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Kate Burkholder #9.5
In Dark Company
From the New York Times bestselling author of DOWN A DARK ROAD comes Linda Castillo's IN DARK a short story about an injured young woman with amnesia who seeks Chief of Police Kate Burkholder’s help to remember her identity—and her attacker. It’s the middle of the night in Painters Mill, and Chief of Police Kate Burkholder is called to a scene where a mysterious young woman, battered and terrified, has sought shelter at an Amish farmhouse. She can’t remember her name or where she’s from, but she knows one someone was trying to kill her. Kate suspects that “Jane Doe” remembers more than she’s letting on, but when Jane is attacked again on Kate’s watch, Kate resolves to find the truth. As Jane’s memories start flooding back and Kate dives deeper into her murky past, they must race to discover what Jane was running from—and who is still pursuing her.
69 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 29, 2018
1079 people are currently reading
2863 people want to read
About the author
Linda Castillo
97 books6,540 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 206 reviews
February 13, 2022
This is a well written novella which, although very short, has a really interesting story and a very dramatic ending.
Most interesting is the way the author introduces a mystery where no one really knows the crime. Although Kate has an apparent victim in a very distressed young woman who claims someone is trying to kill her, she also claims to have lost her memory. Kate tends to believe her but also has to keep an open mind especially when some evidence suggests otherwise.
As usual Kate places herself in extreme danger but after nine books I have come to expect that. It's just the way she is. In Dark Company was well worth reading and I am looking forward now to the next full length book.
Most interesting is the way the author introduces a mystery where no one really knows the crime. Although Kate has an apparent victim in a very distressed young woman who claims someone is trying to kill her, she also claims to have lost her memory. Kate tends to believe her but also has to keep an open mind especially when some evidence suggests otherwise.
As usual Kate places herself in extreme danger but after nine books I have come to expect that. It's just the way she is. In Dark Company was well worth reading and I am looking forward now to the next full length book.
August 19, 2021
4 stars for an entertaining novella. Kate Burkholder, Painters Mill Police Chief, is called in the middle of the night to an Amish home. The couple called Kate because a young woman showed up on their front porch asking for help. Kate responds and finds that the woman does not remember anything about herself, including her name. She says that someone was chasing her and was going to kill her. Kate and her department solve the mystery. I liked the ending.
I read this library book in 1 day.
I read this library book in 1 day.
February 7, 2022
The young woman ran through the corn fields as fast as she could, knowing that if he caught her, he’d kill her.
Chief of Police Kate Burkholder was called to an Amish farm at 4am to find a young woman, terrified, injured and with no memory of what had happened or who she was. Kate was sceptical but when another event happened while ‘Jane Doe’ was in the hospital, Kate was determined to find out what was going on. Following the few clues she had, Kate took Jane to someone who might be able to help. The dark truth was out there somewhere – could Kate find it? And would Jane get her memory back?
In Dark Company is #9.5 in the Kate Burkholder series by Linda Castillo and it was excellent. Only short, but with plenty of action and a perfect ending, In Dark Company is a great fit for the series. I’m looking forward to #10 already!
Chief of Police Kate Burkholder was called to an Amish farm at 4am to find a young woman, terrified, injured and with no memory of what had happened or who she was. Kate was sceptical but when another event happened while ‘Jane Doe’ was in the hospital, Kate was determined to find out what was going on. Following the few clues she had, Kate took Jane to someone who might be able to help. The dark truth was out there somewhere – could Kate find it? And would Jane get her memory back?
In Dark Company is #9.5 in the Kate Burkholder series by Linda Castillo and it was excellent. Only short, but with plenty of action and a perfect ending, In Dark Company is a great fit for the series. I’m looking forward to #10 already!
February 15, 2022
Police Chief Kate Burkholder is called to the home of an Amish dairy farmer in the middle of the night when a young woman shows up at their home, battered and bruised. She also has no memory but is filled with terror, undefined but it involves someone chasing her meaning harm. It’s now up to Kate to help figure out what happened to the woman and her identity.
I love how this series seems to master the short story, setting up and solving an interesting mystery while delivering strong procedurals and excitement. Throughout the story, I went back and forth as to whether or not “Jane Doe” was truly having memory issues or faking it. It took me up to the reveal to determine that answer. And, yes, it had another dangerous moment for our fearless police chief and the author actually addressed that issue in the story! Finally, I was able to listen to this one because of the audio bundle of all the short stories! The narrator has solidified her place as the wonderful voice of the series in my head and she continued that here. I enjoyed this one, very much so.
