Shamed

Kate Burkholder #11

by Linda Castillo

In this gripping thriller from New York Times bestselling author Linda Castillo, a devastating murder exposes an Amish family’s tortured past.

The peaceful town of Painters Mill is shattered when an Amish grandmother is brutally murdered on an abandoned farm. When Chief of Police Kate Burkholder arrives on the scene, she learns that the woman’s seven-year-old granddaughter is gone, abducted in plain sight. Kate knows time is against her—the longer the girl is missing, the less likely her safe return becomes. The girl’s family is a pillar of the Amish community, well-respected by all. But Kate soon realizes they’re keeping secrets—and the sins of their past may be coming back to haunt them. What are they hiding and why?

Kate’s investigation brings her to an isolated Old Order Amish settlement along the river, a community where family is everything and tradition is upheld with an iron fist. But the killer is close behind, drawing more victims into a twisted game of revenge. Left behind at each new crime scene are cryptic notes that lead Kate to a haunting and tragic secret. What she uncovers threatens to change everything she thought she knew about the family she’s fighting for, the Amish community as a whole—and her own beliefs.

As time to find the missing girl runs out, Kate faces a harrowing choice that will test her convictions and leave one family forever changed.

Genres: Mystery, Thriller, Fiction, Amish, Audiobook, Suspense, Crime

294 pages, Hardcover

First published July 9, 2019

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

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shamed by Linda Castillo is a 2019 Minotaur Books publication.

Riveting!

I’m trying to touch base with my favorite crime series this month, and the Kate Burkholder series is one I never want to miss an episode of- although I admit I sometimes forestall reading them because I hate having to wait so long for the next chapter.

In this eleventh installment, the story gets off to a stunning and shocking start with the violent death of a grandmother and the kidnapping of her grandchild. Kate and Tomasetti view the situation differently, but Kate has a gut feeling and decides to follow it.

Her investigation leads to one of the more isolated Amish communities where Kate discovers that all her previous understandings about the community are called into question. These changes have a profound effect on Kate personally, as her past is so grounded in her own Amish upbringing, and her feelings and responses to that life have been built on these foundations, which now feel shaky and unstable.

The mystery is immersive, complex, emotional, and tense. I could not put his book down!! There are many surprising layers to the story and as always there is a dark, secretive undertone that gives it an unsettling edge.

This is another one of those rare series that keeps getting better and stronger as it progresses. If you haven’t tried this series, I highly recommend it. Although the characters have a long history together, one you may want to explore at some point- you can jump in at any point and enjoy the story. I promise you will be hooked after reading just one of these outstanding mysteries!

5 stars

[Mary Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book starts out with an Amish Grandma brutally stabbed to death in an abandoned house. Her granddaughter is then kidnapped and she is only
seven years old. Kate Burkholder and Tomasetti, her boyfriend, are using their detective skills and are on the hunt to find her. Kate Burkholder is the Chief of Police. There are many clues and secrets and lies. While they are investigating more people seem to disappear. After an attempt on her own life, unearths a haunting and tragic secret that changes everything. She thought she knew about the family for whom she is fighting, the Amish community, as a whole, and every thing she thought she knew about herself. Will she reach the girl in time to save her life.

This is the 11th book in the Kate Burkholder series. I love in Ohio and I have visited this Amish town many times. It is located in Painter's Mill, Ohio along the Ohio River in Southern, Ohio. The author does a great job describing this town. It brings back memories of the times I visited there. It is so great to read about a setting that you can relate too.

I just love this series! The best part of reading this series is that they can be read as stand alones. They are quite addicting so once you read one, you will want to read them all. I would start on the first book to get to know the characters.

It was a powerful, heart pounding, nonstop adrenaline rush. I love it when a book does that to me.

Get ready for a thriller that has lots of action, some violence, and lots of surprises. This is one book that will keep you up late in the night, as you quickly turn the pages. Its a top notch edge of your seat mystery that will keep you guessing until the end.

I think that these characters are all so well done. I can really connect with them. I loved Kate and her drive to find the truth. She is very determined and I love her character. I also love Tomasetti and their relationship. I love the writing style.

It is sadly to say that I am all caught up and up to date in this series and hope to get her next book very soon and I cant wait to read it. This is my all time favorite series and they never disappoint.

I want to thank Netgalley, Minotaur Books, and the author for the copy of this book in exchange for a honest review.

Available Now

[Deanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

My reviews can also be seen at: https://deesradreadsandreviews.wordpr...

4.5 Stars!!!

A story of love, loss, murder, and revenge!

This is book number eleven in the Kate Burkholder series and my first read from Linda Castillo.

Mary Yoder is out picking walnuts with her granddaughters, five-year-old, Annie and seven-year-old, Elsie. Mary thinks she sees something inside the abandoned house and heads over to have a look, telling her granddaughters to stay put. Once inside she turns just in time to see someone rushing towards her. Mary yells for her granddaughters to run…

“Da Deivel” The Devil. “Run!. Run!”

Kate Burkholder was born in Painters Mill. She was raised Amish but left when she was a teenager. She returned years later and became the towns police chief. Though Kate left the faith, her knowledge of the Amish is a big help in an area that has a high amount of Amish people. She mainly deals with minor incidents like traffic accidents, petty theft, etc. But unfortunately, that’s not always the case.

