Chaos at the Lazy Bones Bookshop by Emmeline Duncan

 Chaos at the Lazy Bones Bookshop

Book Summary

Bailey Briggs adores her year-round Halloween-themed town of Elyan Hollow, Oregon, but when she takes over her grandfather’s beloved bookshop, Lazy Bones Books, she accidentally discovers the town’s secret dark side . . .

 Normally, spooky season is Bailey Briggs’ favorite time of year, and her Halloween-themed small town’s time to shine. But between managing Lazy Bones Books, working on her graphic novel-in-progress, and running the Spooky Season Literary Festival, Bailey hardly has a moment to enjoy Elyan Hollow’s spot-on seasonal vibes. Not to mention, at every turn she seems to be tripping over the contentious crew of Gone Ghouls, a ghost-hunting reality TV show currently filming around town. Bailey tries to stay focused on the Lit Festival, which is supposed to kick off Elyan Hollow’s annual Halloween Fair; instead, this year’s festival begins with a murder . . .

It’s bad enough Bailey discovered the victim, but now, as a lead suspect with some (admittedly) damning evidence pointing her way, she’s got to clear her name! With the help of her librarian friend, Colby, and Jack Skeleton, her world-class bookshop dog (and the absolute bestest boy ever), Bailey sets out to solve a murder . . .

As her investigation weaves through family secrets, professional rivalries, and town feuds, the list of suspects is growing fast . . . and unfortunately, so is the list of victims. If Bailey doesn’t find the killer soon, Elyan Hollow’s haunted reputation will get a little too real . . .

My Thoughts

Chaos at the Lazy Bones Bookshop by Emmeline Duncan takes us to Elyan Hollow, Oregon where it is Halloween all year round (my type of town).  I especially loved the Lazy Bones Bookshop (I could happily spend hours in there browsing for books to add to my TBR stack).  We are introduced to a host of characters in the beginning including Bailey Briggs along with a variety of businesses. I like that all the business has Halloween or spooky themed names plus the small-town feel.  The detailed descriptions of each business got to be a bit much after a while (it reminded me of a tourism video for a town).  The characters lacked emotion and needed further development. The story moved at a leisurely pace with repetitive details (about businesses, people, and the mystery).  The redundant details felt like filler.  There were continuity errors as well. 

The whodunit was uncomplicated. I thought the mystery was predictable with Bailey doing little investigating. I wish the story had focused more on the mystery and less on humdrum details of daily life. Chaos at the Lazy Bones Bookshop is a cute story, and I am sure that there will be improvement in the next A Halloween Bookshop Mystery.  I liked Bailey’s dog (a big, lovable dog) whose name fits right in with the town.  Chaos at the Lazy Bones Bookshop is a lighthearted tale with ghost hunters, book boxes, a big dog, domestic secrets, a murdered man, book fair fun, a generous grandfather, and Halloween hijinks.

Chaos at the Lazy Bones Bookshop is available from Amazon*.  It can be read for free through Kindle Unlimited.  You can find Emmeline Duncan's other cozy mysteries here.  I appreciate you stopping by today.  I will return on Tuesday, July 30 with There's No Murder Like Show Murder by M.S. Greene.   I hope that you have an enjoyable weekend.  I plan to stay inside to beat the heat.  There is plenty of work inside to keep me busy.  Take care, stay cool, and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.  I am not required to leave a review.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.

*This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase using my links, I will receive a small commission from the sale at no cost to you.  Thank you for supporting The Avid Reader. 

A Very Woodsy Murder by Ellen Byron

 A Very Woodsy Murder

Book Summary

New motel owner Dee Stern has checked out of the familiar comforts in the Studio City and checked in to the quaint village of Foundgold. Running a rustic getaway in the woods sure beats LA traffic—until murder ruins the peace and quiet . . .

