It was an innocent picnic with four teenagers, which turned into a tragedy when their fireworks set
fire to a neighboring farmhouse, killing an Amish couple and their baby. Three were given community
service, one sent to prison.
Eleven years later, Anna Bailey is living in California with a new identity working as a skip tracer.
She has tried to put her Pennsylvania tragedy behind her but still has nightmares. She receives a frantic
call from her sister-in-law that her husband, Anna's brother Bobbie, is missing. Lydia pleads that Anna
return to Pennsylvania to find him.
Before Anna can decide, the house she has been living in is invaded by thugs who brutally beat her
landlady and threaten her, demanding the location of the Beauharnais emeralds. She manages to thwart
them but is ignorant of what they want.
When she returns to Pennsylvania Amish country she finds Bobbie is missing and is "a person of interest"
in the death of his coworker. Anna is able to follow the trail Bobbie has left and discovers he was
attempting to reveal the illegitimate use of DNA and genetic therapy by his firm. Events uncover the
real circumstances of the fire of 11 years ago. She also manages to uncover the mystery of the
Beauharnais emeralds and their history.
A second story is that of Stephanie de Beauharnaise in 1818, who is desperate to protect her unborn
son. The result of her subterfuge has far reaching effects on Anna.
Shadows of Lancaster County has an intricate plot with an atmosphere of suspense. The religious
element which sustains Anna is present, but not intrusive, There is insight into the Amish and how they
live their lives as Christians, showing total forgiveness no matter what crime happens against them. The
mystery of the jewels is an intriguing addition.
The discussion of DNA and gene therapy is timely with today's headlines concerning stem cell research.