Posted on Blue Mood Café
I love how this series seems to master the short story, setting up and solving an interesting mystery while delivering strong procedurals and excitement. Throughout the story, I went back and forth as to whether or not “Jane Doe” was truly having memory issues or faking it. It took me up to the reveal to determine that answer. And, yes, it had another dangerous moment for our fearless police chief and the author actually addressed that issue in the story! Finally, I was able to listen to this one because of the audio bundle of all the short stories! The narrator has solidified her place as the wonderful voice of the series in my head and she continued that here. I enjoyed this one, very much so.
Posted on Blue Mood Café
June 8, 2025
This is an Amish Suspense Mystery, and this is the 9.5 book in the Kate Burkholder series. I have read books 1-9 before picking up this book. I have to say Linda Castillo has away in reading short stories/novella that has so much information that it feels like you read a full book, but the book was less then 100 pages. I love Linda's short stories. This book was so well done, and I love the characters in this book. There was twists and turns in this book. I think if you love short stories then you should check this short stories out. The short stories in this series can be read on their own. I cannot believe how much developed that the Jane Doe character in this book was. I also felt the memory lost was done really well, but I am not sure if it was done truth because I have never had memory lost or know anyone that has had it.
March 13, 2021
Read as part of A Simple Murder collection.
IN DARK COMPANY (#9.5) Chief of Police Kate Burkholder of Painters Mill, Ohio helps a young lady with amnesia recalls her identity and who was trying to kill her. I'm not familiar with Hutterites so this little book was an interesting read and a good novella mystery.
IN DARK COMPANY (#9.5) Chief of Police Kate Burkholder of Painters Mill, Ohio helps a young lady with amnesia recalls her identity and who was trying to kill her. I'm not familiar with Hutterites so this little book was an interesting read and a good novella mystery.
March 14, 2024
4⭐
Genre ~ crime fiction
Series ~ Kate Burkholder #9.5
Others in the series ~ #1-16 + 0.5's
Setting ~ Ohio
Publication date ~ May 29, 2018
Est page Count ~ 77
Audio length ~ 1 hour and 53 minutes
Narrator ~ Kathleen McInerney
POV ~ single 1st
A short review for a short story.
A battered woman is being chased through the woods and ends up on Noah Fisher's doorstep.
Kate has her work cut out for her since this woman has no clue who she is or how she got to Painter's Mill. As always, she does a great job getting to the bottom of things, but not before getting a little roughed up herself. A great installment in the series.
Narration notes:
Kathleen did a fine job.
Connect with me ➡ Blog ~ Facebook ~ Twitter
Genre ~ crime fiction
Series ~ Kate Burkholder #9.5
Others in the series ~ #1-16 + 0.5's
Setting ~ Ohio
Publication date ~ May 29, 2018
Est page Count ~ 77
Audio length ~ 1 hour and 53 minutes
Narrator ~ Kathleen McInerney
POV ~ single 1st
A short review for a short story.
A battered woman is being chased through the woods and ends up on Noah Fisher's doorstep.
Kate has her work cut out for her since this woman has no clue who she is or how she got to Painter's Mill. As always, she does a great job getting to the bottom of things, but not before getting a little roughed up herself. A great installment in the series.
Narration notes:
Kathleen did a fine job.
Connect with me ➡ Blog ~ Facebook ~ Twitter
November 1, 2021
Check out all my reviews at: https://www.avonnalovesgenres.com
IN DARK COMPANY (Kate Burkholder Book #9.5) by Linda Castillo is an intriguing novella which has Kate dealing with a young woman who has been attacked and is in fear for her life, but she has amnesia. For a short story, this is a complete mystery that is as satisfying as a longer story and is a great way to keep in touch with Kate and Tomasetti in between full-length books.
This is a great short story addition to the series. The characters were very well developed, and the mystery is compelling and kept me turning the pages. I was very interested in the inclusion of the background of the Hutterites, another anabaptist group, but with differences from the Amish and Mennonites. I always enjoy these short reads between full length books in this series and this one is exceptional.
