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Kate Burkholder #10
Brennendes Grab
Eine brennende Scheune wird zur tödlichen Falle: Wer hasste den 18-jährigen Daniel Gingrich so sehr, dass er ihn bei lebendigem Leib verbrannte?
Die Nachricht von der brennenden Scheune auf der Gingrich-Farm geht spät am Abend ein. Kate Burkholder macht sich sofort auf den Weg, die Feuerwehr ist alarmiert. Was zunächst nach Brandstiftung aussieht, entpuppt sich aber nach dem Fund einer männlichen Leiche als brutaler Mordfall.
Der 18-jährige Sohn der Familie Gingrich wurde bei lebendigem Leib verbrannt. Er starb eingeschlossen in einer brennenden Scheune. Daniel galt als tüchtig, freundlich und zuverlässig. Doch die Ermittlungen bringen auch eine dunkle Seite von ihm ans Licht. Eine Seite, von der die amische Gemeinde nichts wissen will, nur hinter vorgehaltener Hand wird getuschelt. Als Kate Burkholder den Dingen auf den Grund geht, finden sich plötzlich mehr Verdächtige, als ihr lieb ist. Jemand muss Daniel Gingrich grenzenlos gehasst haben. So sehr, dass er ihn in die Scheune lockte und sie anschließend anzündete.
Die Nachricht von der brennenden Scheune auf der Gingrich-Farm geht spät am Abend ein. Kate Burkholder macht sich sofort auf den Weg, die Feuerwehr ist alarmiert. Was zunächst nach Brandstiftung aussieht, entpuppt sich aber nach dem Fund einer männlichen Leiche als brutaler Mordfall.
Der 18-jährige Sohn der Familie Gingrich wurde bei lebendigem Leib verbrannt. Er starb eingeschlossen in einer brennenden Scheune. Daniel galt als tüchtig, freundlich und zuverlässig. Doch die Ermittlungen bringen auch eine dunkle Seite von ihm ans Licht. Eine Seite, von der die amische Gemeinde nichts wissen will, nur hinter vorgehaltener Hand wird getuschelt. Als Kate Burkholder den Dingen auf den Grund geht, finden sich plötzlich mehr Verdächtige, als ihr lieb ist. Jemand muss Daniel Gingrich grenzenlos gehasst haben. So sehr, dass er ihn in die Scheune lockte und sie anschließend anzündete.
352 pages, Paperback
First published July 10, 2018
1896 people are currently reading
5195 people want to read
About the author
Linda Castillo
97 books6,511 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 1,618 reviews
July 10, 2018
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️dazzling stars
What a fantastic addition to one of my favorite series!
Set in Ohio Amish Country, Kate Burkholder is the Chief of police of bucolic, Painters Mill. Born into a traditional Amish lifestyle, she moved away long ago to live an English life for “personal reasons.”
Kate has just responded to a barn fire on the property of an Amish family. But with the last ember extinguished, the trouble is just beginning. A body is discovered locked in the tack room.
Identified as 18 year-old Danny Gingrich, his whole life should have been ahead of him. A young man everyone loved and couldn’t say enough good things about. But as Kate digs deeper to determine why Danny was locked in the barn, secrets begin bubbling to the surface. Disturbing secrets that there may have been a very different side to Danny, cleverly hidden from most everyone.
This case is about to open up old wounds for Kate that she may not be ready to deal with.
Linda Castillo always manages to create the perfect balance between a suspenseful mystery and Kate’s personal life. One of the added bonuses for me as well, is that with each book I learn just a bit more about the Amish culture. Fascinating.
I can’t recommend this series enough! This book stands firmly on its own, but I would highly recommend starting at the beginning! Now I’m left waiting for Linda Castillo to release the next in the series. Linda...please hurry!!
Thank you to St. Martin’s Press, NetGalley and Linda Castillo for my advanced copy to read and review.
What a fantastic addition to one of my favorite series!
Set in Ohio Amish Country, Kate Burkholder is the Chief of police of bucolic, Painters Mill. Born into a traditional Amish lifestyle, she moved away long ago to live an English life for “personal reasons.”
Kate has just responded to a barn fire on the property of an Amish family. But with the last ember extinguished, the trouble is just beginning. A body is discovered locked in the tack room.
Identified as 18 year-old Danny Gingrich, his whole life should have been ahead of him. A young man everyone loved and couldn’t say enough good things about. But as Kate digs deeper to determine why Danny was locked in the barn, secrets begin bubbling to the surface. Disturbing secrets that there may have been a very different side to Danny, cleverly hidden from most everyone.
This case is about to open up old wounds for Kate that she may not be ready to deal with.
Linda Castillo always manages to create the perfect balance between a suspenseful mystery and Kate’s personal life. One of the added bonuses for me as well, is that with each book I learn just a bit more about the Amish culture. Fascinating.
I can’t recommend this series enough! This book stands firmly on its own, but I would highly recommend starting at the beginning! Now I’m left waiting for Linda Castillo to release the next in the series. Linda...please hurry!!
Thank you to St. Martin’s Press, NetGalley and Linda Castillo for my advanced copy to read and review.
September 12, 2018
A Gathering of Secrets by Linda Castillo is a 2018 Minotaur Books publication.
This latest installment in the Kate Burkholder series begins with a ghastly fire, deliberately set, which kills a young man everyone in the Amish community appeared to think very highly of.
But, as Kate begins investigating the murder, she discovers the victim was not at all the type of person he appeared to be on the surface. But, getting anyone in the Amish community to speak up is like running right into a brick wall. However, the initial crime has had a domino effect, revealing a very dark side of the Amish community, along with more death and terrible heartbreak.
This case is very hard on Kate from a moral and professional standpoint, as her own personal experiences bring back difficult memories. While the Amish community is always prominently featured in this series, this novel explores other ways in which the Amish tend to close ranks.
Certain crimes are handled in a way that places the blame at the victim’s feet. As I bristled at this attitude, it occurred to me that sadly, the modern world’s attitude is not all that much different, in this regard, than that of the Amish. Those same exact thoughts permeate our society, as victims are often doubted, questioned, or blamed, accused of having brought it all on themselves in one way or another.
This installment is dark, edgy, and very thought provoking. There are a couple of white-knuckle moments of suspense and some moments where Kate, and most likely the reader, as well, will question the exact letter of the law. But, for levity we have Tomasetti, Kate’s fiancé, on hand to keep things in perspective.
I thought this was one of the strongest chapters in this series, so far. The personal and professional lines are well-drawn and balanced. Kate’s relationship with Tomasetti is at an all time high, which is so satisfying to me. There were so many cute and tender moments between the couple in this story, which helped to offset the serious nature of the crimes and the horrifying consequences that followed.
Overall, fans of this series will not want to miss this latest installment and will be very happy with the quality of this story and Castillo’s incredible writing skill. Those who have not jumped aboard the Burkholder train, feel free to hop right on. You can easily follow this story, even if you have not read the previous installments.
5 stars
This latest installment in the Kate Burkholder series begins with a ghastly fire, deliberately set, which kills a young man everyone in the Amish community appeared to think very highly of.
But, as Kate begins investigating the murder, she discovers the victim was not at all the type of person he appeared to be on the surface. But, getting anyone in the Amish community to speak up is like running right into a brick wall. However, the initial crime has had a domino effect, revealing a very dark side of the Amish community, along with more death and terrible heartbreak.
This case is very hard on Kate from a moral and professional standpoint, as her own personal experiences bring back difficult memories. While the Amish community is always prominently featured in this series, this novel explores other ways in which the Amish tend to close ranks.
Certain crimes are handled in a way that places the blame at the victim’s feet. As I bristled at this attitude, it occurred to me that sadly, the modern world’s attitude is not all that much different, in this regard, than that of the Amish. Those same exact thoughts permeate our society, as victims are often doubted, questioned, or blamed, accused of having brought it all on themselves in one way or another.
This installment is dark, edgy, and very thought provoking. There are a couple of white-knuckle moments of suspense and some moments where Kate, and most likely the reader, as well, will question the exact letter of the law. But, for levity we have Tomasetti, Kate’s fiancé, on hand to keep things in perspective.
