I love the Kate Burkholder series and I always think the one I’m reading is the best one! The Burning is no exception. I always worry about what’s going to happen to Kate and her new husband Tomasetti , and my worries in this one were warranted.

The story starts with an extremely violent murder, and Kate has absolutely no clues for what seemed like the longest time. The Amish are not forthcoming with information and there seems to be nowhere to go. There are multiple different law enforcement agencies involved, and toes are stepped on and turf wars appear. The story was riveting, shocking, and I didn’t want to put it down!

I always learn so much from this series, and the tidbits about Anabaptists just added to that.

This one is a don’t miss in my opinion, especially if you’re a fan of suspense thrillers.

My thanks to NetGalley, St Martin’s Books, and Minotaur Press for the complimentary digital copy. My review is voluntary.

This is definitely a different sort of book for this series. In fact, I found a lot of it, especially the initial chapters, gruesome. In this book, Kate finds herself investigation the burning death of an excommunicated Amish man. Katre finds people who knew him have little good to know and say about him. As the story progresses, the reader begins to understand just how carefully Kate and the others involved must trod if they are ever to solve the mystery. It also provides a good look at how the Amish community reacts to the gruesome death of one of its own (or an excommunicated one). The story hits close to home when Kate’s brother, who still is a member of the community, becomes involved, making Kate back off and work on largely administrative aspects. However, Kate is not one to be put aside, so Kate continues to work the case in her own way, delving into esoteric events relating to the Amish and their earlier history. Can Kate manage to figure things out before it is too late for herself and her also involved new husband?

I thought this was an interesting read, though, at times a difficult one. I like the way Kate and Tomasetti worked together, which I suspect will become a regular thing in future books. The plot was not one I would willingly want to read through, though the author did handle it well for the most part. The way Kate works though the many clues and red herrings to finally figure things out was very well done. It is a good book, though not one of my favorites in the series. It has stimulated me to think and look for more in-depth history of the Amish and their way of life. I received this from NetGalley to read and review.

Chief Kate Burkholder receives an urgent call about a fire in a woods. Upon arrival at the scene Kate discovers a charred body that appears to have been burned alive. With the dead man being previously Amish Kate knows it will be hard to get information from family and friends as the Amish don't like talking to any English about their own or their business. Kate runs into blocks from not only the Amish but her own colleagues as well as they feel she is too close to the investigation with being past Amish herself and also with a witness pointing the finger of guilt at her own brother. But after her own life is attacked more than once and being warned off the investigation more than once by her attacker Kate vows to find out the truth and while searching she finds information that leads to an Anbaptist culture that many think has been non existent for years, if they existed at all, but may have committed not only this current murder but more as well.

Every summer I look forward to a new Kate Burkholder book and once again Linda Castillo doesn’t disappoint! And thanks for always including all the police force and Tomasetti! Great mystery!

Police Chief Kate Burkholder investigates a gruesome murder near Painter's Mill. The part Amish community is rocked by the nature of the crime which draws media attention. Raised Amish, Kate speaks the language and understands the culture of the Amish, but they do not consider her one of their own anymore.
This fast-paced story examines the history and isolation of the Amish and how they avoid involving the "English" outsiders in their affairs. Kate's determination and resourcefulness attract the attention of the murderers. Who will find the other first?
Salty language and graphic descriptions during the autopsy are not for the squeamish. For the stout-hearted crime fiction fan, this is a compelling series with believable, relatable characters in deadly situations.

4.5⭐️ Another Amish man was murdered in Painter's Mill, and it's up to Kate Burkholder to solve the crime with husband Tomessetti. Every time I read a book from this series, I learn a little more about the Amish. This time, it was about a radical group of Anibaptists. Kate tries to find out who brutally murdered Milan Swanz while dealing with office politics and family life. I wonder if Katie and Tomessetti will finally start a family. I guess I'll have to wait for someone else to get murdered in book 17 to find out. Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

Thank you NetGalley, the publishers and Linda Castillo for another wonderful book in the Kate Burkholder series. I’ve been reading the series as I can get them from my local library which, due to availability, means out of order. Even then, I’ve been able to pick up the threads of Kate’s life and history with the Ohio Amish community. You might think, as did I, that this was an odd character history (former Amish woman) for a current
Chief of Police in small town Ohio, but it works. In fact, that background, as in this case, helps solve cases.

When a local, excommunicated Amish man is burned at the stake, Kate has to dig deeply into Amish history in her hunt to find the killer. Definitely at her own peril.

Linda Castillo has written another great book with many interesting personal relationships alongside the murder. Now that she and Tomasetti are married, it adds a difficult element to their work that they are only beginning to work through.

I’ve always enjoyed this series, and this book was no exception! It starts with the discovery of the burned body of a - supposedly - decent man by two of Kate’s officers during a clandestine meeting. As Kate investigates, she learns that there is information even her Amish background hasn’t prepared her for.

There’s not a lot more that can be said without spoilers, but this book had some historical details about the Amish and Anabaptists that fascinated me and had me going down a Google rabbit hole. I find that this series can be easily read out of order, but I enjoy the character development that has occurred throughout the series. I also enjoy the glimpses into the lives of the Amish; the author does an excellent job of making the Amish and their lifestyle very real, with flawed individuals who are sometimes good and sometimes bad. I look forward to reading the next one in the series.

My thanks to the publisher for a copy of this book. My opinions are my own.

I love going to Amish country!!! I think at this point I'd read her grocery list. Every book is a hit, action and tension abound.

