I grew up new PA and the Amish, so reading stories about them always take me home. Hannah is recovering from loosing her husband and now her sister is gone. The FBI is trying to figure out what is going on. But the Amish community is not the easiest to get information from.

I loved the characters and the storyline development of this book. It was absolutely one of my favorites so far and I can't wait to delve in to the next one that this author writes. The storyline was simple, enjoyable, and entertaining.

Young Amish girls are showing up dead. A serial killer is on the loose, and to catch the killer, a homicide detective must face his past and the love he thought he’d never see again.

Homicide Detective Josiah (Joe) left his Amish roots behind to carve himself a new path in the outside world. But it comes at a cost; his family, friends and the women he’ll never forget. When a serial killer begins preying upon young Amish girls, Joe, with his Amish background, is assigned to the case. Suddenly Joe is thrown back into a community he never thought he’d see again.

Joe is committed to making a difference. Hannah is committed to her community and being the best mother she can be to her young son. Both struggle with the lives they’ve chosen, but even the passage of time can’t stop the feelings that never entirely left. But Joe knows he needs to focus on the case and can’t afford to get sidetracked by the past. He’ll face the biggest challenge of his life; going head to head with a psychotic serial killer and coming to terms with his past.

Joe and Hannah both had depth and were genuinely good people with a deep sense of right and wrong. They were compassionate, sweet, and the love between them was unmistakable. While I didn’t agree with Hannah’s perspective at times, I still connected with her. With that said, I felt Joe’s character was more complex, which shown through during the investigation and his dogged pursuit of the killer.

Price treats us to the killers POV. I love it when an author does that. It was definitely cringe-worthy, and boy did it add to the suspense. Trying to figure out who he is kept me on my toes, and it wasn’t easy.

There are flashbacks in this book, and while I’m not always a fan of this style, Price pulled it off well. While slow to start, Price’s cleverly written story allows for the perfect balance between suspense and romance.

Vow of Silence kept my interest from the first page of the prologue to the last page of the epilogue. I was fully engaged in the story but I would have liked the epilogue to be a little longer to give me the closure I wanted.

Vow of Silence is a murder mystery where young Amish women are being killed. Is there a serial killer performing the crimes? Is it someone they know or an outsider or Englisher? Will there be another murder or can Detective Joe/Josiah Troyer, put a stop to the murderer or murderers before someone else gets killed?

Joe is from the rural area and he's the Deacon's son who left and never looked back. He gave up his Amish ways and now he's needed to work a case. He's a detective recruited by the FBI to work with them. He's based in Minneapolis but has to work in the Lancaster area where he grew up. He's been shunned so the Amish don't want to talk to him. In steps his first love, Hannah, who he left behind and broke her heart eight years ago. But she's willing to help him and put her feelings aside since one of the girls murdered was her younger sister.

There is a depth to the characters as the story twists and turns giving us clues but some of the clues seem to just muddy the waters. I liked that it wasn't clear from the beginning who dunnit. There's a darkness that pervades the story and I had to step away a few times just to clear my head. I liked Dexter, Joe's police dog partner, and Hannah's son, Eli. As clues are collected by Joe he's helped with research and cutting through some of the red tape by his FBI contact, Sam, who is working in the same office. His nickname for her is Tink - short for Tinkerbell. He's called Oz by some of those on the local police force. But through it all we see how painstaking it is to put together the case. When the crimes take a personal twist for Joe, there's no stopping him to get the murderer. While the case is solved there are still some unresolved issues that weren't addressed concerning Joe's family. There is a happily ever after in the offing though.

Ms. Price is a new to me author. I may give some of her other books a try.

Let me start by admitting that this is the first novel I've read by Melynda Price, but it certainly won't be the last. Netgalley listed Vow of Silence as a mystery/thriller/romantic suspense novel and it certainly is exactly as described--it's one heck of a good mystery/thriller, loaded with suspense, and rather than having the usual wee bit of romance thrown into the mix, it also reads as a fully explored, fully realized, second chance at romance novel too, and thanks to being written in alternating points of view, the balance between romantic suspense and mystery/thriller was exactly right, and it gets 5 stars from this reader.

