Excellent book in the Kate Burkholder series. Loved learning some Anabaptist history along with the mystery!

In the 16th installment of the Kate Burkholder series, Castillo has nailed it again! It seems that many series, especially ones that reach the double digits, tend to go stale or begin to rely on the same tropes. However, somehow, Castillo is able to keep her stories fresh with new elements in each new book. Our main character, police chief Kate Burkholder is one of my favorite fictional characters. She is a badass with a soft side and in this book, she is betrayed and her abilities are doubted by those she trusts. This is so common for many women to experience, especially in male heavy fields, It is also an example of the unique aspects Castillo addresses in each book to further flesh out her characters and keep her storylines from being rote and scripted. I look forward to book seventeen!

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Linda Castillo’s *The Burning* is a gripping and suspenseful addition to the Kate Burkholder series that expertly blends mystery, culture, and deeply personal stakes. The vivid descriptions and atmospheric writing immediately pull you into the remote, insular world of the Amish, where secrets run deep and danger lurks in the shadows.

Chief Kate Burkholder is as compelling as ever, navigating not only the complexities of the case but also the fragile balance between her Amish roots and her position in the English world. The murder of Milan Swanz and the ominous circumstances surrounding it present a chilling puzzle, and Castillo masterfully unravels the layers of mystery with skill and precision. The stakes are heightened as Kate’s own brother becomes entangled in the case, making the investigation even more personal and emotionally charged.

The exploration of Anabaptist history and culture adds depth and richness to the narrative, while the plot twists and escalating tension keep you on the edge of your seat. Castillo does an exceptional job of balancing the procedural elements with Kate’s internal struggles, creating a story that is as emotionally resonant as it is thrilling.

*The Burning* is a must-read for fans of crime fiction and anyone who loves a strong, multidimensional protagonist. With its gripping plot, cultural insights, and shocking revelations, this novel will keep you hooked until the very last page.

I love this series so I was very excited to read this latest installment! This was another solid story in the Kate Burkholder series. This could be read without reading previous books in the series, but I think the backstory is worth starting from the beginning.

Amish mysteries are my favorite genre right now. No one does it like Linda Castillo . The Kate Burkholder series is a favorite and often recommended series! Keep writing Linda so I can keep reading your books. The newest book will drfibetly keep you up late reading.

This was such a good book! I especially enjoyed how it talked about the Amish community. I am from Ohio, so that was really cool to read about an area so close to where I grew up. This was very well written and I really enjoyed it!

Another great read by Linda Castillo. The Kate Burkholder series should be read in order to help give an understanding of the characters and the events leading up to the story.

Great book for those interested in the Amish, mystery, and crime. Once I started this book, it was hard to put down because I had to figure out who committed a murder and why.

Linda Castillo’s 'The Burning' is the sixteenth installment in the Kate Burkholder series, delivering a gripping and intense narrative that yet again delves deep into the complexities of Amish culture and dark historical secrets. The story begins with Chief of Police Kate Burkholder being summoned to a harrowing crime scene: an Amish man has been brutally murdered, burned alive while chained to a stake. This gruesome act sets the stage for a chilling investigation that uncovers layers of mystery and tension within the tight-knit community. 

Castillo masterfully intertwines Burkholder’s personal and professional challenges, especially as the investigation leads her to confront aspects of her own past and familial ties - as it often does. The narrative is both suspenseful and enlightening, shedding light on lesser-known chapters of Anabaptist history. 'The Burning' is another book in the series that stands as a testament to Castillo’s ability to craft compelling crime fiction that resonates with both long-time fans and newcomers to Kate Burkholder.

I LOVE LINDA CASTILLO AND THE LATE BURKHOLDER SERIES!!!! This book did not disappoint. I couldn’t out it down, I couldn’t stop thinking about it! My full review is on my page @nelliesreads on Instagram!

After another murder takes place in Painters Mill, newlywed Kate Burkholder with the help of her new husband John Tomasetti are on the case. This novel is filled with action and suspense and I simply could not put it down. I thoroughly enjoyed reading Kate and John’s relationship unfold throughout this series and was thrilled we finally got a glimpse into their wedded “bliss”. Linda always seems to find a way to bring some kind of connection between Kate and one of the suspects, whether it be an old Amish friend, ex-boyfriend or close relative, which grips really grips me.

