Kindle
$1.99
Available instantly
Audible Logo Audiobook
$0.00
with membership trial
Hardcover
$15.00
Paperback
$7.17
Buy used:
$7.17
FREE delivery May 22 - 29. Details
Or fastest delivery Thursday, May 16. Order within 3 hrs 17 mins. Details
Used: Very Good | Details
Sold by ThriftBooks-Dallas
Condition: Used: Very Good
Comment: May have limited writing in cover pages. Pages are unmarked. ~ ThriftBooks: Read More, Spend Less
Access codes and supplements are not guaranteed with used items.
Kindle app logo image

Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.

Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.

Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.

QR code to download the Kindle App

Follow the author

Julie Kramer
+ Follow
More books from this author
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.

Shunning Sarah: A Novel Paperback – December 31, 2013

by Julie Kramer (Author)
4.0 4.0 out of 5 stars 136 ratings
See all formats and editions
An insular Amish town... A secret that won’t stay buried...

BESTSELLING AUTHOR JULIE KRAMER ONCE MORE FEATURES INVESTIGATIVE REPORTER RILEY SPARTZ, THE “NEVER-SAY-DIE” SLEUTH [ROMANTIC TIMES], IN A THRILLING HIGH-STAKES MYSTERY.

When Riley hears that a young boy is trapped in a sinkhole located in the peaceful Amish farm country outside Minneapolis, her reporter’s nose catches the sweet odor of a TV sweeps piece. But not even Riley realizes just how big the story really is. . . .

Because the boy is not alone in the hole. There’s also a corpse—and it didn’t die of natural causes. While an area peopled by the upright Amish doesn’t seem a likely location for a brutal murder, Riley uncovers a dark web of fraud and deception driven by motives as old as the Bible: sex and money. She’s determined to stop at nothing to bring the killer to justice. But can she pull it off before anyone else— including herself—becomes the next target?
Read more Read less
Previous page
  1. Book 5 of 6
    Riley Spartz
  2. Print length
    416 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Publisher
    Pocket Books
  5. Publication date
    December 31, 2013
  6. Dimensions
    4 x 1.25 x 6.75 inches
  7. ISBN-10
    1451664648
  8. ISBN-13
    978-1451664645
  9. See all details
Next page
Layla
"Layla" by Colleen Hoover for $7.19
From #1 New York Times bestselling author Colleen Hoover comes a novel that explores life after tragedy and the enduring spirit of love. | Learn more

Editorial Reviews

Review

“Remember Witness—that truly thrilling movie with Harrison Ford in his heyday? Shunning Sarah is an even better suspense story filled with horse-driven buggies and folks in black hats.”—James Patterson

“Julie Kramer superbly blends two very different worlds—that of television news and the mysterious world of the Amish. Shunning Sarah is a compelling novel chock full of all the elements readers of crime fiction crave. Riley Spartz is a very human heroine—and a force to be reckoned with. You will remember her and this story long after you finish the book—and anxiously await the next installment.”—Linda Castillo

“A stunning entry in this dynamic series with a fascinating glimpse into two worlds unknown to most of us: the Amish and the behind-the-scenes truth about local TV news. Talk about a culture clash!”—Karen Harper, New York Times bestselling author

“Addictive . . . A captivating heroine you'll root for and a shocking ending you won't see coming, Shunning Sarah delivers with a satisfying punch.”—Alex Kava, New York Times bestselling author

“Kramer, a former journalist and TV news producer, has outdone herself. Her fourth Riley Spartz thriller (after Silencing Sam) has the perfect mix of suspense, excitement, romance, and surprises to keep the discriminating crime fiction reader captivated.”—Library Journal (starred review)

“Kramer’s latest Riley Sparks mystery—set in Amish country—keeps you guessing.” —Minneapolis Star Tribune

“The descriptions of newsroom politics and life in an insular community, as well as Riley’s never-say-die pursuit of the next big story, are spot-on and fun to follow.”—Romantic Times

