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Kate Burkholder #12
Outsider
Linda Castillo follows her instant New York Times bestseller, Shamed, with Outsider, an electrifying thriller about a woman on the run hiding among the Amish.
Chief of Police Kate Burkholder's past comes back to haunt her when she receives a call from Amish widower Adam Lengacher. While enjoying a sleigh ride with his children, he discovered a car stuck in a snowdrift and an unconscious woman nearby. Kate arrives at his farm and is shocked to discover the driver is a woman she hasn't seen in ten years: fellow cop Gina Colorosa.
Ten years ago, Kate and Gina were best friends at the police academy, graduating together as rookies with the Columbus Division of Police. But the reunion takes an ominous turn when Kate learns Gina is wanted for killing an undercover officer. Gina claims she's innocent, that she was framed by corrupt officers who want her gone because she was about to turn them in for wrongdoing.
Kate calls upon state agent John Tomasetti for help and with a blizzard bearing down, they delve into the incident. But no one wants to talk about what happened the night Gina allegedly gunned down a fellow cop. Even Tomasetti is stonewalled, his superior telling him in no uncertain terms to back off.
With whisperings of corruption and the threat of rogue cops seeking revenge, Kate and Gina hunker down at Adam Lengacher's farm. As Kate gets closer to the truth, a killer lies in wait. When violence strikes, Kate must confront a reality that changes everything she thought she knew not only about friendship, but the institution to which she's devoted her life.
Chief of Police Kate Burkholder's past comes back to haunt her when she receives a call from Amish widower Adam Lengacher. While enjoying a sleigh ride with his children, he discovered a car stuck in a snowdrift and an unconscious woman nearby. Kate arrives at his farm and is shocked to discover the driver is a woman she hasn't seen in ten years: fellow cop Gina Colorosa.
Ten years ago, Kate and Gina were best friends at the police academy, graduating together as rookies with the Columbus Division of Police. But the reunion takes an ominous turn when Kate learns Gina is wanted for killing an undercover officer. Gina claims she's innocent, that she was framed by corrupt officers who want her gone because she was about to turn them in for wrongdoing.
Kate calls upon state agent John Tomasetti for help and with a blizzard bearing down, they delve into the incident. But no one wants to talk about what happened the night Gina allegedly gunned down a fellow cop. Even Tomasetti is stonewalled, his superior telling him in no uncertain terms to back off.
With whisperings of corruption and the threat of rogue cops seeking revenge, Kate and Gina hunker down at Adam Lengacher's farm. As Kate gets closer to the truth, a killer lies in wait. When violence strikes, Kate must confront a reality that changes everything she thought she knew not only about friendship, but the institution to which she's devoted her life.
320 pages, Hardcover
First published July 7, 2020
2144 people are currently reading
8495 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 1,495 reviews
August 14, 2020
Outsider by Linda Castillo is a 2020 Minotaur publication.
You can’t go wrong with this series!!
Adam, an Amish widower, and his children are out for a sleigh ride despite the blizzard conditions, when they find a car riddled with bullet holes and a woman half frozen to death. No matter what, it is the Amish way to help people, so he takes the woman back to his place.
When Kate is called in, she finds herself face to face with her former best friend, Gina, a cop who went rogue. Now she’s asking for Kate’s help, but is she trustworthy?
This is another outstanding installment in the Kate Burkholder series!
The blizzard conditions create another layer of suspense as Kate attempts to clear up the murky details about Gina’s predicament. The flashbacks to Kate’s early days as a cop, the special friendship she had with Gina, and the disillusionment that follows when Kate first found out her friend had become a dirty cop, add a tone of nostalgia and melancholy to the story. Will Kate's memories cloud her judgment now?
The Amish elements also play a key part in the story, as Adam deals with his obligations to his faith, while also wrestling with temptation from someone who had no earthly idea of the consequences he and his children would be left to face.
The building suspense kept me glued to the pages, but I never was sure what to make of the situation, who to trust, or what to really believe. The stunning twists and the final showdown is riveting, nail biting stuff!!
5 stars
*Personal note:
I have waffled on writing this for a few days, but decided to offer a little explanation, just so no one thinks I'm ignoring them. I know this won't be seen by everyone, and may not be appropriate to write this here- but I feel I need to get a few things off my chest.
In the last several weeks, we had a death in the family,- my mother in law passed suddenly, and we suffered the loss of a beloved pet who was a part of our family for seventeen years. My daughter's boyfriend was in a serious accident and then tested positive for Covid. He was asymptomatic and none of us contracted it, but he has a long recovery ahead of him. We also had another cat become very ill, he's recovering now- and then a bunch of minor issues, like connectivity issues, and my laptop crashed.
So, as a result, I may have lost track of a few of you and somehow, I have become the only person on earth to 'flunk' Goodreads. I try to respond to each one of you, but I do prioritize those who liked or commented on my reviews. I use Goodreads notifications, via email, to make sure I respond to everyone- and I never do group responses- although there is nothing wrong with that. It is just important to me, to acknowledge everyone, personally, who took the time to leave a comment on one of my reviews.
Sadly, I have gotten behind and lost track of some friends I make an effort to keep up with. Trying to catch up, I may not have liked your most recent review, or always left a lengthy comment. In order to keep up, I don't always have time to write more than a sentence, but it is important to me that you know I appreciate your reviews and the time you took to write one and post it.
Since some people may have taken this personally, I am going to take a step back from Goodreads, and take care of things in my family a little more right now, and enjoy my new kitten- Selina. I am working to answer all emails and get reviews written for all the books I am behind on. I plan to continue to interact with everyone as much as humanly possible, but please understand I may not be able to respond as often as usual for a while. I may not be doing this social media thing correctly, or I may be making it harder than it has to be, but to me, it should be fun and not a chore. If you haven't heard from me, it's not personal. Send me a PM if need be- you never know what's on someone's plate. I am not mad at you, or deliberately ignoring anyone, I promise!
On a slightly different note, we all like different books, and all enjoy this site in different ways. In my opinion everyone should do what they like doing here, the way they like to do it. There is no right or wrong way- or wrong books or genres. I don't read a lot of Young Adult or Science Fiction, for example, but if you enjoy those genres that's fine by me!! I support whatever you enjoy and like- no judgments. I think we should all read whatever makes us happy.
I welcome all likes and comments- period. The newer reviews or older ones- makes no difference to me. I'm not here to win a popularity contest. I'm here to share books with friends, discover new books and authors, maybe help an author get more recognition, and honestly, that's it. But, I get no prizes or awards for what I do here. It's just another way to enjoy books. But, I've been an avid reader all my life- well before Goodreads. I will continue to enjoy books with or without Goodreads, but I hope I can stay on, stress free, and keep all my many friends here. Thanks for your patience!!
Take care and be safe!
You can’t go wrong with this series!!
Adam, an Amish widower, and his children are out for a sleigh ride despite the blizzard conditions, when they find a car riddled with bullet holes and a woman half frozen to death. No matter what, it is the Amish way to help people, so he takes the woman back to his place.
When Kate is called in, she finds herself face to face with her former best friend, Gina, a cop who went rogue. Now she’s asking for Kate’s help, but is she trustworthy?
This is another outstanding installment in the Kate Burkholder series!
The blizzard conditions create another layer of suspense as Kate attempts to clear up the murky details about Gina’s predicament. The flashbacks to Kate’s early days as a cop, the special friendship she had with Gina, and the disillusionment that follows when Kate first found out her friend had become a dirty cop, add a tone of nostalgia and melancholy to the story. Will Kate's memories cloud her judgment now?
The Amish elements also play a key part in the story, as Adam deals with his obligations to his faith, while also wrestling with temptation from someone who had no earthly idea of the consequences he and his children would be left to face.
The building suspense kept me glued to the pages, but I never was sure what to make of the situation, who to trust, or what to really believe. The stunning twists and the final showdown is riveting, nail biting stuff!!
5 stars
*Personal note:
I have waffled on writing this for a few days, but decided to offer a little explanation, just so no one thinks I'm ignoring them. I know this won't be seen by everyone, and may not be appropriate to write this here- but I feel I need to get a few things off my chest.
In the last several weeks, we had a death in the family,- my mother in law passed suddenly, and we suffered the loss of a beloved pet who was a part of our family for seventeen years. My daughter's boyfriend was in a serious accident and then tested positive for Covid. He was asymptomatic and none of us contracted it, but he has a long recovery ahead of him. We also had another cat become very ill, he's recovering now- and then a bunch of minor issues, like connectivity issues, and my laptop crashed.
So, as a result, I may have lost track of a few of you and somehow, I have become the only person on earth to 'flunk' Goodreads. I try to respond to each one of you, but I do prioritize those who liked or commented on my reviews. I use Goodreads notifications, via email, to make sure I respond to everyone- and I never do group responses- although there is nothing wrong with that. It is just important to me, to acknowledge everyone, personally, who took the time to leave a comment on one of my reviews.
