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built_by_books's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
jonetta's review against another edition
4.0
I’m reading the series in order and will post reviews for each story as I complete them.
[b:Long Lost|17310498|Long Lost (Kate Burkholder, #4.5)|Linda Castillo|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1359979752l/17310498._SX50_.jpg|23971246] #4.5
Kate Burkholder and John Tomasetti decide to get away for some extended time together at a bed & breakfast not far out of town. They get drawn into a local unsolved mystery involving the disappearance of young woman more than twenty years ago. Despite their best efforts to ignore the urge, both end up conducting an unofficial investigation.
This story accomplished two things: an opportunity for Kate and John to focus on their relationship and a chance to work as a team to solve a case. It’s short but managed to be highly entertaining. I had the great fortune of listening to it, which was even better with Kathleen McInerny narrating. The novellas aren’t a favorite format but this was a nice interlude, minus the usual murder and mayhem.
[b:A Hidden Secret|25541019|A Hidden Secret (Kate Burkholder, #6.5)|Linda Castillo|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1441264290l/25541019._SY75_.jpg|45332554] #6.5
Bishop Troyer wakens to a mewling sound on his front steps slightly before dawn and suspected the source even before he opens the door. It’s an infant, apparently only hours old, and he glimpses the silhouette of someone running away amidst the shadows. Since the baby is swathed in an Amish blanket, he suspects the baby is an Amish child. He calls Police Chief Kate Burkholder who brings Agent John Tomasetti with her to begin their investigation and try to locate the mother.
This is a bittersweet gem of a story. Absent the normal gruesome murders we’re accustomed to in this series, the search to find the baby’s parents leads to heartache, triumph and joy. The outcome was lovely despite the tattered emotional path to get there. It’s a very short story but long on emotion and character. I loved listening to it as Kathleen McInerney delivered a subtle and understated performance. It was a nice change of pace.
[b:Seeds of Deception|29243658|Seeds of Deception (Kate Burkholder, #7.5)|Linda Castillo|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1457363948l/29243658._SX50_.jpg|49487601] #7.5
We go back in time when Kate Burkholder was 14-years old, living Amish in Painter’s Mill. She and brother Jacob are picking apples in Zimmerman’s Orchard when her best friend Mattie Erb shows up to help. Soon after, while Jacob is elsewhere in the Orchard, they’re joined by Billy Marquardt and his buddies, all Englishers. Kate keeps her distance but the daring Mattie goes off into the barn with Billy.
We first meet Mattie in [b:Her Last Breath|16044965|Her Last Breath (Kate Burkholder, #5)|Linda Castillo|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1363434906l/16044965._SY75_.jpg|21823178] and this short story provides some much needed background to help understand how Kate missed so much about her best friend. The events following Mattie’s entry into that barn offers a prescient view of the woman she would later become and a little bit why Kate may have been blind to her behavior. And, we get some insight into the seeds that were sown that caused Kate to eventually pursue a career in law enforcement. As always, Kathleen McInerney delivered another solid narration performance. I very much enjoyed this small peek into Kate’s past.
[b:Only the Lucky|34667755|Only the Lucky (Kate Burkholder, #8.5)|Linda Castillo|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1490266357l/34667755._SX50_.jpg|55836360] #8.5
Police Chief Kate Burkholder and her team have their hands full on Friday the 13th in Painter’s Mill. There’s a massive power outage caused by a traffic accident and a full blown Amish teen party brewing that threatens to be rife with underage drinking on remote private property. When Kate arrives, she finds a young Amish girl in the barn who’s been brutally assaulted with a 2 by 4.
I enjoy the police procedural aspects of this series and though this story is short, the investigation was thorough and interesting. I had my suspicions early and even though I guessed correctly, I liked having it supported by the clues and Kate’s dogged pursuit. I also listened to the story because the narrator has become the voice of this series and continues to get everything right.
Posted on Blue Mood Café
[b:In Dark Company|40097967|In Dark Company (Kate Burkholder #9.5)|Linda Castillo|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1527720808l/40097967._SX50_.jpg|62152052] #9.5
Police Chief Kate Burkholder is called to the home of an Amish dairy farmer in the middle of the night when a young woman shows up at their home, battered and bruised. She also has no memory but is filled with terror, undefined but it involves someone chasing her meaning harm. It’s now up to Kate to help figure out what happened to the woman and her identity.