“Kramer . . . does a nice job of explaining the turmoil at TV stations and other media these days.” —St. Paul Pioneer Press

“Funny . . . suspenseful . . . an enjoyable breeze to read.” ― AnnArbor.com

“‘Amish fiction’ usually means light, innocent romance. Julie Kramer’s take on it is dark, guilt-ridden—lethal even.” ― Sunday News

“Kramer’s usual mix of suspense, humor and meticulous research in Shunning Sarah again show her series is so entertaining.” ― Mystery Scene Magazine

About the Author

Julie Kramer is a journalist turned novelist. She writes a series of thrillers set in the desperate world of TV news. Julie has won the Daphne du Maurier Award for Mainstream Mystery/Suspense, RT Reviewer’s Choice Award for Best First Mystery, as well as the Minnesota Book Award. Her work has also been nominated for the Anthony, Barry, Shamus, Mary Higgins Clark, and RT Best Amateur Sleuth Awards. She formerly ran WCCO-TV’s investigative unit before becoming a freelance network news producer for NBC and CBS. She lives with her family in White Bear Lake, Minnesota.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Pocket Books; Reissue edition (December 31, 2013)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 416 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1451664648
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1451664645
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 6.4 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 4 x 1.25 x 6.75 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.0 4.0 out of 5 stars 136 ratings

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Julie Kramer

Julie Kramer

Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

Julie Kramer is a freelance network television producer. Prior to that she was a national award-winning investigative producer for WCCO-TV in Minneapolis.

Julie grew up along the Minnesota-Iowa state line, fourth generation of a family who raised cattle and farmed corn for 130 years. Her favorite childhood days were spent waiting for the bookmobile to bring her another Phyllis A. Whitney novel.She now writes thrillers set in the desperate world of television news.

Her upcoming novel, SHUNNING SARAH, centers on homicide amid a clash of cultures: flashy TV news and the reclusive Amish.

Her debut STALKING SUSAN, won the Minnesota Book Award and the RT Reviewers Choice Award for Best First Mystery. It was also a finalist for the Mary Higgins Clark, Anthony, Barry, and Shamus Awards.

Her second book, MISSING MARK, was a finalist for the Daphne du Maurier Award for excellence in mystery/suspense.

Library Journal described her third book, SILENCING SAM, as her best yet, calling it "Riveting" in a starred review.

Kramer lives with her family in White Bear Lake, MN.

Customer reviews

4 out of 5 stars
4 out of 5
136 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

