In the Land of Milk and Honey

In Jensen’s strong sequel to Kingdom Come, a deadly milk-borne disease threatens to destroy the lives and the livelihood of the Amish population of Lancaster County, Pa. Det. Elizabeth Harris first learns of the problem when the members of Samuel Hershberger’s family sicken, and one of them, 14-year-old Will, dies. Then the Kindermans, a family of nine, all die. An investigation by the CDC led by Dr. Glen Turner identifies tremetol poisoning as the source. As the death toll rises alarmingly, the police conclude that the poisoning is deliberate. Meanwhile, the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture suspends all raw-milk sales, adding to Amish suffering. The trust Harris earned from Amish families in her first case proves invaluable as she tries to find a methodical killer. On the personal side, her relationship with life partner Ezra Beiler, who left the Amish faith, continues to evolve as they struggle to adapt to each other. Fans of regional mysteries will hope this series has a long life. Agent: Shawna McCarthy, McCarthy Agency. (Aug.)