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Kate Burkholder #6.5
Gefährlicher Weg
Ein grausames Geheimnis - Kate Burkholder sucht die Mutter eines ausgesetzten Kindes
Vor der Haustür des amischen Bischofs in Painters Mill liegt ein neugeborenes Baby, nur wenige Stunden alt. Eingehüllt in einen amischen Quilt und neben sich eine kleine Holzrassel. Als Kate Burkholder gerufen wird, ahnt sie, dass die Mutter dieses Kindes wahrscheinlich noch sehr jung und unverheiratet sein muss. War die junge Frau so verzweifelt und allein, dass sie sich niemandem anvertrauen konnte? Gemeinsam mit John Tomasetti geht Kate auf Spurensuche und lüftet ein grausames Geheimnis.
Vor der Haustür des amischen Bischofs in Painters Mill liegt ein neugeborenes Baby, nur wenige Stunden alt. Eingehüllt in einen amischen Quilt und neben sich eine kleine Holzrassel. Als Kate Burkholder gerufen wird, ahnt sie, dass die Mutter dieses Kindes wahrscheinlich noch sehr jung und unverheiratet sein muss. War die junge Frau so verzweifelt und allein, dass sie sich niemandem anvertrauen konnte? Gemeinsam mit John Tomasetti geht Kate auf Spurensuche und lüftet ein grausames Geheimnis.
54 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 2, 2015
549 people are currently reading
3887 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 441 reviews
September 23, 2021
A Hidden Secret (Kate Burkholder #6.5) by Linda Castillo (Author), Kathleen McInerney (Narrator)
This short story is a nice change of pace for Kate Burkholder. Kate is woken in the middle of the night when a newborn baby is left on the doorstep of the Amish bishop. There isn't the normal sense of urgency since the baby is safe and secure, even if it's not with it's mother. Still, as Kate looks for the mother, something is happening to her. She's facing the fact that her time is running out, if she is to ever have kids. It's so nice to visit the town of Painters Mill while there isn't a serial killer murder spree going on.
This short story is a nice change of pace for Kate Burkholder. Kate is woken in the middle of the night when a newborn baby is left on the doorstep of the Amish bishop. There isn't the normal sense of urgency since the baby is safe and secure, even if it's not with it's mother. Still, as Kate looks for the mother, something is happening to her. She's facing the fact that her time is running out, if she is to ever have kids. It's so nice to visit the town of Painters Mill while there isn't a serial killer murder spree going on.
July 30, 2021
This novella in the 'Kate Burkholder' series finds the Police Chief concerned about a newborn baby (not hers). The book can be read as a standalone.
*****
In this story Police Chief Kate Burkholder of Painter's Mill, Ohio - who usually investigates gruesome murders - has a different kind of crime to solve. A newborn baby has been found on the doorstep of Bishop Trotter, who ministers to the town's Amish community.
Phone calls are made and Kate, Agent John Tomasetti (Kates's boyfriend), and a woman from social services soon arrive at the Bishop's home.
The baby is found to be healthy - and hungry - and while the infant is drinking goat's milk Kate examines the quilt and rattle left with her.....which appear to be Amish-made.
Kate takes these items to baby stores, hoping to glean information about the baby's momma and poppa. In her search, Kate has to interview several Amish people - who usually have nothing to say to "Englishers." However, Kate was raised Amish and speaks fluent Pennsylvania Dutch, so she has a bit of an 'in.'
Step by step, Kate amasses clues that help her discover the identity of the newborn's parents. I don't want to say much more because of spoilers - but this is a touching story that's appropriate for the holiday season.
I have a thought about the story that requires a spoiler alert.
Spoiler Alert Spoiler Alert
End Spoiler Alert End Spoiler Alert
Note: The story mention's an Ohio law that makes it legal for a parent to 'abandon' a newborn by leaving it with a law enforcement officer or a medical professional. I think many communities have similar statutes, which probably saves lives.
