This sixteenth installment of the Kate Burkholder series kept me on the edge of my seat. One of the most brutal and cruel murders Chief Burkholder and her gang of deputies have investigated to date. I was concerned several times this book would be the end of the series. A solid 5 star read.

I received an advance copy of "The Burning" by Linda Castillo from NetGalley and approached it with no prior expectations. This was my first encounter with Castillo's writing, and the plot immediately piqued my interest. I was particularly taken with the protagonist, a police chief with strong ties to the Amish community. However, there were moments when I felt the story could have offered more depth.

The book's religious undertones enriched the narrative, but at times, I found myself struggling to connect the pieces of the storyline. Some developments seemed abrupt, lacking the gradual build-up I prefer.

Overall, I rated this book three stars. While it left me wanting more in some respects, it successfully held my attention and was a swift read. I appreciated Castillo's meticulous attention to detail. I'm keen to explore more of her work and would suggest that new readers might start with her earlier books to better acquaint themselves with her style and character development.

Another dark, gripping, and thrilling read from Linda Castillo in the sixteenth book from the Kate Burkholder series.

Kate Burkholder is called to the scene of a probable murder to find a man tied to a post on top of a stack of burning pallets. Once identified as a recently excommunicated member of the Amish community, Kate finds herself returning back to the close-knit and familiar area. Despite being the current Chief of Police, Kate was born and raised Amish but chose another path when she was 18.

Despite her departure from the community, members are most likely to speak to Kate over other “English.” She understands the tradition, culture, and customs and has developed a respectful relationship with many current community members.

As she begins her investigation, she discovers the murdered man has few who liked him and plenty who had a problem with him. Then, Kate’s brother’s name comes up. Considering he is still Amish, their relationship is still being rebuilt but Kate absolutely believes her brother had nothing to do with the murder. When Kate is attacked and told to “back off” and allow justice be served in a way they see fit, she dives into the past of the Amish culture. The more she learns, the more trouble she finds herself in.

This was a super engaging read and one I feel you could enjoy whether you’ve read the others in the series or not. Going into this book, I didn’t know it was a series so I started with book one and have read the first five books so far. Since reading those, I’ve become a huge fan and can’t wait to see what Linda Castillo writes next!

Thank you for this excellent audio book. I am a big fan of anything by Linda Castillo.
this book was in true style of Castillo books.
I loved it and would recommend it to anyone.
5 big gold Stars

Kate Burkholder is back on the case, and it’s a gruesome one. Seriously, the opening of this book is brutal but really well done. If you can get past the opening you will find yourself in an action packed mystery that still skillfully unfolds until the thrilling climax.
I haven’t gotten to visit Painters Mill in a while and I really enjoyed getting to revisit these characters. Linda Castillo crafts a deft and engaging mystery and Kate is such a badass, you have to root for her!
I listened to this in audio format. Kathleen McInerney narrated this book and it took me a little bit to get into her style of reading. She has a robotic cadence at times. After a while I got used to it and it wasn’t a big deal.
Thank you to McMillan Audio and NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

I love this series - it seems to be getting a little darker and a little more into Amish History.  

A man found burned at the stake has a lot of enemies.  Recently being placed under the Ban the victim had a history violence, and a slew of people who weren't unhappy at his demise. Of those are an ex-wife, the Bishop and Kate's own brother. Kate gets sidelined due to her brothers possible involvement but refuses to let that deter her as she follows her instincts. However the people she is up against are dangerous and well hidden. 

Fantastic writing as always and good narration. Although I have read many of them I have switched to listening to the last few and it doesn't diminish the enjoyment.  I found myself riveting to the action and it was difficult to turn it off to go to bed. If you haven't read any of these I would definitely start at the beginning as the stories evolve and build on each other. Although you could probably read it as a stand-a-lone but I wouldn't recommend it.

The Burning (Kate Burkholder #16) by Linda Castillo
Narrated by Kathleen McInerney
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Genre: General Fiction (Adult), Mystery & Thrillers
Expected Publication Date: July 9, 2024

The Burning is the 16th book in the Kate Burkholder series by Linda Castillo. This book can be enjoyed as part of the series or as a standalone mystery.

Wow! This was such an intense book. It dealt with some heavy stuff and I was very worried for Kate. I found this one fascinating and I could not stop reading it!

The narration by Kathleen McInerney was wonderful! I loved how she brought this book to life.

I definitely recommend reading this one!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I'd been a fan of the Kate Burkholder series for a long time and somehow got off track and missed a few releases, so when I had the opportunity to get this one from NetGalley, I jumped.

There's a lot to like here: I like Kate, I like the mayor, I like her team, I like that even though they're married she still calls her husband Tomasetti, I like how far Mona has come, and always to my surprise, I like the Amish.

