Hallowed Ground

Kate Burkholder #14.5

by Linda Castillo, Kathleen McInerney (Narrator)

Listening time: 1 hour and 48 minutes

A troubling discovery leads Chief of Police Kate Burkholder on a strange investigation ending at a long-abandoned Amish farm in this short mystery from bestselling author Linda Castillo.When a family dog brings home a human bone, Chief of Police Kate Burkholder finds herself on a desperate search for answers. Where did the bone come from? Who does it belong to? And perhaps most importantly, are the bones a result of foul play? With Halloween approaching, the unsettling questions garner uneasiness, rumors, and macabre theories among the residents of Painters Mill. Determined to get to the bottom of the case—and stop the ghost stories upsetting the town—Kate and her soon-to-be husband John Tomasetti embark on a sweeping investigation. Will their search for the source of the human remains uncover the truth? Or will it lead them to an even darker discovery buried on hallowed ground?

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

2 pages, Audible Audio

First published April 25, 2023

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

[Kay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hallowed Ground would make a wonderful October read. Pumpkin patch, Halloween, skeletons and graves.

Painter's Mill Main Street storefronts display of pumpkins and mums. The aroma of Pumpkin Spice roast...umm... ☕The Pumpkin Festival is a week away and Eddie Chupp is harvesting his pumpkins before loading them onto a wagon when his dog Honeybear starts to dig the dirt in the field. The Great Pyrenees is excited with his found prize, a human jawbone!

This is a short story between the numbers in the Kate Burkholder series. Kate gets the call and heads to the field with her fiance John Tomasetti.

75 pages/1H 48M

[Heather Adores Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐
Genre ~ crime fiction
Series ~ Kate Burkholder #14.5
Others in the series #1-16 + 0.5's
Setting ~ Ohio
Publication date ~ book ~ April 25, 2023, audio ~ June 13, 2023
Page Count ~ 75
Audio length ~ 1 hours 48 minutes
Narrator ~ Kathleen McInerney
POV ~ single 1st
Featuring ~ old bones

*A short review for a short story*

Honeybear was just trying to be helpful when he dug up some old bones, which puts Kate on the hunt to find out who they belong to and how they got in the field.

Even though this wasn't a fresh murder, or anything to really do with murder, I still enjoyed the mystery of it.

Narration notes:
Kathleen did a fine job.

Connect with me ➡ Blog ~ Facebook ~ Twitter

[Rain · Rating 4 out of 5]

While waiting for the library to get book number 15 in, I’m happy I was able to read this little story. I am somewhat addicted to Kate and Tomasetti… which sucks because their romance moves sooooooo slowly. This is not a romance series, but primarily a mystery/thriller series with a dash of romance.

A discovery of human remains, and missing tombstones. An interesting short highlighting how we protect our ancestors, and the land they once lived on.

[Phrynne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hallowed Ground is a novella which takes place between books 14 and 15 in the Kate Burholder series. Fans will know that a wedding is fast approaching, and this little story gives us the opportunity to spend time with Kate and Tomasetti as they work together to solve a crime.

When a dog dogs up a human bone the concern is where the rest of the skeleton is buried, and is it an old or recent burial. The answers to this question are rather unexpected, and there is a very Amish conclusion.

An entertaining story and an excellent taster for the next book.

[Kelly Kosinski · Rating 3 out of 5]

A short story about human bones turning up in a field in the Amish country. A little bit of romance too and talk of a wedding and honeymoon for Kate and John. Can’t wait to read her newest book which is finally available in hardcover. I have mine already!!

[Suz · Rating 3 out of 5]

My plans were to listen to some short Christmas audio, and this one is number 14.5 of Kate Burkholder whom I have heard of, but never read. I didn't realise this at all, as when I search for short stories, it is via Libby or BorrowBox and they do not have such good links, as here on Goodreads.

So I entered a series via a short mini read, having not read about Kate at all and it was my first read in to the Amish who Kate left at age 18. I'd be interested to read more.

These were some short stories, I left feeling the Amish were a strange mob, but that Kate was well able to look after herself on the job. I was not expecting her partner to be her fiancé. So this left me wanting more of this series, and very interested about the woman and the detective.

