A Dark Path: And Other Kate Burkholder Short Stories

by Linda Castillo

For the first time in print comes a collection of five short stories in the Edgar award-winning Kate Burkholder series, PLUS one new, never-before-published story, from New York Times bestselling author Linda Castillo.

When two young boys don’t return home from an innocent afternoon of fishing, Chief of Police Kate Burkholder must track them down before the first winter storm of the season bears down on Painters Mill in THE PACT.

In DISAPPEARED, Kate races against the clock to find a two-year-old who has vanished during a violent thunderstorm. Was the little boy swept away in the rising creek waters? Or is his disappearance even more sinister?

In BLOOD MOON, a man is brutally attacked by a large beast in the woods. Throughout the night, reports of similar incidents escalate and Kate must confront the creature terrorizing the town before violence tips over into tragedy.

When a family dog brings home a human bone, Kate finds herself on a desperate search for answers—and a way to end the macabre rumors and ghost stories inundating the town in the Edgar award-winning short story HALLOWED GROUND.

In DARK STORM RISING, Kate must brave a dangerous blizzard to save an elderly Amish woman from a sinister foe. Will Kate reach her in time to save her life?

In A DARK PATH, a brand-new story, an Amish couple disappears enroute to town. They’d recently been threatened by their granddaughter’s troubled boyfriend—and there’s heavy weather moving in. Kate rushes toward their remote farm, but a dog causes her to crash into a ravine, where she discovers a shattered buggy. Together, she and her new canine friend must find the couple before it's too late.

Genres: Mystery

336 pages, Paperback

Expected publication July 14, 2026

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

[Bianca | bookd_by_bee 🐝 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley & Macmillan Audio for the ALC in exchange for an honest review.

I came across a recommendation for Linda Castillo’s first book in this series (Sworn to Silence) during COVID lockdown and 17 books (plus 8+ short stories) later, this remains one of my auto-read series. This ALC is a collection of her short stories including a brand new story (A Dark Path). It was a good listen having some of her short stories in one collection. The newest story did not disappoint, and kept me intrigued in typical Linda Castillo style. The narrator (Kathleen McInerney) does a good job with her stories. She pronounces all the Pennsylvania Dutch well and helps make the story come alive.

I want to use this review to REALLY encourage all the folks who like a GOOD crime thriller to read Linda’s Kate Burkholder series. I haven’t rated any of them below 4 stars (a couple were 5 star ⭐️ reads!). The pacing, the plot, the unique storylines are just some of my favorite aspects of her books. Detective Kate Burkholder has some of the best character development I’ve read in a thriller series. Every year I look forward to Linda’s short story in April, and her full novel in July. I haven’t missed a book yet, and I never miss a chance to recommend this series.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Dark Path by Linda Castillo is an engaging collection of short stories set within the Kate Burkholder series, offering readers the opportunity to revisit familiar characters and the atmospheric world of Amish Country through a series of quick, compelling mysteries.

Each story is concise yet effective at drawing the reader in, maintaining the suspense and character-driven storytelling that define the larger series. While the collection still explores darker themes, the stories generally feel less graphic and intense than some of the full-length novels, making them accessible while still retaining the tension and intrigue fans expect.

Because the stories are presented individually, some background information and character introductions are repeated throughout the collection. While occasionally noticeable when read consecutively, this structure also allows each story to function well on its own.

The audiobook narration is excellent, as expected for the series. The narrator brings warmth, tension, and personality to the characters, helping the stories move quickly while remaining immersive and engaging.

Overall, The Dark Path is a satisfying addition to the Kate Burkholder universe and an enjoyable collection for longtime fans looking to spend more time with these characters.

Thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the ALC. This is my honest review.

[Christina C · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Dark Path is a great addition to the Kate Burkholder series and felt different from the usual full-length novels in a good way. The mini stories all connect well and still deliver the suspense, mystery, and Amish community atmosphere that makes this series so enjoyable. Since I’ve read all the books in the series, it was nice to spend more time with Kate and see another side of her life outside the larger investigations.

What I enjoyed most was the emotional tone of the book and the satisfying, happier ending for Kate. After everything the character has gone through in previous novels, it was rewarding to see some hope and peace woven into the story. Linda Castillo continues to write compelling mysteries while keeping the characters relatable and engaging.

The only reason this is a 4-star instead of 5-star read for me is that the shorter story format sometimes made the pacing feel a bit uneven compared to the regular novels. Still, it was an enjoyable read overall, and I hope Linda Castillo writes many more Kate Burkholder stories solving crimes in the Amish community.

