Article-at-a-Glance
• A Perfect Square is a captivating blend of mystery with an Amish community setting.
• Main characters Deborah and Callie provide a strong female lead presence in the narrative.
• The story is set in Shipshewana, Indiana, known for its Amish population and traditional lifestyle.
• The plot involves a mystery, revolving around mysterious characters.
• Vannetta Chapman’s writing style is accessible and engaging, with a focus on authenticity and cultural details.
A Perfect Square: A Wholesome Blend of Mystery and Amish Life
When you pick up a Vannetta Chapman novel, you’re not just reading a story; you’re stepping into a world where simplicity meets suspense, and A Perfect Square is no exception. This second installment in the Shipshewana Amish Mystery series invites readers into a tight-knit Amish community where a puzzling death stirs the waters of their otherwise tranquil lives.
An Overview of Shipshewana’s Quaint Appeal
Shipshewana, Indiana, may be small, but its charm is mighty. Known for its extensive Amish community, it’s a place where the clip-clop of horse-drawn buggies is a familiar sound and handmade quilts are a common sight. In A Perfect Square, Chapman uses this serene backdrop to juxtapose the unsettling undercurrents of a mystery that hits close to home for the Amish residents.
Characters That Craft the Story
Let’s meet the lead characters who breathe life into the pages of A Perfect Square.
Delving into Deborah’s Determination
Deborah Yoder, a happily married Amish woman with five children, cares deeply for her friends and her community. When someone she loves has a problem, she feels compelled to help solve it. A symbol of resilience, her determination to protect her community and uncover the truth behind unsettling events drives the narrative forward. As readers, we see Shipshewana through her eyes, and her internal struggles add depth to the story’s mystery.
Callie: More Than Just Daisy’s Quilt Shop Owner
Callie, an Englisher who owns a local quilt shop, represents the bridge between two worlds. A transplanted Texan, she has been in Shipshewana for about five months now. Her outsider perspective provides a fresh take on the Amish lifestyle, and her friendship with Deborah highlights the universal themes of trust and loyalty.
When the editor of the local paper bursts into Callie’s store with the news that a fatality has been reported and Deborah is at the location of the fatality, Callie’s world begins to shatter. Is it Deborah? Is Deborah the fatality? Callie has known Deborah less than half a year, but, she suddenly realizes, Deborah is the closest thing to family in her life. This abrupt insight is a testament to the power of community, regardless of one’s background.
Plot Twists in A Perfect Square Wrap Around Mystery Characters
Every good mystery has its twists and turns, and A Perfect Square is a tapestry of surprises. Chapman cleverly constructs a narrative where each chapter pulls the reader deeper into the heart of the puzzle and closer to the truth.
Who are These People?!
Chapman creates a mystery right from the beginning by introducing two unknown characters and one everyone thought they knew. But the latter’s behavior is so unusual and unexpected his closest family and friends are wondering, “Who is this guy?”
A Dead Girl in a Pond: Starting Point of Suspicion
The calm of Shipshewana is shattered when a dead girl is found floating in a pond. This grim discovery serves as the catalyst for the unfolding mystery, challenging the community’s sense of security and trust. In this village where everybody knows everybody else, the girl is a stranger. It’s not just that they don’t know her name. They’ve never seen her before.
What they do know is that she’s Amish. At least, that’s what her dress tells them.
A Hidden Observer: Source of Curiosity and Suspense
Almost as soon as the unknown girl is discovered, Samuel appears in the story. He is hiding on top of a hill in the woods, watching the tableau below. And he knows the girl’s name. She is Katie.
It doesn’t take long to understand that Samuel loves Katie. Does that mean he killed her? Was it an accident? Or was it murder? Everyone knows that the most common murderer of women is a husband or boyfriend. But, even though he’s hiding, Samuel’s thoughts don’t seem like those of a murderer. They’re more like a broken-hearted lover. So, why is he hiding?
Reuben – An Enigma Wrapped in Amish Simplicity
Reuben is an enigma. He embodies the Amish ideal of humility, yet there’s more to him than meets the eye. His interactions with the other characters offer subtle clues that there’s a secret hidden beneath the surface of his simple Amish life.
Reuben appeared briefly in the first book in this series, Falling to Pieces. And as A Perfect Square opens (about four months later), we learn that Reuben’s cousin Tobias is now engaged to Esther Zook. Reuben and Tobias live on their late grandfather’s farm. Reuben farms the land, and Tobias helps when he’s not working at the feed store in Shipshewana. It is in a pond on their property that Deborah and Esther discover Katie, the mystery girl.
