The Burning is #16 in a series of Kate Burkholder books. Kate was brought up Amish but left the Amish community. She is investigating a very unusual death -the victim has been burned at the stake. I found her interactions with the Amish community very interesting.
Having read and enjoyed this book I can say that I will definitely be putting the series on my to be read shelf starting with #1. That said even though I did not read any previous books in the series I found The Burning to be a very interesting and enjoyable read.

This is one of my favorite series, and every summer, I look forward to delving back into the world of Kate Burkholder! While I enjoyed this one, it wasn't my favorite. The mystery behind who killed Milan didn't interest me all that much, and some of the things that happened to Kate seemed a bit over the top. I still loved revisiting all of the regular characters, and I'll be looking forward to reading book 17 when it comes out next year!

Thank you, @netgalley @stmartinspress and @minotaur_books, for the #gifted e-arc!

3.5 stars rounded

I look forward to a new Kate Burkholder book every year. Once again, Linda Castillo transports us to Amish territory to the scene of a grizzly murder: an Amish man burned at the stake. Kate's brother is one of the suspects, and Kate is taken off the case, but she does not stop trying to find the answers. Kathleen McInerney is once again brilliant as the voice of this series. I'm looking forward to the next one!

Right from the start, this newest installment of the Kate Burkholder series grips you. This was quite fast paced and had lots of action, which I really enjoyed. Every time I pick up one from this series, I am reminded how badass Kate is and overall how great these stories are.

Thank you to St. Martin's / Minotaur and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this in exchange for my honest opinion.

The start of this book is intense! You will feel the heat. It moves quickly and you will be flying through the pages with one hand while peeking between your fingers of the other. After the flames die down the investigation pales in comparison. As Sheriff Burkholder gets closer to the bad guys, it all turns toward the unbelievable, but it's still a ton of fun.

Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press/Minotaur Books for a copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review.

A outcast Amish man burned at the stake. An ugly human being, but a horrific murder in a community known for its pacifism. Kate Burkholder finds herself immediately in hot water--the Amish do not like to speak ill of the dead, and the only clues that Kate can track down sound more like kids' ghost stories than real facts. Then, when Kate's brother Jacob comes under suspicion, Kate herself is removed from the case. This doesn't stop Kate from investigating--and it doesn't stop the killer or killers from targeting her as well.

Far-fetched as it may be, The Burning, Castillo's 16th installment in the Kate Burkholder series, is gut-wrenching, fast-paced, and a solid read.

This is my first book in the 16 book Kate Burkholder series. Some things left me with questions since I walked into it this far in. However, the main story was still easy to follow. Figuring out the killer, not so much. It took me almost as long as it took Kate to figure out who killed Milan.

This story began with a very graphic (as compared to other books I have read) murder scene of Milan. That’s how I knew this was going to be different from other mystery thrillers I have read. There were several players in this story but keeping them straight in my mind was easy. There were some chapters told from the killer’s POV but they held no insight to WHO it could be.

I enjoyed this story and can’t wait to catch up on the previous books and learn all there is to know about Kate Burkholder’s world.

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is the sixteenth book in the series, but if you are a new fan, don't worry, there is enough contextualising that you will be able to enjoy the story, but may well think you need to invest some time in learning more about the life of lead protagonist Kate!

This book starts with a very gruesome crime, which sets off an investigation for Kate Burkholder and her new husband and long-time partner, Tomasetti. It brings in issues for her own Amish family, and also some very disturbing under the radar activity. She is convinced that this is not a one off and has to engage her whole team in the search for an answer.

This story gets personal for Kate and though she has her delicious, supportive, and understanding husband by her side, she still cannot help being somewhat reckless with her own safety. I had to (not literally) hide my head behind a cushion at times as she went into dangerous situations. I loved how that was dealt with and how maybe she will be a little more thoughtful in future... who knows!

A very intense and engaging storyline, and delicious moments of harmony in the face of crazy when she and Tomasetti get time to be together.

Linda Castillo is one of my favorite authors, and she didn't disappoint me with The Burning! Burkholder and Tomasetti really took a beating in this book. I especially enjoyed the historical aspect when comparing the current incident being investigated to those that had happened years and even generations ago. I look forward to more from Castillo and love the thought of Katie thinking of starting a family! I will definitely be recommending The Burning to my reader friends.

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.

Another excellent entry into the Kate Burkholder series. I so look forward to reading a new book in the series every summer. This one was very original in the mystery and villain of the story. I can’t wait for her next adventure next summer. If you like the In Death series by JD Robb and getting to know the main and side characters you will love this series. While this is book #16 I think it’s a good starting point if you’re new to the series.

**Thank you so much to the author and publisher for the e-ARC I received via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.**

Disappointing. Where the book was going was apparent from the first chapter. The reader might not have all the answers, but enough was revealed, so there were no surprises. The book is slow without the usual last-minute Castillo twist and could have benefited from a secondary plotline other than outside agencies not liking Kate and her investigation tactics. The only redeeming part was the dark history, which led to a Google dive into the Schwertler Anabaptists.

Police Chief Kate Burkholder knows the Amish prefer to keep their issues private, but when she is called out to the woods in response to a fire, she is not quite prepared for that fire to be a man tied to a stake and smoldering. No one liked excommunicated Milan Swanz, especially his ex-wife, but the Amish do not speak ill of the dead, which is a complication for the Painter’s Mill Police Department.

I enjoy this series, but there is a running theme in the books, and it is beginning to feel like a fill-in-the-blank series. Gruesome death; innocent Amish who turns out to be no different than the Englisher’s; people don’t like the police chief until they need her; Kate is severely injured; twist; the end.

