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Kate Burkholder #5
Her Last Breath
An extraordinarily beautiful Amish woman, a dangerous femme fatale, is the central figure in a story that reveals a dark side of Painters Mill and its seemingly perfect Amish world
A rainy night, an Amish father returning home with his three children, a speeding car hurtling toward them out of nowhere.
What at first seems like a tragic, but routine car accident suddenly takes on a more sinister cast as evidence emerges that nothing about the crash is accidental. But who would want to kill an Amish deacon and two of his children? He leaves behind a grieving widow and a young boy who clings to life in the intensive care wing of a hospital, unable to communicate. He may be the only one who knows what happened that night. Desperate to find out who killed her best friend's husband and why, Kate begins to suspect she is not looking for a reckless drunk, but instead is on the trail of a cold blooded killer amid the residents of Painter's Mill. It is a search that takes her on a chilling journey into the darkest reaches of the human heart and makes her question everything she has ever believed about the Amish culture into which she was born.
A rainy night, an Amish father returning home with his three children, a speeding car hurtling toward them out of nowhere.
What at first seems like a tragic, but routine car accident suddenly takes on a more sinister cast as evidence emerges that nothing about the crash is accidental. But who would want to kill an Amish deacon and two of his children? He leaves behind a grieving widow and a young boy who clings to life in the intensive care wing of a hospital, unable to communicate. He may be the only one who knows what happened that night. Desperate to find out who killed her best friend's husband and why, Kate begins to suspect she is not looking for a reckless drunk, but instead is on the trail of a cold blooded killer amid the residents of Painter's Mill. It is a search that takes her on a chilling journey into the darkest reaches of the human heart and makes her question everything she has ever believed about the Amish culture into which she was born.
495 pages, Unknown Binding
First published January 1, 2014
1503 people are currently reading
7019 people want to read
About the author
Linda Castillo
97 books6,510 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 1,649 reviews
September 18, 2021
Her Last Breath by Linda Castillo (Author), Kathleen McInerney (Narrator)
Bionic woman, Kate Burkholder, former Amish, now Chief of Police of Painters Mill, has plot armor so thick I never worry if she's going to make it through the worst of scenarios. Of course, it doesn't hurt that I know there are 14 books in the series and I'm just on book 5. I assume she's going to take a beating every single book because she doesn't seem inclined to be more careful.
This story, the investigation of a "hit and skip", that left an Amish father and two of his children dead, and another child seriously injured, seems to be a hard case to crack since there seems to be so little evidence of the vehicle that hit the family's buggy on a wet evening. There are the low lifes to check out and more than one trip down memory lane, as Kate remembers her teen years with her best friend, the wife/mother of the buggy occupants. I was riveted to story but I guess I need to get used to Kate doing the same thing over and over and over.
Published July 1, 2013
Bionic woman, Kate Burkholder, former Amish, now Chief of Police of Painters Mill, has plot armor so thick I never worry if she's going to make it through the worst of scenarios. Of course, it doesn't hurt that I know there are 14 books in the series and I'm just on book 5. I assume she's going to take a beating every single book because she doesn't seem inclined to be more careful.
This story, the investigation of a "hit and skip", that left an Amish father and two of his children dead, and another child seriously injured, seems to be a hard case to crack since there seems to be so little evidence of the vehicle that hit the family's buggy on a wet evening. There are the low lifes to check out and more than one trip down memory lane, as Kate remembers her teen years with her best friend, the wife/mother of the buggy occupants. I was riveted to story but I guess I need to get used to Kate doing the same thing over and over and over.
Published July 1, 2013
July 25, 2019
4 stars for another well done murder mystery in the Kate Burkholder series. I started reading this series 2 years ago when I won Among the Wicked in a Goodreads giveaway. I liked it so much that I decided to go back and read the rest of the series. My wife also likes this series and has read all of the series.
This book opens with a hit and run accident where an Amish buggy with a father and 3 children are the victims of a vehicle that left the scene of the accident. Kate soon realizes that the accident was premeditated and that she is looking for a murderer. The suspense builds and Kate does solve the case, but not before she is almost killed. I did not suspect the killer until near the end. There is a bit of predictability in these mysteries, in that Kate is almost always attacked and nearly killed, but miraculously survives.
This was a library book. I read it in 2 days.
One quote by Kate: "Solving a case is akin to putting a puzzled together. The kind that has a thousand infinitesimal pieces, some of which are missing, damaged, or false. Initially, none of those pieces seem to have a place in the big picture. They're the wrong color or shape or size. It's my job to persevere and figure out which ones to toss aside, which ones to keep."
This book opens with a hit and run accident where an Amish buggy with a father and 3 children are the victims of a vehicle that left the scene of the accident. Kate soon realizes that the accident was premeditated and that she is looking for a murderer. The suspense builds and Kate does solve the case, but not before she is almost killed. I did not suspect the killer until near the end. There is a bit of predictability in these mysteries, in that Kate is almost always attacked and nearly killed, but miraculously survives.
This was a library book. I read it in 2 days.
One quote by Kate: "Solving a case is akin to putting a puzzled together. The kind that has a thousand infinitesimal pieces, some of which are missing, damaged, or false. Initially, none of those pieces seem to have a place in the big picture. They're the wrong color or shape or size. It's my job to persevere and figure out which ones to toss aside, which ones to keep."
September 17, 2017
The first few chapters of this book are incredibly sad. A buggy is t-boned and three people die, two of them children. A third child clings to life. To make matters worse, the victims are the family of Kate’s childhood best friend. You feel Kate’s rage and sorrow.
