I really enjoyed this book. It was so interesting to read about the Amish life and the main character that decided it was not the life for her. So many interesting characters and a story line that really blew me away with the ending. I did not see that coming.

The Hidden One, the fourteenth novel in the series, is a great thriller. Bones of a Bishop have been found in a field and Amish Jonas Bowman has been accused of the murder. Ex-Amish Chief of Police Kate Burkholder will do all she can to try to solve this crime even if it not in her jurisdiction of Painter’s Mill. After all, she grew up with Jonas and knows he would never take a life. As Kate digs through the facts, she will uncover secrets that the killer does not want to come to light. This was my first novel by Linda Castillo and I did enjoy it. It is well-written, great characters, and the suspense keeps your riveted. I will surely read more from this author in the future.

A fast paced, exciting yet sentimental story that takes you on a journey of self discovery and crime solving.

Kate Burkholder left the Amish Church yet is often drawn back into this world in her job as Chief of Police. When she is asked to investigate a crime committed in another state, she immediately leaves her job and the man she loves to help an old friend who at one time meant the world to her. Jonas Bowman has been arrested for an eighteen year old murder when the remains of a strict Amish bishop are found accidentally on a neighboring farm, a short distance away from the murder weapon, an old rifle belonging to Jonas himself. Although an outsider, she has an edge in questioning community members because she knows their customs and speaks their language; she also succeeds in getting information from their neighbors. She is determined to clear the name of a man she once loved deeply. Everyone, including Kate, has secrets and, the deeper she delves, the more evil she discovers. Linda Castillo’s writing style is engaging. Twists and revelations come at the right time. I enjoy her mysteries so much.

Linda Castillo's Kate Burkholder series is one of my absolute favorites and the latest installment, "The Hidden One," does not disappoint. Having lived in the part of Pennsylvania where this story takes place, I was enthralled with the beautiful way in which it was brought to life. Kate is a character with so many layers and depths. Each book in the series brings the reader a deeper understanding into who she is and what she stands for. Each glimpse into her life and background makes her all the more real and relatable. She is complicated and flawed in the most perfect way. The dynamic of her relationship with John Tomasetti always makes me smile. I can't wait to see what happens next.

This was the first book I have read in the Kate Burkholder series. I thoroughly enjoyed reading about the Amish way of life and views. Kate did some very nice detective work though at times I questioned the degree to which she put herself in harm's way. A bit of mystery, a bit of love, some very tender moments and a great deception. An enjoyable read overall.

Another enjoyable book in the sheriff Kate Burkholder series. This outing takes Kate away from her hometown and off to help an old boyfriend who’s been accused of murder in central Pennsylvania. Kate has to solve the crime without her usual resources and is even more of an outsider than usual.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC. The Hidden One is the 14th novel in the Kate Burkholder series and will be published July 5, 2022. I read some of the early books in the series, but had not kept up with the series. I still thoroughly enjoyed the book and did not feel like I had missed things.
In this novel, Kate, who is chief of police in Painters Mill, Ohio, is visited by Amish leaders from Pennsylvania who want Kate to come to PA to help clear her former boyfriend from her teens who is in jail for killing the Amish bishop. The murder actually occurred many years ago, but the body has just been found with a gun owned by Jonas, her former boyfriend. She hasn’t seen Jonas since he and his family were forced to leave town for circumstances that are revealed later in the book.
Kate decides to go to Belleville, PA, to try to help Jonas. As she starts to ask questions and delve into the cold case, someone clearly doesn’t want the truth found, and Kate encounters several dangerous situations.
I found the story very well-written and very interesting. I couldn’t put it down. I did not feel lost at any time since I hadn’t read all the books in the series. After reading the ending, I’m sure there will be more books coming and I look forward to reading them.

When the skeletal remains of an Amish bishop missing for twenty years are found, Police Chief Kate Burkholder is asked by local elders to travel to the small Amish community of Belleville, Pennsylvania to consult on the case. Most troubling for Kate is that the prime suspect is her childhood friend and first love Jonas Bowan, charged with first-degree murder. She’s had no contact with him for many years and knows she must face and judge the man who changed her life.

Fourteenth in the series that just keeps getting better.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Chief of Police Kate Burkholder is visited by three town elders from the Kishacoquillas Valley, who come baring some terrible news. Her childhood friend, Jonas Bowman, has been arrested for the murder of an Amish bishop, Ananias Stoltzfus, who disappeared eighteen years ago. Due to familial disputes with the bishop, Jonas was always considered the main person of interest in that case, but without a body, they were unable to persecute him. Now, the bishop's remains have been located and the police have swiftly brought Jonas in. The three elders believe he is innocent and have traveled to seek Kate's assistance because they know how close she was to Jonas.

Initially hesitant, Kate decides to make the journey and is immediately met with suspicion and distrust. Not only from the local police force, but from the local Amish residents, as well. She's considered an outsider by both groups and everyone is reluctant to speak with her, except Jonas and his family. He's grateful for her assistance and is adamant that he is innocent, but he prefers that God be the one to judge him.

