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4.1 AVERAGE
4.1 AVERAGE
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Rage is the 17th book in the Kate Burkholder series by Linda Castillo. I look forward to July every year as I know the new Kate Burkholder book will be published. I only read a couple of series and this is definitely one of them. Somehow the books just keep getting better! You will love this series if you love wonderful characters, learning more about the Amish, and gritty police procedurals. I definitely recommend reading this series in order as Kate's life continues to progress.
I always listen to the books in the audiobook format. Kathleen McInerney is the narrator and does an exceptional job of bringing the characters to life.
Synopsis:
Summer has arrived with a vengeance in Painters Mill, and a macabre discovery by three Amish children brings the quiet to a grinding halt. Chief of Police Kate Burkholder arrives on scene to find the dismembered body of 21-year-old Samuel Yutzy, a local Amish man who owned a successful landscaping business. What twisted individual murdered him in such a sadistic way?
The investigation has barely begun when, miles away, a second body is found, stuffed into a barrel and dumped in a ravine. The deceased is 21-year-old Aaron Shetler, Samuel Yutzy’s best friend. What could these two young Amish men have been involved in that led to such violent ends?
With a heat wave bearing down, Kate learns quickly that, for reasons she doesn’t understand, no one is willing to talk about what happened to the men. Just as she begins to fear the case may be hopeless, a mystery woman comes forward and reveals that fun-loving Aaron and Samuel had recently befriended some very unsavory characters—individuals who may have ties to a larger, more sinister, black market.
To solve the case, Kate must delve into the most sordid corners of her community, but when she gets too close, the killers target Kate herself. Will the secrets simmering beneath the surface of Painters Mill take another life before she can expose the truth? Or will Kate be the final victim?
Thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the advanced digital copy of the audiobook for my opinion.
This book will be published on July 8, 2025.
I always listen to the books in the audiobook format. Kathleen McInerney is the narrator and does an exceptional job of bringing the characters to life.
Synopsis:
Summer has arrived with a vengeance in Painters Mill, and a macabre discovery by three Amish children brings the quiet to a grinding halt. Chief of Police Kate Burkholder arrives on scene to find the dismembered body of 21-year-old Samuel Yutzy, a local Amish man who owned a successful landscaping business. What twisted individual murdered him in such a sadistic way?
The investigation has barely begun when, miles away, a second body is found, stuffed into a barrel and dumped in a ravine. The deceased is 21-year-old Aaron Shetler, Samuel Yutzy’s best friend. What could these two young Amish men have been involved in that led to such violent ends?
With a heat wave bearing down, Kate learns quickly that, for reasons she doesn’t understand, no one is willing to talk about what happened to the men. Just as she begins to fear the case may be hopeless, a mystery woman comes forward and reveals that fun-loving Aaron and Samuel had recently befriended some very unsavory characters—individuals who may have ties to a larger, more sinister, black market.
To solve the case, Kate must delve into the most sordid corners of her community, but when she gets too close, the killers target Kate herself. Will the secrets simmering beneath the surface of Painters Mill take another life before she can expose the truth? Or will Kate be the final victim?
Thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the advanced digital copy of the audiobook for my opinion.
This book will be published on July 8, 2025.
Returning back to the world of Painters Mill, didn’t disappoint. This time Chief of Police Kate, finds herself smack dab in a double homicide in her small and quaint town. The targets? The Amish. Some Amish kids on their Rumspringa have decided to live in the English world, and sadly, some of them are being exploited. This was an intense investigation, and I felt like I was on the edge of my seat several times. Especially at a certain scene. OMG *cover my eyes*
The narrator, Kathleen McInerney did a good job overall. She portrayed several characters very well but I did struggle with the medical examiner's voice, but other than that it was amazing to hear the tones and inflections used for the multiple characters.
This series is perfect for readers who crave police procedural. I’m happy to say that this can be read as a standalone. I haven’t read the previous books, but they are on my radar.
