Linda Castillo’s latest collection, A Dark Path and Other Kate Burkholder Short Stories, is dedicated to all of us. “This short story collection is dedicated to all of the readers, booksellers, and librarians who have read and loved the Kate Burkholder series. Thank you all!” And, for everyone who has felt the last couple mysteries were a little gruesome, let me assure you that no one dies in the course of any of these stories. That’s not really a spoiler. It’s a reassurance. However, there’s still a great deal of tension.
There are six stories in this collection. The stories cover a period of time before the latest novel since most of them are before Kate’s marriage to Tomasetti. He’s still her “significant other” in the first four stories. But, he’s definitely a part of her life, and the cases. In fact, he’s the one who expresses that some of the cases involving the Amish and the English are lessons in tolerance.
For those unfamiliar with the mysteries, Kate Burholder is the Chief of Police in Painters Mill, Ohio, a small town of 5,300, where a third of the residents are Amish. She herself was raised Amish, but left the lifestyle when she was eighteen. Despite the fact that some Amish want nothing to do with her, when there’s trouble, she’s the one they call. John Tomasetti lives with her on a farm in Wooster. He’s an agent with the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation. She has a small team, although with the short stories, we read more about the dispatchers than the officers.
The six stories in the collection often involve animals or bad weather in this rural landscape. In “The Pact”, two eleven-year-old boys, one Amish and one English run away so they can remain friends, but they plan to be heroes. Their plans don’t quit end up as they expected when they’re chased into the woods, and eventually get lost.
In “Disappeared”, a two-year-old toddler vanishes from his bed in the middle of the night. While the police and Amish search, the teenage mother knows more than she’s letting her parents know. It’s one of my favorites.
“Blood Moon” is set on a foggy night. When a Amish man is attacked, and barn animals later raise a fuss, there are stories of a three hundred pound black beast with fangs. Remember this name: Elmer. While none of the stories are funny, Elmer may make you smile.
Honeybear, a Great Pyrenees, discovers old bones In “Hallowed Ground”. It’s an account of history versus modern plans, and a confrontation in a graveyard.
I had read “Dark Storm” before, an account of intimidation of the Amish that Kate and Tomasetti uncover while on their honeymoon. Don’t mess with an elderly Amish woman is the lesson in this one.
The final story, “A Dark Path”, also has a formidable Amish woman in it. But, it’s actually the story of a Labrador that comes out of nowhere. That dog forces Kate to crash when she’s on the road searching for two missing elderly Amish and their granddaughter. But, the dog stays with her until she can bring the investigation to a successful conclusion.
It’s obvious that Linda Castillo loves animals, and they’re featured in this enjoyable collection. It’s a treat not to read all the grisly details in A Dark Path and Other Kate Burkholder Short Stories.
Linda Castillo’s website is https://www.lindacastillo.com/
A Dark Path and Other Kate Burkholder Short Stores by Linda Castillo. Minotaur Books, 2026. 336p.
FTC Full Disclosure – The publisher sent me a copy of the book, with no expectations of a positive review.
I don’t think I’ve ever read anything by Linda Castillo. I should try her series. Although I’d like to read the stories now just to find out more about Elmer.
Kim, Jeff and I are big fans of the series, set in Amish country in Ohio. Linda spends time there, knows people there, and does regular appearances in Amish country when her books come out. I can’t say it’s authentic, since I’m not Amish, but I’ve been in areas where her books are set, including Holmes County (next door to her fictional Painters Mill, and they feel right to me. Even the first book is a little gruesome, but not as grisly as the last couple books.
I have this one coming shortly from the Cloud Library. Good to know it isn’t as grisly as the books. I’ve read all the books and her previous stories.
Tuesday is release date, Jeff, so you should have it soon. No, and there are some great animals in this book.
I am a big fan of her books but the last few have been almost over the top dark. I am looking forward to this collection; I just put it on hold at my library.
You’re right, Susan. Jeff and I agree they were a bit much. You’ll enjoy the story collection.
I have been a huge fan of this series since the very first book.
(Kevin, you weigh 335+ pounds… you are a huge fan of anything you like.
Shut up! I am rolling here.)
I had hoped they would put it on NetGalley where I might get lucky, but all the publisher did there was put up the audio version. Of course, the publisher did not bother to send me a copy.
(Too much snark! Too much!
Shut it, FOOL!)
So, I am left with the Dallas Public Library System. BUT….. Though they have it on order, that no longer means anything. There is a huge budget crisis here due to multiple factors, the biggest being sheer incompetence of those running things, and there are emergency furlough days that are happening now before the end of the fiscal year in September. They closed every branch in the city yesterday with four days notice.
They are also cutting scheduled library materials purchases like crazy. So, just because the book still exists today and I am on hold for it, does not mean they will fill the request.
Kevin, I have an extra copy. I’ll put in the mail next week. I need to buy mailing envelopes first. I’m out.
Oh, wow. THANK YOU!
Please, no rush. Do not leave the Habitat Life Module on my account. There be bugs, hostile natives, and the Flaming Sun God, among other threats. The outside is way over rated.
Though it could just be Texas.
Maybe Ohio is lollypops and rainbows. I don’t know.
Ohio is not lollipops and rainbows, although it was a Book Festival Day this weekend. But, a little warm out there. Once it gets over 80,, the outdoors is overrated. And, you’re having months of 100. Stay inside!
I love this series! Have read it all, several more than once. Though I’m not the biggest fan of short stories, I will definitely give it a try. Thanks for featuring it, Lesa! Hope you are doing well.