Another great addition to the Kate Burkholder series! I've really enjoyed solving crimes and mysteries with Chief of Police Burkholder with a supportive FBI husband Tomasetti by her side. This one does not disappoint with the level of suspense as well as the intrigue and secrets of the Painters Mill Amish community. Keep writing this series Linda Castillo and I'll keep anxiously reading them! My thanks to the publisher for providing a review copy via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

I loved this 16th book in Linda Castillo's "Kate Burkholder" series!
One of my all-time favourite series!
Painters Mill Chief of Police Kate Burkholder receives an urgent, middle of the night call summoning her to a suspicious fire in the woods. What she discovers is a charred body. According to the coroner, the deceased is an Amish man who was chained to a stake and burned alive.
Kate, previously Amish, knows that the Amish community prefer to handle their problems within their own community. From what she is able to piece together the victim led an extremely troubled life and had recently been excommunicated. The suspect list rapidly begins to grow.
A captivating plot and suspenseful read!
It is always a pleasure to revisit the characters I have become quite attached to in Painters Mill.
I can hardly wait for the next Kate Burkholder story.


Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press/Minotaur Books for an arc of this novel in exchange for my honest review.

Thank you so much to St Martin's Press and NetGalley for allowing me to read this book in exchange for my honest review. I was so excited to read this one, the Kate Burkholder series is my favorite and I always look forward to her new release every year. This one was no exception, 5 stars as always. I will always read her books and continually recommend this series to everyone.

Castillo continues her excellent writing with The Burning. I've thoroughly enjoyed watching her characters evolve in the series. As usual, she doesn't disappoint. Definitely recommend.

As with all the other entries in the series, this book was excellent. Kate is one of the most interesting and complex characters in current crime literature. Ex Amish, she is now drawn into an investigation that involves her Amish brother becoming a suspect. Torn between duty and her need to protect a loved one Kate is stretched emotionally as she tries to find answers and also keep her job. I recommend this series all the time. It is dark and layered and every book seems better than the last. The only thing I would advise is to read them in order. So go find the first one and go on one of the best reading experiences of your life. Thank you to NetGalley for an arc of this great book.

The beginning sucked me in, the middle lost me a bit and became somewhat repetitive and the ending brought me back around. I enjoy reading about Kate and these are pretty much the only Amish books I'm intrigued by.

The latest in the Kate Burkholder series. Kate is the Chief of Police in the small community of Painter’s Mill, Ohio. She has a special connection to the area, she grew up Amish, but is now ‘English’ and her family are still members of the Amish community there. A horrific murder is committed and it’s up to Kate to find out who did it.

These books are all murder driven, but this one seemed darker, more graphic. This is about a little known side of the Amish, The Amish Mafia. There was a lot of history in this book which was totally unexpected, but fascinating, especially with the Amish being such a faithful people. The Amish usually deal with their own issues in their own way, but even in this mostly peaceful community, evil lurks. I enjoy the characters, they seem all to gel, and after all the books, they become like a family. I’m enjoying the progression of Kate and Tomassetti’s story, and the introduction of a new relationship that I’m hoping will be front and center in the next book. For some reason this book didn’t seem as suspenseful to me, maybe due to the fact that I had things figured out. While I wouldn’t count this among my favorites, it is nevertheless an action packed read as always.

Thanks to Minotaur Books for this ARC. This is my honest opinion.

The Burning is the 16th Kate Burkholder procedural thriller by Linda Castillo. Released 9th July 2024 by Macmillan on their St. Martin's Press imprint, it's 320 pages and is available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats.

This is a very well written murder mystery and although it's number 16 in the series, it works well as a standalone. All the background character and setting information is provided in the book itself. There is an ongoing, multi-book, partnership between formerly-Amish small-town police chief Kate and her husband, an investigator with the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation, as well as an ensemble cast of colleagues. Reading the previous books is recommend, they're all solid; but it's not necessary to understand the action in this book. The series is well plotted and full of believable characters and inter-agency police stories.

The sense of place is palpable. There are a number of Amish characters (the small town where Chief of Police Kate Burkholder works is a rural agricultural area whose population is roughly 1/3 Amish). The author's descriptions are nuanced and believable. The book is liberally sprinkled with Pennsylvania Dutch, but the author is adept at translating, and most of it is understandable from context.

The characters are impressively nuanced. It takes a quite a lot of technical expertise to write characters who do bad things but aren't necessarily bad people and to allow readers to arrive at their own conclusions as well as the converse (bad people who are charming and well regarded). The denouement and resolution were well written and satisfying; there were some surprising twists at the end.

It's important for readers to be aware: this book contains quite graphic descriptions of violence, body horror (an immolation murder on the first pages which is -difficult- to read), trauma, and oppressive religious fundamentalism and closed societies. Language is "R" rated.

The unabridged audiobook has a run time of 9 hours and 31 minutes and is narrated capably and well by series narrator Kathleen McInerney. She has a warm and rich clear alto voice and does a good job delineating the widely varied accents of a range of characters of all ages and both sexes including elderly and young voices. Sound and production quality are high throughout the recording.

Four and a half stars. This series/author will likely already be on public library acquisitions lists and available from local libraries. It's a consistently high quality procedural series and would make a great choice for a very long binge/buddy read. It would also be a good choice as a mystery book club selection; lots of content for good and enthusiastic discussion (modern sexism, religion, rural area life, women in positions of respect (law enforcement) in those areas, etc).

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.