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.

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: Although I missed Kate being in her element in Painters Mill, her acting as a “private investigator” gave this book in the series a different feel as she is cut off from her resources. I also really enjoyed the personal connection she has to the story and her working out part of her past. I wish there was more Tomasetti but understand why he needed to be at a distance.

THE STORY: Chief of Police Kate Burkholder is approached by Amish elders from Pennsylvania to help with an investigation of a murder. A local man has been accused of the murder of an Amish bishop Ananias Stoltzfus. The man is not a stranger to Kate as he is someone she grew up with and has a history with. Kate finds that being a cop does not give her any privileges and her presence is not wanted by local police. The murdered bishop was a strict man and at first, the only person with a motive seems to be her childhood acquaintance. Then things become dangerous and Kate discovers that there are more secrets in Pennsylvania than she expected.

OPINION: I really enjoyed this book primarily because Kate is working out another part of her past. Although I had guessed much of what the secret was, I enjoyed how the story is played out in this book.

I think it is often hard to make a series fresh and interesting after over a dozen books. This book manages new energy by taking Kate out of her element and thus challenging her investigative skills. I wouldn’t want this in every book because I do love the characters in Painters Mill, but I was totally on board with this one.

For me, I read this book more for Kate than I do the mysteries, but this one had plenty of twists and turns. I figured out a lot of this one, but I was still on the journey as the plot followed its path.

What I really enjoyed in this book was Kate’s personal story. She finally has to confront part of her past. As readers know, Kate has a traumatic past that often impinges upon her current relationships including her live-in love, Tomasetti. Another part of her past is revealed in this book and I totally loved the story. It was complex and emotional and worked out in a way that I left the book intensely satisfied.

WORTH MENTIONING: Stay for the end of the book which will make those of us who are here for the Kate/John romance very happy.

CONNECTED BOOKS: THE HIDDEN ONE is the fourteenth book in the Kate Burkholder series. Although there are ongoing relationship stories, each book, including this one is a standalone mystery. Therefore, this book can be read as a standalone. My recommendation is to read the books in order though in order to get the most out of the emotional personal story.

STAR RATING: I give this book 4.5 stars.

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

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: An enjoyable suspense/mystery story. The circumstances are really sad but I love Kate and John getting the opportunity to do some work together. The story kept me guessing and I was surprised by the ending. This series is fantastic and always a great summer read.

THE STORY: Chief of Police Kate Burkholder is called to a motel where a young woman has been brutally murdered. She is surprised to realize that she knows the woman who was killed. She was raised Amish and then left the Amish faith and Painters Mill. No one seems to know why she returned and who wanted to kill her. Kate’s investigation brings out many secrets and threatens someone who wants those secrets buried.

OPINION: This is a great read to take to the beach. Murder, suspense, and the great character of Kate Burkholder. The story is well-crafted and while not as personal for Kate, I enjoyed watching her do her job. I was surprised by the ending and felt that the story was topical and yet did not feel forced.

The crime here was violent and the story was graphic at times, but I felt that was completely appropriate in this case. The horror of the crimes committed here is important for understanding the gravity of the acts and builds surprise as to the final resolution.

The book made me turn the pages as it started with a shocking crime that drives the story through to the end. As is often these cases, things don’t turn out as expected, but everything works with the explanation. Reading these books again often surprises me how things are planted throughout the book which provides clues to the solution.

Another winner in this series although a tiny complaint is that I still prefer the more personal stories to the professional cop ones, but no complaints on the actual story and execution.

WORTH MENTIONING: I love the interaction between Kate and John and this book has some really good moments between them that raised the level of this book.

CONNECTED BOOKS: FALLEN is the thirteenth book in the Kate Burkholder series. Each of the books is a self-contained mystery so this book can be read as a standalone. However, there are continuing personal stories that make this series better to read in order.

STAR RATING: I give this book 5 stars.

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

FINAL DECISION: I always enjoy these short interludes in the Kate Burkholder series. The story doesn’t have the depth or carefully plotted mystery involved in the main books, but the story doesn’t claim to be anything more than a taste of the series.