Not overly Christmassy, but nice to find a series with a strong female protag.

I listened to this via the Libby app and my public library.

[Donne · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love this series so much I will read anything that Castillo puts out on Kate Burkholder. These little bookshots in between full-length installments just further feeds my Kate Burkholder addiction😊

The book summary pretty much lays out the whole storyline, all 75pgs of it. This one has Kate and Tomasetti working together again and spending a long night solving the crime/mystery. The best part of these bookshots is that we get introduced to more residents of Painter Mills. Additionally, this one has us fans further anticipating Kate’s and John’s upcoming nuptials. I’ve already received the eARC for the next installment and am sooo looking forward to finally getting around to reading it.

[Anne OK · Rating 5 out of 5]

A short temptation from one of my favorite authors. Missing tombstones and a bunch of bones lying scattered in a field brings Kate Burkholder to the scene, along with Tomasetti. As the two keep a watchful eye out for grave robbers, they talk about their upcoming marriage and the plans Tomasetti has for the honeymoon. Short, sweet and another case wrapped up tightly and layed to rest.

I can't wait for July's full novel from Linda Castillo -- the wedding and what I'm sure will be another murder in Amish country.

[Maureen ~Bitch Can Write A Book · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick visit to Painters Mill and it never disappoints. I love the short story before the new book. It prolongs my visit with Kate & Tomasetti.

[Darcy · Rating 3 out of 5]

The short stories in this series are always good, usually a different point of view of the community. This time around it's almost Halloween and there are bones showing up, Kate is a bit mystified as they are not fresh bones, but old ones. By the end when Kate finds out everything, you kinda find yourself shaking your head at the thoughts that people get in their heads. Yes this wasn't malicious and I think the resolution was the best that could be had.

[Sheila Melo · Rating 5 out of 5]

FINAL DECISION: Low-stakes short story/vignette with Kate and John investigating grave robbers. I judge this differently than a full novel, and I really enjoyed this small slice of Kate's life. I always want more romance with Kate and John, and this one has some nice moments.

THE STORY: Chief of Police Kate Burkholder is called when a human bone is brought home by a family dog. Kate and John have to figure out the origin of the bone and what is going on in a small graveyard.

OPINION: I enjoyed this story because I simply love Kate and John working together. While Kate is certainly capable on her own and it doesn't often make sense for the two of them to be in one another's pockets during the serious crimes that Kate investigates in the novels. This story was short and closed definitively at the end. I like that it is part of Kate's job that isn't angst-filled and violent. Instead, it ended up being a little spooky and then resolved some community tensions. Fun little read.

WORTH MENTIONING: This story, like others in the series between the larger novels, is really just a slice-of-life promotion for the next book (as it includes a preview of the novel). That being said, I do enjoy these stories.

CONNECTED BOOKS: HALLOWED GROUND is book 14.5 of the Kate Burkholder series. I think this should be read by those who have read at least one book in the series to get the characters and situation.

STAR RATING: I give this book 4.5 stars.

[nona woods · Rating 5 out of 5]

Always a great read when Linda Castillo write it!!!

I look forward to Linda Castillo's books every year!! I wish she would write more(hint hint)! I love the Kate Burke older character and I would recommend this book and All her Kate Burkholder books to everyone that enjoys a great mystery without having to read all the vulgar language that so many authors seem to think we as readers enjoy, We Don't!! Thank you Mrs. Castillo, please continue writing and we'll remain your faithful fans!!!

[Andrea · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyable quick short story. Looking forward to the next installment. I hope Kate and Tomasetti will finally tie the knot!

[Carla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hallowed Ground is a short story, only 75 pages, dealing with human remains, cemeteries, old men and spiritual customs. When a family dog brings home a human bone, Chief of Police Kate Burkholder finds herself on a desperate search for answers. Where did the bone come from? Who does it belong to? And perhaps most importantly, are the bones a result of foul play? Kate and her soon-to-be husband John Tomasetti of the Ohio Bureau of Investigations embark on a sweeping investigation. Will their search for the source of the human remains uncover the truth? Or will it lead them to an even darker discovery buried on hallowed ground?

