I’m always eager to jump back into the world of Police Chief Kate Burkholder in Linda Castillo’s series set in Ohio’s Amish country. The Burning is a violent, sometimes graphic novel that pits Burkholder against the Amish as well as her colleagues in law enforcement. And, it sends Kate’s investigation into the past history of the Anabaptists.
When two members of the Painters Mill police force hear screams in the woods, they find a body still on fire. Milan Swanz, an Amish man who had been excommunicated, was burned at the stake. While the method of execution reminds Burkholder of the Anabaptist martyrs of the past, she has a hard time getting a grasp on the case. Although Swanz’ behavior was bad enough that he was excommunicated, no one will talk about it. Kate is frustrated because the Amish never reported his crimes, and even her own brother won’t talk to her about the victim.
Although Burkholder is the only police officer who effectively communicates with the Amish, this time her close connection causes problems for her. When her brother becomes a murder suspect, she finds herself shut out of the investigation with allegations that she’s protecting the Amish. That doesn’t mean she won’t continue to probe and ask questions. However, Kate’s research into the past makes someone uneasy, and it isn’t long before Burkholder herself becomes a target.
The Burning was another fascinating book in this complex series that deals with Kate Burkholder’s own history and emotional growth as well as brutal crimes set in Amish country. Burkholder’s research dug up fascinating history that led to the solution of the crime. However, while I appreciated the story and the support Burkholder received from her own officers and her husband, I felt slightly dissatisfied at the conclusion. I felt as if there were a few threads left hanging. These aren’t threads to be picked up in a future book, but ones such as the identity of one of the killers.
There’s no doubt I’ll be waiting for the forthcoming novella and then next year’s book in the series. I just was a little frustrated with the end of The Burning.
Linda Castillo’s website is https://lindacastillo.com/
The Burning by Linda Castillo. Minotaur Books, 2024. ISBN 9781250781116 (hardcover), 320p.
FTC Full Disclosure – I received a galley through NetGalley in order to review the book for a journal.
No mention of Tomasetti. I assume he is in it as usual. I’ve noticed the Amish murders in these books seem to be getting more and more violent lately. This one sounds pretty bad.
Yes, Tomasetti is in this one. You’re right. The murders are getting more violent. And, there’s a point that’s sort of forgotten in the course of the book. But, it’s still a Kate Burkholder & Tomasetti is the one supportive person.
I read The Burning this weekend and agree Lesa. I love this series and always learn something new about the Amish and Anabaptists. Love how Chief Burkholder can draw out information from the Amish community because she was raised Amish. But…this book felt unfinished. I got to the end and kept expecting something else to happen. Also, like Jeff said the murders are becoming more violent. This one was a doozy.
You’re right, Susan. Like you, I expected something more to happen. And, I was surprised there were no repercussions to the police behavior that led to the first discovery. That felt unfinished to me.
Yes, the deaths are becoming more violent. At the same time, that doesn’t feel like a reflection of today’s world.
Great writer!
Yes, she is.
I was good with the ending. Don’t agree that the murders are becoming more violent, necessarily. This was not the first murder by fire in her series. Would say she is getting a tad more detailed on aspects of the murders.
I have to get my act together and write my review for this. Finished it a couple of weeks ago, then I blinked, and tomorrow is publication day.
This one just seemed brutal to me, Kevin. But, as always, I enjoy this series.
Had never read Linda Castillo books, will never get another one. First chapter full of bad language and violent content.