[Brenda Freeman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoy the Kate Burkholder series and this collection of short stories doesn’t disappoint. The monster attacking and chasing people, grave robbers and remembering the past with fond memories.

[Julianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Linda Castillo brings this 6 part compilation of Kate Burkholder thrillers that won't give you nightmares. Set in Amish friendly rural Ohio, these stories are short, easy to remember every character, mostly morally straight, and have strong resolutions.

The Pact: Two young boys go missing as a winter snowstorm approaches. Can Chief of Police Kate Burkholder follow their clues and save them before the cold- or something else- makes this rescue mission a recovery operation?

Disappeared: A toddler is missing at 4:30AM and the river by their house is quickly rising in the storm. It doesn't take Kate's investigation long to conclude the toddler was taken. An obvious subject arises, but suddenly the story isn't adding up. It's a race against time to find the babe before the trail runs cold.

Blood Moon: A man is attacked in the middle of the night, but his report doesn't align with the evidence at the scene. When other reports start coming in, can Kate and her team unravel all the clues AND catch the creature before someone is killed?

Hallowed Ground: A human jaw bone turns up on an Amish property and Kate is called in to investigate. More bones are discovered and it's clear this is more than just an ancient ancestor washed up in the creek. Whose bones are these, where were they buried, and how did they die? Most importantly, why did the dog find this piece now?

Dark Storm Rising: Kate and her new husband, John Tomasetti, begin their honeymoon on Amish land when the property owners tell them how another rental caught fire recently. The first night in the cabin, they're awoken at midnight to learn the female owner is missing in blizzard conditions. Local police are stymied by traffic conditions, so Kate and her husband jump into action, working with the elderly owner to find his wife before something worse happens to them.

A Dark Path: While driving to investigate a missing persons' case, Kate crashes into a ravine. Mostly unharmed, but now on foot, she discovers she isn't the first crash of the night. With only what she can carry, Kate finds her way to a nearby farm to take shelter and see if the family stopped there too. Was their crash an honest mistake like Kate's or did someone intentionally mean to harm them?

Troupes: small town, cozy thriller, ticking clock, big reveal
Spice: 1/5 🌶️
Gore: 0/5 🩸
Language: 2/5 👀
Triggers: missing child

Thank you to Macmillian Audio and NetGalley for this ARC!

[J Kromrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to Macmillan Audio and Netgalley for this delightful ARC.

A Dark Path: And Other Kate Burkholder Short Stories by Linda Castillo,
Narrated by Kathleen McInerney is another wonderful entry in Kate Burkholder's journey. Although I have feverishly followed this series about the formerly Amish police chief and her investigations in her Amish town, this is the first time I have heard/read her short stories - they are as delightful as Linda Castillo's Kate Burkholder novels.

If you are interested in police procedurals that keep you reading, or if you are interested in Amish life, this is an excellent introduction to a stellar series - if you are already a fan, you won't be disappointed.

This audiobook is professionally (and impeccably) narrated by Kathleen McInerney, she does an amazing job and greatly adds to this enjoyable set of stories.

[Tina Loves To Read · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a collection of short stories, and all the short stories are part of the Kate Burkholder series. I read all the other books in the Kate Burkholder series before picking up this book. I read this book by listening to the audiobook, and I really enjoyed this audiobook. I love this series, and I really enjoyed all of these short stories. I loved the characters in this series, and I love the mysteries in these short stories. I love the mix of Amish into the mysteries. I also enjoyed the animals in this series. I received an ARC of this book. This review is my own honest opinion about the book like all my reviews are.

[Alicia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Few series have been able to go so long and maintain a phenomenal story line. The Kate Burkholder series is 17 books in and still going strong.

I have missed a few of the .5 novellas and I was so excited to get approval of this collection ~ and to get caught up.

A Dark Path consists of 6 mini Burkholder stories, 5 of which were new to me. I loved being back in her world and enjoyed all of them.

If you haven’t read this series, Sworn To Silence is the first and I can’t recommend it enough.

It’s dark, has amazing characters and truly has kept me excited for each new one every year.

[Tamara Hamilton · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Dark Path and Other Kate Burkholder Short Stories is a collection of 6 short stories. All are very good and keeps you turning the pages.

Kathleen Mcinerny's audio performance was very enjoyable.

Thank you Netgalley and Macmillan Audio for my ALC in exchange for my honest review. Expected release date July 7 2026