You can follow my reviews at https://reviewsbybarbsaffer.blogspot....
August 18, 2021
4 stars for a sweet short story. A new born baby is deposited on the front porch of Amish Bishop Troyer in the middle of the night. He calls Painter's Mill Police Chief Kate Burkholder. She comes to his house and calls an ambulance and Social Services. The baby is taken to the hospital while Kate and her friend John Tomasetti, a detective with the Ohio BCI(Bureau of Criminal Investigation), start to investigate. They do solve the mystery of who the parents are. It is a story of sadness and rebirth. I liked the ending. I read this book in 1 day.
March 9, 2024
4⭐
Genre ~ crime fiction
Series ~ Kate Burkholder #6.5
Others in the series ~ #1-16 + 0.5's
Setting ~ Ohio
Publication date ~ June 2, 2015
Est page Count ~ 68
Audio length ~ 1 hours 45 minutes
Narrator ~ Kathleen McInerney
POV ~ single 1st
Featuring ~ abandoned newborn
A short review for a short story.
Kate gets a call in the middle of the night from the Bishop after a newborn is left on his doorstep. .
Kate does what she does best and hunts down the answers as to who left the baby and why leaving us with a heartbreaking, yet heartwarming story.
Narration notes:
Kathleen did a fine job.
Connect with me ➡ Blog ~ Facebook ~ Twitter
Genre ~ crime fiction
Series ~ Kate Burkholder #6.5
Others in the series ~ #1-16 + 0.5's
Setting ~ Ohio
Publication date ~ June 2, 2015
Est page Count ~ 68
Audio length ~ 1 hours 45 minutes
Narrator ~ Kathleen McInerney
POV ~ single 1st
Featuring ~ abandoned newborn
A short review for a short story.
Kate gets a call in the middle of the night from the Bishop after a newborn is left on his doorstep. .
Kate does what she does best and hunts down the answers as to who left the baby and why leaving us with a heartbreaking, yet heartwarming story.
Narration notes:
Kathleen did a fine job.
Connect with me ➡ Blog ~ Facebook ~ Twitter
August 24, 2021
Bishop Troyer wakens to a mewling sound on his front steps slightly before dawn and suspected the source even before he opens the door. It’s an infant, apparently only hours old, and he glimpses the silhouette of someone running away amidst the shadows. Since the baby is swathed in an Amish blanket, he suspects the baby is an Amish child. He calls Police Chief Kate Burkholder who brings Agent John Tomasetti with her to begin their investigation and try to locate the mother.
This is a bittersweet gem of a story. Absent the normal gruesome murders we’re accustomed to in this series, the search to find the baby’s parents leads to heartache, triumph and joy. The outcome was lovely despite the tattered emotional path to get there. It’s a very short story but long on emotion and character. I loved listening to it as Kathleen McInerney delivered a subtle and understated performance. It was a nice change of pace.
Posted on Blue Mood Café
This is a bittersweet gem of a story. Absent the normal gruesome murders we’re accustomed to in this series, the search to find the baby’s parents leads to heartache, triumph and joy. The outcome was lovely despite the tattered emotional path to get there. It’s a very short story but long on emotion and character. I loved listening to it as Kathleen McInerney delivered a subtle and understated performance. It was a nice change of pace.
Posted on Blue Mood Café
September 2, 2021
A newborn is left on the Amish bishop's doorstep.
Kate is called and works to discover the identity of the mother. The baby was wrapped in an Amish quilt and left with a hand carved wooden rattle which leaves Kate to believe the mother is Amish.and as the case progresses, Kate believes the mother is young and unmarried.
The discovery of the baby's young parents is tragic and sad, but the ultimate happy ending for the baby brings an Amish couple a new beginning.
A perfect short story to hold you over until the next full length Kate Burkholder book.
Kate is called and works to discover the identity of the mother. The baby was wrapped in an Amish quilt and left with a hand carved wooden rattle which leaves Kate to believe the mother is Amish.and as the case progresses, Kate believes the mother is young and unmarried.