On the personal side, Tomasetti has bought a fixer up farm house. He's afraid to even tell Kate about it. As he thought “Kate was independent to a fault. She could be closed off emotionally. Like him, she lugged around a good bit of baggage. She might be fearless when it came to the job, but she could be skittish when it came to their relationship.”
An incident from Kate’s past comes back to haunt her and really ratchets up the tension. Hell, I felt myself getting as nervous and keyed up as Kate. I just love how Castillo makes me feel all this. She just draws you in!
Unfortunately, the wrap up of the buggy accident part of the plot is a little unbelievable. I can't go into details without a spoiler, so just suffice it to say, I had issues with it.
Overall, an enjoyable mystery. I would rate the first part of the book a strong five but the ending just a three, so averages to a four. There's a bit of a cliff hanger here involving Kate’s past. I'm looking forward to starting the next book in the series.
On the personal side, Tomasetti has bought a fixer up farm house. He's afraid to even tell Kate about it. As he thought “Kate was independent to a fault. She could be closed off emotionally. Like him, she lugged around a good bit of baggage. She might be fearless when it came to the job, but she could be skittish when it came to their relationship.”
An incident from Kate’s past comes back to haunt her and really ratchets up the tension. Hell, I felt myself getting as nervous and keyed up as Kate. I just love how Castillo makes me feel all this. She just draws you in!
Unfortunately, the wrap up of the buggy accident part of the plot is a little unbelievable. I can't go into details without a spoiler, so just suffice it to say, I had issues with it.
Overall, an enjoyable mystery. I would rate the first part of the book a strong five but the ending just a three, so averages to a four. There's a bit of a cliff hanger here involving Kate’s past. I'm looking forward to starting the next book in the series.
May 31, 2020
3.5 Stars
A Hit and Run in Painters Mill involving a buggy, leaves an Amish man and two of his three children dead. Evidence shows that this was no accident. Paul Borntrager and his children were murdered. The question is why. Chief of Police Kate Burkholder has her work cut out for her if she has any chance of finding the answer.
Turns out that this assignment is quite dangerous (surprise, surprise) and Kate has no problem putting her life on the line when it comes to solving this case.
Admittedly, I guessed what was going to happen here quite early on and was quite disappointed by how this one played out for a variety of reasons. That said, I still enjoyed this installment in the Kate Burkholder series and I looked forward to the next in the series.
Thank you to my local library for loaning me a copy of the audiobook.
Published on Goodreads on 5.31.20.
A Hit and Run in Painters Mill involving a buggy, leaves an Amish man and two of his three children dead. Evidence shows that this was no accident. Paul Borntrager and his children were murdered. The question is why. Chief of Police Kate Burkholder has her work cut out for her if she has any chance of finding the answer.
Turns out that this assignment is quite dangerous (surprise, surprise) and Kate has no problem putting her life on the line when it comes to solving this case.
Admittedly, I guessed what was going to happen here quite early on and was quite disappointed by how this one played out for a variety of reasons. That said, I still enjoyed this installment in the Kate Burkholder series and I looked forward to the next in the series.
Thank you to my local library for loaning me a copy of the audiobook.
Published on Goodreads on 5.31.20.
June 13, 2021
This was my favourite of all the books so far in this series. It was gripping, emotional and very tricky. Who would have guessed that ending?
The story begins with Kate as the first responder to a shocking incident where an Amish horse and buggy has been T-boned by a vehicle which then fled the scene. Two children and their father are dead and one child is injured but alive. As the police investigate they soon realise the crash was intentional and they are looking for a murderer but why was this particular family chosen.
Kate is emotionally overwhelmed by this case and eventually she is physically endangered as well ( I wish she would follow police procedure and take a partner with her but I am getting used to the fact that she never does.) Luckily she has Tomasetti there to pick up the pieces and lucky too that he is quite determined to stick by her! Their current relationship seems positive anyway.
I read this in one afternoon and the time just flew by.
The story begins with Kate as the first responder to a shocking incident where an Amish horse and buggy has been T-boned by a vehicle which then fled the scene. Two children and their father are dead and one child is injured but alive. As the police investigate they soon realise the crash was intentional and they are looking for a murderer but why was this particular family chosen.
Kate is emotionally overwhelmed by this case and eventually she is physically endangered as well ( I wish she would follow police procedure and take a partner with her but I am getting used to the fact that she never does.) Luckily she has Tomasetti there to pick up the pieces and lucky too that he is quite determined to stick by her! Their current relationship seems positive anyway.
I read this in one afternoon and the time just flew by.
October 11, 2016
I just love this series! It is one of my favorites! It is full of suspense. It is the 5th book in the Kate Burkholder series. Its a fantastic series and you will want to start out with book 1, Sworn to Silence. You can also check out my review on this first book. It is more in depth with what the series is about. It is for those that like mysteries and thrillers and that like authors like Karin Slaughter.
May 8, 2021
Sometimes even my favorite series made me roll my eyes. C'mon now!!
I've got a ten eighty-eight at the.. [ ] .. Can you ten twenty-five?
I'm ten seventy-six.
What's your ten seventy-seven?
🤷♀️🤣Yes, I liked the book despite the above. An Amish father and three children were in a buggy when they were hit by a truck. Chief of police Kate Burkholder tries to find the hit and run driver and got herself in a dangerous situation in the process. The mystery is somewhat hard to believe in this one. At the same time her secret past is also on the radar. Another page turner crime novel with great development on the romance side!
I've got a ten eighty-eight at the.. [ ] .. Can you ten twenty-five?
I'm ten seventy-six.
What's your ten seventy-seven?
