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Kate Burkholder #11.5, 12.5, 13.5, 14.5, 15.5, 17
A Dark Path: And Other Kate Burkholder Short Stories
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.
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.
336 pages, Hardcover
Published July 14, 2026
About the author
Linda Castillo
93 books6,738 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 106 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Happy publication day!
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 😂
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 😂
May 6, 2026
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.
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.
May 9, 2026
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.
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.
June 29, 2026
My friend got me a signed, advanced reader copy from a book event! I love these stories. Many of the stories are repeats. Ones that were put out as .5s. The ones I had not read were good. A nice, fun and easy escape.
May 21, 2026
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.
June 28, 2026
Thank you to Macmillan audio and NetGalley for an ALC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
I have read several of Linda Castillo’s Kate Burkholder stories and loved them. This one was no different and did not let me down! I love that these are not gruesome, but keep you guessing. The short stories were different as I’ve never read any short stories by her, but I thoroughly enjoyed them. A little faster paced, so if you’re someone that struggles to keep up with a long storyline, try these because it was a compilation of multiple one hour stories.
I have read several of Linda Castillo’s Kate Burkholder stories and loved them. This one was no different and did not let me down! I love that these are not gruesome, but keep you guessing. The short stories were different as I’ve never read any short stories by her, but I thoroughly enjoyed them. A little faster paced, so if you’re someone that struggles to keep up with a long storyline, try these because it was a compilation of multiple one hour stories.
July 11, 2026
Honest review of Advance Copy received from NetGalley
I have read many of the Kate Burkholder novels in the past, but this was the first time I had read-or listened to- any of the short stories. I enjoyed the audiobook edition of this collection, particularly Kathleen McInerney’s narration. She skillfully portrays a wide range of characters and convincingly captures the Ohio Amish dialect.
The stories cover a variety of intriguing topics from missing children, mysterious creatures, grave robbers, to stalkers. Each mystery is naturally solved by Chief Kate Burkholder and her trusty partner- her fiancé and later husband- John Tomasetti.
Some readers may feel that each story wraps up a little too neatly, with every loose end tied into an almost perfect bundle. But isn’t that the charm of cozy mysteries? Overall, the stories are imaginative, engaging, and well-written, making this an enjoyable collection for both longtime fans of the series and newcomers alike.
I have read many of the Kate Burkholder novels in the past, but this was the first time I had read-or listened to- any of the short stories. I enjoyed the audiobook edition of this collection, particularly Kathleen McInerney’s narration. She skillfully portrays a wide range of characters and convincingly captures the Ohio Amish dialect.
The stories cover a variety of intriguing topics from missing children, mysterious creatures, grave robbers, to stalkers. Each mystery is naturally solved by Chief Kate Burkholder and her trusty partner- her fiancé and later husband- John Tomasetti.
Some readers may feel that each story wraps up a little too neatly, with every loose end tied into an almost perfect bundle. But isn’t that the charm of cozy mysteries? Overall, the stories are imaginative, engaging, and well-written, making this an enjoyable collection for both longtime fans of the series and newcomers alike.
June 25, 2026
Thanks to NetGalley and MacMillan Audio for this gifted audiobook copy. A Dark Path is a collection of short stories set in the Kate Burkholder world, and while each story stands on its own, I do think longtime fans of the series will get the most out of it. The first two thirds of the collection felt more like a cozy mystery than the suspense filled read I was expecting from the title, but the final two stories delivered much more tension and suspense. Even though I have never read the Kate Burkholder series, I found the characters engaging and genuinely cared about what happened to them. One of my favorite aspects was the Amish setting. My hometown had a farmers market with many Amish vendors, so those details felt familiar and added charm to the stories. Overall, I enjoyed this collection and if I can ever get my TBR under control, I would definitely consider starting the full series.
June 30, 2026
Ah to be back to Kate and her Explorer! #iykyk
I have read every single Kate Burkholder books, they’re easy fast paced reads, and I always enjoy catching up to the *quite* murderous small town that is Painters Mill. How ARE there so many crimes in SUCH a small town?!
These short shorts are excellent in between book reads, and Kathleen McInerney always does such a wonderful job narrating. I have read some of these stories before as standalone but I love that this packages them as a full length “book.”
Can’t wait to see what Kate gets up to next!
