Material Witness

Written by Vannetta Chapman

Narrated by Pam Ward

Tragedy strikes on the opening night of the Fall Crafters Fair when a woman is killed in the parking lot of Daisy's Quilt Shop, and the only material witness is one of Melinda Byer's boys. The investigation takes a more bizarre turn when detective Shane Black becomes convinced the killer was actually after Callie.

This time it's a madman loose in the largest crowd of the year, and he's looking for something or someone. If they can't figure out what, one of Deborah and Callie's close circle of friends may be next.

Masked identities, antique quilts with hidden messages, an Amish boy whose handicap makes him stronger, one brave dog, and a possible hidden treasure ... this time it's nonstop action, danger, and a dash of romance.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Zondervan
• Release date: Sep 4, 2012
• ISBN: 9780310415923

Vannetta Chapman

Vannetta Chapman writes inspirational fiction full of grace. She has published over one hundred articles in Christian family magazines, receiving more than two dozen awards from Romance Writers of America chapter groups. She discovered her love for the Amish while researching her grandfather’s birthplace of Albion, Pennsylvania. Her novel Falling to Pieces was a 2012 ACFW Carol Award finalist. A Promise for Miriam earned a spot on the June 2012 Christian Retailing Top Ten Fiction list. Chapman was a teacher for 15 years and currently writes full time. She lives in the Texas Hill Country with her husband. For more information, visit her at www.VannettaChapman.com

Reviews for Material Witness

[cassie.peters1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

It was a fun feel good read.

[passionforbooks_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

An Exciting Mystery - A Real Page Turner!I felt like I was in Shipshewana right there with Callie and her friends Deborah, Melinda, and Esther. Another crime has been committed and of course Callie is right in the middle of it all. Was this latest crime targeted for her instead of the victim? The scary part was Melinda’s son Aaron witnessed it all. Would he be the next target?The author Vannetta Chapman had me on the edge of my seat for this read. I turned those pages just as fast as my eyes would allow me to read. I was totally engrossed in helping Detective Shane Black solve this latest crime. Who did it I wondered. I didn’t even figure it out until the name was revealed! Good job Vannetta.If you want a good mystery to read I am here to tell you that you don’t want to miss this one.I just want to let you know there might be a little romance thrown in!

[autumnblues · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A suspense filled mystery with a surprisingly unique narritive.Material Witness is the first book I have ever read in the Amish murder mystery genre. I was surprised by how suspenseful this story turns out to be and how it really kept me on the edge of my seat. Set in the small Amish town of Shipshewana, Indiana. Callie Harper an Englishcher and owner of Daisy's Quilt Shop is the main character in this story. During Shipshewana's largest Fall crafting and community festivals of the year a murder takes place right outside her shop. This crime is very personal to Callie as the person killed is a rival of hers and the only witness to the crime is a disabled child and son of one of her Amish friends and coworkers. It doesn't take long for Callie to be pulled right into the middle of the mess as she is later targeted by the potential killer. Detective Shane Black is the fortress in the community as he tries to keep everyone safe, especially Callie as he hunts down the killer. Shane and Callie also have a little romance going on, which is a delightful addition to the story.A refreshing change for me with this story is how the Amish share a bond with the Englishchers within this community. One common theme was the coming together of the Amish community when in need during tragedy or misfortune. The author uses an interesting concept, Amish story book quilts are used in combination with a hidden mystery. The children of the Amish also are very involved in the story and even get themselves into hot water throughout the story. I would recommend this book and series to anyone looking for an exhilarating murder mystery with a mix of Amish and Englishchers and their interactions. This book stands well alone and can be read out of series, it contains a little bit of everything including romance, suspense and action. Chapman's easy to read writing style and unique narrative and perception of the Amish and Englishchers interactions is certainly a nice change from other Amish authors.

[wearylibrarian · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I have begun to feel I am a part of this Amish community. Vannetta Chapman continuously writes books that leave me feeling lost when they come to an end.Callie's competitor in the quilt shop business is murdered in Callie's garden and Melinda's handicapped son Aaron saw the whole thing. Now Aaron's life is in danger and Callie is receiving calls demanding "the money". It all tied in to 3 quilts That were willed to Callie.

[alekee_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Just finished another great visit with Callie, and her Amish girlfriends. Deborah, Esther, and Melinda who have made Callie an honorary sister.When the owner of the other fabric shop is found dead in Callie's parking lot, and the murder witnessed by young Aaron, Melinda's young handicapped son. You have to think...not again?? Mrs Knepp, the deceased has never liked Callie, but why was she murdered?The only thing they can think of is the quilts that an elderly Amish woman left the four of them. Mrs Hochstetler, gave these quilts to them to be restored, and the money split.Do the quilts that appear to tell a story hold a clue to this murder? Shane Black the Police Detective, has feelings for Callie, he had arrested her in the first Shipshewana mystery. Will things move forward with them, and will they even survive who ever seems bent on killing. He has even attacked Max, Callie's Aunt's dog that she inherited.I read this book in less than a day, and couldn't put it down. I want to spend my days visiting with this great friends.I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Zondervan, and was not required to give a positive review.