Sadly, I have gotten behind and lost track of some friends I make an effort to keep up with. Trying to catch up, I may not have liked your most recent review, or always left a lengthy comment. In order to keep up, I don't always have time to write more than a sentence, but it is important to me that you know I appreciate your reviews and the time you took to write one and post it.
Since some people may have taken this personally, I am going to take a step back from Goodreads, and take care of things in my family a little more right now, and enjoy my new kitten- Selina. I am working to answer all emails and get reviews written for all the books I am behind on. I plan to continue to interact with everyone as much as humanly possible, but please understand I may not be able to respond as often as usual for a while. I may not be doing this social media thing correctly, or I may be making it harder than it has to be, but to me, it should be fun and not a chore. If you haven't heard from me, it's not personal. Send me a PM if need be- you never know what's on someone's plate. I am not mad at you, or deliberately ignoring anyone, I promise!
On a slightly different note, we all like different books, and all enjoy this site in different ways. In my opinion everyone should do what they like doing here, the way they like to do it. There is no right or wrong way- or wrong books or genres. I don't read a lot of Young Adult or Science Fiction, for example, but if you enjoy those genres that's fine by me!! I support whatever you enjoy and like- no judgments. I think we should all read whatever makes us happy.
I welcome all likes and comments- period. The newer reviews or older ones- makes no difference to me. I'm not here to win a popularity contest. I'm here to share books with friends, discover new books and authors, maybe help an author get more recognition, and honestly, that's it. But, I get no prizes or awards for what I do here. It's just another way to enjoy books. But, I've been an avid reader all my life- well before Goodreads. I will continue to enjoy books with or without Goodreads, but I hope I can stay on, stress free, and keep all my many friends here. Thanks for your patience!!
Take care and be safe!
July 10, 2020
A series that never disappoints!
Five fabulous stars for the latest release in my favorite series!
Katie Burkholder is the Chief of Police in a small Ohio town. An area of Ohio prominently populated by a community of Amish people. In fact, Kate herself grew up Amish and left her family and friends for a life in the outside world.
When Kate’s long-time friend and fellow law officer goes into hiding on an Amish farm, Kate quickly arrives to assist. But help will be no easy task. This situation runs deeper than Kate ever imagined. For starters, can she even trust her old friend? Is she putting everyone’s lives at risk by hiding out on this Amish farm?
We’re all familiar with the sage advice, “you can ever go home.” The very concept Kate struggles with in a constant tug-of-war. Longing for the simple life she knew growing up vs the life in the darker outside world she shares with her boyfriend, Tomasetti.
Linda Castillo’s descriptive beauty of the culture, and painting a marvelous snap-shot of Amish life, was truly touching.
You feel yourself side-by-side Kate as she struggles with the decisions she’s made so far in her life.
This series continues to be my favorite. I’m impatiently counting down the days to her next release.
A buddy read with Susanne.
Thank you to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for an ARC to read and review
Five fabulous stars for the latest release in my favorite series!
Katie Burkholder is the Chief of Police in a small Ohio town. An area of Ohio prominently populated by a community of Amish people. In fact, Kate herself grew up Amish and left her family and friends for a life in the outside world.
When Kate’s long-time friend and fellow law officer goes into hiding on an Amish farm, Kate quickly arrives to assist. But help will be no easy task. This situation runs deeper than Kate ever imagined. For starters, can she even trust her old friend? Is she putting everyone’s lives at risk by hiding out on this Amish farm?
We’re all familiar with the sage advice, “you can ever go home.” The very concept Kate struggles with in a constant tug-of-war. Longing for the simple life she knew growing up vs the life in the darker outside world she shares with her boyfriend, Tomasetti.
Linda Castillo’s descriptive beauty of the culture, and painting a marvelous snap-shot of Amish life, was truly touching.
You feel yourself side-by-side Kate as she struggles with the decisions she’s made so far in her life.
This series continues to be my favorite. I’m impatiently counting down the days to her next release.
A buddy read with Susanne.
Thank you to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for an ARC to read and review
May 20, 2024
This is an Amish Mystery, and it is the 12th book of the Kate Burkholder series. This book is a mystery suspense book. I have read this book two times. This book had so much action and turns in it. The main character of this series is Kate Burkholder who is a cop, but she was raise Amish and left her home when she was a young woman. Now, she works as a cop near where she grow up. In this book her past in throw at her face when the woman (Gina) that took her in after she left her Amish home is in trouble and comes to find her. Gina also brings troubles with her that puts Kate and an Amish man and his family in danger. This book has a lot of Kate remembering her past, and I really love the fact we are finding more out about her past. The ending kept you wanting to read and gets you heart going. I really cannot wait to read the next book in this series. WOW... This book is my favorite book in this series so far. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher or author via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
May 19, 2020
4 stars for book 12 in the Kate Burkholder series. This is another pulse pounding thriller that starts off with a bang. The prologue has cops doing a no knock raid on a woman who is prepared for an escape. She is shot, but manages to escape and head for her friend from the police academy, Kate Burkholder. This is not a mystery, since the bad guys are identified early on.
Gina Colorosa is the fleeing woman. There are corrupt cops who want to kill her. She is a cop too, and they are afraid that she knows too much. Gina crashes her pickup in a blinding snowstorm. She is rescued by an Amish widower, Adam Lengacher. The book has some interesting insight into the life of an Amish farmer in rural Northeast Ohio.
How this thriller is resolved makes for an entertaining read. I read it in 2 days. This series works better if read in order, as there are continuing plot lines. However, this book would be ok as a stand alone. I have read all the previous books in the series.
My wife read this book before me. She says it's one of Castillo's best books.
Two quotes:
Winter in Northeast Ohio: "Dawn arrives cold and gray, with snow flurries and a north wind that hammers the house like a fist. It's not as bitterly cold today, and I'm desperately hoping the six inches of snow the weatherman predicted is an overestimation."
Amish proverb: "Live your life with God's goodness and you'll never fear the past."
Thank You Minotaur Books/St Martin's Press, Linda Castillo and NetGalley for sending me this eARC.
Gina Colorosa is the fleeing woman. There are corrupt cops who want to kill her. She is a cop too, and they are afraid that she knows too much. Gina crashes her pickup in a blinding snowstorm. She is rescued by an Amish widower, Adam Lengacher. The book has some interesting insight into the life of an Amish farmer in rural Northeast Ohio.
How this thriller is resolved makes for an entertaining read. I read it in 2 days. This series works better if read in order, as there are continuing plot lines. However, this book would be ok as a stand alone. I have read all the previous books in the series.
My wife read this book before me. She says it's one of Castillo's best books.
Two quotes:
Winter in Northeast Ohio: "Dawn arrives cold and gray, with snow flurries and a north wind that hammers the house like a fist. It's not as bitterly cold today, and I'm desperately hoping the six inches of snow the weatherman predicted is an overestimation."
Amish proverb: "Live your life with God's goodness and you'll never fear the past."
Thank You Minotaur Books/St Martin's Press, Linda Castillo and NetGalley for sending me this eARC.
May 28, 2020
Linda Castillo’s Kate Burkholder series is another one that doesn’t disappoint. This book is the twelfth offering.
Kate finds herself caught up in a potential corruption case out of Columbus. During a heavy snow storm, an Amish farmer finds a crashed car and close by, an unconscious woman. When the woman comes to, she asks for Kate by name. Turns out, she and Kate went through the police academy together and were close friends. But the friendship didn’t end on a good note and they haven’t seen each other in ten years. As always, this book is strong on character development. We learn even more about Kate’s first years after leaving her Amish home. Gina is an excellent secondary character and provides a great contrast to Kate. “Gina Colorosa is not a reflective person. She’s always lived her life by the seat of her pants, never anticipating the consequences, the past - and the future- be damned.”
Throughout the series, Castillo has done a good job of giving a fair, unbiased look at the Amish. Here, we get an in-depth look as the snowstorm strands Kate and Gina at a farm.
This book takes a while longer to get into a higher gear. But once it did, it delivered on both tension and suspense.
My thanks to netgalley and St. Martin’s Press for an advance copy of this book.
Kate finds herself caught up in a potential corruption case out of Columbus. During a heavy snow storm, an Amish farmer finds a crashed car and close by, an unconscious woman. When the woman comes to, she asks for Kate by name. Turns out, she and Kate went through the police academy together and were close friends. But the friendship didn’t end on a good note and they haven’t seen each other in ten years. As always, this book is strong on character development. We learn even more about Kate’s first years after leaving her Amish home. Gina is an excellent secondary character and provides a great contrast to Kate. “Gina Colorosa is not a reflective person. She’s always lived her life by the seat of her pants, never anticipating the consequences, the past - and the future- be damned.”
Throughout the series, Castillo has done a good job of giving a fair, unbiased look at the Amish. Here, we get an in-depth look as the snowstorm strands Kate and Gina at a farm.