I have read every single Kate Burkholder books, they’re easy fast paced reads, and I always enjoy catching up to the *quite* murderous small town that is Painters Mill. How ARE there so many crimes in SUCH a small town?!
These short shorts are excellent in between book reads, and Kathleen McInerney always does such a wonderful job narrating. I have read some of these stories before as standalone but I love that this packages them as a full length “book.”
Can’t wait to see what Kate gets up to next!
July 18, 2026
As always a fantastic Kate Burkholder book.
May 30, 2026
Love this series and author. I listen to it. The reader is getting better but still a little choppy. I keep listening to the books because I love the books. The short stories in this book are wonderfully engaging and intriguing.
June 16, 2026
This is a favorite book series. Loved reading / listening to these short stories. I much prefer the full-length books, but these are great for a Kate Burkholder fix in between novels.
June 17, 2026
Great stories! I especially liked the one with the missing boy. I loved the narrator too. Her voice suited the Amish stories perfectly! I liked how these were mysterious but not gory or anything like that! Great characters and plots!
Thank you to NetGalley and to the publisher for the ARC!
Thank you to NetGalley and to the publisher for the ARC!
May 8, 2026
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.
July 17, 2026
This is a good book to borrow from the library for faithful readers of Linda Castillo's fun books about Police Chief Kate Burkhalter. As is clear from all the descriptions, this is a short story collection of six tales, with the "11.5", "12.5", "13.5", "14.5" and "15.5" stories having all been previously published (with our corresponding comments here in Goodreads). So only the book's title story ("17.5") is new to us fans.
Indeed, its 44 pages of medium size print are good for about half an hour of heart-warming reading. During some really bad weather, a vengeful ex-boyfriend deliberately runs an Amish buggy off an already dangerous road, with the healthy outcome of the three inhabitants in serious doubt. Meanwhile, Kate is called to do a welfare check as the threesome was expected quite a while ago by relatives. On that same road, Kate loses control of her vehicle -- but on foot, and egged on by a dog in the road, proceeds to try to find everybody. Things get serious when the boyfriend shows up again, this time with a pistol at the ready. Of course all is resolved to a satisfying conclusion that leaves us as always well ready for the next installment in the series. Well done!
Indeed, its 44 pages of medium size print are good for about half an hour of heart-warming reading. During some really bad weather, a vengeful ex-boyfriend deliberately runs an Amish buggy off an already dangerous road, with the healthy outcome of the three inhabitants in serious doubt. Meanwhile, Kate is called to do a welfare check as the threesome was expected quite a while ago by relatives. On that same road, Kate loses control of her vehicle -- but on foot, and egged on by a dog in the road, proceeds to try to find everybody. Things get serious when the boyfriend shows up again, this time with a pistol at the ready. Of course all is resolved to a satisfying conclusion that leaves us as always well ready for the next installment in the series. Well done!
June 11, 2026
Linda Castillo’s short stories are as good as her novels, as evidenced by this collection. Kathleen McInerney is an excellent and reliable narrator for the series. You always know which character is speaking while listening and it is just a pleasure.
July 18, 2026
I liked the short story but was terribly disappointed that this collection of 6 short stories, 5 previously published and only had 1 new story. Very misleading and disappointing.
July 14, 2026
I really like this entire series and enjoy the short stories as well. Great job and a great book, characters etc
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
DNF at 46% — I listened to three of the short stories and they were GOOD, don’t get me wrong….but just not really what I was expecting. I had never read a Kate Burkholder mystery before this and had no idea that they revolved around an Amish area. Not that there’s anything WRONG with that, but these mysteries were a little bit….INNOCENT, for my taste. 😆 I’m giving this three stars even though I DNFed just because I listened to half the stories in the collection, and I DO think that anyone who likes these books will like this short story collection as well!
July 17, 2026
A Dark Path by Linda Castillo is a series of short stories with Kate Burkholder leading the investigation. While they are offered in a way to help you fit them into the order of books, I found that information was not necessary. There are five previously published short stories and one brand new story.
The Pact was about two boys who didn’t come home after fishing with a winter storm coming in.
The story, Disappeared was about a two year old who went missing from his bedroom.
Blood Moon has something on the loose. It will attack and chase anyone. My favorite part in this novel was when one of the young boys said that I am not saying it was a monster, but it was a monster.
Hallowed Ground was a nice short “who dun it” without any murders.
Dark Storm Rising has Kate trying to save an older woman in a blizzard.
