I don't think I have ever read a book about the Amish community, so this was a bit refreshing for me. I did not know that this book was number 16; I don't think I missed out on a lot, but it makes me curious about how Kate became the Chief of Police and why she is no longer a part of the community.
When Kate finds out that the person was a part of the Amish community she will be the only one that they may talk to as she has to find out who was behind it. However, what she uncovers is more than what she was expecting. While trying to solve the murder that has occurred, trying to stay alive as someone doesn't want her to get close to the truth, as well as trying to help clear her brother's name, she has her work cut out for her. I liked how the Amish community was organized, and we got a bit of insight into their lives.
This was fast-paced and packed with action when it was needed for a good murder mystery.

Police Chief Kate Burkholder is woken in the middle of the night because of a fire, there is also a body discovered along with the fire, and with the way it was arraigned, it looks like murder. As she begins the investigation it becomes slower and slower because the Amish community is not helping her. When her brother becomes one of the suspects some other law enforcement officials begin to question her skills into who she is looking for. Finding more and more out about the community that she once belonged to she becomes aware of something that lurks inside that is evil and begins to wonder if is it just folklore or real. This was a very good book with many twists and turns with moments of surprise and suspense. All of the characters were excellent as was the overall story. Very much worth the read.

The Burning is the sixteenth entry in the series that began with Sworn to Silence in 2009. I have always been intrigued by these novels with their connection to the Amish community and way of life.

Burkholder, who was raised in the Amish world, is called in on a grisly case. An Amish man, who had been excommunicated, was burned alive. What kind of man was he? What led to his cruel demise? Why are the people he knew so reluctant to speak?

To make matters worse, Burkholder’s brother may have a connection to this case. How will she find the truth and uncover a killer? Could she have to hold her brother responsible?

Readers can trust that, while it will not be easy, Burkholder and her colleagues will figure things out. Join them as they do.

This book offers an involving read. Note that it is not a cozy title but, rather, a dark story. For those who like gritty and suspenseful stories, this entry in the series is definitely worth a look. That said, many feel that this is a series best read from the beginning. However, those who hop in here can always then go backwards.

Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for this title. All opinions are my own.

I've been a fan of Linda Castillo's Kate Burkholder series for some time, and of all the novels in the series I've read thus far, this may just be the darkest one yet--what else would you call a novel that opens with a man tied to a large stake and two mysterious men, who appear to be Amish, who proceed to burn him to death in the middle of a winter night?

Ms. Castillo had me hooked from the start and kept me hooked until the unexpected, action-packed ending. In short, The Burning was a 5-star, tour-de-force read. And, if you're new to this series, I'd suggest starting with the first novel in the series to understand more about Kate, her background, and why she left the Amish, and then read at least one or more, to get a feeling for the series, the setting, and meet some of the characters in this novel in advance. I will tell you that Kate was raised in an Amish family, left the Amish, eventually entered into law enforcement, and has risen to the rank of Police Chief in Painter's Mill, her home town, with it's Amish population.

So, who were those dark men that perpetrated such a horrific murder? Was it a random victim? Had the victim done something to deserve such a horrible fate? Slowly but surely, Kate is about to find out, as will the reader, and that's all I'll say about the complicated plot of this excellent mystery novel.

Ms. Castillo has certainly done her homework and shows us a side of Anabaptist culture and their centuries-old history, and it's quite a tale. It was certainly an eye-opener for this reader. I found it utterly fascinating, and I think you will too. I highly recommend it.

I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this novel. The opinions stated are my own.

Thank you NetGalley and publisher for this ARC publication for an honest review.

This is such a solid series that always keeps you on the edge of your seat! I implore you to start from book one and continue reading each addition...the growth of all the characters and building of relationships keeps you fully invested. And I have to ask, what is up with Skid and Mona?? Insert open mouth, wide eyes emoji?!

There is a gruesome murder in the quiet Amish community (okay, this series contains a lot of killings in the supposedly peaceful Amish community, but...lol) Kate and Tomasetti (married at last!) are pulled into a case involving an Amish man burned at the stake. There are definitely some dark and chilling facts that are uncovered trying to solve this crime and Kate is pulled off the main investigation due to a conflict when her brother becomes a suspect.