Kate looks further into the life of the bishop to see who else might have had reason to hurt him, and she finds no shortage of potential subjects. He was definitely not known for his kindness. But it's very hard to get any concrete facts, as most of the community will not say a negative word about one of their own, especially a bishop. They insinuate and hint at possible indiscretions, but will not elaborate to the extent that provides Kate with tangible evidence to hand over to the police. And on top of everything else, she's threatened physically by someone who she believes must be the real killer. They warn her off the case and order her to leave. Will she be able to prove that Jonas is innocent before she's run out of town?

The plot was more engaging than I expected, although it was a bit slow paced at times. I believe this is part of a series, as certain events are referenced but not explained in any detail. I kept waiting for further explanation and soon realized there must be other related books. But that does not keep you from enjoying this story. I wasn't expecting the twists towards the end and I was pleasantly surprised! Overall, it was just like other mysteries and thrillers that I read, only with an Amish twist. Delightful!

I loved The Hidden One, couldn't put it down. The juxtaposition of Amish violence is brilliant, as are the characters. Well done!

I am normally a big fan of Castillo's ex-Amish favorite police chief Kate Buckholder, but for some reason this novel is good, but not great. Yes, another murder is brought to her attention, but not in her local hamlet but in another Amish community that takes her away from her crew, her boyfriend, and the usual folks of Painter's Mill. Kate is beat up and threatened, but on this particular outing it seems somewhat forced. If you are a fan of the series, you might feel differently. And if you are new to this you might want to start with some of her earlier works so you can get a better first impression. The contrast between Amish and English (non-Amish) societies is always interesting, and all is not what it seems to be which propels this particular plot forward.

Thank you Netgalley and publisher for the opportunity to read this book.
It’s hard to believe this is now book #14 in this series. I have loved each and every one. In this book we are treated to more of Kate’s past as she travels to Pennsylvania to help out a childhood friend who has been accused of murder. In true Kate fashion trouble follows her. I’m sure someone has kept a count on just how many vehicles Kate has gone through in these books.
It did seem as this book progresses Kate has finally made peace with her past and hopefully in an upcoming book we will finally see her walk down the aisle with Tomasetti.

I am so grateful to St. Martin’s Press for an early opportunity to read this book! My initial request on Netgalley was denied and I was so sad as I have read every book in this series and have received ARCs in the past. Then last week I got a “Read now” email from Netgalley, however since I had already been denied, I couldn’t access it. Boo! I emailed Netgalley and they suggested I contact the publisher to request a widget. I had never done that before, and now that I know it’s a thing, I am really excited because it’s not the first time this denial situation has happened to me. I reached out to St. Martin’s press and received the widget the next day! Yay!

This is the latest book in the Kate Burkholder series. As usual, they can stand alone even though they are part of a series. This book is pretty different than the usual fare as Kate is called out of state to help with an investigation in an Amish community in PA. The tie-in is that the murder involves someone she grew up with. I thought this was a nice change of pace as I have questioned before how many murders can really take place in one small town Amish community. That being said, I did miss the usual cast of characters from Painters Mill and her police department. And there was not nearly enough Tomasetti (but there never is!) The backstory between Kate and this character helps explain Kate’s background even further, and I found that really interesting. The end of this book, which had nothing to do with the murder, was very satisfying as far as this series goes and bumped it up from a 3.5 to 4 star read for me. I hope, hope, hope the next book picks up this thread.

Another marvelous read by Linda Castillo. This one involves a Bishop and another death.
Her novels never fail to keep your interest and lets you. imagine different scenarios.
Her characters are engaging and come to life.

Good read

I’ve been a fan of Linda Castillos books for years. I really enjoy her Amish thrillers. This was well written, tense and atmospheric.

This felt like a typical Kate Burkholder story - entertaining, made me learn something about the Amish, and fast-paced. It wasn’t my favorite in her series but it was good.

I don’t know why but it bothers me that when Castillo is setting up the beginning of the story and giving the background information she has to refer to Tomasetti as Kate’s “significant other.” It sounds fine when talking about it in the third person but first person I feel like “partner” would be a better term.

Great addition to the series. I always learn something new when reading these books. Thanks to Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book

"The Hidden One" by Linda Castillo
a Who Done It, Done Well ! !
I wasn't sure about reading this story. I am not usually a "Mystery & Thrillers" genre reader. But I decided to take a chance and am I ever glad I did. I was just going to read the first couple of chapters to get a sample of what was between the covers of this story and about 36 hours later I had completed the journey this story revealed. I would have completed the journey sooner but life got in the way for a good 20+ hours of that time. Yes I became attached to the lead characters and loved this story. Happy Reading ! !
NOTE: I received an ARC of this story from the publisher via NetGalley.
This review expresses my honest opinion.

This was the first book that I've read from this author and it won't be my last. I enjoyed every single twist and turn. There are other books in this series that I didn't know about, and reading them would have made this lot better in the way of character development, but this can be read as a stand alone, but now I want to read the others. Pick this one up!