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Kate Burkholder #6
The Dead Will Tell
Everyone in Painters Mill knows the abandoned Hochstetler farm is haunted. But only a handful of the residents remember the terrible secrets lost in the muted/hushed whispers of time—and now death is stalking them, seemingly from the grave.
On a late-night shift, Chief of Police Kate Burkholder is called to the scene of an apparent suicide—an old man found hanging from the rafters in his dilapidated barn. But evidence quickly points to murder and Kate finds herself chasing a singularly difficult and elusive trail of evidence that somehow points back to the tragedy of that long ago incident. Meanwhile, Kate has moved in with state agent John Tomasetti and for the first time in so long, they're both happy; a bliss quickly shattered when one of the men responsible for the murders of Tomasetti’s family four years ago is found not guilty, and walks away a free man. Will Tomasetti be pulled back to his own haunted past?
When a second man is found dead—also seemingly by his own hand—Kate discovers a link in the case that sends the investigation in a direction no one could imagine and revealing the horrifying truth of what really happened that terrible night thirty-five years ago, when an Amish father and his four children perished—and his young wife disappeared without a trace.
And, as Kate knows—the past never truly dies . . . in The Dead Will Tell by Linda Castillo
On a late-night shift, Chief of Police Kate Burkholder is called to the scene of an apparent suicide—an old man found hanging from the rafters in his dilapidated barn. But evidence quickly points to murder and Kate finds herself chasing a singularly difficult and elusive trail of evidence that somehow points back to the tragedy of that long ago incident. Meanwhile, Kate has moved in with state agent John Tomasetti and for the first time in so long, they're both happy; a bliss quickly shattered when one of the men responsible for the murders of Tomasetti’s family four years ago is found not guilty, and walks away a free man. Will Tomasetti be pulled back to his own haunted past?
When a second man is found dead—also seemingly by his own hand—Kate discovers a link in the case that sends the investigation in a direction no one could imagine and revealing the horrifying truth of what really happened that terrible night thirty-five years ago, when an Amish father and his four children perished—and his young wife disappeared without a trace.
And, as Kate knows—the past never truly dies . . . in The Dead Will Tell by Linda Castillo
323 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2014
1119 people are currently reading
6784 people want to read
About the author
Linda Castillo
97 books6,513 followersLinda 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,585 reviews
September 20, 2021
The Dead Will Tell (Kate Burkholder #6) by Linda Castillo (Author), Kathleen McInerney (Narrator)
Thirty years ago, a Painters Mill Amish father and four of his children died. His wife was missing and only his son, Billy, was left to tell of the assault by a group of men. Now a murder seems to be connected to that long ago tragedy and it's up to Kate to find the murderer before there are more deaths. Poor Painters Mill seems to be in a big black hole of a continuous crime spree. I keep wondering when there will be no one left to murder in this tiny little community.
I have complained about Kate not taking backup when she heads into dangerous situations. This time she does take backup, in the form of Pickles, a semi retired, 10 hour a week deputy. Barely reaching over 5 feet tall and at 76 years of age, Pickles would not have been my choice for backup but I guess this is a step forward for Kate.
Thirty years ago, a Painters Mill Amish father and four of his children died. His wife was missing and only his son, Billy, was left to tell of the assault by a group of men. Now a murder seems to be connected to that long ago tragedy and it's up to Kate to find the murderer before there are more deaths. Poor Painters Mill seems to be in a big black hole of a continuous crime spree. I keep wondering when there will be no one left to murder in this tiny little community.
I have complained about Kate not taking backup when she heads into dangerous situations. This time she does take backup, in the form of Pickles, a semi retired, 10 hour a week deputy. Barely reaching over 5 feet tall and at 76 years of age, Pickles would not have been my choice for backup but I guess this is a step forward for Kate.
August 20, 2019
4.5 stars for a book that grabs you by the throat and never lets go. The prologue describes a brutal home invasion, with robbers in search of Amish cash. Amish don't trust banks. The father is killed and the mother is kidnapped. Four of the children die in a fire. Over 30 years later, threatening notes start to be delivered to 3 men and 1 woman: "I know what you did." As you read further, you realize that these people were involved in the home invasion and somebody knows.
The person who is bent on revenge is the main plot. But there is a side plot, continuing from previous books in the series. There is a police officer also bent on revenge for a separate crime. Are there separate rules for the 2?
Kate Burkholder is the police chief in fictional Painters Mill, northeastern Ohio. It is a peaceful place of Amish farms and a covered bridge. My wife and I have actually visited most of the covered bridges in this part of Ohio, and the covered bridge mentioned in the book is also fictional.
Kate does solve the mystery, but not before several people die. I read this library book in 1.5 days.
The person who is bent on revenge is the main plot. But there is a side plot, continuing from previous books in the series. There is a police officer also bent on revenge for a separate crime. Are there separate rules for the 2?
Kate Burkholder is the police chief in fictional Painters Mill, northeastern Ohio. It is a peaceful place of Amish farms and a covered bridge. My wife and I have actually visited most of the covered bridges in this part of Ohio, and the covered bridge mentioned in the book is also fictional.
Kate does solve the mystery, but not before several people die. I read this library book in 1.5 days.
March 21, 2024
Been flying though this series because the last few books have just been great mysteries with compelling characters, plot lines and satisfying endings.
Chief Burkholder has a whole lot going on — she’s juggling a run of gruesome murders that seem to tie back to an equally gruesome cold case from the late 70s.
Add some tension at home with her new roomie, Tommasetti, and this small town police chief just isn’t having a good week! Yet as all the puzzle pieces come together, she finds a way to stay sane and solve the cases.