This book takes a while longer to get into a higher gear. But once it did, it delivered on both tension and suspense.
My thanks to netgalley and St. Martin’s Press for an advance copy of this book.
June 11, 2022
A fantastic installment with good suspense. I really like Outsider as the plot is different from previous books. It's a nice change yet still has an Amish feel that fans love. Also, we get to know more about eighteen-year-old Kate when she left the Amish life and started a new one in the big city, met her first English friend, and the backstory on how she became a cop.
April 27, 2020
3.5 love Kate and the Amish setting, but this one had more elements of a thriller that I didn't like as much.
Kate's past comes for her in a big way and brings danger to a widowed Amish man and his children. Loved little Sammy, he was the bright light in this story. A little more violent than the others in this series. The endless snow adds to the atmosphere, trapping people in place. As always loved the glimpses of the Amish way of life, the authentic feel, language and all. Getting a glimpse at Kate when she was just beginning her career was appreciated. Unfortunately the plot itself didn't appeal, but that's just a matter of reading taste.
ARC from Netgalley
Kate's past comes for her in a big way and brings danger to a widowed Amish man and his children. Loved little Sammy, he was the bright light in this story. A little more violent than the others in this series. The endless snow adds to the atmosphere, trapping people in place. As always loved the glimpses of the Amish way of life, the authentic feel, language and all. Getting a glimpse at Kate when she was just beginning her career was appreciated. Unfortunately the plot itself didn't appeal, but that's just a matter of reading taste.
ARC from Netgalley
June 27, 2020
You Can Run.
When a no knock raid is carried out at Gina Colorossa’s home, she is lucky to escape with her life. On the run, she can only think of one place to hide: Painters Mill. Home of her former best friend Kate Burkholder, now the Chief of Police. Gina was once best friends with Kate when they were in the Academy together.
When Gina’s car crashes in a snow storm, she is found by Adam Lengacher, an Amish Widower and his children, who kindly take Gina in. A call to Kate is all it takes to bring her out to Adam’s farm before a Blizzard hits.
Secrets and Danger run amok in “Outsider” by Linda Castillo. Can Kate’s dear old friend be trusted? Leave it to Kate and Tomasetti to find the truth in this nail biter! A tense police procedural that explores family, romance and the idea of right and wrong.
A buddy read with Kaceey!
Thank you to NetGalley Minotaur Books and Linda Castillo for the arc.
Published on Goodreads on 6.27.20.
When a no knock raid is carried out at Gina Colorossa’s home, she is lucky to escape with her life. On the run, she can only think of one place to hide: Painters Mill. Home of her former best friend Kate Burkholder, now the Chief of Police. Gina was once best friends with Kate when they were in the Academy together.
When Gina’s car crashes in a snow storm, she is found by Adam Lengacher, an Amish Widower and his children, who kindly take Gina in. A call to Kate is all it takes to bring her out to Adam’s farm before a Blizzard hits.
Secrets and Danger run amok in “Outsider” by Linda Castillo. Can Kate’s dear old friend be trusted? Leave it to Kate and Tomasetti to find the truth in this nail biter! A tense police procedural that explores family, romance and the idea of right and wrong.
A buddy read with Kaceey!
Thank you to NetGalley Minotaur Books and Linda Castillo for the arc.
Published on Goodreads on 6.27.20.
July 13, 2022
On the whole I enjoy this series very much but I found this book to be a bit of a weak link. Also no stars to whoever decided to put no effort in to selecting a cover!
Outsider is different from previous books in that there is hardly any police work or mystery. There is a lot of suspense but all I was worried about was that Adam and his family would survive the terrible situation Kate had put them in. I decided that Gina Colorosa was not a nice person and deserved whatever happened to her.
On the plus side we learn a lot about Kate's past, Tomasetti is a great support, and I confirmed to myself that I never want to live anywhere where it snows that much. Oh and the ending is sweet. I am looking forward to the next book.
Outsider is different from previous books in that there is hardly any police work or mystery. There is a lot of suspense but all I was worried about was that Adam and his family would survive the terrible situation Kate had put them in. I decided that Gina Colorosa was not a nice person and deserved whatever happened to her.
On the plus side we learn a lot about Kate's past, Tomasetti is a great support, and I confirmed to myself that I never want to live anywhere where it snows that much. Oh and the ending is sweet. I am looking forward to the next book.
December 4, 2023
3.5 stars
In this 12th book in the 'Kate Burkholder' series, the Chief of Police learns about serious corruption in the Columbus, Ohio Police Department. The book can be read as a standalone.
*****
Police Chief Kate Burkholder grew up in an Amish community in Painter's Mill, Ohio but left as a teenager. Kate eventually wound up in Columbus, Ohio where she met Gina Colorosa. The two young women bonded instantly. They moved in together, attended the Police Academy together, and became Columbus cops together.
Gina was always a loose cannon, but Kate loved Gina like a sister and ignored her roguish behavior for years. Then Gina went too far and Kate packed up, moved out, and returned to Painter's Mill, where she became Police Chief.
Kate and Gina haven't spoken for ten years when Gina crashes her truck on the icy roads of Painter's Mill.
Gina is rescued by Amish widower Adam Lengacher who's out sledding with his three young children.
Adam takes Gina to his house, administers first aid, and contacts Police Chief Burkholder.
Kate makes her way to Adam's house just as a blizzard is roaring into Painter's Mill. Kate is shocked to find her former friend in a highly agitated state and bleeding from a bullet wound. The blizzard makes it impossible to take Gina to a hospital so Adam's Amish neighbor administers medical help.
Meanwhile, Gina shamefully admits she was one of a group of bent cops in Columbus who shook down drug dealers, stole money from crime scenes, beat up suspects, and so on.
According to Gina, her corrupt comrades went too far one night, and she was about to blow the whistle. Gina goes on to explain that, before she could turn them in, her former buddies framed her for murder, obtained a no-knock warrant, and planned to kill her during the arrest. Gina was ready for them though, and she escaped - getting shot in the process.
Now Gina is in Painter's Mill, hoping Kate can help her.
Kate repeats this shocking story to her boyfriend John Tomasetti, who's an investigator with the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI).
Both Kate and John think Gina is holding something back, but Tomasetti agrees to check things out. He learns that the BCI is aware of corruption in Columbus and is quietly investigating. Moreover, Gina can supply valuable information.....if the bad guys don't get her first
The suspense ratchets up as blizzard conditions strand Gina and Kate in the Amish household while a couple of Columbus cops are on the hunt, determined to find Gina and shut her up....forever.
It's interesting to learn more about Kate's early police career. I also liked the peeks into Amish culture, and the scenes where the Lengacher children care for a newborn calf that's been rejected by its mama.
This is more of a thriller than a mystery, but there are some twists to keep things interesting. I enjoyed this addition to the Kate Burkholder series and recommended it to fans of thrillers.
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....
August 3, 2022
the setup…
Amish widower Adam Lengacher is out for a sleigh ride in the middle of a snowstorm with his three young children (Sammy, Annie and Lizzie) when he comes across a car in a ditch covered in snow. He finds the driver nearby, a woman with some kind of serious injury and close to being frozen to death. He carries her to the sleigh and takes her home. Before she lapses into unconsciousness, the woman asks him to contact Police Chief Kate Burkholder. When Kate arrives at Adam’s house, she stunned to learn that the woman is someone she hasn’t seen in years, Detective Gina Colorosa.
the heart of the story…
I’ve always wondered how Kate became a police officer as that’s never been explained until now. Gina Colorosa, a Columbus Police Department vice detective, provides that missing piece as she and Kate joined the academy and began their career in law enforcement together in Columbus. Now, she’s on the run from her own department, one she claims is rife with corruption stemming from leadership down to the lower ranks. But, her hands aren’t clean, either. To say this woman is complicated is quite the understatement, which creates loads of trouble for Kate as she tries to sift through the truths and lies. But an unexpected aspect of the story was the glimpse of what Kate’s childhood may have been like through Adam and his children’s world. He was one of her childhood friends and is raising his three much like theirs had been. I finally have a better understanding of why Kate is still conflicted about leaving the Amish life. Adam’s children are delightful, finding joy in the simple things and each other, reminding Kate of the happy times of her youth.
the narration…
I’ve always enjoyed McInerney’s narration of this series but never more than with this story. Her voice for those adorable children slayed me. And, the voice she gave Gina seemed to fit her perfectly, helping to define a “colorful” character who’s quite an enigma.