I thought this was one of the strongest chapters in this series, so far. The personal and professional lines are well-drawn and balanced. Kate’s relationship with Tomasetti is at an all time high, which is so satisfying to me. There were so many cute and tender moments between the couple in this story, which helped to offset the serious nature of the crimes and the horrifying consequences that followed.
Overall, fans of this series will not want to miss this latest installment and will be very happy with the quality of this story and Castillo’s incredible writing skill. Those who have not jumped aboard the Burkholder train, feel free to hop right on. You can easily follow this story, even if you have not read the previous installments.
5 stars
April 16, 2019
David Gingerich turns up missing and is nowhere to be found.. Kate Burkholder receives a call from graveyard dispatcher Mona Kurtz who just received a call for a barn fire out at the Gingerich house. Kate Burkholder and Tomasetti go out and investigate. One side of the bank barn is engulfed in flames. The fire is so large, they could see an orange glow above the treetops a mile away. The structure had major damage. Yellow flames shot forty feet in the air. They found two horses and calves out in the pasture behind the barn. Someone released the livestock from the barn. Then they find the dead remains of a body, to find out that it is a body of an 18 year old, Daniel Gingerich-buried alive. They first think that its an accident. but Kate then suspects murder and arson.
Who would want a hard working Amish man, dead? Is this peaceful religious community conspiring to hide a truth no one wants to talk about? Kate doubles down only to discover a plethora of secrets and a chilling series of crimes that shatters everything she thought she knew about her Amish roots and herself.
I cant believe that I forgot to review this one. I read it a year ago and lucky I had notes in my kindle.
This was a five star read for me and after reviewing my notes the story came back to me like I just read it yesterday. Its a memorable one.
I just love this series! This is the tenth book in the Kate Burkholder series. 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 Shamed very soon. Its already on Netgalley 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.
May 23, 2018
A barn burns down, a young Amish man's body found within. Who had reason to cause the death of this young man, and why when from everyone Chief Kate Burkholder talks to all she hears is good things. Eventually this case will bring Kate to close to comfort to things in her own past. Can see remain neutal enough to see justice done?
Tenth in series and so far this series remains strong, and best of all Kates personal life actually changes, instead of remaining stagnant. This is one of the series that I will put anything else I am reading, down and just concentrate on this story. The inside glimpses and beliefs of the Amish community is insightful and interesting. Also enjoy the strong community and loyalty among Kate's officers. This case will take a few turns before coming to a satisfyingly though sad conclusion. Well written, and always a nice balance between crime and personal, thrilling without being horrible graphic. One of my top ten series.
ARC from Netgalley.
Tenth in series and so far this series remains strong, and best of all Kates personal life actually changes, instead of remaining stagnant. This is one of the series that I will put anything else I am reading, down and just concentrate on this story. The inside glimpses and beliefs of the Amish community is insightful and interesting. Also enjoy the strong community and loyalty among Kate's officers. This case will take a few turns before coming to a satisfyingly though sad conclusion. Well written, and always a nice balance between crime and personal, thrilling without being horrible graphic. One of my top ten series.
ARC from Netgalley.
January 1, 2024
Kate investigates a barn fire and becomes enmeshed in a case with parallels to her traumatic teen years. We listened to this audio book while exploring western Pennsylvania. Saw a store called Burkholder's and Amish in their buggies. Really contributed to our book experience. My husband is retired from law enforcement and declared Kate a "hot mess." She does seem to lose her gun once per book and also get trapped or injured by a suspect quite frequently. We still enjoyed trying to guess the outcome. On to Book 11.
June 22, 2018
I’ve been a fan of this series since the first book. And once again, Linda Castillo does not disappoint.
The book grabs you from the get go. A young Amish girl commits suicide. Six months later, a young Amish man is trapped in a barn that someone sets on fire. Kate finds herself stymied as she tries to investigate the arson. The Amish aren’t known for wanting interaction with the English, especially with the police.
Castillo does a great job of explaining the Amish beliefs, especially concerning death and God’s will. In fact, one of the joys of this series is Castillo’s ability to show the dynamics of the two cultures interacting.
And we continue to see the relationship between Kate and Tomasetti develop. Kate is one of the more fully developed characters you’ll find in a mystery series.
This is a well done, timely book that I can recommend. It’s not necessary to read these in order if you’re new to the series, but it does give you much more depth to the relationship with Tomasetti.
My thanks to netgalley and Minotaur Books for an advance copy of this book.
December 1, 2021
In this tenth book in the 'Kate Burkholder' series, Kate - the Chief of Police in Painters Mill, Ohio -investigates the arson death of a young man. The book can be read as a standalone.
*****
The Amish community of Painters Mill, Ohio seems serene, but there's trouble brewing beneath the surface. First, 17-year-old Emma Miller wakes up one morning, does her chores, then hangs herself. Six months later, 18-year-old Daniel Gingerich sneaks out to the barn expecting a midnight tryst. Instead, Daniel is locked in the tack room and burned to death.
When Police Chief Kate Burkholder starts investigating Danny's death she learns that the tack room door was not only locked from the outside, but blockaded with hay bales and a wheelbarrow. Who would do such a thing? Interviews with Danny's family, close friends, and employers provide few clues, since everyone says Danny was a great guy and a good worker.
Further inquiries, however, reveal that Danny had a wild streak, and had taken advantage of being on Rumspringa to drink whiskey and buy a car. Danny also liked to attend Amish singings (gatherings of teens), and often invited Amish girls to attend with him. Danny was an amiable fellow and had little trouble luring girls into his orbit.....and not only at singings.
Kate suspects that Danny's eye for the ladies may have led to his death, but inquiries among the Amish go nowhere. The Amish seem to live by the aphorism, "see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil", and zip their lips. 😑
Moreover, Kate - having been raised Amish before she left the fold - knows that Amish people hide their heads in the sand when it comes to sexual abuse/rape of women. Their first reaction is, 'it doesn't happen', and their second response is, 'if it happens, it's the woman's fault.' NOTHING could be worse for victimized young girls.
Much of the book is a police procedural, following Kate and her police officers as they question persons of interest, gather clues, study CCTV footage, look into anonymous tips, and so on. Lucky for Kate, her boyfriend John Tomasetti is an agent for the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation, and his help is invaluable - especially his connections with fingerprint experts and the like.
As evidence accrues, Kate is reminded of an incident in her past - one so traumatic that it led her to abandon the Amish community. (This issue crops up often in the series, and I for one wish it would be put to rest already.)
There's also some excitement in the novel, and - at one point - Kate is lured into a deadly situation and has to make a 'shots fired' call.
Fair enough, since this couldn't be anticipated. It bothers me though, that Kate later waltzes into ANOTHER dangerous predicament.....without backup. I wouldn't go so far as to say Kate is TSTL, but really girl - you need to learn from your experiences!! 🙄
During the police probe, deep secrets are revealed and more deaths ensue. In the end, Kate figures out exactly what happened, and it's a sad story all around.....one made worse by everyone's silence.
I enjoy the series' tidbits about Amish society, and I like that Kate uses Pennsylvania Dutch when she speaks to Amish people. (I have a smattering of German - which is a similar language - and I like to try to suss out the meaning before I read the translation.) In this story, we also learn a little about two different Amish sects: the Swartzentruber Amish - which is very strict....
.....and the Beachy Amish - which is more liberal.
The story is a compelling page-turner, but the novels in the series are becoming too formulaic (IMO). The pattern goes as follows: there's a crime among the Amish population but no one wants to talk to the police....which usually results in additional trouble. I'd love to see something a little different in future books.
Still, I'd recommend the book to readers who like 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....
July 8, 2018
4 stars
This is book 10 in the Kate Burkholder series. The prologue has a teenage Amish girl committing suicide. Chapter 1 shows a teenage Amish boy getting burned alive. Kate is called to the scene of a barn fire. The mother and father are frantically looking for their missing son, Daniel Gingerich. A body is discovered in the burned out barn and is soon identified as Daniel. The fire is classified as arson. Kate and her 3 officers investigate. The book skillfully shows Kate uncovering secrets, like peeling back an onion, as she discovers the suicide and Daniel are connected. The Amish do not trust the outside world, and getting cooperation is difficult, but Kate does solve the case, with an ending that leaves no one satisfied, least of all Kate. But the ending does tie up all the threads and Pennsylvania Dutch/Amish words are always translated, giving the reader insight into Amish life.
