Dark Storm Rising

Kate Burkholder #15.5

by Linda Castillo

In this short mystery from bestselling author Linda Castillo, Chief of Police Kate Burkholder must race through a dangerous blizzard to save an elderly Amish woman from a sinister foe.

Newlyweds Chief of Police Kate Burkholder and John Tomasetti are happily spending their honeymoon at a beautiful Lake Erie cabin that was once part of an historic Amish settlement. But when a violent storm suddenly erupts, Lovina Nisley, the Amish owner of the cabin, goes missing. Lovina is in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease, so it initially appears the elderly woman simply took the wrong path, but her disappearance takes an ominous turn when her husband reveals that a developer has been threatening them if they refuse to sell him their home. With temperatures dropping and local law enforcement unable to reach them, Kate and Tomasetti must brave the perilous weather to find her. But will they reach Lovina in time to save her life?

Genres: Mystery, Audiobook, Fiction, Short Stories, Amish, Thriller, Mystery Thriller

65 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 22, 2024

About the author

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.

Reviews

[Heather Adores Books · Rating 3 out of 5]

3⭐
Genre ~ police procedural
Series ~ Kate Burkholder, #15.5
Others in the series ~ #1-16 + 0.5's
Setting ~ Ohio
Publication date ~ April 2, 2024
Est Page Count ~ 65
Audio length ~ 1 hours 34 minutes
Narrator ~ Kathleen McInerney
POV ~ single 1st
Featuring ~ crazy storm, missing woman

Kate and Tomasetti are on their honeymoon when a storm brews and the lady that owns the cabin goes missing.

So this wasn't really exciting to me. It's just a straightforward search for the lady without any real suspense since it's such a short book. It probably would have been best to read it before The Burning, but I always forget about these little teasers Linda puts out.

Narration notes:
She does fine.

Connect with me ➡ Blog ~ Facebook ~ X

[Kay · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐ A missing old Amish lady and a bad storm is brewing. Kate and Tomasetti are staying at her cabin at Lake Erie for their Honeymoon. A good short story!

[Sean Peters (A Good Thriller) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another favourite author, and another quick read Of the Kate Burkholder story, with 15.5 in the series.

Newlyweds Chief of Police Kate Burkholder and John Tomasetti are happily spending their honeymoon at a beautiful Lake Erie cabin that was once part of an historic Amish settlement. But when a violent storm suddenly erupts, Lovina Nisley, the Amish owner of the cabin, goes missing. Lovina is in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease, so it initially appears the elderly woman simply took the wrong path, but her disappearance takes an ominous turn when her husband reveals that a developer has been threatening them if they refuse to sell him their home. With temperatures dropping and local law enforcement unable to reach them, Kate and Tomasetti must brave the perilous weather to find her. But will they reach Lovina in time to save her life?

All happens nice and quickly, always find it hard to give 4 or 5 stars review on a book so short, yes I enjoyed it, good story, but such a quick read with not time for suspense or twists.


Builds up ready for the next full read in the series. Three stars.

[Kelly Kosinski · Rating 4 out of 5]

Always enjoy catching up with Kate!

[Angela (Kentuckybooklover) Brocato-Skaggs · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love these little short stories to get me through the wait until the next novel! They are finally married! Even on their honeymoon they find a case to solve.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't usually reach for novellas. They feel too short to fully develop characters and flavor. However, I like this series and I like the author , so I couldn't pass on it.

Even in the limited space of a novella, the author brings Kate and Tomasetti to life as they try to help an elderly Amish couple with an infestation of sorts. It is super short, I'm not gonna lie. But it had the same feel as her novels because her characters feel like family.....I think I know them that well. So 4 stars.

[gladiatrix ♡ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Before anything, I will just like to point out that this was a short story! A terrific straightforward short mystery. Therefore, there was no time for real suspense or plot twists. In the beginning, it’s rather slow because we’re learning a little about Kate’s childhood. Events of that summer shaped her to be the kind of woman and detective she is today. Then, the story starts moving fast and we get into the mystery. The writing style was comforting. It could be because she unravels the story like the great crime/mystery writer James Patterson. I’m planning to read the “Kate Burkholder” series!

[Darcy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I always like these short Kate books in between the main books, it usually takes Kate out of her area, but she still ends up in some sort of drama. This time is no different. Kate and Tomasetti are newly married and driving to their honeymoon destination, an Amish place with cabins, Kate visited as a child, one she remembers fondly. Kate discovers the same people own it and it starts their trip out great! Before too long they are drawn into help as one of the owners are missing and you can guess things aren't as they seem. Kate and Tomasetti work to find the woman and get the bad guy, who then turns on the real bad guy, proving crime doesn't pay. It was nice to see how this one played out and for Kate and Tomasetti to help the couple and still enjoy their time away from home.

[Sudasha · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice quick read!