Kate is now investigating the brutal murder of a local grandmother. She is also trying to locate the woman’s missing seven-year-old granddaughter, Elsie.

The community is devastated. They are mourning the loss of Mary and desperately want Elsie to be returned to them unharmed.

Why did the killer take Elsie?

The majority of homicide victims know their killers. Could a neighborhood boy or a local sex offender be responsible for this horrific crime? Or is the killer even closer to home?

As Kate continues to investigate, more secrets about the family and community are revealed. Not everyone is cooperating with Kate and her own safety may also be at stake.

Will Kate be able to solve this case and bring the little girl home safely?

“Shamed” was a fast read that I really enjoyed. After a shocking beginning, I was engrossed in this story of murder and kidnapping. I think that reading the other novels in the series would obviously give more information about Kate, her relationship with John Tomasetti, etc. But overall, I thought this still worked well as a stand-alone novel.

I will definitely be reading the next book in the Kate Burkholder series!



I'd like to thank Minotaur Books for providing me with an advanced copy of this novel. All opinions are my own.

[Susanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars

A Fantastic Character Driven Police Procedural!

My first Kate Burkholder novel “Shamed” came highly recommended to me by Kaceey, my book buddy, and what an experience it was! What I discovered as I dove into the series without any prior knowledge, is that these books are character driven mystery / suspense novels. In addition, they are deeply emotional and heartfelt and every character adds something special to the dynamics. This was a very special buddy read, as I quickly found out that this series is Kaceey’s favorite. Thank you for sharing it with me Kaceey! I loved it.

A Grandmother slayed. One child abducted, another left behind. An Amish family shattered and a community left in tatters. Kate Burkholder is the Chief of Police in the Amish Community where the crimes happened. Days pass and time is of the essence. Secrets are abound, and Kate is left to uncover them. Anxiety rises as does the danger. No one is safe, and I mean no one.

“Shamed” is the 11th book in the Kate Burkholder series by Linda Castillo. This was my first read by Ms. Castillo and thankfully I had no problems following along with the storyline or the cast of characters, which speaks volumes. I liked this novel so much that I will definitely go back and read the other books in this series. The writing flows very easily and the pace is lightning quick. I highly recommend this novel for those of you looking for a great character driven mystery!

A huge thank you to Allison Ziegler at Minotaur Books and to Linda Castillo for an arc of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

Published on Goodreads on 5.19.19.
Published on Amazon and Twitter on 7.16.19.

[Kaceey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Linda Castillo has done it again! All the shiny stars for her latest release!🌟

This is book eleven of the Kate Burkholder series and I must say it reads as one of the best! The entire series takes place in Painters Mills Ohio, where Kate Burkholder is the local Police Chief. She also happens to be ex-Amish. Long since trading that fully-encompassing lifestyle, leaving everything and everyone behind for an English life.

An Amish woman and her two granddaughters are on an outdoor adventure picking walnuts at a nearby deserted farm. What should have been a delightful play-day quickly turns deadly.
As the grandmother is suddenly and brutally attacked, she screams for her granddaughters to run for their lives! But only one is lucky enough to get away.
Now there’s an all-out manhunt to find the missing child who may be in the hands of a maniacal killer.

I always enjoy a good series. I love getting familiar with all the characters. It provides a more intimate connection as I’m reading. This series ranks as one of my absolute favorites!
Linda Castillo writes a mind-twisting, absolute unputdownable police procedural that will keep you reading all through the night!
The writing is sharp and draws you in immediately. My only regret... now I have to wait a whole year until Ms. Castillo’s next release!

This book could easily be read as a stand-alone. But I recommend starting at the beginning of the series!
Well worth the journey!

A buddy read with Susanne. Thank you for jumping into this series to join me!💖

Thank you to Allison Ziegler at St. Martin’s Press- Minotaur Books, NetGalley and Linda Castillo for an ARC to read and review.

[Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 bright stars for one of the best books in this series. This book starts of with a murder and a kidnapping in the prologue. Painters Mill is a small town, about 5,300 people, in Northeastern Ohio.
Kate Burkholder is the police chief and has a 5 officer force, including herself.
Kate knows that she has a limited amount of time to find the kidnapped child. Each chapter, starting with chapter 3 when the search starts, list the number of hours the child is missing, heightening the suspense. My wife read this book 6 months before me and she remembered that detail building the suspense.
She agrees with me that this is one of the best books in the series.
Kate does solve the case, but uncovers some hidden secrets that lead to a bittersweet ending. I read it in 4 days, finding it hard to out down about 1/3 of the way in.
Thank You Susan Johnson for sending me this book.

[Diane S ☔ · Rating 4 out of 5]

An Amish grandmother is murdered, a young Amish girl taken and my favorite former Amish, now po!ice chief, will do anything and everything to find her. Before the case is finished, their will be more bodies falling, by a murderer who seems bent on revenge. It will even include two Amish bishops, from Painters Creek and another town. But what is the connection? The killing are of a very viscious nature, in fact the descriptions of the murders more explicit than I remember them being in previous outings of this series. Still such a good story. Intriguing, with all the usual elements. In every new addition we learn more and more about the ways of the Amish and the difference in the way they behave and think.

