The Burning

Kate Burkholder, Book 16

By: Linda Castillo

Narrated by: Kathleen McInerney

“Kathleen McInerney masterfully differentiates the returning characters, along with new folks good and evil, male and female.”—AudioFile

Chief of Police Kate Burkholder investigates a gruesome murder that reveals a little-known chapter of early Amish history in this next riveting installment of the bestselling series by Linda Castillo.

Newlywed Chief of Police Kate Burkholder is awakened by an urgent midnight call summoning her to a suspicious fire in the woods. When she arrives at the scene, she discovers a charred body. According to the coroner, the deceased, an Amish man named Milan Swanz, was chained to a stake and burned alive. It is an appalling and eerily symbolic crime against an upstanding husband and father.

Kate knows all too well that the Amish prefer to handle their problems without interference from the outside world, and no one will speak about the murdered man. From what she’s able to piece together, Swanz led a deeply troubled life and had recently been excommunicated. But if that’s the case, why are the Amish so reluctant to talk about him? Are they protecting the memory of one of their own? Or are they afraid of something they dare not share?

When her own brother is implicated in the case, Kate finds herself not only at odds with the Amish, the world of which she was once a part, but also the English community and her counterparts in law enforcement. The investigation takes a violent turn when Kate’s life is threatened by a mysterious stranger.

To uncover the truth about the death of Milan Swanz, Kate must dive deep into the Anabaptist culture, peering into all the dark corners of its history, only to uncover a secret legacy that shatters everything she thought she knew about the Amish themselves—and her own roots.

A Macmillan Audio production from Minotaur Books.

©2024 Linda Castillo (P)2024 Macmillan Audio

Critic reviews

"Riveting... fans will be eager for the latest well-developed mystery set in Ohio's Amish country."—Library Journal, starred

“A brutal, gripping look at murder in a self-enclosed community with many secrets to hide.”—Kirkus Reviews

The audio was excellent.

I thought the story was suspenseful and well written. I was pleased that the language wasn’t as rough as the last book. I think this may be my favorite of the Kate Burkholder books. I could stop listening to it.

The Burning

As far as I’m concerned she has done it again. Given me the “edge if seat “ moment.

Continues to be Absolutely AMAZING

Once more Linda Castillo spins an amazing web of intrigue and character development. She leaves you asking for more and more!

One of Castillo’s best plot lines!

This book was fast, fresh, and very well written! I have always loved Kate Burkholder in all her flaws and her strengths, and this book is no exception! I do get weary reading about her relationship struggles with the mayor and her brother, especially when some of the short stories (the tweeners) seemingly put some of these issues to rest, but that’s the only significant negative I can identify.

Great Story

Another jammed back story that keeps you guess and nail biting suspense. Can’t get enough of Kate Burkholder series.

Suspense until the end

This has to be one of her best. I could hardly stop listening! I highly recommend it!

The suspense

All of her books are incredible. They keep you guessing every step of the way. I am always sad when I finish one. I hate waiting for the next one. I try to listen to them over time but it never works. They are that good!

Great story from beginning to end

I have enjoyed this series and always feel sad when I come to the end of the book and have to wait for the next to be released. So impressed by the accurate portrayal of the Amish Community.

Another great Kate Burkholder story

This book fit in right alongside the rest of the series. Awesome storyline and same great characters.

Solid book! I definitely recommend!

There was a part of me that wanted more as the book was ending but overall I think it ended well. The author does a great job of weaving together history and details. This was my first book by the author and I will be reading more!