A very special thanks to Minotaur Books + Macmillan Audio for the gifted copy.
As someone who’s read and thoroughly enjoyed all 16 previous books in the Kate Burkholder series, I can confidently say Rage is another strong, gripping installment that delivers exactly what fans have come to expect, and more.
This time, Chief Burkholder is faced with one of her most brutal cases yet: the murders of two young Amish men with mysterious ties to the darker edges of society. As always, the tension is high, the stakes are personal, and the pacing keeps you turning pages late into the night.
Linda Castillo continues to balance gritty crime with deep emotional insight, and Kate remains a compelling, layered protagonist whose strength and vulnerability make her feel real. While each book stands on its own, longtime readers will especially appreciate how the series continues to evolve without losing its core. That said, Rage also works well as a standalone. New readers can easily jump in without feeling lost, as Castillo weaves in just enough backstory without slowing the pace.If you've come this far in the series, Rage won't disappoint. It's dark, intense, and thoroughly satisfying.
Highly recommended for new and old Burkholder fans!
* I received an advanced reader’s copy of this book from NetGalley and St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books in exchange for my honest review
This time, Chief Burkholder is faced with one of her most brutal cases yet: the murders of two young Amish men with mysterious ties to the darker edges of society. As always, the tension is high, the stakes are personal, and the pacing keeps you turning pages late into the night.
Linda Castillo continues to balance gritty crime with deep emotional insight, and Kate remains a compelling, layered protagonist whose strength and vulnerability make her feel real. While each book stands on its own, longtime readers will especially appreciate how the series continues to evolve without losing its core. That said, Rage also works well as a standalone. New readers can easily jump in without feeling lost, as Castillo weaves in just enough backstory without slowing the pace.If you've come this far in the series, Rage won't disappoint. It's dark, intense, and thoroughly satisfying.
Highly recommended for new and old Burkholder fans!
* I received an advanced reader’s copy of this book from NetGalley and St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books in exchange for my honest review
dark
informative
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
For some even innocence has a price
When three young Amish children playing hide and seek in the woods near Painters Mill, Ohio, come across the dismembered body of a young man, it is both gruesome and tragic. Local Chief of Police Kate Burkholder soon identifies the victim as Samuel Yutzy, a 21 year old local Amish man who was the founder and owner of a small landscaping business, who after a period of wildness during his rumspringa years had straightened out his life. There are few if any clues as to who killed him or why, but as Kate and her officers (with the help of the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation in the person of Agent John Tomasetti, who is also Kate's romantic partner) dig into Samuel's life, they are led to an upscale country club, a brew pub and a "gentleman's club" in a nearby city. Their search for Samuel's best friend Aaron and the attractive but rebellious young woman with whom Samuel had been keeping company proves challenging, and more dead bodies soon turn up. What is behind this rash of killings? With what was Samuel involved that would cost him his life? Navigating an investigation within the Amish community is always a challenge, even for Kate who was raised in the religion (although she left the faith when in her late teens), but this case proves dangerous for reasons that seem to emanate from outside the community...and Kate's life is on the line as she works to identify the killers and bring them to justice.
This is the 17th installment in the Kate Burkholder series, one which can be read as a standalone for those who haven't read the previous books (but those who have read at least a few of the preceding ones will have more insight into the protagonist). Kate is a fascinating main character, a dedicated and determined law enforcement officer whose deep ties to the Amish community enable her to be effective in her job but whose experienced growing up within the community have left her with scars. The mystery is, as I have come to expect from author Linda Castillo, a fast-paced thriller that weaves dark themes into the tale set in a seemingly placid small town and also provides an interesting peek into the culture and mores of the Amish. My only criticism is that Kate, whose impulsive behavior is pretty hardwired, charged alone into situations one after the other that left her vulnerable to attack. All in all, this is a solid addition to the series, a compelling read that will satisfy fans of the series and also appeal to readers of Karin Slaughter, Nevada Barr and Lisa Gardner. My thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press/Minotaur Books for allowing me access to this latest great mystery from a fantastic author in exchange for my honest review.