Police Detective Josiah “Joe” Troyer was raised in an Old Order Amish community in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, but but left the Amish, and the love of his life, Hannah Belier. Hannah Adams, behind 8 years earlier, breaking her heart and his own, and he was subsequently shunned. Returning to his hometown is the last thing he wants to do, but when called upon by the FBI to help track down a serial killer of young Amish women because they are having no luck getting any information out of the Amish and believe he might be able to just that, he very reluctantly returns, especially when he learns that one of the victims is Cassie Belier, Hannah's younger sister.

To say that his return is hardly welcome by the community who shunned him is putting it mildly. When Joe asks Hannah for her help is talking with the Amish families who've lost their daughters, her sister among them, and discovers that Hannah has a young son, Eli, was widowed 6 months earlier when her husband was killed in a farming accident, he discovers what he always knew, that even after 8 years apart, he is still deeply in love with Hannah, and although Hannah is still angry and hurt that he left her, she still loves him too, even though she doesn't understand why he left her--and neither do we, because the true reason he left her behind isn't revealed until much later in this novel. Kudos to Ms. Price for keeping me guessing at the reason why Joe left, breaking his own heart as much as Hannah's, and for keeping me guessing about the identity of the serial killer until the last few chapters.

There is no shortage of suspects in this novel, and to make it even more suspenseful, Ms. Price let's us into the twisted mind of the serial killer, and we slowly learn some of the reasons why he attacks and kills his victims, and how he's gotten away with it for so long. In addition to dealing with his strong attachment to Hannah, when she and Joe they finally act on their feelings, they are completely unaware that the killer is watching, and that due to what he witnesses, Hannah will soon become one of his targeted victims. Guessing his identity isn't easy. Is it Hannah's late husband's brother, who has repeatedly asked her to marry him since her husband's death, or could it be Seth, her next-door neighbor, who is almost too eager to help Hannah with her farming chores, or is it one of the police deputies, who seems all too interested in Hannah, and who didn't follow proper police procedure when he discovered one of the bodies, in a place he shouldn't have been fly fishing while on duty.

As two more Amish girls are taken, Joe hopes he can find them alive with the help of his trusty cadaver dog, Dexter, who has formed an instant bond with Hannah's young son, Eli. Eli, who has taken the death of his father to heart, becoming silent and withdrawn as he deals with his grief, something Hannah hasn't been able to help him with, but Joe and Dexter manager to break through to him, and finally give him a reason to rebound from his loss, and hope for the future.

What I so seldom find in mysteries, and the reason why I don't read many of them is twofold. First, I can usually guess who the killer is within the first few chapters--not so in this novel. The second reason is that the average mystery novel tends to be more of a police procedural novel, filled with clues and suspects, but lacking any kind of in-depth look at the emotions of the main characters, with whom to form an emotional connection-- not so in this novel. It was impossible not to fall in love with little Eli, Dexter, and especially Joe and Hannah, who still love one another, but for whom we worry because they now live in two different worlds. Will Joe have to give up his profession and return to the Amish community which has shunned him, or will Hannah have to leave the only home she's ever known. If this sounds somewhat familiar, you've obviously seen the movie "Witness," but this novel has the one thing that movie didn't--an HEA ending.

Vow of Silence hooked me from the first page and never let up. While it is truly a fully-formed, multi-layered murder mystery, it's just as much a second chance at love romance, and these are troubled characters, with a past history and secrets that remain secrets until nearly the novel's end. When Hannah and another Amish girl disappear, the suspense ramps up to a break-neck pace as Joe attempts to find both of them before they are murdered. This novel also has both graphic sex and violence, something you rarely find in Amish mysteries but which made this novel so much more than just a murder mystery.

With in-depth characterizations, plenty of suspects, more than a few plot twists, a lovable little boy, Joe's cadaver dog, and the rekindling of a romance between the two main characters, this novel had it all and was a win-win for this reader, and I am happy to recommend it.

I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this novel. The opinions expressed are my own.