Down-on-her-luck sitcom writer Dee Stern is flipping the script. Twice divorced and wasting her talents on an obnoxious kids’ show, the lifelong Angeleno embraces the urge to jump in her car and keep driving. It's a road trip with no destination—until she pulls into a mid-century motel filled with cobwebs and retro charm. Nestled in the shadow of a national park, it’s a time capsule of a place that, like her, could use some work. So, in the most impulsive move of her life, Dee teams up with best friend, Jeff Cornetta—who happens to be her first ex-husband—to transform the aging ranch into the Golden Motel-of-the-Mountains, a hiker’s oasis on the edge of the wilderness . . .

But Dee and Jeff soon realize there couldn’t be two people more unprepared for the hospitality business. There’s also the panic-inducing reality of prowling bears and a general store as the only shopping spot for miles. Living and working in the middle of nowhere takes some getting used to—especially when a disrespectful guest ends up murdered! Now, with the motel duo topping the suspect list, Dee must steer clear of a meddling park ranger, face her past in show biz, and determine if the killer is a local or tourist. Because as she quickly finds out, there are many things worse than a one-star review.

My Thoughts

A Very Woodsy Murder by Ellen Byron is the debut of A Golden Motel Mysteries.  Dee Stern and Jeff are unprepared for owning a rundown motel near a state park.  A Very Woodsy Murder reminds me of an older sit-com where things are exaggerated (Dee and Jeff remind me of Lucy and Ethel).  We learn about Dee’s time in Hollywood as a screenwriter and her relationship with Jeff.  I can certainly understand why she needs a fresh start.  The motel is a near the town of Foundgold which has a population of 68 (maybe).  A nemesis of Dee’s from Hollywood checks in and gets murdered.  When the murder causes people to cancel their reservations, Dee and Jeff set out to find the guilty party.  It does not help that Deputy Sheriff Aguilar and Chief Ranger O’Bryant do not get along.  Plus, the residents of Goldsgone (that is really the name of the town) do not welcome Dee and Jeff with open arms.  Dee lacks subtlety when questioning people (she will need to acquire this skill in order to deal with guests and for future investigations) which does not earn her any friends.  Dee and Jeff are bumbling amateur detectives (which suits the story).  I wish the same details were not repeated so often.  As you can tell, there is humor scattered throughout A Very Woodsy Murder.  A Very Woodsy Murder is a lighthearted tale with a ramshackle motel, a nemesis for a guest, a roaming bear, a murdered writer, withdrawn reservations, not so subtle sleuthing, and feuding officers. 

A Very Woodsy Murder can be obtained from Amazon* as well as other major booksellers.  You can find Ellen Byron's other books here. Thank you for dropping by today.  I will return tomorrow with Chaos at the Lazy Bones Bookshop by Emmeline Duncan.  It is the first book in A Halloween Bookshop Mysteries.  I am off to get some chores done.  When you have cats, sweeping and dusting must be done frequently (I am amazed at how much hair they lose on a daily basis).  I added a couple of more books to my August TBR pile.  I am hoping to finish A Berry Suspicious Death by Peg Cochran tonight.  That will leave me with An Irish Bookshop Murder by Lucy Conneolly and Silent Evidence by Clea Koff.  I hope that you have a cheerful day!  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.  I am not required to leave a review.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.

*This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase using my links, I will receive a small commission from the sale at no cost to you.  Thank you for supporting The Avid Reader.  

Montana Abduction Rescue by Jodie Bailey

Montana Abduction Rescue

Book Summary

Kidnappers out for vengeance…

Can a K-9 team stop them?

Following the death of a crime boss he put behind bars, Ian Carpenter leaves witness protection—and runs right into an ambush. To escape assailants bent on revenge, he turns to his former handler, US marshal Meadow Ames, and her K-9 partner. But the stakes grow higher when Ian’s cousin is abducted. With threats closing in, can they rescue a kidnapped teen…and stop the criminals for good?