I read this book in 2 days and strongly recommend this series.
I live in Western New York state, where soda is called "pop.' Evidently it is also called pop in Northeastern Ohio.
Thanks to my friend Susan who sent me this book. After she sent it to me, Minotaur books approved my pending request on NetGalley, so I had a e ARC copy also. Thanks also to Minotaur books.
This is book 10 in the Kate Burkholder series. The prologue has a teenage Amish girl committing suicide. Chapter 1 shows a teenage Amish boy getting burned alive. Kate is called to the scene of a barn fire. The mother and father are frantically looking for their missing son, Daniel Gingerich. A body is discovered in the burned out barn and is soon identified as Daniel. The fire is classified as arson. Kate and her 3 officers investigate. The book skillfully shows Kate uncovering secrets, like peeling back an onion, as she discovers the suicide and Daniel are connected. The Amish do not trust the outside world, and getting cooperation is difficult, but Kate does solve the case, with an ending that leaves no one satisfied, least of all Kate. But the ending does tie up all the threads and Pennsylvania Dutch/Amish words are always translated, giving the reader insight into Amish life.
I read this book in 2 days and strongly recommend this series.
I live in Western New York state, where soda is called "pop.' Evidently it is also called pop in Northeastern Ohio.
Thanks to my friend Susan who sent me this book. After she sent it to me, Minotaur books approved my pending request on NetGalley, so I had a e ARC copy also. Thanks also to Minotaur books.
March 8, 2022
Probably the best in the series so far, for me anyway!
I thought the story opened well and was instantly intriguing. The author introduced a massive red herring and then appeared to have forgotten all about it until the end. I was sitting there saying "but-but - but" and she dealt with it on the last page.
This time round I was happy with the joy in Kate's relationship with Tomasetti and felt that they are dealing with their issues. There was a little happy bonus but I won't go there as it would be a spoiler.
Kate did not blunder forth into danger in this book either although she did get there anyway.
All good and I loved it. Hope the next one lives up to this!
I thought the story opened well and was instantly intriguing. The author introduced a massive red herring and then appeared to have forgotten all about it until the end. I was sitting there saying "but-but - but" and she dealt with it on the last page.
This time round I was happy with the joy in Kate's relationship with Tomasetti and felt that they are dealing with their issues. There was a little happy bonus but I won't go there as it would be a spoiler.
Kate did not blunder forth into danger in this book either although she did get there anyway.
All good and I loved it. Hope the next one lives up to this!
June 9, 2020
4 Stars
A Barn Fire. A Teenage Amish Boy Lured inside. Premeditated Murder.
Kate Burkholder is called to investigate. Daniel Gingerich was known as a good, hardworking Amish Boy, yet someone wanted him dead. The question is why.
Nothing is as it seems as Kate Burkholder is about to discover. Daniel Gingerich was not the sweet, kind, innocent boy he purported himself to be. Turns out that several people disliked him immensely. Dislike is actually not a strong enough word and they have a very good reason.
What is Kate to do when she discovers the truth?
A powerful, dark, dangerous, thrill ride. “A Gathering of Secrets” packs an emotional punch between the gritty, heart wrenching suspenseful storyline and the personal relationship between Kate and Tomasetti. Well Done Linda Castillo!
Thank you to my local library for loaning me the audiobook, narrated by the brilliant Kathleen McInerney.
Published on Goodreads on 6.9.20.
A Barn Fire. A Teenage Amish Boy Lured inside. Premeditated Murder.
Kate Burkholder is called to investigate. Daniel Gingerich was known as a good, hardworking Amish Boy, yet someone wanted him dead. The question is why.
Nothing is as it seems as Kate Burkholder is about to discover. Daniel Gingerich was not the sweet, kind, innocent boy he purported himself to be. Turns out that several people disliked him immensely. Dislike is actually not a strong enough word and they have a very good reason.
What is Kate to do when she discovers the truth?
A powerful, dark, dangerous, thrill ride. “A Gathering of Secrets” packs an emotional punch between the gritty, heart wrenching suspenseful storyline and the personal relationship between Kate and Tomasetti. Well Done Linda Castillo!
Thank you to my local library for loaning me the audiobook, narrated by the brilliant Kathleen McInerney.
Published on Goodreads on 6.9.20.
May 31, 2019
Chief of Police Kate Burkholder was thrust into a case so evil, she and her off-siders were shocked. The fire at the barn in which they found eighteen-year-old Daniel Gingerich’s body was deemed no accident. His parents and three sisters were grief stricken that their son, who was a good Amish boy, had died. But Kate needed to find out why and how. But the more she investigated, the more answers she needed. The secrets were buried deeply – could she dig them up? Or was the Amish way of keeping things close to their chests going to stop Kate?
A Gathering of Secrets is the 10th in the Kate Burkholder series, and just as brilliantly written as the first nine! Linda Castillo is an immediate pick up for me. Kate is a tough, resilient character and her relationship with Tomasetti is strengthening with each book, allowing her softer side to emerge occasionally. The twists and chilling nature of this one is up there with the best and I flew through the pages. Highly recommended.
A Gathering of Secrets is the 10th in the Kate Burkholder series, and just as brilliantly written as the first nine! Linda Castillo is an immediate pick up for me. Kate is a tough, resilient character and her relationship with Tomasetti is strengthening with each book, allowing her softer side to emerge occasionally. The twists and chilling nature of this one is up there with the best and I flew through the pages. Highly recommended.
April 14, 2021
EXCERPT: She didn't sleep. Hadn't slept through the night in a long time. There was too much darkness, not the kind that was restful. At dawn, when her mamm peeked into her bedroom and told her it was time to feed the animals and get ready for worship, she was already awake, waiting. Ready.
Ever the obedient daughter, she pulled on her dress, tugged her hair into a bun, and covered her head with her kapp. Stepping into her winter tights and sneakers, she left her room and took the steps down to the living room. She avoided the kitchen where she could hear her mamm clanging breakfast dishes and frying sausage, and went out through the side door and into the cold. The morning was wet and gray, drizzle floating down from a sky the colour of iron. Once in the barn, she tossed hay to the horses, filled their water buckets, dumped scratch into the chicken feeder, and gathered six brown eggs.
She'd never lied to her parents. Not once in all of her seventeen years. But when Mamm told her to get cleaned up for worship, she complained that she'd been sick and throwing up half the night. Mamm wasn't pleased that she would miss such an important day. But what could she say?
Morning chores complete, she went back to her room and lay down on her bed. She stared at the ceiling and listened to the sounds of the house. The voices of her younger siblings. The scrape of silverware against plates. The silence while the gebet nach dem essen or prayer after meal was recited. The slamming of the door when her datt went out to harness the buggy horse. The pound of feet on the wood floor when the little ones went out to help.
Oh, how she would miss them.
ABOUT 'A GATHERING OF SECRETS': When a historic barn burns to the ground in the middle of the night, Chief of Police Kate Burkholder is called in to investigate. At first, it looks like an accident, but when the body of eighteen-year-old Daniel Gingerich is found inside—burned alive—Kate suspects murder. Who would want a well-liked, hardworking young Amish man dead?
Kate delves into the investigation only to find herself stonewalled by the community to which she once belonged. Is their silence a result of the Amish tenet of separation? Or is this peaceful and deeply religious community conspiring to hide a truth no one wants to talk about? Kate doubles down only to discover a plethora of secrets and a chilling series of crimes that shatters everything she thought she knew about her Amish roots—and herself.
As Kate wades through a sea of suspects, she’s confronted by her own violent past and an unthinkable possibility.