If you're looking for a clean, wholesome Amish romance book - this is not the book for you!

I read all sorts of romance books, so I was not turned off by the sex scenes (and there were many) in this Amish romance book, but I could see how some could be. Hence my warning.

This book was amazing! First off, I had no idea who the killer was until the very end of the book. Usually the reader will have some idea(s) as to who the killer is, but in this book everyone I thought was not the case.

I really enjoyed reading the turmoil this couple went through as teenagers that led to Josiah leaving the church. It was interesting to then learn the real reason for her father's decision and the ultimate reason it was a blessing that Hannah remained behind.

I learned a lot about sexual relationships in the Amish culture that aren't discussed (at least from what I've seen) in most Amish romances. All too often those authors go into great detail about holding hands or even the first kiss, but typically that's where it ends. I understand that in that genre most of the books are wholesome but sometimes the attraction piece is missing and you're left wondering what really happens when at night. This book shed a lot of light on that which I found very interesting.

** ARC received from Netgalley **

I love a good Amish “who done it” suspense story! This book is masterfully written with excellent character development. It is fast-paced, intriguing, and full of mystery. A brilliant book, for sure!

This author was new to me and if I'm being honest will not be a new favorite. I didnt love her writing style and more than that I didnt love how much the main character curses. It didn't feel like an actual conversation that would happen or even actual thoughts in a persons head. It was gratuitous, seemingly thrown in for more word count. It didnt flow or fit and that really turned me off.

I love Melynda Price's work. I fell in love with her Against the Cage series, and have read every book from her that I could get my hands on. So when I seen Vow Of Silence on Netgalley, I was really curious. I was use to her sexy, bad-ass MMA fighter romances, so I didn't know what to expect going into a book set in Amish country. BUT OMG!!!! OMFG it was so good. To say I was on the edge of my seat, is putting it mildly. I didn't know who the killer was until a few pages before it was revealed in the book. That doesn't happen often for me. Most of the time I know who the killer is right away. Melynda Price did an amazing job of weaving a world filled with questionable characters, a sick twisted killer, and a sweet, angsty second chance romance. I loved every minute of it. I didn't put it down till I finished it.
Joe (Josiah) Troyer was just so yummy. I have a thing for cops (well men in uniforms really) and I love protective, alpha heroes. Joe was all that and more. He was brave, smart, sweet, and bad-ass. His love for Hannah came through strong on the pages. I didn't feel like there was a big part of their relationship missing, and I didn't feel like it lacked anything. Hannah and Joe had a strong chemistry. Hannah was also amazing. I loved that she was spirited, strong willed, and had a mind of her own. The bravery of Hannah and her inner strength really made her shine in this book. Their second chance love was on point. I loved how deep I felt their connection. Not to mention Joe's connection to Hannah's son Eli. My heart broke for that poor baby losing so much.
Something I find a lot in Romantic suspense novels is that they will either lack in the romance part, or in the suspense part. Very rarely do I find a book that has that perfect balance. This is one of those rare jewels. The plot of this book was so good. OMG so good. It took me on a ride that had me guessing who the killer was, then 20 minutes later changing my mind. The killer was written well. He was a sick sob, and the things he did...... lets just say I would have liked his justice to be a bit more bloody. This book would have been perfect, but for one little thing. It of course didn't take away from my enjoyment of the book, but I would have loved for Hannah's father to pay for his sins as well. Still this book blew me away. I am so glad I got it and I hope Melynda Price writes more books like this. Maybe set in this world. Maybe we can get a peek into how Josiah and Hannah are doing deeper into their HEA. A girl can hope! If you like Romantic Suspense I totally recommend this book.

Police detective Joe Troyer, a.k.a Josiah Troyer, left his Amish roots eight years ago to avoid shunning and hurt to his first and only love, Hannah, but left her with heartbreak instead. Now, the FBI has come to him for his assistance in catching a serial killer targeting young Amish girls in Lancaster County. Joe reluctantly agrees to return to the life he left behind and the love he regrets leaving every day when he realizes that one of the murdered girls was Hannah's young sister. Hannah and the community shun him, but with persistence, he obtains Hannah's aid to solve these murders. Can he solve them in time to save more girls, including Hannah from the killer? Can she forgive him and learn to love him again?