A Dark Path was about a missing family after they did not show up when and where they were supposed to.
I thoroughly enjoyed all the stories in this book. Linda Castillo continues to wow me with her Kate Burkholder novels. A Dark Path is a great read.
The Pact was about two boys who didn’t come home after fishing with a winter storm coming in.
The story, Disappeared was about a two year old who went missing from his bedroom.
Blood Moon has something on the loose. It will attack and chase anyone. My favorite part in this novel was when one of the young boys said that I am not saying it was a monster, but it was a monster.
Hallowed Ground was a nice short “who dun it” without any murders.
Dark Storm Rising has Kate trying to save an older woman in a blizzard.
A Dark Path was about a missing family after they did not show up when and where they were supposed to.
I thoroughly enjoyed all the stories in this book. Linda Castillo continues to wow me with her Kate Burkholder novels. A Dark Path is a great read.
July 27, 2026
NOTE: All but one story was in previous collections. Most were published as a single book.
I didn't mind ... I even enjoyed re-reading the one in the previous collection. What I minded was PAYING for them AGAIN!
The last story, A Dark Path, has a wonderful "extra", a dog! I fell in love pretty much at first bark.
All the stories are great.
All are 5-star reads.
But 3 stars because I already had 5 of the 6 novellas.
Making a Kate Burkholder super fan who buys every book pay for something twice is unfair.
The stories in this set:
1) The Pact - published on 2 Apr 2024 as a single book
2) Disappeared - published on 27 Apr 2021 as a single book
3) Blood Moon - published on 26 Apr 2022 as a single book
4) Hallowed Ground - published on 25 Apr 2023 as a single book
5) Dark Storm Rising - published on 2 Apr 2024 as a single book
6) A Dark Path - new
NOTE: I already have the other "single book" novellas. Ergo, I paid $11.99 +tax for the novella, "A Dark Path". From now on, I won't "automatically" buy any Kate Burkholder book until I have checked the contents. I advise you to do the same.
I didn't mind ... I even enjoyed re-reading the one in the previous collection. What I minded was PAYING for them AGAIN!
The last story, A Dark Path, has a wonderful "extra", a dog! I fell in love pretty much at first bark.
All the stories are great.
All are 5-star reads.
But 3 stars because I already had 5 of the 6 novellas.
Making a Kate Burkholder super fan who buys every book pay for something twice is unfair.
The stories in this set:
1) The Pact - published on 2 Apr 2024 as a single book
2) Disappeared - published on 27 Apr 2021 as a single book
3) Blood Moon - published on 26 Apr 2022 as a single book
4) Hallowed Ground - published on 25 Apr 2023 as a single book
5) Dark Storm Rising - published on 2 Apr 2024 as a single book
6) A Dark Path - new
NOTE: I already have the other "single book" novellas. Ergo, I paid $11.99 +tax for the novella, "A Dark Path". From now on, I won't "automatically" buy any Kate Burkholder book until I have checked the contents. I advise you to do the same.
July 19, 2026
Out of this collection, only the last one is a new story, didn't bother me, as I like this series and it's always fun to revisit Kate and her adventures.
The last one was a bit harrowing. I really thought something bad had happened when Kate stumbled upon the scene and all she found. Loved the helper she had and was glad to see things turned out ok in the end for the family and for the helper. I really hope the helper gets to stick around.
The last one was a bit harrowing. I really thought something bad had happened when Kate stumbled upon the scene and all she found. Loved the helper she had and was glad to see things turned out ok in the end for the family and for the helper. I really hope the helper gets to stick around.
July 18, 2026
Enjoyed all the stories!
May 26, 2026
I absolutely loved this audiobook! Each chapter is a new story and they’re so entertaining. I absolutely loved how I felt every emotion beginning to end! Loved!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
In A Dark Path, New York Times bestselling author Linda Castillo delivers a deeply atmospheric, relentlessly chilling, and emotionally raw Ohio-Amish country psychological crime mystery collection. The story collection hinges on a focus-driven Chief of Police navigating immense environmental and systemic hurdles to protect her vulnerable community from escalating threats, a looming blizzard, and deep-seated local secrets.
"If your absolute favorite thriller subgenre is 'gritty female detectives solving dark secrets inside insular small towns,' you have to pre-order A Dark Path by Linda Castillo on audio for July 14th
Deeply localized ancestral secrets vs. a brutal oncoming storm.
