This is the 16th in the Kate Burkholder series. Kate, formerly Amish, is police chief in her small hometown in Ohio in the middle of Amish country. When an excommunicated Amish man is found burned at the stake, Kate must unwind his history by interviewing the normally reticent members of that community. When suspicion falls on her brother, Kate is told to stand down in the case. Of course, she persists in pursuing the murder, knowing that the powers that be are pursuing the wrong line of inquiry. Along the way, some early history of the Anabaptists is revealed to possibly be a key to the crime and Kate and her new husband’s lives are put in danger.

Although I have only read three installments, I really like this series. Well written, with good character development and a solid plot, it is an engrossing, thrilling read. Kate is a strong, well adjusted female protagonist who does seem to get herself into dangerous predicaments. If you are new to this series and expect a cozy mystery, be forewarned that there are a few brutal scenes in it.

Where else can you find a police procedural, mystery, a thriller, and insight into the Amish culture? I do recommend this series and look forward to the next book. This book would work as a standalone.

Thanks to #netgalley and @stmartinspress #minotaurbooks for the DRC ( )

Review of Uncorrected Digital Galley

Life has been difficult for Milan Swanz, but this night an offer of a ride home turns into something much more malevolent and soon he finds himself chained to a stake.

And then the unthinkable happens. Milan Swanz is burned alive.

Officers Chuck Skidmore and Mona Kurtz hear Swanz’s tortured scream, but they are too late to save the man. Painters Mill Police Chief Kate Burkholder is called to the scene where there are few clues and no answers.

Why was Milan Swanz burned alive? And who is responsible for the heinous crime?

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Sixteenth in the Kate Burkholder series, this story delves into the little-known early Amish history to reveal a dark and troubling legacy. Pulling readers into the telling of the tale from the outset, the unfolding story is one of mystery and suspense. With all the expected characters in place, readers will find this intriguing tale an exciting addition to the series.

The brutality of the crime sets the stage for a complex and compelling plot that finds Kate digging into Amish history. Relentless in her pursuit of the truth, she soon finds herself in danger and readers will find themselves turning pages as fast as possible to discover what comes next.

One of the highlights of the Burkholder stories is the relationships between the characters and the cohesiveness of the officers in the department. Readers of the series as well as those who enjoy police procedurals will find much to appreciate in this captivating tale.

Highly recommended.

I received a free copy of this book from St. Martin’s Press Minotaur Books and NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
#TheBurning #NetGalley ( )