I love this series, love Katie and Tommasini, the ways they are put together. The way they work out the solution, how much they care. A well rounded series that keeps getting better and better.

ARC from Netgalley.

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

In this 11th book in the 'Kate Burkholder' series, Kate - the Chief of Police of Painter's Mill, Ohio - is searching for a killer and a kidnapped child. The book can be read as a standalone.



*****

Sixty-year-old Mary Yoder is a well-liked Amish woman who lives with her daughter and son-in-law, Miriam and Ivan Helmuth, and their eight children.



The family loves Mary's walnut layer cake, so when walnut season rolls around, Mary takes her granddaughters Annie (5) and Elsie (7) down the road - to the abandoned Schattenbaum farm - to collect walnuts for the winter.



When Mary notices movement in the dilapidated Schattenbaum farmhouse, she goes in to take a look. Shockingly, the grandmother confronts a man lurking there, who viciously stabs her to death, then abducts 7-year-old Elsie. Later, when Chief of Police Kate Burkholder speaks to Annie, the child says 'Da Deivel' (the devil) took her sister.



Miriam and Ivan Helmuth beg Kate to find their beloved Elsie, a special needs child who is particularly delicate and vulnerable. Elsie has Cohen Syndrome, a genetic disorder that's more prevalent among the Amish than the general public. The Amish consider children a gift from God, and think of special needs youngsters as an especially great blessing.

Mary's murder and Elsie's abduction lead to a large police operation in which Kate, along with the Sheriff's Department and the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (OBI), desperately search for the killer and the child. Kate's boyfriend, John Tomasetti, who's an agent with the OBI, is especially helpful in speeding up analyses of blood and DNA.



Of course inquiries begin at the Helmuth home, and when the parents are asked if they know anyone that would want to harm Mary - or if they have any information that would help the investigation - they seem oddly reticent. Even Kate, who was Amish before she left the fold and speaks fluent Pennsylvania Dutch, can't get them to open up.



In time, Kate's probe steers her to Bishop Troyer, who leads the Amish community of Painter's Mill.....



.....and then south to Crooked Creek - where Mary Yoder had relatives.

Almost everyone Kate speaks to, however, is hiding something. Sadly, more murders occur before Kate can get a line on the perpetrator.

Kate's small stable of detectives, Pickles, TJ, Glock, and Skid, assist with the investigation, working overtime as needed. In addition, Kate's dispatcher, Mona - who yearns to be a real police officer - becomes a cop-in-training.



As always, it's fun to visit with these recurring characters.

A central tenet of the Kate Burkholder series is the Amish tendency to be secretive, solve their own problems, and not interact with 'Englishers.' This almost always slows down Kate's investigations and makes her job that much harder.

In this book, however, this plot point REALLY doesn't make sense. 😏 The 'secret', if revealed, would speed up Kate's investigation exponentially, and would help her find the kidnapped child MUCH more quickly. Who would keep mum in these circumstances? I don't buy it.

Nevertheless, I like police procedurals and enjoyed the novel. I'd recommend the book to readers who enjoy mysteries, especially Kate Burkholder fans.

Thanks to Netgalley, the author (Linda Castillo) and the publisher ( Minotaur Books) for a copy of the book.

You can follow my reviews at https://reviewsbybarbsaffer.blogspot....

[Maureen Carden · Rating 4 out of 5]

In a child abduction, every second counts. Think how far a car can go in just a few seconds. Think how long it takes before a kidnapping is reported or enough information is gathered to a preliminary make a report. Seconds count. Seconds that turn into minutes, hours; and then the days when family, friends and cops secretly begin to give up hope and just want a body to bring home. No one speaks those dark thoughts aloud.
In Shamed Kate Burkholder the Painter Mill’s police chief is called to an abandoned house where an Amish grandmother has been stabbed to death in what looks like a frenzied rage; a special needs granddaughter has been taken and another child left behind. The three went to the abandoned farm to pick walnuts, where they had been many times before with no reason to suspect the horror awaiting them
. The Amish are a closed society, only reluctantly accepting help from the “English”. Kate was raised Amish but left the religion as a young adult. The Amish have very mixed feelings about dealing with her, but the fact that she knows the lifestyle (lifestyles of the rich and famous it ain’t) and can speak the language sometimes goes a long way in alleviating the suspicion of dealing with the English.
This is a can’t-turn the- pages-fast-enough- mystery. It is also a straight-up thriller. There is very little of the personal with Kate or her state agent boyfriend John Tomasetti. Castillo provides a count down of the time for the reader, upping the tension.
As always the insight into the Amish community is fascinating. It truly is a harsh, closed society, but one that will do anything for a member of the community; except tell the truth when it might save a child’s life.
I’m taking a star away because there were a few mistakes that I found odd in the 11th book of a police procedural. Burkholder put blood evidence into a plastic bag instead of paper-that’s a forensics 101 mistake. Also the book referred to another character’s murder as happening either at night or in the morning. Kate was almost a witness so there should not have been any doubt. Also, I thought it was unclear whether or not Kate had shot another character.
Shamed is a terrific addition to the Burkholder series. A perfect reason to stay inside with the air conditioner and read.
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.