I spent the whole book trying to guess our stalker/murderer but I gotta give props to Castillo— this one was hard to pin down. Those last few chapters flew as I realized the level of crazy the Paint Creek police force was dealing with!
As always, looking forward to the next book!!
(Reviewed 2/20/22)
Chief Burkholder has a whole lot going on — she’s juggling a run of gruesome murders that seem to tie back to an equally gruesome cold case from the late 70s.
Add some tension at home with her new roomie, Tommasetti, and this small town police chief just isn’t having a good week! Yet as all the puzzle pieces come together, she finds a way to stay sane and solve the cases.
I spent the whole book trying to guess our stalker/murderer but I gotta give props to Castillo— this one was hard to pin down. Those last few chapters flew as I realized the level of crazy the Paint Creek police force was dealing with!
As always, looking forward to the next book!!
(Reviewed 2/20/22)
September 11, 2021
some sins can never be forgiven
An excellent murder mystery set in Ohio Amish town of Painters Mill. Kate Burkholder investigates several homicide cases that are linked by Amish Peg doll. The maker of the dolls died 35 years ago in a home invasion gone wrong as well as his four children when they were trapped in the basement as the house caught on fire. This is a chilling suspense.
An excellent murder mystery set in Ohio Amish town of Painters Mill. Kate Burkholder investigates several homicide cases that are linked by Amish Peg doll. The maker of the dolls died 35 years ago in a home invasion gone wrong as well as his four children when they were trapped in the basement as the house caught on fire. This is a chilling suspense.
July 14, 2021
When I finished book five I said it was my favourite in the series so far. This one was just as good, even a little bit better!
Kate finds herself investigating a series of murders which appear to be related to a cold case from more than thirty years ago. A very nasty crime at that time seems to be causing revenge killings and it may even be a woman who is responsible. Meanwhile Tomasetti is having personal issues so Kate has to deal with problems in her private life at the same time as being totally invested in her job.
The story is well thought out and full of gory crime details, excellent police work and action. At last Kate takes an offsider with her for the final arrest which does not work out too well but is at least more convincing than her usual solo approach. I was very pleased with myself for picking the murderer before Kate did.
I know this was an excellent book because I had trouble putting it down and when I had to I was so keen to get back to it. I am already looking forward to the next one.
Kate finds herself investigating a series of murders which appear to be related to a cold case from more than thirty years ago. A very nasty crime at that time seems to be causing revenge killings and it may even be a woman who is responsible. Meanwhile Tomasetti is having personal issues so Kate has to deal with problems in her private life at the same time as being totally invested in her job.
The story is well thought out and full of gory crime details, excellent police work and action. At last Kate takes an offsider with her for the final arrest which does not work out too well but is at least more convincing than her usual solo approach. I was very pleased with myself for picking the murderer before Kate did.
I know this was an excellent book because I had trouble putting it down and when I had to I was so keen to get back to it. I am already looking forward to the next one.
June 9, 2014
I was so fortunate to win a copy of "The Dead Will Tell" (Kate Burkholder, #6) by Linda Costillo through the Goodreads Giveaway Contest. This novel has it all; mystery, suspense, murder, serial-killer thriller. This novel grabbed my interest right from the beginning and didn't let go until I read the last word.
Fourteen year old Billy Hochstetler and his little eight year old brother, heard something in the middle of the night. Billy goes downstairs to investigate and found his dutch parents at the mercy of two English speaking gunmen demanding cash. What follows is that his father, Willis is shot and killed. Billy and his other younger four siblings are locked in the basement. Billy manages to escape, but his siblings die in a fire in the house. His mother, Wanetta is kidnapped and never seen again. An unsolved murder that happened thirty five years ago.
Police Chief Kate Burkholder have their hands full when three brutal murders occur within a short period of time. Wooden Amish dolls are found left by the serial killer with each victim, indicating a connection to the unsolved murder of an Amish family that took place over 30 years ago.
Kate must work with rapid speed to find the killer before more lives are lost. All victims had received cryptic paper messages. "The notes tell a story." There were no suspects...no motive or murder weapon.
I was glad that her troubled relationship with her boyfriend, John Tomasetti, was limited and did not distort from the plot of the novel.
The Dead Will Tell is a real page-turner. The language complemented the setting for the novel. I have to admit that the whodunnit was not a surprise, I figured it out well before the conclusion. But I found this novel to be an excellent thriller. I will definitely go back and read the previous novels in the series, starting with "Pray for Silence."
Fourteen year old Billy Hochstetler and his little eight year old brother, heard something in the middle of the night. Billy goes downstairs to investigate and found his dutch parents at the mercy of two English speaking gunmen demanding cash. What follows is that his father, Willis is shot and killed. Billy and his other younger four siblings are locked in the basement. Billy manages to escape, but his siblings die in a fire in the house. His mother, Wanetta is kidnapped and never seen again. An unsolved murder that happened thirty five years ago.
Police Chief Kate Burkholder have their hands full when three brutal murders occur within a short period of time. Wooden Amish dolls are found left by the serial killer with each victim, indicating a connection to the unsolved murder of an Amish family that took place over 30 years ago.
Kate must work with rapid speed to find the killer before more lives are lost. All victims had received cryptic paper messages. "The notes tell a story." There were no suspects...no motive or murder weapon.
I was glad that her troubled relationship with her boyfriend, John Tomasetti, was limited and did not distort from the plot of the novel.