the bottom line…
This was an exciting story as the tension began with the prologue and continued to build while Gina was holed up at Adam’s home with Kate, waiting out the snowstorm and watching for the danger you knew was coming. I came away with a more complete understanding of Kate who I already thought I knew well. Her relationship with Gina is loaded with mixed emotions and, by the end of the story, I shared those same feelings. There’s lots of tension, suspense and danger but what really made me love the story was how it helped round out Kate. And, little Sammy stole the show💜 4.5 stars
Posted on Blue Mood Café
Amish widower Adam Lengacher is out for a sleigh ride in the middle of a snowstorm with his three young children (Sammy, Annie and Lizzie) when he comes across a car in a ditch covered in snow. He finds the driver nearby, a woman with some kind of serious injury and close to being frozen to death. He carries her to the sleigh and takes her home. Before she lapses into unconsciousness, the woman asks him to contact Police Chief Kate Burkholder. When Kate arrives at Adam’s house, she stunned to learn that the woman is someone she hasn’t seen in years, Detective Gina Colorosa.
the heart of the story…
I’ve always wondered how Kate became a police officer as that’s never been explained until now. Gina Colorosa, a Columbus Police Department vice detective, provides that missing piece as she and Kate joined the academy and began their career in law enforcement together in Columbus. Now, she’s on the run from her own department, one she claims is rife with corruption stemming from leadership down to the lower ranks. But, her hands aren’t clean, either. To say this woman is complicated is quite the understatement, which creates loads of trouble for Kate as she tries to sift through the truths and lies. But an unexpected aspect of the story was the glimpse of what Kate’s childhood may have been like through Adam and his children’s world. He was one of her childhood friends and is raising his three much like theirs had been. I finally have a better understanding of why Kate is still conflicted about leaving the Amish life. Adam’s children are delightful, finding joy in the simple things and each other, reminding Kate of the happy times of her youth.
the narration…
I’ve always enjoyed McInerney’s narration of this series but never more than with this story. Her voice for those adorable children slayed me. And, the voice she gave Gina seemed to fit her perfectly, helping to define a “colorful” character who’s quite an enigma.
the bottom line…
This was an exciting story as the tension began with the prologue and continued to build while Gina was holed up at Adam’s home with Kate, waiting out the snowstorm and watching for the danger you knew was coming. I came away with a more complete understanding of Kate who I already thought I knew well. Her relationship with Gina is loaded with mixed emotions and, by the end of the story, I shared those same feelings. There’s lots of tension, suspense and danger but what really made me love the story was how it helped round out Kate. And, little Sammy stole the show💜 4.5 stars
Posted on Blue Mood Café
June 12, 2020
This is the 12th book in the Kate Burkholder series and I've read each one and eagerly anticipated this one.
Kate, Chief of Police in small town Painter's Mill, receives a call from Amish widower Adam Lengacher. In the midst of a blinding snowstorm, he was out sleighing with his 3 children when he comes across a car crash, and an injured woman, Gina Colorosa, who has a gunshot wound in her shoulder. Gina is a cop and a friend of Kate's, having graduated with her from the police academy in nearby Columbus.
Gina is on the run from two corrupt police officers, who accused her of killing an undercover officer. Kate rushes to Adam's farm, where Gina is hiding. Can Kate trust Gina? Was Gina wrongly accused?
Included in this book was more backstory on Kate's life growing up Amish before she left to become a police officer. I suggest if you have not read previous books, to start with the earlier ones.
I really enjoyed this book and recommend it.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance review copy.
Kate, Chief of Police in small town Painter's Mill, receives a call from Amish widower Adam Lengacher. In the midst of a blinding snowstorm, he was out sleighing with his 3 children when he comes across a car crash, and an injured woman, Gina Colorosa, who has a gunshot wound in her shoulder. Gina is a cop and a friend of Kate's, having graduated with her from the police academy in nearby Columbus.
Gina is on the run from two corrupt police officers, who accused her of killing an undercover officer. Kate rushes to Adam's farm, where Gina is hiding. Can Kate trust Gina? Was Gina wrongly accused?
Included in this book was more backstory on Kate's life growing up Amish before she left to become a police officer. I suggest if you have not read previous books, to start with the earlier ones.
I really enjoyed this book and recommend it.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance review copy.
July 23, 2022
Chief of Police Kate Burkholder hadn't thought of old friend and fellow rookie cop, Gina Colorosa much over the years after they'd had a falling out and Kate had turned her back on Gina. She was surprised therefore, when she received a call from Amish man Adam Lengacher, who'd found a truck in a nearby ditch and a young woman, injured and hypothermic, asking for Kate. The snow was thick and still falling, the roads dangerous. When Kate eventually made it to the Lengacher farm and saw who the woman was, she was shocked. But the disbelief when Gina told her what had happened in her life, and why she was on the run, astounded her. Kate phoned her significant other, John Tomasetti, who was with BCI and he assured Kate he'd look into what Gina said and get out to them as soon as he could.
Corruption and betrayal was rife in the vice squad and Gina was going to blow the whistle. But Kate wasn't sure whether Gina was telling the truth or not - whether she could trust her. What would Tomasetti find? And had Gina put Adam and his three children in danger?
Outsider is the 12th in the Kate Burkholder series by Linda Castillo and once again I thoroughly enjoyed the ride. Quite a lot different than usual with hardly any appearances by Kate's Painters Mill team, and a lot of emotional turmoil. Looking forward to #13 soon. Recommended.
Corruption and betrayal was rife in the vice squad and Gina was going to blow the whistle. But Kate wasn't sure whether Gina was telling the truth or not - whether she could trust her. What would Tomasetti find? And had Gina put Adam and his three children in danger?
Outsider is the 12th in the Kate Burkholder series by Linda Castillo and once again I thoroughly enjoyed the ride. Quite a lot different than usual with hardly any appearances by Kate's Painters Mill team, and a lot of emotional turmoil. Looking forward to #13 soon. Recommended.
April 4, 2025
For anyone who hasn’t read or heard about this series yet, and if you love mysteries and thrillers, you should really check it out – because it’s UNIQUE!!!!
July 7, 2020
**This one is now available**
5 Tell me the Backstory stars
This tale, set mostly in Amish country, fills in a huge chunk of Kate Burkholder’s backstory. We learn all about what prompted her to become a police officer and her early days on the Columbus police force. We also find out about her first friend Gina and their early days at the police academy and being rookies on the police force.
Gina mysteriously shows up in Painters Mill during a series of snowstorms in Ohio Amish country. She’s been shot and is on the run. She’s rescued by an Amish farmer and finds refuge in his house. Gina is hoping that Kate and John Tomasetti can help her untangle a web of police corruption. I thought this was an interesting character study into how police corruption can happen and how it can come tumbling down.
I loved the few days we spend on an Amish farm and we see how Kate has become the person she is today. This one propels the relationship between Kate and John (finally) and I’m hoping for big news in the next book! There’s a tense conclusion to this one and I love that it’s the two women who take care of business – Kate and Gina – and no man comes in to rescue them.
Another fantastic book in the series. I will continue to drop whatever other book I’m reading when I get the chance to read one of these! If you ever wondered how Kate Burkholder became a police officer, this is the book with all the answers. There's lots of Amish life and a tense plot in this one too.
Thank you to the fabulous Linda Castillo, NetGalley, and St. Martin's Press for an early copy of this one.
5 Tell me the Backstory stars
This tale, set mostly in Amish country, fills in a huge chunk of Kate Burkholder’s backstory. We learn all about what prompted her to become a police officer and her early days on the Columbus police force. We also find out about her first friend Gina and their early days at the police academy and being rookies on the police force.
Gina mysteriously shows up in Painters Mill during a series of snowstorms in Ohio Amish country. She’s been shot and is on the run. She’s rescued by an Amish farmer and finds refuge in his house. Gina is hoping that Kate and John Tomasetti can help her untangle a web of police corruption. I thought this was an interesting character study into how police corruption can happen and how it can come tumbling down.
I loved the few days we spend on an Amish farm and we see how Kate has become the person she is today. This one propels the relationship between Kate and John (finally) and I’m hoping for big news in the next book! There’s a tense conclusion to this one and I love that it’s the two women who take care of business – Kate and Gina – and no man comes in to rescue them.
Another fantastic book in the series. I will continue to drop whatever other book I’m reading when I get the chance to read one of these! If you ever wondered how Kate Burkholder became a police officer, this is the book with all the answers. There's lots of Amish life and a tense plot in this one too.
Thank you to the fabulous Linda Castillo, NetGalley, and St. Martin's Press for an early copy of this one.
July 12, 2020
It has often been said that opposites attract, and that certainly seems to be the case in Linda Castillo’s twelfth presentation of the Chief Kate Burkholder series, Outsider. After years of separation, Kate suddenly meets up with a blast from the past, her former roommate from her early days as a cop, Gina Colorosa. The two are as different as night and day, ying and yang, yet they were best friends when Kate was a new refugee from Amish life. It was Gina who put the bug in Kate’s ear to become a cop, and the two shared that experience for a while until Kate became increasingly disturbed by Gina’s increasingly, let’s say, “questionable,” behavior. She left Columbus for Painter’s Mill, where she now serves as police chief.
