A Dark Path: And Other Kate Burkholder Short Stories

Kate Burkholder #12.5, 13.5, 14.5, 15.5, 17.5

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: Audiobook, Short Stories, Crime, Procedural, 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

[Heather Adores Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

A collection of 5 short stories reviewed individually below. My average rating is 3.5, so I'll round up because I am a big fan of the series.

Genre ~ police procedural, crime fiction
Setting ~ Ohio

Quick link to the whole series
Series notes:
The novellas are fine to be read as standalones, but the whole series is great so why not read them all.

Narrator ~ Kathleen McInerney
Narration notes:
She does fine. When she does the male parts she sounds a little stiff at times, like she has to think about it.

Disappeared
4⭐
Series ~ Kate Burkholder #12.5
Publication date ~ April 27, 2021
Est Page Count ~ 49
Audio length ~ 1 hours 34 minutes
POV ~ single 1st, present tense
Featuring ~ missing toddler

Kate and Glock get called out during a raging storm to help locate a 2 year old Amish boy who went missing from his bed in the night. Kate's gut says the mother and grandmother are not telling her everything, and Kate's gut is never wrong.

A quick and tense read that had my mama heart pounding and breaking by the conclusion.


Blood Moon
3⭐
Series ~ Kate Burkholder #13.5
Publication date ~ book ~ April 26, 2022, audio ~ June 7, 2022
Est page Count ~ 64 (4 chapters)
Audio length ~ 1 hour 29 minutes
POV ~ single 1st
Featuring ~ a beast

Meh this was alright. Kate investigated as well as she usually does. Is it terrible that I'd rather a person attack people than an animal attack people?


Hallowed Ground
4⭐
Series ~ Kate Burkholder #14.5
Publication date ~ book ~ April 25, 2023, audio ~ June 13, 2023
Page Count ~ 75
Audio length ~ 1 hours 48 minutes
POV ~ single 1st
Featuring ~ old bones

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.


Dark Storm Rising
3⭐
Series ~ Kate Burkholder, #15.5
Publication date ~ April 2, 2024
Est Page Count ~ 65
Audio length ~ 1 hours 34 minutes
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 be best to read it before The Burning if you can.


Dark Path
3.5⭐
Series ~ 16.5, I think, or 17.5
Publication date ~ July 14, 2026
Est Page Count ~ 83
Audio length ~ 1 hours 24 minutes
POV ~ single 1st
Featuring ~ a storm, missing people

My heart was pounding with the opening. A buggy crashed into a ravine and the sweet old man was trying his hardest to hang onto his wife and granddaughter before they fell.

I'm always a fan when there's a dog in our stories and this sweet Labrador comes in at just the right time. No harms comes to him thankfully. I hope he sticks around.

Side note:
I'd really like to know if Kate gets a new Explorer every book or does the crashed one keep getting fixed? Pretty sure every book something happens to it 😂

[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.

[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.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

6 short stories featuring Police Chief Kate Burkholder, formerly Amish. I have read the whole series but not the short stories, and there’s a new one. They are all interesting police work, and not murder but more feel-good endings. I read on audio and the narration was great. You would not need to have read any of the series to enjoy these. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc.

[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.

[Barbara Schultz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Title: The Dark Path and other Kate Burkholder short stories
Author: Linda Castillo
Series: Kate Burkholder
Format: 🎧
Narrator: Kathleen McInerney
Publisher: Macmillan Audio~ Minotaur Books
Genre: Mystery/Thriller
Pub Date: July 7, 2026
My Rating: 4 Stars!
Pages: 336

Although I am a Linda Castillo- Kate Burkholder/ John Tomasetti fan.
Tomasetti is an agent with the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation and these two will soon marry, I really do not like short stories, I requested without realizing this was six short stories.
On the positive side these stories were all quick reads.
When I finished, I thought they actually were pretty good reads and I believe I just may have changed my mind about not liking short stories!!!.
Plus, this audiobook is narrated by Kathleen McInerney, who always does an amazing job of performing all the characters, which truly helped in making this an enjoyable set of short stories.
Another fun thing was the lead up to Kate and Tomasetti’s wedding!
Yes! I enjoyed these stories however, was disappointed that most of the stories had more foul language than I thought necessary.