[Corina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Eleven books in and this series still provokes chills and captivates me every single time.

Linda Castillo writes fantastic thrillers. Bone chilling at times, always emotional and guaranteed to be fascinating by straddling the fine line between the “English” and Amish. I’m always utterly intrigued by the stark difference between these communities, even though Amish and the “English” live side by side. It makes for a unique experience since the main character, a female Chief of Police, grew up Amish and was banned by the Amish community, which she is now serving alongside the english one.

Shamed, was a full blown thriller, and a case of running against the clock. A chilling child kidnapping that kept me on the edge of my seat. The ending was never clear, there were just too many false endings throughout the novel to allow for clear predictions. And the perpetrator always seemed to be a step ahead of Kate Burkholder.

Although it was a solid case, and incredibly thrilling, I was missing the more personal side of Kate and her boyfriend John Tomasetti. I felt like their relationship was more like an afterthought, only being mentioned once or twice. I was missing this extra layer of personal connection. But that’s probably just me.

But otherwise it was as always thoroughly entertaining.

In regards to it being the eleventh novel. This procedural suspense series can be read as standalone books. There is no reason why they can’t be enjoyed without prior knowledge.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is one of my favorites! I am never disappointed by Linda Castillo!

Shamed is the 11th book in the Kate Burkholder series. Kate grew up Amish, but left the faith as a teenager. She returned to Painters Mill, OH as an adult to become the local police chief. She is skilled at her job. Her knowledge of the Amish and ability to speak Pennsylvania Dutch are often vital because 1/3 of the local population is Amish. In this newest book, an Amish grandmother is brutally murdered and a 7-year old girl is taken by her killer. As they attempt to track the killer to find the missing girl, the case slowly pieces together. Much more is involved than just the kidnapping of an Amish child. Decisions and mistakes from the past are revealed.

As usual, I loved this book! Total binge read! I read the entire story in one sitting....I couldn't stop reading.The story sucked me in immediately and kept my attention until the very end. Suspenseful and exciting! Loved it!

I'm glad that this book was more about the case and investigation than Kate Burkholder's relationship with John Tomasetti. I like the characters....and character development is important in a series. But I want more investigation and less rehashing events from the past. This book was the perfect mix.....mostly investigation with just a little sprinkling of love interest/relationship. Very enjoyable read!

I planned to read the entire series before reading this upcoming book. But.....I couldn't wait! After finishing book six, I skipped ahead to enjoy this newest story. Backtracking now to read the rest of the series. These books never disappoint me! I will definitely be reading any new short stories or books in this series! :)

**I voluntarily read an advanced readers copy of this book from St. Martin's Press. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**

[Phrynne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I keep saying this but these books are getting better and better.

Shamed tells the sad story of a murdered Amish grandmother and her abducted seven year old granddaughter by someone who says "She's mine." The mystery begins - who is the abductor and why does he think he has a claim on the child?

There is a great deal of tension in the book as the hours pass and everyone knows the chances of finding the child alive are decreasing all the time. Kate, Tomasetti and the rest pull out all the stops as they try to discover the abductor.

Kate endures her usual near death experience, but this time it is in no way her fault, and there is an exciting and satisfactory conclusion. This was an absolutely excellent story and I enjoyed every moment of it.

[Darlene · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book, 'Shamed' is the 11th installment in the Kate Burkholder series by Linda Castillo. I listened to the audiobook version of this story and it was narrated by Kathleen McInerney. What I enjoy most about these police procedurals is the setting. The stories take place in Painters Mill which is located in the heart of Amish country in northeast Ohio. The Chief of Police of Painters Mill is an ex-Amish woman named Kate Burkholder. Because Kate was raised in this Amish community, she has a unique understanding and compassion which she often draws upon when called to investigate crimes... particularly when those crimes involve the Amish community. Her ability to speak Pennsylvania Dutch is often the icebreaker needed to allow the Amish to loosen their suspicions of her, an outsider.

This story begins on a fall day when Amish grandmother, Mary Yoder, accompanied by two of her granddaughters.. Elsie (7-years-old) and Annie (5 -years-old), hitched up the family's horse and buggy and headed out to a favorite abandoned farm to pick walnuts. While helping her granddaughters pick choice walnuts for their baskets, Mary noticed movement inside the old farmhouse kitchen. Deciding to investigate, Mary entered the kitchen where she was brutally attacked by someone wielding a knife. Although the reader is not aware of the killer's identity, it's clear that Mary's attacker is no stranger to HER... this attack is deadly personal. Enter Kate Burkholder, Chief of Police, who arrived at the bloody crime scene to discover a young, hysterical Amish girl covered in blood and repeating over and over that Da Deivel (the devil) hurt her Grossmammi and took her sister Elsie with him.

Kate Burkholder and John Tomasetti (an agent with the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation and Kate's love interest) weren't sure what to make of Annie's ramblings about the devil. But with a young girl missing, they knew time was not on their side. Elsie and Annie's parents, Ivan and Miriam Helmuth, were well-respected in their Amish community; and Miriam was the daughter of the murdered Mary Yoder. The Helmuth and their seven other children were distraught over Mary's murder and Elsie's kidnapping and appeared to be cooperating with the police and answering the questions which were asked of them. But Kate couldn't dismiss the nagging feeling that the Helmuth weren't being completely truthful. What weren't they telling her? And why... when their daughter had been abducted by the person who had murdered a beloved family member... would they be hiding anything at all?

