Serenity Plain Secrets Series by Karen Ann Hopkins

I read the first two books in this series – Lamb to the Slaughter and Whispers from the Dead by Karen Ann Hopkins. First of all, I must say that the writing is good and the story lines are great. This is the first Amish series I’ve read that isn’t an “Amish series” full of sunshine and the simple life is best, etc., if you know what I mean. The main character, Serenity, isn’t Amish, but a sheriff that finds herself involved with a murder in an Amish community. The books show an underside of the Amish we don’t often, if ever, think about. And yet the author isn’t disrespectful to the Amish. I love murder mysteries and am always up for finding new authors. However, I won’t be reading anymore of these. Reasons why?

1. I can’t figure out if these are supposed to be Christian or not. There is a small thread of scripture and Christian belief thrown in, but the actions of those involved confuse me. I’m happy to read something that isn’t a “slap you in the face witness”, subtley is fine, but I should be able to figure out if the references are meant to encourage my faith or are a passive-aggressive dig at my faith.
2. The sexual scenes thrown into these books are totally unnecessary to be as graphic as they are. In the first book it is fairly small so I was able to move on and set it aside. While I felt it unnecessary, it was workable. The second book was much more graphic, and thrown in at the end with no real purpose other than to push it over to an “R” rating.

I’m disappointed, because the writing is good and I love a good mystery. However, I’ll be looking elsewhere for my next book.