The Amish Wife: Unraveling the Lies, Secrets, and Conspiracy That Let a Killer Go Free

Gregg Olsen, the #1 New York Times and Amazon Charts bestselling author, investigates a murder among the Amish and reveals a conspiracy to keep it a secret in a true-crime story. In 1977, Ida Stutzman, a pregnant wife and mother, died in a barn fire, and her husband, Eli, was never considered a suspect. However, when Eli rejected the faith and took his son, Danny, with him, murder followed. Olsen returns to Amish Country and uncovers the disturbing truth about Ida's murder and the conspiracy of silence and secrets that kept it hidden for forty-five years.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 395 pages
Publication date: 01 January 2024
Publisher: Amazon Publishing

The #1 New York Times and Amazon Charts bestselling author Gregg Olsen unravels a tragic murder among the Amish and unveils a chilling conspiracy to keep it concealed in a heart-wrenching and spine-tingling true-crime narrative. In 1977, in the serene confines of an Ohio Amish community, the life of a pregnant wife and mother, Ida Stutzman, tragically came to an end during a devastating barn fire. The official coroner's report deemed her demise as a result of natural causes, seemingly absolving her husband, Eli, of any suspicion. However, the truth was far more complex and sinister.

Eli's journey, marked by his rejection of the Amish faith and his decision to take his son, Danny, away from the community, was fraught with peril. Unbeknownst to many, murder would soon follow. The dubious circumstances surrounding Ida's tragic blaze were deliberately overlooked, and Eli's shifting narratives were dismissed as mere speculation. For decades, Gregg Olsen and Ida's brother, Daniel Gingerich, were haunted by the unanswered questions surrounding her death. At Daniel's urging, Olsen embarks on a journey back to Amish Country, revisiting the crimes that were first uncovered in his book, "Abandoned Prayers." Among these mysteries, one particular case had remained shrouded in secrecy for forty-five years.

With the aid of aging witnesses and the uncovering of long-buried letters, Olsen embarks on a quest to unravel the disturbing truth. Through meticulous research and tireless investigation, he piece together the events that led to Ida's murder and the intricate web of silence and secrets that perpetuated it for generations. The revelations are chilling, as Olsen exposes the deep-rooted corruption and betrayal that existed within the Amish community. He reveals the lengths to which people would go to protect their own, even at the expense of justice.

"Abandoned Prayers" is a gripping and emotionally charged tale that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. Olsen's storytelling is masterful, as he weaves together a narrative that is both compelling and deeply personal. He brings to life the characters, both the victims and the perpetrators, with a depth of understanding and empathy that is rare in true-crime literature. The book is a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of seeking the truth, even in the face of overwhelming obstacles.

In conclusion, "Abandoned Prayers" by Gregg Olsen is a must-read for anyone who is interested in true crime, history, or the complexities of human nature. It is a haunting and unforgettable story that sheds light on the darker side of the Amish community and the lengths to which people will go to conceal the truth. Olsen's dedication to uncovering the truth and his commitment to justice are an inspiration to all.

ISBN-13: 9781542016506