Kate quickly became frustrated with the lack of progress and the pace of the case and the obvious secrecy of the Helmuth family but as often happens in these types of novels, she was inadvertently provided with a clue from an unlikely source. This clue ended up taking Kate out of her jurisdiction to another Amish community in southern Ohio called Crooked Creek. It doesn't take long for Kate to realize that she is indeed on the path to finding the killer because no sooner does she arrive and begin asking questions than more murders begin to occur. She knows one thing for sure.. time is running out for Elsie Helmuth. Can Kate discover the secrets the Amish community is hiding before it's too late?

I enjoy this series so much because each installment provides a peak into aspects of a closed community that I find fascinating though remote. This particular story included murder, kidnapping of a young child and centered around themes of shame and revenge. What made these crimes so nuanced and complex to me was the community's practice of shaming. The community, though tight-knit and supportive of its members, could also seem cruel in the way this support could be quickly withdrawn if its members did not conform to the group's moral expectations. This story demonstrated... and not unkindly.. how the rejection by the community could sometimes lead to a festering anger and resentment.. and tragic consequences.

Another aspect of the series that I find so thought-provoking is that the stories often illustrate the conflict that arises between what the Amish community consider 'God's law' and the law of the state..'man's law'. This conflict is certainly one that Kate Burkholder struggles with and was evident in this particular story when the killer was finally captured and the explanation for the crimes was revealed. This battle between what the Amish believe is the supremacy of God's law over the law of man.. which Kate represents... is one that arises with regularity in this series and one I find endlessly interesting to think about.

*This series does not NEED to be read in the order of publication but doing so will provide a richness and better understanding of the recurrent characters and their relationships.

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amish grandmother Mary Yoder and two of her grandchildren, Elsie and Annie were picking walnuts when Mary was murdered, and Elsie was abducted. Elsie was only seven years old and the involvement of the Chief of Police of Painters Mill, Kate Burkholder, and her team was immediate. A child abduction was always a bad one for the police and Kate knew the longer Elsie was missing, the less chance there was of finding her alive.

Kate found the Amish were holding secrets close to their chests and when her investigation took her four hours from Painters Mill to the small town of Crooked Creek where there was an Old Order Amish community, she had no idea what it would entail. She knew the clock was ticking, she knew she was desperate but she didn’t realise how much danger she was in. Would Kate find Elsie? Would she still be alive?

Shamed is the 11th in the Kate Burkholder series by Linda Castillo and I’m pretty sure it’s her best yet. A brilliant addition to the series; I had no idea what the outcome would be. Shamed is a fast paced, intense and gripping thriller and I loved it. Highly recommended.

[Brenda · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm not a fan of this one. The whodunit was completely obvious. The plot was interesting, but the ending didn't clarify any reasons. There was no progression in character development or growth of personal relationships.

Amongst some minor proofreading errors, there is a major one on page 115. In a list of birthdates of siblings, two of them are separated by only 36 days. I thought maybe it was intentional and part of the plot, but no, there was no further reference. It is indeed an error.

After reading this book, I'm not sure I'll continue with this series. It's not very exciting any more.

[Jonetta · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mary Yoder took two of her granddaughters to gather walnuts at the old Schattenbaum property, abandoned for over forty years. When she sees movement in the house and goes to investigate, Mary is viciously attacked and killed but not before it’s obvious she recognized her killer. Painter’s Creek Police Chief Kate Burkholder responds to a call about a horse and buggy stuck in a ditch and blocking traffic. They are interrupted by a child’s blood curdling scream and see her racing towards them, covered in blood. They rescue her, discover her grandmother’s body and realize one of the girls is missing. Elsie Helmuth is a 7-year old special needs child and is presumed to have been taken by the killer.

Nothing terrifies me more than stories involving abducted children so I was tense from the start. Kate doesn’t waste anytime bringing in additional resources and these are the types of situations where law enforcement agencies bond together for a common purpose without turf battling. They relentlessly pursued all leads, gathered evidence and developed theories but complicating the process was the lack of cooperation within the Amish community. What was done to Mary was vicious and personal, seemingly targeted. Kate is former Amish and pushed her connections beyond limits to help find Elsie.

I was riveted by this story and enjoyed following the investigation, which was fast paced and creative. I figured out the who at some point but had to wait until the reveal to learn the why. Yes, Kate had another perilous moment but at least when these are happening now, it’s unforeseen and not due to her taking ill-advised risks. Listening to the story made it even more exciting as the narrator is so skilled at storytelling and uses her voice to heighten the suspense when things get dicey. I like that this ended with a resolution that was still murky, leaving me to ponder the decisions made that ignited everything. That’s a great ending.

Posted on Blue Mood Café

[DeAnn · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 "all the amazing stars" to this one -- Happy publication day!

Even though this is the 11th book in this series, I enjoyed this one just as much as the previous ones. I dropped everything to read this book and I was not disappointed.

