Another Kate Burkholder mystery that kept me on the edge of my seat! Although I didn't care for the graphic nature of the deaths in this one, Castillo is never salacious in her descriptions, using a more clinical approach I appreciate. Still, the murders depicted will likely make you recoil. It is a timely theme, though, and one handled well, especially in the final chapters of wrapup with Kate, who is the kind of compassionate, justice-seeking police chief we've come to know and love. Each book is like a separate gem in this series, and I'll never get enough of these mysteries!

My initial interest in this wonderful series began mostly because of the location; I'm familiar with the part of Ohio in which the stories take place. I also have an interest in the Amish, often making trips to another section of the Buckeye State that gets mentioned in the books once in a while (in fact, in this, the 17th of the series. That said, I wouldn't keep coming back for more unless the books are really, really good; they are, and this one carries on that honored tradition.

Now-veteran Painters Mill Police Chief Kate Burkholder is the primary reason for my enthusiasm, a unique character because she was born and grew up Amish but left the order in her late teens. Needless to say, that didn't sit well with anyone in the Amish community where she returned to work in law enforcement as an "English" - the term used for anyone who isn't Amish. Over the years, though, she's built up a healthy relationship with her family and neighbors, for the most part earning their respect. Kate's hunky husband, FBI agent John Tomasetti, complements her and adds both personal interest and professional help when needed - and he gets quite a bit of page time here, much to my delight.

This one begins with a grisly find - the dismembered parts of a young Amish man Samuel Eicher, who's been murdered and half buried not far from his landscaping business. According to a few sources, he and his best friend Aaron Shetler had been involved with some pretty shady characters, including a beautiful young woman named Cassidy, but by all accounts he was returning to the Amish fold. The search for Aaron takes up more of Kate's team's time, and that, too, ends in tragedy with the discovery of his body in a barrel that's been rolled down a ravine.

What on earth were the two friends into? And where is Samuel's reported girlfriend Cassidy? The search takes Kate to a couple of local bars and private clubs in which pole dancers and sex trafficking may be at play, so to speak - places in which Kate and her questions clearly are not welcome. When Kate's unrelenting investigation and yet another murder brings her way too close to the truth, she becomes the target and threatens to make a widower out of Tomasetti. It's a whirlwind finish that kept me on the edge of my recliner for sure. In short, it's another winner, and I heartily thank the publisher, via NetGalley, for allowing me to stay tuned in by way of a pre-release copy. Bring on the next!

The Kate Burkholder series is one of my favorites. I read every book ASAP once I can get my hands on it. This is book 17 and the first time I have to say I felt a bit disappointed. I thought the the bigger secret at play was good but some of the other scenes, especially the bad guys going after Burkholder felt too familiar. it won't keep me from being eager to read the next though.

Thank you Netgalley and Minotaur books for this digital ARC!

As a dedicated reader of Linda Castillo's Kate Burkholder series, I approached "Rage" with keen interest, having received an ARC via NetGalley. While it certainly maintains the series' characteristic elements, I found this particular installment not quite reaching the heights of some of its predecessors.

One aspect that felt a little prolonged was the investigative journey; it appeared to take Kate and Tomasetti a bit more time than usual to piece together the critical clues. A recurring thought throughout my reading was the frequency with which Kate placed herself in jeopardy by not awaiting backup, a trait that, while integral to her character, is beginning to test the boundaries of credibility.

Nevertheless, it's a common characteristic for any long-standing series to have its varied moments. Despite these minor observations, the core appeal of the series remains firmly intact. If you've enjoyed the previous adventures of Chief of Police Kate Burkholder, I am confident that "Rage" will still provide a satisfying read and keep you immersed in her world.

Rage by Linda Castillo is the newest in the Kate Burkholder series. As with all the Kate Burkholder books, Kate works in a small Ohio town as the chief of police and also a former Amish. This background works in her favor when working to solve crimes in Painters Mill that involve Amish. I enjoy how Castillo is able to bring awareness to various facets of the Amish culture throughout these books. I always enjoy reading about the characters of Painters Mill and look forward to the next in the series!

Fast-Paced Page-Turner

Rage, the seventeenth book in the Kate Burkholder series, is a fantastic, fast-paced, contemporary, multilayered mystery. Author Linda Castillo's descriptive writing had me feeling like I was right there, seeing and experiencing everything. It makes for a gripping story that, once you start reading it, you can't put it down till the very end. The twists and turns kept me guessing and turning pages. Even when I suspected who did it, I couldn't put it down because there was so much more I needed to know.

If you enjoy fast-paced mysteries that will keep you glued to the pages, then this one is definitely for you. You won't be disappointed.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an advanced copy of this book. All comments and opinions are entirely my own and voluntary.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the eARC. It has been some time since I had picked up a Kate Burkholder mystery and I am glad I picked up this one. I felt the story telling was creative and timely and started to look at the challenges that young Amish men and women face as they go through their Rumspringa and decide if they want to be baptized. At the same time it wove in a realistic mystery. The forensics explanations are always on point, if a bit gruesome, and even though there was some predictability regarding the antagonists, it was still an entertaining read.

