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.
Rage (Kate Burkholder, #17) by Linda Castillo Series: Kate Burkholder #17
Published by Minotaur Books on July 8, 2025
Genres: Contemporary, Mystery
Goodreads
FINAL DECISION: Rage delivers another solid entry in the Kate Burkholder series, fast-paced, disturbing, and packed with familiar faces, as Castillo balances brutal crime with emotional depth and steady character work.
THE STORY: The summer heat in Painters Mill turns suffocating in more ways than one when three Amish children discover dismembered human remains. The body is soon identified as Samuel Eicher, a young Amish man with a successful landscaping business. Not long after, his best friend, Aaron Shetler, is found stuffed in a barrel. Chief of Police Kate Burkholder investigates what connects these two gruesome deaths—and why no one wants to talk. As the bodies pile up and the violence escalates, Kate begins to suspect the victims were caught up in something far more dangerous than anyone imagined. With the help of her husband John Tomasetti and trusted colleagues, Kate follows the trail into the dark corners of Amish life—and becomes a target herself.
OPINION: Seventeen books in, this series remains one of my favorite comfort reads, even when the crimes themselves are anything but comforting. RAGE is a strong entry—tense, twisty, and consistently engaging.
The case is one of the most personally dangerous Kate has ever faced. The pacing is fast, the stakes are high, and the graphic nature of the murders adds a visceral edge to the story.
What stood out most to me in this installment is how much Kate has grown over the course of the series. Early on, she often tackled cases with a sense of isolation, even when surrounded by allies. In RAGE, we see her operating more fully as part of a team, trusting her staff, leaning on John Tomasetti, and collaborating closely with Sheriff Rasmussen. These working relationships feel earned and reflect the character development that has unfolded book by book.
I also loved seeing Kate and John as newlyweds—settled, steady, and continuing to support one another both professionally and personally. Their dynamic feels lived-in and authentic. Kate’s small police department continues to shine as well, and the camaraderie and loyalty between them bring heart to the story.
Thematically, the book explores the tension between community silence and personal truth, particularly within the context of rumspringa and the pressures faced by young Amish men. These cultural elements add richness and depth to what could otherwise be a standard police procedural.
WORTH MENTIONING: Yet again, Kate ends up injured and in mortal danger by the climax—something that’s happened so often in the series that it’s starting to feel repetitive rather than suspenseful.
CONNECTED BOOKS: RAGE is the seventeenth book in the Kate Burkholder series. The mystery stands alone, but the character development builds over the series. Best enjoyed in order.
STAR RATING: I give this book 4.5 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.