This latest installment features Chief of Police Kate Burkholder and the action kicks off right at the start of the book with the vicious murder of a grandmother in Amish country Ohio. Not only does Kate need to deal with the murder, but the 7-year-old granddaughter with special needs was kidnapped.

Vintage Linda Castillo style -- Kate faces one dangerous situation after another in the quest to find the missing girl and the murderer. She dives back into the Amish community to try to unravel deep secrets. This one is fast-paced and kept me turning the pages, with some tense scenes and violence. I love the Amish connection in this series and the sense that it is so hard to leave your upbringing behind.

My only request is some relationship happiness for Chief Burkholder, she needs a romantic vacation. I guess that might be boring to some though!

Thank you to NetGalley, Linda Castillo, and St. Martin's Press for an early copy of the book to read (and let me say, I was SO excited!!)


**Earlier Teaser
Let me just say that I dropped whatever else I was doing or reading to read this book! I read it in two sittings and this series just gets better and better.

If you are a fan of this Kate Burkholder series, this one does not disappoint and you should be prepared to love it. If you haven't read any of these, my suggestion is to start with #1 "Sworn to Silence" and then read the entire series, you should be ready to read this one when it releases on July 16th.

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Chief of Police, Kate Burkholder, was called to the old Schattenbaum farm and the brutally murdered body of Amish grandmother Mary Yoder, Kate had no idea it was the beginning of the worst case she’d encountered in awhile. Mary Yoder’s seven-year-old granddaughter Elsie was missing, and her five-year-old granddaughter Annie was traumatized. Miriam and Ivan Helmuth, parents of the two girls, and six other children, couldn’t fathom what had occurred, but as Annie told Kate, a Plain man had taken Elsie, and as the hunt began, the clock was ticking on the life of a little girl.

As the search intensified, the area of interest grew until they were looking at an Amish community four hours from Painters Mill. The secrets that had been hidden were deep, but Kate kept scratching at the surface until she knew she was getting closer. Tomasetti – Kate’s significant other, and BCI agent – was running the case from his end while none of them were getting much sleep. Would they find little Elsie alive?

Shamed by Linda Castillo is the 11th in the Kate Burkholder series, and an excellent addition to the series! Intense, full-on, gripping and unputdownable, the pages flew by and I was captivated from beginning to end. Highly recommended.

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve read or listened to every previous Kate Burkholder novel and count the series among my favorites. These are straightforward police procedurals with a heavy dose of in depth characters. It helps to have read the other books in the series as Castillo doesn’t waste time giving us much background on these characters.

The book starts with an Amish grandmother being savagely murdered and her seven year old granddaughter abducted. The clock is ticking and Kate tries to unravel who might have taken the child. As the hours pass, additional murders follow.

As Kate begins to formulate a reason behind the abduction and murders, she struggles with the morality behind it all. Kate may no longer be Amish, but she still feels a connection with the people, their bishop and the religion. So, this case really throws her for a loop.

Kathleen McInerney has narrated all the Kate Burkholder books and she does a great job.

I recommend this book and the entire series for anyone looking for a fast paced police procedural.

[Brandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

It has been said that, “Revenge is a dish best served cold,” well if you throw in a dash of mayhem, a few murders, a kidnapping, several Amish characters and few horse and buggies - you are left with the tasty tale, Shamed, thoughtfully prepared and served by the talented Castillo.

Shamed begins with the brutal murder of a Amish Grandmother and the kidnapping of her seven year old granddaughter while they are picking walnuts at an abandoned farm. The only witness to the horrific crime is the girl’s younger sister. Kate Burkholder takes the case but can she save the day or will time run out?

As Kate’s investigation intensifies, the body count climbs and of course, the plot thickens, revealing a dangerous killer who is hellbent on getting his revenge. 5+stars this is a must read for 2019

[Kristy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Painters Mill Chief of Police Kate Burkholder is back, in the eleventh book in the series from Linda Castillo. This time, she's investigating the brutal murder of an Amish grandmother. One of the woman's granddaughters is also missing--nothing left behind but a trail of blood. The girl's family is understandably devastated, and Kate recognizes that they are racing against time: the longer young Elsie is missing, the less chance they have of finding her. But as Kate plunges into the case, the more she delves into a world of secrets--and the more she realizes someone is going to great lengths to keep those secrets hidden.

I really enjoy the Kate Burkholder series, and I was very excited to receive a copy of this book, as I've missed a few of the latest books. It was incredibly easy to pick back up with Kate, and this book would work easily as a stand-alone, as well. It's a quick read; I read it in about a day. It's told mainly from Kate's point of view, with just a few tiny snippets inserted from a few of the other characters. It's tense, as it counts the hours Elsie has been missing, and you can easily feel Kate's panic and the sensation that the team is working against the clock.

As always, I am amazed that there is anyone left in Painters Mill; I always jokingly compare this town to "Murder She Wrote" and Cabot Cove, with Jessica Fletcher. Murder and violence seem incredibly attracted to Kate Burkholder and Painters Mill. Sheesh. But, that aside, I love the character of Kate, and the easy, familiar way Castillo portrays her. It takes no time at all to fall back into stride with her.

