Murder, Plainly Written by Mindy Steele

Book Details: 

Title: Murder, Plainly Written 

Series: Volume 1 (The Plain Order Ink Society)

Author: Mindy Steele

Publisher: Barbour Publishing

Release Date: September 1, 2026

Pages: 256  

Genre: Christian Mystery & Suspense

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Book Description:

She just wanted to fit into Amish Country. . .now she’s standing out!

First novel in The Plain Order Ink Society series, in which Amish writers crack the case of local mysteries.

Sadie Lynch thought inheriting her late Amish aunt’s candle shop was a blessing—a chance to leave her stalled writing career behind and find a fresh start. But running a Plain business when she's not Amish isn’t exactly filling her store with customers—especially when the local minister insists she sell out.

Sadie, who doesn’t want to leave, thankfully meets Wanda—an Amish woman with a secret obsession. As Wanda continues to visit the candle shop, an unexpected partnership blooms when Wanda agrees to help Sadie’s shop in exchange for writing advice.

But the grand reopening of the candle shop takes a deadly turn when the body of the Amish minister is discovered behind the counter. Now Sadie is the only suspect, prompting Wanda and the Plain Order Ink Society to try helping her solve the mystery.

But in this Plain community, secrets burn brighter than flames—and nothing is as simple as it seems.

My Thoughts: Fun and Engaging

Murder, Plainly Written is a wonderful cozy mystery. As Sadie finds herself owning a shop she knew nothing about from a relative she never knew existed, she moves forward filled with the hope that this new beginning offers. The last thing she expected was to be considered a top suspect in a murder case, and as the case unfolds, more and more clues surface, leaving more questions than answers. Through it all, friendships and relationships develop, impacting the case. While finding the guilty party, the motives, and how it all took place kept me guessing, I was also turning pages to find answers to Sadie's own mystery. 

This wonderful mystery had elements of friendship, community, faith, family, and a touch of romance. Through the writings of Sadie and the Plain Order Ink Society, it also provided key information about what the writing process entails. I found it very insightful and felt it greatly enhanced the storyline. 

This fun and engaging story is a must-read for anyone who enjoys a great cozy mystery, and if it's not your thing, I recommend trying it anyway. You won't be disappointed. 

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an advanced copy of this book. All comments and opinions are entirely my own and voluntary.

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About the Author: Mindy Steele

Raised in Kentucky timber country, Steele is a best-selling and award-winning author who writes in favor of her rural surroundings. Winner of the 2022 and 2024 FHL Reader’s Choice award, Steele has been a welcomed addition to the Amish genre. Her knowledge and admiration for the Amish credits her ability to understand boundaries, and customs, giving her readers an inside view of the Plain life. Her accidental debut into romantic suspense proves she is a writer of words and a storyteller at heart. Her books are peppered with humor, and sprinkled with grace, charming all the senses to make you laugh, cry, hold your breath, and root for the happy ever after ending.