🤷♀️🤣Yes, I liked the book despite the above. An Amish father and three children were in a buggy when they were hit by a truck. Chief of police Kate Burkholder tries to find the hit and run driver and got herself in a dangerous situation in the process. The mystery is somewhat hard to believe in this one. At the same time her secret past is also on the radar. Another page turner crime novel with great development on the romance side!
August 8, 2013
I think I have learned a few things while reading Linda Castillo's Kate Burkholder series. They are as follows:
1. If Painters Mills is a real town, I don't want to go anywhere near it. There is way too much death and deceit going on there and I'm not sure if the police department would be able to keep my ass safe.
2. I think I have established an un-natural fear of the Amish. No seriously...
3. I will never pass by any abandoned farmhouse and not think of someone strung up in a dirty smelly room.
4. I will never look at the Underground Railway and tunnels the same way.
5. Everytime I pass a farm and smell manure I think of manure pits and how easily someone could be pushed into one.
6. Two words...Abandoned Silos
Now about the Book(s) - Kate has more baggage attached to her than a whorehouse full of ex nuns. WTF is wrong with this woman? As the books go on she seems to fall deeper and deeper into despair. She seems to be one of those people who does not learn from her mistakes. She figures out what went wrong at the end, but doesn't figure out how not to eff up the next case. She puts the Amish of Painters Mills on such a high pedestal that she seems to forget that they are people just like the rest of us who make mistakes and are capable of committing all kinds of heinous acts of crime. She may have physically left the faith, but mentally she never left. That is what she seems to struggle with in every book. Don't get me wrong, I love the flawed character. I think that is what makes these book so exciting. However, I'm hoping to see Kate grow a bit if more of these are to be written.
1. If Painters Mills is a real town, I don't want to go anywhere near it. There is way too much death and deceit going on there and I'm not sure if the police department would be able to keep my ass safe.
2. I think I have established an un-natural fear of the Amish. No seriously...
3. I will never pass by any abandoned farmhouse and not think of someone strung up in a dirty smelly room.
4. I will never look at the Underground Railway and tunnels the same way.
5. Everytime I pass a farm and smell manure I think of manure pits and how easily someone could be pushed into one.
6. Two words...Abandoned Silos
Now about the Book(s) - Kate has more baggage attached to her than a whorehouse full of ex nuns. WTF is wrong with this woman? As the books go on she seems to fall deeper and deeper into despair. She seems to be one of those people who does not learn from her mistakes. She figures out what went wrong at the end, but doesn't figure out how not to eff up the next case. She puts the Amish of Painters Mills on such a high pedestal that she seems to forget that they are people just like the rest of us who make mistakes and are capable of committing all kinds of heinous acts of crime. She may have physically left the faith, but mentally she never left. That is what she seems to struggle with in every book. Don't get me wrong, I love the flawed character. I think that is what makes these book so exciting. However, I'm hoping to see Kate grow a bit if more of these are to be written.
June 28, 2021
The story begins with a horrific crash between a high-speed vehicle and a buggy being driven by an Amish deacon transporting his three children. What first appears as a tragic hit-and-run accident starts to look like something more. Police Chief Kate Burkholder recognizes the driver as the husband of her childhood best friend and finds herself back in the world she walked away from years ago. Things get even more complicated when some kids exploring an old mining cave discover human bones, posing a threat to Kate as it is related to a troubling event from her past.
Kate’s reentry into her old world and relationships provided an opportunity to learn even more about her as well as provide clues about what might have precipitated the crash. As the story evolved, so did perspectives based on the past. The parallel inquiry to determine the identity of the human remains and cause of his death added even more tension. I also enjoyed Kate’s recollections of events from her teen years and the people who had strong imprints on her memory and points of view. Her relationship with FBI John Tomasetti advances as he encourages her to make a deeper commitment.
I listened to the story and love this narrator’s storytelling skills and character distinctions. Her pacing is excellent and when the tension ratcheted up, I was riveted not only by what was going on but how she added to the excitement of the final scenes. The ending was both a surprise and somewhat expected as I was loathe to accept the truth. I’ve been on a long, unintentional hiatus from the series and am so happy to being resuming via a Goodreads group read. It’s great to be back in Painters Mill with characters I’ve missed and interesting stories involving the Amish community.
Posted on Blue Mood Café
Kate’s reentry into her old world and relationships provided an opportunity to learn even more about her as well as provide clues about what might have precipitated the crash. As the story evolved, so did perspectives based on the past. The parallel inquiry to determine the identity of the human remains and cause of his death added even more tension. I also enjoyed Kate’s recollections of events from her teen years and the people who had strong imprints on her memory and points of view. Her relationship with FBI John Tomasetti advances as he encourages her to make a deeper commitment.
I listened to the story and love this narrator’s storytelling skills and character distinctions. Her pacing is excellent and when the tension ratcheted up, I was riveted not only by what was going on but how she added to the excitement of the final scenes. The ending was both a surprise and somewhat expected as I was loathe to accept the truth. I’ve been on a long, unintentional hiatus from the series and am so happy to being resuming via a Goodreads group read. It’s great to be back in Painters Mill with characters I’ve missed and interesting stories involving the Amish community.
Posted on Blue Mood Café
June 17, 2021
When Chief of Police, Kate Burkholder was called to a bad vehicle smash, she wasn’t expecting the carnage that faced her. The buggy was shattered into pieces; the horse was dead; the Amish family were scattered around in the darkness. Katie was shocked and horrified; the witness could tell her nothing. Was it a dreadful hit and run? Or something far more sinister?
As Kate does all she can to find the killer, she also tried to comfort Mattie, once her best friend when Kate was still Amish, and they were fourteen. Now Mattie was the grieving widow who’d lost all bar one of her children, and David was badly injured. Kate and her Painter’s Mill team, along with nearby jurisdictional police, searched with a fine toothcomb, but they were frustrated. The killer seemed to be one step ahead – but Katie was determined to find the answers.
