Murder in Amish Country: Kate Burkholder Books 1-3

Kate Burkholder #1-3

by Linda Castillo

Contains Books 1-3 in the Chief of Police Kate Burkholder series.
Sworn to Silence: The first thriller featuring Kate Burkholder. Painter's Creek, Ohio may be a sleepy, rural town with both Amish and "English" residents, but it's also the place where a series of brutal murders shattered the lives of an entire community over a decade ago. When the killing stopped, it left in its aftermath a sense of fragility, and for a young Amish girl, Katie Burkholder, a realisation that she didn't belong.
Pray for Silence: The second thriller featuring Kate Burkholder. When the police arrive at the Amish farmstead in Painters Mill they can't imagine the horror that awaits them. An entire family slaughtered: the men shot, the young women tortured and killed. The Amish are peace-loving, gentle folk and the town is shocked by what appears to be a particularly brutal - and random killing. But is it random?
Breaking Silence: The third thriller featuring Kate Burkholder. When Chief of Police, Kate Burkholder, is called to a farm in the Amish community of Painter's Creek, nothing could prepare her for the horror and tragedy she encounters. Solly and Rachel Slabaugh, and his brother Abel, have drowned in the hog pit leaving the four children as orphans. As the investigation progresses, it seems that the Slabaugh deaths were not an accident, and the case suddenly becomes a murder enquiry.

Genres: Crime, Mystery, Suspense, Thriller, Amish

874 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 6, 2013

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

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am enjoying the series. Amish murder/mystery books are my guilty pleasure. I just can't put it down!

[Rose M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series (not just books 1-3, but through 12) hits home with me because the main character is police chief in a small town and constantly defying convention, because Linda Castillo really knows how to push you to the edge of your seat, and because of the setting in northern Ohio. The author seems to have done her homework well, and she is adept at creating characters. Sometimes you'll want to weep, others you'll be incredibly angry at one character or another. Sometimes you'll silently applaud Chief Burkholder. Other times you'll want to shake her by her shoulders and ask (very loudly), "WHY would you DO that?!"

[Lisa]

Saw the film on Netflix, 7/26/2015.

[Dan · Rating 4 out of 5]

**Kate Burkholder Series (Books 1–3) by Linda Castillo**
**Titles: *Sworn to Silence*, *Pray for Silence*, *Breaking Silence***

Linda Castillo’s Kate Burkholder series kicks off with a bang—gritty, atmospheric, and set deep in the heart of Ohio’s Amish country. These first three novels introduce us to Police Chief Kate Burkholder, a former member of the Amish community, now an English outsider with a badge and a past that haunts her. The books blend murder mystery with cultural conflict, internal trauma, and the harsh beauty of rural life.

Sworn to Silence opens with a gruesome serial killer case that shakes the quiet town of Painters Mill. Kate, just thirty and the newly appointed chief of police, is an outsider even in her hometown. Castillo nails the emotional weight of returning to one’s roots and reckoning with personal demons, though some pacing drags and Kate’s obsessive connection to the killer doesn’t fully track. Still, it’s a bold, dark, and relatable opener—human, lonely, and charged with emotion. The introduction of state agent John Tomasetti adds tension, complexity, and a potential romance that simmers just beneath the surface.

Pray for Silence raises the body count but stumbles slightly on cohesion. A horrifying crime scene at the Plank family farm sets the procedural wheels in motion. The pacing improves, yet this second outing lacks some of the emotional grit of the first. Tomasetti fades into the background, and supporting characters like Pickles and Glock are underused. Still, Castillo captures small-town dynamics well, and the gallows humor adds just enough light to balance the darkness.

Breaking Silence is a return to form. The stakes feel higher, with a disturbing increase in hate crimes against the Amish and a tragic case involving the Slabaugh family’s deaths in a manure pit. Castillo smartly expands the narrative with longer POVs from supporting characters—especially fan-favorite Pickles, who shines with humor and surprising depth. Kate continues to spiral emotionally, and her growing dependency on alcohol feels raw and honest. Tomasetti resurfaces, bringing tension and tenderness in equal measure. The plot packs in some wild action scenes and twisty developments, though a few threads feel unresolved. And yes, there’s a deeply graphic moment involving sheep that’s hard to forget.

**Overall:**
These novels are moody, immersive, and grounded in a setting rarely explored in crime fiction. Kate is a compelling, flawed protagonist navigating trauma, gender bias, and a culture that shaped her but no longer accepts her. The pacing, cohesion, and emotional resonance vary across the books, but the heart of the series—pain, justice, resilience—beats strong.

Recommended for fans of gritty female-led procedurals, small-town noir, and character-driven crime drama.

[samantha irvin · Rating 5 out of 5]

bought this as a “blind date” book from barnes & noble so i didn’t know what the book was about or what to expect but i wasn’t disappointed !! i didn’t think i’d like it tbh but once i started it i couldn’t put it down. murder/kidnapping mystery aside, learning a little about amish culture was pretty interesting as well. some of the murders were pretty gruesome though (u read about them from the victim’s perspective) so that might keep me up a little tonight thinking about it 😩 suuuper good book though! very intense

[Boyet1 · Rating 4 out of 5]

a little too raunchy for me!

I like the amish angles and it makes for great reads. I grew up near amish country and they interested me. But this took the sex angle that seems to be her themes to a new and disgusting level and I was not pleased.

[Claire Pear]

Books 1, 2, and 3 of Linda Castillos series on police chief Kate Burkholder. I did struggle with the vivid imagery of the crime scenes, but managed to continue and enjoy the mystery and suspense set amidst the peace-loving Amish community.

[Linda Carter · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good read

Very suspenseful and believable characters. Looking forward to reading more from the author
I rarely complete reviews but felt it was necessary

[Ingrid White · Rating 4 out of 5]

Here is a very solid, entertaining crime novel series about a female detective working within an Amish community.

[Jen Hunt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this series!! Recommend to anyone who loves a good mystery. Bonus that’s it’s Amish and in Ohio.

[Jacki]

This book is exciting right from the very beginning. Great activity, love the characters. Although this was the first book I knew who did it before you were told.

[Karen Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm loving this series!

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story lets us know bout Kate and her past as a young Amish girl.

[Gail · Rating 4 out of 5]

good

[Madison Fershee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the whole series and I read all six in a weeks time I can't wait for book seven to come out. Throughout all six books Linda really described the characters and what was going on. I have read the whole series 2 times and couldn't put the books down both times.

[Nicole Tucker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoy reading this series. Never want to put the book down.

[Louise Avery · Rating 4 out of 5]

Three enjoyable murder mystery's set in the county of Ohio.