THE STORY: Two boys, one English and one Amish, disappear and Police Chief Kate Burkholder has to find them. For a short story, it manages to pack in a lot about the cross-cultural biases between the two groups and two boys who just want to be friends. There is some danger and mystery involved, but it is minor.

OPINION: The highlight of this story is the relationship between the two missing boys and their deep friendship in defiance of their parents’ wishes. The story has some adventures for the boys, but the story is really focused on the heartwarming nature of the boys’ friendship and bond rather than death and mystery as is true in the main books. I liked seeing the recurring characters solve something that is more “normal.” I also liked that we got to see Kate and John together working on a case. I miss the books where their interaction was a big part of the story. This shorter story gives a chance to see them in action again.

WORTH MENTIONING: This is a short story.

CONNECTED BOOKS: THE PACT is book 11.5 in the Kate Burkholder series. These short mystery stories are between the novels and are focused on a quick read.

STAR RATING: I give this 3.5 stars.

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.

“You see a lot of things when you’re the chief of police in a small town.”

FINAL DECISION: Loved this one. Pulse pounding exciting mystery/suspense with plenty of Kate and John together. Plus, this one once again gives more complexity to the Amish.

THE STORY: An Amish grandmother is murdered and her young granddaughter is kidnapped. Chief Kate Burkholder is in a race against time to find the girl. The investigation leads Kate to uncomfortable information about the Amish that challenges what she thought she knew about them. She discovers that there are a lot of secrets to be uncovered.

OPINION: I loved this book. I was drawn into the story from the first page and the pacing of the book kept me breathless throughout. This was a fast paced and dramatic book until the very end.

I’m a big fan of this series especially because Kate is such an independent and competent character. She makes mistakes and she thinks too much, but everything she does comes from deep caring. Kate’s emotional connection to cases is always both problematic but also part of her great strength as an investigator. As always, Kate’s connection to the Amish give her an entry to the important people in the investigation, but often the reality conflicts with Kate’s faith in the Amish.

Here, there are serious secrets at work and Kate has to discover the truth in order to save the girl and find the killer.

There was a lot happening in this book which made it a read that I couldn’t put down. Every time I finished a chapter, instead of being able to put the book down, I wanted to know what happened next. I ended up reading the book in one large gulp.

I also really enjoyed that Kate’s love interest John is involved in the case rather than just being on the sideline. Kate and John work so well together that I love them having more “screen time” together. I was a little disappointed that we didn’t get more followup from the prior book, but I always enjoy seeing how their relationship is developing.

Fans of the series will find all the elements that make this series worth reading. New readers will also get an exciting read as this book can be a gateway to the series.

WORTH MENTIONING: The format of this book add to the tension of the story. The construction is a bit different than others in the series but it works well here.

CONNECTED BOOKS: SHAMED is the eleventh book in the Kate Burkholder series. This book has a self-contained mystery and thus can be read as a standalone. There are ongoing character developments that will have less impact if the series is not read in order.

STAR RATING: I give this book 5 stars.

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

FINAL DECISION: A small mystery about a teenage Amish boy who is struck by a car and questions that arise when it looks like it might not have been an accident. This is a small mystery benefiting its length, but I liked it as we get to see all the best parts of the characters in the series.

THE STORY: When a teenage Amish boy is found seriously injured by the side of the road, it initially appears to be an accident. But Chief Kate Burkholder soon finds out that not everyone in town was happy that the Amish boy was dating an English girl.

OPINION: This is a pretty straightforward story, but has some of the hallmark issues raised in the series: the conflict between the Amish and the others in town, emotional and sex relationships, Kate being a strong person who does her job in a kickass fashion, the relationships she has with her staff and John. This short story (it’s too short for me to even consider it a novella) gives a nice taste of what is involved in the series. I thought the plot was well executed.

WORTH MENTIONING: Only small glimpses of Kate and John in this one.

CONNECTED BOOKS: IN PLAIN SIGHT is book 11.5 in the Kate Burkholder series. This short story can be read as a standalone and gives some idea of the stakes in the main books in the series.

STAR RATING: I give this book 4 stars.