This book opens with a hideous murder, and you ask yourself how this seemingly not-great guy killed in this gruesome way is connected to the Amish, but lo and behold, there is a connection! Even though the Amish are very reclusive, Kate's special but strained relationship with them is always fascinating to me. And, as is usually the case for any religion, there is a fringe group more secretive and extreme. This book was a good thriller, fast-paced, full of taut action as Kate goes against all other law enforcement bodies involved and conducts her own rogue investigation in a direction no one believes is real. With series you usually see the arc of a character at a glacial pace, which is true here, there's not much advancement until the very end. However, while this entire series is driven by Kate's character, this particular story is all action.

I received a free Advanced Reading Copy via NetGalley in exchange for a complete and honest review.

A shocking crime in Amish country puts Chief of Police Kate Burkholder on the trail of a calculating killer in this tense thriller. The Burning is a gritty, suspenseful read that ratchets up the tension from the opening pages. Castillo's deep knowledge of Amish culture and traditions lends authenticity to her vivid portrayals of the insular community. While the plot takes some predictable turns, Castillo's deft pacing and Kate's tenacious investigating make for a compulsively readable crime novel. The exploration of themes like fear, retribution, and the consequences of breaking from tradition add thematic heft to this gripping page-turner.

This is the first book I have read in this series. I found it riveting and I am now going back to read the rest of the series. Kate Burkholder is a police chief in a rural town in Ohio with a large community of Amish. A former member of the Amish community herself, she understands the religion and mindset of the Amish people. As a person who is no longer a member she struggles with left over animosity over her leaving the group. As Kate investigates the murder of an Amish man who was murdered by being burned at the stake she uncovers a dark side to the history of the Amish and a hidden society of assassins.

Very good

This was a fast-paced book that kept my attention. It opens with a man getting picked up by a driver late at night while he was walking home from a bar. He was murdered - burned at the stake. He was an Amish man who had been shunned (kicked out of the church). The small town chief of police, a woman who was raised Amish, tries to find out why he was killed. He was such a awful man that it seemed like half the town had a reason t want him dead.

The only complaint I had was that the chief of police kept getting in trouble by being caught by someone presumably involved with the crime.. She was a small-town cop, but still seemed like she would be aware enough to not keep getting in such jams. To her credit, she did not sit back and wait for. a man to save her, but I would have preferred that she did more rescuing of others.

I’ve been wanting to read a book by this author because the covers are so intriguing as this book didn’t disappoint. I loved how I was able to jump in mid series and discover that I could read it as a stand-alone. I really liked Kate. She’s one of the good ones. I loved learning more about the Amish community and enjoyed the secret society as well.
The narrator, Kathleen McInerney used a variety of tones and inflections that were very engaging. She kept me listening till the very end. I listened to this book on a day. Very addicting listen.

“Almost everyone has something to hide. From the little white lie you tell to protect someone’s feelings, to the kinds of secrets that destroy lives… I know better than most that, in the minds of a few, some secrets are worth killing for.”

Excuse me while I catch my breath.

I was so thrilled to be given permission to have an advanced copy of this book (provided to me by NetGalley)! I have been waiting what seems like forever for this next installment of the Kate Burkholder series.

This particular story brought back all our favorites, Kate, Tomasetti, Mona, Pickles and all the gang. To say this was an intense ride is an understatement. After sixteen books, I have an emotional attachment to these characters and this book had me clenching my teeth and growling at anyone who tried to interrupt me. My poor husband- who hasn’t read a single one of the books- had to hear me frantically tell him about the events in this book. “How will they get out of it, how?!”

How does Castillo do it EVERY TIME?

Now the real questions: Will there be a next book? When?! And how can I get an ARC of that, too?!

Thanks Netgalley for the advance audio version of this book. I love this series and eagerly await the newest edition every year. This one seemed to not captivate me as much as some of the others . I am thinking it might be time to start wrapping this series up. I love the narrator of this series but I have her voice as Kate Burkholder so its weird to hear her narrating any other book lol. If you haven't read this series, you are missing out! I gave this book 4 stars but I give the series 5 stars!

This story hits the ground running with flames - quite literally. An excommunicated amish man is burned at stake. Kate Burkholder is called in to investigate with a little help and consultation from her husband, Tomasetti. With an amish past herself, it does not take long before the investigation hits a little too close to home. Kate digs to discover just how much her brother may have been involved. To get to the truth of everything she will also have to dive deep into amish history and Anabaptist culture.
I love a good fast-paced investigation and that's exactly what this one was. No lulls in this one as Kate had to move quickly and leave no loose ends in this case. I listened to this one on audiobook and the narrator did a great job of distinguishing voices. With the numerous interrogation scenes that was crucial to navigating through the storyline. I loved her amish-accents.
I enjoyed the cultural/historical parts tied into the story. I did not fact check any to see if they had any truth to them but regardless they were a fun part of the plot.
This was my first Kate Burkholder novel and I enjoyed her character - would be interested to read some of the other books with her in them.
Thank you to NetGalley, MacMillan Audio, and Linda Castillo for this ARC audiobook and the chance to give my honest feedback.