I recommend this novella in the Kate Burkholder series and it can be read as a standalone if you have not tried this series yet.
IN DARK COMPANY (Kate Burkholder Book #9.5) by Linda Castillo is an intriguing novella which has Kate dealing with a young woman who has been attacked and is in fear for her life, but she has amnesia. For a short story, this is a complete mystery that is as satisfying as a longer story and is a great way to keep in touch with Kate and Tomasetti in between full-length books.
This is a great short story addition to the series. The characters were very well developed, and the mystery is compelling and kept me turning the pages. I was very interested in the inclusion of the background of the Hutterites, another anabaptist group, but with differences from the Amish and Mennonites. I always enjoy these short reads between full length books in this series and this one is exceptional.
I recommend this novella in the Kate Burkholder series and it can be read as a standalone if you have not tried this series yet.
June 7, 2018
Very short novella (79 pages) -- just enough to whet your appetite for more of Kate Burkholder and her team, but especially John Tomasetti whose been cheated out of page time for awhile now.
The blurb gives enough of a teaser to pay the $1.99 and see the whole show. I won't spoil any of the suspense. I did enjoy the mystery that Kate is faced with unraveling when a young girl shows up bruised, scraped, scared for her life -- and without any memory of what has happened to her. It's an interesting little case that Castillo paces well and wraps up tidily. My only complaint: Just not enough!
The blurb gives enough of a teaser to pay the $1.99 and see the whole show. I won't spoil any of the suspense. I did enjoy the mystery that Kate is faced with unraveling when a young girl shows up bruised, scraped, scared for her life -- and without any memory of what has happened to her. It's an interesting little case that Castillo paces well and wraps up tidily. My only complaint: Just not enough!
November 3, 2021
Police Chief Kate Burkholder is called to an Amish farm in the middle of the night. The farmer said he and his wife were startled awake by pounding on their front door. They found a young woman, bruised and bloodied, on their doorstep, claiming that someone tried to kill her. The woman claims to not remember her name or who wants her dead. Jane knows amnesia is very rare and is suspicious of her claims. But evidence shows that the woman had been chased through a field to the farm.
This was a novella in the Kate Burkholder series. It's a good addition to the series and actually could have been written as a full-sized novel. My rating: 4.5 Stars.
This was a novella in the Kate Burkholder series. It's a good addition to the series and actually could have been written as a full-sized novel. My rating: 4.5 Stars.
May 29, 2023
A short story with Chief Burkholder helping a young woman who has lost her memory. All she knows is that a man was chasing her and she thinks he wanted to kill her. Hard to investigate when she doesn't know who she is or where she is from. Slowly bits and pieces come back to her. Surprise ending with her finding out who and why what happened to her.
February 1, 2022
Kate Burkholder 9.5 Short Story
A great, quick read. Only 60 pages.
It’s the middle of the night in Painters Mill, and Chief of Police Kate Burkholder is called to a scene where a mysterious young woman, battered and terrified, has sought shelter at an Amish farmhouse. She can’t remember her name or where she’s from, but she knows one thing: someone was trying to kill her. Kate suspects that “Jane Doe” remembers more than she’s letting on, but when Jane is attacked again on Kate’s watch, Kate resolves to find the truth. As Jane’s memories start flooding back and Kate dives deeper into her murky past, they must race to discover what Jane was running from—and who is still pursuing her.
A well paced short story. 4 stars
A great, quick read. Only 60 pages.
It’s the middle of the night in Painters Mill, and Chief of Police Kate Burkholder is called to a scene where a mysterious young woman, battered and terrified, has sought shelter at an Amish farmhouse. She can’t remember her name or where she’s from, but she knows one thing: someone was trying to kill her. Kate suspects that “Jane Doe” remembers more than she’s letting on, but when Jane is attacked again on Kate’s watch, Kate resolves to find the truth. As Jane’s memories start flooding back and Kate dives deeper into her murky past, they must race to discover what Jane was running from—and who is still pursuing her.
A well paced short story. 4 stars
September 3, 2018
It was fun and (way too) easy to read this one on my new Kindle. I love Linda Castillo and I knew there were these short stories, but without a Kindle I didn't quite know how to read them. I will probably track the rest of them down and read them soon.