The Dead Will Tell is a real page-turner. The language complemented the setting for the novel. I have to admit that the whodunnit was not a surprise, I figured it out well before the conclusion. But I found this novel to be an excellent thriller. I will definitely go back and read the previous novels in the series, starting with "Pray for Silence."
July 27, 2021
Working the late shift, Chief of Police Kate Burkholder was called to a horrific scene. A man was hanging from the rafters of his barn in what was initially thought to be suicide, but the bullet wounds prove otherwise. Investigations lead Kate to think back thirty-five years, when she was a toddler, to the horrific murders of the Hochstetler family when the father was shot and four small children perished, while their mother vanished. Only William survived. When another person was discovered dead, then a third, Kate and her small team were racing against the clock. With what had been discovered, Kate wondered if it was revenge for long ago evils.
Meanwhile John Tomasetti was devastated to hear one of the individuals involved in the deaths of his wife and children was out of jail a free man. His anger was palpable, but would he do anything about it? Would his anger be too much for Kate?
The Dead Will Tell is the 6th in the Kate Burkholder series and it was excellent. Fast paced, chilling and intense, I flew through the pages. Kate is a strong character, perfect for the role and I always enjoy her team, close knit and loyal – Kate’s family. Highly recommended.
Meanwhile John Tomasetti was devastated to hear one of the individuals involved in the deaths of his wife and children was out of jail a free man. His anger was palpable, but would he do anything about it? Would his anger be too much for Kate?
The Dead Will Tell is the 6th in the Kate Burkholder series and it was excellent. Fast paced, chilling and intense, I flew through the pages. Kate is a strong character, perfect for the role and I always enjoy her team, close knit and loyal – Kate’s family. Highly recommended.
October 1, 2016
No. 6 in the series. Oh how I love this!
Taking place in the Pennsylvania Amish countryside, It's a two-for-one.
You get a murder mystery wrapped up with an insider's look at the Amish culture.
Kate, the local sheriff attempts to solve a series of related homicides that have a common thread leading back to a horrific murder of an Amish family over 30 years ago.
Do you believe in ghosts?
Can the Ghost of the Amish mother be back seeking revenge or justice?
I highly recommend this series, from start to finish.
Taking place in the Pennsylvania Amish countryside, It's a two-for-one.
You get a murder mystery wrapped up with an insider's look at the Amish culture.
Kate, the local sheriff attempts to solve a series of related homicides that have a common thread leading back to a horrific murder of an Amish family over 30 years ago.
Do you believe in ghosts?
Can the Ghost of the Amish mother be back seeking revenge or justice?
I highly recommend this series, from start to finish.
October 28, 2016
I just love this series. It is one of my faves!
Highly recommended
My review is on the first book Sworn to Silence, which will give you in more detail what this series is about. Each book in the series is a different story that is a great thriller and mystery.
Highly recommended
My review is on the first book Sworn to Silence, which will give you in more detail what this series is about. Each book in the series is a different story that is a great thriller and mystery.
June 22, 2023
A thirty-year-old case goes from ice cold to white hot in this sixth book in the Kate Burkholder series. The details of the crime are slowly revealed. The grim results are a reminder that the sins of our youth will have to be dealt with sooner or later. My husband and I listened to the audio as we explored Colorado. Fun times!
July 26, 2021
One night almost 35 years ago, the Hochstetler family was shredded when they were set upon by masked robbers. Fast forward to the present and Police Chief Kate Burkholder investigates the hanging of a wealthy man in his own barn that at first looks like a suicide. As she and her team continue to probe, they realize this was no death by the victim’s hand. Then a second murder occurs involving one of the people she’d contacted about the first murder and a connection to what happened at the Hochstetler farm begins to emerge.
The story begins with the Hochstetler tragedy and it broke my heart into a thousand pieces. I didn’t know what to expect but it’s written in a way that made me feel like, deep down, I really knew. I was glad when it transitioned to the present day, even if it meant attending to a murder scene. I love the procedural aspects of a murder mystery and they excel in this series. Kate and her team do a really good job of connecting the clues and seeing beyond the obvious. And, her Amish background is invaluable when it involves that community.
This took some unexpected directions that made it hard to put down. Those involved in the events from the past have a reckoning they (nor I) never imagined. There was also a development impacting Tomasetti that was equally compelling and may have far reaching consequences. His relationship with Kate is put to the test and they survive for the moment. I’m enjoying how it’s evolving. Listening to this series is one of the best decisions I made, especially as McInerney handles the Pennsylvania Dutch with skill. It’s a tough, tough story with an even harder conclusion but one that’s well written and executed flawlessly. 4.5 stars
Posted on Blue Mood Café
The story begins with the Hochstetler tragedy and it broke my heart into a thousand pieces. I didn’t know what to expect but it’s written in a way that made me feel like, deep down, I really knew. I was glad when it transitioned to the present day, even if it meant attending to a murder scene. I love the procedural aspects of a murder mystery and they excel in this series. Kate and her team do a really good job of connecting the clues and seeing beyond the obvious. And, her Amish background is invaluable when it involves that community.
This took some unexpected directions that made it hard to put down. Those involved in the events from the past have a reckoning they (nor I) never imagined. There was also a development impacting Tomasetti that was equally compelling and may have far reaching consequences. His relationship with Kate is put to the test and they survive for the moment. I’m enjoying how it’s evolving. Listening to this series is one of the best decisions I made, especially as McInerney handles the Pennsylvania Dutch with skill. It’s a tough, tough story with an even harder conclusion but one that’s well written and executed flawlessly. 4.5 stars
Posted on Blue Mood Café
December 2, 2021
In this sixth book in the 'Kate Burkholder' series, the Police Chief investigates when a murderer targets pillars of the community. The book can be read as a standalone.