I love how this series seems to master the short story, setting up and solving an interesting mystery while delivering strong procedurals and excitement. Throughout the story, I went back and forth as to whether or not “Jane Doe” was truly having memory issues or faking it. It took me up to the reveal to determine that answer. And, yes, it had another dangerous moment for our fearless police chief and the author actually addressed that issue in the story! Finally, I was able to listen to this one because of the audio bundle of all the short stories! The narrator has solidified her place as the wonderful voice of the series in my head and she continued that here. I enjoyed this one, very much so.
Posted on Blue Mood Café
[b:In Plain Sight|43891555|In Plain Sight (Kate Burkholder, #10.5)|Linda Castillo|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1550939016l/43891555._SX50_.jpg|68291282] #10.5
Noah Kline, a 17-year old Amish boy, is walking home after spending the evening with his English girlfriend when he’s deliberately and viciously struck by a car and left in a field. When he’s discovered the next day, Police Chief Kate Burkholder doesn’t know if it’s a simple hit and run or something more.
I have to now admit that the short stories in this series have become favorites. In just a short amount of time we get the crime, array of suspects, the procedurals to solve the case and an exciting resolution. That’s hard to do well in a full length novel yet it’s done so compellingly here. I wasn’t certain about the whodunit until the real, which coincided with the discovery of key clues. Since more details would be spoilerish, I’ll just stop there. Listening to the story added to my enjoyment as the narrator is my voice of the series in such a good way. Nice little mystery with a strong theme to add to the mix.
Posted on Blue Mood Café
[b:Long Lost|17310498|Long Lost (Kate Burkholder, #4.5)|Linda Castillo|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1359979752l/17310498._SX50_.jpg|23971246] #4.5
Kate Burkholder and John Tomasetti decide to get away for some extended time together at a bed & breakfast not far out of town. They get drawn into a local unsolved mystery involving the disappearance of young woman more than twenty years ago. Despite their best efforts to ignore the urge, both end up conducting an unofficial investigation.
This story accomplished two things: an opportunity for Kate and John to focus on their relationship and a chance to work as a team to solve a case. It’s short but managed to be highly entertaining. I had the great fortune of listening to it, which was even better with Kathleen McInerny narrating. The novellas aren’t a favorite format but this was a nice interlude, minus the usual murder and mayhem.
[b:A Hidden Secret|25541019|A Hidden Secret (Kate Burkholder, #6.5)|Linda Castillo|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1441264290l/25541019._SY75_.jpg|45332554] #6.5
Bishop Troyer wakens to a mewling sound on his front steps slightly before dawn and suspected the source even before he opens the door. It’s an infant, apparently only hours old, and he glimpses the silhouette of someone running away amidst the shadows. Since the baby is swathed in an Amish blanket, he suspects the baby is an Amish child. He calls Police Chief Kate Burkholder who brings Agent John Tomasetti with her to begin their investigation and try to locate the mother.
This is a bittersweet gem of a story. Absent the normal gruesome murders we’re accustomed to in this series, the search to find the baby’s parents leads to heartache, triumph and joy. The outcome was lovely despite the tattered emotional path to get there. It’s a very short story but long on emotion and character. I loved listening to it as Kathleen McInerney delivered a subtle and understated performance. It was a nice change of pace.
[b:Seeds of Deception|29243658|Seeds of Deception (Kate Burkholder, #7.5)|Linda Castillo|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1457363948l/29243658._SX50_.jpg|49487601] #7.5
We go back in time when Kate Burkholder was 14-years old, living Amish in Painter’s Mill. She and brother Jacob are picking apples in Zimmerman’s Orchard when her best friend Mattie Erb shows up to help. Soon after, while Jacob is elsewhere in the Orchard, they’re joined by Billy Marquardt and his buddies, all Englishers. Kate keeps her distance but the daring Mattie goes off into the barn with Billy.
We first meet Mattie in [b:Her Last Breath|16044965|Her Last Breath (Kate Burkholder, #5)|Linda Castillo|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1363434906l/16044965._SY75_.jpg|21823178] and this short story provides some much needed background to help understand how Kate missed so much about her best friend. The events following Mattie’s entry into that barn offers a prescient view of the woman she would later become and a little bit why Kate may have been blind to her behavior. And, we get some insight into the seeds that were sown that caused Kate to eventually pursue a career in law enforcement. As always, Kathleen McInerney delivered another solid narration performance. I very much enjoyed this small peek into Kate’s past.