All the Kate Burkholder books have been exciting; this one is even more exciting. It begins with Samuel Yutzy feeling happy, having changed his ways. Then, he is brutally killed. Three children were playing hide and seek in the woods and one comes across a mound of earth with lots of flies buzzing around. Then she notices a straw hat and a boot. Then she sees a hand sticking out of the dirt, and screams and runs to her older brother. Chief Berkholder is at the elementary school when she feels her phone vibrate and sees 911. Glock has gotten the call that some Amish kids found a body. It turns out that Yutzy had been shot and then cut into pieces with some kind of saw. Kate interviews a lot of folks who knew him, but didn't get far in finding who did it. A few days later, Yutzy's best friend Aaron Shetler is found dead in a barrel in a ravine. They soon find that Samuel and Aaron had been working for some shady characters. As Kate Burkholder begins looking into some of the shady characters, she puts herself into a very dangerous position and the book becomes even more exciting. I had a lot of trouble putting the book down. I don't want to give away any more of the excitement, so you'll have to read it yourself!

I thank St. Martins Press and Netgalley for the ARC so that I could read the book before publication.

Another quick read in Amish country. Love this series, love the main character mostly, and it is that love that keeps me coming back for more. The stakes always are raised immediately, and the protagonist finds her way into trouble (and then back out). Modern day (?) Amish Trixie Belden.

4.25 stars

This is only the 2nd in the Kate Burkholder series I have read but I've really enjoyed my time with both. While at certain points you do have to suspend your belief a little over things that have taken place it's so well done you barely even notice. Your jaw will drop a couple of times and your heart will hurt over the subject matter. Can't wait to see what happens with Kate next.

Thank you to St. Martins Press, Early Readers and Netgalley for access to an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

Everyone who's read my reviews of the Kate Burkholder series knows I love it. I've had problems with some of the books in the past, but I still love the series. I was bordering between 3 and 4 for this one, unfortunately. The characters were great - themselves as I know them (sort of). The story was great. My problem was that Kate and Tomasetti became stupid in the heat of the story. They both have worked in the city and have been exposed to horrible things as cops (and personal), so someone please explain how they took so long figure out was going on. The evidence was right in front of them and I knew with the very first clue, but they needed a lot more to figure it out. I guess they were trying to create tension, but that part of the book didn't work for me. Will I read the next book? Of course! I love this series, flaws and all.

Thank you to St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books for providing an eARC of this book. All opinions are my own.

Another great and suspenseful Kate Burkholder book with action until the very end. This series by Castillo is a must for all mystery readers. Thanks for the ARC!

Being a huge fan of Linda Castillo, I am happy to say that this latest instalment did not disappoint. Keep them coming.

Thank you NetGalley, St. Martin's Press & Minotaur Books for giving me the opportunity to read this!

Rage: 2 Stars 👮🌾🫆

Unfortunately, this book was not my cup of tea. In summary, I predicted the ending in the first 40% and I was bored a lot of the way through. However, I do think this book could be good for other readers! This series also has excellent reviews on Goodreads so I know there is definitely a fan base out there. I would recommend it if you all into these categories:

- If you like crime series that follow a main character.
- If you like books that read like potential true crime.
- If you want something with a steady plot.
- If you're a fan of crime television and want to get into reading.

Structurally this book has no issue, I just wasn’t really drawn in by the content. The pacing was fine and I appreciated the added tension towards the end. I think at the end of the day I just want more of a cozy mystery or a true thriller over a crime series.

Kate Burkholder does not disappoint. This is another jam packed full of action story.
I’m a big fan of this series and you don’t want to miss this.

Highly recommend

I love the Kate Burkholder series by Linda Castillo, and Rage continues the excellent tradition of showing the dark underside to what seems like a beautiful and bucolic setting. Kate, the police chief of the small town of Painter's Mill in Amish country, has her own dark past that led to her leaving the Amish years ago. She knows the Amish, and they (mostly) respect her as police chief, even though they still regard her now as an English outsider.

The gruesome murder of two young Amish men who were on rumspringa (a time for young Amish to live outside the Amish rules and test how they like the outside world) sets into motion an investigation that uncovers more and more horrors. Kate, her officers, and her husband, a member of the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation, dig into the sordid and dangerous world the two men had entered. Soon Kate finds herself in danger as she and her team learn more about how well evil can grow and thrive in the dark corners most people ignore.

Castillo's books are not for those looking for a light cozy mystery, but they are tense and suspenseful stories of the both the evil and the good that people can do. Highly recommend.

Another great installment of the Kate Burkholder series. Honestly at this point they are a little predictable but I will never turn down a chance to visit Painters Milll.

Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for allowing me to read and review. All opinions are my own.

The Kate Burkholder series has never disappointed me - it’s always a fast-paced, popcorn thriller that is so easy to finish in a single sitting. There’s always a good mix of suspense, education about Amish culture, and action. Kate’s hospital bills must be insane with all the predicaments she gets herself into. The one thing that bothers me in many of the books is that she still won’t call her husband by his first name, but maybe it’s just a cop thing.

As usual, Linda Castillo delivers a page-turner in the Kate Burkholder series. This fast-paced story kept me reading and I couldn't put it down.

I normally listen to Kate Burkholder books, but I read this one. I didn't enjoy it as much as I have others. I'm not sure if it's because I read it instead of listening to it. Story was ok and a fast read.