Good to be back with Kate and Tomasetti. Looking forward to more of their antics.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a short story in the Kate Burkholder series. Kate and Thomas are on their honeymoon and they have a case involving an older Amish couple. Short and good.

[Maureen ~Bitch Can Write A Book · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fast, fun visit with the new Mr. & Mrs. Frankly I just love her short stories because there’s a wee mystery but usually no murder. So it gives me the fun of a quick visit but not a ton of stress. 😂

And I was lucky to already read the next book and it was so dang fabulous but got my heart pounding.

[Donnap · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dark Storms


This is another good mystery from Linda Castillo that makes me anxious to read the next! I am looking forward to her new book coming out soon!

[Lisa Shower · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another nice little story!

I adore this series! I am not a huge fan of the short stories but this one at least included Kate & Tomasetti's honeymoon.

[Jeff McCune · Rating 4 out of 5]

short story, but exciting. Winter setting at Lake Erie. Renting cabins and walking the trails in the snow

[Kathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick filler story between books

[Donna Mcnab · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like these short stories about Kate Burkholder. The mystery is resolved pretty quickly which is rather fun.

[Carla · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this short story (only 65 pages), newlyweds Chief of Police Kate Burkholder and John Tomasetti are happily spending their honeymoon at a beautiful Lake Erie cabin that was once part of an historic Amish settlement. The owners of the cabins tell them that many of the Amish have moved after being bought out by a developer. They let a few things slip that lead Kate to believe that they might have been bullied or threatened to sell, so when Lovina Nisley, the Amish owner of the cabin, goes missing, they are worried. Lovina is in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease, so it initially appears the elderly woman simply took the wrong path, but finding her is urgent as a violent storm suddenly erupts. With local law enforcement tied up with an accident, Kate and John try to find her and the person who is threatening her life.

I enjoy these short stories in the Kate Burkholder series. This one give us a quick look at Kate's and John's honeymoon, but they are always law enforcement officers first, so they jump into action when needed. They work well together, following the evidence to find not only Lovina, but perhaps put a halt to the illegal practices of a developer that wants their land. This was a quick story where we see Kate and John solve a crime and mystery that doesn't include a grizzly death.

[Lynda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even on a honeymoon...

A short story. I'd love to tell you about one of the best lines and scenes but it comes at a perfect time in the story. Yes, they have their honeymoon but they also protect a delightful Amish couple and solve a crime. The first part of The Burning is included (already read and reviewed).

[Jennie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a quick easy read writtenby Linda Costello, one of my favorite authors. This book takes place not in the usual location, but near the great lakes where Kate and Tomasetti are honeymooning. Immediately there are problems with a storm brewing and a missing woman. Between the two of them, they solve the mystery and even the local authorities are happy that they are in the area.

[Becky Spitz · Rating 2 out of 5]

I generally like this series, but this specific installment was about as complex as an episode of Scooby doo. There was no tension, no real mystery, the issue was solved easily and quickly- and it was obvious from the start.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short story with Kate on her honeymoon at a place on Lake Erie from her childhood. A once thriving Amish community is no more in Ashtabula. When the octogenarian Amish owners of the bed and breakfast are being intimidated by thugs Kate and her husband spring into action in the middle of the night during a snow storm.

[Lyndsey · Rating 3 out of 5]

i think I'm just not a fan of short stories in general, but to me I didn't love this one, also didn't hate it. seems like it was more of an outline for a book idea. would have been great with more details and a longer storyline with more of a mystery.

[Rebecca Kroft · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect short story to continue the series

Another great story by Linda Castillo. The Kate Burkholder series continues. Great amount of intrigue and mystery. Excellent stand alone or read as part of the series.

[Christina Palmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great author!

Always love her books. Highly recommend. She has a way of making you feel like you know the characters. Can't wait for the next book

[Read All About It · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honeymoon

Such a great short story in this long time favorite series. On their honeymoon Kate and John help with some crazy things going on with an older Amish couple.

“Don’t mess with an Amish woman when she’s got a broom in her hands?”

[Judy Morris · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a short story. It was very good Linda never disappoints her readers!

Great read short and sweet. It easy to read in one day! I did

[Vickie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good Short Story

Although this is a short story, it is an excellent read with lots of action and plenty of Kate and her FBI love in an Amish camp setting. I enjoyed getting to know the Niseleys and the antics of the elderly wife. The setting was described beautifully and the story flows together well. There aren’t many twists and it was easy to guess the villain but the story was well written and enjoyable.

[Vickie Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

This story doesn't disappoint. Another great book. I love Linda Castillo stories and the characters. Can't wait for the next book.

[Bianca | bookd_by_bee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love her in between novellas. Definitely tides me over as I wait for her new releases every July.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another short story in the Kate Burkholder series. And another 5 star rating from me! Love this author and the series.