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.

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