A series of sudden, isolated community crises transforms rural Painters Mill into a high-stakes, paranoid battleground when missing children, savage animal attacks, and a vanished elderly couple force an investigator to race against a freezing seasonal clock.
The Hook
For the first time in print, Chief of Police Kate Burkholder faces a relentless barrage of small-town emergencies, missing children, and local legends across six high-octane cases.
Elevator Pitch
A high-voltage, fast-paced collection of six short mysteries—including one brand-new, never-before-published headline story—following Chief of Police Kate Burkholder as she braves brutal weather, hidden family secrets, and a shattered buggy in a ravine to protect her insular Amish town.
Intro:
Chief of Police Kate Burkholder is no stranger to the dark underbelly of Painters Mill, Ohio. In this gripping six-story treasury, her tactical investigative skills are tested across multiple intense timelines.
From tracking two young boys who go missing on an innocent fishing trip before a winter storm strikes, to a frantic hunt for a missing two-year-old swept away in a flash flood, the danger is relentless. The crown jewel is the titular new story, A Dark Path, where an elderly Amish couple vanishes after threats from their granddaughter's boyfriend—forcing Kate to crash her vehicle into a ravine during a heavy storm, where she uncovers a shattered buggy and a ticking clock to save them.
Series
A brilliant short story anthology collection spanning the internal chronologies of the award-winning, long-running Kate Burkholder mystery series.
Setting
The muddy, claustrophobic, and storm-lashed terrain of rural Painers Mill, Ohio, blanketed by freezing blizzards and unyielding rural isolation.
Vibe
Visceral, intense, and thick with cultural dread. Gritty, freezing, and incredibly fast-paced. A high-stakes winter thriller that moves like a bullet.
Genre: Crime Fiction / Short Mystery Anthology / Amish Noir.
Theme
The unwavering duty of protection, the clash between cultural tradition and modern isolation, and how nature’s elements can become a killer's greatest asset.
Standout Characters
~Kate Burkholder: The fierce, former-Amish Chief of Police whose deep personal understanding of her community makes her the ultimate guardian against local evil.
~John Tomasetti: Kate’s fiercely supportive husband and BCI agent whose protective, grounded presence helps anchor Kate when the community turns hostile and pushes her to the brink.
~The Vanished Elders: The missing grandparents in the titular story whose hidden family secrets hold a dark, calculated connection to a local predator.
Author Writing Standout
Linda Castillo displays an absolute masterclass level of control in the shorter mystery form, maximizing information density and delivering sharp cliffhangers without a single trace of filler. Her deep-seated knowledge of Amish history and colloquialisms injects a striking, tactile realism into every single scene, keeping the suspense completely unyielding.
Takeaway
The paths we take through life can lead us away from our roots, but true devotion means stepping back into the dark to shield the people who stayed behind.
Title Significance
A Dark Path serves as a chilling, double-edged title—representing the literal, unmonitored ravine road where a vehicle crashes during a blizzard, and the dangerous, deceptive moral choices of the town's hidden predators.
Metaphor
The shattered buggy discovered at the bottom of the ravine functions as a flawless metaphor—a broken piece of traditional history smashed apart by modern, outside malice.
Why You Should Read
A gift to long-time series completionists and the perfect entry point for new readers looking for quick, high-intensity procedural thrillers. Having read the books in this legendary series, I can safely state that this anthology is a mandatory, five-star treasure trove that honors long-time fans while delivering pure suspense.
My Thoughts
Chief of Police Kate Burkholder must track down missing children and a vanished elderly couple before a massive winter storm hits Painters Mill. With a shattered buggy in a ravine, the clock is ticking.
The narrative pacing turns the screw with absolute perfection. Because I am a lifelong devotee of Castillo's backlist, I knew the atmosphere would be thick, but the rapid-fire intensity of these concise, high-stakes plots completely blew me away. Watching Kate navigate both internal community politics and brutal blizzards is top-tier entertainment.
"A comforting, fiercely intense, and exceptionally clever short story anthology that delivers pure investigative perfection for crime fans."
Audio Standout 🎧 Kathleen McInerney
"The definitive voice of Painters Mill returns with her signature cadence, capturing every ounce of Kate Burkholder's raw grit and authority. Kathleen McInerney (a favorite) doesn't just narrate Kate Burkholder; she owns her. An absolute tour de force performance that proves why she is the heart of this iconic audio series."