My Thoughts

Montana Abduction Rescue by Jodie Bailey starts off with a bang.   The story has action, suspense, mystery, faith, and a splash of romance.  I love that it is a fast-paced story (makes me want to keep reading).   I enjoyed getting to know Ian and Meadow as well as Meadow’s K-9 companion, Grace.  Grace is a clever dog (it is amazing what K-9 dogs are capable of). I had not heard of the Hungarian breed Vizsla before reading this book (which had me looking it up online).  There is one scene with Grace that had me laughing (I do not want to spoil it for you).  The romance was well done.  I like how it was blended with the suspense, but it did not overshadow it.  Faith was nicely incorporated into the story.  I did feel, though, that the ending was a tad rushed.  While Montana Abduction Rescue is the fifth book in the Mountain Country K-9 Unit series, it can be read as a standalone.  Montana Abduction Rescue is a suspenseful story with an alarming ambush, a clever canine, a kidnapped cousin, sinister criminals, and terrifying threats.

Montana Abduction Rescue is available from Amazon*.  The next book in the Mountain Country K9 Unit series is Trails of Threats by Jessica R. Patch which will be out on August 20.  Jodie Bailey has Taken at Christmas the first book in the Trinity Investigative Team releasing on November 26. 

Here are a some of the other books that came out today: There's No Murder Like Show Murder by M.S. Greene, Trouble is Brewing by Vicki Delany, Liars by Sarah Manguso, Chaos at the Lazy Bones Bookshop by Emmeline Duncan (on Kindle Unlimited), Puzzle Me a Murder by Roz Noonan, Her Summer with the Brooding Vet by Scarlet Wilson, and A Very Woodsy Murder by Ellen Byron.  Thank you for joining me today.  Tomorrow I am sharing my thoughts on A Very Woodsy Murder by Ellen Byron.  It is the first A Golden Motel Mystery.  I am off to put away my outdoor Fourth of July decorations.  The afternoon rainstorms kept getting them wet (it also got them clean).  They are now dry, so I can roll them up and store them in the totes for storage.  The hard part will be stuffing them in our storage shed.  It is a little full at the moment.  I am waiting for cooler weather to organize it (it is just too hot to work out there).  I hope that you have a chill day!  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.  I am not required to leave a review.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.

This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase using my links, I will receive a small commission from the sale at no cost to you.  Thank you for supporting The Avid Reader. 

Trouble is Brewing by Vicki Delany

 Trouble is Brewing

Book Summary

Lily Roberts’s Cape Cod tearoom is hosting a bridal shower—until a gruesome gift sends the guest of honor running in fear . . .

Members of the Reynolds and Hill families are staying at Lily’s grandmother’s bed and breakfast, and now they’ve gathered at Tea by the Sea to sip some delicious blends while they shower bride-to-be Hannah Hill with presents. But the last package Hannah unwraps contains a beheaded Raggedy Ann doll and triggers a bloodcurdling scream. A doll like this was the last gift from her father before he died long ago, and she’s chilled to the bone.

Lily senses that the shocking anonymous gift just might be related to other tensions she’s picking up on. The mothers-in-law have been sniping at each other—and then Lily, out walking her dog, overhears the groom’s father, Ralph, offering his son a very sizable bribe to call off the wedding. She’s relieved when Greg angrily turns him down, but with so many people steamed at each other, can this event possibly go smoothly?

The answer is no. It suddenly has to be postponed—when Ralph is found dead in his bed, a bottle of whiskey beside him. When tests indicate the booze was infused with a lethal substance, it becomes a murder case, and of course, accusations are flying wildly with the guests all too willing to believe the worst about each other. Now, to find out whether all this family drama led to a fatality, Lily will have to turn up the heat . . .