Imagine her surprise when she gets a call to go to the home of her old childhood friend, Adam Lengacher, a widower with three children, about a woman whom he has rescued from a ditch during a massive snowstorm, and the injured driver turns out to be her estranged pal, Gina. Colorosa’s story unfolds in bits and pieces. Kate suspects she is holding back, but the first order of business is treating her gunshot wound. Then she must keep her safe while trying to get as much of the truth as she can, which is no small task.
With her lover, John Tomasetti, doing his best to get the BCI involved, Kate wrestles with her duty to turn in her fugitive friend. How much does she trust her, knowing her past? This was her best friend whom she loved like a sister, but she’s a wanted criminal. How far will Kate go to protect her?
The flip side of this is that Colorosa is only one piece of a larger pattern of corruption in the Columbus Police Department. The BCI and FBI have bigger fish to fry. Colorosa has gotten herself caught up with some bad actors, and now she wants out. The problem is, she knows too much. She is a threat. The reports of police abuse seemed all too real, since these past two weeks have been fraught with protests and riots following the death of George Floyd, just blocks from where I used to live in Minneapolis. Police behavior, now under a microscope, continues to be all-too racist, unnecessarily violent at times, and unequally adjudicated in the justice system. In this case, the cop becomes a victim, and she is not wholly innocent. But what is the truth? Kate is never quite certain. Is she being played?
As she is snowed in at the farm with Adam and his family, waiting with Gina for the weather to clear and for Tomasetti to arrive with news of the next steps, Kate feels twinges of nostalgia for the life she left behind. Gina sees, too, for the first time, what Kate’s life as an Amish child must have been like. It provides some relief from the tension; Kate and Gina both know that someone wants Kate arrested, if not killed. Can they possibly find her at an Amish farmhouse? Castillo is an expert at building the tension and mood with the snow, the lack of access and communication, and other unknowns. She has cast doubt upon Gina’s character and her motivations. It all adds up to an exciting, nerve-jangling climax.
This is a story about “opposites” and how they co-exist. Amish and “English”. Unethical cops and those who seek to police honorably. One person who is impulsive and reckless; one who is careful and more guarded. I love how Kate reflects upon her Amish past, accepts the decisions she has made, yet still respects those in the Amish community. I also liked how Gina came to feel about the Lengacher family. She did seem to soften around the edges somewhat. As usual, Castillo portrays the Amish family realistically, with respect. Outsider seemed like a heavier, more serious read than some of the others in the Burkholder series, but I liked the Colorosa character and the complexities of her relationship with Kate. It gave yet another look at Burkholder’s past. Now, if we can just move forward with that relationship with Tomasetti....
Thanks to NetGalley, Minotaur Books, and the author for this ARC in exchange for my unbiased review.
4.5 stars rounded to 5
Imagine her surprise when she gets a call to go to the home of her old childhood friend, Adam Lengacher, a widower with three children, about a woman whom he has rescued from a ditch during a massive snowstorm, and the injured driver turns out to be her estranged pal, Gina. Colorosa’s story unfolds in bits and pieces. Kate suspects she is holding back, but the first order of business is treating her gunshot wound. Then she must keep her safe while trying to get as much of the truth as she can, which is no small task.
With her lover, John Tomasetti, doing his best to get the BCI involved, Kate wrestles with her duty to turn in her fugitive friend. How much does she trust her, knowing her past? This was her best friend whom she loved like a sister, but she’s a wanted criminal. How far will Kate go to protect her?
The flip side of this is that Colorosa is only one piece of a larger pattern of corruption in the Columbus Police Department. The BCI and FBI have bigger fish to fry. Colorosa has gotten herself caught up with some bad actors, and now she wants out. The problem is, she knows too much. She is a threat. The reports of police abuse seemed all too real, since these past two weeks have been fraught with protests and riots following the death of George Floyd, just blocks from where I used to live in Minneapolis. Police behavior, now under a microscope, continues to be all-too racist, unnecessarily violent at times, and unequally adjudicated in the justice system. In this case, the cop becomes a victim, and she is not wholly innocent. But what is the truth? Kate is never quite certain. Is she being played?
As she is snowed in at the farm with Adam and his family, waiting with Gina for the weather to clear and for Tomasetti to arrive with news of the next steps, Kate feels twinges of nostalgia for the life she left behind. Gina sees, too, for the first time, what Kate’s life as an Amish child must have been like. It provides some relief from the tension; Kate and Gina both know that someone wants Kate arrested, if not killed. Can they possibly find her at an Amish farmhouse? Castillo is an expert at building the tension and mood with the snow, the lack of access and communication, and other unknowns. She has cast doubt upon Gina’s character and her motivations. It all adds up to an exciting, nerve-jangling climax.
This is a story about “opposites” and how they co-exist. Amish and “English”. Unethical cops and those who seek to police honorably. One person who is impulsive and reckless; one who is careful and more guarded. I love how Kate reflects upon her Amish past, accepts the decisions she has made, yet still respects those in the Amish community. I also liked how Gina came to feel about the Lengacher family. She did seem to soften around the edges somewhat. As usual, Castillo portrays the Amish family realistically, with respect. Outsider seemed like a heavier, more serious read than some of the others in the Burkholder series, but I liked the Colorosa character and the complexities of her relationship with Kate. It gave yet another look at Burkholder’s past. Now, if we can just move forward with that relationship with Tomasetti....
Thanks to NetGalley, Minotaur Books, and the author for this ARC in exchange for my unbiased review.
4.5 stars rounded to 5
August 3, 2020
The Kate Burkholder series is one of my favorites. I eagerly await each book in this series and hide myself away with a cup of tea and my cat to binge read it immediately. Covid19 and my insane work schedule made me have to wait awhile for my binge-session...but once I got a free evening, I was glued to my kindle savoring every single word of this book!
The Outsider is the 12th book in the series. It's best to read the books in order. There's a lot of background and character development that would be missed by reading out of order, in my opinion.
The basics: Kate Burkholder grew up Amish in Painters Mill. After a horrific ordeal as a teenager, she left the faith and later became a police officer. Then she returned to Painters Mill as the area Police Chief. In this newest book, her past in training and as an officer in Columbus, OH come back to haunt her. A fellow officer and friend shows up in Painters Mill, but she's wanted for killing an officer in Columbus. Kate tries to investigate the incident, but meets with warnings and stonewalling, slowly revealing possible police corruption.
I am never disappointed by this series. Great plot, awesome suspense and action, plus interesting character development. I enjoyed this book! I can't wait for the next novel or short story in this series!
**I voluntarily read a review copy of this book from St. Martin's Press. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**
My local library added the audio book version of this newest Kate Burkholder novel in the last few days, so I decided to give this book a second read. I enjoy the audio books of this series and even though I knew the plot I enjoy having the books read to me!
As usual, Kathleen McInerney does a great job of narrating! She has a pleasant voice, reads at a nice pace and voices the characters with skill. The audio is just a bit over 9.5 hours long.....an enjoyable weekend listen while I got my chores and baking done!
Can't wait for the next book in this series! It's one of my favorites!
The Outsider is the 12th book in the series. It's best to read the books in order. There's a lot of background and character development that would be missed by reading out of order, in my opinion.
The basics: Kate Burkholder grew up Amish in Painters Mill. After a horrific ordeal as a teenager, she left the faith and later became a police officer. Then she returned to Painters Mill as the area Police Chief. In this newest book, her past in training and as an officer in Columbus, OH come back to haunt her. A fellow officer and friend shows up in Painters Mill, but she's wanted for killing an officer in Columbus. Kate tries to investigate the incident, but meets with warnings and stonewalling, slowly revealing possible police corruption.
I am never disappointed by this series. Great plot, awesome suspense and action, plus interesting character development. I enjoyed this book! I can't wait for the next novel or short story in this series!
**I voluntarily read a review copy of this book from St. Martin's Press. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**
My local library added the audio book version of this newest Kate Burkholder novel in the last few days, so I decided to give this book a second read. I enjoy the audio books of this series and even though I knew the plot I enjoy having the books read to me!
As usual, Kathleen McInerney does a great job of narrating! She has a pleasant voice, reads at a nice pace and voices the characters with skill. The audio is just a bit over 9.5 hours long.....an enjoyable weekend listen while I got my chores and baking done!
Can't wait for the next book in this series! It's one of my favorites!
April 4, 2025
Check out all my reviews at: https://www.avonnalovesgenres.com
OUTSIDER (Kate Burkholder Book #12) by Linda Castillo is another gripping and intricately plotted suspense/mystery police procedural featuring small town Chief of Police Kate Burkholder in Painters Mill, Ohio. I love curling up on the couch with each book in the series because I know I will get a great small town police procedural while also learning something new and interesting about the Anabaptist Amish life in Ohio.
Widower Adam Lengacher is out on a sleigh ride with his children on a snowy afternoon. They discover a pickup truck stuck in a snow drift off the road. When Adam looks inside for anyone who is hurt, the cab is empty, but there is blood on the seat. Further down the road they find a women curled up and almost frozen. Adam calls Katie and tells her what he has found and asks for her help.