[sweetpea0944 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Material Witness by Vannetta Chapman is set in the small Amish community if Shipshewana, Iowa. It is the third book in the Shipshewana Amish Mystery Collection although it is the only book in the collection I have read. I found the book to be worthy as a stand alone novel and had no trouble getting to know the characters. I'm sure reading the first two books in the series would, no doubt, have added more depth to the characters but Mrs. Chapman did a wonderful job of weaving details of the characters back stories to ensure her readers get a clear picture of her characters and the reasons behind their reactions to events in the book.

I read a lot of Amish literature and I found this particular book unique from any other I have read. It was a refreshing change and the author had me guessing until the end. Where most Amish literature focus around the family and life on the farm, this book focused on the work environment, friendships and mystery. Of course there was a romance involved but it was just a small part in the overall story. I appreciated the fact that one of the young Amish boys was born with a genetic condition which required him to use a wheelchair. My own son is very close in age to this character and he also uses a wheelchair due to a disability. I could relate to the child's mother in feeling the need to protect her son because he is medically fragile yet knowing he must be allowed to have real life experiences and responsibilities.

The double meaning of the title was a cleaver choice by Ms. Chapman. I suppose there was more than one mystery to be solved in this book. : )

This book gets 4 out of five stars. I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys mysteries, Amish literature, or Christian romance. You won't regret spending the time to read this book.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of the ebook from Zondervan through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to give an honest review and the expressed opinions are my own.

[rhonda1111 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Material Witness by Vannetta Chapman 4 STARS This book is the third book in the series but the first one I have read. So to me it seems like a stand alone novel with old friends back together. Now I would love to go back and read the ones I missed. This a mix of friends some amish and others english and some cops. They all seem to be friends and respect each others ways. The characters are warm and likeable. Except the murders of course. It keeps you guess till the end on who and why. It is a clean book no sex,no swearing, some kissing, some lying and some killings. The story begings at the Fall Crafters Fair that is going on in town. Daisy's Quilt Shop is busy at this time. Three kids leave thier parents and go look over the booths and almost back to the store one of the Matt realized he had left his wallet at one of two booths. So they parked Aaron in his wheelchair near a bench and the other two ran back to look for the wallet. It was Aaron idea to wait thier because he knew they could each run faster and check a booth and get back to him before they were all late getting back. While Aaron was waiting he saw a lady in the bushes looking at the store not wanting to be seen. He also so a man come up behind her and the lady fell face down and the killer bending over and picking something up and looked right into his eyes. Aaron had Max Callie's dog with him and he started barking loudly and the guy ran off. After the crime scene people had left Callie went back to her apartment that is by the store and got a phone call wanting the money of someone else would be hurt. She was being watched and if she went to the police he would know. Callie did not know how he knew where she was and what she was doing but she was not willing to take the risk. Especially when he mentioned Aaron and his wheelchair and killing Max. So she texted Shane the police detective who was in charge of the case that she would be late for thier breakfast and the new time and place. Callie was able to tell him about the phone call and trashing her place. They came up with a plan that would give them time. keep Callie safe and her friend's son Aaron safe. So while everyone met to work together to figure out what money was missing and how someone would think that she now had it and why they think it was Callie that was supposed to be hurt instead of killing a 80 year old lady who was dressed like her. So her friends and families all stayed at another amish house to keep them safe. The three teens also had thier own ideas and plans after they were almost killed by being run over. They wanted to stop the killer so they tried to lie to their parents. This was a good detective romance story. I did not put it down till I had finshed reading it. I was given this ebook to read in exchange for honest reviews by Netgalley. 09/01/2012 PUB Zondervan 320 pages ISBN 9780310330455

[bunniehopp · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Material Witness is one of a series of mysteries set in an Amish community. The mystery and story line were well done. There was good suspense and action after the opening setting. The quilting theme was nicely woven into the story, providing the reader with an insight into the craft, art, and valuation of Amish work. I was disappointed in one minor aspects of the book. The main character, Carrie's emotional reactions were a bit forced and didn't feel authentic. She was frightened one moment and in the next breath she claimed to be angry, although no action came of either emotion.What I felt was an overwhelming success in the story was the portrayal of deeply held and lived values of the Amish people. Vannetta Chapman portrayed the heart of people who truly live the Christian law of love even for enemies, as well as real neighborly caring for and sharing in each other's needs, joys, and sorrows.

[kaykwilts · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This book is the third in the Sheshewana mystery series and by far the best! One of Callie's competitor's has been murdered outside her quilt shop window. Aaron is a young Amish lad bound to a wheelchair is the only witness. This youngster is the child of one of Callie's dearest Amish friends. Pretty soon it becomes obvious that Callie was the intended victim instead of the older lady when Callie starts receiving threatening phone calls. She nicknames him The Creeper. Not only is her life at stake but the life of Aaron. Callie must take action soon to protect the ones she loves but how can the killer be found in the most busy time of the year? Their town is holding it's annual crafts fair and there are thousands of strangers in town but is it a stranger or it is someone in the community? All I can say is that you need to read this. I can't say much more or I will spoil the story for you. I hope the author plans to write more suspense stories.This book will be released September 4, 2012. Thanks to Netgalley and Zondervan for providing me with this ebook to review.