Listening to the audiobook version narrated by the legendary McInerney is a mandatory, elite experience. Having listened to her voice in this universe for years, her signature performance style perfectly captures Kate's specific internal grit, her soft Pennsylvania Dutch pronunciations, and her dry, authoritative command as Chief of Police.
Verdict: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5). A knockout, five-star investigative masterpiece that proves nobody handles cultural malice and rural suspense quite like Linda Castillo. Her most propulsive, a striking, white-knuckle collection where small-town secrets collide violently with the brutal forces of nature."
Recs
Read this if you devoured the entire Kate Burkholder catalog (like The Burning or Rage.
Special thanks to Macmillan Audio, #MacAudio2026, and NetGalley for sharing an advanced listening copy in exchange for my honest thoughts
Blog review posted at
JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
My Rating: 5 Stars
Pub Date: July 14, 2026
July 2026 Must-Read Books
"If your absolute favorite thriller subgenre is 'gritty female detectives solving dark secrets inside insular small towns,' you have to pre-order A Dark Path by Linda Castillo on audio for July 14th
Deeply localized ancestral secrets vs. a brutal oncoming storm.
A series of sudden, isolated community crises transforms rural Painters Mill into a high-stakes, paranoid battleground when missing children, savage animal attacks, and a vanished elderly couple force an investigator to race against a freezing seasonal clock.
The Hook
For the first time in print, Chief of Police Kate Burkholder faces a relentless barrage of small-town emergencies, missing children, and local legends across six high-octane cases.
Elevator Pitch
A high-voltage, fast-paced collection of six short mysteries—including one brand-new, never-before-published headline story—following Chief of Police Kate Burkholder as she braves brutal weather, hidden family secrets, and a shattered buggy in a ravine to protect her insular Amish town.
Intro:
Chief of Police Kate Burkholder is no stranger to the dark underbelly of Painters Mill, Ohio. In this gripping six-story treasury, her tactical investigative skills are tested across multiple intense timelines.
From tracking two young boys who go missing on an innocent fishing trip before a winter storm strikes, to a frantic hunt for a missing two-year-old swept away in a flash flood, the danger is relentless. The crown jewel is the titular new story, A Dark Path, where an elderly Amish couple vanishes after threats from their granddaughter's boyfriend—forcing Kate to crash her vehicle into a ravine during a heavy storm, where she uncovers a shattered buggy and a ticking clock to save them.
Series
A brilliant short story anthology collection spanning the internal chronologies of the award-winning, long-running Kate Burkholder mystery series.
Setting
The muddy, claustrophobic, and storm-lashed terrain of rural Painers Mill, Ohio, blanketed by freezing blizzards and unyielding rural isolation.
Vibe
Visceral, intense, and thick with cultural dread. Gritty, freezing, and incredibly fast-paced. A high-stakes winter thriller that moves like a bullet.
Genre: Crime Fiction / Short Mystery Anthology / Amish Noir.
Theme
The unwavering duty of protection, the clash between cultural tradition and modern isolation, and how nature’s elements can become a killer's greatest asset.
Standout Characters
~Kate Burkholder: The fierce, former-Amish Chief of Police whose deep personal understanding of her community makes her the ultimate guardian against local evil.
~John Tomasetti: Kate’s fiercely supportive husband and BCI agent whose protective, grounded presence helps anchor Kate when the community turns hostile and pushes her to the brink.
~The Vanished Elders: The missing grandparents in the titular story whose hidden family secrets hold a dark, calculated connection to a local predator.
Author Writing Standout
Linda Castillo displays an absolute masterclass level of control in the shorter mystery form, maximizing information density and delivering sharp cliffhangers without a single trace of filler. Her deep-seated knowledge of Amish history and colloquialisms injects a striking, tactile realism into every single scene, keeping the suspense completely unyielding.
Takeaway
The paths we take through life can lead us away from our roots, but true devotion means stepping back into the dark to shield the people who stayed behind.
Title Significance
A Dark Path serves as a chilling, double-edged title—representing the literal, unmonitored ravine road where a vehicle crashes during a blizzard, and the dangerous, deceptive moral choices of the town's hidden predators.
Metaphor
The shattered buggy discovered at the bottom of the ravine functions as a flawless metaphor—a broken piece of traditional history smashed apart by modern, outside malice.