Her Last Breath is the 5th in the Kate Burkholder series by Linda Castillo, and it was a brilliant read. Intense, gritty, chilling – plus it was great to have Tomasetti as Kate’s sounding board. Their relationship is gradually becoming a ‘thing’ with Kate still uncertain. The usual police officers are good to catch up with again – Glock is terrific, he often makes me laugh. I’m loving this series on my second way through it, and am looking forward to #6 in July 😊 Recommended.
As Kate does all she can to find the killer, she also tried to comfort Mattie, once her best friend when Kate was still Amish, and they were fourteen. Now Mattie was the grieving widow who’d lost all bar one of her children, and David was badly injured. Kate and her Painter’s Mill team, along with nearby jurisdictional police, searched with a fine toothcomb, but they were frustrated. The killer seemed to be one step ahead – but Katie was determined to find the answers.
Her Last Breath is the 5th in the Kate Burkholder series by Linda Castillo, and it was a brilliant read. Intense, gritty, chilling – plus it was great to have Tomasetti as Kate’s sounding board. Their relationship is gradually becoming a ‘thing’ with Kate still uncertain. The usual police officers are good to catch up with again – Glock is terrific, he often makes me laugh. I’m loving this series on my second way through it, and am looking forward to #6 in July 😊 Recommended.
January 30, 2022
Setting aside the fact that the town of Painters Mill has a crime rate that is beginning to rival Cleveland or Columbus, I’m thoroughly enjoying this look at a tight knit Ohio Amish community, which really isn’t all that different from any other small town.
Jealousy, greed, sloth and all the rest of those top 10 sins can be found among the pastoral farms and charming buggy-driving Plain folk. In every book, we quickly see how their rules and strictures impact some badly.
Luckily, Chief Kate Burkholder knows the ways of the Amish as she herself left the Amish (sect? Community? Religion?) before becoming a police officer. Now the top cop in her hometown, secrets from the past and old loyalties threaten her own sense of being.
Another great installment— despite guessing some of the ending along the way. There are always a few good twists as well as suspenseful scenes when Kate charges in with a vengeance. Good thing she’s got a great crew and an Ohio BCI investigator for back-up.
Another solid mystery!!
Jealousy, greed, sloth and all the rest of those top 10 sins can be found among the pastoral farms and charming buggy-driving Plain folk. In every book, we quickly see how their rules and strictures impact some badly.
Luckily, Chief Kate Burkholder knows the ways of the Amish as she herself left the Amish (sect? Community? Religion?) before becoming a police officer. Now the top cop in her hometown, secrets from the past and old loyalties threaten her own sense of being.
Another great installment— despite guessing some of the ending along the way. There are always a few good twists as well as suspenseful scenes when Kate charges in with a vengeance. Good thing she’s got a great crew and an Ohio BCI investigator for back-up.
Another solid mystery!!
February 23, 2016
Wow! Another Kate Burkholder that had me on the edge of my seat until the end. The death of the Amish father and children of her childhood best friend by hit and run, but so much more. The reappearance of an old crime that is constantly hanging over Kate's head. Her love interest, Tomasetti, buying a house and asking Kate to decide on how she feels about them. It was great how it was all brought together and the suspense/mystery kept me guessing.
If you are looking for a cozy Amish series, this is NOT for you. If you want mystery/suspense/police procedural and a true to life series to read and love, read this series! Kate feels like a friend and I can't wait to see what happens next in her life.
If you are looking for a cozy Amish series, this is NOT for you. If you want mystery/suspense/police procedural and a true to life series to read and love, read this series! Kate feels like a friend and I can't wait to see what happens next in her life.
June 4, 2019
An Amish father and two of his children are killed in a hit and run accident. The driver hit their buggy and then drove away, leaving them to die in the roadway. One child survives. Police Chief Kate Burkholder is horrified, but the case is even more painful for her because the mother of the children is her childhood best friend. Kate swears to her friend Mattie that she will find out who killed her family.
I listened to the audio book version of this story in one day. I couldn't stop listening....the plot was so engrossing and suspenseful that I just had to know who killed an innocent Amish family on their way home from a trip to town. The ending caught me totally by surprise. Excellent! This is by far my favorite book in the series so far. Solid plot. Lots of investigation. And some excellent twists and turns along the way. Loved it!
Her Last Breath is the 5th book in the Kate Burkholder series. The series has 10 books, with the 11th, Shamed, coming out in July. I'm reading my way through the whole series before I tackle my digital ARC of the new book. This series is one of my favorites. Kate Burkholder is intelligent, skilled at her job and driven to protect the people of Painter's Mill. She grew up Amish and left the faith, so she has to deal with that rift quite often. There is a splash of romance in the series as well, but it doesn't over power the main plot.
The audio book, narrated by Kathleen McInerney, is just under 10 hours long. McInerney has a pleasant voice and reads at a nice pace. She gives a great performance! I have hearing loss but was easily able to hear and understand this entire audio book. Nice listening experience!
On to book 6 -- The Dead Will Tell.
I listened to the audio book version of this story in one day. I couldn't stop listening....the plot was so engrossing and suspenseful that I just had to know who killed an innocent Amish family on their way home from a trip to town. The ending caught me totally by surprise. Excellent! This is by far my favorite book in the series so far. Solid plot. Lots of investigation. And some excellent twists and turns along the way. Loved it!