I really enjoy Kate and Tomasetti partnering up and how he fully supports his wife! I'm not sure how many more books there will be in this series, but my vote is to let them work together more!! And their last conversation...yes, please! Let them continue on with a domesticated, family life (with a side of murder & mystery that keeps everybody safe!!)

4 stars

The Burning by Linda Castillo is a fresh, new installment in the Kate Burkholder series. It starts off with a gruesome murder and never slows down from there. The integration of the Amish culture into a murder mystery is fascinating to read. Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the advanced electronic copy.

Another great story in the Kate Burkholder series. Linda Castillo has the touch. Her characters are believable and her plots realistic. There are many reasons to read this series. Follow the relationship, learn more about the Amish, enjoy the mystery.... Something for everyone.

3.5 Stars
Kate is called to a grisly murder, a man burned at the stake. As Kate investigates, she finds a lot of potential suspects due to the victim's background. Unfortunately, one of the connections is personal to Kate and a BCI Agent makes waves about her being biased. Tomasetti is also brought into this complicated case.

The town of Painters Mill is a small one, so Kate is a very hands-on Chief of Police, investigating suspects and following up on leads right along with her officers. I really like Kate and her officers: Glock, Mona, Skid, and Pickles. They’re a good team, more than just work colleagues.

I was addicted from page one, but man Kate made several TSTL decisions that were completely frustrating! It’s hard to believe a seasoned police chief making such stupid and rash decisions, especially when she keeps getting her butt handed to her!

The Burning is book sixteen in the Kate Burkholder series, but could be read as a standalone in a pinch. Each book focuses on a case that’s solved by the end. There is the romance between Kate and Tomasetti that begins in book one. I read the first two books in the series and then skipped ahead to book fifteen and sixteen, but I’d like to go back and work my way through the rest of the books at some point.

I’ve listened to the series from the start and really enjoyed Kathleen McInerney’s performance! Her accents and performance of Deitsch accents are well done. I listened at my usual 1.5x normal speed.

The Burning by Linda Castillo, book sixteen in the Kate Burkholder series, is a unique story with amazing detail, imagination, and twists that keep you on your toes. Newlywed Kate Burkholder is called to the scene of a horrific crime. A man has been burned at the stake and this time it will have her channeling her Amish upbringing to pry open the doors of the tight-knit community that does its best to keep the common people out. When Kate's brother is implicated in the murder, things get more interesting and tense. He is not the only one that comes under suspicion during the investigation. I enjoyed the growing sense of tension and danger. Kate also found herself in dangerous situations more than once, proving herself to be like wonder woman. Nothing stopped her.

Kate is an amazing character: drive, tough, police chief, and the newly married, loving wife of Tomasetti. Tomasetti is an amazing agent, always dressed in black, who is all in when it comes to Kate. They make an amazing team. This book gives the reader everything they are looking for in a cop fiction. Evil shows its face but the good wins once again.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
#NetGalley #St. Martin’s Press @MinotaurBooks

Kate finds herself on the outside, yet again, dealing with an Amish community that prefers to handle their problems themselves.

The who and why the murderers are killing in The Burning was intriguing. And, the justification for the murders is thought-provoking, to say the least. Kate ultimately finds herself questioning everything about who she used to be and who she is today.

My only quibble is when authors have their characters nearly killed by stabbing, shooting, or in this case being nearly strangled to death (twice) and bouncing back up like the Energizer Bunny and basically saying "I'm fine! I don't even need to get a night's sleep! I've got a killer to catch!"

I still love this series, however, and I hope it NEVER ends!!

I feel The Burning can be read as a standalone but I highly, highly recommend starting with the first book! I absolutely love this series!!

BIG thanks to both #MinotaurBooks and #NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review an early copy of #TheBurning. This book is #16 in the #KateBurkholder series and the expected publication date is July 9, 2024.

#LindaCastillo #Amish #ThoughtProvoking

This was a great addition to an amazing series. I will say sometimes Chief gets herself in too deep but it always keeps you guessing and takes twists and turns that are very unexpected.

I found myself absolute lost in this book. A captivating tale with unforgettable characters. Strongly recommend. Will pick up her other books.

For those of us who enjoy reading book series, there’s always that one series that stands out from the rest! That one series that never disappoints and gets better with every installment. And that one series with characters you’ve come to love, whom you’ve seen grow and have become like family. Well, the Kate Burkholder series from Linda Castillo is that book series for me. There are few books I look forward to more!