MY THOUGHTS: I enjoy this series based around an ex-Amish Chief of Police, Kate Burkholder. This is the tenth of the series, and although they all basically follow the same formula - a crime is committed, usually against an Amish person/family, and Kate has her work cut out for her investigating it as no one wants to talk to her. She endangers her own life in the process, but by combining forces with John Tomasetti, her not so secret lover and agent with the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation, she solves the case. As I said, although they basically all follow the same formula, Castillo manages to keep the writing fresh and interesting, with no two cases alike. I have yet to guess the identity of the killer/s before Kate.
There are plenty of twists and turns in this very unusual and heartwrenching case that gets very personal for Kate. While the resolution left me stunned, part of me was also cheering on the perpetrator. It's one of those moral dilemmas - which was the greater wrong?
Kathleen McInerney does, as always, a wonderful job of narrating A Gathering of Secrets.
I am always eagerly awaiting the release of the next book in the series, and I certainly hope that #11 is not too far away.
⭐⭐⭐⭐.3
#AGatheringOfSecrets #lindacastilloauthor #MacmillanAudio
@LindaCastillo11 @MacmillanAudio
#amishfiction #audiobook #contemporaryfiction #crime #detectivefiction #murdermystery
THE AUTHOR: In addition to writing, Castillo’s other passion is horses, particularly her appaloosa George. She lives in Texas with her husband and is currently at work on her next novel.
DISCLOSURE: I listened to the audiobook of A Gathering of Secrets written by Linda Castillo, narrated by Kathleen McInerney, and published by Macmillan Audio via Overdrive and Libby. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
For an explanation of my rating system please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the about page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com
This review and others are also published on Twitter, Instagram, and my webpage https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
Ever the obedient daughter, she pulled on her dress, tugged her hair into a bun, and covered her head with her kapp. Stepping into her winter tights and sneakers, she left her room and took the steps down to the living room. She avoided the kitchen where she could hear her mamm clanging breakfast dishes and frying sausage, and went out through the side door and into the cold. The morning was wet and gray, drizzle floating down from a sky the colour of iron. Once in the barn, she tossed hay to the horses, filled their water buckets, dumped scratch into the chicken feeder, and gathered six brown eggs.
She'd never lied to her parents. Not once in all of her seventeen years. But when Mamm told her to get cleaned up for worship, she complained that she'd been sick and throwing up half the night. Mamm wasn't pleased that she would miss such an important day. But what could she say?
Morning chores complete, she went back to her room and lay down on her bed. She stared at the ceiling and listened to the sounds of the house. The voices of her younger siblings. The scrape of silverware against plates. The silence while the gebet nach dem essen or prayer after meal was recited. The slamming of the door when her datt went out to harness the buggy horse. The pound of feet on the wood floor when the little ones went out to help.
Oh, how she would miss them.
ABOUT 'A GATHERING OF SECRETS': When a historic barn burns to the ground in the middle of the night, Chief of Police Kate Burkholder is called in to investigate. At first, it looks like an accident, but when the body of eighteen-year-old Daniel Gingerich is found inside—burned alive—Kate suspects murder. Who would want a well-liked, hardworking young Amish man dead?
Kate delves into the investigation only to find herself stonewalled by the community to which she once belonged. Is their silence a result of the Amish tenet of separation? Or is this peaceful and deeply religious community conspiring to hide a truth no one wants to talk about? Kate doubles down only to discover a plethora of secrets and a chilling series of crimes that shatters everything she thought she knew about her Amish roots—and herself.
As Kate wades through a sea of suspects, she’s confronted by her own violent past and an unthinkable possibility.
MY THOUGHTS: I enjoy this series based around an ex-Amish Chief of Police, Kate Burkholder. This is the tenth of the series, and although they all basically follow the same formula - a crime is committed, usually against an Amish person/family, and Kate has her work cut out for her investigating it as no one wants to talk to her. She endangers her own life in the process, but by combining forces with John Tomasetti, her not so secret lover and agent with the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation, she solves the case. As I said, although they basically all follow the same formula, Castillo manages to keep the writing fresh and interesting, with no two cases alike. I have yet to guess the identity of the killer/s before Kate.
There are plenty of twists and turns in this very unusual and heartwrenching case that gets very personal for Kate. While the resolution left me stunned, part of me was also cheering on the perpetrator. It's one of those moral dilemmas - which was the greater wrong?
Kathleen McInerney does, as always, a wonderful job of narrating A Gathering of Secrets.
I am always eagerly awaiting the release of the next book in the series, and I certainly hope that #11 is not too far away.
⭐⭐⭐⭐.3
#AGatheringOfSecrets #lindacastilloauthor #MacmillanAudio
@LindaCastillo11 @MacmillanAudio
#amishfiction #audiobook #contemporaryfiction #crime #detectivefiction #murdermystery
THE AUTHOR: In addition to writing, Castillo’s other passion is horses, particularly her appaloosa George. She lives in Texas with her husband and is currently at work on her next novel.
DISCLOSURE: I listened to the audiobook of A Gathering of Secrets written by Linda Castillo, narrated by Kathleen McInerney, and published by Macmillan Audio via Overdrive and Libby. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
For an explanation of my rating system please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the about page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com
This review and others are also published on Twitter, Instagram, and my webpage https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
March 31, 2022
Police Chief Kate Burkholder is investigating a barn fire at the home of the Amish Gingerich family when they discover the remains of their missing eighteen year old son, Daniel. It’s soon determined to be arson and, even worse, someone deliberately trapped him in the barn. Daniel was hard working and well liked so Kate has to work to find out who hated him so much to want him to die in such a cruel and painful way. As she pursues the case, it soon becomes apparent that there was a darker side to him.
The story opens with Daniel’s death, told from his point of view, and it was jarring. Imagining dying in a fire is bad enough but it was a vicarious experience in that moment. It also made me extremely sympathetic to Daniel, which I needed as Kate discovered what was obviously his true nature, reinforcing that no matter his behavior his murder was a crime. It also triggered Kate’s traumatic past as she was forced to confront Amish behaviors that left their young women vulnerable and subject to abuse. It was hard to accept girls being victimized again by their own families following a sexual assault.
This was a troubling case that was hard to listen to at times. Kate’s dogged pursuit in the midst of stoic silence and stonewalling was impressive and her understanding of Amish customs strongly aided her resolution of the case. I figured out most of it before it was revealed but it wasn’t easy. And, yes, she had another life-threatening moment that even I saw coming but the strength and themes of the story were more than overwhelmed that downside. Let’s face it, these aren’t just Amish attitudes unfortunately. I continue to enjoy the narrator’s performance, which made this an even better reading experience. She’s the voice of the series for me.
Posted on Blue Mood Café
The story opens with Daniel’s death, told from his point of view, and it was jarring. Imagining dying in a fire is bad enough but it was a vicarious experience in that moment. It also made me extremely sympathetic to Daniel, which I needed as Kate discovered what was obviously his true nature, reinforcing that no matter his behavior his murder was a crime. It also triggered Kate’s traumatic past as she was forced to confront Amish behaviors that left their young women vulnerable and subject to abuse. It was hard to accept girls being victimized again by their own families following a sexual assault.
This was a troubling case that was hard to listen to at times. Kate’s dogged pursuit in the midst of stoic silence and stonewalling was impressive and her understanding of Amish customs strongly aided her resolution of the case. I figured out most of it before it was revealed but it wasn’t easy. And, yes, she had another life-threatening moment that even I saw coming but the strength and themes of the story were more than overwhelmed that downside. Let’s face it, these aren’t just Amish attitudes unfortunately. I continue to enjoy the narrator’s performance, which made this an even better reading experience. She’s the voice of the series for me.
Posted on Blue Mood Café
October 8, 2018
A Gathering of Secrets by Linda Castillo is book 10 in the Kate Burkholder series and I've waited along time for this book.
This series just keeps getting better with every book that I've read this one wasn't so bloody and gory like the others but it was still page flipping addictive with a bit of edge of your seat thrilling going on.
I've noticed it doesn't matter what different community's or culture we live in you still get the evil one lurking around and this one came in a package of an 18 year old Amish boy.
A great series which I highly recommend and I can't wait until next year for book 11 😌
This series just keeps getting better with every book that I've read this one wasn't so bloody and gory like the others but it was still page flipping addictive with a bit of edge of your seat thrilling going on.
