When the Bishop Needs an Alibi

Vannetta Chapman

Aug 2017 · The Amish Bishop Mysteries Book 2 · Harvest House Publishers

About this ebook

A Terrible Secret Hides in the Bulrushes

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.

Ratings and reviews

When the Bishop Needs an Alibi by Vannetta Chapman is the second installment in The Amish Bishop Mysteries. Henry Lapp is the bishop of the small Amish community in San Luis Valley, Colorado. Henry is out birdwatching with his beagle, Lexi at the Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge when he discovers the body of Sophia Brooks. Sophia had been in town for about five weeks where she worked at Maggie’s Diner (Henry eats several meals a week at the diner). Henry could tell that something was troubling Sophia by her nervous and furtive behavior. Henry and Emma Fisher tried to help the woman, but she would not let them assist her. When Henry ends up being the police’s prime suspect in Sophia’s death, he can tell someone is setting him up. It is up to Henry’s friends to follow the clues and clear his name. Henry had done some drawings of Sophia at the diner that aids the group in their investigation. But the killer is willing to go to great lengths to keep his activities under wraps. When the Bishop Needs an Alibi is well-written and has a great main character. Ms. Chapman’s word imagery brings the scenes alive. I like Henry Lapp with his unwavering convictions, strong faith, love of animals, his gentle nature and his unique ability. Emma Fisher is the perfect companion/counterpart for Henry. They nicely complement each other. I thought When the Bishop Needs an Alibi to have a nice, steady pace and full of suspense. I kept reading to see what would happen next. The mystery is complicated, but only a small part can be solved before the reveal. The mystery is one that plays out and we must read to find out how it will turn out (that was disappointing). As most of you know, I prefer a mystery that I can solve. While When the Bishop Needs an Alibi is the second novel in this series, it can be a stand-alone. Everything a reader needs to know is included in this story (about the community, Henry’s ability, what happened to Henry in the past, his relationship with Emma). However, I do recommend reading What the Bishop Saw as it is a wonderful story. My rating for When the Bishop Needs an Alibi is 4 out of 5 stars (I liked it). The ending is heartwarming and so sweet (it will make you smile). There are discussion questions, recipes, and a glossary at the end of the book. I will definitely be reading Who the Bishop Knows when it comes out next spring.

About the author

Vannetta Chapman writes inspirational fiction full of grace. She has published over one hundred articles in Christian family magazines, receiving more than two dozen awards from Romance Writers of America chapter groups. She discovered her love for the Amish while researching her grandfather’s birthplace of Albion, Pennsylvania. Her novel Falling to Pieces was a 2012 ACFW Carol Award finalist. A Promise for Miriam earned a spot on the June 2012 Christian Retailing Top Ten Fiction list. Chapman was a teacher for 15 years and currently writes full time. She lives in the Texas Hill Country with her husband. For more information, visit her at www.VannettaChapman.com