I’ve heard my reading friends rave about Linda Castillo’s books for years. She’s been on my TBR list for just as long, but I’d never gotten around to reading her work. If I’m being honest, the idea of diving into a long-running series felt a little daunting. But when her publisher offered me a copy of her latest novel, Rage, I finally gave in. It’s the 17th book featuring Castillo’s heroine Kate Burkholder, and it quickly showed me why this series has become a must-read for so many.
The brutal summer heat has settled over Painters Mill, Ohio, but the temperature isn’t the only thing rising. Chief of Police Kate Burkholder is called to a grisly scene discovered by three Amish children: the dismembered body of 21-year-old Samuel Eicher, a well-respected young man who ran a successful landscaping business. It’s a horrifying sight and the start of something far more sinister. Before long, another body turns up, this time stuffed inside a barrel and dumped in a ravine. The victim is 21-year-old Aaron Shetler, Samuel’s best friend. Two young Amish men, murdered within days of each other. But why?
As Kate begins her investigation, she’s met with silence. No one wants to talk about the two men, and it quickly becomes clear that there’s more to this story than meets the eye. Just when the case seems to be hitting a dead end, a mysterious young woman surfaces with disturbing new information. Samuel and Aaron were involved with dangerous people, far removed from the simple, peaceful life they were supposed to lead. Whatever secrets they were keeping may have cost them their lives. And unless Kate can piece together the truth, she could be next.
Although this was my first time reading Linda Castillo’s Kate Burkholder series, I was instantly drawn in. Castillo builds a tense atmosphere, establishing both the mystery and the world around it with ease. Kate, a former member of the Amish community, brings a unique perspective to the investigation. Her personal connection adds an extra layer of emotional complexity to the story. This is a dark tale. The violence and crimes are portrayed with an unflinching intensity, and Castillo doesn’t pull any punches. Still, she weaves the mystery together with compelling characters and steadily rising stakes, culminating in a satisfying and well-earned conclusion. This may have been my first experience with the series, but it certainly won’t be the last.
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(2025, 53)
It is daunting jumping into a long running series. But isn't this a good one? I love Kate Burkholder and her connection to the Amish. And Castillo's mysteries are always so taut and compelling. Though some do get pretty dark. It's one of my favorite series and I'm very much looking forward to reading this next one...when my library hold finally comes in. :D
ReplyDeleteYou're one of the readers I've seen enjoying the series for quite a while now, so I had to dive in! I hope your hold comes through soon. This one is great!
DeleteI love a long running series when I'm really enjoying it. I haven't read this author but this sounds really good.
ReplyDeleteThis won't be my last! I'm eager to dive into more.
DeleteThis series sounds very compelling, and our tastes are so similar, but if I am already 17 books behind...lol
ReplyDeleteThat was my hesitation, too. Fortunately, I was able to jump in with this one, and I didn't feel lost at all.
DeleteThat's good to know. Do you feel like you want to go back and read others, or just move forward from here?
Delete16 books would be a lot to go back and read, so I'll probably just keep going from here. Castillo does a good job of filling in the gaps of Kate's history.
DeleteStories like this are interesting. Where one of their own returns to the community.
ReplyDeleteIt really added extra depth to her character.
DeleteI'll be picking this one up soon! I also jumped in sort of late in the series, but I read the first few books and then skipped ahead to the one that was offered by the publisher. I've been reading each new installment since. Yes, they do get dark! I love the audiobooks! So thrilled you enjoyed it.
ReplyDeleteI'm excited to keep reading these. I can't wait to read your review of this one!
DeleteHmm, dunno if I have heard of Castillo. I have to check, I do have the worst memory
ReplyDeleteWorth a read if you haven't
DeleteThis sounds good, and I like a dark tale. I have not read anything by Castillo. I am going to check out the series.
ReplyDeleteShe's definitely worth adding to the TBR!
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