P. L. Gaus is an American author known for his mystery novels set in the Amish community. His full name is Paul L. Gaus, and he is widely recognized for his "Amish-Country Mysteries" series, which started with "Blood of the Prodigal" in 1999. Gaus's books often explore the intersections of Amish culture and modern American life, providing readers with both intriguing whodunits and insights into the Amish way of living. He paints a respectful and well-researched picture of the Amish, their traditions, and their interactions with the "English" (non-Amish) world around them, all while crafting compelling and thoughtful mystery narratives. Prior to his writing career, P. L. Gaus was a professor of chemistry at the College of Wooster in Ohio, where he taught for many years.