I've noticed it doesn't matter what different community's or culture we live in you still get the evil one lurking around and this one came in a package of an 18 year old Amish boy.
A great series which I highly recommend and I can't wait until next year for book 11 😌
July 16, 2018
Suspenseful, chilling, and thought-provoking, A Gathering of Secrets by American writer Linda Castillo is number ten in her Kate Burkholder series, but can easily be read as a standalone. With this installment, Ms. Castillo has, once again, authored a winner!
There are a few factors, in particular, that make this series, as a whole, stand out. Firstly, the series revolves around a woman who was raised in an Amish family, but left the fold when she was eighteen. Kate Burkholder is the Chief of Police in fictitious Painters Mill, in northeastern Ohio. Her fluency in the Amish Dutch language, as well as her deep understanding of the Amish culture, makes her uniquely qualified to investigate the dark and often brutal crimes involving these otherwise idyllic and pious communities. In A Gathering of Secrets, the inciting incident is a barn fire at a small, Amish farm. In the course of the story, we also explore a painful chapter of Kate's youth, and her relationship with her beau, John Tomasetti, of the Ohio Bureau of Investigation is, happily, further developed.
Another appealing and distinguishing quality of the Kate Burkholder books is the pacing. There are many crime fiction books marketed as thrillers that have relatively even pacing throughout, with slowly increasing tension that picks up steam considerably in the final 15 to 20 percent. Ms. Castillo's Kate Burkholder novels, on the other hand, ebb and flow between more quiet, often poignant and revelatory, character-centered scenes, and those that are much more action-focused, so the reader is rewarded not only with a nail-biting, breath-holding, grand finale, but also with several other tension-filled and highly suspenseful scenes sprinkled throughout the novel, and the structure of A Gathering of Secrets is no exception!
With their unique juxtaposition of the charming and the chilling, the comforting and the criminal; with their wonderful development of characters that the reader becomes enamored with, as well as their intriguing police procedure and frequently riveting pace, it is no wonder that the Kate Burkholder books have become so popular and beloved! Don't miss A Gathering of Secrets, another entertaining and satisfying addition to this highly recommended series!
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There are a few factors, in particular, that make this series, as a whole, stand out. Firstly, the series revolves around a woman who was raised in an Amish family, but left the fold when she was eighteen. Kate Burkholder is the Chief of Police in fictitious Painters Mill, in northeastern Ohio. Her fluency in the Amish Dutch language, as well as her deep understanding of the Amish culture, makes her uniquely qualified to investigate the dark and often brutal crimes involving these otherwise idyllic and pious communities. In A Gathering of Secrets, the inciting incident is a barn fire at a small, Amish farm. In the course of the story, we also explore a painful chapter of Kate's youth, and her relationship with her beau, John Tomasetti, of the Ohio Bureau of Investigation is, happily, further developed.
Another appealing and distinguishing quality of the Kate Burkholder books is the pacing. There are many crime fiction books marketed as thrillers that have relatively even pacing throughout, with slowly increasing tension that picks up steam considerably in the final 15 to 20 percent. Ms. Castillo's Kate Burkholder novels, on the other hand, ebb and flow between more quiet, often poignant and revelatory, character-centered scenes, and those that are much more action-focused, so the reader is rewarded not only with a nail-biting, breath-holding, grand finale, but also with several other tension-filled and highly suspenseful scenes sprinkled throughout the novel, and the structure of A Gathering of Secrets is no exception!
With their unique juxtaposition of the charming and the chilling, the comforting and the criminal; with their wonderful development of characters that the reader becomes enamored with, as well as their intriguing police procedure and frequently riveting pace, it is no wonder that the Kate Burkholder books have become so popular and beloved! Don't miss A Gathering of Secrets, another entertaining and satisfying addition to this highly recommended series!
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October 17, 2018
Usually, when one thinks of Amish folks, the images conjured up are benign, if not a bit sentimental. Horse and buggy. Dark clothing. Kapps. Simple homes without electricity. Pennsylvania Deutsch. But Linda Castillo seems to always find the dark side of Amish life. They are, after all, only human. In
A Gathering of Secrets
, the tenth book of the wonderful Kate Burkholder series, Ms Castillo shows us once again that even the Amish are not immune from the most horrific of crimes.
When a young man’s death in a barn fire turns out to be the result of arson, Kate digs in her heels and goes to work to find his killer. Who would want this well-liked man dead? Having once been Amish herself, Kate knows that the Amish are a private, tight-lipped community. They are not likely to share anything painful or shameful. This makes her job much more difficult, and as a reader, I found it fascinating! There were so many suspects, and because I was reading a hardcover version, I found it challenging at times to remember who was who.
The author alludes to a defining moment in Kate’s own past. It caused her much pain and sorrow, and she kept it hidden from everyone except her lover, John Tomasetti. Now he urges her to use the lessons she’s learned from that event to help her as she struggles with each of the potential suspects. Someone knows something. Perhaps Daniel Gingerich was not the man everyone says he was?
Linda Castillo again displays her wealth of knowledge and research about Amish customs. This time she introduces us to some Beachy Amish characters for the first time. Unlike their stricter counterparts, such as the Schwartzentruber, they are more lenient in that they use some modern conveniences; for instance, they are allowed to drive cars. As usual, Kate encounters some suspicion on the part of some of the Amish people she visits. Some express surprise when she is able to speak their language.
The plot had so many twists and tangles that I just could not even hazard a guess. Well, of course I tried numerous times until it finally became obvious. What a great story! Like the previous books, Kate manages to get herself in and out of serious trouble several times. I think she has more lives than a cat! Even better, however, is the character development. To fully appreciate it, you have to have read the previous nine books. That is how you see how far Kate Burkholder has come as Chief of Police and as a person. She and John Tomasetti have grown so much in their relationship. She has a fabulous team of officers and staff at her little police station. They are like closely knit family. It will be a sad day when this series ends, which I hope it won’t for a long, long time.
5 stars
When a young man’s death in a barn fire turns out to be the result of arson, Kate digs in her heels and goes to work to find his killer. Who would want this well-liked man dead? Having once been Amish herself, Kate knows that the Amish are a private, tight-lipped community. They are not likely to share anything painful or shameful. This makes her job much more difficult, and as a reader, I found it fascinating! There were so many suspects, and because I was reading a hardcover version, I found it challenging at times to remember who was who.
The author alludes to a defining moment in Kate’s own past. It caused her much pain and sorrow, and she kept it hidden from everyone except her lover, John Tomasetti. Now he urges her to use the lessons she’s learned from that event to help her as she struggles with each of the potential suspects. Someone knows something. Perhaps Daniel Gingerich was not the man everyone says he was?
Linda Castillo again displays her wealth of knowledge and research about Amish customs. This time she introduces us to some Beachy Amish characters for the first time. Unlike their stricter counterparts, such as the Schwartzentruber, they are more lenient in that they use some modern conveniences; for instance, they are allowed to drive cars. As usual, Kate encounters some suspicion on the part of some of the Amish people she visits. Some express surprise when she is able to speak their language.
The plot had so many twists and tangles that I just could not even hazard a guess. Well, of course I tried numerous times until it finally became obvious. What a great story! Like the previous books, Kate manages to get herself in and out of serious trouble several times. I think she has more lives than a cat! Even better, however, is the character development. To fully appreciate it, you have to have read the previous nine books. That is how you see how far Kate Burkholder has come as Chief of Police and as a person. She and John Tomasetti have grown so much in their relationship. She has a fabulous team of officers and staff at her little police station. They are like closely knit family. It will be a sad day when this series ends, which I hope it won’t for a long, long time.
5 stars
August 5, 2018
4.5 truly suspenseful stars
A barn burns, a chief of police is called, a body is discovered burned to death and murder is afoot. Welcome to the setting and story of....A Gathering of Secrets (Kate Burkholder, #10)
Kate Burkholder is the chief of police in a small town populated by many in the Amish community. She is called to investigate and find the person who set fire to a historic barn which killed a young Amish boy, Daniel Gingerich. From all, she gleans that Daniel was a good boy, hard working, handsome, so why would he have been locked in a barn and lose his life as that barn burned to the ground? Was Daniel really the boy many pointed him to be or was there something sinister and dangerous about Daniel? As Kate delves, or at least tries to delve, into the comings and goings of Daniel, she is met with resistance from the Amish community which has always been closed mouthed and protective of their secrets and community. Kate, a former member of the Amish community, understands this mind set and yet she must find out what happened that caused someone to kill Daniel.
