The Names of Our Tears: An Amish-Country Mystery
Modern life intrudes upon the Amish of Holmes County, Ohio, in shocking fashion when a young woman in the community is found murdered, and her family farm contaminated. Ruth Zook, shot shortly after returning from an Amish retreat in Pinecraft, Florida, was apparently a reluctant mule, who threw the cocaine she had carried into the pond by her house, bringing out the EPA in full force. Sheriff Bruce Robertson pieces together events after another young Amish woman comes forward with a similar story, convincing him that the local situation is part of a much bigger problem. Gaus’ narrative occasionally slows with an overabundance of procedural detail, but series regulars Professor Michael Branden, in Pinecraft, and Pastor Cal Troyer provide comfort and continuity in this eighth Amish-country mystery. Loose ends in the murder case lend realism and augur well for the next installment. --Michele Leber