My Thoughts

Trouble is Brewing by Vicki Delany is the fifth A Tea by the Sea Mystery.  It can be read as a standalone as the author provides the needed background information for new readers. I enjoyed the beautiful descriptions of the area, the tea shop, the bed and breakfast, and the food. I was disappointed that there was more telling than showing in the story.  The mystery is simple.  The father of the groom is murdered after the bridal shower.  Lily shows little interest in solving the whodunit until an innocent party becomes the prime suspect (of course).  I wanted more sleuthing with less baking and romance.  I could have done with a lot less of Bernie’s antics (I wanted to shove her off a cliff).  The same details are repeated over and over.  There were many missed opportunities.  Lily would walk away too soon, or the scene ends early.  The guilty party stands out (there might as well be a giant neon arrow pointing at the killer).    I had an idea as to why this person committed the crime, but I had to wait for the reveal to be sure.  The reveal felt anticlimactic. While Trouble is Brewing is a pleasant, lighthearted story, I found it lacking.  I am hoping the next A Tea by the Sea Mystery will have more mystery to go with the cozy elements.  

Trouble is Brewing is available from Amazon* along with the other A Tea by the Sea Mysteries.  You can find Vicki Delany's other novels here and her books written as Eva Gates here.  I appreciate you taking time out of your day to join me.  I will return on Tuesday, July 23,  with Montana Abduction Rescue by Jodie Bailey.  My raised flowerbeds were blooming with poppies until late May.  I have cleared the poppy vines out of the beds. I ordered seeds for flowers that enjoy the sun and do not mind drought conditions (summer in Florida).  In the evenings, I have been planting seeds.  I have seedlings popping up in all but one of the flowerbeds.  I am going to try the organic seeds that just arrived (fingers crossed).  I hope that you have a relaxing weekend and that you stay cool (it is so very hot and humid).  I will be reading two new books that I just received.  The books are Keeled Over at the Cliffside by Nancy Stewart and A Berry Suspicious Death by Peg Cochran.  What will you be reading this weekend?  Do you have any recommendations for my garden?  I would love to hear from you!  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.  I am not required to leave a review.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.

This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase using my links, I will receive a small commission from the sale at no cost to you.  Thank you for supporting The Avid Reader.  

A Controversial Cover by Lorna Barrett

 A Controversial Cover

Book Summary

When a famous children's author is murdered at the library, Tricia Miles has to find the killer before it's too late in the latest entry to Lorna Barrett's New York Times bestselling Booktown series.

Tricia Miles is ready to close the book on all her amateur sluething—she's tired of finding dead bodies and being accused of murder. But even the best laid plans often go awry.

Stoneham is all abuzz when Lauren Barker, a famous children's book author, arrives for an event at the local library. Lauren is a Stoneham native, and her new book strikes some members of the town as controversial. But when Lauren is found strangled to death after an altercation at the event, the plot twist throws Tricia right back into the middle of things.

Who could possibly have wanted Lauren dead? Was it Dan Reed, who had to be thrown out of the signing for spouting conspiracy theories and causing a disturbance? Stella Kraft, Lauren’s high school teacher, who thought of the author as a protégé—something Lauren violently disputed? Or the mystery man who spoke to Lauren just before she was found dead? With the suspect count climbing higher and more information about Lauren's past coming to light, will Tricia be able to give this story a happily ever after?

A Controversial Cover by Lorna Barrett is the eighteenth A Booktown Mystery.  The author provides the background information needed for new readers.  A Controversial Cover is easy to read, but it is bland.  Tricia Miles, I believe, is in her mid-forties, but she comes across as older (and stodgy).  Tricia is dating David, a twenty something children’s librarian which is raising more than a few eyebrows in the town.  David’s quirky attire to a funeral caused eyes to widen and tongues to wag.  There are repetitive details in A Controversial Cover.  I lost track of how many times it was mentioned that Tricia (well, technically, her assistant manager) is having trouble tracking down vintage mysteries.  We get an update on Angelica’s dog each time Tricia goes over (which is usually twice a day).  Food is a big topic in the book.  I believe food (as well as David and Tricia’s romance) overshadows the whodunit (Tricia going grocery shopping, Tricia’s bare cupboards, Tricia and Angelica’s having lunch or dinner).  

David wears a shirt similar to this one to a funeral!

