{"product_id":"blood-of-the-prodigal-9780821412763","title":"Blood of the Prodigal","description":"\u003cb\u003eBook Synopsis\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMystery and foreboding lurk in a quiet Old Order Amish community when a young boy goes missing one early morning without a trace. With a strong distrust of law enforcement and the modern “English” ways, the bishop must put his faith in an unlikely partnership. Will he find the boy before it’s too late?\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eTrade Review\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"Gaus brings a refreshing authenticity to his unusual setting and characters. There are no wisecracking gumshoes here, but instead believable characters whose faith is explored with respect. Anyone who enjoyed the film \u003ci\u003eWitness\u003c\/i\u003e should take to this fine mystery debut.“ * Publishers Weekly *\u003cbr\u003e“A pleasure to read.” * Library Journal *\u003cbr\u003e“Gaus writes with authority and warmth about the mysterious Amish…. This well-written, insightful first novel bodes well for Gaus' planned Professor Branden series.” * Booklist *\u003cbr\u003e“The charm of Gaus's first novel lies in its gently penetrating portrait of conflicts within the deceptively quiet contemporary Amish community.” * Kirkus Reviews *\u003cbr\u003e“No one who enjoys a fresh approach to the mystery novel, plus an insider's look at Ohio's Old Order Amish culture, should miss Blood of the Prodigal. P. L. Gaus gives us a kind, gentle, and intriguing look at crime inside Ohio's famous Amish colony.”\u003cbr\u003e“Gaus has done successfully what would seem nearly impossible: to meld a mystery novel with a description of Amish life in Holmes county without scanting either one…. (A)n impressive debut novel.” * Ohioana Quarterly *\u003cbr\u003e“P. L. Gaus’s voice in his first mystery is so assured and polished, it’s hard to believe this \u003ci\u003eis\u003c\/i\u003e his first book…. (T)he strength of the descriptions of the Amish … is such that as a reader you almost resent being away from it for a moment.” * Aunt Agatha's Newsletter *\u003cbr\u003e“This story is written in the tradition of Tony Hillerman: Gaus presents a deeper understanding of an American subculture and why—though it interacts with mainstream American society—it stubbornly chooses to remain separate and follow its own unique doctrines. Enthusiasts of mysteries, American sub-cultures, or those interested in learning more about Amish ways will find much to glean from Gaus’ work.” * ForeWord *\u003cbr\u003e“In addition to the very interesting portrayal of Amish culture, I most enjoyed the characters and relationships at the heart of the book…. The small-town flavor revealed through the interplay among this cast of characters is both believable and endearing.” * Deadly Pleasures: A Mystery Magazine *\u003cbr\u003e“The characters are full-bodied and finely wrought…. The plot is solid and well paced. And Gaus informs us about the life and practice of the Old Order Amish without instructing or lecturing.” * The Mystery Review *\u003cbr\u003e“The Amish setting is as strange and intriguing as that of any foreign country, and the strong-willed characters challenge the reader’s prejudices and values. This novel, the first in a series, opens the door for further exploration of the nature of these characters and their culture.” * The King's English, Salt Lake City *\u003cbr\u003e“(\u003ci\u003eBroken English\u003c\/i\u003e)…was nearly impossible to put down.” * The Daily Record (Wooster, OH) *","brand":"MJ - Ohio University Press","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51038649418071,"sku":"9780821412763","price":19.94,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0817\/1739\/5799\/files\/9780821412763.jpg?v=1750940924","url":"https:\/\/bookcurl.com\/products\/blood-of-the-prodigal-9780821412763","provider":"Book Curl","version":"1.0","type":"link"}