I enjoy these short stories and novellas that let us see Kate in a different situation. These are not harrowing murders like the full length stories, but still have mysteries to solve. This one deals with the preservation of a an Amish cemetery. I enjoyed the way Kate dealt with the culprits when she figures out what is going on and how her skills allow two sides to come to an amicable agreement. Short and intriguing. I enjoyed this short story that is the last one before Kate and Tomasetti finally tie the knot.

[Laur · Rating 4 out of 5]

Linda Castillo never fails to capture my interest in any of her books right from page 1 - this one is no exception.

When a dog digs up a human skeleton bone with a tooth filling in a pumpkin field, Chief Kate Burkholder gets the call and soon discovers there are many more bones in the area. Graves are being dug up! Is this the work of pranksters or something more sinister like a Satanic Cult? A stakeout will be needed to determine who is committing the crimes.

The audiobook narrator, Kathleen McInerney, is a favorite of mine especially her interpretation of the Amish language when used in the story.

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

Spooky Short Story

“Just when you thought things couldn’t get any weirder, they get weirder,” Tomasetti mutters.

I just love these in between short stories in this series. They are always a little bit scary and a lot great.

[Sheri Jesse · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very quick, enjoyable read.

[Glenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

The beautiful autumn season has arrived in Painters Mill, so of course, Kate Burkholder and fiancé Tomasetti settle in with their coffee thermos to surveil a hidden cemetery.

[Marie Dreyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good mystery. With our favorite police chief. Kate

The story flows very well. But it was too short. The Amish history and lifestyles are so interesting. Thank you

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice addition to the series. I love these novellas between books

[Jennie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading this novella on the Kindle, makes you think there are more pages to be read when in fact, it ends with 20 minutes still left. The extra 20 minutes is set aside to read the prologue to her newest book An Evil Heart.

This story is about an Amish farmer finding some bones in his pasture. All sorts of theories arise, but Tomasetti and Kare solve the mystery that evening. This story makes me look forward to her next book.

[RedRedtheycallmeRed · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 STARS

I enjoy the full length novels more than these short stories, but this is one of the better ones. There's a little bit of wedding talk, then it's straight to some old bones. The resolution to the story was unexpected and a little more poignant than I anticipated.

This excerpt really took me back to my early teen years: "Back in the day, scores of Midwestern teens spent their summers in fields detasseling corn, which is a form of pollination control. It was a sweaty, muddy, low-paying job that traumatized many a city slicker." Not a fond memory for me!

[Lindsey Ruppe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Be aware this novella is actually 53 pages which is listed as 75+ having a preview of the next Kate Burkholder novel. Hallowed Ground was a fun and fast read. A dog shows up with a human bone, an old bone. Where did it come from? Kate and Tomesetti set out to find out. Love reading the novellas before the new release each year

[Monica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hallowed Ground is a novella by Linda Castillo in the Kate Burkholder Series. I think this would make a perfect read for October, around Halloween. Kate Burkholder is called to an Amish farm where a dog has come up with a human bone. Her and Tomasetti are soon staking out an old cemetery.

#LibbyApp #carlislepubliclibrary #lonokecountylibrarysystem #audiobook #LindaCastillo #HallowedGround

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

While I’m waiting for #16 in the series to be published, I’ve decided to go back and read all the “in between .5 books” that Linda Castillo has included in this series. This was a fast read (60+ pages) - short but mystery filled.

[Ray · Rating 4 out of 5]

another short that was worthy of catching in this series. i am glad to have read this one as well.
it was another traditional aspect of human life that was presented in a way that held true to the characters in this series. Enjoyed it.

[Terri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very short story

Excellent as always. Great set of characters. Good story line. Love the mix of Amish and English neighbors. Nice clean read.

[Vickie Moore · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great short story.

[Donna Mcnab · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like these short stories in the Burkholder series. They give you a glimpse of the less stressful side of being the Chief of Police in a small community.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good short story.