I read every Kate Burkholder to date, and was super excited at the opportunity to read this newest release early. It did not disappoint. The story line was intriguing, the novel was paced well, and it held my attention throughout. *Spoiler alert* I would have liked the ending resolution to be flushed out a little more, perhaps with the questioning of Raber, how did he get involved? when? how did they target Milan? How extensive or wide spread is this "cult", etc. I felt like there were a lot of unanswered questions, but perhaps that works well with the type of group that was at the heart of the novel.

Decent police procedural. The crime that drives the plot is horrible but the victim is one of the worst human beings ever. There's some plot holes and coincidences that are necessary to keep everything moving, which it does at a quick pace. Taking place in two worlds - Ohio Amish and English (ie I guess American citizens of this Ohio county)- is an interesting device (but the fact that the chief could be in both ways overplayed and overstated quite a bit). A mystery that even when resolved isn't really resolved.

I requested this book as it takes place in Pennsylvania Amish country and sounded interesting. It did not disappoint. The author does a very good job of weaving Amish beliefs into the solving of the crime. She also provides some historical background to a splinter group of the Amish that started in Europe in the 1500s. I look forward to reading more books in this series.

I received a free Kindle copy of this book courtesy of publisher with the understanding that I would post a review on Goodreads, Net Galley, Amazon, Facebook and my nonfiction book review blog.

This is a great series that I look forward to with each new entry. This one doesn't disappoint. It's exciting, hard to put down. There is significant character building here and a suspenseful plot that puts Kat in jeopardy once again while she continues to balance her life as Chief of Police with her Amish background.

This entry starts with Kate finding a body that leads her directly back to the Amish community and her family. Once you start, you'll be hooked.

Highly recommend.

I always look forward to the newest Kate Burkholder Novel, but this one fell a little flat for me. While I still believe it’s a solid book, the different layers of Amish lifestyle & history had me confused of where I was and who was who. While I usually finish her books in 1-2 days I found myself struggling and finished this in about two weeks. For fans of the series, absolutely read, but I wouldnt start your Linda Castillo journey here- overall not my favorite.

This is number 16 of the Kate Burkholder books, but it was the first I had read and it worked well for a first time reader of the series. This time an Amish man is burned at a stake, and there is a possibility her Amish brother is involved. Community members and state police move her off the case because they fear she would be too involved. She is stubborn enough to privately pursue leads. This is good mystery, and a good introduction to Amish culture. I liked the story and the characters enough that I have purchased the first book so I can see what I have missed. Thanks to NetGalley for an arc, and for no pressure for a positive review.

Grab This One Now!!

It’s no surprise to me that after sixteen plus books in this series she hit it out of the ballpark with this one.

A brutal murder has Kate Burkholder and her husband John Tomasetti on a bizarre case that takes them into a dark side of the Amish that nightmares are made of. This story was non stop suspense.

Every year I look forward to a new book from this amazing author and she never disappoints me.

I have to say I was a little nervous when I got this book for review because it is book 16 in a series. I was really hoping that would not impact getting to know the characters, especially if it was going to be a continuation series.

Thankfully, this did read easily as a standalone. I love the lead officer as a female married to another agency investigator. They worked off each other perfectly, and I love their energy together. Note to self: Read the back books to get their love connection!!

This book is pretty wild with the horrific crime committed and the investigation into a very tight lipped community. The author goes into a lot of detail and makes it clear that they do not like to share information. This makes the investigation extremely difficult.

The author beautifully ties in old-world beliefs into the story which made it a tough one to put down. It was fast paced, interesting, and engaging. Plus I have to say the main character is one tough chick. Loads of action and a little raw at times.

This book delivers everything that we’re looking for in terms of cop fiction. Evil shows it’s face but the good wins again!

The Burning is a unique story with amazing detail, imagination, and twists that keep you on your toes. I will definitely be reading this author again.

I have been a fan of Linda Castillo since her first Kate Burkholder book.
I was excited to read this latest #16 which starts with a bang when a man is found burned to death. 🔥
Kate investigates the murder and uncovers the dark under belly of the Amish community. Kate is never far from danger and this book kept me turning the pages.
Linda Castillo has created characters that are easy love and care about. I will always look for Linda Castillos books and will continue to recommend her work to others, especially if you enjoy learning about the Amish.
Huge thanks to NetGalley, Linda Castillo, and Minotaur Books for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
Set to publish 7/9/24

I've read the entire series of Kate Burkholder books, and I enjoy them, but some are pretty dark. "The Burning" began with Police Chief Kate called out in the middle of the night to a fire in the forest. It turned out to be an Amish man who has been burned alive. I found this opening pretty difficult to read. I'm far more interested in the characters, their relationships, and the Amish culture. I know a murder mystery has to have a murder--duh--but this one was awfully gruesome.

Once past that, it was a joy to once again watch Kate and her new husband, Tomasetti, I wondered how Castillo would handle the fact that they were now married, but since they've been together for a long time, it seemed like business as usual. When Kate's brother, Jakob, becomes involved as a suspect with a motive, Kate really has a reason to dig deeper. How could he be involved in something this awful? As they investigate, they discover the victim was an Amish man named Milan Swanz. Was he a good man? Or did he have a past? Why would someone do such a horrible thing to him? Kate interviews people who knew him, and a picture of the deceased begins to form. Suddenly, however, the investigators become the hunted.

I enjoyed this book, as always, with the characters of Linda Castillo. She does a great job of immersing us in the culture, values, and everyday life of the Amish. Her investigative descriptions are accurate, and her plot is a rollercoaster ride. The scenes in the forest remind me of the movie, "The Last of the Mohicans." Every time you entered the dark forest, nothing good would happen.

Thank you to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for allowing me to read this and write an honest review.

I normally listen to these books, but when I read this one, That could have contributed to why It didn't catch me like the others did. The beginning was good, but when Kate kept not accepting the "Amish Mafia" as the killers, it seemed forced. the ending was good but rushed.