A killer is preying on sacred ground….In the sleepy rural town of Painters Mill, Ohio, the Amish and “English” residents have lived side by side for two centuries. But sixteen years ago, a series of brutal murders shattered the peaceful farming community. In the aftermath of the violence, the town was left with a sense of fragility, a loss of innocence. Kate Burkholder, a young Amish girl, … a young Amish girl, survived the terror of the Slaughterhouse Killer but came away from its brutality with the realization that she no longer belonged with the Amish.
Now, a wealth of experience later, Kate has been asked to return to Painters Mill as Chief of Police. Her Amish roots and big city law enforcement background make her the perfect candidate. She’s certain she’s come to terms with her past until the first body is discovered in a snowy field. Kate vows to stop the killer before he strikes again. But to do so, she must betray both her family and her Amish past and expose a dark secret that could destroy her.
”more
The Amish community has always been of great interest since they are very different. This book brings the Amish and the English together since the Chief of Police used to be Amish, but decided that she really wanted to go into law enforcement. With a killer on the loose and the Amish not willing to divulge information, the Chief’s job is not an easy task–especially when she was involved in a crime by the same person years ago. Great story!
It does take just a little while to get into but once you start, you cannot stop reading it. I will say this, *little Spoiler Alert*, There’s a Huge Twist that no matter how many books of this genre you’ve read, you won’t see coming. She has several more in this series that I’m already planning to read.
5 Stars
Good premise — a former Amish woman has now given up her Amish ways for the English and is the Police Chief in her small hometown of Painters Mill, OH. Kate was only 14 when she was a raped. This tragedy led her into eventually not only leaving her Amish roots but becoming an officer of the law. Painters Mill is usually a very quiet town and murder is very rare … until now. Several young women are raped and murdered and Kate sees similarities to her rape, however Kate was sure her rapist was no longer alive
love this author and this entire series
Was a tough read for me. Lots of very very disturbing violence told in great detail. It just was unexpected for me!
I have loved all the books I have read by Linda Castillo. I highly recommend her books.
Great for Amish fans.
This is the first book of eleven in the Kate Burkholder series, I am hooked on these books and I am reading my way through the series. I love these books and hope that more are coming as I near the end of this series, I do suggest that you read them in order.
I love Amish stories and this one didn’t disappoint.
Good book. Like the series. Written well
I am a great fan of Linda Castillo and her books!
It was a great mystery and who done-it book with the added touch of the Amish culture thrown in. I would like to read more of this series!
Love this author, her books are not to be missed.
A very unusual Amish story for a change. I look forward to reading more of the series.
Excellent book. Includes alot of knowledge on the Amish community
While in general I’m not a fan of serial killer books that detail the sadistic torture of women–there seem to be as many serial killers out there as there are dukes in Regency romance–this was not a typical plot line, and the several pressures against the protagonist’s successful outing of the killer were much more compelling than the crimes themselves.
An excellent book which kept me reading and presenting interruptions. Kate’s background is revealed slowly which keeps you guessing and anticipating. The characters are all fleshed out well and we understand why they act or react as they do.
Highly recommend.
Fantastic book. Great story, chilling and scary. The characters and setting are really what makes the book, though. Kate, the protagonist, is relatable, flawed, smart, strong yet vulnerable. John has a lot of the same qualities, and their developing relationship enhances the main story.
Awesome Awesome book. 6 stars.