Katie is shocked when she arrives at Adam’s farm to find Gina Colorosa, who befriended her when she moved to Columbus after leaving Painters Mill. Katie has fond memories of Gina, but also bad.
When they became police officers together everything was fun and exciting, but Gina soon began to work with other officers and detectives on the vice squad that there are serious rumors being whispered about. Now she is in Adam’s home with a gunshot wound, a story of running for her life from corrupt fellow cops in Columbus, and a blizzard raging outside. Kate wants to believe her, but she knows Gina is not telling her everything.
With Tomasetti’s help, Kate attempts to find the truth as she and Gina stay with Adam and his children on their farm, but two determined detectives want to make sure Gina can never talk.
Ms. Castillo’s storytelling completely engaged me in the personal conflict between what Kate feels she owes her old friend, what she knows Gina did wrong in her past, and what she can believe of what Gina is telling her now. Besides all this personal tension in the story, you have Kate worrying if Gina is bringing danger to Adam and his children. While Tomasetti does the investigating away from the farm, there are still surprises and twists brought into the story just with their conversations trading information. When the dirty cops arrive, it is edge-of-your-seat action time and the surprises that happen very close together have Kate reevaluating her life and relationships.
I highly recommend this addition to the series! I am never disappointed when I pull out a Kate Burkholder book to read.
OUTSIDER (Kate Burkholder Book #12) by Linda Castillo is another gripping and intricately plotted suspense/mystery police procedural featuring small town Chief of Police Kate Burkholder in Painters Mill, Ohio. I love curling up on the couch with each book in the series because I know I will get a great small town police procedural while also learning something new and interesting about the Anabaptist Amish life in Ohio.
Widower Adam Lengacher is out on a sleigh ride with his children on a snowy afternoon. They discover a pickup truck stuck in a snow drift off the road. When Adam looks inside for anyone who is hurt, the cab is empty, but there is blood on the seat. Further down the road they find a women curled up and almost frozen. Adam calls Katie and tells her what he has found and asks for her help.
Katie is shocked when she arrives at Adam’s farm to find Gina Colorosa, who befriended her when she moved to Columbus after leaving Painters Mill. Katie has fond memories of Gina, but also bad.
When they became police officers together everything was fun and exciting, but Gina soon began to work with other officers and detectives on the vice squad that there are serious rumors being whispered about. Now she is in Adam’s home with a gunshot wound, a story of running for her life from corrupt fellow cops in Columbus, and a blizzard raging outside. Kate wants to believe her, but she knows Gina is not telling her everything.
With Tomasetti’s help, Kate attempts to find the truth as she and Gina stay with Adam and his children on their farm, but two determined detectives want to make sure Gina can never talk.
Ms. Castillo’s storytelling completely engaged me in the personal conflict between what Kate feels she owes her old friend, what she knows Gina did wrong in her past, and what she can believe of what Gina is telling her now. Besides all this personal tension in the story, you have Kate worrying if Gina is bringing danger to Adam and his children. While Tomasetti does the investigating away from the farm, there are still surprises and twists brought into the story just with their conversations trading information. When the dirty cops arrive, it is edge-of-your-seat action time and the surprises that happen very close together have Kate reevaluating her life and relationships.
I highly recommend this addition to the series! I am never disappointed when I pull out a Kate Burkholder book to read.
November 2, 2020
I love this series. This was not the usual Kate Burkholder, although, nearly the entire book takes place in Amish country, on the farm of the widower Adam Lengacher. Mona is mentioned only in a phone call to the office; Glock, Pickles, and TJ do not take part in this book at all. Even Tomasetti has only a minor role in this story.
Enter Gina, a blast from the past, who befriended Kate when she first left the fold. Gina took Katie in, got her a job in the diner where she worked, and then later, the two enrolled in Police training. Soon after their rookiedom, the two best friends parted ways on a discordant note. Now, ten years later, Gina turns up on Kate’s doorstep (so to speak) looking for help, when her smashed up van is uncovered in a ditch by Adam and his children, after the worst Paintersville, Ohio blizzard in umpteen years. The van has blood on the seats and bullet holes through the rear windshield. Adam digs a wounded and frozen Gina out of the snow and brings trouble into his home. When she comes to, she asks for Kate Burkholder, who comes out to the farm. Can Kate trust Gina? How much of what she tells her is true, if at all? Will Kate’s career be ruined by harboring a fugitive?
This book is about dirty cops and what they’ll do to cover their tracks. The book starts and ends with breathtaking chases, everything in between is atmosphere.
Having grown up in a snowbelt – only a couple hundred miles north of Paintersville, this book really took me back to the scary atmosphere of driving down heavily snowed roads in isolated areas where only mailboxes, protruding from the snow, can hint at whether you are on the road or heading straight into a ravine (or worse). If you are not lucky enough to have protruding mailboxes to guide you as you inch down the road, you better just stop and pray for the plows to come through before you freeze to death. Didn’t grow up in a snowbelt? Imagine driving through fog as thick as pea soup, where you can’t see your hand in front of your face…equally scary.
Enter Gina, a blast from the past, who befriended Kate when she first left the fold. Gina took Katie in, got her a job in the diner where she worked, and then later, the two enrolled in Police training. Soon after their rookiedom, the two best friends parted ways on a discordant note. Now, ten years later, Gina turns up on Kate’s doorstep (so to speak) looking for help, when her smashed up van is uncovered in a ditch by Adam and his children, after the worst Paintersville, Ohio blizzard in umpteen years. The van has blood on the seats and bullet holes through the rear windshield. Adam digs a wounded and frozen Gina out of the snow and brings trouble into his home. When she comes to, she asks for Kate Burkholder, who comes out to the farm. Can Kate trust Gina? How much of what she tells her is true, if at all? Will Kate’s career be ruined by harboring a fugitive?
This book is about dirty cops and what they’ll do to cover their tracks. The book starts and ends with breathtaking chases, everything in between is atmosphere.
Having grown up in a snowbelt – only a couple hundred miles north of Paintersville, this book really took me back to the scary atmosphere of driving down heavily snowed roads in isolated areas where only mailboxes, protruding from the snow, can hint at whether you are on the road or heading straight into a ravine (or worse). If you are not lucky enough to have protruding mailboxes to guide you as you inch down the road, you better just stop and pray for the plows to come through before you freeze to death. Didn’t grow up in a snowbelt? Imagine driving through fog as thick as pea soup, where you can’t see your hand in front of your face…equally scary.
January 22, 2021
Chief of Police Kate Burkholder returns in the 12th episode of this intense, thrilling series as the past and present collide. Gina Colorosa, the young woman who Kate graduated with at the Columbus Police Academy, the woman who Kate was closer to than her own sister, has been found by Adam Lengacher, an Amish widower with three young children whose farm is not far from Painters Mill. Gina had crashed her vehicle in the snowstorm and staggered from it to find help. But with her injuries, she collapsed in the snow. If Adam hadn’t happened along when he did, she would have died. She asked for Kate by name…
Over the following few days, while stuck at the Lengacher farm, Kate and Gina talk. Gina tells Kate what’s been going on, but Kate is skeptical. She hasn’t seen Gina for ten years and had heard rumours. When she calls good friend Tomasetti from BCI, he’s equally suspicious of Gina’s far fetched and completely unbelievable story. But there is corruption on a huge scale being investigated, and Tomasetti is told by his boss to stay away from what’s going down. Gina’s been framed and if something isn’t done quickly, her life will be over. What will be the outcome for those on the farm in the dark, snow laden storm with a killer on the loose?
Outsider is #12 in the Kate Burkholder series by Linda Castillo and this time, instead of Burkholder being on the move in the Painter’s Mill patrol car, scouring her area on the lookout for people in trouble, or trouble makers, she’s stuck in one place due to circumstances. She doesn’t like it, with itchy feet and frustration showing. But the days aren’t all stress related, with little glimpses of her previous life as she interacts with the three children of the farmhouse. Outsider is another brilliant episode from an author who never disappoints. Highly recommended.
Over the following few days, while stuck at the Lengacher farm, Kate and Gina talk. Gina tells Kate what’s been going on, but Kate is skeptical. She hasn’t seen Gina for ten years and had heard rumours. When she calls good friend Tomasetti from BCI, he’s equally suspicious of Gina’s far fetched and completely unbelievable story. But there is corruption on a huge scale being investigated, and Tomasetti is told by his boss to stay away from what’s going down. Gina’s been framed and if something isn’t done quickly, her life will be over. What will be the outcome for those on the farm in the dark, snow laden storm with a killer on the loose?
Outsider is #12 in the Kate Burkholder series by Linda Castillo and this time, instead of Burkholder being on the move in the Painter’s Mill patrol car, scouring her area on the lookout for people in trouble, or trouble makers, she’s stuck in one place due to circumstances. She doesn’t like it, with itchy feet and frustration showing. But the days aren’t all stress related, with little glimpses of her previous life as she interacts with the three children of the farmhouse. Outsider is another brilliant episode from an author who never disappoints. Highly recommended.