Why You Should Read
A gift to long-time series completionists and the perfect entry point for new readers looking for quick, high-intensity procedural thrillers. Having read the books in this legendary series, I can safely state that this anthology is a mandatory, five-star treasure trove that honors long-time fans while delivering pure suspense.
My Thoughts
Chief of Police Kate Burkholder must track down missing children and a vanished elderly couple before a massive winter storm hits Painters Mill. With a shattered buggy in a ravine, the clock is ticking.
The narrative pacing turns the screw with absolute perfection. Because I am a lifelong devotee of Castillo's backlist, I knew the atmosphere would be thick, but the rapid-fire intensity of these concise, high-stakes plots completely blew me away. Watching Kate navigate both internal community politics and brutal blizzards is top-tier entertainment.
"A comforting, fiercely intense, and exceptionally clever short story anthology that delivers pure investigative perfection for crime fans."
Audio Standout 🎧 Kathleen McInerney
"The definitive voice of Painters Mill returns with her signature cadence, capturing every ounce of Kate Burkholder's raw grit and authority. Kathleen McInerney (a favorite) doesn't just narrate Kate Burkholder; she owns her. An absolute tour de force performance that proves why she is the heart of this iconic audio series."
Listening to the audiobook version narrated by the legendary McInerney is a mandatory, elite experience. Having listened to her voice in this universe for years, her signature performance style perfectly captures Kate's specific internal grit, her soft Pennsylvania Dutch pronunciations, and her dry, authoritative command as Chief of Police.
Verdict: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5). A knockout, five-star investigative masterpiece that proves nobody handles cultural malice and rural suspense quite like Linda Castillo. Her most propulsive, a striking, white-knuckle collection where small-town secrets collide violently with the brutal forces of nature."
Recs
Read this if you devoured the entire Kate Burkholder catalog (like The Burning or Rage.
Special thanks to Macmillan Audio, #MacAudio2026, and NetGalley for sharing an advanced listening copy in exchange for my honest thoughts
Blog review posted at
JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
My Rating: 5 Stars
Pub Date: July 14, 2026
July 2026 Must-Read Books
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
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.
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.
September 27, 2025
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.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
The long-running favorite Kate Burkholder series from author Linda Castillo has always stood out by just how unique its’ locale is. Set amidst the Amish community of Painters Mill, OH, this beloved series not only has the feel of taking place in a foreign country but also depicts a culture that harkens to another era, century, and community that may as well be set on another planet.
For the first time, Castillo thrills us with the first short story collection featuring Kate Burkholder and Painters Mill, and it does not disappoint. Each short drama plays out like a mini-novel, and I firmly believe that any of these stories could have been developed into a full-length work without losing any of its intensity.
Here are some of the stories that I most enjoyed from a collection that had no weak spots:
• THE PACT – Aaron, an Amish boy, and his secret best friend Kevin, an Englischer, make a blood pact one day by cutting their wrists and linking them together. Bound by blood, they affirm that their friendship will never die, and it will be tested when something large bursts from the brush one day directly at them. With the boys missing the search begins with a local pedophile but Kate Burkholder’s investigation will end with an explanation no one could have predicted.
• DISAPPEARED – one night during a fierce storm a stranger creeps into the nursery of an Amish home and walks away with their baby in his arms. Joseph Kline calls Kate in a panic and all hands are on deck to find the missing toddler. Little Joe, as his mother Emma calls him, is missing and all suspicion initially falls upon his non-Amish father, who still resented being shut out of his son’s life due to Emma’s strict family. Some nice surprises in this one.
• BLOOD MOON – Merle Beachy finds himself in the wrong place at the wrong time and ends up savagely attacked by a monstrous beast that tore hole in his leg and nearly ravaged him completely. His first thought was that this was Da deivel, or the devil. Kate and her husband and fellow investigator, Tomasetti, go all in as the attacks continue and each wounded victim comes away with a different description of the beast that attacked them. Comparisons from a small bear to a Chupacabra are tossed around, as well as a demonic beast of legend that the Amish folk are plenty scared of. The resolution of this story was extremely memorable.