*****
The book starts out with a horrific crime: a 1979 home invasion of the Amish Hochstetler farm in Painters Mill, Ohio. A group of teens break in to steal cash and the night ends with a family slaughtered, a mother abducted, and a lone survivor - a 14-year-old boy. Fast forward 35 years and the perpetrators of the crime, now respected members of the community, start to get threatening letters.
Soon afterwards, the killings start - with one after another of the original perpetrators brutally murdered by what appears to be a ghost.
When Chief of Police Kate Burkholder and her detectives investigate, they learn that the murder victims have been phoning each other and having clandestine gatherings.
These 'bad guys,' of course, admit nothing. They make up spurious reasons for their phone calls and meetings, and claim to be bewildered by the murders. Nevertheless, they're terribly frightened: they wore masks during the home invasion and later killed and disposed of Mrs. Hochstetler - so who knows who they are?
Evidence at the crime scenes provides a connection between the Hochstetler tragedy and the current crimes, and Kate and crew proceed to ask questions of the surviving son, the Amish bishop, other people in Painters Mill, and so on.
Kate gets some information that leads her to visit a fading Amish community in Pennsylvania, and the investigation proceeds.
I always enjoy the peek into the Amish community that Burkholder includes in her books; good people with simple lifestyles who cherish their families and want to please God.
In Kate's personal life she's now living with her boyfriend, State Agent John Tomasetti.
Though Kate and Tomasetti are happy together the agent is still torn up by the murder of his wife and daughters three years ago. In this book one of his family's murderers gets off on a technicality and Tomasetti is furious and seems to have some nefarious plans for the freed man - but it's not clear what. Kate is unhappy about this, wanting Tomasetti to let go of the past and move on.
As usual in Burkholder's series there are some complicated family doings connected with the crimes, and Kate and her deputies are eventually able to unearth everyone's secrets. I enjoyed the book, but not as much as the previous entries in the series. For me there's getting to be too much similarity from book to book. Nevertheless this is an enjoyable mystery book.
You can follow my reviews at http://reviewsbybarbsaffer.blogspot.com/
June 5, 2019
The Dead Will Tell is the sixth book in the Kate Burkholder series. Kate is the police chief in Painters Mill, Ohio. She grew up Amish, but left the faith as a teenager. Now she's back, running the local police department. In The Dead Will Tell, Kate is investigating a string of bizarre murders. The victims were stalked first. All received notes accusing them of being complicit in a crime. The case somehow ties in with a break-in at an Amish farm 35 years before that resulted in several deaths. Kate races to track down a killer before anyone else dies.
This story is solid....a horrific crime that turns into a 35 year cold case, revenge, danger and uncovering long-time secrets. I loved the investigation portion of this story, but I have to admit the Kate/John Tomasetti love interest portion of the plot got a bit old. Both of them are cops....so they should understand the hours, risks and importance of each other's jobs. But, now that they are semi-living together Tomasetti seems jealous and petulant about Kate doing her job, whining about not spending enough time together and pretty much being a jerk. This change in the character surprises me a bit. It seems....off. And, it really is exactly the situation that Kate worried about when Tomasetti was pressuring her to live with him. She's investigating several homicides and her man is complaining about her not being home to drink wine and go fishing with him??? What a load of poo. I think in this story, the romance angle jumped into the forefront a little bit too much. The background theme of Tomasetti going after the men responsible for the death of his wife and children several years before just gets a bit old....as does the Daniel Lapp side theme for Kate's character. Just my opinion.....I wish both would just get resolved so those themes don't have to be constantly dredged up again and again. BUT....that being said, this is still a solid book. I'm just getting a bit tired of the brooding, troubled boyfriend angle. That sort of theme is exactly why I avoid the romance genre....too melodramatic. I want murder investigation, not domestic upheaval scenes. Kate is a strong, intelligent woman who runs a police department with skill.....why wouldn't she put Tomasetti nicely, but firmly, into his place? Instead she goes into romantic commentary about how much she loves him.... I just want to jump into the story and tell her: Love him....but stand up for yourself, woman!
Ok....my bit of a rant about strong women getting bogged down in relationships is over.....I love this series. Kate is an intelligent and driven character. She has a lot of baggage from her childhood, but she uses her experience in her job. She works with one foot in the modern world and the other in the Amish culture.....makes for a great book series!
The Dead Will Tell is the sixth book in the series. There are currently 10 books, with a new book, Shamed, coming out in July 2019. I have an eGalley waiting for me...so decided to read through the series from the start as a refresher before reading the new book. I'm glad I did. I had previously read the first three books and then lost track of the series while waiting for book 4 to be published several years ago. Glad I picked it back up and revisited this series. The stories are well-written, suspenseful and interesting. Very entertaining! Just wish Kate would get her love life under control! lol
I listened to the audio book version of this story. Kathleen McInerney narrates. Her voice is pleasant and she reads at an even pace. She gives a great performance as usual! The audio is just over 8.5 hours long. I have partial hearing loss but was easily able to hear and understand the entire book. Very entertaining! I love listening to these books while working out in the yard. There are some sexual scenes, but they aren't graphic so I don't have to hurridly turn down the volume on my phone to not traumatize the neighbors. ha ha.
On to book 7, After the Storm!
