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gaderianne's review
I so wanted to like this book. I find the Amish fascinating and I thought this would be an interesting read. And in some ways it was. But I have been trying to read this book *for months* and it isn’t captivating. It’s an interesting take on true crime - it’s more about the process and the personal connections the author has to this story from a previous book. I felt at times lost bc I had at read his first book on this case and then other times lost because of the rambling way of telling the story. I wanted to like this one, but I just couldn’t get though it.
duskx's review
1.0
Gregg Olsen’s historical true-crime book, The Amish Wife, examines the suspicious death of a pregnant Amish woman in 1977. The book claims to expose the truth behind the lies, secrets, and conspiracy that let the killer walk free, but it falls short of its promise. The book is a slow burn that drags on for too long, with too many irrelevant details and repetitive information. The author does not provide enough evidence or analysis to support his conclusions, and the narrative is often confusing and contradictory. The book does not offer a satisfying resolution or justice for the victim, and it leaves many questions unanswered.
It has an interesting premise and a fascinating setting, but the book fails to deliver a gripping and insightful true-crime story. The Amish Wife may appeal to some readers who are curious about the Amish culture, but it is not a compelling or engaging read. I would not recommend it to anyone who is looking for a well-researched and well-written historical mystery.
It has an interesting premise and a fascinating setting, but the book fails to deliver a gripping and insightful true-crime story. The Amish Wife may appeal to some readers who are curious about the Amish culture, but it is not a compelling or engaging read. I would not recommend it to anyone who is looking for a well-researched and well-written historical mystery.
emilyrosebooks's review
I loved Gregg Olsen's other book, If You Tell, but this one reads completely differently. For me to enjoy a true crime book it needs 2 things, an interesting crime, and good storytelling. I don't think this has either at this point in the book.
booktalkwithkarla's review
dark
emotional
informative
slow-paced
3.0
“It’s about the coverup. That’s what this story is about. Not the murder.”
“Some caught in the sticky threads, and probably others unknown, decided that their secrets were more important than the life of an Amish wife. And her little boy.”
“Eli married Ida to use her, not to live her.”
This is a book, in some ways a follow-up to another Gregg Olsen title, about the murder of Ida by her husband and the coverup that follows. Since the coverup is about husband Eli’s sexuality and relationships, much of the book centers on those details. This was unexpected to me and unpleasant. I like to read true crime for the psychological and legal aspects and this title dealt with that indirectly. Reading about Amish family was interesting, and confusing at times based on their names (many duplicated). The many secrets of the people involved in covering up the crime seem obvious based on Olsen’s research and yet remain unproven. Will there ever be justice for Ida? Olsen has done his best and for that I am grateful and overall glad I read The Amish Wife.
laphilia's review
5.0
very detailed
I love how he can go into detail and continue to investigate until he figures out what actually happens to someone he never gives up. that’s
what I love most about his books.
I love how he can go into detail and continue to investigate until he figures out what actually happens to someone he never gives up. that’s
what I love most about his books.