• HALLOWED GROUND – farmer Eddie Chupp is taking down some of his prized pumpkins when his loyal dog arrives with a gift in his mouth --- a bone. Not just any bone, but one that immediately panics Eddie when he recognizes it as being human. Forensics and Kate’s team are both called out to the farm where additional bones are located. The question is who do they belong to? The medical team feels they are fairly recent and yet the area has no missing persons cases that are open. When these random bones become tied to an ancient cemetery that exists on a spot where the current landowner is running a bed & breakfast that does ghost tours, a battle between some very religious elders who worship the sanctified land against the small hotel owner is about to explode and Kate is caught directly in the middle.
• A DARK PATH – the short story that bears this collection’s title is worthy of that honor as it is centered around a deadly buggy accident on a dark path that leads to all sorts of issues and potential tragedy. An Amish-Englisher feud may be behind these deadly doings, and it will test Kate’s mettle to the very last page of this gripping story.
I so love spending time with Kate Burkholder in Painters Mill and enjoyed her in the short form just as much as I do in her full-length novels. A DARK PATH is not to be missed by any fan or thriller/crime readers that are looking for a series with a highly unique setting.
Reviewed by Ray Palen for Book Reporter
For the first time, Castillo thrills us with the first short story collection featuring Kate Burkholder and Painters Mill, and it does not disappoint. Each short drama plays out like a mini-novel, and I firmly believe that any of these stories could have been developed into a full-length work without losing any of its intensity.
Here are some of the stories that I most enjoyed from a collection that had no weak spots:
• THE PACT – Aaron, an Amish boy, and his secret best friend Kevin, an Englischer, make a blood pact one day by cutting their wrists and linking them together. Bound by blood, they affirm that their friendship will never die, and it will be tested when something large bursts from the brush one day directly at them. With the boys missing the search begins with a local pedophile but Kate Burkholder’s investigation will end with an explanation no one could have predicted.
• DISAPPEARED – one night during a fierce storm a stranger creeps into the nursery of an Amish home and walks away with their baby in his arms. Joseph Kline calls Kate in a panic and all hands are on deck to find the missing toddler. Little Joe, as his mother Emma calls him, is missing and all suspicion initially falls upon his non-Amish father, who still resented being shut out of his son’s life due to Emma’s strict family. Some nice surprises in this one.
• BLOOD MOON – Merle Beachy finds himself in the wrong place at the wrong time and ends up savagely attacked by a monstrous beast that tore hole in his leg and nearly ravaged him completely. His first thought was that this was Da deivel, or the devil. Kate and her husband and fellow investigator, Tomasetti, go all in as the attacks continue and each wounded victim comes away with a different description of the beast that attacked them. Comparisons from a small bear to a Chupacabra are tossed around, as well as a demonic beast of legend that the Amish folk are plenty scared of. The resolution of this story was extremely memorable.
• HALLOWED GROUND – farmer Eddie Chupp is taking down some of his prized pumpkins when his loyal dog arrives with a gift in his mouth --- a bone. Not just any bone, but one that immediately panics Eddie when he recognizes it as being human. Forensics and Kate’s team are both called out to the farm where additional bones are located. The question is who do they belong to? The medical team feels they are fairly recent and yet the area has no missing persons cases that are open. When these random bones become tied to an ancient cemetery that exists on a spot where the current landowner is running a bed & breakfast that does ghost tours, a battle between some very religious elders who worship the sanctified land against the small hotel owner is about to explode and Kate is caught directly in the middle.
• A DARK PATH – the short story that bears this collection’s title is worthy of that honor as it is centered around a deadly buggy accident on a dark path that leads to all sorts of issues and potential tragedy. An Amish-Englisher feud may be behind these deadly doings, and it will test Kate’s mettle to the very last page of this gripping story.
I so love spending time with Kate Burkholder in Painters Mill and enjoyed her in the short form just as much as I do in her full-length novels. A DARK PATH is not to be missed by any fan or thriller/crime readers that are looking for a series with a highly unique setting.
Reviewed by Ray Palen for Book Reporter
July 20, 2026
Linda Castillo’s long-running Kate Burkholder series has always stood out thanks to its locale. Set amidst the Amish community of Painters Mill, Ohio, these beloved books not only have the feel of taking place in a foreign country, they depict a culture that harks back to a different era and may as well be set on another planet.
For the first time, Castillo thrills us with a collection featuring Chief of Police Kate Burkholder and Painters Mill, and it does not disappoint. Each short drama plays out like a mini-novel, and I firmly believe that any of these stories could have been developed into a full-length work without losing an ounce of its intensity.
Here are four pieces that I most enjoyed from a collection that has no weak spots.