The mystery was uncomplicated.  By the halfway point, I was beginning to doubt there would be any investigation.  I felt bad for the teacher that Tricia left dangling in the wind.  The reveal was less than satisfactory.  I was not a fan of the addition of foul language (there was a mild amount, but I would prefer none).  There were some odd sentences in the story as well (such as, “quiet money in the collection containers”).  I like Booktown (I cannot resist a bookshop and a town full of them is nirvana), but this visit ranks low on the happiness meter.  I am sure my next visit to Booktown will have me smiling and curious to see what mystery Tricia finds herself mixed up in. 

A Controversial Cover can be ordered from Amazon* along with the other novels in A Booktown Mysteries.  Don't forget that today is the last Amazon Prime Day (so many deals).  Thank you for joining me today.  I will be sharing my thoughts on Trouble is Brewing by Vicki Delany tomorrow.  It is the fifth A Tea by the Sea Mystery.  My mother had a lovely birthday.  She enjoyed her gifts and her dinner (it was hot in that kitchen).  She drifted off to sleep wearing a new nightgown with Garfield in her arms (from Build a Bear wearing a shirt with a lasagana in one hand) and covered in her new Charlie Brown blanket.  I am off to get some housework done (I would rather read a book--of course, wouldn't we all).  I hope that you have a cheerful day.  Take care, stay cool, and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.  I am not required to leave a review.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.

This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase using my links, I will receive a small commission from the sale at no cost to you.  Thank you for supporting The Avid Reader. 

Matters of the Heart by Kelly Irvin

 Matters of the Heart

Book Summary

He's the community's jokester auctioneer. She's the serious caregiver for her siblings who also works at the local plant nursery. What future could they have together?

Declan Miller has always had feelings for Bethel King. Back when they were in school, she was the smartest girl in the class and, in his opinion, by far the prettiest. Now the two of them are in their twenties and while the attraction is still there, Declan is as hesitant as ever to let Bethel know how he feels. His corny jokes and wisecracks cover a heart that's afraid of rejection.

Bethel can't deny Declan is nice, funny, hardworking, and pleasing to the eye--a perfect match if you asked any Plain girl in the area. But marrying Bethel would also mean marrying into her family. Two of her younger brothers have a rare form of muscular dystrophy, and her sister Claire is now showing signs of having it as well. Fiercely loyal and nurturing, Bethel has promised herself her siblings will always come first. With a good chance that she carries the gene and could pass it on to her children, Bethel has tried to convince herself marriage and family just aren't in the cards for her.

Amish waiting at a clinic in Lancaster

When a devastating diagnosis of his own turns Declan's world upside down, he looks to Bethel for understanding, compassion, and a realistic outlook. As they share their dreams and fears and grow together in faith, a bond begins to develop between them. Perhaps their combination of optimistic extrovert and thoughtful introvert really isn't such a bad thing--perhaps it's actually a part of God's beautiful design.

My Thoughts

Matters of the Heart by Kelly Irvin is a touching Amish tale.  This story focuses on the genetic disabilities among the Amish as a result of them intermarrying.   We get to see the emotional, physical, and spiritual challenges that families face when family members have medical conditions (it can be overwhelming).  The old adage “when it rains, it pours” came to mind when I was reading Matters of the Heart.  Life is challenging when you have a relative (or in this case multiple relatives) with physical challenges (I know from experience).  I enjoyed getting to know Declain and Bethel as well as their families. I was rooting for Declan and Bethel.  Bethel’s siblings are so sweet and happy.  They do not let their challenges bring them down (a lesson I could learn).  Matters of the Heart is the second An Amish Calling Novel.  It can be read as a standalone.  Matters of the Heart was thoughtfully done with realistic characters and situations.  This compelling story has ups and downs (have tissues nearby) along with a sweet ending.  