This story is solid....a horrific crime that turns into a 35 year cold case, revenge, danger and uncovering long-time secrets. I loved the investigation portion of this story, but I have to admit the Kate/John Tomasetti love interest portion of the plot got a bit old. Both of them are cops....so they should understand the hours, risks and importance of each other's jobs. But, now that they are semi-living together Tomasetti seems jealous and petulant about Kate doing her job, whining about not spending enough time together and pretty much being a jerk. This change in the character surprises me a bit. It seems....off. And, it really is exactly the situation that Kate worried about when Tomasetti was pressuring her to live with him. She's investigating several homicides and her man is complaining about her not being home to drink wine and go fishing with him??? What a load of poo. I think in this story, the romance angle jumped into the forefront a little bit too much. The background theme of Tomasetti going after the men responsible for the death of his wife and children several years before just gets a bit old....as does the Daniel Lapp side theme for Kate's character. Just my opinion.....I wish both would just get resolved so those themes don't have to be constantly dredged up again and again. BUT....that being said, this is still a solid book. I'm just getting a bit tired of the brooding, troubled boyfriend angle. That sort of theme is exactly why I avoid the romance genre....too melodramatic. I want murder investigation, not domestic upheaval scenes. Kate is a strong, intelligent woman who runs a police department with skill.....why wouldn't she put Tomasetti nicely, but firmly, into his place? Instead she goes into romantic commentary about how much she loves him.... I just want to jump into the story and tell her: Love him....but stand up for yourself, woman!
Ok....my bit of a rant about strong women getting bogged down in relationships is over.....I love this series. Kate is an intelligent and driven character. She has a lot of baggage from her childhood, but she uses her experience in her job. She works with one foot in the modern world and the other in the Amish culture.....makes for a great book series!
The Dead Will Tell is the sixth book in the series. There are currently 10 books, with a new book, Shamed, coming out in July 2019. I have an eGalley waiting for me...so decided to read through the series from the start as a refresher before reading the new book. I'm glad I did. I had previously read the first three books and then lost track of the series while waiting for book 4 to be published several years ago. Glad I picked it back up and revisited this series. The stories are well-written, suspenseful and interesting. Very entertaining! Just wish Kate would get her love life under control! lol
I listened to the audio book version of this story. Kathleen McInerney narrates. Her voice is pleasant and she reads at an even pace. She gives a great performance as usual! The audio is just over 8.5 hours long. I have partial hearing loss but was easily able to hear and understand the entire book. Very entertaining! I love listening to these books while working out in the yard. There are some sexual scenes, but they aren't graphic so I don't have to hurridly turn down the volume on my phone to not traumatize the neighbors. ha ha.
On to book 7, After the Storm!
November 20, 2017
I’m continuing to enjoy this series. Castillo’s strength is in the descriptions she paints. You literally feel you are at the scene. Note that some of these scenes are extremely graphic, so this is not a book for the squeamish.
This is the first of the Burkholder books I’ve listened to. The narrator does a very good job. And the book is told at a nice steady pace, so it makes it easy to listen and stay focused (important to me on the road). I figured out some aspects of the mystery early on but there were still some twists I didn’t see.
November 4, 2019
Oh, my freaking, flipping, Mylanta! Damn you, Linda and your Amish nightmares! I love you; but I also hate you because, I did nothing but read in my last 24hours.
The book said it best with, “Where’s there smoke, there’s fire,” and my friends this read has been ablaze -shining bright!!😂I’m a couple counties north from Holmes but the hotness from this read is surly still sending up smoke signals since it’s grand finale.
The Dead Will Tell, is a read that is so sick, so twisted, so warped, that I’m in desperate need of a stiff drink as I write my review. Ok, I admit this read is hands down, my favorite thus far in the series by the brilliant Castillo.
And as far as details, I don’t even know how to explain what I just read. It’s just one you have to read for yourself and say..... “WTF, Brandy? Thank you, but WTF!!❤️❤️ 10 stars.... ok Goodreads, it’s your max a 5. But wholly sheep shit ‘‘twas amazing!❤️❤️ Yet a new fav to add to my list!
The book said it best with, “Where’s there smoke, there’s fire,” and my friends this read has been ablaze -shining bright!!😂I’m a couple counties north from Holmes but the hotness from this read is surly still sending up smoke signals since it’s grand finale.
The Dead Will Tell, is a read that is so sick, so twisted, so warped, that I’m in desperate need of a stiff drink as I write my review. Ok, I admit this read is hands down, my favorite thus far in the series by the brilliant Castillo.
And as far as details, I don’t even know how to explain what I just read. It’s just one you have to read for yourself and say..... “WTF, Brandy? Thank you, but WTF!!❤️❤️ 10 stars.... ok Goodreads, it’s your max a 5. But wholly sheep shit ‘‘twas amazing!❤️❤️ Yet a new fav to add to my list!
May 18, 2020
3.5 Stars
Time is a Ticking when it comes to Murder in Painters Mill!
A body is found hanging from the rafters of a Barn. Evidence from a cold case is found on the body. Then another murder is discovered with yet another link to that same case, leaving Kate Burkholder and her team on a wild goose chase with the clock ticking.
Someone has a score to settle and it’s not for the faint of heart.
A fast-paced, suspenseful read that will keep you gripped to the pages, “The Dead Will Tell” is a great addition to the Kate Burkholder series. I listened to the audiobook which was once again narrated by the stellar Kathleen McInerney.
Published on Goodreads on 5.17.20.
Time is a Ticking when it comes to Murder in Painters Mill!
A body is found hanging from the rafters of a Barn. Evidence from a cold case is found on the body. Then another murder is discovered with yet another link to that same case, leaving Kate Burkholder and her team on a wild goose chase with the clock ticking.
Someone has a score to settle and it’s not for the faint of heart.
