How many different Amish stories can be written? Although Shelley Shepard Gray’s, His Guilt delves into a different aspect of the Amish community, it still feels stale.
This book is surprising; however, as it addresses a darker side of the Amish community, not often written about; families who are Amish in name, if not in deed. Three characters in Gray’s story come from typical Amish homes. This rare twist adds freshness and yet makes one wonder if there truly are Amish families that indulge in alcohol, illegal drugs and mistreat their families?
Gray also spends a bit of time developing the story lines of two Amish turned English characters, also uncommon in this type of novel. However, with both characters, the reader is never really sure, until almost the end, if the individuals are sincere, or intent on causing trouble.
With a “whodunit” type of mystery intertwined, the book will keep readers turning pages until the end.
*A complimentary copy of the book was provided in exchange for this review.