When three young Amish children playing hide and seek in the woods near Painters Mill, Ohio, come across the dismembered body of a young man, it is both gruesome and tragic. Local Chief of Police Kate Burkholder soon identifies the victim as Samuel Yutzy, a 21 year old local Amish man who was the founder and owner of a small landscaping business, who after a period of wildness during his rumspringa years had straightened out his life. There are few if any clues as to who killed him or why, but as Kate and her officers (with the help of the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation in the person of Agent John Tomasetti, who is also Kate's romantic partner) dig into Samuel's life, they are led to an upscale country club, a brew pub and a "gentleman's club" in a nearby city. Their search for Samuel's best friend Aaron and the attractive but rebellious young woman with whom Samuel had been keeping company proves challenging, and more dead bodies soon turn up. What is behind this rash of killings? With what was Samuel involved that would cost him his life? Navigating an investigation within the Amish community is always a challenge, even for Kate who was raised in the religion (although she left the faith when in her late teens), but this case proves dangerous for reasons that seem to emanate from outside the community...and Kate's life is on the line as she works to identify the killers and bring them to justice.
This is the 17th installment in the Kate Burkholder series, one which can be read as a standalone for those who haven't read the previous books (but those who have read at least a few of the preceding ones will have more insight into the protagonist). Kate is a fascinating main character, a dedicated and determined law enforcement officer whose deep ties to the Amish community enable her to be effective in her job but whose experienced growing up within the community have left her with scars. The mystery is, as I have come to expect from author Linda Castillo, a fast-paced thriller that weaves dark themes into the tale set in a seemingly placid small town and also provides an interesting peek into the culture and mores of the Amish. My only criticism is that Kate, whose impulsive behavior is pretty hardwired, charged alone into situations one after the other that left her vulnerable to attack. All in all, this is a solid addition to the series, a compelling read that will satisfy fans of the series and also appeal to readers of Karin Slaughter, Nevada Barr and Lisa Gardner. My thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press/Minotaur Books for allowing me access to this latest great mystery from a fantastic author in exchange for my honest review.
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
This was a classic Kate Burkholder book. This series is my favorite way to bust a reading slump because I know I’ll plow through one of these books and this was no different. That being said, Kate, my girl, PLEASE gain some situational awareness and cop instinct by book 18? I’m always amazed at the sheer level of naïveté and lack of cop’s mentality that she possesses, but alas, I continue to pick these books up and come back to them because gosh they sure do the trick.
Linda Castillo delivers a chilling, tightly wound mystery that digs deep into the complexities of grief, justice, and vengeance. In Rage, Chief Kate Burkholder is pulled into a harrowing case when a seemingly isolated act of violence exposes a web of dark secrets hiding beneath the surface of a quiet Amish community.
With Castillo’s blend of atmospheric tension and authentic character development, this installment grabs you from the opening pages and refuses to let go. The emotional depth is as gripping as the procedural drama, and Kate’s moral conflicts hit harder than ever.
📖 Fast-paced, gritty, and emotionally resonant—Rage is a standout for fans of crime thrillers with heart. If you’re into layered mysteries and strong female leads who won’t back down, this one’s for you.
Thank you NetGalley, Linda Castillo and MacMillan Audio for the ALC of this book.
Rage, by Linda Castillo, is the 17th installment in the Kate Burkholder series. Katie, chief of police in a small town and formerly Amish, and her husband John Thomasetti are called in when a dismembered body is discovered in the woods. Soon after, a second body is located, and Katie is on the hunt for the killer.
This is another fast-paced mystery by Linda Castillo. I enjoyed this book and I love this series. I can’t wait to see what Katie deals with next.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Thanks to the publisher, the author, and Netgalley.
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No