This short story has all my favorite elements: Kate Burkholder, Amish setting, a mystery/crime to solve. This one features a woman who has been traumatized and can't remember who she is right away. This is classic Linda Castillo material and was a perfect short read.
This short story has all my favorite elements: Kate Burkholder, Amish setting, a mystery/crime to solve. This one features a woman who has been traumatized and can't remember who she is right away. This is classic Linda Castillo material and was a perfect short read.
February 17, 2021
RATING: 4 STARS
Linda Castillo's Kate Burkholder series is one of my favourite series, but it is also one that I have to read the novella as well. I was waiting for a cheaper price, so I actually read the novella after this one first. Then my library purchased an audiobook with all the recent novellas in one so it was a quick listen, as I had heard the rest. I like when they put them all together so you can just but that one copy.
Linda Castillo's Kate Burkholder series is one of my favourite series, but it is also one that I have to read the novella as well. I was waiting for a cheaper price, so I actually read the novella after this one first. Then my library purchased an audiobook with all the recent novellas in one so it was a quick listen, as I had heard the rest. I like when they put them all together so you can just but that one copy.
March 19, 2019
I thoroughly enjoyed this "Kate Burkolder" novella by Linda Castillo.
October 22, 2018
For a novella, this sure was a great mystery! I absolutely love the Kate Burkholder series and think this was one of the best short stories that I've read! Linda Castillo has not only mastered writing an excellent series, but she has also mastered the art of short stories as well!
This was a superb addition to the Kate Burkholder series! I just wish I didn't have to wait so long between new releases! I'll be patiently waiting for Book #11!!
This was a superb addition to the Kate Burkholder series! I just wish I didn't have to wait so long between new releases! I'll be patiently waiting for Book #11!!
January 31, 2019
I love Linda Castillo's Burkholder series. The mini books are just as good with the same amount of energy as the rest but in shorter spurts. This was a great book with love and mystery.
July 8, 2019
a great little novella. it quenched my kate thirst. i enjoyed it. it was quick and direct and enjoyable. loved it.
June 22, 2020
Another great short story!
September 30, 2018
In Dark Company: A Kate Burkholder Story is not a novel, but a short story. It is also mighty good. Released last May to boost sales for the planned release of A Gathering Of Secrets last July, it serves as a bridge between books; it is also a superb introduction for readers unfamiliar with this great series.
Kate Burkholder is Chief of Police for Painters Mill, Ohio. A four in the morning wakeup call is never a good thing and this one isn’t. A woman has arrived at a residence in the surrounding rural area. It is clear that she has been assaulted and she is terrified. What isn’t clear is who did it, what happened to her, and the identity of the suspect or suspects. The case is going to be difficult as the woman seems to have no memory of what happened and does not even know her name.
In Dark Company: A Kate Burkholder Story, the focus is on Kate, the mystery woman, and the resulting very complicated investigation. While long time series characters including Agent John Tomasetti have bit role appearances here and there, the focus is on the investigation. There is also a minimum amount of backstory regarding Kate and the other principals. That fact makes the read a good candidate for those who have yet to read the series as those readers won’t get information here that ruins other reads. At the same time, series readers are not forced to go back over information already known.
In Dark Company: A Kate Burkholder Story fits the current publishing model of cranking out a novella a few weeks before the new novel drops. In this case, unlike some of the other ones in this series, readers get a very good and very complicated tale worthy of the author and the series. A very good mystery novella with plenty of twists and turns, Dark Company: A Kate Burkholder Story is strongly recommended.
For another take on the book, make sure you read Lesa Holstine’s review from last June.
Dark Company: A Kate Burkholder Story
Linda Castillo
http://www.lindacastillo.com/
Minotaur Books (St. Martin’s Publishing Group)
http://www.minotaurbooks.com/
May 2018
ASIN: B07CWRZ23V
eBook Only
69 Pages
$1.99
Material was picked up by purchase at a lower price before publication date.
Kevin R. Tipple ©2018
Kate Burkholder is Chief of Police for Painters Mill, Ohio. A four in the morning wakeup call is never a good thing and this one isn’t. A woman has arrived at a residence in the surrounding rural area. It is clear that she has been assaulted and she is terrified. What isn’t clear is who did it, what happened to her, and the identity of the suspect or suspects. The case is going to be difficult as the woman seems to have no memory of what happened and does not even know her name.