The discovery of the baby's young parents is tragic and sad, but the ultimate happy ending for the baby brings an Amish couple a new beginning.
A perfect short story to hold you over until the next full length Kate Burkholder book.
May 3, 2018
EXCERPT: She thought she'd been prepared. What a fool she was, to think she could do this on her own. Stupid, stupid girl. If she hadn't been in such a dark place, she might have laughed at the magnitude of her own idiocy. At the moment, she didn't think she would ever laugh again. Wasn't even sure she'd survive.
ABOUT THIS BOOK: When a baby-only hours old-is discovered on the Amish bishop's front porch in Painter's Mill, Ohio, Chief of Police Kate Burkholder is called in to investigate. The newborn is swaddled in an Amish crib quilt, and the only other item found with the child is a hand-carved wood rattle, which Kate also recognizes as Amish.
The little girl seems healthy and whole; but who would abandon her and why? Though the quilt and rattle could be purchased, Kate suspects the mother is Amish, possibly young and unmarried, both of which would be powerful motives for such a desperate act. With the rattle and the baby quilt as the only clues, Kate must call upon her own Amish roots, and with the help of state agent John Tomasetti, search the Amish and "English" communities of Painters Mill for clues to unravel the poignant, puzzling mystery.
MY THOUGHTS: Linda Castillo writes wonderful, gritty and realistic books set between the western world and the Amish community, empathetically depicting the struggles of both, the temptations and interaction, or sometimes the lack of it.
Just as no man is an island, neither is a civilization able to cut itself off from another, especially when they live cheek by jowl. This touching novella is Castillo at her best.
I listened to the audiobook of A Hidden Secret by Linda Castillo, narrated by Kathleen McInerney and published by MacMillan Audio via OverDrive. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
Please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the 'about' page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com for an explanation of my rating system.
This review and others are also published on my blog sandysbookaday.wordpress.com https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
ABOUT THIS BOOK: When a baby-only hours old-is discovered on the Amish bishop's front porch in Painter's Mill, Ohio, Chief of Police Kate Burkholder is called in to investigate. The newborn is swaddled in an Amish crib quilt, and the only other item found with the child is a hand-carved wood rattle, which Kate also recognizes as Amish.
The little girl seems healthy and whole; but who would abandon her and why? Though the quilt and rattle could be purchased, Kate suspects the mother is Amish, possibly young and unmarried, both of which would be powerful motives for such a desperate act. With the rattle and the baby quilt as the only clues, Kate must call upon her own Amish roots, and with the help of state agent John Tomasetti, search the Amish and "English" communities of Painters Mill for clues to unravel the poignant, puzzling mystery.
MY THOUGHTS: Linda Castillo writes wonderful, gritty and realistic books set between the western world and the Amish community, empathetically depicting the struggles of both, the temptations and interaction, or sometimes the lack of it.
Just as no man is an island, neither is a civilization able to cut itself off from another, especially when they live cheek by jowl. This touching novella is Castillo at her best.
I listened to the audiobook of A Hidden Secret by Linda Castillo, narrated by Kathleen McInerney and published by MacMillan Audio via OverDrive. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
Please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the 'about' page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com for an explanation of my rating system.
This review and others are also published on my blog sandysbookaday.wordpress.com https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
August 4, 2021
This is an interesting short offering from the author which does not actually include a crime, rather just an urgent search for the mother of an abandoned newborn baby. I enjoyed the scenes of Amish life, in particular the love and joy they show for the birth of a new child.
A Hidden Secret gives us a short but intriguing story and a peek at how the Burkholder/Tomasetti relationship is progressing. They seem to be in a happy place and beginning to accept their feelings for each other.
An enjoyable read and a little stepping stone between two full length books.
A Hidden Secret gives us a short but intriguing story and a peek at how the Burkholder/Tomasetti relationship is progressing. They seem to be in a happy place and beginning to accept their feelings for each other.