This was a terrific suspense story, one that had many angles and kept the investigation of Daniel's death going in a fever pitch. Easy to read with a flow of characters and events, this story rates highly with me and encourages me to take a good look at the rest o the Kate Burkholder series. For those who like a murder mystery that has some punch and has a very different type of setting, this could be the book for you.
***A special shot out to one of my most favorite places, my local library for obtaining a copy of this riveting book.
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My reviews can be seen here: https://yayareadslotsofbooks.wordpres...
A barn burns, a chief of police is called, a body is discovered burned to death and murder is afoot. Welcome to the setting and story of....A Gathering of Secrets (Kate Burkholder, #10)
Kate Burkholder is the chief of police in a small town populated by many in the Amish community. She is called to investigate and find the person who set fire to a historic barn which killed a young Amish boy, Daniel Gingerich. From all, she gleans that Daniel was a good boy, hard working, handsome, so why would he have been locked in a barn and lose his life as that barn burned to the ground? Was Daniel really the boy many pointed him to be or was there something sinister and dangerous about Daniel? As Kate delves, or at least tries to delve, into the comings and goings of Daniel, she is met with resistance from the Amish community which has always been closed mouthed and protective of their secrets and community. Kate, a former member of the Amish community, understands this mind set and yet she must find out what happened that caused someone to kill Daniel.
This was a terrific suspense story, one that had many angles and kept the investigation of Daniel's death going in a fever pitch. Easy to read with a flow of characters and events, this story rates highly with me and encourages me to take a good look at the rest o the Kate Burkholder series. For those who like a murder mystery that has some punch and has a very different type of setting, this could be the book for you.
***A special shot out to one of my most favorite places, my local library for obtaining a copy of this riveting book.
https://www.cbsnews.com/pictures/insi...
My reviews can be seen here: https://yayareadslotsofbooks.wordpres...
March 30, 2022
When Chief of Police, Kate Burkholder was called out to the Gingerich home at four in the morning, she knew nothing good could come of it. The barn was burning fiercely, and it would be some hours before it was safe to investigate the inside. The finding of a body was a shock to everyone, but when they made the ID through dental records, it was the beginning of a long, arduous and painstaking investigation which would draw comparisons to Kate’s past.
The information Kate was discovering about Daniel Gingerich, the body discovered in the barn, horrified her. But she knew she had to continue. John Tomasetti of BCI as well as other departments in the area, were on board, but the closer Kate went to the truth, the harder she found it to believe.
A Gathering of Secrets is the 10th in the Kate Burkholder series by Linda Castillo, and another excellent episode. I enjoy following Kate and her team from Painters Mill, as they solve the seemingly unsolvable. This is my second read of this series, a group read of them all, and I’m thoroughly enjoying the ride. Highly recommended.
The information Kate was discovering about Daniel Gingerich, the body discovered in the barn, horrified her. But she knew she had to continue. John Tomasetti of BCI as well as other departments in the area, were on board, but the closer Kate went to the truth, the harder she found it to believe.
A Gathering of Secrets is the 10th in the Kate Burkholder series by Linda Castillo, and another excellent episode. I enjoy following Kate and her team from Painters Mill, as they solve the seemingly unsolvable. This is my second read of this series, a group read of them all, and I’m thoroughly enjoying the ride. Highly recommended.
October 6, 2024
Check out all my reviews at: https://www.avonnalovesgenres.com
A GATHERING OF SECRETS (A Kate Burkholder Novel Book #10) by Linda Castillo is a gritty new small-town police procedural/crime thriller featuring Chief of Police Kate Burkholder in Painters Mill which is in Ohio Amish Country. This book can be read as a standalone for the crime thriller plot, but Kate’s personal and professional life have evolved throughout the series, and I enjoy reading them in order.
Chief of Police Kate Burkholder is called late in the night when an Amish family’s barn burns to the ground and their son is missing. The fire investigator is called when the fire fighters smell gasoline and a charred body is found locked in the tack room. The body is identified as eighteen-year-old Daniel Gingerich who appears to be a well-liked and hard-working Amish young man, so who would want him dead?
As Kate investigates Daniel’s life, she finds herself impeded by the Amish community of which she was once a member. As dark secrets begin to surface, Kate is forced to once again face the personal crime perpetrated against her in her youth which has an eerie similarity to what is whispered about Daniel Gingerich. While the Amish are a peaceful and loving community, there are certain things that are not discussed and can go unpunished due to shaming of the victim, and which are crimes in the Englisher world. Kate has many suspects, but the solution to this crime will lead to danger and sorrow.
I love reading this series and following Kate’s life. Kate is a complex character. She at times misses the Amish life but accepts her current path is the right one for her, especially when it comes to justice for everyone. All of Kate’s officers have a strong bond, Tomasetti is once again a great personal partner, and finally Tomasetti has popped the big question. Yeah. The crime plot was dark and gritty, especially juxtaposed against the assumed always perfect Amish way of life. This crime thriller is perfectly paced with plenty of surprise twists along the way and a surprise ending I was not expecting.
I highly recommend this small-town police procedural/crime thriller!
A GATHERING OF SECRETS (A Kate Burkholder Novel Book #10) by Linda Castillo is a gritty new small-town police procedural/crime thriller featuring Chief of Police Kate Burkholder in Painters Mill which is in Ohio Amish Country. This book can be read as a standalone for the crime thriller plot, but Kate’s personal and professional life have evolved throughout the series, and I enjoy reading them in order.
Chief of Police Kate Burkholder is called late in the night when an Amish family’s barn burns to the ground and their son is missing. The fire investigator is called when the fire fighters smell gasoline and a charred body is found locked in the tack room. The body is identified as eighteen-year-old Daniel Gingerich who appears to be a well-liked and hard-working Amish young man, so who would want him dead?
As Kate investigates Daniel’s life, she finds herself impeded by the Amish community of which she was once a member. As dark secrets begin to surface, Kate is forced to once again face the personal crime perpetrated against her in her youth which has an eerie similarity to what is whispered about Daniel Gingerich. While the Amish are a peaceful and loving community, there are certain things that are not discussed and can go unpunished due to shaming of the victim, and which are crimes in the Englisher world. Kate has many suspects, but the solution to this crime will lead to danger and sorrow.
I love reading this series and following Kate’s life. Kate is a complex character. She at times misses the Amish life but accepts her current path is the right one for her, especially when it comes to justice for everyone. All of Kate’s officers have a strong bond, Tomasetti is once again a great personal partner, and finally Tomasetti has popped the big question. Yeah. The crime plot was dark and gritty, especially juxtaposed against the assumed always perfect Amish way of life. This crime thriller is perfectly paced with plenty of surprise twists along the way and a surprise ending I was not expecting.
I highly recommend this small-town police procedural/crime thriller!
August 31, 2018
I have followed Linda Castillo’s Kate Burkholder series from the beginning and enjoyed them all. This book is one of the best of the series.
The story is heartbreaking and affects Kate to the depths of her soul. The book relates the strength of family and how far one would go to protect them. It also relates the strength of friendship and love. It shows how certain past events are buried in our psyches and affecting our current actions.
I am amazed at the growth in Kate Burkholder. She has come a long way since the first book in the series, Sworn to Silence. Her relationship with John Tomasetti has matured, and he is her rock. Together they have created a haven with their farm. There is also growth in Kate’s police department that made for a happy and touching scene. This was then countered with Skid’s trauma and how the whole department came to support him.
The portrayal of the Amish people, from Beachy to Swartzentruber, is very interesting, and Castillo made me feel I was living along side them.
This book was excellent, and I’m sad that I have to wait another year for the next book.
The story is heartbreaking and affects Kate to the depths of her soul. The book relates the strength of family and how far one would go to protect them. It also relates the strength of friendship and love. It shows how certain past events are buried in our psyches and affecting our current actions.
