Spring has come to Sugarcreek, and the community is rallying behind an effort to help victims of domestic violence. At a work day to remodel abandoned cottages for families in need of safe havens, volunteers discover dozens of jars filled with old coins hidden within the walls of a kitchen. When the money is stolen from the safe in Cheryl’s office at the Swiss Miss, she feels responsible to find … find the thief and recover the loot. The investigation takes her back to the 1940s and connects people and events from the past to current friends and neighbors. It’s a journey to discover invaluable truths, such as “one doesn’t have to be rich to be generous” and “It’s those who give most freely of their time and treasure who find true peace for their souls.”
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When I went on my 2020 mission of getting current on all my various in-progress cozy mystery series, this was one of only two which I excluded from that goal, in this case based solely on the fact that these are some of the rare books I actually need to purchase (the other series is a buddy read, in case you were curious). I did read one book from this series about midway through 2020 but other than that, I haven’t spent any time with Cheryl and Naomi since fall of 2019. It was good to get back to Sugarcreek.
What I liked about “Mason Jar Mayhem”:
The lighter tone – Cozy mysteries are notoriously light (other than the case under investigation, obviously), but the Sugarcreek Amish Mysteries take it lighter still. The cases never involve murder. In fact, there isn’t even any threat of violence except in one lone book (at least so far), which interestingly proved to be my least favorite series installment to this point. (I guess I now have certain expectations when it comes to this series!) While I do love me a good traditional style cozy still, I also enjoy knowing that this series will give me “mystery lite” and “Mason Jar Mayhem” delivered on that.
The faith aspect – Let me be very clear here: You aren’t going to avoid getting some faith talk if you delve into this series. This is not merely Christian fiction but published by Guideposts, which is a publisher of all sorts of faith-based reading material. You’re going to get some Jesus and some faith struggle in these books. I find it especially comforting, especially as I read this book deep in the throes of Lent when my mind is turned constantly to some heavier introspection.
The case – I have to say, I really enjoyed the case of the coins and how it all played out. There was enough friction to create the intensity I look for in a mystery. There were enough twists and red herrings to keep me guessing (although I did finally land on the correct suspect before the big reveal). I was engaged the entire time.
What I didn’t care for:
A few dangling threads and inconsistencies – A couple of characters, though their stories did get wrapped up, seemed to drop off the page as soon as their situations were clarified. I felt as if there was no proper farewell to them and it felt odd. As for the inconsistencies, I believe this is born of the fact that each book is written by one (or more) of a pool of contributing authors which lends itself to certain discrepancies if one isn’t paying proper attention to minute details. I am a details person, so even after minimal interaction with this series over an extended period of time, they jumped out at me. It also throws me when Elizabeth or Levi occasionally drop contractions into conversation when literally none of the other Amish characters ever slip into that habit. Really, my nitpicking is minor. It didn’t ruin the story for me. I just noticed these things.
This was a good visit with my Sugarcreek friends and a much-needed lighter book to enjoy. I already have Book 11 purchased and I am looking forward to more time with Cheryl and her friends in the near future.