An enjoyable read and a little stepping stone between two full length books.
August 8, 2021
When Bishop Troyer heard the noise at the front door before 4.30am he was puzzled. But the slight mewling sound was familiar. The newborn baby was swaddled and laying in a washing basket on his front doorstep. When Chief of Police Kate Burkholder of Painter’s Mill, Ohio was woken early, she knew it wouldn’t be for good news. Soon she was at Bishop Troyer’s door, and she immediately recognized the quilt and rattle which had accompanied the baby as Amish. Children’s Services soon arrived to take the baby to hospital and now it was Kate’s job to find the parents of the little girl…
A Hidden Secret is #6.5 in the Kate Burkholder series by Linda Castillo and I loved it. No murder mystery here, but a poignant tale of love, grief and trauma which Kate and Agent John Tomasetti do their best to bring to rights. I’m loving this series again, on my second go round. Highly recommended.
A Hidden Secret is #6.5 in the Kate Burkholder series by Linda Castillo and I loved it. No murder mystery here, but a poignant tale of love, grief and trauma which Kate and Agent John Tomasetti do their best to bring to rights. I’m loving this series again, on my second go round. Highly recommended.
June 6, 2019
In this Kate Burkholder short story, a newborn infant is left on the doorstep of the local Amish Bishop. As police chief, Kate finds herself searching for the mother of the baby. It isn't really a criminal case as the mother waited at the bishop's home until he and his wife were awake, knocked, and then carefully snuck away. She didn't leave the infant in any danger. But it's important to discover who the parents are, make sure the mother receives medical care, and determine what legally needs to be done with the baby. It turns out to be a very emotional case.
I really enjoy this series. Kate is an intelligent woman and a very skilled police officer. She was Amish but left the faith as a teenager after a traumatic event. This particular story is more about love, family, and loss than police investigation. It adds some character development for Kate, and her love interest John Tomasetti. I like it when authors release short stories in between novels in a series. It's nice to have a "visit'' with favorite characters while waiting for a new book...or just a short easy read before jumping into the next book.
I listened to the audio version of this story. As usual, it's narrated by Kathleen McInerney. Her voice is pleasant and she reads at a nice, even pace. She always gives a top notch performance. At just under 2 hours long, the audio is an easy, quick listen. Very enjoyable!
It's best to read the Kate Burkholder series in order. Some of the books and short stories have spoilers for prior plots if read out of order. This story works in between books 6 and 7. There are currently 10 books in the series with a new book, Shamed, coming out in July 2019.
I really enjoy this series. Kate is an intelligent woman and a very skilled police officer. She was Amish but left the faith as a teenager after a traumatic event. This particular story is more about love, family, and loss than police investigation. It adds some character development for Kate, and her love interest John Tomasetti. I like it when authors release short stories in between novels in a series. It's nice to have a "visit'' with favorite characters while waiting for a new book...or just a short easy read before jumping into the next book.
I listened to the audio version of this story. As usual, it's narrated by Kathleen McInerney. Her voice is pleasant and she reads at a nice, even pace. She always gives a top notch performance. At just under 2 hours long, the audio is an easy, quick listen. Very enjoyable!
It's best to read the Kate Burkholder series in order. Some of the books and short stories have spoilers for prior plots if read out of order. This story works in between books 6 and 7. There are currently 10 books in the series with a new book, Shamed, coming out in July 2019.
March 31, 2020
Aww, that was a nice little story.
June 16, 2015
When Chief of Police at Painters Mill, Kate Burkholder was called in the early hours of the morning to the Amish bishop’s home, she certainly didn’t expect what she found. Accompanied by her partner, Agent John Tomasetti they discovered the bishop’s wife cradling a newborn baby in her arms. The bishop had heard knocking at around 4am and when he opened the front door and found the basket on his front step, he was shocked. But the baby girl seemed healthy and was obviously only a few hours old – she was wrapped in a quilt with a wooden rattle beside her – both of which Kate was sure were Amish…
With few clues to help them out, Kate began the search for the mother of the infant. But would she find her? And what would be the story behind the abandonment of a healthy baby girl – why would anyone do such a terrible thing?
