I’ve never been disappointed in one of Linda Castillo’s Kate Burkholder crime novels. And, even better for Police Chief Burkholder, her small police force has never disappointed. Down a Dark Road is another riveting story in an outstanding series.

When Joseph King escapes from Mansfield Correctional Institution in Ohio, Kate doesn’t really think he’ll end up back in Painters Mill. Her childhood friend was convicted two years earlier of killing his wife, with his five children in the house. But, King does turn up, catching Burkholder by surprise. But, he has more surprises for her. He insists he didn’t kill his wife, and one of his children has her own story to tell about the night of the murder. He admits he wasn’t the best Amish husband, but he knows Kate will at least listen to his story. He only asks Kate to search for the truth.

Joseph’s request leaves Kate tormented by dreams of the past. He also leaves her in a difficult situation, on forced inactivity from her department. But, that gives her the time to ask questions, to search for the truth behind Joseph’s claim. And, she discovers more than she expects, including hints that Joseph may not have killed his wife. “It’s the lingering sense of injustice that grates on my cop’s sensibilities.”

I can’t reveal more about Down a Dark Road without giving too much away. So, I’ve concentrated on Kate’s feelings, and the respect her small team shows her in the course of this compelling story. She admits she’s flawed, but she also knows she’s a good cop, a good chief, and she has the respect of her entire team. And, Kate and the Painters Mill police department will pursue justice.

For those who have followed the series, John Tomasetti, an agent with the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation, and the man who loves Kate, is in the book. He is supportive of Kate, in all respects. But, this is her story, a story of her past, her childhood, and experiences that still linger in her memory. Down a Dark Road is a complicated, compelling story of what can go wrong.

Linda Castillo’s website is www.lindacastillo.com

Down a Dark Road by Linda Castillo. Minotaur Books. 2017. ISBN 9781250121288 (hardcover), 304p.

*****
FTC Full Disclosure – The publisher sent me a copy, hoping I would review it.