Her Last Breath is the 5th book in the Kate Burkholder series. The series has 10 books, with the 11th, Shamed, coming out in July. I'm reading my way through the whole series before I tackle my digital ARC of the new book. This series is one of my favorites. Kate Burkholder is intelligent, skilled at her job and driven to protect the people of Painter's Mill. She grew up Amish and left the faith, so she has to deal with that rift quite often. There is a splash of romance in the series as well, but it doesn't over power the main plot.
The audio book, narrated by Kathleen McInerney, is just under 10 hours long. McInerney has a pleasant voice and reads at a nice pace. She gives a great performance! I have hearing loss but was easily able to hear and understand this entire audio book. Nice listening experience!
On to book 6 -- The Dead Will Tell.
April 22, 2021
This is an Amish Thriller that as a lot of Suspense in it, and this is the 5th book in the Kate Burkholder series. I have read and review book 1-4.5 before picking this book up. This book is mainly solving what happen in the buggy vs. car wrack that happen in the beginning of this book. There is another case going on that Kate is worried about in the background of this book. I have to say I did not see the twist at the end of this book coming, and it had me saying WOW, What just happen. I loved the suspense in this book so much, and the thriller part was great. This book kept me sitting on the edge of my seat. I really started to love all the characters in this series, but of course we know the most about Kate. Kate is a woman that does not stand down or give up, and I love her so much. I have learned that Linda Castillo likes to put a lot of drama in the ending of her books, and I have to say I think poor Kate is on her last of her 9 lives... lol. (*)
February 26, 2021
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This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 26, 2018
The fifth book in the Kate Burkholder series and this remains one of my favorite current series. The opening of the story is tragic and incredibly sad. An Amish farmer, Paul Borntrager, is returning home with his three children from a clinic in Painters Mill. Paul had stopped to buy the children ice cream cones as a treat. He is anxious to get home as dusk is falling. The children are playing and singing. Paul is cautious as he approaches an intersection. He is aware that the Englischers can be impatient especially with a horse drawn buggy. Suddenly he sees bright headlights and their buggy is t-boned. Paul is thrown. He knows that he is seriously hurt. His only thought is for his children. What happened to them? Are they okay?
Kate Burkholder is working the night shift. It has been a quiet night. She is hoping that something will happen to break the monotony. A bar fight. A domestic dispute. No body hurt. She gets a call from dispatch about a buggy accident. Sounds like a bad one. She is the first official on the scene. The buggy is on it's side and there is debris everywhere. A child's shoe in the roadway. She sees as man on the ground and goes to him and tries to comfort him telling him that help is on the way. She is shocked when he says her name. Paul Borntrager is married to Mattie who was Kate's best friend when she was growing up and still Amish herself. She looks around and sees a little girl. It is too late ... she is dead. Only one of the children has survived and he is rushed to the hospital in critical condition.
Initially the police think that the driver of the vehicle that hit the buggy may have been drunk or perhaps texting while driving, panicked, and took off without stopping to call for help or render aid. But as they collect evidence and reconstruct the accident it appears that this was anything but an accident. Someone apparently deliberately rammed the buggy. Why? Who would want to kill an Amish farmer and deacon? Was this a hate crime?
Since leaving the Amish Kate has not had any close contacts ... including with her childhood friend, Mattie. But the accident causes Kate to revisit her childhood and those innocent days with Mattie. Another incident from Kate's past reappears. The body of Daniel Lapp has been found. If you have not read the other books in the series you should read Sworn to Silence for an explanation of where and how he fits into Kate's life ... although the author seems to bring this up in every Kate Burkholder book. In order to avoid any spoilers I will just say that the discovery causes Kate a lot of anxiety and worry.
There is also the ongoing saga of her relationship with Tomasetti. He has bought a farmhouse that is a "fixer upper" and has taken some vacation time to devote to the project. Kate previously did not jump at the chance when he asked about living together. But Tomasetti hasn't really given up. Or he could sell the farmhouse after he is finished and maybe make a little profit. Or so he tells himself. When she does visit Tomasetti's farmhouse she brings some wine, bread, cheese, and grapes. They sit on the dock fishing before heading indoors. Sounds like the relationship continues to grow.
Overall this was a rather dark story but suspenseful and a page turner. I stayed up to finish this book. I had a pretty good idea who the driver was who killed Paul Borntrager and his children but the author threw in a curve ball that shocked and surprised me. I find myself liking Kate, Tomasetti, Glock, T.J., Mona, et al. more and more and I am looking forward to The Dead Will Tell
Kate Burkholder is working the night shift. It has been a quiet night. She is hoping that something will happen to break the monotony. A bar fight. A domestic dispute. No body hurt. She gets a call from dispatch about a buggy accident. Sounds like a bad one. She is the first official on the scene. The buggy is on it's side and there is debris everywhere. A child's shoe in the roadway. She sees as man on the ground and goes to him and tries to comfort him telling him that help is on the way. She is shocked when he says her name. Paul Borntrager is married to Mattie who was Kate's best friend when she was growing up and still Amish herself. She looks around and sees a little girl. It is too late ... she is dead. Only one of the children has survived and he is rushed to the hospital in critical condition.
Initially the police think that the driver of the vehicle that hit the buggy may have been drunk or perhaps texting while driving, panicked, and took off without stopping to call for help or render aid. But as they collect evidence and reconstruct the accident it appears that this was anything but an accident. Someone apparently deliberately rammed the buggy. Why? Who would want to kill an Amish farmer and deacon? Was this a hate crime?
Since leaving the Amish Kate has not had any close contacts ... including with her childhood friend, Mattie. But the accident causes Kate to revisit her childhood and those innocent days with Mattie. Another incident from Kate's past reappears. The body of Daniel Lapp has been found. If you have not read the other books in the series you should read Sworn to Silence for an explanation of where and how he fits into Kate's life ... although the author seems to bring this up in every Kate Burkholder book. In order to avoid any spoilers I will just say that the discovery causes Kate a lot of anxiety and worry.