THE PACT~Book #11.5- 4 Stars
Twelve-year-old Aaron Kuhns and eleven-year-old Kevin Dennison are best friends. Aaron is Amish and Kevin is English. Their parents are not pleased with their friendship. Aaron and Kevin tell their parents that they are going fishing. However, they went to the woods so that they could make a blood Pact to be brothers.
(Personal note~ After they make their Pact, it seems IMO they stay to continue to practice their cussing. )
When they hear a sound, they fear it is the ghost that is rumored to be haunting this area.
As you might guess there isn’t a ghost, but the boys are in danger.
When they do not return home and no one can find them-Chief of Police Kate Burkholder and her officers work to find these boys before the first winter storm of the season rolls in.
Story kept me interested and ended up liking these two mischievous boys as well as this story.

DISAPPEARED~Book #12.5 – 3.8 Stars
Chief of Police Kate Burkholder receives a call from an Amish family regarding a missing two-year-old. There is a terrible storm, and they worry ‘Little Joe’ may have been swept away in the stormwaters.
As the investigation continues, more is uncovered about Bonnie the mother and Thomas the father.

BLOOD MOON~Book 13.5 3.7 Stars
There’s a blood moon (which is in total eclipse and appears reddish) when Merle Beachy, an Amish man, makes his way home late at night in his horse-driven wagon. It’s foggy and visibility is poor, but when his horse reacts Merle sees that a beast spooked his horse, the beast bites him.
Chief Burkholder is notified and begins investigating, soon there are two
more sightings with similar descriptions.
The description of the creature sounds like something straight out of
Amish folklore from Kate’s childhood.
I was sure I was not going to like this story!
I was wrong- as it turned out better than expected!


HALLOWED GROUND~Book #14.5
Painter's Mill Main Street store fronts are ready for Halloween as there is an aroma of Pumpkin Spice.
The Pumpkin Festival is a week away and Eddie Chupp as usual is ready with his prize collection of outstanding pumpkins. As he is getting ready to load them onto a wagon his dog Honeybear starts to dig the dirt in the field. The Great Pyrenees is excited with his found prize, a human jawbone!
Eddie immediately calls the police department.
Kate gets the report and heads out to his farm.

Kate investigates as she needs to end the rumors and ghost stories circling Painters Mill.

DARK STORM RISING~ Book #15.5
In this story Kate and Tomasetti are on their honeymoon.
Story starts with a cabin set on fire.
They rented a cabin at Lake Erie which was once part of an historic Amish settlement. The cabins are owned by the Nisley’s an older Amish couple. They tell the newlyweds that many of the Amish have moved- thus the boarded-up store fronts. They mentioned that the developer made an offer they couldn’t turn down.
They find out later that Lovina Nisley is missing. Her husband has concerns as she is in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease, perhaps she simply took the wrong path.
Kate and Tomasetti set out to help find her as a dangerous blizzard is on the way.
Their mission is to find her, but they also hope they might be able to put a stop to the illegal practices of the developer who wants their land. Wish of course they do.

A DARK PATH ~
This story is a new story.
Story starts when an older Amish couple who live on a remote farm and their granddaughter are on their way into town and have an accident when buggy goes off the narrow road down over a ravine.
Their daughter and son-in-law report their disappearance. They also tell Kate that they have recently been threatened by their granddaughter’s troubled boyfriend.
There’s heavy weather moving in and Kate rushes toward their farm, but a dog on the road causes her to crash into a ravine. It appears this is the same ravine when Kate sees a shattered buggy.
Kate contacts Tomasetti for assistance.

Want to thank NetGalley and Macmillan Audio~ Minotaur Books for granting me these Kate Burkholder short story series.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for July 7, 2026.

[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!

[Hope Stewart · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Dark Path: And Other Kate Burkholder Short Stories is one of those collections where I spent the first few stories rolling my eyes a little... and then somehow ended up genuinely enjoying myself anyway.

A lot of these stories lean hard into familiar mystery and thriller tropes. Missing children during storms, creepy woods, suspicious outsiders, elderly Amish victims trapped by blizzards, ominous animals showing up at exactly the wrong moment. At first it felt almost aggressively cliché, like the literary equivalent of someone putting every possible “small town danger” prompt into a blender. Some twists are obvious from a mile away and the emotional beats can be very predictable. having every character immediately identified as either Amish or English reminded me of walking around her southern town with my mother in law. You don't really need to tell me that every few seconds. Other times the dialogue was practically robotic.

