Review: Blood of the Prodigal

Blood of the Prodigal by P. L. Gaus is a mystery story that takes place in and around Millersburg, Ohio in the heart of the Amish country. Many of the places in the story were real, although the college which plays a major part in the story, is fiction. Shunned by his family years before, Jonah Miller returns to Holmes County to kidnap his son for the summer. Since his shunning, Jonah Miller has lived a rough life, having an illegitimate son, drinking heavily and moving to the state of Texas. When the child's mother dies, Jeremiah goes to live with his Old Order Amish family. When Jonah learns of his sons existence, he returns and leaves a note saying he will have the boy for the summer and will return him before harvest. When Jonah's father, a Bishop in the district, believes there may be something more to the boy's kidnapping he decides to involve some local Englishers, professor Michael Branden and Pastor Caleb Troyer. When Jonah is found dead along the side of a quiet, country road shortly after the Englisher's involvement, the men decide that this may be more than just a simple kidnapping case. Who is behind the mysterious death of Jonah Miller and has Jeremiah been returned home safely? Read this novel to find out.


I enjoyed reading this book, it was written in a little bit different manner than the traditional Amish fiction. Some more complex vocabulary was used and dialogue was not as prevalent. This novel also does not have the inspirational undertone of many other Amish fictions. I did however, like the mystery aspect of the story and felt that the characters were well developed. While this novel could be a stand alone, there are a