There is also the ongoing saga of her relationship with Tomasetti. He has bought a farmhouse that is a "fixer upper" and has taken some vacation time to devote to the project. Kate previously did not jump at the chance when he asked about living together. But Tomasetti hasn't really given up. Or he could sell the farmhouse after he is finished and maybe make a little profit. Or so he tells himself. When she does visit Tomasetti's farmhouse she brings some wine, bread, cheese, and grapes. They sit on the dock fishing before heading indoors. Sounds like the relationship continues to grow.
Overall this was a rather dark story but suspenseful and a page turner. I stayed up to finish this book. I had a pretty good idea who the driver was who killed Paul Borntrager and his children but the author threw in a curve ball that shocked and surprised me. I find myself liking Kate, Tomasetti, Glock, T.J., Mona, et al. more and more and I am looking forward to The Dead Will Tell
November 19, 2021
In this 5th book in the 'Kate Burkholder' series, the Police Chief investigates a hit and run. The book can be read as a standalone, but familiarity with the series is a plus.
*****
In the Amish region of Ohio an Amish man and two of his children are killed in a hit and run incident and Chief of Police Kate Burkholder (formerly Amish) investigates. I enjoyed the book very much up until the end which I thought was overly contrived and not believable.
I also wish the issue of Daniel Lapp's death (killed by Kate when she was 14) would get resolved already. It comes up in every book and in this story feels like it's tacked on just for form's sake.
You can follow my reviews at https://reviewsbybarbsaffer.blogspot....
April 29, 2018
Another great story by Linda Castillo. This is the 5th book in this series and I swear I did not see the ending coming!! Loved this like I do the others she has written. I have always been fascinated with the Amish so maybe that’s why I’m fascinated with this series. I highly recommend this whole series!! Linda Castillo knows how to write awesome books!!!
July 19, 2013
3.5 Kate is a unique characters, she was raised Amish but left the church because there were tenants of their religion she could not agree with. She is now the police chief of the town where she was raised.
In this novel, her personal life is at a crossroads and something from her past rears its ugly head.
She is investigating the hit and run accident of a man, driving in his buggy with his three children, only one survivor. This accident also has a personal connection to Kate.
Kate is a fighter and an interesting character. As an added bonus in this series I learn quite a bit about the Amish and their ways. Good story-lines, plenty of action and a bit of history.
In this novel, her personal life is at a crossroads and something from her past rears its ugly head.
She is investigating the hit and run accident of a man, driving in his buggy with his three children, only one survivor. This accident also has a personal connection to Kate.
Kate is a fighter and an interesting character. As an added bonus in this series I learn quite a bit about the Amish and their ways. Good story-lines, plenty of action and a bit of history.
March 10, 2015
A rainy night, an Amish father returning home with his three children, a speeding car hurtling toward them out of nowhere.
What at first seems like a tragic, but routine car accident suddenly takes on a more sinister cast as evidence emerges that nothing about the crash is accidental. But who would want to kill an Amish deacon and two of his children? He leaves behind a grieving widow and a young boy who clings to life in the intensive care wing of a hospital, unable to communicate. He may be the only one who knows what happened that night. Desperate to find out who killed her best friend’s husband and why, Kate begins to suspect she is not looking for a reckless drunk, but instead is on the trail of a cold blooded killer amid the residents of Painter’s Mill. It is a search that takes her on a chilling journey into the darkest reaches of the human heart and makes her question everything she has ever believed about the Amish culture into which she was born.
Her Last Breath is to me less gory than her previous books, not such brutal murders, but more touching and heartbreaking and shocking.
With also murders in her past come back to haunt her, but a great sub plot with her relationship with Tomasetti growing and adding some humour into the story.
Again and as usual builds up to a gripping and suspenseful and shocking ending.
An easy 4 stars for me.
What at first seems like a tragic, but routine car accident suddenly takes on a more sinister cast as evidence emerges that nothing about the crash is accidental. But who would want to kill an Amish deacon and two of his children? He leaves behind a grieving widow and a young boy who clings to life in the intensive care wing of a hospital, unable to communicate. He may be the only one who knows what happened that night. Desperate to find out who killed her best friend’s husband and why, Kate begins to suspect she is not looking for a reckless drunk, but instead is on the trail of a cold blooded killer amid the residents of Painter’s Mill. It is a search that takes her on a chilling journey into the darkest reaches of the human heart and makes her question everything she has ever believed about the Amish culture into which she was born.
Her Last Breath is to me less gory than her previous books, not such brutal murders, but more touching and heartbreaking and shocking.
With also murders in her past come back to haunt her, but a great sub plot with her relationship with Tomasetti growing and adding some humour into the story.
Again and as usual builds up to a gripping and suspenseful and shocking ending.
An easy 4 stars for me.
January 20, 2021
Another great Kate Burkholder mystery, my favorite one yet! I was kept on the edge of my seat as Kate doggedly persued each clue to find a ruthless killer of a young Amish father and two of his young children in a buggy accident. I cringed at each perilous situation Kate found herself in, not knowing how she would pull through. But Kate is a survivor.
Added to the murder, Kate was facing possible consequences over a cold case from her past. Fortunately she had John Tomasetti to share her burdens with as their relationship heats up.
Looking forward to the next in the series.
4.5 stars.
Added to the murder, Kate was facing possible consequences over a cold case from her past. Fortunately she had John Tomasetti to share her burdens with as their relationship heats up.
Looking forward to the next in the series.
4.5 stars.