Matters of the Heart is available from Amazon*.  The Heart's Bidding is the first An Amish Calling Novel.  The third An Amish Calling Novel is With All Her Heart and it will be released on January 28, 2025.  You can find Kelly Irvin's other books here.  If you follow the author on Amazon, they will send you an email when she has a new book release. Do not forget that July 16th and 17th are Amazon Prime Days. Thank you for stopping by today.  Tomorrow I will be sharing my thoughts on A Controversial Cover by Lorna Barrett.  It is the 18th A Booktown Mystery.  I am off to make homemade noodles.  Today is my mother's 79th birthday.  She requested homemade chicken and noodles for dinner (I pushed for going out to eat, but I was unsuccessful).  The noodles need to dry for a couple of hours before they are cooked.  I am grateful that she did not request chicken pot pie!  I hope that you have a joyful day!  Take care, stay cool, and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.  I am not required to leave a review.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.

This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase using my links, I will receive a small commission from the sale at no cost to you.  Thank you for supporting The Avid Reader.  

Murder on Devil's Pond by Ayla Rose

Murder on Devil's Pond

Book Summary

A quaint Vermont inn offers idyllic peace–until a body is found  on the property–in this charming series debut, perfect for fans of Ellen Byron and Ellery Adams.

When thirty-three-year-old Hannah Solace returns to her hometown to renovate and reopen the inn she co-owns with her sister Reggie, her mission is to give the old Victorian hotel an entirely new life. She’s even planting pollinator gardens around the inn–native flowers and fruit trees to lure honeybees and houseguests alike. 

Hannah’s fresh start is stymied by Reggie’s continual interference, unreliable contractors, a check-the-couch-for-coins budget, and townspeople Hannah left behind fifteen years ago. Her main source of camaraderie is Ezra Grayson, an eighty-year-old recluse who lives nearby. After an unsettling conversation with a disgruntled Ezra, Hannah is horrified to discover him dead on her property later that day. 

Ezra had always had plenty of people to complain about, especially locals trying to force him out of his property for its prime real estate. As buzz around town grows after his death, Hannah finds herself on the short list of suspects. Hannah starts digging and quickly discovers that secrets lurk beneath the charming surface of the town she once again calls home.

My Thoughts

Murder on Devil’s Pond by Ayla Rose is the debut of A Hummingbird Hollow B&B Mysteries.  This story does not fit into the cozy mystery mold.  There is a small town (Jasper, Vermont) with a variety of shops and residents.  The first chapter is like an information dump as we are told about various people and what they do or the shop they own (I heard the term, “just the facts, ma’am” going through my head).  Hannah Solace discovering the dead body of Ezra Grayson happens in the second chapter.  The descriptions are too gruesome for a cozy mystery.  Some elements of the whodunit are unbelievable.  There is no way a small town can get DNA results within twenty-four hours (unless you are on an hour-long television show).  Hannah was focused on getting answers (mostly about a matter relating to the murder).  

Noah, the local police officer, would pop up at convenient times to share details with Hannah (he was Johnny on the spot).  The reveal was lacking in detail (which was odd considering all the specifics in the rest of the book).  I found the story to be filled with unfriendly characters who were not fleshed out.  Everyone seems stern or unhappy.  Even Reggie’s daughter, Peach is not a happy go lucky kid (and I do not blame Peach for not wanting to eat the food presented at mealtimes).  The best characters in the story are Turnip, Hannah’s cat, and Moose, Ezra’s dog (loved Moose).  I did not appreciate the foul language (even the preacher used it).  The bed and breakfast seemed like an afterthought.  The rooms are not cleaned on a daily basis, the sheets are not changed daily (yuck), nor are the towels restocked daily (I hope she is not expecting rave reviews online).  I did not understand how a guest could stiff Hannah on the bill (she has keycards, but she did not get their credit card when they checked in).  I know I ran a little long (okay, more than a little), but Murder on Devil’s Pond was not a pleasant reading experience for me.  

