Rachel Mast, is a character that lives between two worlds. Born and raised Amish, she presently lives as an Englisher and runs a Bed & Breakfast as well as a gift shop in the nearby town of Stone Mill, Pennsylvania. At this time, she is planning her upcoming marriage to Evan Parks, an English State Trooper. Rachel often acts as a go-between when the Amish people have any issue with English law enforcement. Rachel is helping her mother at the wake of a young Amish man, Daniel Fisher, who died in a hunting accident. Evan arrives to tell her the detectives want to question the family as Daniel's death is actually a murder. When the detectives arrive, Rachel assists the family while they are being questioned, much to the chagrin of the detective. When Moses, the older brother of the widow is arrested after he confesses to the crime, Alma, Daniel's mother-in-law asks Rachel to help find the real killer. Moses is considered odd, but Rachel thinks he has Asperger's Syndrome. Rachel and her cousin, Mary Aaron begin to ask questions. They are sure that Moses is covering for someone. As the investigation continues, the townspeople are taking bets on whether the wedding will actually take place at all or whether Rachel will back out.

This story is filled with mystery and suspense. There are many twists along the way with more than a couple suspects. The mystery in this story is well plotted and will keep you guessing as to who is the guilty party. I changed my mind on who it was a few times and I love when I think I have it all figured out only to be thrown in a different direction by the author. Rachel's character is strong, loyal, smart, stubborn, persistent and doing an amazing job of balancing her old and new worlds. I enjoyed the character of the English "prepper", Charles, who lives on the mountain. It looks like he may become a friend and I would love to see him in a future story. Mary Aaron is still trying to decide which world she wants to live in. She works well as Rachel's sidekick. Of course Evan continues to be the patient, understanding man who is proud of Rachel and her feelings for others. He has moments in this story where he has issues, but that makes him more realistic. Another great story by Emma Miller and I look forward to my next visit to Stone Mill, Pennsylvania. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book via Netgalley. ( )

Plain Confession by Emma Miller is the fifth book in A Stone Miller Amish Mystery series (aka An Amish Mystery series). Rachel Mast owns Stone Mill House, a bed and breakfast, in Stone Mill, Pennsylvania. She is attending the funeral of Daniel Fisher who died in a hunting accident. Many people comment on Daniel’s kindness and the improvements he made to the Studer farm since his marriage to Mary Rose. Rachel is surprised when Evan Parks, her fiancé and a state trooper, shows up at the funeral with the news that Daniel’s death was not an accident. Detective Sharp is in charge of the investigation (since Evan stepped down), but he is unfamiliar with the Amish and he is lacking in people skills. Moses Studer, Daniel’s brother-in-law, confesses to killing Daniel when he is questioned which leads to his arrest and the end of the police’s investigation. Alma Studer, Daniel’s mother-in-law, comes to Rachel asks her to prove Moses innocence. Rachel agrees to help Moses and sets out to find the truth. She needs to work in her wedding preparations in between her sleuthing. Rachel and Evan’s wedding is fast approaching, and Rachel has yet to have her final dress fitting. Townspeople are wondering if Rachel will show up at the altar or become a runaway bride. After making some inquiries, Rachel soon discovers that outward appearances are deceiving. Rachel becomes intent on solving the case before she walks down the aisle. Who killed Daniel Fisher? Will Rachel make it to her wedding? Return to Stone Mill and help Rachel solve the case in Plain Confession.

Plain Confession is the fifth book in the series, and it can be read as a standalone. Details on Rachel, her family and Evan are included. I found Plain Confession to contain good writing, and it was easy to read. Emma Miller is a descriptive writer which helps bring a book to life. I did feel that some details were not needed. An example is as a person is driving down the road readers get a detailed description of the scenery, the turns the person makes while driving, etc. Rachel Mast is a unique character. She was raised Amish, but she was not baptized into the faith. She stayed in the community where she was raised and runs a bed and breakfast. This allows her to interact with the Amish and Englisch. I like that Rachel honors Amish traditions (dressing modestly and covering her head for example) and is respectful. I felt that she became too fixated on the case. It made it seem like she was having second thoughts about her marriage to Evan Parks. I did not like how Evan did not want her to look into Daniel’s case and kept reminding her (once was enough). It felt off since Rachel has helped Evan on past cases. I like that the main characters are established and nicely developed. I was not a fan of Detective Sharp. Sharp is a cliché nasty detective that is similar to those in other cozy mysteries. The mystery has some good components, but I felt it was too simple. I wish it had been more complicated and harder to identify the culprit. The investigation consists of Rachel asking questions and then speculating on the case. I was curious as to why Daniel’s body had been released for the funeral when the investigation into his death was not complete and the autopsy results were not in. Of course, the police showing up at the funeral was tacky and inconsiderate (they could not wait until the next day). Plain Confession needed more action. The pace was too slow at times which made my attention wander. Christian elements are woven seamlessly into the story (having faith, God’s mercy), power of prayer). My rating for Plain Confession is 3 out of 5 stars. While Plain Confession is not my favorite book in the series, I will continue to read the books in A Stone Mill Amish Mystery series. ( )

The author has us back at Rachel Mast’s Inn, and we catch up with her life, and with Mary Aaron, and Evan, and of course her State Trooper fiancé, and without a doubt there will be a mystery.
Balancing her wedding, and running the inn, along with the murder of a local Amish man, keeps our girl busy, and missing appointments. There are even odds that she will bolt from her ceremony.
This one is going to keep you guessing from beginning to end, and we get to meet a lot of interesting characters while we try to guess to find out who the murderer really is.
I enjoy being in this community, and hope for more, need to know what happens with Mary Aaron, and the rest of the folks we have come to know.
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Kensington, and was not required to give a positive review. ( )