‘The Rise and Fall of Miss Fannie’s Biscuits’: A Cozy Amish Mystery

Something nefarious is brewing in this small-town mystery and comedy by the writing team of Wanda E. Brunstetter and Martha Bolton.

There are cozy mysteries, and there are cozy mysteries—and then there is “The Rise and Fall of Miss Fannie’s Biscuits” by Wanda Brunstetter and Martha Bolton, perhaps the coziest of them all.

Like watching a mild spring rain cascade down from the porch of a farmhouse, Brunstetter and Bolton’s new novel is an experience of gentleness. The two authors weave a simple and delightful story about a small community in Sugarcreek, Ohio, and the modest dramas that occur around the 10th Annual Tuscarawas and Surrounding Counties Baking Contest.

“Biscuits” may not be the most challenging read you'll have this year, but it’s a charming tale and a delight. A novel that can transport you to a world where baking competitions, small-town gossip, and community ties are the biggest concerns in your day can be a very nice change from the standard media maelstrom.

Brunstetter, a celebrated Amish fiction author, and Bolton, a skilled comedic writer, have created a story that is both entertaining and uplifting while reminding us of the blessings that come from acts of kindness and reliance on faith.

Is Sugarcreek Baking Something Nefarious?

The story centers around Fannie Miller, a determined, middle-aged Amish woman who decides to enter the famous Tuscarawas and Surrounding Counties Baking Contest with her late aunt Selma’s prized buttermilk biscuit recipe. Fannie hopes to honor her aunt’s legacy and claim the coveted first-place ribbon—not to mention the enormous $25,000 prize money.

Books and buttermilk biscuits are the perfect pairing for a cozy read. Barbour Publishing

However, the stakes of the competition are growing beyond what she anticipated.

Mysterious disappearances of contestants, vaguely threatening notes written on red stationery, and escalating small-town dramas close to the finals make her wonder if something else is going on. Worried that the contest could transform from a simple town event into something more “nefarious,” she enlists her dear friend, retired Chicago police officer and local private investigator Foster Bates.

Seeking out something completely different from the gangs and grit of Chicago he faced during his career, Bates thinks Sugarcreek might be the perfect spot. Hardly anything happens here at all, and he likes it that way. He is looking forward to many years of whiling away the hours with his dog, Chief.

Unfortunately, the unmarried (and somewhat attractive) Fannie keeps coming to his office and insisting that there is something funny going on at the contest. Soon, Bates finds himself thrust into the center of small-town intrigue, where clues are hidden among suspicious contestants, mischievous gossip, and local secrets.

Fannie and Foster’s teamwork is equal parts amateur sleuthing and heartfelt camaraderie, enabling the plot to amble along like a summer evening stroll. The story is a simple mix of humor and suspense, occasionally offering us a reminder of how faith, persistence, and a touch of ingenuity can solve perplexing puzzles.

Contestant Bakers and Suspects?

Of course, no mystery is complete without a variety of colorful and memorable characters. The Blustery Sisters—naturally called Faith, Hope, and Charity—run the local bakery and have a penchant for stirring the gossip pot. They share a deep love for a somewhat ill-mannered parrot named Peggy, whom they take turns caring for.

There are also Michael and Melissa, a young couple trying hard to overcome their marital strife and hoping to use the contest winnings to fund their adoption journey.

In the household of the highest member of the local Amish parish, Bishop John seems so engrossed in his church duties that his wife, Iva, worries that he’s practically ignoring their young son and worsening the boy’s social anxiety issues.

The Appeal of an Amish-Themed Story

Admittedly, I haven’t read many novels set in an Amish community or centered around Amish or similar cultures. However, those who follow publishing trends know that these books have exploded in popularity since they first gained notice in the late 1990s with Beverly Lewis’s 1997 novel “The Shunning.”

Picking up “Biscuits,” I wasn’t sure what to expect. The writing style is uncomplicated and straightforward, almost crossing over into a kind of Zen directness. Some may not care for the way characters spell out their thoughts and motivations like they’re giving a bullet-point presentation—but for others, this will be part of the appeal.

If readers are expecting characters with dark motivations hatched from a deeply troubled psyche, they’ll be sorely disappointed. You’ll not encounter anything close to brutal noir dialogue found in many conventional mystery novels. Story elements like these are so far from this book’s point that it’s almost ludicrous to contemplate.

The rising popularity of Amish-themed novels could easily be a reflection of a cultural yearning for traditional values amid the chaos of modern life and especially social media. It’s not surprising that readers are seeking stories like these as a form of respite. The appeal here is to find solace in lives unburdened by modern technology and societal pressures. We’re desperate to reconnect to simplicity.

Fannie’s Biscuits for the Win

“The Rise and Fall of Miss Fannie’s Biscuits” is a delightful read. It combines mystery, humor, and heartfelt lessons through enjoyable characters, who saunter through an engaging plot. It is a book that readers of all ages and faithful families can enjoy.

Those who seek out the coziest of cozy novels can warm themselves on a fresh batch of Miss Fannie’s biscuits. (Literally, as well as literarily, since the recipe is included at the end of the book).

’The Rise and Fall of Miss Fannie’s Biscuits’ By Wanda E. Brunstetter and Martha Bolton Barbour Fiction, Jan. 1, 2025 Paperback, 256 pages

What arts and culture topics would you like us to cover? Please email ideas or feedback to [email protected]