A review by kellygreenhicks
Rage by Linda Castillo

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

4.0

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.