January 17, 2024
During a snowstorm, Amish widower, Adam Lengacher, discovers a wrecked pickup truck. Nearby he finds an injured woman who asks him to contact Chief of Police, Kate Burkholder. Kate arrives at the Lengacher home and finds Gina Colorosa. Gina is a police officer from Columbus. She is also Kate's former best friend and roommate.
Gina tells Kate about the police corruption in Columbus. She has evidence against certain cops who now want to stop her from coming forward. Kate contacts BCI Agent John Tomasetti and asks him to investigate Gina's allegations. Kate doesn't know whether to believe her old friend who has a history of lying. Meanwhile, Kate and Gina stay at the Lengacher farm during a blizzard. It's a place Kate hopes will be safe from any cops who are hunting for Gina.
This is the 12th book in the Kate Burkholder series, and it's a little different from the others. This one is not a police procedural. It starts out with a thrilling chase, but we don't get any more action until the last couple of chapters. The middle of the book is learning about Gina and trying to figure out what parts of her story are true and what parts are flat-out lies. We also learn so much about Kate's life after she left her Amish family.
I liked this story. The story kept me interested. I loved the setting at an Amish home during a blizzard. It's a solid entry into the series. My rating: 4 Stars.
Gina tells Kate about the police corruption in Columbus. She has evidence against certain cops who now want to stop her from coming forward. Kate contacts BCI Agent John Tomasetti and asks him to investigate Gina's allegations. Kate doesn't know whether to believe her old friend who has a history of lying. Meanwhile, Kate and Gina stay at the Lengacher farm during a blizzard. It's a place Kate hopes will be safe from any cops who are hunting for Gina.
This is the 12th book in the Kate Burkholder series, and it's a little different from the others. This one is not a police procedural. It starts out with a thrilling chase, but we don't get any more action until the last couple of chapters. The middle of the book is learning about Gina and trying to figure out what parts of her story are true and what parts are flat-out lies. We also learn so much about Kate's life after she left her Amish family.
I liked this story. The story kept me interested. I loved the setting at an Amish home during a blizzard. It's a solid entry into the series. My rating: 4 Stars.
September 22, 2022
#12 Kate Burkholder crime novel
I really enjoyed this installment. The once Amish Chief of Police (Kate Burkholder) is called upon by her old friend, Gina Colorosa, for help. Colorosa claims that she is in trouble and is being hunted by fellow police officers. Can Kate trust Gina or will her dark past put her and her Amish friend (Adam Lengacher) in danger?
Set in the snowy backdrop of Ohio, this crime thriller definitely held my interest. It is very well executed. 👍
I really enjoyed this installment. The once Amish Chief of Police (Kate Burkholder) is called upon by her old friend, Gina Colorosa, for help. Colorosa claims that she is in trouble and is being hunted by fellow police officers. Can Kate trust Gina or will her dark past put her and her Amish friend (Adam Lengacher) in danger?
Set in the snowy backdrop of Ohio, this crime thriller definitely held my interest. It is very well executed. 👍
February 27, 2022
"The only time to look down on your neighbor is when you're bending over to help them."
― Linda Castillo, Outsider
Adam Lengacher, an Amish widower, and his three children are taking a sleigh ride near their property when they come across a pickup truck that has crashed into a tree. There is no one in the vehicle but Adam begins a search for the driver. Nearby he finds an unconscious woman. They take her to his farm and Chief of Police Kate Burkholder is called. When Kate arrives she is shocked to find that it is someone she recognizes. Someone she has not seen in ten years. It is Gina Colorosa.
When Kate first left Painters Mill she wound up in Columbus. There she met Gina. The two became friends and roommates. Gina helped Kate get her GED and then go on to communtiy college. They joined the police and graduated from the police academy together. They became rookies with the Columbus Division of Police. But then something happened and the friendship ended. Kate moved back to Painters Mill. She hasn't seen Gina since then.
Now Gina is back. The pickup truck she was driving in a snowstorm has bullet holes in the rear window. Gina has a gunshot wound to the shoulder. And there is an arrest warrent out for her. Kate is unsure what to do and calls her boyfriend, state agent John Tomasetti. Gina tells Kate and Tomasetti there is widespread corruption in the Vice Squad and that she is being set up. Tomasetti does some checking and learns that there is something going on but he is told to back off. Neither believes Gina is telling them the whole story.
In the meantime there is a major winter storm happening. Kate and Gina are stuck at the Lengacher farm. She has a gunshot wound and bad guys are looking for her. The bad guys don't know where she is but it won't take long with their resources to find Gina's connection with Kate.
This is not a whodunit. The reader knows who the bad guys are. The good guys are stuck on an isolated Amish farm in the middle of a blizzard. The bad guys are looking for them. The story offered an interesting view into life in a Amish family and farm. In the meantime the reader is left trying to figure out exactly what is going on with Gina. Can she expose large scale corruption within the Columbus Division of Police? Or she is one of the dirty cops? What happened ten years ago that ended the friendship between Kate and Gina?
― Linda Castillo, Outsider
Adam Lengacher, an Amish widower, and his three children are taking a sleigh ride near their property when they come across a pickup truck that has crashed into a tree. There is no one in the vehicle but Adam begins a search for the driver. Nearby he finds an unconscious woman. They take her to his farm and Chief of Police Kate Burkholder is called. When Kate arrives she is shocked to find that it is someone she recognizes. Someone she has not seen in ten years. It is Gina Colorosa.
When Kate first left Painters Mill she wound up in Columbus. There she met Gina. The two became friends and roommates. Gina helped Kate get her GED and then go on to communtiy college. They joined the police and graduated from the police academy together. They became rookies with the Columbus Division of Police. But then something happened and the friendship ended. Kate moved back to Painters Mill. She hasn't seen Gina since then.
Now Gina is back. The pickup truck she was driving in a snowstorm has bullet holes in the rear window. Gina has a gunshot wound to the shoulder. And there is an arrest warrent out for her. Kate is unsure what to do and calls her boyfriend, state agent John Tomasetti. Gina tells Kate and Tomasetti there is widespread corruption in the Vice Squad and that she is being set up. Tomasetti does some checking and learns that there is something going on but he is told to back off. Neither believes Gina is telling them the whole story.
In the meantime there is a major winter storm happening. Kate and Gina are stuck at the Lengacher farm. She has a gunshot wound and bad guys are looking for her. The bad guys don't know where she is but it won't take long with their resources to find Gina's connection with Kate.
This is not a whodunit. The reader knows who the bad guys are. The good guys are stuck on an isolated Amish farm in the middle of a blizzard. The bad guys are looking for them. The story offered an interesting view into life in a Amish family and farm. In the meantime the reader is left trying to figure out exactly what is going on with Gina. Can she expose large scale corruption within the Columbus Division of Police? Or she is one of the dirty cops? What happened ten years ago that ended the friendship between Kate and Gina?
June 25, 2021
Book 12 in the Kate Burkholder Series might be my favorite-favorite! Of course, I tend to say that with each eagerly awaited new release by Castillo. She's a long-time favorite.
In the midst of a challenging blizzard, another double dose of trouble comes calling when an old and estranged friend of Chief Kate’s shows up unexpectedly accused of a multitude of serious crimes. A fast-paced thriller exquisitely plotted and full of high level suspense from start to finish.
With Kate Burkholder in the middle of a dangerous case ridden with corruption and murder within a police department, her significant other, State Agent John Tomasetti is always close by – ready, willing and able to provide backup for Kate, both officially and personally. Getting a peek of what finally may be fast approaching in the couple’s relationship ramps up the need for what may be Lucky 13 in the series!
Of course, there’s always a perfect and unique blend of the simple and meaningful daily life among the Amish families that make each story colorful and interesting. Adam Lengacher, an Amish widower shares a rare and surprising side of himself, along with his three young children and their beloved animals who add their own special quality of sweetness and delightfulness to the “Outsider’s” otherwise dangerous saga.
Linda Castillo is a wizard at criminal procedure while weaving a complex and multi-level twisting plotline. This adrenaline-filled nightmare is one of her best yet. I can’t get enough or ever tire of my visits to the little town of Painters Mill.
In the midst of a challenging blizzard, another double dose of trouble comes calling when an old and estranged friend of Chief Kate’s shows up unexpectedly accused of a multitude of serious crimes. A fast-paced thriller exquisitely plotted and full of high level suspense from start to finish.
With Kate Burkholder in the middle of a dangerous case ridden with corruption and murder within a police department, her significant other, State Agent John Tomasetti is always close by – ready, willing and able to provide backup for Kate, both officially and personally. Getting a peek of what finally may be fast approaching in the couple’s relationship ramps up the need for what may be Lucky 13 in the series!