“The Pact”: Aaron Kuhns, an Amish boy, and his secret best friend Kevin Dennison, an Englischer, make a blood pact one day by cutting their wrists, which links them together. Bound by blood, they affirm that their friendship will never die. That, however, will be tested when something large bursts from the brush directly at them. With the boys missing, the search begins with a local pedophile, but Kate’s investigation will end with an explanation that no one could have predicted.
“Blood Moon”: Merle Beachy finds himself in the wrong place at the wrong time and ends up savagely attacked by a monstrous beast that tears a hole in his leg and nearly ravages him completely. His first thought is that this is the Devil. Kate and her husband, John Tomasetti, go all in as the attacks continue and each wounded victim comes away with a different description of the creature they encountered. Comparisons ranging from a small bear to a chupacabra are tossed around, as well as a demonic beast of legend that the Amish folk are plenty scared of. The story’s resolution is extremely memorable.
“Hallowed Ground”: Farmer Eddie Chupp is taking down some of his prized pumpkins when his loyal dog arrives with a bone in his mouth. Eddie immediately panics when he recognizes it as belonging to a human. Forensics and Kate’s team are called out to the farm where additional bones are uncovered. The medical team feels they are fairly recent, yet the area has no open missing-person cases. When these random bones become tied to an ancient cemetery that exists on a spot where the current landowner is running a bed and breakfast that does ghost tours, a battle between the B&B host and some very religious elders who worship the sanctified land is about to explode. Kate is caught directly in the middle.
“A Dark Path”: The story that bears the book’s title is worthy of that honor as it is centered on a deadly buggy accident on a dark path that leads to all sorts of issues and potential tragedy. An Amish-Englischer feud may be behind these deadly doings, and it will test Kate’s mettle to the very last page.
I so love spending time with Kate Burkholder in Painters Mill and enjoy her in the short form just as much as I do in her novels. A DARK PATH is not to be missed by any fan of the series or those looking for a mystery with a highly unique setting.
Reviewed by Ray Palen
For the first time, Castillo thrills us with a collection featuring Chief of Police Kate Burkholder and Painters Mill, and it does not disappoint. Each short drama plays out like a mini-novel, and I firmly believe that any of these stories could have been developed into a full-length work without losing an ounce of its intensity.
Here are four pieces that I most enjoyed from a collection that has no weak spots.
“The Pact”: Aaron Kuhns, an Amish boy, and his secret best friend Kevin Dennison, an Englischer, make a blood pact one day by cutting their wrists, which links them together. Bound by blood, they affirm that their friendship will never die. That, however, will be tested when something large bursts from the brush directly at them. With the boys missing, the search begins with a local pedophile, but Kate’s investigation will end with an explanation that no one could have predicted.
“Blood Moon”: Merle Beachy finds himself in the wrong place at the wrong time and ends up savagely attacked by a monstrous beast that tears a hole in his leg and nearly ravages him completely. His first thought is that this is the Devil. Kate and her husband, John Tomasetti, go all in as the attacks continue and each wounded victim comes away with a different description of the creature they encountered. Comparisons ranging from a small bear to a chupacabra are tossed around, as well as a demonic beast of legend that the Amish folk are plenty scared of. The story’s resolution is extremely memorable.
“Hallowed Ground”: Farmer Eddie Chupp is taking down some of his prized pumpkins when his loyal dog arrives with a bone in his mouth. Eddie immediately panics when he recognizes it as belonging to a human. Forensics and Kate’s team are called out to the farm where additional bones are uncovered. The medical team feels they are fairly recent, yet the area has no open missing-person cases. When these random bones become tied to an ancient cemetery that exists on a spot where the current landowner is running a bed and breakfast that does ghost tours, a battle between the B&B host and some very religious elders who worship the sanctified land is about to explode. Kate is caught directly in the middle.
“A Dark Path”: The story that bears the book’s title is worthy of that honor as it is centered on a deadly buggy accident on a dark path that leads to all sorts of issues and potential tragedy. An Amish-Englischer feud may be behind these deadly doings, and it will test Kate’s mettle to the very last page.
I so love spending time with Kate Burkholder in Painters Mill and enjoy her in the short form just as much as I do in her novels. A DARK PATH is not to be missed by any fan of the series or those looking for a mystery with a highly unique setting.
Reviewed by Ray Palen
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
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!
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!
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