Scan barcode
rosemaryandrue's review
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
There's been a terrible accident out at the Slabaugh farm - the parents and a visiting uncle have died in the manure pit, leaving four children orphaned. But as Kate Burkholder investigates the deaths and a recent slew of hate crimes against the Amish, she begins to suspect that they might be connected.
This is the third book in the series, and I feel that Castillo really hits her stride here. The mystery is compelling, and the various twists and turns genuinely shocked me. I felt that the characters did a better job of investigating this time round, and Kate's emotional investment is more intense, creating interesting tensions. I also liked how Kate and John's relationship grew stronger - even if I look askance at how she often calls him Tomasetti even in private!
I did think there were some mild pacing issues, perhaps because of the false climax of the car chase scene - things drag a little right after before they pick up again. I also wished we saw more of the Painter Mills police department, as Kate spends most of this book investigating alone or with Tomasetti.
I listened to the audiobook version of this book, which is narrated by Kathleen McInerney. At first I found her somewhat monotone performance jarring, but as the book goes on she brings out more nuance, and I ended up enjoying it and thought it was suitable for such a closed-off character as Kate.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Hate crime, Incest, and Murder
Moderate: Police brutality
Minor: Sexual violence
More...