[b:Only the Lucky|34667755|Only the Lucky (Kate Burkholder, #8.5)|Linda Castillo|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1490266357l/34667755._SX50_.jpg|55836360] #8.5
Police Chief Kate Burkholder and her team have their hands full on Friday the 13th in Painter’s Mill. There’s a massive power outage caused by a traffic accident and a full blown Amish teen party brewing that threatens to be rife with underage drinking on remote private property. When Kate arrives, she finds a young Amish girl in the barn who’s been brutally assaulted with a 2 by 4.
I enjoy the police procedural aspects of this series and though this story is short, the investigation was thorough and interesting. I had my suspicions early and even though I guessed correctly, I liked having it supported by the clues and Kate’s dogged pursuit. I also listened to the story because the narrator has become the voice of this series and continues to get everything right.
Posted on Blue Mood Café
[b:In Dark Company|40097967|In Dark Company (Kate Burkholder #9.5)|Linda Castillo|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1527720808l/40097967._SX50_.jpg|62152052] #9.5
Police Chief Kate Burkholder is called to the home of an Amish dairy farmer in the middle of the night when a young woman shows up at their home, battered and bruised. She also has no memory but is filled with terror, undefined but it involves someone chasing her meaning harm. It’s now up to Kate to help figure out what happened to the woman and her identity.
I love how this series seems to master the short story, setting up and solving an interesting mystery while delivering strong procedurals and excitement. Throughout the story, I went back and forth as to whether or not “Jane Doe” was truly having memory issues or faking it. It took me up to the reveal to determine that answer. And, yes, it had another dangerous moment for our fearless police chief and the author actually addressed that issue in the story! Finally, I was able to listen to this one because of the audio bundle of all the short stories! The narrator has solidified her place as the wonderful voice of the series in my head and she continued that here. I enjoyed this one, very much so.
Posted on Blue Mood Café
[b:In Plain Sight|43891555|In Plain Sight (Kate Burkholder, #10.5)|Linda Castillo|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1550939016l/43891555._SX50_.jpg|68291282] #10.5
Noah Kline, a 17-year old Amish boy, is walking home after spending the evening with his English girlfriend when he’s deliberately and viciously struck by a car and left in a field. When he’s discovered the next day, Police Chief Kate Burkholder doesn’t know if it’s a simple hit and run or something more.
I have to now admit that the short stories in this series have become favorites. In just a short amount of time we get the crime, array of suspects, the procedurals to solve the case and an exciting resolution. That’s hard to do well in a full length novel yet it’s done so compellingly here. I wasn’t certain about the whodunit until the real, which coincided with the discovery of key clues. Since more details would be spoilerish, I’ll just stop there. Listening to the story added to my enjoyment as the narrator is my voice of the series in such a good way. Nice little mystery with a strong theme to add to the mix.
Posted on Blue Mood Café
shellybelly's review against another edition
4.0
I'm not a huge fan of short stories, but I am a huge fan of Linda Castillo. I knew the main characters, so I quite enjoyed these.
lutheranjulia's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
atticusmammy's review against another edition
3.0
This is probably closer to 2 1/2 but, since I normally really like Castillo’s books, I went with three.
This was a collection of short stories, all of which were very predictable and guessing “who did it” wasn’t even a challenge. Not even close to the books in the regular series.
This was a collection of short stories, all of which were very predictable and guessing “who did it” wasn’t even a challenge. Not even close to the books in the regular series.
ruth5garcia5's review against another edition
5.0
LONG LOST
To be honest, I was disappointed the story ended so suddenly. I was starting to form an attachment to the Bed and Breakfast and the story of what happened to the missing girl. Despite the story ending so soon, I was still enthralled by the story, the characters, and Castillo is really skilled at painting a really vivid image of the character’s surroundings. I also enjoyed finding the banter and relationship between the cops to be playful, growing, and the way they worked together showed respect.
A HIDDEN SECRET
The more I read Linda Castillo, the more I want to check out what else she has written. I think I’ll be adding her to my authors to watch list. The second story was heartfelt and sad. Kate is called to investigate a baby abandoned on the bishop’s doorstep. The story was full of sadness, fear, and caused Kate to do some thinking of her own. What I love about Kate is that she’s level-headed, smart, and she is in tune with her emotions. I’m really enjoying learning more about Kate and John and how well they work together. And I’m wishing the best for the child abandoned and her family deeply affected.
SEEDS OF DECEPTION
It was interesting to see Kate as a young girl still living with her family in an Amish community. I think this case especially probably developed Kate’s sense of right and wrong. Having to question your own friend and her actions wasn’t easy for her. I found that I was interested in what was going to happen, how she would side, and how her family would react. I was surprised by her decision.