March 23, 2017
4.0 Stars
Yet another strong novel in this fantastic mystery series! I was so certain that I had figured out the ending of this one, but Castillo masterfully duped me again. I love her ability to writing engaging stories.
Yet another strong novel in this fantastic mystery series! I was so certain that I had figured out the ending of this one, but Castillo masterfully duped me again. I love her ability to writing engaging stories.
February 6, 2017
Castillo's Kate Burkholder series is a go to for me and she does not disappoint with #5. We return to Painters Mill where Kate is the Chief of Police in a town with a large Amish population. If you can suspend the disbelief that so many horrible crimes take place in this small community then you are in for another intriguing read.
This one hits a bit close to home for the Chief, who grew up Amish in this very town though she has left the faith. I will admit that this one kept me guessing pretty much until the end. I love that the characters of Burkholder and Tomasetti continue to figure out their relationship in each book. I also like the "secret" Kate carries from her Amish past continues to threaten her as well as the family she left behind. Kate is flawed, which makes me root for her even more. All the supporting characters return and are as solid as ever.
Always and enjoyable visit, a good suspense with a few twists and turns.
This one hits a bit close to home for the Chief, who grew up Amish in this very town though she has left the faith. I will admit that this one kept me guessing pretty much until the end. I love that the characters of Burkholder and Tomasetti continue to figure out their relationship in each book. I also like the "secret" Kate carries from her Amish past continues to threaten her as well as the family she left behind. Kate is flawed, which makes me root for her even more. All the supporting characters return and are as solid as ever.
Always and enjoyable visit, a good suspense with a few twists and turns.
July 10, 2021
A buggy with an Amish family is run down by a Truck. Was it an accident? Or evil intention involved?
Kate is running away with solving the case. Her childhood BFF, Mattie's husband was at the helm of the buggy and I really enjoyed the snippets of Mattie & Kate's past. I also really appreciated the development of John & Kate's relationship and seeing the softer side of Tomasetti.
I might need to start spacing these out a bit in between, but I'm still finding the stories interesting and it's nice to continue to meet different people in Painter's Mill.
Kate is running away with solving the case. Her childhood BFF, Mattie's husband was at the helm of the buggy and I really enjoyed the snippets of Mattie & Kate's past. I also really appreciated the development of John & Kate's relationship and seeing the softer side of Tomasetti.
I might need to start spacing these out a bit in between, but I'm still finding the stories interesting and it's nice to continue to meet different people in Painter's Mill.
July 20, 2014
4.5★s
Paul Borntrager was happy – his three children were in the buggy with him and they were heading home to his wife Maggie and dinner after an appointment in Painters Mill. The children had been eating icecream; a treat they looked forward to. As dusk fell Paul felt a little uneasy; the darkness was complete out in the bush and his horse and buggy were no match for the Englischers modern cars. But they weren’t far from home…
Chief of Police Kate Burkholder was shocked when she was first on the scene of the horrific accident. The death of an Amish man and his children affected Katie in a big way and more so this one – she had known this family for a long time, was best friends with the wife when she was a youngster herself. Even though she hadn’t been Amish for a lot of years now, she still knew and appreciated the Amish ways.
But her search for a hit-and-run driver turned up much more than she had bargained for. Was this terrible accident actually murder? As the chilling aspects of what had happened slowly came to light, the danger intensified for Kate. Could she find this evil killer who would murder an Amish family, before it was too late? Or would there be further tragedies?
Another fantastic episode in the Kate Burkholder series! Linda Castillo is amazing…I love this series. The twists and turns are excellent, and the major twist at the end shocked me! I did not suspect it at all. A highly enjoyable psychological thriller which I have no hesitation in recommending.
Paul Borntrager was happy – his three children were in the buggy with him and they were heading home to his wife Maggie and dinner after an appointment in Painters Mill. The children had been eating icecream; a treat they looked forward to. As dusk fell Paul felt a little uneasy; the darkness was complete out in the bush and his horse and buggy were no match for the Englischers modern cars. But they weren’t far from home…
Chief of Police Kate Burkholder was shocked when she was first on the scene of the horrific accident. The death of an Amish man and his children affected Katie in a big way and more so this one – she had known this family for a long time, was best friends with the wife when she was a youngster herself. Even though she hadn’t been Amish for a lot of years now, she still knew and appreciated the Amish ways.
But her search for a hit-and-run driver turned up much more than she had bargained for. Was this terrible accident actually murder? As the chilling aspects of what had happened slowly came to light, the danger intensified for Kate. Could she find this evil killer who would murder an Amish family, before it was too late? Or would there be further tragedies?
Another fantastic episode in the Kate Burkholder series! Linda Castillo is amazing…I love this series. The twists and turns are excellent, and the major twist at the end shocked me! I did not suspect it at all. A highly enjoyable psychological thriller which I have no hesitation in recommending.
September 1, 2016
Another great Kate Burkholder installment in the Amish crime thriller series.
November 12, 2014
A man and three young children in a horse drawn buggy didn’t have chance against a Ford F-250, especially one going 80 miles an hour – in the dark – with no headlights. Hit and run. Chief Kate Burkholder was sickened as she came upon the scene. How could someone simply leave a father and his kids to die?
As in her previous books set in Painter’s Mill, Ohio, Linda Castillo’s Kate Burkholder had ties to the Amish victims. This time, the widow was a childhood friend, and Kate had the difficult task of giving her the terrible news. However, the youngest boy survived the crash, and perhaps he saw something that can provide a clue to what really happened.
Bits of evidence found at the scene and follow-up information suggested that it wasn’t an accident caused by a drunk driver but something more sinister. Who would have a reason to want Paul Borntrager dead? Could his wife and son still be in danger?