Murder on Devil's Pond is available from Amazon*. Finding You by Amy Clipston also came out this week.   Thank you for stopping by today.  I will return on Tuesday, July 16 with Matters of the Heart by Kelly Irvin.  It is the second An Amish Calling Novel.  Amazon Prime Days are next week on July 16 and 17.  My mother's birthday is on July 16th as well.  She will be seventy-nine years old this year.  I hope that you have a delightful weekend. My bike is fixed (the back chain was broken), so I will be able to ride around the village with Dickens (I have two cats, Dickens and Bucky--they are sisters who turned fourteen this year).  Dickens loves to get out and meet people (she loves people to fuss over her).  Bucky is my shy cat and prefers to stay at home (she hides when guests come over).   Take care, stay cool, and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.  I am not required to leave a review.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.

This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase using my links, I will receive a small commission from the sale at no cost to you.  Thank you for supporting The Avid Reader.  

The Burning by Linda Castillo

The Burning 

Book Summary

Chief of Police Kate Burkholder investigates a gruesome murder that reveals a little-known chapter of early Amish history in this next riveting installment of the bestselling series by Linda Castillo.

Newlywed Chief of Police Kate Burkholder is awakened by an urgent midnight call summoning her to a suspicious fire in the woods. When she arrives at the scene, she discovers a charred body. According to the coroner, the deceased, an Amish man named Milan Swanz, was chained to a stake and burned alive. It is an appalling and eerily symbolic crime against an upstanding husband and father.

Kate knows all too well that the Amish prefer to handle their problems without interference from the outside world, and no one will speak about the murdered man. From what she’s able to piece together, Swanz led a deeply troubled life and had recently been excommunicated. But if that’s the case, why are the Amish so reluctant to talk about him? Are they protecting the memory of one of their own? Or are they afraid of something they dare not share?

When her own brother is implicated in the case, Kate finds herself not only at odds with the Amish, the world of which she was once a part, but also the English community and her counterparts in law enforcement. The investigation takes a violent turn when Kate’s life is threatened by a mysterious stranger.

To uncover the truth about the death of Milan Swanz, Kate must dive deep into the Anabaptist culture, peering into all the dark corners of its history, only to uncover a secret legacy that shatters everything she thought she knew about the Amish themselves—and her own roots.

My Thoughts

The Burning by Linda Castillo is an intriguing story.  The characters are developed and realistic. Kate Burkholder is now happily married to John.  Her latest case is a dark and gruesome one (the details are quite graphic).  This case hits close to home for Kate when her brother ends up one of the prime suspects. Trying to get answers out of the Amish is like pulling a wisdom tooth (tough and painful).  Kate should see if the local hospital has a frequent visitor program because someone is determined to sideline her.  I was surprised that case details were repeated so often.  The case leads to a suspenseful reveal.  The Burning can be read as a standalone.  I believe it would be helpful, though, to read Sworn to Silence (the first book in the series--available through Kindle Unlimited) which would give you an introduction to the characters (or watch An Amish Murder).  The story does contain some “salty” language.  John and Kate had an interesting conversation at the end.  I will be curious to see what becomes of it.  The Burning took me on a roller coaster (Kate too and she has the bruises to prove it) and I am looking forward to Kate’s next adventure.  

The Burning can be obtained from Amazon*  Sworn to Silence is the first book in the Kate Burkholder series (it is available through Kindle Unlimited).  If you follow Kate Burkholder on Amazon, they will send you an email when she has a new book release.  Thank you taking time out of your day to visit me.  I will be sharing my thoughts on Murder on Devil's Pond by Ayla Rose tomorrow.  It is the first A Hummingbird Hollow B&B Mystery.  I am off to set up my fun in the summer sun display in my front yard.  It has been raining every day which is good for the garden, but it is not good for laying out a display in your front yard.  I hope that you have an amusing day (we need positivity in our lives to offset the current political climate).  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.  I am not required to leave a review.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.

This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase using my links, I will receive a small commission from the sale at no cost to you.  Thank you for supporting The Avid Reader.