FINAL DECISION: THE BURNING offers a perfect blend of shocking crime, cultural insights into Anabaptist life, and the compelling dynamic between newlyweds Kate and Tomasetti as they solve the case.

THE STORY: Police Chief Kate Burkholder is called to investigate when an excommunicated Amish man, Milan Swanz, is found chained to a stake and burned alive in the woods near Painters Mill, Ohio. The brutal nature of the crime leads Kate to explore deep-rooted aspects of Anabaptist history and traditions, including past persecutions and cultural practices.

As Kate delves deeper into the case, she encounters resistance (again) from the Amish community, who prefer to handle their affairs internally. The investigation takes a personal turn when evidence surfaces that implicates Kate’s own brother in the murder, creating tension between her and her superiors in law enforcement.

Simultaneously, Kate is navigating her new marriage to John Tomasetti. As they work together on this complex case, the investigation’s pressures force them to confront challenges in balancing their personal and professional lives.

The case becomes increasingly complicated as Kate uncovers layers of secrets and motivations within the community. She must navigate the delicate balance between respecting Amish customs and pursuing justice while dealing with mounting pressure from her family ties and her role as Chief of Police.

OPINION: As a long-time fan of Linda Castillo’s Kate Burkholder series, I eagerly anticipated THE BURNING after Kate’s marriage in the last book. I’m thrilled to say it exceeded my expectations. This sixteenth installment is a dark, chilling ride that hooked me from the first page.

What I love most about this series is how Castillo brings the characters to life, and in THE BURNING, she’s outdone herself. Kate Burkholder, our tenacious Chief of Police, feels more real to me with each book. Her recent marriage to John Tomasetti adds a new dimension to her character, and I particularly enjoyed seeing them work together on this case.

The plot revolves around a horrific murder – an Amish man burned alive. Castillo doesn’t pull her punches with the graphic details, but she effectively conveys the brutality of the crime. As Kate delves into the investigation, the tension ramps up, especially when her brother becomes implicated. I was utterly engrossed as the mystery unfolded.

One of the standout aspects of this book for me was Castillo’s skillful exploration of Anabaptist culture. As always, she manages to weave educational elements into the narrative without ever feeling didactic or slowing the pace. I found myself fascinated by the insights into this community, learning about their beliefs and practices in a way that felt organic to the story. Castillo’s approach is consistently respectful, offering a nuanced portrayal that avoids stereotypes or oversimplification. Her meticulous research is evident, bringing an authenticity to the setting that immerses the reader in Kate’s world. This cultural backdrop adds depth to the characters and their motivations, enriching the reading experience.

The pacing was punishing as the action rarely lets up, and I could not put the book down. Castillo’s writing is crisp and efficient, without unnecessary repetition, which I always appreciate. The plot twists kept me guessing, and the action-packed ending kept me on the edge of my seat.

While I love the mystery aspect, the characters in this world keep me coming back to the series. Kate’s growth throughout the books has been a joy to witness, and in this installment, I was particularly impressed by her ability to delegate and lead her team effectively.

In conclusion, THE BURNING is another stellar addition to the Kate Burkholder series. It’s gripping and suspenseful and showcases Castillo’s storytelling prowess. If you’re a fan of police procedurals or crime thrillers with strong female leads, I can’t recommend this book enough. I’m already counting down the days until the next installment!

WORTH MENTIONING: Now that Kate and John are married, I liked seeing that there might be a new romance in the series.

CONNECTED BOOKS: THE BURNING is the sixteenth book in the Kate Burkholder series. The mystery is self-contained; thus, this book can be read as a standalone. The overarching character stories are much better when the series is read in order, but that is unnecessary for those who are only interested in the mystery.

STAR RATING: I give this book 5 stars.

NOTE: I received an eARC of this book via Netgalley in preparing this review. I was not required to write a review or to write a positive review. All opinions contained herein are my own. I purchased a copy of the book myself after its release.

I received this book for free from Netgalley in order to prepare an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

FINAL DECISION: This book blends an enthralling case with the pre-wedding journey of Kate and John and kept me captivated until the last word.

THE STORY: In Painters Mill, Chief of Police Kate Burkholder investigates the violent murder of Aden Karn, a well-liked young Amish man found dead. As Kate delves into Aden’s life, she uncovers whispers of a hidden dark side and questions whether the rumors are an attempt to blame the victim. Determined to uncover the truth, Kate pursues every lead, even as her own wedding approaches. The case takes a dangerous turn when a woman shares a horrifying story, leading Kate to confront an unexpected opponent. As the shocking truth emerges, Kate confronts the devastating consequences of a hidden life.

OPINION: I absolutely loved this book. It seamlessly blends an enthralling case with the pre-wedding journey of Kate and John. Castillo’s skillful storytelling effortlessly navigates the depths of their pasts, shedding new light on their complicated histories as the events of this novel unfold. As a long-time reader, I couldn’t help but marvel at the remarkable growth exhibited by both Kate and John, both individually and as a couple. Their personal development adds layers of depth to the narrative, making their journey all the more compelling.

What sets this book apart is its ability to straddle the fine line between mystery and thriller genres. It is a true hybrid, offering the best of both worlds. The complexity of the story is nothing short of breathtaking. At every turn, Castillo creates an air of uncertainty, keeping readers guessing and second-guessing every piece of information. The mystery within the pages is incredibly intricate and expertly crafted, constantly revealing new secrets that kept me on the edge of my seat until the very end.

Just when you think you have it figured out, the plot takes an exhilarating twist, leaving you awestruck and hungry for more. Castillo’s attention to detail and well-crafted pacing ensure that there is never a dull moment. From the opening pages to the heart-pounding climax, the story effortlessly maintains its grip on your imagination, refusing to let go.

Nothing is as it appears. The story brilliantly plays with your expectations to keep you on the edge of your seat. With every revelation, you realize that there are hidden depths to every character and a multitude of layers to the story. It is a testament to the author’s talent that they can craft such a rich and multifaceted tale that keeps you guessing until the final pages.

WORTH MENTIONING: This book is so satisfying for someone who cares more about Kate and John than the murders.

CONNECTED BOOKS: AN EVIL HEART is the fifteenth book in the Kate Burkholder series. The mystery here is completely self-contained and so this book can be read on its own, but the character stories of Kate and the other supporting characters is so much better if the series is read in order.

STAR RATING: I give this book 5 stars.

NOTE: I received an eARC of this book via Netgalley in order to help prepare this review. I was not required to write a review or to write a positive review. All opinions contained herein are my own.