In Dark Company: A Kate Burkholder Story, the focus is on Kate, the mystery woman, and the resulting very complicated investigation. While long time series characters including Agent John Tomasetti have bit role appearances here and there, the focus is on the investigation. There is also a minimum amount of backstory regarding Kate and the other principals. That fact makes the read a good candidate for those who have yet to read the series as those readers won’t get information here that ruins other reads. At the same time, series readers are not forced to go back over information already known.
In Dark Company: A Kate Burkholder Story fits the current publishing model of cranking out a novella a few weeks before the new novel drops. In this case, unlike some of the other ones in this series, readers get a very good and very complicated tale worthy of the author and the series. A very good mystery novella with plenty of twists and turns, Dark Company: A Kate Burkholder Story is strongly recommended.
For another take on the book, make sure you read Lesa Holstine’s review from last June.
Dark Company: A Kate Burkholder Story
Linda Castillo
http://www.lindacastillo.com/
Minotaur Books (St. Martin’s Publishing Group)
http://www.minotaurbooks.com/
May 2018
ASIN: B07CWRZ23V
eBook Only
69 Pages
$1.99
Material was picked up by purchase at a lower price before publication date.
Kevin R. Tipple ©2018
July 27, 2020
Another good in-between for this series! Reading these out of order is making me want to go back and read all of these again!
December 27, 2018
A woman dressed in clothing similar to Amish, yet somewhat different, shows up at a home in the wee hours of the morning. She knows only she was running from someone and was terrified. Kate Burkholder investigates and tries to protect the woman from the unknown threat. A trip to toe heritage center proves helpful in establishing her identity and her story. This short story maintained my interest. I've wanted to try this series, but the first installment is never available. It's definitely a series I want to read as I found the short story very enjoyable.
February 25, 2019
Ah so it had to happen, I finally came to a book in the series that I was not really a fan of. This novella has Chief Burholder looking into the appearance of young girl who has lost her memory with a nasty head wound. Unsure to believe the young girl, Katie looks into who she is and where she came from. This addition to the series was just okay. There was not anything memorable in it and I missed the supporting characters and charm.
March 9, 2021
A good way to spend 30-40 minutes. While waiting for the next Kate Burkholder book, I’m catching up on all the short stories/novellas, and this is one of the best ones. A young woman with memory loss and a not-quite-Amish dialect has Kate trying to figure out where she’s from. The ending was unexpectedly tense!
December 2, 2018
This is one of the series that I really enjoy and even though this was a short novella, I found myself intrigued.
June 25, 2022
Great mystery, short story!
June 1, 2023
A good short story.
June 21, 2025
3.5 stars - Mystery/Thriller Novella
September 23, 2021
In Dark Company, a novella by Linda Castillo, is another mystery that Kate Burkholder solves. In the middle of the night, Kate, chief of police, is called to an Amish farm. A battered woman with amnesia is running from a man who is trying to kill her, she alleges. She speaks Pennsylvania Dutch but Kate and the Amish housewife only understand part of what she is saying. Kate discovers she is a Hutterite, another Anabaptist sect, by having her clothes and head covering evaluated. She works to discover Jane Doe’s identity and who is trying to harm her. A quick read for those who are fans of Kate Burkholder stories with a heads-up to four-letter words.
August 30, 2021
This is a short story that follows Down A Dark Road. Kate helps a woman who has amnesia. I bet it would have been a pretty good story in a full length novel.
I've read the past 3 or 4 short stories in one book called A Simple Murder that I got from the library. Hopefully, your library will have it so you don't have to spend the money for the ebooks. Not that I would be upset to spend the money for good stories by a really good author.
I did write down some notes from this shorty:
- freindschaft - means friends and family in deitsh.
- Kate still has her house in Painter's Mill.
I have another book to read before getting back to Kate Burkholder. Something good to look forward to.
I've read the past 3 or 4 short stories in one book called A Simple Murder that I got from the library. Hopefully, your library will have it so you don't have to spend the money for the ebooks. Not that I would be upset to spend the money for good stories by a really good author.
I did write down some notes from this shorty:
- freindschaft - means friends and family in deitsh.
- Kate still has her house in Painter's Mill.
I have another book to read before getting back to Kate Burkholder. Something good to look forward to.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 206 reviews