Tobias is mystified at the girl’s presence. He has no idea what she’s doing in the pond on their land. But what about Reuben? He doesn’t deny knowing her. And he doesn’t admit knowing her. In fact, he’s not saying much of anything. Of course, everyone knows he would have never harmed Katie; his character and temperament testify to the certainty that he had nothing to do with her death. Then why is his behavior so mysterious? Do they really know him so well, after all?
Themes Echoing through the Pages
In A Perfect Square, Chapman doesn’t just tell a story; she paints a picture of Amish life that’s rich with themes that resonate on a universal level. The book explores the tension between the individual and the community, the importance of faith, and the power of forgiveness.
Through the lens of the mystery, these themes are not just abstract concepts but lived experiences of the characters we grow to care about. As the plot thickens, these themes become the compass that guides the characters’ journeys and the yardstick by which they measure their actions.
The Intricacies of Faith and Forgiveness
Faith is the cornerstone of Amish life, and in A Perfect Square, it’s also a source of strength as the characters navigate the trials before them. Forgiveness, too, is a recurring theme, challenging the characters to look beyond their immediate pain and toward a higher purpose.
Chapman’s Narrative Craft
Chapman’s writing is a tapestry of the familiar and the mysterious. She crafts a world that’s rich in detail and authenticity, making the Amish way of life accessible to readers who may be unfamiliar with it. Her narrative is a bridge between cultures, inviting a broad audience to cross over into the simplicity and complexity of Amish life.
One of Chapman’s strengths is her ability to build tension in a setting that is, at first glance, tranquil and uneventful. It’s this contrast that makes the suspense in A Perfect Square all the more gripping.
A Closer Look at Amish-Centric Dialogue and Description
The dialogue in A Perfect Square is crafted with care, reflecting the unique patterns of Amish speech without alienating the reader. Chapman balances the use of Pennsylvania Dutch phrases with English translations, providing a window into the culture while maintaining the flow of the narrative.
Descriptions in the book are vivid, painting a picture of the Amish community that’s both idyllic and realistic. From the hand-stitched quilts to the home-cooked meals, the details are a testament to Chapman’s commitment to authenticity.
Through her descriptive prowess, Chapman doesn’t just tell us about the Amish way of life; she immerses us in it, allowing us to experience the simplicity and depth of this unique culture.
Building Tension in an Amish Town
Tension in A Perfect Square is a slow burn. Chapman knows that in a community where life moves at a gentler pace, suspense must be carefully cultivated. She does this by layering small inconsistencies and unsettling details amid the routines of daily life.
As the investigation deepens, so does the tension. Chapman uses the introspection of her characters and the closeness of the Amish community to amplify the sense of unease. With each chapter, the stakes are raised, and readers are drawn further into the heart of Shipshewana’s mystery.
The Verdict on A Perfect Square
When the last word is read and the final clue solved, A Perfect Square stands as a testament to Vannetta Chapman’s ability to weave a compelling narrative within the unique setting of an Amish community. It’s a novel that holds its own, both as a mystery and as a cultural exploration.
Where Chapman Excels
Chapman’s prowess lies in her intricate character development and her vivid setting descriptions. She excels at crafting a story that’s as rich in detail as it is in intrigue. Her characters are multi-dimensional and relatable, and she skillfully uses the Amish setting not just as a backdrop, but as a crucial element of the story.
Her narrative style is engaging, seamlessly blending the Amish way of life with a page-turning mystery. Chapman’s ability to maintain suspense while also educating her readers about Amish culture is nothing short of remarkable. Her respectful portrayal of the Amish community adds depth and authenticity to the narrative, making “A Perfect Square” a standout in its genre.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What Makes Vannetta Chapman’s A Perfect Square Stand Out in Amish Fiction?
A Perfect Square stands out in the Amish fiction genre due to Chapman’s balanced combination of mystery and cultural immersion. Her focus on character development and her ability to create a suspenseful plot within the constraints of Amish life make her novel a captivating read.
Is A Perfect Square Accessible to Readers New to the Amish Mystery Genre?
Yes, A Perfect Square is highly accessible to newcomers. Chapman provides enough context about Amish culture and traditions to make the setting understandable, while the universal themes and engaging mystery make it an enjoyable read for anyone interested in a good story.
How Does the Setting Contribute to the Overall Mystery?
The setting of Shipshewana, with its serene landscapes and close-knit community, provides a stark contrast to the tension of the mystery. This juxtaposition enhances the suspense and adds a layer of complexity to the narrative, as the characters navigate their tight-knit society while dealing with the chaos of the investigation.
