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Kate Burkholder #13.5
Blood Moon
Chief of Police Kate Burkholder confronts a mysterious beast terrorizing the residents of Painters Mill in this new original short mystery from bestselling author Linda Castillo.
On a foggy spring night, an Amish man crashes his buggy after a large, unidentified animal spooks his horse. Kate Burkholder arrives on scene to find the man shaken and bleeding, claiming he was attacked by a large beast. But his description of the creature sounds like something straight out of the Amish folklore from Kate’s childhood. Throughout the night, more incidents of an aggressive animal on the loose are reported, putting the citizens of Painters Mill on edge. There’s a monster menacing the countryside, and Kate must follow its tracks into the dark woods along Painters Creek before violence tips over into tragedy.
On a foggy spring night, an Amish man crashes his buggy after a large, unidentified animal spooks his horse. Kate Burkholder arrives on scene to find the man shaken and bleeding, claiming he was attacked by a large beast. But his description of the creature sounds like something straight out of the Amish folklore from Kate’s childhood. Throughout the night, more incidents of an aggressive animal on the loose are reported, putting the citizens of Painters Mill on edge. There’s a monster menacing the countryside, and Kate must follow its tracks into the dark woods along Painters Creek before violence tips over into tragedy.
64 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 26, 2022
212 people are currently reading
1756 people want to read
About the author
Linda Castillo
97 books6,579 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 209 reviews
October 1, 2022
Not her best short story but maybe the best cover. This is a quick one hour mystery that gives off an eerie vibe and is perfect for the season!
A large unidentified creature is attacking Painters Mill residents and livestock at night. Burkholder and Tomasetti are called to the scene.
A large unidentified creature is attacking Painters Mill residents and livestock at night. Burkholder and Tomasetti are called to the scene.
October 3, 2022
Only 64 pages but Castillo knows exactly how to write a complete and satisfactory story within those limits. This one is slightly spooky, set one night, with a monster attacking people. Kate and Tomasetti are on the case and of course they solve the mystery. Points too for the beautiful and atmospheric cover!
December 1, 2023
3⭐
Genre ~ police procedural
Series ~ Kate Burkholder #13.5
Others in the series ~ link to the whole series
Setting ~ Painter's Mill, Ohio
Publication date ~ book ~ April 26, 2022, audio ~ June 7, 2022
Est page Count ~ 64 (4 chapters)
Audio length ~ 1 hour 29 minutes
Narrator ~ Kathleen McInerney
POV ~ multiple 3rd
Featuring ~ a beast
Meh this was alright. Kate investigated as well as she usually does. Is it terrible that I'd rather a person attack people then an animal attack people?
Narration notes:
She did fine. Altered her voice well.
Connect with me ➡ Blog ~ Facebook ~ Twitter
Genre ~ police procedural
Series ~ Kate Burkholder #13.5
Others in the series ~ link to the whole series
Setting ~ Painter's Mill, Ohio
Publication date ~ book ~ April 26, 2022, audio ~ June 7, 2022
Est page Count ~ 64 (4 chapters)
Audio length ~ 1 hour 29 minutes
Narrator ~ Kathleen McInerney
POV ~ multiple 3rd
Featuring ~ a beast
Meh this was alright. Kate investigated as well as she usually does. Is it terrible that I'd rather a person attack people then an animal attack people?
Narration notes:
She did fine. Altered her voice well.
Connect with me ➡ Blog ~ Facebook ~ Twitter
October 12, 2022
the setup…
There’s a blood moon out when Merle Beachy, an Amish man, makes his way home late at night in his horse-driven wagon. It’s foggy and visibility is poor but good enough for him to see the terrifying beast that spooked his horse, right before it took a bite out of him. After Police Chief Kate Burkholder is notified and begins investigating, two more sightings are reported with similar descriptions.
the heart of the story…
With three very similar descriptions and a blood moon present (moon is in total eclipse and appears reddish), it was hard not to think that something paranormal was going on. I loved how both the pragmatic and folklore coexisted in this story. Of course, I had to know what that thing was.
the narration…
McInerney continues to be “my” voice of this series but she added to the atmosphere and strangeness. The fear expressed by those encountering that beast came through loudly!
the bottom line…
I love these short stories that get my attention early and hold it to the end. You’ll have to read it or listen to it yourself to find out the source of that beast.