The mystery itself kept me guessing and interested, trying to put together the pieces along with Kate. As she often does in her books, through Kate, Castillo does a good job of highlighting the pressures of being Amish, along with the lengths they go to protect each other. The supporting cast is strong, although there isn't much further development in the Kate and Tomasetti (her partner in both love and work) relationship.

Overall, this is an easy, engaging read. Kate's a great character, and the story will draw you immediately and keep you guessing. 4 stars.

Thanks to Allison at Minotaur Books for my copy of this book, which I received in return for an unbiased review. It is available as of 7/16/2019.

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[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 STARS

Shamed is the eleventh book in the Kate Burkholder series and follows an ex-amish girl turned small town police chief as she tries to keep her hometown of Painters Mills, Ohio safe. As eleven books demonstrates, that task is easier said than done.

“We’re Amisch, Chief Burkholder. We’ve no ghosts to speak of.”

Over the course of my career in law enforcement I’ve heard a thousand variations of those words. Experience has taught me, they’re rarely true, even among the Amish.

Mary Yoder has just been found dead and brutally attacked. While that’s a rare occurrence in most towns, it’s even more of a rarity for the victim to be an amish grandmother. Even more alarming is the fact Mary’s seven year old grandaughter, Elsie, is missing. Everyone seems to have their secrets as Kate and her crew begin in earnest to find Elsie before it’s too late.

It’s been a long time since I’ve dipped my toe in the procedural suspense reading pool, and after reading Shamed, I’m wondering what took me so long to jump back in. Even though this is the eleventh offering of the series, I had absolutely no issues picking it up as a newbie. The story is tight, the mystery itself is engaging without being overdone and I loved the way the amish culture is weaved in as part of the story. The descriptions of buggies riding alongside pickup trucks on the highway serves as a stark reminder of the two cultures Kate is constantly forced to navigate between.

I have a wee confession to make; I’m slightly fascinated with the Amish way of life and I’ve wanted to try this series for a while now. The area I grew up in and currently live in has a strong Menonite (the Amish’s devil may care, throw caution to the wind “sister” religion) population and I always wondered about the differences between their life and mine. The Amish though, with their faithful yet uncompromising ways, are a glimpse into a different time. I felt like the Amish culture, and to an extent, the expectations placed on those that live it, was as important of a character to this book as Kate herself.

Shamed by Linda Castillo turned out to be so much more than I anticipated. Normally, when I start in the middle of a series, I’m just hoping to get through the story knowing who everyone is. By the time I finished reading Kate’s quest to find Elsie, not only did I feel like I had a new favorite heroine to add to my list, but a new series to start from the beginning.

ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest, voluntary review

[Adrienne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely the best book in the Kate Burkholder series by Linda Castillo. Best in terms of plot complexity, keeping so many varied sub-plots together and with everything coming neatly together at the end.
BUT the saddest in ration to the sadness of the story.
Highly, highly, recommended.
Unputdownable.

[Jim · Rating 4 out of 5]

A grandmother takes her two grandchildren on an outing to pick walnuts on the site of an abandoned farm. An idyllic fall day is shattered when the grandmother is brutally murdered and one of the children is abducted. Now Chief of Police Kate Burkholder is racing the clock trying to find seven year old Elsie Helmuth and return her to her parents, Miriam and Ivan Helmuth. Each chapter reminds the reader how much time has elapsed since Elsie went missing. And Kate knows that the more time that elapses the worse the outcome is statistically.

This is one of those books that I could not put down. Where is Elsie? In addition to being only seven years old she is special needs. As the investigation unfolds Kate learns there may more going on than just a child abduction. There could be a tie to an event that took place seven years ago. When Elsie was born. An event where the Amish took care of the situation without involving their English neighbors. The Amish taking care of their own. Now the English, with their laws and government agencies, are involved.

As with the other books in the series it provides a fascinating insight into the Amish community. At times I admire how they rally around each other and help each other. Putting aside their own needs and responsibilities to help a neighbor. At other times I found it unbelievable how hard and cold they sometimes appear to be. How they withhold information even if it can help save the life of a child. I won't go into details but the title comes from how a mother was treated.

The only downside with this book is that I have now read all of the books in the series and find myself waiting for the next installment. There was a touching scene that left me wondering what is in the future for Kate and her significant other, John Tomasetti. Will they get married? Have children? There was a moment in the story where I found myself picturing them as parents.

[Jeannie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series! The stories just keep getting better and better. I loved being back in Painter's Mill with a couple of my favorite book characters, Chief Kate Burkholder and Agent Tomasetti. They are a great couple although, this book doesn't focus so much on the two of them but more on the crime they are trying to solve. There are many twists to this mystery and that kept me turning pages. I hope Kate and Tomasetti get to spend some more time together in the next book. This was great!


I highly recommend this series!

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

This is an Amish Suspense Mystery, and this is the 11th book in the Kate Burkholder series. This book is all about Chief Kate solving a murder for an Amish Grandmother and kidnapping of her special needs granddaughter. This case takes twist and turns which brings darks secrets to come to light. I really enjoy the characters in this book, and the twist in this book is so great. I have really been enjoying this book and this book series.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This may be the eleventh in the series but it is still excellent. In fact, I think it's the best one yet. Although this is a series, it can certainly be read as a stand alone as each book brings a new crime. And this is a doozy. I could barely put it down and read it in two days.