ONLY THE LUCKY
Alma is attacked at a party thrown by the Amish with English invited as well. As the power outage caused by a truck striking the tower causes a blackout, Kate has to navigate the dark while investigating the party. Without knowing about the girl, she’s worried that teenagers and alcohol will cause a big stir on top of the power outage. Let me tell you this story was messed up. I won’t give anything away other than to say, be careful who you trust. Dang. I really enjoy Kate and John’s fun banter.
IN DARK COMPANY
This short story had me on the edge of my seat. I really wanted to know what happened to this woman. The more I wanted to know, the more confused the story sounded from the woman. Kate did an amazing job and went out of her way to find out what happened to the woman who couldn’t remember who she was. I was a little shocked by the reveal. This one, I wanted to go on much longer. Though, I’m glad that I got to read it. I love when short stories leave you wanting a full-length novel.
IN PLAIN SIGHT
The last short story was full of excitement and intrigue. I found myself wondering what intentions people have in this world. Crazy to find that a situation like this brought out the truth at the wrong timing. Noah and Ashley have a crazy journey ahead and I like to think that Kate taught her a valuable lesson. I’m sad that the collection was over and I’ll be looking for more Linda Castillo books in the future.
This was my first time reading Linda Castillo and I thoroughly enjoyed her writing style. I love Kate and John. I enjoyed these short stories and I’ll be adding Linda to my, Author to Watch list.
To be honest, I was disappointed the story ended so suddenly. I was starting to form an attachment to the Bed and Breakfast and the story of what happened to the missing girl. Despite the story ending so soon, I was still enthralled by the story, the characters, and Castillo is really skilled at painting a really vivid image of the character’s surroundings. I also enjoyed finding the banter and relationship between the cops to be playful, growing, and the way they worked together showed respect.
A HIDDEN SECRET
The more I read Linda Castillo, the more I want to check out what else she has written. I think I’ll be adding her to my authors to watch list. The second story was heartfelt and sad. Kate is called to investigate a baby abandoned on the bishop’s doorstep. The story was full of sadness, fear, and caused Kate to do some thinking of her own. What I love about Kate is that she’s level-headed, smart, and she is in tune with her emotions. I’m really enjoying learning more about Kate and John and how well they work together. And I’m wishing the best for the child abandoned and her family deeply affected.
SEEDS OF DECEPTION
It was interesting to see Kate as a young girl still living with her family in an Amish community. I think this case especially probably developed Kate’s sense of right and wrong. Having to question your own friend and her actions wasn’t easy for her. I found that I was interested in what was going to happen, how she would side, and how her family would react. I was surprised by her decision.
ONLY THE LUCKY
Alma is attacked at a party thrown by the Amish with English invited as well. As the power outage caused by a truck striking the tower causes a blackout, Kate has to navigate the dark while investigating the party. Without knowing about the girl, she’s worried that teenagers and alcohol will cause a big stir on top of the power outage. Let me tell you this story was messed up. I won’t give anything away other than to say, be careful who you trust. Dang. I really enjoy Kate and John’s fun banter.
IN DARK COMPANY
This short story had me on the edge of my seat. I really wanted to know what happened to this woman. The more I wanted to know, the more confused the story sounded from the woman. Kate did an amazing job and went out of her way to find out what happened to the woman who couldn’t remember who she was. I was a little shocked by the reveal. This one, I wanted to go on much longer. Though, I’m glad that I got to read it. I love when short stories leave you wanting a full-length novel.
IN PLAIN SIGHT
The last short story was full of excitement and intrigue. I found myself wondering what intentions people have in this world. Crazy to find that a situation like this brought out the truth at the wrong timing. Noah and Ashley have a crazy journey ahead and I like to think that Kate taught her a valuable lesson. I’m sad that the collection was over and I’ll be looking for more Linda Castillo books in the future.
This was my first time reading Linda Castillo and I thoroughly enjoyed her writing style. I love Kate and John. I enjoyed these short stories and I’ll be adding Linda to my, Author to Watch list.
outsmartyourshelf's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
3.0
Six short stories from the Kate Burkholder series by the author in one book, including a hit-and-run, a missing girl, & a young woman with amnesia. It's an alright read, but because they are short stories they don't really have any depth. I found the book a bit hard-going because just as the individual stories got interesting, they were over. I'd say this is for 'hardcore fans who absolutely have to read everything in a series' only.
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