Posted on Blue Mood Café
There’s a blood moon out when Merle Beachy, an Amish man, makes his way home late at night in his horse-driven wagon. It’s foggy and visibility is poor but good enough for him to see the terrifying beast that spooked his horse, right before it took a bite out of him. After Police Chief Kate Burkholder is notified and begins investigating, two more sightings are reported with similar descriptions.
the heart of the story…
With three very similar descriptions and a blood moon present (moon is in total eclipse and appears reddish), it was hard not to think that something paranormal was going on. I loved how both the pragmatic and folklore coexisted in this story. Of course, I had to know what that thing was.
the narration…
McInerney continues to be “my” voice of this series but she added to the atmosphere and strangeness. The fear expressed by those encountering that beast came through loudly!
the bottom line…
I love these short stories that get my attention early and hold it to the end. You’ll have to read it or listen to it yourself to find out the source of that beast.
Posted on Blue Mood Café
May 19, 2022
4 monster stars
This was a super quick short story that made for an entertaining read. An animal is terrorizing the town and Kate and Tomasetti are on the job!
The best part for me was more talk of a wedding at the end! I'm so ready for this couple to have happiness!
This was a super quick short story that made for an entertaining read. An animal is terrorizing the town and Kate and Tomasetti are on the job!
The best part for me was more talk of a wedding at the end! I'm so ready for this couple to have happiness!
April 12, 2025
Police Chief Kate Burkholder is awakened by a call from dispatch. An Amish man was on his way home when his horse was spooked. Some type of animal came out of the dark and attacked the man. He hurried to the closest farm in order to get help. As Kate and Agent John Tomasetti start tracking the monster in the woods, they find a farmer who claims a monster attacked his sheep. They need to find what is stalking people and animals before someone dies.
This is another entertaining novella in the Kate Burkholder series. This one had a spooky feel to it. When Kate interviews the man who was attacked, she remembers some Amish folklore about a monster in the woods. No one has a good description of the thing that attacked them and their animals. Exactly what is out there?
I liked this story. I never guessed exactly what was happening in this little Ohio town. This is another good story in the series. My rating: 4.5 Stars.
This is another entertaining novella in the Kate Burkholder series. This one had a spooky feel to it. When Kate interviews the man who was attacked, she remembers some Amish folklore about a monster in the woods. No one has a good description of the thing that attacked them and their animals. Exactly what is out there?
I liked this story. I never guessed exactly what was happening in this little Ohio town. This is another good story in the series. My rating: 4.5 Stars.
April 4, 2023
What weighs 300 lbs., bites and can tear flesh inflicting serious injury, has glowing eyes in the dark, and looks like a bear? It is not a bear, but this strange creature that are some are calling a monster is reeking havoc all over Painter’s Mill.
This is a delightful fast-paced short story infused with humorous puns. I really enjoyed it. Clean, smart writing, no foul language 👍, and the audiobook narrator does a fantastic job.
Recommended!
This is a delightful fast-paced short story infused with humorous puns. I really enjoyed it. Clean, smart writing, no foul language 👍, and the audiobook narrator does a fantastic job.
Recommended!
May 28, 2023
Fun story though very short. I can’t wait until her new book comes out in July, the 11th!!
August 7, 2022
This is a Kate Burkholder Mini-Mystery and it was a fun read. Just a little creepy vibe thrown in but yet light. I was completely in. I'm usually not a fan of novellas, but this one worked and the ending felt satisfying. So 4 stars.
April 29, 2022
This one was fun to read. Started out one way, ended in a totally different way. Kate and Tomasetti are kept on their toes through out it all. Glad that in the end they could have a big laugh and no one was hurt too bad.
July 13, 2023
Spooky Novella. Loved it.
July 7, 2022
I usually enjoy these short snippets between books, especially because Kate and John are usually together, and I like to read their interactions with each other. However, I didn't think this one was as good as some of the others. It was obvious to me what the animal was that was running around wreaking havoc, and I thought Kate and John came off a little dumb for not figuring it out.
April 27, 2022
Blood Moon is another thrilling story written by Linda Castillo. With a Blood Moon and very dense fog moving into Painters Mill it just adds to the mystery of sightings of a very large, dark creature attacking members of the Amish community. Chief Kate Burkholder is hot on the trail and can't believe what she is hearing and seeing. This story grabs you from the first page and will keep you reading to discover just what this creature is.
I was not given a complimentary copy of this story to read and review. I was not approached to post a favorable response and all opinions are my own. I have rated this story with five stars for meeting my expectations of a great mystery that I can highly recommend to others.
I was not given a complimentary copy of this story to read and review. I was not approached to post a favorable response and all opinions are my own. I have rated this story with five stars for meeting my expectations of a great mystery that I can highly recommend to others.
September 23, 2023
This is a first for me. I have never read an Amish-based cop/mystery series that came as close to a horror story as this one did.
I can't believe my heart pounded as much as it did in such a short time. Eventually, you'll probably figure out what is going on (and it isn't funny), but the first few times-- OMG!
The ending did annoy me a bit, but then again, I'm not Amish, so I don't know what is allowed and what isn't.
I can't believe my heart pounded as much as it did in such a short time. Eventually, you'll probably figure out what is going on (and it isn't funny), but the first few times-- OMG!
The ending did annoy me a bit, but then again, I'm not Amish, so I don't know what is allowed and what isn't.
May 7, 2022
This was an intriguing short story with constant action. I liked that Kate and Tomasetti worked together on this mystery in the dark hours of the night with the blood moon. I also liked the moments of levity between the two that we don’t see a lot of in the other books. This was a little taste that will hold me over until the new installment comes out this summer.
May 26, 2022
A short story adventure with Kate and gang.
July 11, 2022
Quick listen to hold me over until the next book in the series gets here for me. I can't believe the outcome though...not very anticlimactic.
December 29, 2024
Started out well enough, but by the end the story was a bit anticlimactic.
November 26, 2022
This short story about an animal attacking various Amish people in the dead of the night wasn’t as engaging as the other short stories that Castillo has written in the past. I never felt like I got into the characters or storyline. However, it was good for entertainment on a long walk.
July 27, 2022
This novella is by one of my favorite authors Linda Castillo. I could not give it five stars because I felt like the mystery dragged on a little bit too long for the short story. I was happy to be reacquainted with most of the characters in the other stories.
May 5, 2022
FINAL DECISION: The story was a bit suspense rather than a true mystery and it ended up making me smile. I love it when Kate and John get to do an investigation together even when it is a small slice of life.
THE STORY: Kate Burkholder, the Chief of Police in Painters Mill gets called out late at night when a man is attacked by something that defies description. Kate and John track the creature during the night as it wreaks havoc on Painter Mill.
OPINION: The story here is pretty thin, but it is a bit scary, suspenseful, and ultimately fun. I love these small little interludes because the stakes are pretty low compared with the big novels. Kate can be funnier. She can take John along with her just because. The story here is exactly the type one might expect that a Chief of Police for a small town would confront -- when not dealing with multiple murders as in the main novels!
WORTH MENTIONING: For fans of Kate and John, I would read this story just for the last scene alone.
CONNECTED BOOKS: BLOOD MOON is book 13.5 of the Kate Burkholder series. This is a very short story/slice of life and it is not necessary to read the rest of the series for this although there is not much here except meeting Kate and John and having a small mystery solved.
STAR RATING: I give this book 4 stars.
THE STORY: Kate Burkholder, the Chief of Police in Painters Mill gets called out late at night when a man is attacked by something that defies description. Kate and John track the creature during the night as it wreaks havoc on Painter Mill.