A fast-paced, suspenseful read that will keep you gripped to the pages, “The Dead Will Tell” is a great addition to the Kate Burkholder series. I listened to the audiobook which was once again narrated by the stellar Kathleen McInerney.
Published on Goodreads on 5.17.20.
April 14, 2021
This is an Amish Suspense Mystery, and this is the 6st book in the Kate Burkholder series. I have read and review books 1-5 in this series before picking this book up. I have to say I loved this book. I found the mystery in this book so well done. I love the characters in this book. The twist I really did not see coming, and wow... the twist was something. (*)
August 5, 2014
3.5 Another series that I anxiously await the next and newest installment. A good mix of mystery, personality and personal relationships, and the Amish culture.
A look at an evil done to an Amish family in the past that has a high cost for the perpetrators in the future. The long and far reaching effects of hatred and revenge. A good, solid and quick read.
A look at an evil done to an Amish family in the past that has a high cost for the perpetrators in the future. The long and far reaching effects of hatred and revenge. A good, solid and quick read.
January 12, 2019
The sixth book in the Kate Burkholder series and it keeps getting better. In many ways this reminded me of Truman Capote's In Cold Blood. With an avenging ghost?
The story opens in 1979 with a home invasion of the Hochstetler family in Painters Mill, Ohio. A group of teens break into the home in the middle of the night. The Hochstetler's are Amish, pacifists, and don't use banks. Rumors have it that they have a lot of money stashed in the home. Easy pickings. Until things go horribly wrong with the father being shot to death, the mother abducted, and the children burned to death. The lone survivor is a 14 year old boy racked with survivors guilt.
Fast forward 35 years and the perpetrators of 1979 crime are respected members of the community. Each starts getting threatening letters. Each are murdered. One at a time. Each seemingly at the hand of a ghost.
"He owed penance for what he’d done. And he’d always known that someday fate or God—or maybe Satan himself—would see to it that he paid his debt."
Kate doesn't believe in ghosts. Or she didn't before the murders started. She finds text messages and phone records. And some of the threatening letters. With these she is able to link the conspirators. They, of course, admit nothing. They knew each other in high school but are not close. Kate interviews Billy Hochstetler, the lone survivor. She also finds and interviews the Amish bishop in 1979. In this manner she is able to uncover the secrets long buried and put to rest the ghost story.
As readers of the series know Kate has an ongoing relationship with State Agent John Tomasetti whose first wife and daughters were murdered three years ago. In this story one of the murderers is released on a technicality. Tomasetti is furious and Kate is worried about him and how he is dealing with it. She wants him to let go and move forward but that does not appear to something he can do. He took the law into his own hands in the past and sank into a morass of alcohol and drugs. Is he doomed to repeat?
The story opens in 1979 with a home invasion of the Hochstetler family in Painters Mill, Ohio. A group of teens break into the home in the middle of the night. The Hochstetler's are Amish, pacifists, and don't use banks. Rumors have it that they have a lot of money stashed in the home. Easy pickings. Until things go horribly wrong with the father being shot to death, the mother abducted, and the children burned to death. The lone survivor is a 14 year old boy racked with survivors guilt.
Fast forward 35 years and the perpetrators of 1979 crime are respected members of the community. Each starts getting threatening letters. Each are murdered. One at a time. Each seemingly at the hand of a ghost.
"He owed penance for what he’d done. And he’d always known that someday fate or God—or maybe Satan himself—would see to it that he paid his debt."
Kate doesn't believe in ghosts. Or she didn't before the murders started. She finds text messages and phone records. And some of the threatening letters. With these she is able to link the conspirators. They, of course, admit nothing. They knew each other in high school but are not close. Kate interviews Billy Hochstetler, the lone survivor. She also finds and interviews the Amish bishop in 1979. In this manner she is able to uncover the secrets long buried and put to rest the ghost story.
As readers of the series know Kate has an ongoing relationship with State Agent John Tomasetti whose first wife and daughters were murdered three years ago. In this story one of the murderers is released on a technicality. Tomasetti is furious and Kate is worried about him and how he is dealing with it. She wants him to let go and move forward but that does not appear to something he can do. He took the law into his own hands in the past and sank into a morass of alcohol and drugs. Is he doomed to repeat?
July 23, 2025
3,5 Sterne
Mörderische Angst von Linda Castillo hat mich gut unterhalten, auch wenn ich das Gefühl hatte, dass die Geschichte nicht ganz zu Ende erzählt wurde. Die Spannung war definitiv da, allerdings fand ich einiges doch schon recht vorhersehbar. Dennoch hat mich das Ende dann noch mit einer unerwarteten Wendung überrascht, die ich nicht kommen gesehen habe.
Was mich jedoch gestört hat, war der abrupte Abschluss des Falls. Nach dem Geständnis des Täters war plötzlich Schluss, ohne tiefere Nachbereitung oder Auseinandersetzung mit den Konsequenzen.
Etwas irritiert hat mich außerdem, dass die Handlung kaum Bezug auf das vorherige Buch nimmt – insbesondere Kates persönliche Belastung durch den damaligen Mordfall wird einfach ausgeklammert. Stattdessen steht diesmal wieder Tomasettis Vergangenheit im Fokus, was für mich in diesem Kontext nicht ganz stimmig wirkte.
Trotz dieser Kritikpunkte hatte ich beim Lesen nie das Gefühl, mich zu langweilen. Die Ermittlungen, die düstere Atmosphäre und der gewohnt klare Schreibstil sorgen für durchgehende Spannung – auch wenn am Ende ein paar lose Fäden zurückbleiben.