Then there was the ongoing saga of Kate’s love affair with Agent John Tomasetti. Kate, ever the queen of evasion, managed to sidestep Tomasetti’s questions about their relationship throughout most of the book, until he finally just got mad. Book six, I think, will bring some real progress, or Ms. Castillo may lose some readers.
The skeleton in the closet – or grain elevator – reared its ugly head again. It led to some heart-pounding moments, as Kate feared discovery of her long-hidden secret concerning Daniel Lapp. This, too, needs to be resolved soon so that Kate can move on with her life without constantly looking over her shoulder. Castillo is slowly building toward resolution of this predicament; I hope it comes in The Dead Will Tell.
What I liked about Her Last Breath was that focus was mainly on the one crime. Other than Kate’s ongoing personal issues, there were not a lot of confusing side issues. There were neither multiple homicides to be solved nor a plethora of characters to keep track of. While I had my suspicions, I did not quite figure out the ins and outs of the murder; I always appreciate a clever, skillfully concocted plot.
Yes, Kate did get herself into some deep water at the end, and those events with the killer did stretch believability somewhat, but even so, I enjoyed the tension it added.
I always look forward to reading another Kate Burkholder thriller, and this was no exception. In fact, it was one of my favorites so far. I highly recommend Her Last Breath, but it is best to read the series in order.
4-1/2 stars
As in her previous books set in Painter’s Mill, Ohio, Linda Castillo’s Kate Burkholder had ties to the Amish victims. This time, the widow was a childhood friend, and Kate had the difficult task of giving her the terrible news. However, the youngest boy survived the crash, and perhaps he saw something that can provide a clue to what really happened.
Bits of evidence found at the scene and follow-up information suggested that it wasn’t an accident caused by a drunk driver but something more sinister. Who would have a reason to want Paul Borntrager dead? Could his wife and son still be in danger?
Then there was the ongoing saga of Kate’s love affair with Agent John Tomasetti. Kate, ever the queen of evasion, managed to sidestep Tomasetti’s questions about their relationship throughout most of the book, until he finally just got mad. Book six, I think, will bring some real progress, or Ms. Castillo may lose some readers.
The skeleton in the closet – or grain elevator – reared its ugly head again. It led to some heart-pounding moments, as Kate feared discovery of her long-hidden secret concerning Daniel Lapp. This, too, needs to be resolved soon so that Kate can move on with her life without constantly looking over her shoulder. Castillo is slowly building toward resolution of this predicament; I hope it comes in The Dead Will Tell.
What I liked about Her Last Breath was that focus was mainly on the one crime. Other than Kate’s ongoing personal issues, there were not a lot of confusing side issues. There were neither multiple homicides to be solved nor a plethora of characters to keep track of. While I had my suspicions, I did not quite figure out the ins and outs of the murder; I always appreciate a clever, skillfully concocted plot.
Yes, Kate did get herself into some deep water at the end, and those events with the killer did stretch believability somewhat, but even so, I enjoyed the tension it added.
I always look forward to reading another Kate Burkholder thriller, and this was no exception. In fact, it was one of my favorites so far. I highly recommend Her Last Breath, but it is best to read the series in order.
4-1/2 stars
February 26, 2016
Her Last Breath
4 Stars
When an apparent hit-and-run accident involving an Amish buggy is revealed to be a more sinister and deliberate act of violence, Painter’s Mill police chief, Kate Burkholder, finds herself on the trail of a cold-blooded and devious killer who will stop at nothing to satisfy their darker desires.
Although the story is not as fast moving and lacks the grittier details of the first few installments, it is nonetheless an intriguing mystery about the lengths to which a person will go in order to get what they want. While the overall motive for the crime is obvious from the start, the identity of the culprit is a somewhat of a surprise. Moreover, the climax is one of the more gripping and intense in the series and there are several moments where the outcome and Kate’s fate are not certain at all.
The developments in Kate’s personal life are another highlight as the secrets of her past come to light and she faces some difficult choices with regard to the future of her relationship with John Tomasetti.
Kathleen McInnerny’s narration is incredible as always and it is impossible imagine the characters with anyone else’s voice.
Looking forward to the next one.
4 Stars
When an apparent hit-and-run accident involving an Amish buggy is revealed to be a more sinister and deliberate act of violence, Painter’s Mill police chief, Kate Burkholder, finds herself on the trail of a cold-blooded and devious killer who will stop at nothing to satisfy their darker desires.
Although the story is not as fast moving and lacks the grittier details of the first few installments, it is nonetheless an intriguing mystery about the lengths to which a person will go in order to get what they want. While the overall motive for the crime is obvious from the start, the identity of the culprit is a somewhat of a surprise. Moreover, the climax is one of the more gripping and intense in the series and there are several moments where the outcome and Kate’s fate are not certain at all.
The developments in Kate’s personal life are another highlight as the secrets of her past come to light and she faces some difficult choices with regard to the future of her relationship with John Tomasetti.
Kathleen McInnerny’s narration is incredible as always and it is impossible imagine the characters with anyone else’s voice.
Looking forward to the next one.
February 26, 2021
4.5 A crime story built on particular Amish family. It slowly comes out the a refreshed Amish mother with 3 special need children: is prepared to organize for all of them
. . And with the local doctor whose interest is in genetic disorders. Her Mattie is a girl extraordinary beauty.
Meanwhile a murder I'd discovered
. . And with the local doctor whose interest is in genetic disorders. Her Mattie is a girl extraordinary beauty.
Meanwhile a murder I'd discovered
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 9, 2015
Linda Castillo gets better with each book. A great ending. Can't wait for the next one.
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