But honestly? After a while the formula started to weirdly work for me.

Linda Castillo clearly knows exactly what readers come to the Kate Burkholder series for, and this collection delivers that comfort-food mystery vibe almost nonstop. The Amish setting still gives the stories a distinct atmosphere, and Kate remains compelling because of how naturally she moves between the Amish community and the outside world. Even when the plots get melodramatic, the stories move fast and stay readable. Several reviewers have pointed out how effective Castillo is at combining cozy mystery elements with more suspense-heavy thriller pacing, and I can definitely see why longtime fans love these books.

[Debra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Woohoo!!!!!!! Linda Castillo and Kate Burkholder are back in , A Dark Path: And Other Kate Burkholder Short Stories!!!! This short story collection was fantastic! Usually with short story collections, there is one that falls short for me. That is not the case with this book! I loved every single story! The short stories are: THE PACT, DISAPPEARED, BLOOD MOON, HALLOWED GROUND, DARK STORM RISING, and A DARK PATH. Each books shows Kate Burkholder solving intriguing and pulse pounding mysteries.

I love the Kate Burkholder series and jumped at the chance to listen to this audiobook. I thought the narrator did a fabulous job of bringing this collection of short stories to life! Each short story contained a mystery which also evokes emotion. I enjoyed that John Tomasetti is in every short story as he helps Kate solve the mysteries. I loved the setting, the characters, the mysteries, and the Amish, and how Kate conducts her investigations.

Wonderfully written, intriguing short stories, and well thought out! A fabulous addition to the Kate Burkholder series!

Thank you to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love how each short story is unique and it stands on its own. I jumped in mid series into the Kate Burkholder series, so I was very excited to see that these can be read as stand alone. Each short story is very unique, and different. The short stories included, Disappeared, Blood Moon, Hallowed Ground, Dark Storm Rising, and never before published, Dark Path. I enjoy this world and following Kate Burkholder, the mystery is very believable and I love how the author incorporates the amish community. I feel like I’m always learning something new when it comes to the Amish community. I love how she includes their Amish language in the books and quickly translates that to us so that we’re not lost. The mysteries were addicting and I binged this one in a day.

The narrator, Kathleen McInerney does a great job portraying Kate, and several of the other characters. The array of tones and inflections that she uses is very impressive. While I don’t speak the Amish language, I feel like the narrator does a wonderful job speaking the Amish language. The tones and inflections were spot on for me.

Perfect for readers who enjoy an addictive mystery read that includes the amish community, be sure to check this series out.

A very special thanks to Macmillan Audio for the gifted ALC.

[Nikki · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

Kate Burkholder books, and even these short stories, are such a guilty pleasure for me. I love the juxtaposition of the Amish and today's world, although they often collide with unfavorable results. I have wondered, through the years, if any characters ever wonder why Painters Mill is so rife with criminality -- such a small town with such big and numerous problems. But that's not a complaint. I love it all. What draws me in initially is always the mystery, whether it's a missing person, a murder, or bones, Linda Castillo hooks me hard early on. After that, it's all about the Amish for me. I'm absolutely fascinated. I'll read all the books Castillo writes because she has a great storytelling ability.

I'm grateful for the narrator as well. The audio, I think, has all been narrated by the same woman, and I don't know what I would do if that changed. Kathleen McInerney is Kate to me, and when I picture or am near real Amish country, the thoughts in my head are in her voice.

[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.

[Bookloverinhi · Rating 5 out of 5]

A collection of 6 Kate Burkholder short stories and I absolutely every single one. Chief of Kate Burkholder and her FBI husband John Tomasetti are the ultimate law enforcement duo in Painter’s Mill – a community with a large Amish population. An ex-Amish Kate understands their language and culture which endears her to the Amish and non-Amish. I loved these short story mystery thrillers – each one felt fully developed, not rushed with a solid crime to solve.

I love the entire series – yes, all 17 books and can’t wait for more. Linda Castillo is truly one of my automatic buys and I’ll be buying the physical book when it hits the shelves on July 7, 2026.