Absolutely loved this short story by Linda Castillo! Another Kate Burkholder mystery and even though quite short it was complete. I was excited when I saw this was out, and grabbed it straight away. Love this author’s work and can’t wait for the next full length book in the series. Highly recommended.
With few clues to help them out, Kate began the search for the mother of the infant. But would she find her? And what would be the story behind the abandonment of a healthy baby girl – why would anyone do such a terrible thing?
Absolutely loved this short story by Linda Castillo! Another Kate Burkholder mystery and even though quite short it was complete. I was excited when I saw this was out, and grabbed it straight away. Love this author’s work and can’t wait for the next full length book in the series. Highly recommended.
November 26, 2016
A quick read of a Kate Burkholder short story. A baby is abandoned on the Bishop's porch in Painters Mill, an Amish community, and Kate is trying to figure out who, what and why.
July 1, 2019
A short mystery but well done.
December 22, 2022
I have enjoyed the Kate Burkholder series and this short novella offered a glimpse into the softer side oseries.
When a newborn is dropped at the Amish Bishop's house early one morning Kate is called in to investigate. What she didn't expect was her connection to the baby and genuine sympathy for the families involved. I hope to see the further development of Kate's vulnerability in the continuation of the seties.
When a newborn is dropped at the Amish Bishop's house early one morning Kate is called in to investigate. What she didn't expect was her connection to the baby and genuine sympathy for the families involved. I hope to see the further development of Kate's vulnerability in the continuation of the seties.
June 30, 2018
This is a quick little read. I think I read it in an hour. I love all of Linda Castillo’a book, including this short story.
February 26, 2023
This was a sweet and sad story, a good addition to the Kate Burkholder series.
February 8, 2021
I found the books by Linda Castillo at the library a few years ago. I've listened to quite a few but never in the right order. When I got Libraries 2go I started from the beginning. I've never listened to one of the short stories but if they are anything like this one, I should listen to them too.
This book is less than 2 hours long but lot happens in this short book.
This book is less than 2 hours long but lot happens in this short book.
May 30, 2017
This great little novella was a nice glimpse into the world of Kate Burkholder. It was very interesting to see Kate start to have some feelings of her biological clock ticking away while dealing with this case. I really felt for the young mother and all of the tragedy she had endured. I was glad that she made sure her baby was safe when she left her, and that all of the people who came into contact with the infant were so enchanted by her. I really liked the idea of the grandparents raising the baby.
It seemed like Kate and Tomasetti were in a really good place together in this one and I enjoyed the way he just went along with her on her cases as a matter of course. This really whetted my appetite for the upcoming book!
It seemed like Kate and Tomasetti were in a really good place together in this one and I enjoyed the way he just went along with her on her cases as a matter of course. This really whetted my appetite for the upcoming book!
December 4, 2021
This is an Amish Mystery, and this is the 6.5 st book in the Kate Burkholder series. I have read and review books 1-6 before picking this book up. This is a very short novella (around 80 pages). This is all about a newborn baby being left on the doorstep of the Amish Bishop. I have to say during this fast moving mystery we get to see a different side of Kate, and I have to say I love seeing a different side of Kate. The mystery was not super suspenseful, but it was well done. I think having a lighter mystery and getting to see a different side of Kate made this book so great for me. I do wish we got an update on the character that got hurt at the end of book 6, but maybe that will come in book 7.
August 27, 2017
3.5 Stars
This is a quick story that bridges the gap between the 6th & 7th books in the series. Without an actual murder case, this novella has a much lighter tone than the full length novels with a simple mystery that is resolved quite easily. A fairly entertaining read for fans of the series looking to spend more time with Kate Burkholder.
