothed saboteur, she enlists Hannah Troyer for another round of Amish-style detective work.

Can Amber and Hannah help the police before the Poison Poet strikes? Both women will need to draw on their faith to preserve the peaceful community they’ve built in Middlebury . . . and to protect the girls who work in the Amish Artisan Village.

File Size: 2328 KB
Print Length: 340 pages
Simultaneous Device Usage: Up to 5 simultaneous devices, per publisher limits
Publisher: Zondervan (June 9, 2015)
Publication Date: June 9, 2015
Sold by: HarperCollins Publishing
Language: English
ASIN: B00PFBNZQU


Purchase here for only $1.99!