I am amazed at the growth in Kate Burkholder. She has come a long way since the first book in the series, Sworn to Silence. Her relationship with John Tomasetti has matured, and he is her rock. Together they have created a haven with their farm. There is also growth in Kate’s police department that made for a happy and touching scene. This was then countered with Skid’s trauma and how the whole department came to support him.
The portrayal of the Amish people, from Beachy to Swartzentruber, is very interesting, and Castillo made me feel I was living along side them.
This book was excellent, and I’m sad that I have to wait another year for the next book.
July 1, 2018
I was excited to see her latest book come out since i love them all! This is the 10th book in the Kate Burkholder series by Linda Castillo. And I think this may be my fave one yet!!! How does she do that???? And as far as this bring her 10th in the series, ALL of her books can be read as a stand-alone as far I’m concerned so just pick one and start reading. They’re all FANTASTIC!!! THIS ONE IS 5 STARS FROM ME!!!! Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me this book before publication for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
November 1, 2020
this is a kate burkholder book...it reads like a kate burkholder book and its satisfying just like the rest of the series - not great literature but a good read
April 23, 2021
This is an Amish Mystery, and this is the 10th book in the Kate Burkholder series. I have to start off by saying this is very different from the others in this series. There is more flashbacks through out this book which is very different then the other books in this series. I do not think this book is very suspenseful, but it is more of a normal mystery with Amish. I did really love this book, and the characters in this book is so good. There is some hard hitting topics (rape and others like that) covered in this book, so please that in mind when going into this book. This book shows even the people living the plain life (Amish) has bad seeds. I really love this book series, but I do not think you need to read these book in order if you do not want to. (*)
July 15, 2018
I had never read Linda Castillo’s mysteries featuring Kate Burkholder before reading A Gathering of Secrets. It reminded me of why I like mysteries. Kate grew up in an Amish family, and now is the chief of police in an Amish community. She no longer practices but has an understanding of the community and its values. In that context, she is called upon to investigate the death of a seemingly well loved young man. I won’t say more because it would spoil how the mystery unfolds step by step. But I will say that there is so much I appreciated about this mystery. I loved the setting and the view into an unfamiliar community. I loved how Castillo did not make the community or its members unidimensional. I liked that Kate’s backstory is part of the story without being its dominant feature. And the mystery itself was good, with the Amish community’s reticence posing special challenges and some interesting moral questions thrown in at the end.
Normally I prefer to start a series from the beginning, I got a chance to read an advance copy of this one and I’m glad I did. Time permitting, I would definitely go back and read from the beginning. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an opportunity to read an advance copy.
Normally I prefer to start a series from the beginning, I got a chance to read an advance copy of this one and I’m glad I did. Time permitting, I would definitely go back and read from the beginning. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an opportunity to read an advance copy.
July 27, 2019
Four and a half stars.
A barn burns to the ground in the middle of the night. Chief of police Kate Burkholder is called in to investigate. When the body of an eighteen year old young man is found burned alive, it soon becomes obvious that this is a murder investigation. But who would want the hard working and seemingly likable Daniel Gingerich dead? And why? Unless everything is not as it seems? But trying to glean information form the Amish community she was a part of years ago, is not so easy. As Kate continues to investigate, she not only uncovers secrets and more crimes, it brings back traumatic episodes from her own past.
Although this is number 10 in the series with Kate Burkholder, I have only read one before, no 8. It didn’t matter. This can easily be read as a stand-alone. I liked Kate as a character. The dialogue between her and her partner in love, Tomasetti is playful and works well and shows a softer side to Kate at times. It contrasts well and adds some light and shade to the gritty, darker themes and suspenseful moments. The link with her Amish roots is well handled as are the insights into their way of life. The tension is maintained throughout. Suspicion for the murder falls on several people over the course of the investigation.
One section I thought well-handled was about sexual assault and its effect on the lives of those violated, their views of themselves and also the way others view them. I’m only going to quote part of the section on page 196. ‘The crime no’-one wants to talk about. The crime that too often goes unreported because of stigma, ignorance, self-blame or any combination of the above.’ Telling comments. Has much changed?
I whizzed through this book. It carries some heavy themes and also makes the reader think. A gripping read that had me from start to finish. I thought the ending was particularly clever.
A barn burns to the ground in the middle of the night. Chief of police Kate Burkholder is called in to investigate. When the body of an eighteen year old young man is found burned alive, it soon becomes obvious that this is a murder investigation. But who would want the hard working and seemingly likable Daniel Gingerich dead? And why? Unless everything is not as it seems? But trying to glean information form the Amish community she was a part of years ago, is not so easy. As Kate continues to investigate, she not only uncovers secrets and more crimes, it brings back traumatic episodes from her own past.
Although this is number 10 in the series with Kate Burkholder, I have only read one before, no 8. It didn’t matter. This can easily be read as a stand-alone. I liked Kate as a character. The dialogue between her and her partner in love, Tomasetti is playful and works well and shows a softer side to Kate at times. It contrasts well and adds some light and shade to the gritty, darker themes and suspenseful moments. The link with her Amish roots is well handled as are the insights into their way of life. The tension is maintained throughout. Suspicion for the murder falls on several people over the course of the investigation.
One section I thought well-handled was about sexual assault and its effect on the lives of those violated, their views of themselves and also the way others view them. I’m only going to quote part of the section on page 196. ‘The crime no’-one wants to talk about. The crime that too often goes unreported because of stigma, ignorance, self-blame or any combination of the above.’ Telling comments. Has much changed?
I whizzed through this book. It carries some heavy themes and also makes the reader think. A gripping read that had me from start to finish. I thought the ending was particularly clever.
July 23, 2019
This is one of those books that is hard to put down. I'd get up in the morning, put on the coffee, and start reading. At night when I was tired and ready to sleep I found myself wanting to read just one more chapter. Looking for answers. Just like Kate Burkholder.
For those readers not familiar with the series ... Kate Burkholder is the Chief of Police in Painters Mill, Ohio. Painters Mill is a small town where the Amish and English live side by side. Kate was raised Amish but left the order. Because of her background she has a good understanding of the Amish people. If you haven't read the other books in the series I would recommend starting with the first book in the series ... Sworn to Silence. It will give you an understanding of the characters and their development.
In this story Kate receives a 4AM phone call. A barn fire at the Gingerich farm. The Gingerich's son, Danny, is missing. The Gingerich's are a hard working and well respected family. Even eighteen year old Danny is well liked, has a girlfriend, and another job besides his helping on the farm. When the fire is extinguished a body if discovered. It is Danny. At first it looks like it might have been some horrible accident but it doesn't take long to determine that the fire was deliberately set and Danny was locked in the barn to be burned alive. Who would want him dead?
As Kate begins her investigation she discovers that there was a side to Danny that others did not know. Or will not talk about. There was another death six months prior to the barn fire. A young teenage Amish girl committed suicide. No one really wants to discuss the details or open up to Kate. Even with her Amish background she is still an outsider.
Once again Kate is confronted with her own past. The choices she made and how things could have turned out differently. The parallels between the young Amish Kate Burkholder and the young Amish women she meets and interviews. This is a story about secrets, guilt, shame. It makes you think about right and wrong. Good people make bad decisions.
"Some people say murder is a senseless act. I don't agree. There's no doubt murder is a brutal act. It's a cruel act. An immoral act. It's wrong in the eyes of the law. A sin in the eyes of God. Murder is an unthinkable deed in the mind of any decent human being. But murder is rarely senseless."
For those readers not familiar with the series ... Kate Burkholder is the Chief of Police in Painters Mill, Ohio. Painters Mill is a small town where the Amish and English live side by side. Kate was raised Amish but left the order. Because of her background she has a good understanding of the Amish people. If you haven't read the other books in the series I would recommend starting with the first book in the series ... Sworn to Silence. It will give you an understanding of the characters and their development.