Although this book does involve the Amish, it is not preachy or inspirational, but instead a thriller I couldn't put down. The romance between Joe and Hannah is sweet and tender, the descriptions of Lancaster County are vivid and alive, and the suspense is thick and constant throughout the novel. The ending was a shock - I had no clue or inkling that the killer was who he turned out to be! Vow of Silence is an enjoyable mysterious romance that should be on your summer reading list!

I received an advance review copy for my honest review. All opinions are my own.

A second chance at love? A mystery that needs solved? Those sound like the start of a great recipe.

Joe fled his Amish community and became a detective, not returning until eight years later when a homicide leads him back home...and to the woman he left behind. They were in love, planning to get married, but...

Hannah is once again trying to pick up the shattered pieces of her life. This time it's following the death of her husband, something that's dangerous for a woman in her position, and the murder of her beloved younger sister. And now, her first love has returned? How much can one woman take?

Being apart all these years was hard on both of them, and though the circumstances are nowhere near ideal, they can't help but wonder if there's a second chance with your first love.

Of course, things may change when Hannah learns why Joe didn't stay, the hints revealed throughout the book only serving to drive the mystery, and your interest, higher. It was obvious time didn't dull their love, and perhaps absence truly does make the heart grow fonder, but Joe isn't exactly welcome, having turned his back on their ways.

What does all this mean for Joe and Hannah? Is this their last chance at a HEA? Who is responsible for the deaths? Will the result shock everyone? Will it put Joe and Hannah in danger? Is Hannah's future in the city with Joe? Can she too leave behind all she's ever known?

One-click now and follow along as two people are reunited by tragic circumstances and given another chance to find their forever.

**I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.**

Emma is around 17 years old, and her boyfriend joe is around 18 when Joe sought permission from Emma's father for her hand in marriage. Her father denied him, and Joe broke up with her, and he became English, because he didn't want her to be shunned by refusing to marry the man her father chose for her. Eight years later, Joe is a detective, and the FBI calls him in on a murder case to Lancaster. He's vital to the investigation, because he knows the people in the area. The Amish aren't cooperating with both the local police and FBI. The murders are teenage Amish girls, and they need someone the Amish will trust and open up to. Emma is now a widow with a 5 year old. You'll have to read the book to see how it all turns out. I read this book in one sitting. I was constantly trying to guess who the murderer was, and whether Emma and Joe would rekindle their relationship. I will definitely keep this author on my radar. I can't wait for more Amish mysteries.

I really enjoyed this story. I am not usually a big fan of the Amish but the description sounded intriguing and it certainly lived up to that idea. I have never read this author before but I plan to read her other books.

This was my first book by Melynda Price and to me she knocked it out of the park. This book was filled with mystery and romance. It is a bit different from most books I have read including the Amish.


Eight years ago Detective Josiah "Joe" Troyer left his family and the Amish community where he was raised in Lancaster County Pennsylvania after asking for the love of his life's hand in marriage and was turned down by her father. By leaving the community he is shunned. In the Amish community this means no one will speak to or even acknowledge a shunned person. Joe goes on with his life in the English world and becomes a detective in the police force.


The FBI is looking for a madman who is killing young Amish women and taking their hair as trophies. The FBI comes to Joe knowing his acquaintance with the Amish. Joe decides to go along with the FBI and be part of the investigation, even with his doubts of going home so to speak.


Hannah has been heartbroken for 8 years. When the love of her life just walks away one day. While working in a small inn near the Amish Community she lives in she comes face to face with the only man she has ever loved as well as the man who broke her heart. Detective Josiah "Joe" Troyer.


When they meet face to face all the pain and the love come back to both of them. Hannah's husband has passed away and her younger sister was one of the victims of what the FBI are calling the "Barber", Joe asks Hannah to help him with talking to the other families and members of the community knowing they will not speak to a shunned person. Reluctantly Hanna agrees. Needing to know what happened to her sister and to get justice for her.