Kate Burkholder is the local police chief of Painters Mill in Ohio right in the middle of Amish country. As a former practicing Amish woman, Kate knows the language and customs which eases the interaction in the community. In this one a special needs 7 year old girl is kidnapped and her grandmother brutally murdered. Kate is working at a frantic pace to find the girl and solve the murder.

There are more violent attacks and murders as Kate tries to find the small helpless girl and finds herself in the middle of a bizarre scheme of revenge and payback. This girl was taken for a reason.

I love the insight into the various Amish communities and their customs. It is a welcome addition to a well plotted and written mystery. This is a winner.

Thanks to Net Galley for a copy of this book in exchange for a fair review.

[Cortney - Bookworm & Vine · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've dipped into this series a few times, and always really, really enjoyed them. So when the newest book came into the store, I knew I wanted to read it before it made it's way on the shelf.

Unfortunately, it was disappointing. I knew exactly what the circumstances were and who did the kidnapping right from the beginning. Kate knew it too, but it was always just a little out of reach for her to verbalize it. She also just kept letting witnesses clam up, even though a little girl had been kidnapped. It was frustrating. But without her letting them off the hook repeatedly, we wouldn't have had an extra 4 murders, and therefore wouldn't have had the book.

Definitely a stretch that this is how a seasoned Chief of Police would actually act in this situation

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mentioning the faults of others does not rid us of our own. – Amish saying.

Secrets and lies. That’s only the half of it. Shamed , Linda Castillo’s eleventh Kate Burkholder novel set in the fictional town of Painter’s Mill, Ohio, is chock full of action right from the get-go. I was listening to the audible audio version narrated by Kathleen McInerney, which often made me feel like I was right there.

Sixty-year-old Mary Yoder, an Amish grandmother, is gathering walnuts with her five- and seven-year-old-granddaughters at an abandoned property near their home when she hears a sound inside the run-down old farmhouse. After eyeing the girls to see that they are safe, she goes inside to investigate. Unfortunately, this is the last thing she ever does. She is savagely attacked by a very large individual, and the author spares no details. Cringe! It is a bloody, brutal murder scene. The police chief, Kate Burkholder, is an Amish-born woman who left the community at 18. When she arrives at the scene, she finds inconsolable five-year-old Anna. Anna tells her that her grandmother is hurt. Then, she also tells her that her sister is gone. Where is Elsie? Through strangled sobs, Elsie tells the police that “the devil” has taken her. Why? Who would take the little girl?

As the chief, Kate, interviews the parents, she learns that Elsie has special needs. She has Cohen’s syndrome, which is caused by a genetic mutation that is more common among the Amish than the general population but still rare. She has a learning disability, visual impairment, and is a bit on the heavy side. But she is very much loved, “a gift from God,” her parents call her. Children are very much treasured in the Amish culture. Raising children in a loving family is one of the central themes in this book. However, as the saying goes, “the road to hell is paved with good intentions.”

Anna is terribly frightened, and her eyewitness report is vague. Kate has a feeling that Elsie’s parents may be keeping something from her. Evidence recovered from the scene is scarce, but they did find a note scribbled in pencil on notebook paper. It hints at a motive: revenge.

The weather turns wet and cold. The hours turn into days. Elsie is still missing. The body count mounts as well. Kate has her small crew working overtime. She also has the Holmes County Sheriff’s Department and the Ohio BCI, led by her significant other, John Tomasetti. As the investigation widens, other law enforcement personnel become involved as well. Even with all this manpower, little Elsie remains missing. Kate has a theory, but she needs someone to start talking. Has fear overtaken everyone? Will no one tell her anything that will help? A family is missing their beloved child. Yet, there is a dark mystery surrounding this child, something shameful. Kate is certain that whatever it is, it is at the heart of Elsie’s disappearance and the murder of her grossmutter and others. As in previous books, she is aided by her familiarity with Amish customs and way of thinking; even though she no longer subscribes to the lifestyle or beliefs, she does respect the individuals she encounters while performing her duties and uses every tool in her tool belt to do her job.

Overall, the narrator added to the suspense of the story. She changed voices well for female and male characters, including the children. However, her staccato articulation never varied, and that grew tiresome after awhile. It works well for the clipped voices of the Amish characters, and the Deutsch sounded genuine to my untrained ear.

I found the moral dilemma presented to be challenging and fascinating. Ms Castillo has woven a complex plot where the questions seem to outnumber the answers – not unlike many true-life crimes, I imagine. It’s been a long time between Kate Burkholder books. I always enjoy the characters, the plots, and the relationships she concocts, and I hope there is another story coming soon.

5 stars

[Magdalena aka A Bookaholic Swede · Rating 4 out of 5]

An old woman is out picking walnuts with her two grandchildren when she hears a sound from inside the abandoned farmhouse where they are. No one lived on the farm for a long time so no one should be inside the house. A little time later is the woman dead and one of the granddaughters has been kidnapped. Kate Burkholder has to figure out who would want to hurt the old woman and why did the person in question take one of the children? Kate has a feeling that the people related to the old woman and some around her in the Amish community have a secret. That they are hiding something that made someone kill...

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