Fazit: Ein spannender Krimi mit solider Unterhaltung und überraschender Wendung, aber auch mit erzählerischen Leerstellen und einer etwas unausgewogenen Figurenentwicklung. Für Fans der Reihe sicher lesenswert, aber in meinen Augen nicht der stärkste Band der Reihe.
Mörderische Angst von Linda Castillo hat mich gut unterhalten, auch wenn ich das Gefühl hatte, dass die Geschichte nicht ganz zu Ende erzählt wurde. Die Spannung war definitiv da, allerdings fand ich einiges doch schon recht vorhersehbar. Dennoch hat mich das Ende dann noch mit einer unerwarteten Wendung überrascht, die ich nicht kommen gesehen habe.
Was mich jedoch gestört hat, war der abrupte Abschluss des Falls. Nach dem Geständnis des Täters war plötzlich Schluss, ohne tiefere Nachbereitung oder Auseinandersetzung mit den Konsequenzen.
Etwas irritiert hat mich außerdem, dass die Handlung kaum Bezug auf das vorherige Buch nimmt – insbesondere Kates persönliche Belastung durch den damaligen Mordfall wird einfach ausgeklammert. Stattdessen steht diesmal wieder Tomasettis Vergangenheit im Fokus, was für mich in diesem Kontext nicht ganz stimmig wirkte.
Trotz dieser Kritikpunkte hatte ich beim Lesen nie das Gefühl, mich zu langweilen. Die Ermittlungen, die düstere Atmosphäre und der gewohnt klare Schreibstil sorgen für durchgehende Spannung – auch wenn am Ende ein paar lose Fäden zurückbleiben.
Fazit: Ein spannender Krimi mit solider Unterhaltung und überraschender Wendung, aber auch mit erzählerischen Leerstellen und einer etwas unausgewogenen Figurenentwicklung. Für Fans der Reihe sicher lesenswert, aber in meinen Augen nicht der stärkste Band der Reihe.
May 2, 2018
I love this whole series that Kate Burkholder is in but this book didn’t pull me in like the others did. Not sure why but I just expected more. This is the 6th book in this series. I hated to not finish it but it just wasn’t holding my interest so I threw in the towel. DNF at page 172
December 30, 2018
Continue to enjoy this series. It would have rated 4 stars if I did not peg the murderer. Perhaps #7 will strike a better chord.
July 31, 2014
Four months previously, Chief of Police Kate Burkholder had moved into the farmhouse with State Agent John Tomasetti; their love had blossomed to the stage where Kate felt able to make the commitment. Tomasetti was still tortured by his past, but was coming to terms with those demons – that was, until one of the men responsible for his torment was released from jail on a technicality, walking free.
Confused and uncertain as to how to pacify Tomasetti’s anger and grief, Kate was torn when she was suddenly called to the scene of a suicide. But she needed to do her job – and as she worked the scene with her team, with shocking certainty the evidence pointed to a horrific and gruesome murder. As the investigation proceeded and a second person was found, also dead under suspicious circumstances, gradually it seemed like there were links to a long ago unsolved case where a family of Amish were murdered – father and four small children, with the mother vanishing without trace. Thirty five years ago it was, and there had been one survivor, fourteen year old William Hochstetler. He had since made a life of his own, but the deaths of his family had haunted him for years.
With Tomasetti tense and unsettled and Kate working around the clock on her latest case, the tension between the two (when they managed to touch base) was great. But Kate had to trust he wouldn’t do anything stupid – he wouldn’t, would he? Putting him to the back of her mind was difficult, but she needed to do so to be able to focus completely on her job. With the clock ticking, the secrets were gradually coming to the surface. But was there a murderer out there that wouldn’t stop until some weird agenda was completed? Kate felt she was one step behind – would she catch up?
This was another brilliant thriller by Linda Castillo. Absolutely gripping – the twist at the end totally blew me away; I certainly didn’t expect it! The pace was fast, the plot intricate – once again she hasn’t disappointed. Highly recommended.
Confused and uncertain as to how to pacify Tomasetti’s anger and grief, Kate was torn when she was suddenly called to the scene of a suicide. But she needed to do her job – and as she worked the scene with her team, with shocking certainty the evidence pointed to a horrific and gruesome murder. As the investigation proceeded and a second person was found, also dead under suspicious circumstances, gradually it seemed like there were links to a long ago unsolved case where a family of Amish were murdered – father and four small children, with the mother vanishing without trace. Thirty five years ago it was, and there had been one survivor, fourteen year old William Hochstetler. He had since made a life of his own, but the deaths of his family had haunted him for years.
With Tomasetti tense and unsettled and Kate working around the clock on her latest case, the tension between the two (when they managed to touch base) was great. But Kate had to trust he wouldn’t do anything stupid – he wouldn’t, would he? Putting him to the back of her mind was difficult, but she needed to do so to be able to focus completely on her job. With the clock ticking, the secrets were gradually coming to the surface. But was there a murderer out there that wouldn’t stop until some weird agenda was completed? Kate felt she was one step behind – would she catch up?
This was another brilliant thriller by Linda Castillo. Absolutely gripping – the twist at the end totally blew me away; I certainly didn’t expect it! The pace was fast, the plot intricate – once again she hasn’t disappointed. Highly recommended.
May 18, 2015
Spoilers below, so beware.
I liked this mystery all the way up to the very end. But the idiotic ending blew me away. Hoch, who was 14 at the time his mother disappeared, blithely marries his half-sister who, everyone says, is his mother's spitting image and doesn't realize it? The two men killed remember raping the young woman but can't process the fact that the person standing in front of them with a gun is not a "ghost," but her DAUGHTER? Who hides in plain sight for years as "Hannah" and the owner of a popular business, and no-one in the tiny community goes, oh, she sure looks like her husband's dead mother? Really? Stupid.