Of course, there’s always a perfect and unique blend of the simple and meaningful daily life among the Amish families that make each story colorful and interesting. Adam Lengacher, an Amish widower shares a rare and surprising side of himself, along with his three young children and their beloved animals who add their own special quality of sweetness and delightfulness to the “Outsider’s” otherwise dangerous saga.
Linda Castillo is a wizard at criminal procedure while weaving a complex and multi-level twisting plotline. This adrenaline-filled nightmare is one of her best yet. I can’t get enough or ever tire of my visits to the little town of Painters Mill.
July 28, 2020
Loved this 12th book in Linda Castillo's "Kate Burkholder" series!
Someone from Kate's past comes to Painters Mill seeking refuge and Kate must trust her instincts while protecting the Amish community. Complicated by a snowstorm and an Amish widower with young children, this is a story of good cop/bad cop and high level police corruption.
In Outsider the author gives us extensive information about Kate's life before returning to Painters Mill to join their police force.
One of my all-time favourite series!
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press/Minotaur Books for an arc of this novel in exchange for my honest review.
Someone from Kate's past comes to Painters Mill seeking refuge and Kate must trust her instincts while protecting the Amish community. Complicated by a snowstorm and an Amish widower with young children, this is a story of good cop/bad cop and high level police corruption.
In Outsider the author gives us extensive information about Kate's life before returning to Painters Mill to join their police force.
One of my all-time favourite series!
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press/Minotaur Books for an arc of this novel in exchange for my honest review.
July 21, 2020
Editing for additional thoughts.
Since it was not the Kate I had expected to read, felt it was me, not the book, leaving that disappointed feeling
and gave a star ( or more ) that I really wasn't feeling. The background into Kate was ok I guess, the rest was just flat.
Being generous with 3.
Eagerly anticipate every new "Kate book" - and this one wasn't what I was expecting but it's good. Drug more than I liked in a few spots.
More Englisher than Amish it starts by jumping right into the story, you don't have to guess who did the deed.
Since it was not the Kate I had expected to read, felt it was me, not the book, leaving that disappointed feeling
and gave a star ( or more ) that I really wasn't feeling. The background into Kate was ok I guess, the rest was just flat.
Being generous with 3.
Eagerly anticipate every new "Kate book" - and this one wasn't what I was expecting but it's good. Drug more than I liked in a few spots.
More Englisher than Amish it starts by jumping right into the story, you don't have to guess who did the deed.
July 8, 2020
In just perusing other reviews of Outsider, I realized that even though I read it a month or so ago, I never reviewed it for some reason. I have to say that I love the Kate Burkholder series - I'm only slightly obsessed with the Amish - so I don't think any of the books in this series could ever really disappoint me, and this one was no different.
Castillo's 12th book in this series begins with an Amish widower, Adam Lengacher, and his children out in their sleigh on a snowy day when they discover a badly injured Englisch woman. Although she is in and out of consciousness, she asks Adam to find Chief Kate Burkholder for her. When Kate arrives at Adam's farm, she’s shocked to discover that the woman is her old friend and fellow officer, Gina Colorosa, whom she hasn’t seen in a decade and with whom she did not part on good terms. Gina is on the run and swears that she is being framed by fellow members of the Columbus vice squad. Kate keeps Gina's arrival a secret, despite knowing it could put her job in jeopardy. A blizzard strands them all together on the farm, with the vice squad hot on Gina’s trail. Although Kate wants to believe that Gina is innocent, she knows her all too well to fully trust her.
I really liked the exploration into the complex theme of police corruption in this one, and it also provides a great backstory into why Kate left Columbus for sleepy Painters Mills (although for a small Amish town, there are murders in spades!) I also liked the interactions between Adam and Gina - you could really feel the pull of attraction between the two foreign worlds, and I thought Castillo handled it perfectly. I loved Adam's response when Gina thanked him for helping her, even though it put his family in danger. He said, “The only time to look down on your neighbor is when you’re bending over to help them.” If we all lived that way, the world would be a better place.
Overall, this book takes a bit of a different approach from the other books in this series, as it does not involve a crime being committed by an Amish person or to an Amish person, but it is still riveting, as it kept me guessing to the end as to who the "bad guys" really were. 4 please-don't-ever-let-this-series-end stars!
Castillo's 12th book in this series begins with an Amish widower, Adam Lengacher, and his children out in their sleigh on a snowy day when they discover a badly injured Englisch woman. Although she is in and out of consciousness, she asks Adam to find Chief Kate Burkholder for her. When Kate arrives at Adam's farm, she’s shocked to discover that the woman is her old friend and fellow officer, Gina Colorosa, whom she hasn’t seen in a decade and with whom she did not part on good terms. Gina is on the run and swears that she is being framed by fellow members of the Columbus vice squad. Kate keeps Gina's arrival a secret, despite knowing it could put her job in jeopardy. A blizzard strands them all together on the farm, with the vice squad hot on Gina’s trail. Although Kate wants to believe that Gina is innocent, she knows her all too well to fully trust her.
I really liked the exploration into the complex theme of police corruption in this one, and it also provides a great backstory into why Kate left Columbus for sleepy Painters Mills (although for a small Amish town, there are murders in spades!) I also liked the interactions between Adam and Gina - you could really feel the pull of attraction between the two foreign worlds, and I thought Castillo handled it perfectly. I loved Adam's response when Gina thanked him for helping her, even though it put his family in danger. He said, “The only time to look down on your neighbor is when you’re bending over to help them.” If we all lived that way, the world would be a better place.
Overall, this book takes a bit of a different approach from the other books in this series, as it does not involve a crime being committed by an Amish person or to an Amish person, but it is still riveting, as it kept me guessing to the end as to who the "bad guys" really were. 4 please-don't-ever-let-this-series-end stars!
July 21, 2020
This is a different story from the usual Katie Burkholder saga and I have to deduct a point for that. If this had been number one in this series, I wouldn't have continued with the series. I miss the crime investigation, the suspect interviews and police work and especially the coroner reports. As a stand alone book, I still didn't enjoy this one. The story lags to almost a standstill while Katie Burkholder's backstory is revealed. I also felt there were several holes and questions unanswered. Like why is there an Amish woman on the cover? Katie seems under a cloud of sentimentality to the point she makes poor decisions that seem out of character for her. I hope we get to see the old Katie in number 13.
July 10, 2020
Outsider is book twelve in Linda Castillo’s Kate Burkholder series. Though this novel is part of a well-established series it reads well as a standalone.
Kate Burkholder is the Police Chief of Painters Mill, Ohio, where a third of the community is Amish. Kate was raised Plain, Amish, but left the community at age eighteen, because she didn’t agree with all of the rules and traditions. She was offered the position of Police Chief partly because of her ties to the Amish.
Kate is called to the home of childhood friend, Adam Lengacher. He and his children rescued a woman who was unconscious and freezing in a winter storm. Kate arrives and is shocked to find her former best friend and fellow police officer, Gina Colorosa. Gina has always been one to fly by the seat of her pants, but this time she may have gone too far and is now wanted by police, herself. Kate wants to believe Gina’s claims of innocence, but she’s reluctant to accept that there is such corruption in a police department she worked for.
Outsider is a successful addition to the Kate Burkholder series. The plot is compelling with just the right amount of action. Characterization is a strong element of this novel. The characters are vibrant and believable. This is a truly enjoyable book. I give it 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it to all readers who enjoy a good mystery.
My thanks to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book. However, the opinions expressed in this review are 100% mine and mine alone.
Kate Burkholder is the Police Chief of Painters Mill, Ohio, where a third of the community is Amish. Kate was raised Plain, Amish, but left the community at age eighteen, because she didn’t agree with all of the rules and traditions. She was offered the position of Police Chief partly because of her ties to the Amish.
Kate is called to the home of childhood friend, Adam Lengacher. He and his children rescued a woman who was unconscious and freezing in a winter storm. Kate arrives and is shocked to find her former best friend and fellow police officer, Gina Colorosa. Gina has always been one to fly by the seat of her pants, but this time she may have gone too far and is now wanted by police, herself. Kate wants to believe Gina’s claims of innocence, but she’s reluctant to accept that there is such corruption in a police department she worked for.
Outsider is a successful addition to the Kate Burkholder series. The plot is compelling with just the right amount of action. Characterization is a strong element of this novel. The characters are vibrant and believable. This is a truly enjoyable book. I give it 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it to all readers who enjoy a good mystery.
My thanks to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book. However, the opinions expressed in this review are 100% mine and mine alone.
August 6, 2020
I loved this book, and hated to finish it because I knew it would be another year before the next book is published. Kate is reunited with an old roommate in this story . Unfortunately the reason they meet up is because Gina is in trouble and needs help. They hide out in an Amish home during a blizzard. Tensions are high and you don't know who to trust or who to believe. Tomassetti gives the situation his all. I missed the regulars in this story. They were all mentioned in passing, but it would have been nice if they had played a bigger part in the story.
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