Sandee
5.0 out of 5 stars This one is a must read!
Reviewed in the United States on September 7, 2012
Verified Purchase
This is one of those books where you can't wait to turn the next page then when you read the final sentence you realize you really didn't want it to end! A wonderfully enjoyable book! Julie does it again with mystery, suspense, bits of humor, and her extensive research into her subject matter gives the reader insight into the Amish community and traditions. I have loved all of Julie Kramer's books and I highly recommend them to all who enjoy this genre.
Helpful
 Report
Vicki G
4.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic read!
Reviewed in the United States on August 14, 2012
Verified Purchase
This Amish mystery is one of the best yet! I loved all the characters and the plot, it was riveting. For whatever reason, many of romance readers are fascinated with the Amish, and I'm no exception. They are a wonderful peope, so when you find a writer that can interpose the Amish faith with a good mystery, it makes great reading.
2 people found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
E. Gittus
5.0 out of 5 stars Minnesota says. . .
Reviewed in the United States on October 11, 2012
Verified Purchase
Since this story takes place in Minnesota, it talks about familiar towns, etc., to me. The story is one of those that you can't wait to turn the page to see what twist happens next. I read one other book by this same author and was hooked. She has an easy style of writing that keeps your interest - not deep and/or philosophical- but just a good mystery story!
Helpful
 Report
Robin Allen
4.0 out of 5 stars Fun Read
Reviewed in the United States on January 17, 2013
Verified Purchase
This was an interesting book to read. It does seem to have a bit of extra stuff that doesn't make the story better, felt like filler, but even with that said, it was a fun read about an area I frequent.
Helpful
 Report
C. Pugh
2.0 out of 5 stars Badly Written
Reviewed in the United States on September 21, 2012
Verified Purchase
Improbable might not be the lowest descriptor for this schlock mystery without a mystery. The characters are shallowly drawn. In fact, the book's only claim to "depth" is in its tedious explications of the Amish. The writer has done way too much research and she wants to show it off. If I had that much curiosity about the Amish, I would've read a more skillfully written nonfiction book. There is a twist at the end but it's all ho-hum by then.
Helpful
 Report
AmazonReviewer58
3.0 out of 5 stars A Fun Read, but ......
Reviewed in the United States on September 28, 2012
Verified Purchase
Shunning Sarah was a fun, fast read. I have read all of the previous books in the Riley Spartz series and have enjoyed them all. Although I enjoyed this one, the sheen of enthusiasm wore off a little as the list of improbable situations grew. She comes from a news background so in the real news world, how often do journalists find themselves in life threatening situations? Riley has had a few over the years, and I acknowledge that it makes the book a better read if the heroine gets in trouble. But this book was incredulous in that she was attacked in her bed, held hostage by a sheriff, run off the road by a truck and watched her car explode, persued by someone (which made no sense) through snow (during autumn in Southern MN?), hides in a bear den with a bear, and almost dies in a corn maze fire...... OK, I understand the concept of poetic license but this book had me saying, "Really?" I never understood why she tried to convince the reader that Ike was the killer, no motive and I didn't buy it. I knew all along that it was going to be an Amish so there was no "twist." I also never believed the character of the station manager; maybe if the story took place twenty years ago...It was a light, fun read, yet hard to believe at times. I think this one is watered down in a bit of fantasy.
One person found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
S M Senden
5.0 out of 5 stars Avid Reader
Reviewed in the United States on October 9, 2012
Verified Purchase
Julie Kramer, once again, easily pulls us into the life of Riley Spartz and the television media world with a tale as full of twists and turns like a Corn Maze. Once you think she has given you the solution to the murder, just wait, you are not there yet. Go deeper, and encounter another layer of the story as it unravels and comes to light. A very enjoyable read. The only bad thing is when the book is finished and I am left with out another waiting for me, so write another for us! And it was fun to have a cameo appearance in the book!
Helpful
 Report
Jill Pegouskie
4.0 out of 5 stars Pretty good read
Reviewed in the United States on January 27, 2013
Verified Purchase
This book is a nice quick read. Not much depth to the writing and kind of predictable. I will read more from Julie Kramer.
One person found this helpful
Helpful
 Report

Top reviews from other countries

Amazon Customer
3.0 out of 5 stars The book seems to deal more with the news people.
Reviewed in Canada on November 16, 2021
Verified Purchase
this book seemed like it did not deal with the murder of Sarah very much.
Report
janetta
2.0 out of 5 stars Not to my taste
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 14, 2015
Verified Purchase
Shunning Sarah is one of a series of books about Riley Spartz, a Channel 3 news anchor in Minneapolis. I have not read any of the previous books, and although this book stands on its own it does make many references to previous events. The story concerns the murder of an Amish girl and Riley's attempts to discover the perpetrator despite seemingly having nothing at all to do with the police or sheriff's office. I struggled with this book. Most of the chapters are extremely short, sometimes only one page, which makes it choppy and disjointed. The storyline is generally fairly unbelievable, especially towards the end when I felt like giving up completely. The writing is only average and I found I couldn't engage with Riley or any of the characters. There was no depth of character and little physical description which would help you to visualise better. Although I have only finished this book this morning I find myself struggling to remember the details of it, I just have the impression of a poor read. I cannot now remember why I chose this book in the first place. It will be going to Oxfam and I shan't be buying any more books by this author.
Report