I liked this mystery all the way up to the very end. But the idiotic ending blew me away. Hoch, who was 14 at the time his mother disappeared, blithely marries his half-sister who, everyone says, is his mother's spitting image and doesn't realize it? The two men killed remember raping the young woman but can't process the fact that the person standing in front of them with a gun is not a "ghost," but her DAUGHTER? Who hides in plain sight for years as "Hannah" and the owner of a popular business, and no-one in the tiny community goes, oh, she sure looks like her husband's dead mother? Really? Stupid.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 12, 2020
4.5. Whoa! Another superb thriller with Police Chief Kate Burkholder; a police chief in a county that includes an Amish group. Kate herself having grown up Amish. Only to later leave the community.
A few years ago I would have thought the plot too outrageous to be Amish based. But since then a couple of outrageous Amish events have loosened my understanding of what could be feasible.
Well written, well paced and unputdownable.
A few years ago I would have thought the plot too outrageous to be Amish based. But since then a couple of outrageous Amish events have loosened my understanding of what could be feasible.
Well written, well paced and unputdownable.
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April 24, 2019
Irgendwie war schon sehr zeitig klar, wer hier 'das Böse' ist. Und auch die finale Szene war im Vergleich zu den Vorgängerbänden eher schwach.
March 23, 2018
Another good mystery from Castillo concerning people from the Amish community. Police Chief Kate Burkholder, because of her background is able to bridge the gap between the Amish and the "English." Kate's love interest adds a roller-coaster experience to her life. I really enjoy these characters and the mysteries.
July 1, 2024
If you already haven't learned by now, Kate's Amish childhood did an emotional number on her and she is still having some issues while in her early 30's and as acting Chief of Police.
This story contained an extremely dark plot: it was not an easy read. I'll continue with this series while waiting for the next 'Bree Taggert' book by Melinda Leigh to be published.
This story contained an extremely dark plot: it was not an easy read. I'll continue with this series while waiting for the next 'Bree Taggert' book by Melinda Leigh to be published.
May 23, 2021
A home invasion gone terribly wrong. Now 30 years later a killer is out to exact revenge. Following the first attack, Kate Burkholder and her team are determined to stop the killer before they strike again. What is the connection between the victims and why are they not telling the truth about their past?
I love how Kate completely commits to a case, often having to put aside her own insecurities and memories of her past. It's great to see her relationship with Tomasetti developing into something more serious as they are good for one another.
I did figure out the killer before it was revealed but still another great suspense filled novel. On to book 7.
I love how Kate completely commits to a case, often having to put aside her own insecurities and memories of her past. It's great to see her relationship with Tomasetti developing into something more serious as they are good for one another.
I did figure out the killer before it was revealed but still another great suspense filled novel. On to book 7.
February 16, 2017
The Dead Will Tell
4 Stars
When a man is found hung in his barn, Painter’s Mill Chief of Police Kate Burkholder naturally assumes that it is suicide until evidence on the body indicates foul play. Soon all the clues start pointing to a 35 year old homicide in which a man and his 4 children were killed and the mother disappeared without a trace. The discovery of a second victim suggests to Kate that someone it out for justice and has no qualms about how they get it.
A solid thriller with an exciting climax. Nevertheless, there are one or two plot points that require some suspension of disbelief.
To begin with, it is difficult to accept that . Moreover, the fact that is unrealistic. Despite these problems, the mystery is compelling and the original crime is so terribly sad as are its consequences. Castillo manages to evokes the reader’s sympathies for the villain even though some of their actions are inexcusable, and this is a testament to her skillful writing.
In terms of character development, Kate and Tomasetti’s relationship faces some obstacles as ghosts from John’s past raise their ugly heads and Kate must cope with her insecurities. There is a certain prickliness to Kate’s personality, which may irritate some readers, but to me it makes her all the more human and endearing.
There is one question that remains unresolved from the previous installment, namely ? Does the author plan on completing this story arc or are we to be left hanging?
All in all, this is one of my favorite police procedural series and Kathleen McInnerny’s audio narration is superb. Looking forward to the next book.
4 Stars
When a man is found hung in his barn, Painter’s Mill Chief of Police Kate Burkholder naturally assumes that it is suicide until evidence on the body indicates foul play. Soon all the clues start pointing to a 35 year old homicide in which a man and his 4 children were killed and the mother disappeared without a trace. The discovery of a second victim suggests to Kate that someone it out for justice and has no qualms about how they get it.
A solid thriller with an exciting climax. Nevertheless, there are one or two plot points that require some suspension of disbelief.
To begin with, it is difficult to accept that . Moreover, the fact that is unrealistic. Despite these problems, the mystery is compelling and the original crime is so terribly sad as are its consequences. Castillo manages to evokes the reader’s sympathies for the villain even though some of their actions are inexcusable, and this is a testament to her skillful writing.
In terms of character development, Kate and Tomasetti’s relationship faces some obstacles as ghosts from John’s past raise their ugly heads and Kate must cope with her insecurities. There is a certain prickliness to Kate’s personality, which may irritate some readers, but to me it makes her all the more human and endearing.
There is one question that remains unresolved from the previous installment, namely ? Does the author plan on completing this story arc or are we to be left hanging?
All in all, this is one of my favorite police procedural series and Kathleen McInnerny’s audio narration is superb. Looking forward to the next book.
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