Essence of Illusion (Paradise PA Mystery Book 2)

Description

A perfect murder . . . until it isn’t.

In tribute to Agatha Christie, this modern-day mystery seriesbraids together a mesmerizing tapestry of illusion and enigma set in the idyllic Amish town of Paradise, PA. In book 1, Tina Sheng and her eccentric friend, Amelia Pak, unravelled a human trafficking case.

Now, a year later, Tina Sheng works as a fraud investigator in Paradise, Pennsylvania. She and Amelia find a series of internet posts about a faceless doll that appears with each occurrence of death. The writer warns that a serial killer is at large.

After a beloved friend passes, a similar doll is discovered in his hospital room. Law enforcement reveals no evidence of foul play. Then a few locals are found dead, each with a faceless doll lying beside the bodies. The case takes a twist when the spouse of one of the victims submits an insurance claim.

Tina is pulled into the investigation. To solve the mystery, she and her friends must navigate a web of deceit, greed, and power. As the drama unfolds, the truth may be even more twisted than anyone could have imagined.

Can justice be served?

An atypical mystery tale in Amish Country by R. F. Whong, named a 2025 Featured Author by Minnesota Anoka County Library. Hit the #1 spot in three categories when released in 2024. Amazon review: “. . . red herrings, lies, secrets, even scientific intrigue . . .”