Crimson Stain

This was very well written and lots of documentation. The story of the first Amish man convicted of homicide. Ed Gingerich was convicted of the very brutal crime of killing his wife. At the trial it was argued whether or not he was mentally ill when the killing occurred.

I find the Amish community fascinating, and living in an area near them helps to learn more about them. I was kind of shocked reading this book because I had a different opinion of them even though an Amish friend told me once that they aren't that different then us "Yankees" except for dress, their beliefs, and staying away from worldly things. They have family problems, domestic vilolence, rape, incest and more.
I think the graphic way in which this book was written is most what shocked me, and how brutal and sick this Amish man was. Interesting...yes, but I can't say that I couldn't wait for it to be done. Not very many true crime novels bother me, as far as reading them, but this one sickened me. Would I recommend it...I'm not sure, show more but if you don't like reading about
the horrors that murderers can do to a human body...then its not the book for you. show less

This is an engaging and fascinating true crime book about the only Amish man ever to be convicted of murder. The details of his mental illness and the use of folk medicine to treat him are interesting. The author's style needs to be tightened up a little, but is best in the courtroom descriptions.

Poor Ed didn't stand a chance. If only help had been available both Ed and Katie would still be alive. The kids would not be without parents and a whole host of people would have been spared the heartache. Jim Fisher did a wonderful job with his research and telling this story! A true crime like no other!

Good book. Of course even more interesting since I live in the same area as this incident.