RECOMMEND the entire series!

Thank you #NetGalley for the complimentary copy of #ADarkPath in exchange for an honest review. Thank you #macmillanaudio for approving my request.

[Roxanne Miles · Rating 4 out of 5]

Five mini stories surrounding the Kate Burkholder series, that were just the right length to get me readings. The collection was suspenseful, with mystery and the intertwined stories of the Amish community. I found the stories great and hard to put down.

The five mini books just seemed to have an uplifting quality about them to see Kate trying to settle into her new married life. I liked that about the stories. The narration was great and I just loved the way these books stood alone but also seemed to connect in great ways as well. If you liked Kate, you will like these books as well.

I loved the Amish background in these books and how hard it is to solve crimes in these communities. Thank you to #NetGalley for the ARC.

[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.

[Louise Hendricks · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Dark Path: And Other Kate Burkholder Short Stories is a solid short story collection that gives fans of Kate Burkholder more insight into her world. The stories are quick, engaging, and add nice depth to her character and relationships. A few are stronger than others, but overall it’s an easy, enjoyable read for fans of the series. They are interspersed throughout the series. I can't wait for the next full length Kate Burkholder novel.

Kathleen McInerney does a fantastic job of bring Kate Burkholder to life. I always enjoy listening to her audios.

Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for an ALC.

[Kristi · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Dark Path: And Other Kate Burkholder Short Stories by Linda Castillo is a collection of six short stories in the Kate Burkholder series. I enjoyed each of the stories featuring Chief of Police Kate Burkholder as she helps the community of Painters Mill and both the Amish and English residents.

The six stories included are The Pact, Disappeared, Blood Moon, Hallowed Ground, Dark Storm Rising and A Dark Path.

The audiobook narration by Kathleen McInerney was excellent and truly brought each of the short stories to life. Overall, the production quality was outstanding.

Thank you to NetGalley & Macmillan Audio for letting me read this ARC.

[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.

[Lisa Davidson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Linda Castillo feels unique because these are technically detective stories, and there are crimes involved, and the stakes feel high, but everything is personal. The first story is about two little boys who just want to be friends and end up lost in winter weather while the worried community searches. There are Amish people and a sick baby, among others, and everything is important. That's what makes these stories engaging.
Thanks to NetGalley I got to listen to the audiobook, which was well done, with the right compassion and urgency.

[Ashley Jakob · Rating 4 out of 5]

I finished this in 2 days. Hearing the Dutch and German terms really made me think of my grandma. I enjoyed all of the stories and the pace was perfect. The narrator really brought the characters to life by giving them all different tones and dialects. I love short stories that get to the point and keep you engaged which this set of short stories did. I want to read more of the stories in the series. It’s nice to have short stories as like a palette cleanse.

Thank you NetGalley, Macmillan Audio, and Linda Castillo for the ALC!

[lori pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Many thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the free audiobook in exchange for my honest review. The legendary Kathleen McInerney does a stupendous job telling this story!!!

I love the Kate Burkholder stories and to have the opportunity to listen to different short stories was incredible!!! If you are new to the series or a veteran as I am, this is a great way to meet Kat or just enjoy several short tales. Loved it!!!

[Kate Ballard · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a book of mysteries set in an Amish community. The stories are led by the chief of police, Kate, who was formerly Amish herself. Each story takes about 30 minutes to 1 hour to read, and I was thoroughly entertained. I'm looking forward to more of these stories in the future!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for allowing me early access to this ARC audio book of A Dark Path for my honest review. This was a great book!

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Dark Path by Linda Castillo is a series of 6 short stories that have been previously released except for the last one, which is new. Narrated by one of my favorite readers, Kathleen Mclinerney. I love the Kate Burkholder series. I am always waiting for the next one to be released. Each story brings you back to Painters Mill in Amish country. Great series. Thank you to #NetGalley and #Macmillian Audio.

[Tamara · 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

[Larae Perry · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Dark Path by Linda Castillo kept me hooked from the start. The atmosphere was dark and tense, and I loved being back with Kate Burkholder. The mystery had plenty of twists, and the emotional layers made it more than just a standard crime thriller. A few parts felt a little slower in the middle, but overall this was another strong and addictive installment in the series.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful collection of Kate Burkholder stories.