Book after book I find myself scratching my head at Kate though as to why she gets herself in these predicaments with the perps, finding it quite predictable. She is one lucky girl as she always finds her way out of it, usually with the help of Tomasetti or someone from her team.

Since we’ve seen Kate and John’s relationship bud and flourish, I’m hoping Linda creates a new relationship we can watch unfold!

Installment 16 of Linda Castillo's Kate Burkholder series did not disappoint! I love how Kate does such a great job switching between her roles and the differing communities. I can't wait for the next in the series! Linda Castillo is on my always-read list!

The Burning by Linda Castillo is a thrilling novel. The characters are well developed and I particularly like the main character, a formerly Amish woman sheriff. Ms Castillo crafted a detailed plot that carries the book and keeps you reading. I thought the history and ties to the Anabaptists made the book really interesting. Readers of suspense will also find a lot of that in this book. It is a unique novel and I highly recommend it. It is not typical Amish fiction, rather more edgy thriller. I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher with no obligations. These opinions are entirely my own.

I love this series! Even though we are now at #16 with several novellas in the mix, it has not and I mean NOT gotten old and staid. Kate and Tomassetti are now finally married and they still work so well together. Kate has been called in the middle of the night because of a murder in the middle of the woods, a burned body, and it turns out it is an Amish man. So many twists and turns and even when her brother is implicated Kate does not stop investigating. Even if you have not read anything in this series, you could pick up this one and enjoy it but I recommend you start closer to the beginning of the series to see how Kate and Tomassetti have developed and grown, you will not be disappointed.

A man is burnt at the stake and Kate must uncover what happened. This case will take her back into her former life in Amish country.

I read book # 15 in this series! It is a good series, nothing super spectacular about it. Just a solid mystery series. It was interesting to go into another world and understand another’s culture. This is a series, however, any of the books can be read as a standalone.

I love this series! Linda Castillo continues to write thrilling Amish country mysteries. I love that the characters develop and change as the series goes on.

Another great read from Linda Castillo!!! The Kate Burkholder series continues in the fast paced thriller that will have you hooked from the beginning. Adding more connections with Kate's family, this book continues a great series.

I want to thank St. Martin's Press, Minotaur Books & Netgalley for an ARC of this book.

Another great installment (#16) of the Chief of Police Kate Burkholder series. As always the story is exciting and never dull! The beginning starts off with a bang: a winter scene and something on fire in the woods. Really takes off from there. The writing is solid and the tells the story of a gruesome murder of an Amish man. Good development of story and Kate's character. She is newly married to FBI Agent Tomasetti and I love the way their marriage and working skills are developing. I can't wait for them to grow as a married couple. I liked the book so much that I purchased the Audible audiobook so when I couldn't read I could listen while driving/etc. Excellent narration as usual by Kathleen McInerney. I'm so glad she narrates all the Kate Burkholder audiobooks. I loved this book and cannot wait for her next installment.
I highly recommend this book or audiobook to anyone who enjoys suspense/mystery/police procedurals.
A special thank you to St. Martin's Press/Minotaur Books via NetGalley for the Advanced Readers Copy in exchange for my honest review.

This was a twisty, edge of your seat thriller. I have read a few backlist entries in this series, but this is by far my favorite. I love how, even though at times it is challenging, Kate finds a way to relate to and navigate between her Amish and English worlds. This was a gruesome story, but the folklore explained behind it made me invested in the story. There were several times where I held my breath because of the situations that Kate found herself in. Thoroughly enjoyed and would 100% recommend.

I really enjoy the Kate Burkholder series. Linda Castillo does a great job of creating a good mystery while incorporating Amish/Mennonite/Anabaptist culture. She sets the scene so well that the reader really ends up caring about the characters and the community. This does have a few triggers including domestic violence, child abuse, child sexual abuse.

A dark and chilling installment in Linda Castillo long running series set against the backdrop of Amish culture. Can be read as a stand alone. Gripping and suspenseful. A solid read