In this story Kate receives a 4AM phone call. A barn fire at the Gingerich farm. The Gingerich's son, Danny, is missing. The Gingerich's are a hard working and well respected family. Even eighteen year old Danny is well liked, has a girlfriend, and another job besides his helping on the farm. When the fire is extinguished a body if discovered. It is Danny. At first it looks like it might have been some horrible accident but it doesn't take long to determine that the fire was deliberately set and Danny was locked in the barn to be burned alive. Who would want him dead?
As Kate begins her investigation she discovers that there was a side to Danny that others did not know. Or will not talk about. There was another death six months prior to the barn fire. A young teenage Amish girl committed suicide. No one really wants to discuss the details or open up to Kate. Even with her Amish background she is still an outsider.
Once again Kate is confronted with her own past. The choices she made and how things could have turned out differently. The parallels between the young Amish Kate Burkholder and the young Amish women she meets and interviews. This is a story about secrets, guilt, shame. It makes you think about right and wrong. Good people make bad decisions.
"Some people say murder is a senseless act. I don't agree. There's no doubt murder is a brutal act. It's a cruel act. An immoral act. It's wrong in the eyes of the law. A sin in the eyes of God. Murder is an unthinkable deed in the mind of any decent human being. But murder is rarely senseless."
July 13, 2018
5 stars to this fabulous addition to the Kate Burkholder series. Linda Castillo, you do not disappoint!
This book opens with a mysterious barn fire and the reader is quickly drawn right into solving the crime with Chief of Police Kate Burkholder. Since she is formerly Amish, Kate can get to the bottom of things far better in the fictional Ohio town of Painters Mill.
This one had quite a few twists and turns and just when I thought things were figured out, there were some unexpected events.
A thank you to my friend Jeannie who introduced me to these books. I also really enjoyed hearing from Linda at a recent book signing at Tattered Cover in Colorado. Can't wait to keep reading this series. I hope that in future books Kate finds happiness with Tomasetti (swoon) and gets to start a family.
This book opens with a mysterious barn fire and the reader is quickly drawn right into solving the crime with Chief of Police Kate Burkholder. Since she is formerly Amish, Kate can get to the bottom of things far better in the fictional Ohio town of Painters Mill.
This one had quite a few twists and turns and just when I thought things were figured out, there were some unexpected events.
A thank you to my friend Jeannie who introduced me to these books. I also really enjoyed hearing from Linda at a recent book signing at Tattered Cover in Colorado. Can't wait to keep reading this series. I hope that in future books Kate finds happiness with Tomasetti (swoon) and gets to start a family.
July 4, 2018
This is now the 10th book in the Kate Burkholder series and I'm still as fascinated by it as was in the very beginning.
Linda Castillo, delivers a story that is chilling, engrossing, and just as entertaining as I could have wished for. A Gathering of Secrets started slow, until midway through. From there on it was twists and turns that kept me on the edge of my seat and didn't let go until the very end. I honestly did not see the end coming. I thought it was all done, and resolved. Boy was I wrong.
I absolutely love this series. The contrast between Amish and English is fascinating. Their believe is at times hard to understand, but that's exactly what brings me back again and again. Especially this book, when it's obvious that not everything is as simple and pure as it looks. For Kate, this case brings part of her past uncomfortably close to the surface. But she handled it in a professional manner, and with a passionate heart she brought justice to the wronged.
I had a hard time putting the book down. And the ending was as satisfying as it was shocking.
A Gathering of Secrets allowed a closer look into Kate and Tomasetti's relationship, which I loved. Still, after so many years, they as a couple, were going as strong as ever. Kate and Tomasetti relied on each other, and reached a point where talking about a future together is possible.
I rarely read mystery/thrillers anymore, which I'm planning to change in the upcoming months, but for me this book, this series is one that needs to be on everyone's tbr who loves this genre.
Linda Castillo's stories are chilling, fascinating, and sometimes graphic, but they are never boring.
✵ ✦ ✷ ✫ ✷ ✦ ✧ ✵ ✧ ✵ ✦ ✷ ✫ ✷ ✦ ✧ ✵ ✧ ✵ ✦ ✷ ✫ ✷ ✦ ✧ ✵ ✧ ✵
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Linda Castillo, delivers a story that is chilling, engrossing, and just as entertaining as I could have wished for. A Gathering of Secrets started slow, until midway through. From there on it was twists and turns that kept me on the edge of my seat and didn't let go until the very end. I honestly did not see the end coming. I thought it was all done, and resolved. Boy was I wrong.
I absolutely love this series. The contrast between Amish and English is fascinating. Their believe is at times hard to understand, but that's exactly what brings me back again and again. Especially this book, when it's obvious that not everything is as simple and pure as it looks. For Kate, this case brings part of her past uncomfortably close to the surface. But she handled it in a professional manner, and with a passionate heart she brought justice to the wronged.
I had a hard time putting the book down. And the ending was as satisfying as it was shocking.
A Gathering of Secrets allowed a closer look into Kate and Tomasetti's relationship, which I loved. Still, after so many years, they as a couple, were going as strong as ever. Kate and Tomasetti relied on each other, and reached a point where talking about a future together is possible.
I rarely read mystery/thrillers anymore, which I'm planning to change in the upcoming months, but for me this book, this series is one that needs to be on everyone's tbr who loves this genre.
Linda Castillo's stories are chilling, fascinating, and sometimes graphic, but they are never boring.
✵ ✦ ✷ ✫ ✷ ✦ ✧ ✵ ✧ ✵ ✦ ✷ ✫ ✷ ✦ ✧ ✵ ✧ ✵ ✦ ✷ ✫ ✷ ✦ ✧ ✵ ✧ ✵
If you want to chat with me about books, find me on Instagram
For more of my reviews:
My Blog: Book Twins Reviews
Facebook Blog Page
Subscribe to Blog
July 13, 2018
I read SWORN TO SILENCE , the first book in the Kate Burkholder series some years ago and loved it. After reading it, I did get several of the books in the series and planned to read them. I still plan to read them, even more so after finishing A GATHERING OF SECRETS, book ten in the series.
READ THE REST OF THE REVIEW OVER AT FRESH FICTION!
READ THE REST OF THE REVIEW OVER AT FRESH FICTION!
May 12, 2018
An Amish young man, Daniel Gingerich, on Rumspringa is brutally murdered. He is a pillar of his community, well liked and admired, so would want to kill him especially in such a horrific manner? Kate Burkholder, Chief of Police of Painted Mills in Ohio, is stumped for a motive sickened by the violence of the crime.
Then the investigation starts and it appears Daniel may be more than he seems. His best friend no longer talks to him and several girls are afraid to be around him. Is he tied into the suicide of a young, pregnant Amish girl six months ago? How does he tie into the three young girls at the new Amish store? Did he live two lives?
The crime is quite personal to Kate and takes her back to back her past. It becomes harder and harder to be objective and then it becomes personal. Someone starts to take shots at Kate and she gets into some quite difficult situations. The ending is a stunner.
I love this series. Kate is a former Amish and speaks the Dutch language which really helps investigations. I am fascinated by the look at Amish culture and the different sects. I was surprised to read that some drive trucks and use milking machines and some still use horse and buggy. It's a fascinating look at a culture that stubbornly holds on to its beliefs even in this day and age.
The story moves along at a rapid rate and I had a hard time putting it down. It can asolutely be read as a stand alone. I highly recommend this book and series,
Then the investigation starts and it appears Daniel may be more than he seems. His best friend no longer talks to him and several girls are afraid to be around him. Is he tied into the suicide of a young, pregnant Amish girl six months ago? How does he tie into the three young girls at the new Amish store? Did he live two lives?
The crime is quite personal to Kate and takes her back to back her past. It becomes harder and harder to be objective and then it becomes personal. Someone starts to take shots at Kate and she gets into some quite difficult situations. The ending is a stunner.
I love this series. Kate is a former Amish and speaks the Dutch language which really helps investigations. I am fascinated by the look at Amish culture and the different sects. I was surprised to read that some drive trucks and use milking machines and some still use horse and buggy. It's a fascinating look at a culture that stubbornly holds on to its beliefs even in this day and age.
The story moves along at a rapid rate and I had a hard time putting it down. It can asolutely be read as a stand alone. I highly recommend this book and series,
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