What Role Do Quilts Play in the Unfolding of the Plot?
Quilts in A Perfect Square are more than just cultural artifacts; they symbolize the interconnectedness of the community and the secrets they hold. They serve as a motif throughout the novel, representing both the comfort of tradition and the mystery of the patterns that need to be pieced together to solve the crime.
Can A Perfect Square be Read as a Standalone Novel?
While A Perfect Square is the second book in the Shipshewana Amish Mystery series, Chapman ensures that new readers can jump right in. The novel provides enough background information to stand on its own, making it a great entry point for those new to Chapman’s work or the series.
In conclusion, Vannetta Chapman’s A Perfect Square is a finely stitched narrative that combines the warmth of Amish life with the chill of mystery. It’s a novel that invites readers to step into the quiet streets of Shipshewana and walk alongside characters who are as complex as they are endearing. Chapman’s novel is a clear window into a world often shrouded in mystery, and it is an invitation to look beyond the simple facade to the intricate patterns that lie beneath. For those who have followed the journey from the first thread to the last, A Perfect Square is a quilt of a story, crafted with care and meant to be treasured.
Character List for A Perfect Square
Setting: Shipshewana, Indiana, in late October
This list carefully avoids spoilers. Names and descriptions below reflect the original information given about each character. Main characters are listed, along with many minor players, more or less in the order they appear in the story.*
Deborah Yoder – young Amish mother with 5 children
Esther Zook – widow with a young daughter – planning her wedding in a couple of weeks
Joshua – Deborah’s 18-month old son
Leah – Esther’s 3-year-old daughter
Tobias Fisher – Esther’s fiancé – works in the town’s feed store, as well as doing farm work
Reuben Fisher – 35 years old – Tobias’s cousin – they both live on and work their grandfather’s farm
Callie Harper – owner of Daisy’s Quilt Shop in Shipshewana
Cinnamon and Lightning – the Yoders’ buggy horses
Rick – Callie’s deceased husband – died when they lived in Texas, before Callie moved to Indiana after her Aunt Daisy died and willed all her property to Callie
Max – Callie’s yellow Labrador
Lydia – 17-year-old Amish girl who works for Callie fulltime
Mrs. Knepp – owner of another quilt shop in Shipshewana, Quilts and Needles
Trent McAllister – editor of the Shishewana Gazette
Law Enforcement Personnel• Officer Andrew Gavin – strict by-the-book officer
• Officer Stan Taylor – senior officer in Shipshewanna – old enough to retire
• Shane Black – detective from the county office
Jonas Yoder – Deborah’s husband
Samuel – mysterious man hiding in the woods
Katie – dead Amish woman floating in the pond
Timothy Lapp – Katie’s father – lives in Pennsylvania
Deborah and Jonas’s children: Martha, 10; Mary, 7; Joseph and Jacob, 6; Joshua, 18 months
Melinda Byer – has two sons, one of them with a chronic disease, and a baby daughter
Adalyn Landt – local lawyer – age: nearing 50
Ira Bontrager – confused old man who shows up at Callie’s shop looking for his daughter – 89 years old
Sharon – Ira’s wife
Bethany – Ira’s (imaginary?) daughter
Caleb Bontrager – Ira’s son
Sarah – Esther’s mother
Obie – Esther’s father
Mrs. Drisban – encounters Esther in the general store and berates her for endangering Leah by planning to marry “the cousin of a murderer”
Robert and Nancy Gerald – customers from Chicago at Daisy’s Quilt Shop – Nancy is interested in producing an Amish quilt exhibit and leaves her card with Callie
Baron Hearn – a businessman, a welder
Margie – owns the coffee shop
Erin Troyer – knitter at the old folks’ home where Ira Bontrager lives
Emma – someone from Reuben’s past
Mrs. Barnwell – bank employee
Bishop Elam – spiritual counselor for the Shipshewana Amish in the story
Rachel – Katie’s mother
* Footnote:
Please understand that my review is based on the audio version of the book. For that reason, I have to spell unfamiliar names phonetically (unless they occur on early pages, which I can access on amazon.com.) Also, I will sometimes miss names completely or get them out of order if I miss them when they first occur. Other times, I may list characters out of order on purpose if I place them with a group, in which some appear earlier in the story than others. (You can always use Ctrl-F to search for a name if you have trouble finding it.)
Photo credit: Hans on pixabay.com
This link will take you to the book on Vannetta Chapman’s webste: A Perfect Square
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Blog Index – Lists blogs 1-35
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Here is a downloadable character list: