Cover Image: An Evil Heart

An Evil Heart

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Member Reviews

This series gets better and better with each mystery delving a little deeper into Amish culture and the deepening relationship of Police Chief Kate Burkholder and her fiancé Tomasetti.

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An Evil Heart by Linda Castillo is the fifteenth book in the Kate Burkholder series, but the first one I read, I have since read the series from the beginning and am hooked on it. Kate, as chief of police in Painters Mill, is called to investigate the brutal death of a young Amish man. As she investigates, she realizes that this young man may have not been innocent. Did he end up paying with his life for the consequences of his actions? This was a book I read quickly to see what happened. I can't wait for the next book to come out. Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the free digital review copy. All opinions are my own.

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This is an Amish Mystery/Thriller, and this is the 15th book in the Kate Burkholder series. I have read and reviewed most of the other books in this series before picking up this book, but I do feel you can read this book as a standalone without any problems. I really love this series and the characters in this series. This book kept me on the edge of my seat because there was just so much going on. You get Tomasetti and Kate's planning their wedding throughout this book, and while they are planning their wedding Kate is trying to figured out what is going on and Tomasetti is fighting his own issues. This book is action packed, fast paced, suspenseful, and gripping. I loved all the action mixed with the family drama going on. Great Read. I enjoyed the narrator of this book's audiobook. I was kindly provided an e-copy and e-audiobook of this book by the publisher (Minotaur Books) or author (Linda Castillo) via NetGalley, so I can give an honest review about how I feel about this book. I want to send a big Thank you to them for that.

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An Evil Heart is a slow-paced yet interesting story that follows police chief Kate Burkholder as she investigates the murder of Aden Karn. The author does a good job blending elements of mystery and suspense with insights into Amish culture, keeping readers engaged from the beginning. With its intriguing plot twists and portrayal of small-town life, An Evil Heart delivers a satisfying and enjoyable read.

Voluntarily reviewed after receiving a free copy courtesy of NetGalley, the Publisher, and the author, Linda Castillo.

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This book starts out with a brutal, senseless murder and doesn't let go until the end. I have never read any of Linda Castillo's work before and I am definitely a fan after this one! Her ability to combine Amish and English is awesome and educational. Great characters and a great storyline. I will be making time to read through this series in order.

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I have come to expect thrilling and sometimes dark police procedural action in Linda Castillo’s Kate Burkholder series. An Evil Heart did not disappoint. I loved all the twists in the plot as Kate got closer and closer to solving the mystery of who killed Aden Karn and what the motive was for killing him. As in all her books in this series, I enjoyed learning about the Amish way of life. I enjoy that she always includes the Amish dialect and gave explanation for the Amish language. As always, Linda Castillo did an excellent job developing the characters both Amish and English. I was surprised by the ending but felt that it was satisfying and made sense. Now, l look forward to the next installment in this addictive series. I highly recommend An Evil Heart to all that enjoy a good mystery/thriller with a touch of Amish.

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I have always enjoyed this series from LInda Castillo and this one did not disappoint!
This was a wonderfully written thriller and mystery. Ms. Castillo always does a wonderful job of developing the characters in this story. Kate Burkholder again is faced with a crime that she puts everything into solving. Throughout the book I felt how tense Kate felt trying to solve the case. I also enjoyed the side characters and the ending was a solid ending.
Thank you for the opportunity to read this book early! I look forward to another Linda Castillo mystery!

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One day I was searching for a new audiobook and stumbled across this series. I fell in love instantly and was lucky that there were already 7 books released. Now I have to wait with everyone else every year for the next installment. This book was another exceptional Kate Burkholder mystery. There was a lot to unwind in this case, but Kate and her team are always up tot he task. Kathleen McInerney IS Kate Burkholder, so much that when I hear her narrating another book/character, it always make me think of Kate. Fantastic narration!

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My description …
What kind of heart does a person have to kill an Amish man on his way to work? To brutally kill. To escalate the brutality. No wonder the title of this book is An Evil Heart. Another in the Kate Burkholder series.

My review …
Linda Castillo is one of my very favorite Amish mystery writers. “So,” you ask, “why haven’t you read and reviewed this book that was published six months ago?” I read it before the publish date but some health issues equaled no written reviews. Since then, I’ve purchased this book and re-read it again with the published version.

My description is purposely short. Kate Burkholder fans have already read the fairly long description on Amazon, Goodreads, etc. I wanted to get a prospective reader to think about the title and what kind of person would do this brutal killing.

Like all Kate Burkholder mysteries, the whodunit is not easy to nail down. You will probably do as I did — guess several different people and find out it wasn’t them.

In the beginning, a joyful event is going to happen within a few days. But this murder occurs and, as usual, Kate plows in getting banged up in the process. Determined is our Kate. I wouldn’t want to be on her negative radar. Add Tomasetti — and if Kate is in danger, you always get Tomasetti.

I have to admit I am a huge fan of this series. An Evil Heart is #15 and the last published in the series. The next book, The Burning, will be published on July 9, 2024. and yes, it’s already pre-ordered.

I received a complimentary DRC (digital review copy) of An Evil Heart via NetGalley from the publisher, St. Martin’s Press, Minotaur Books. A positive review was not required; the opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

Rating: 5 stars
Series: Kate Burkholder #15 of 15 (#16 will be published 9 Jul 2024)
Cover: Captures the eye.
Pages: 311
Publish Date: 11 Jul 2023
#AnEvilHeart #NetGalley #LindaCastillo

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I really enjoyed this page-turner, another excellent mystery novel by Linda Castillo. We follow Kate Burkholder, Chief of Police in a small Ohio community. As a former member of the Amish community, she has a unique perspective when there are crimes that involve the Amish. This latest novel in the series takes an unexpected turn. There were some graphic scenes that were hard to read, but a very powerful story.
TW: rape, abuse, sexual assault, murder, attempted murder.

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"An Evil Heart" by Linda Castillo is a tour de force in the crime thriller genre, delivering yet another pulse-pounding installment in the riveting Kate Burkholder series. As a devoted fan of the series, I can confidently say that Castillo continues to raise the bar with each new release.

In this latest installment, Castillo once again showcases her masterful storytelling prowess. The pacing is impeccable, with every chapter leaving me eager to uncover the next piece of the puzzle. The plot is intricately woven, and the suspense is palpable from start to finish. The author's ability to create a tense atmosphere and maintain it throughout the narrative is truly commendable.

Kate Burkholder remains a captivating and multi-dimensional protagonist. Her complex past and unwavering dedication to seeking justice make her a character that readers can't help but root for. Castillo's portrayal of Burkholder's inner struggles and her relentless pursuit of truth adds a layer of depth that sets this series apart.

What sets "An Evil Heart" apart is its exploration of the human psyche and the motives that drive individuals to commit heinous acts. Castillo delves into the psychology of both the perpetrators and the investigators, providing a thought-provoking look into the dark recesses of the human mind.

The supporting cast of characters is equally well-developed, each contributing to the rich tapestry of the narrative. The interactions and dynamics between the characters feel authentic and add depth to the overall story. Castillo excels at creating a sense of community within the fictional town of Painters Mill, which adds an extra layer of resonance to the plot.

Without giving away any spoilers, the resolution of the central mystery in "An Evil Heart" is both satisfying and shocking. Castillo expertly ties up loose ends while leaving just enough room for future developments in the series.

For fans of the Kate Burkholder series, "An Evil Heart" is an absolute must-read. Linda Castillo's skillful storytelling, well-drawn characters, and expertly crafted suspense make this book a standout in an already exceptional series. For those new to the series, this book serves as an excellent entry point into the world of Kate Burkholder, and I highly recommend starting here to experience the full impact of Castillo's narrative brilliance.

I was provided an advanced copy of this book by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

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I did enjoy the story. It’s a typical police procedural story but the setting of the Amish community made it interesting. I was shocked by the ending and totally see why people love this series so much. It’s my first but definitely won’t be my last!

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An Evil Heart is an incredibly fast-paced crime procedural that brings readers to the heart of Ohio's Amish Country where a young Amish man is found murdered. This is the 14th book featuring Kate Burkholder, and while I've never read anything featuring this character before, it was very easy to read as a standalone. There was certainly some backstory that I was a little lost on, but for the most part, I found that things were explained.

Overall, I really enjoyed this story. I couldn't put it down and it's definitely a page-turner. I also thought it was interesting having the main character be a previous part of the Amish community, and her family still was. It was interesting to learn about their customs too.

I'm looking forward to reading more books from Castillo, along with reading more about Kate Burkholder.

Thank you Minotaur Books and NetGalley for the eARC!

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An Evil Heart by Linda Castillo is the fifteenth book in the Kate Burkholder series. Kate, as chief of police in Painters Mill, is called to investigate the brutal death of a young Amish man. But as she investigates, she starts to realize that this young man may have not been very innocent. Did he end up paying with his life for the consequences of his actions? This was a very compelling story, just like the previous books. I enjoy this series, and I can't wait for the next book to come out. Thanks to NetGalley for the free digital review copy. All opinions are my own.

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I have read all the books in this series as they've come out and I have to say... An Evil Heart is the best yet! The murder mystery, the ramped up romance, the Amish community, and all the fleshed out characters always makes for an excellent read. Kate and Tomisetti FINALLY got married y'all!! I have to say, this season of the series has a fantastic mystery to it and I can't wait for all y'all to experience it as well 😉

Thanks netgalley for giving me the advanced copy so that I can share my thoughts and opinions with y'all 💛

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4.5 this was one of the best in the series. I enjoy Kate's detective skills and her past with the Amish sheds the light on so many things a typical cop may not see.

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Back in Painters Mill, for another Amish murder. This is the second book in the series I've read and I actually quite liked it. I felt comfortable with the characters and the relationships between each other and it made jumping into this book easy. The story starts out with a murder and a pretty grizzly one at that. As the plot develops and you learn more about the secrets people are keeping you learn nobody is who you think they are. What's that saying? - Don't judge a book by the cover - that never rings more true than it does in this book because nothing is what it seems. I figured out who the killer was halfway through but it actually made it more interesting to figure out why. And then you get Kate and Tomasetti's relationship where it deepens even more, leading up to their wedding day. Overall, a great mystery in an unique locale and I would happily read more books in the series.

Thanks to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for the arc.

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I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley.

This is the second Kate Burkholder that I have read. It is always interesting to follow a set of characters from book to book and see how their personal stories develop. In addition, learning about the Amish customs and lifestyles adds to the development of the narrative.

Kate grew up Amish but left the fold as a teenager. Now she is Chief of Police in a predominately Amish community in Ohio. While she is in the midst of planning her wedding, she is investigating the brutal death of a young Amish man. Shortly after beginning her investigation, a young woman's body is found. Now Kate has two murders to solve and the wedding date is getting closer.

I thoroughly enjoyed An Evil Heart and look forward to future books in this series.

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Kate Burkholder is back! And there are wedding bells in her future. I loved witnessing the community of Painter's Mill help with wedding preparations, even if it did stress me out that Kate was fighting criminals the entire time.

I enjoy this series, but sometimes they are a little graphic for me. I'm pleased to report that in spite of a violent opening scene, I found this one to be much more palatable than some of the others in the series. If you've liked any of the past Burkholder novels, you should give this one a try.

Note: I read most of this one, but listened to the last few chapters on audio. Kathleen McInerney does a fantastic job.

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3.5 stars rounded up.

While I was interested to keep reading and finding out what happened the story aside from the murder didn't pull me in, in the books defense I 100% think that was because I have only read one other in the series. And while it is a stand alone you obviously are just going to feel more for the characters and MC if you had followed from the beginning.

Thank you to Netgalley and Minotaur Book for providing me with a review copy.

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