Linda Castillo is the author of the New York Times and USA Today bestselling Kate Burkholder mystery series, set in the world of the Amish. The first book, Sworn to Silence, was adapted into a Lifetime original movie titled An Amish Murder starring Neve Campbell as Kate Burkholder. Castillo is the recipient of numerous industry awards including a nomination by the International Thriller Writers for Best Hardcover, a nomination for the Mystery Writers of America’s Sue Grafton Memorial Award, and a nomination for an “Audie Award” for best mystery audiobook. Her work has appeared on numerous bestseller lists and earned a spot on the Boston Globe’s shortlist for best crime novel.
In addition to writing, Castillo’s other passion is horses. She lives on a ranch in Texas with her husband, three Appaloosas, and two feisty, but loveable Blue Heelers.
She loves hearing from readers. Contact her at books@lindacastillo.com.
This is the story of Leigh who has been in the witness protection program for 6 years after testifying against her former boyfriend, after she found out he was an arms dealer. The male character Jake is a member of an elite group of CIA agents called MIDNIGHT (yes, all capital letters!). He rushes to help Leigh after former boyfriend/arms dealer/all round bad guy escapes from prison with the intention of getting revenge on her. As the story progress we find out that Jake was the agent in charge of bringing down the bad guy in the original case, during this time whilst protecting Leigh they had an affair, but she found out he planned to use her as bait in order to capture the bad guy. She was forced to go through with this plan deeply hurt after thinking Jake had cared for her. Now needing Jake's help to try and escape from the bad guy she struggles with her both her past hurt and her feelings for Jake.
This was a really gripping story, it had lots of action as well as some really edge-of-seat moments (especially when the bad guy find the heroine! I was hooked!). The passion between the two characters was great, and their back story really added to the roller coaster of emotions the book contained. Definitely one of the best books I have read of the Intrigue line. The characters were great, I especially liked how Leigh was written with a really spunky personality and a backbone despite everything she had been through.
So I've read an earlier work of Linda Castillo and realize why it is being rereleased after the success of the Amish mysteries she has brought to perfection. Her character development has vastly improved as this book Midnight Escape makes clear. The characters in any story are what draws me into a story and keeps me there. I kept wondering if I should go back and read the previous book but I'm not sure there is one; this being the sequel. At any rate, the regular looking back at actions that occurred in the characters lives before was tedious and their dialogue equally so. This is the chief reason for three stars.
All in all the plot was thin and the characters one dimensional. But in a time where I need an escape from very real world stress this book is just what I needed. Escapism in the form of pulp fiction. And it delivered. Not too much thinking. Just enjoy the ride like a Ferris wheel that I know the end but love the view anyway.