This is a quick story that bridges the gap between the 6th & 7th books in the series. Without an actual murder case, this novella has a much lighter tone than the full length novels with a simple mystery that is resolved quite easily. A fairly entertaining read for fans of the series looking to spend more time with Kate Burkholder.
June 12, 2015
This was a very short read. Though predictable, it's written with Linda Castillo's unique style and was interesting. Perhaps there was some insight into Kate Burkholder in a future book.
September 25, 2021
Great story - very enjoyable. Quick read. Recommended.
June 19, 2016
Police Chief Kate Burkholder is called to the Amish Bishop's farm in the middle of the night. The Bishop has discovered a newborn baby on his doorstep. The only clues to the baby's identity are the handmade quilt she is wrapped in and the Amish-made rattle. Kate searches the community in hopes she can find the mother and find out why she abandoned her child.
This is a very satisfying short story. As Kate searches for the mother of the child, she reflects on her own life and wonders if a child will ever be a part of it. I'm looking forward to the next installment in this series. My rating: 4 Stars.
This is a very satisfying short story. As Kate searches for the mother of the child, she reflects on her own life and wonders if a child will ever be a part of it. I'm looking forward to the next installment in this series. My rating: 4 Stars.
July 17, 2017
I thoroughly enjoyed this novella!
July 14, 2020
This novella differs from the previous full-length books in this series because there isn't a murder mystery to solve. Instead, Kate is trying to find the mother of a newborn baby that was left on Bishop Troyer's doorstop. Everything points to the newborn being an Amish baby, but Kate has a feeling that the baby could just as easily have been non-Amish.
I really felt for all of the characters in this story. I really like the way Kate handled the case and I like the way it ended. It's pretty clear who the baby is and there aren't really any twists. Still, an enjoyable short addition to the Kate Burkholder series. I was able to read it in its entirety this morning in the quiet time before my family woke up. (:
My reviews from the Kate Burkholder series
Sworn To Silence (Kate Burkholder #1)
Pray For Silence (Kate Burkholder #2)
Breaking Silence (Kate Burkholder #3)
Gone Missing (Kate Burkholder #4)
Long Lost (Kate Burkholder #4.5
Her Last Breath (Kate Burkholder #5)
The Dead Will Tell (Kate Burkholder #6)
A Hidden Secret (Kate Burkholder #6.5)
After The Storm (Kate Burkholder #7)
Seeds Of Deception (Kate Burkholder #7.5)
I really felt for all of the characters in this story. I really like the way Kate handled the case and I like the way it ended. It's pretty clear who the baby is and there aren't really any twists. Still, an enjoyable short addition to the Kate Burkholder series. I was able to read it in its entirety this morning in the quiet time before my family woke up. (:
My reviews from the Kate Burkholder series
Sworn To Silence (Kate Burkholder #1)
Pray For Silence (Kate Burkholder #2)
Breaking Silence (Kate Burkholder #3)
Gone Missing (Kate Burkholder #4)
Long Lost (Kate Burkholder #4.5
Her Last Breath (Kate Burkholder #5)
The Dead Will Tell (Kate Burkholder #6)
A Hidden Secret (Kate Burkholder #6.5)
After The Storm (Kate Burkholder #7)
Seeds Of Deception (Kate Burkholder #7.5)
June 19, 2017
As always Linda doesn't disappoint. This was a short story but still a great one. I like how Katie had to find the parents of a newborn left at the Bishops home. Katie seems to want to have a baby of her own sometime, it's nice how it's subtle but there. Katie and Tommisetti helped the mom and find a home for the baby. I plan on reading the other short stories that have Katie in them as well.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 4, 2015
A very short story but still interesting and well written.
July 27, 2020
I kind of wish this one was a full length novel. There wasn't a big murder mystery to it, but I still think the author could do so much with this novella!
January 16, 2021
Quite an endearing and heartfelt short story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 441 reviews