THE BURNING is the 16th book in the series, one that transports us to Painters Mill, Ohio, baring witness to one of the most gruesome murders Chief of Police Kate has ever investigated. As always, the mystery draws the reader deep into the Amish community and their way of life, where secrecy and distrust of outsiders make Kate’s job of finding a killer all the more difficult. As Linda Castillo does exceptionally well in every novel, she presents the reader with a mystery that slowly begins to reveal itself, the story reaching a heart-pounding and edge-of-your-seat conclusion that never ever disappoints. Without any doubt, this continues to be a favorite series of mine, and has been for the last 15 years!

I want to extend a huge thank you to NetGalley, Linda Castillo, and St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books for gifting me the ARC of THE BURNING! I so appreciate you trusting me with an honest review!! It was a privilege to be able to read the newest novel in my favorite book series before publication.

Linda Catillo has created another fascinating look into the Amish community and leaves me wanting to know more about the early chapters of the Anabaptists. Always a good sign.

I really enjoyed this book. It was written in a way that makes it very hard to put down.

This is the first book I have read by this author, and didn't realize that his is book #16 in a series. Even if you haven't read the other books in the series, you can read this as a stand alone and not feel lost. However, after reading this book, I now have to go back and read them from the start of the series!

The part I liked most in this book is that the author correctly uses the Amish lifestyle and background. It's a nice perspective as to see how their police do things and investigate things. It's almost eye opening. The police are investigating a really horrific crime that was committed and every one is keeping what they know about the investigation a secret. One thing about the Amish is that they don't like to share what they know, which makes the investigation really hard on the detectives.

This book will give you everything you are looking for in a book. The amount of detail and imagination is out of this world. Did I mention that this book has just the right amount of twists and turns. It will absolutely make you want to finish it in one sitting and as fast you can.

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for allowing me to read this early in exchange for my honest review.

The Burning by Linda Castillo is a fast paced action packed murder mystery set in Painters Mill, Ohio. It is the 16th book in the Kate Burkholder series, but can be read as a stand alone book if so desired. I love the character of Kate as a straight forward tough sheriff who manages to straddle the English and Amish worlds with finesse.
This book starts off with a bang, with the murder of Milan via burning. Kate delves back into the Amish world trying to find the killer and is led back to her family during the investigation. As with all cases, Kate is in such a rush to find the killer and figure everything out that she doesn't always wait for backup and gets herself in some hairy situations.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and want to thank author Linda Castill0, #NetGalley, and the publisher St. Martin’s Press – Minotaur Books for the advance reader copy of the e-book for my review.

The latest in the series, The Burning: A Novel by Linda Castillo, finds Kate Burkholder and John Tomasetti two months into their marriage. The newlyweds are blissfully happy. Especially Kate Burkholder as life is pretty good these days.

It wasn’t for Milan Swanz. Especially his last few minutes as he was, basically, burned alive at the stake. It is a 2:47 am wakeup call for Painters Mill Chief of Police Kate Burkholder like no other and a horrific crime scene. A scene that gets into your mind and body in more ways than one.

As her and her team dig for answers, it is clear that Milan Swanz was a deeply flawed human being. One that the Amish tried to handle internally. He was disciplined repeatedly and finally recently excommunicated. His situation may have been permanently solved as somebody seems to be a following a book from long ago in the Ana Baptist culture.

What follows is a complicated and twisted novel that puts Kate pretty much against everybody else in her search for the truth. Along the way, we find out a little more about Kate’s history and just how important family is to her.

Strongly recommended, as is the entire series.


Kevin R. Tipple ©2024

I’ve read a few Detective Burkholder novels and always enjoy the world she lives in. The Burning was no different. Immediately pulled into the action and along for the ride!

This is the sixteenth book in the amazing Kate Burkholder series. This is a chilling mystery that drew me in right away. It’s fast paced, well written, suspenseful and action packed. A truly great story.

Chief of Police Kate Burkholder is at it again. In the latest installment, she is called to the gruesome crime scene where former Amish Milan Swanz has been burned alive at the stake. As Kate tries to gather information on who committed this heinous crime, her brother is implicated. This is an action packed thriller with many twist and turns along the way. Linda Castillo did a great job as always with this fast paced , suspenseful thriller.