OPINION: The story here is pretty thin, but it is a bit scary, suspenseful, and ultimately fun. I love these small little interludes because the stakes are pretty low compared with the big novels. Kate can be funnier. She can take John along with her just because. The story here is exactly the type one might expect that a Chief of Police for a small town would confront -- when not dealing with multiple murders as in the main novels!
WORTH MENTIONING: For fans of Kate and John, I would read this story just for the last scene alone.
CONNECTED BOOKS: BLOOD MOON is book 13.5 of the Kate Burkholder series. This is a very short story/slice of life and it is not necessary to read the rest of the series for this although there is not much here except meeting Kate and John and having a small mystery solved.
STAR RATING: I give this book 4 stars.
January 1, 2023
Blood Moon is the most recent novella in the Kate Burkholder series. This was a fun book dealing with some kind of beast attacking residents of the Amish Community. They must follow the carnage and find the beast or animal that is terrorizing the community. There is a Blood Moon that feeds into the superstition as well. Was there some mythical beast or some paranormal activity. The creature turned out to be quite the surprise and made me chuckle a bit. This was a very different story from others in the series, which was a nice diversion and I applaud Linda Castillo for taking a chance and doing something a bit different. As always, Kathleen McInerney does an exceptional job with the narration.
May 4, 2022
Great little book in this series. I love reading all the fun half books between the full length novels. And I love being in Kate's world. This one had a fun story line. There's a monster in the town of Painter's Mill. Is it a Chupacabra? Plus, it had all the pig puns you want in your life! I loved it.
May 30, 2022
Although I really enjoy this series, the short stories are usually kind of meh for me. This one was better than most.
Some sort of wild animal is attacking people in the middle of a foggy night and Kate and John are on the case. There’s a little excitement, and some humor too (mostly puns).
Some sort of wild animal is attacking people in the middle of a foggy night and Kate and John are on the case. There’s a little excitement, and some humor too (mostly puns).
April 27, 2022
A good short story.
July 25, 2022
A short story about a wild animal causing Kate Burkholder lots of problems.
June 30, 2023
Another short in between the novels from 1 of my favorite authors! A great story in a short read.
July 12, 2022
As much as it pains me to say this, this was probably my least favorite Linda Castillo/Kate Burkholder read to date!
I know it's tough to convey everything you want to convey in a short story and I feel like Linda Castillo has never had a problem with it before, not that she even did with this title, I just generally felt like it was a little out there for me and for this series.
Kate Burkholder is one of my absolutely favorite characters and this novella didn't change that one bit, but it just didn't spark much interest for me. I almost felt like it was a little dystopian and that just really isn't my thing!
However, that absolutely will not stop me from reading the next book, as I've already got it and ready to read it as soon as I finish my current title and am very anxiously awaiting it! It was a quick, short story that I was able to finish up in just a short time!
I know it's tough to convey everything you want to convey in a short story and I feel like Linda Castillo has never had a problem with it before, not that she even did with this title, I just generally felt like it was a little out there for me and for this series.
Kate Burkholder is one of my absolutely favorite characters and this novella didn't change that one bit, but it just didn't spark much interest for me. I almost felt like it was a little dystopian and that just really isn't my thing!
However, that absolutely will not stop me from reading the next book, as I've already got it and ready to read it as soon as I finish my current title and am very anxiously awaiting it! It was a quick, short story that I was able to finish up in just a short time!
March 31, 2025
love kate and to find another simple short adventure that held some mystery and freshness was a bonus. I liked how this short story unwound and revealed a plausible and creative element to the series.
it is nice to see it stretch in some ways. It is easy to spit out a similar story with minimal twists when you are this deep in a series. Glad this was a short addition i came upon.
it is nice to see it stretch in some ways. It is easy to spit out a similar story with minimal twists when you are this deep in a series. Glad this was a short addition i came upon.
April 30, 2022
A fast read that pits Chief Kate Burkholder and John Tommasetti against a wild animal.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 209 reviews