With Hannah's help Joe sets out to bring the "Barber" down before he takes another victim. But they have to survive the investigation themselves.

This was one of the best romantic suspense books set in Amish country I have ever read. The details of the community life are accurately described. The characters are compelling and the build up of their love story is perfectly paced. There are several shocking twists and surprises that the reader won't see coming. The mystery is a pulse pounding roller coaster that kept me flipping pages late into the night. I had to read this one in one sitting. I could not put it down. I look forward to more by this author.

Homicide Detective Josiah Troyer returns to his Amish roots to investigate the murders of young Amish girls . I loved this book ! A chilling and gripping thriller with a blend of passion and murder ! You will never guess the bad guy ! I highly recommend ! Thanks to Netgalley and Entangled Publishing LLC for allowing me the honor of reviewing this book ! #Netgalley #EntangledPublishingLLC

Racy Amish mystery thriller

Detective Josiah "Joe" Troyer is sent to Pennsylvania by the FBI to help catch a serial killer who is targeting young Amish women. Joe grew up in the Amish faith and then left it - not of his choice. He left the woman he loved, is now shunned, and works in law enforcement with his cadaver dog, Dexter. He does not want to go back to his own Amish community but the FBI figures, even though he's shunned, he's more likely to get answers than them.

I enjoyed this serial killer thriller but be warned there are some pretty graphic sex scenes.

There isn't a lot of info on the Amish way of life, which I was hoping for. But I still enjoyed this as a serial killer story.

I received this book from Entangled Publishing through Net Galley in the hopes that I would read it and leave an unbiased review.

This was something of a refreshing change of pace for me - and one that I am glad I chose.

This is a devious little book.  At the same time as the author had me rooting for Josiah and Hannah to overcome the obstacles in their way, she also had me second guessing the motives of every secondary male character.  And although there were several twists and turns in the suspense arc, I enjoyed how direct the romance aspect was, even with the constraints of Hannah's beliefs.

And, although not all the familial loose ends were tied up, I found that this still worked for me in the overall conclusion.

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.

I saw that this was an Amish story, and that intrigued me, but be aware this is not a Christian story, this one would get an “R” rating.
This story is written similar to another author that has several books in the nature, and they also are not warm cuddly reads.
This one is the killing of young Amish girls experiencing their running around time, and end up being tortured and killed.
Keep reading there are surprises and bombshells here, I just had to fast forward in some parts!

I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Entangled, and was not required to give a positive review.

***4 Stars***

I’ve enjoyed this authors works, which ranged from being about MMA fighters to a Surf god, so when I saw that she was putting out a book set in the Amish world, a world which fascinates me on all levels, I was all in and I have to say that I loved every second of it. Everything from the characters to finding out who the killer was kept me turning the pages until there were no more words to read.

I loved Josiah and Hannah. Josiah is a good, honorable man who really was born to be a protector of the innocent. He may have left the faith, but he still holds strong to the tenets he was raised with. Hannah is a strong woman who loves her faith and her family with everything in her. But while she truly believes in her culture, she feels conflicted where her heart is concerned since it wants more than what it’s being told it can/should have.

Hannah and Josiah’s second chance journey to their HEA was one I really enjoyed. It was apparent from the first time they collided, after being separated for many years, that they still had that connection that went soul deep and I liked watching as they waded through their pasts and dealt with their present situation where Josiah is public enemy number one in the community and one Hannah shouldn’t even acknowledge. And this doesn’t even take into account the fact that a murder is on the loose in the community. But despite many obstacles in their way, I loved how they found their way back to each other and got their HEA.

This was a great read. Between trying to figure out who the killer was, which I didn’t figure out until right before it was revealed to the reader, and being immersed in the Amish culture and seeing how they viewed their world and the world of the Englisher, I was hooked and couldn’t wait to turn the page to find out what would happen next. So, if you’re looking for a well written romantic suspense to dive into, then this one needs to be added to the list!

~ Copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley & voluntarily reviewed ~