It's a rumspringa gone awry. A group of nine Amish youth become involved in drugs to the point one is murdered, apparently by a drug dealer. Another is injured. One of the girls seeks help from pastor Cal Troyer and reserve sheriff deputy Professor Michael Branden. Sheriff Robertson finds himself at odds with DEA on how to handle the case when the girl is kidnapped by the dealers. Jeremiah Miller, whom we met in an earlier installment, is in this installment. Will the youth renounce their Amish faith or return once their rumspringa is up? Will they even be alive to make the choice? Will marriage follow for the girls? I don't want to give away too much. I stumbled upon the audio version of this series a couple of installments back. I really enjoy George Newbern's narration of the series. It is published by a mainstream publisher, but it would still be appreciated by those enjoying Christian fiction. This installment is probably a bit "preachier" than some of the others as both Pastor Cal Troyer and the Amish bishop offer advice to the young people. ( )

Temptations and choices. We face them every day. Should I eat that second slice of pie? What will happen if I call in sick and go to the ball game instead? Should I marry for money or remain single? Some are not important decisions; others are life changing. For young Amish people, perhaps the most important decision of their lives is whether to become baptized Amish or join the English and embrace their worldly temptations. In this tale, P. L. Gaus illustrates what can happen when formerly obedient Amish youth become ensnared in the world of drugs and liquor. Tempted by cell phones, cars, computers, ipods, and more, these young people are soon in over their heads on a path that can only lead to death and destruction. Is it too late to renounce the English world and return to the peaceful safety of the Amish community? Will the wrath of the drug dealers follow them to their homes and endanger others? This exciting, well written mystery will keep you enthralled to the very end. ( )

This is my second book by P.L. Gaus and I enjoyed it very much. The Amish teens take Rumschpringe to the extreme. Sheriff Robertson, Pastor Cal Troyer and Professor Michael Branden are on the scene to solve the crime. ( )

The curious practice of Rumschpringe, where Amish elders allow their older teens to "run wild" before deciding to join the church, is the central theme in this mystery. Set in Holmes County, Ohio, an Amish teen who leads a small gang of Amish teen friends is found shot to death in a remote barn. Professor Michael Branden and Pastor Cal Troyer help their friend Sheriff Bruce Robertson investigate. This is one of a series that explores major issues of Amish culture. These straightforward procedurals are notable for their unusual setting, suspense, and fascinating look at Amish/English relationships. ( )

Part of a series. The story involves a group of Amish young people (late teens/early 20's) who go too far in checking out the modern world & get into trouble involving drugs & violence. Local police are the heroes. This book makes an effort to present the thinking of the Amish community.