The Search: The Secrets of Crittenden County, Book Two [Paperback]

Shelley Shepard Gray (Author)

Book Description

Release date: June 19, 2012 | Series: Secrets of Crittenden County (Book 2)

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Shelley Shepard Gray continues her Secrets of Crittenden County series with The Search—a page-turning romance novel that’s tinged with mystery, set in Kentucky Amish country. One of the most popular writers of Christian romantic fiction with Amish themes—a much beloved romantic storyteller who stands alongside such notable novelists as Beverly Lewis, Wanda Brunstetter, and Cindy Woodsmall—Gray returns once more to a small devout community rocked by the  murder of a young, black sheep neighbor. An unforgettable tale of romance, faith, and duty, The Search tells the story of a love that blossoms between a young woman who’s guarding shocking secrets about the victim, and the dedicated “Englisher” homicide detective who has arrived from the outside world to investigate.

Editorial Reviews

Review

“The second book in the acclaimed Crittenden County series is action packed, with memorable and believable characters. Gray knows what works and never disappoints…” (Romantic Times BOOKclub for THE SEARCH )

Lovable characters and a good story, full of romance and suspense...a must read. (Library Journal for THE SEARCH )

“Top notch characterization brings snappy life to this story.” (Romance Reviews Today for THE SEARCH )

From the Back Cover

In the midst of a murder investigation in the heart of Amish country, one young policeman finds his heart led astray

The serenity of the quiet Amish community of Marion, Kentucky, is disrupted when the body of Perry Borntrager is discovered in an abandoned well. Now the small town faces the first death by mysterious circumstances in more than twenty years, and Detective Luke Reynolds is brought in to help investigate. But before he can solve the crime, he faces unexpected feelings for Frannie, the Amish owner of the local bed-and-breakfast. Though they butt heads at first, Luke finds himself drawn to Frannie's bedside when she's injured in a kitchen accident.

Soon it becomes clear that Frannie knew Perry better than she let on . . . they'd been secretly courting when he disappeared.

Has Luke fallen for the very woman responsible for the crime?

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 288 pages
• Publisher: Avon Inspire; Original edition (June 19, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0062089722
• ISBN-13: 978-0062089724
• Product Dimensions: 7.9 x 5.3 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (42 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #291,719 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Shelley Shepard Gray lives in southern Ohio and writes full time. A busy wife and mother of two, she spends her days writing and keeping track of her two teenagers. Her two dogs keep her company when she writes in her basement.

Shelley enjoys writing about the Amish and visits Amish communities in Adams and Holmes counties several times a year. When not spending time with her family or writing, she serves on several committees in her church.

She also bakes a lot, loves coconut cream pie, and will hardly ever pull weeds, mow the yard, or drive in the snow.

Shelley also spends a lot of time on line! Please visit her website, www.shelleyshepardgray.com to find out her latest news...or become her friend on FaceBook.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Could Not Put This Book Down!!! June 19, 2012

By Michelle

Format:Paperback

The Search puts us smack dab back in the middle of Perry Borntrager's murder investigation. Luke Reynolds and Mose Kramer are hard at work trying to solve the mysterious death. There's still not much to go on, but if sheer determination was the answer they would have their man. This time around our attention is focused mainly on Luke and Frannie Eicher. Frannie, as you know dated Perry, and runs a local B&B. Luke doesn't anticipate his feelings for Frannie, a growing attraction that comes as a surprise. When Frannie is hurt and has to stay at the hospital, Luke is right there by her side. The death of Perry Borntrager may have brought Luke to Crittenden County in search of a killer, but deep down inside he is searching for much more. Is Frannie what he is looking for? Frannie longs to be loved and with her choice in men has yet to find it. When her feelings for Luke come to the forefront, she can't help but wonder if he really cares for her, or is he trying to get close to find out if she knows more than she is saying about Perry's death. We also meet Beth Byler, who steps in to run the B&B when Frannie is in the hospital. I loved this character because she and I share similar kitchen techniques! This book doesn't miss a beat. It picks up effortlessly where book one left off. Chalked full of suspense, romance, and some of the best characters that I have had the pleasure to meet, The Search cannot be missed. Shelley writes with a real knowledge of what a reader wants, intriguing and unique characters who will leave you wanting more. I can honestly say as I closed in on the end of this book I was left feeling sad but a happy sad. I did not want the book to end!... My suspicions are running amuck with my own theories of who killed Perry and cannot wait read the conclusion of this most excellent series of books!

This book was provided to me from HarperCollins Publisher's via Edelweiss in exchange for my review. Read more ›

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Loved This Book!!! June 27, 2012

By Melanie

Format:Paperback

The Search is the second book in Shelley Shepard Gray's series, The Secrets of Crittenden County, and a great addition! I absolutely loved the first book, Missing, and before I even read this book I expected to enjoy it... well, I loved it!

To someone like me who doesn't read that many Amish-like books, this series has been fantastic (so far). One thing in particular that has made this series so enjoyable to me is the murder mystery. After two books, I am still having a difficult time trying to decide who is the killer - right now I'm between two different people.

Oh, and the characters in The Search were great. I especially liked Beth, Chris, and Luke - there are many more, though, that I liked, but I won't mention them all.

Overall, this is a wonderful book that I recommend if you like mysteries, romances, or Amish novels, because, in my opinion, it was very good. :) I am really looking forward to the final book, Found, (kinda sad that there is only one more book in this series) which is set to release later this year.

*I received this book for free for my review. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.*

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Delightful June 21, 2012

By C. K. Harrell

Format:Paperback

I have been waiting for this book to come out and I am very pleased. "The Search" is the second book in "The Secrets of Crittenden County" series and I find myself snickering & giggling at the delightful banter that occurs between some of the characters in this interesting book.

The story begins in this small cozy Amish town of Marion, Kentucky. You will find that the characters are generously portrayed. Mose Kramer is the local Sheriff of the cozy little farming community and has an enormous task of investigating the death of a young troubled Amish man named Perry Borntrager that was found dead in an abandoned well on the Miller farm. Mose has invited a friend, Luke Reynolds a Cincinnati Detective to come and help with the investigation. Was it an accident? Was it murder?

Frannie Eicher a young beautiful Amish woman that is the owner and operator of the Yellowbird B & B. Did she know Perry? How involved was she? She is upset with the English Detective that is so persistent in questioning her about her relationship with Perry. Luke is finding that he is attracted to Frannie. While Frannie is working in the kitchen preparing for her B & B guest she drops a fragile glass bowl that splinters and fly's up in her face, neck & hands resulting in her taking and ambulance ride to the hospital. She needs surgery and may lose her eye sight. Frannie is terrified when Luke shows up at her bedside to bring her comfort. Luke doesn't want her to be alone during this time. Soon her father shows up and wants to know who this Englisher is. His cranky cantankerous character is humorous. Then when her on again and off again beau Meeka shows up and feels competitive shocking Frannie and pushing her into sorting out how she really feels about the men in her life.... Frannie has a secret that soon unravels.

Beth Byler a dear friend of Frannie offers to run the B & B while Frannie is ill & soon discovers that she is in way over head. A strange young man comes to stay at the B & B and trouble ensues.

The writer weaves a delightful web of romance possibilities around her characters along with some suspense with the investigation and a strange visitor to the B & B. Delightfully sweet. Well worth the money!

Enjoy.. Read more ›

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Super Read August 9, 2012

By M. Fields

Format:Paperback

I own and have read all of Shelley's books. I love them all but The Secrets of Crittenden County series has been her best yet. I really hate that she left us hanging on who the killer is, now I have to wait until next month to read Found to find out.
I really think that this is a must read.