Book Review: After the Storm (Kate Burkholder book 7) by Linda Castillo

Publisher: Minotaur Books
Format: ebook
Pages: 320 pages
Genre: Mystery
Buy: Kindle | Hardcover | Audio (Audible)


Synopsis: 

When a tornado tears through Painters Mill and unearths human remains, Chief of Police Kate Burkholder finds herself tasked with the responsibility of identifying the bones―and notifying the family. Evidence quickly emerges that the death was no accident and Kate finds herself plunged into a thirty year old case that takes her deep into the Amish community to which she once belonged.

Meanwhile, turmoil of an emotional and personal nature strikes at the very heart of Kate's budding relationship with state agent John Tomasetti. A reality that strains their fragile new love to the breaking point and threatens the refuge they've built for themselves―and their future.

Under siege from an unknown assailant―and her own personal demons―Kate digs deep into the case only to discover proof of an unimaginable atrocity, a plethora of family secrets and the lengths to which people will go to protect their own.

Review: 

I love this series.  Each book sucks me in and keeps me turning the pages.  This book is filled with difficult choices, and secrets.  I really appreciate how the author not only gives you a mystery to solve but also keeps pulling you along with Kate and Johns relationship and their struggles.

Living near the Amish, stories like this always peak my interest.  I've been stuck behind buggies, and driven past their farms.  I think that Linda Castillo does an admirable job of showcasing the good aspects of this culture and also raises some questions about it.  She also does a good job of relating the different sects ranging from the very strict to Mennonite.

There are two different major stories going on in this book. One that is a cold case when some bones are found and the other that happens in the aftermath of a tornado.  Some of the descriptions can be very graphic so if you are squeamish I'm not sure this is a good book for you. This is not a sweet country story but a story of a brutal murder. Along with the two mysteries there is a subplot that involves Kate and John and their relationship.  Given that they both have pasts that they struggle with this new bump in the road is either going to tear them apart or bring them closer.



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