Everytime I think Castillo can't top her previous novel, she does. I have loved this series since reading page one of the first book. Thank you Netgalley for the ARC. Kate Birkholder #16 starts out fast paced and doesn't stop. Kate and her team are on a time crunch to solve the murder of a man found hanging from a tree, burning in the woods. He is left for dead and the act is so outrageous, the murder is thought to be personal. Kate and her team must fight interference from all sides - the Amish, other police forces, and even her own family. I really enjoyed learning more about the Anabaptist culture and this fast paced mystery kept me guessing until the end.

The gangs all back, Kate, Tomasetti and the Painters Mill PD crew, for this 16th installment of the Kate Burkholder series. While the series takes place in Painters Mill, OH and is in the midst of OH Amish country and the MC, Police Chief Kate Burkholder, is formerly Amish, this series is no cozy mystery series! The per capita crime rate in Painters Mill is extremely high and this series illustrates that the Amish community and its faithful are just as susceptible to criminal behavior and impulses (even more so in some installments) as the rest of the human race.

The story revolves around the death of a former Amish man, Milan, who was burned alive, bound to a stake. By all accounts, Milan was a worthless piece of crap and according to the Amish, he was an evil man. Unfortunately, Kate’s brother, Jacob, was seen having a heated argument with Milan a couple of days before Milan’s death. The BCI agent in charge, Chambers, is a total jerk, and definitely has an axe to grind with Kate and probably Tomasetti, now that they’re married and still working together. Chambers gets Kate kicked from the investigation because he considers her brother a viable suspect. Chambers declares Kate’s involvement as Chief of Police, is a conflict of interest. This doesn’t stop Kate – at all!

It’s well into the second half that, in typical Kate fashion, Kate proceeds to go around poking beehives with a stick and gets herself into quite a mess. Kate stumbles upon a fringe group of the Anabaptists (Amish, Mennonites, Hutterites) and the investigation takes a turn for the worse and the story becomes really dark and creepy as well as scary and dangerous for Kate and Tomasetti. The end comes pretty fast after that in a flurry of intense activity. The finale indicates that the danger may not be over and kind of feels like a lead-in to future installments – maybe?

I always love catching up with Kate and the gang and this was no exception. While the characterization of Kate, Tomasetti and Kate’s crew at the station are pretty well developed by now, I did enjoy seeing more of the relationship between Kate and her brother as well as the relationship between Kate and Rasmussen and Aggie. The pacing and storyline were steady and interesting, respectively. Castillo’s writing is as good as ever too. I’m looking at an overall rating of 4.3 that I will be rounding down to a 4star rating. I flipped back and forth between the ebook and the audiobook and always enjoy Kathleen McInerney’s narration of the series. I want to thank NetGalley and St Martin’s Press and Macmillan Audio for sending me this eARC in exchange for my honest review.

#NetGalley #StMartinsPress #MacmillanAudio #TheBurning

When I think of the Amish community I think of a calm life full of peace. This story follows an investigation into a nightmare. Being burned at “the stake”! Why? Who did it? It’s worth following the twists and turns!!

Perhaps one day I’ll tire of this series featuring a formerly Amish police chief in rural Ohio who solves way too many serious crimes for such a small community, but today is not that day. Anxiously awaiting the next Kate Burkholder mystery, which I will always consume via audiobook because Kate McInerney’s narration is perfection.

Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for an advance copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

I love this series and have listened to every single one. This latest book in the series does not disappoint. It starts off with a bang and maintains suspense and intrigue throughout.
One of the things I love about the way this author writes her stories is that the crime is described in the beginning and the rest of the book is spent with Katie Burkholder investigating and unraveling the mystery. I also enjoy the same narrator throughout the series and Katie Burkholder’s voice is set in my mind by this narrator. She is so good!
The story starts off with the murder of an Amish man in a horrible manner. Good twists and turns that move the story forward and keep the reader on the edge of their seat. The usual characters are present, Tomasetti, Skid, Mona, and the rest of her officers and medical examiner. Familiar characters with a new murder mystery to solve.
I highly recommend listening to the audiobook and getting lost in the story.

I revenant arc from NetGalley and MacMillan Audio. I leave this review voluntarily.