The New York Times bestselling author of Sworn to Silence delivers an electrifying thriller—Chief of Police Kate Burkholder must confront a dark evil to solve the mysterious murders of an entire Amish family
In the quiet town of Painters Mill, an Amish family of seven has been found brutally murdered on their farm. Chief of Police Kate Burkholder and her small force have few clues, no motive, and no suspect. Formerly Amish herself, Kate is no stranger to secrets, but she can't get her mind around the senseless brutality of the crime.
State agent John Tomasseti arrives on the scene to assist. He and Kate worked together on a previous case during which they began a tentative relationship, but each is wary of commitment. The disturbing details of this case will push them to their limits and force them to face demons from their own troubled pasts.
When Kate discovers a diary, she realizes a haunting personal connection to the case. One of the teenage daughters may have been leading a lurid double life. As the case develops, Kate's list of suspects grows. Who is the attractive stranger that stole the heart of the innocent young Amish girl? Did her estranged brother—a man with a violent past who was shunned by his family and the Amish community—come back to seek out revenge? Driven by her own scarred past, Kate swears she'll find the killer and bring him to justice—even if it means putting herself in the line of fire.
Topping her own bestselling debut, Linda Castillo once again immerses readers in the world of the Amish with a chilling story that is both a fast-paced thriller and compelling psychological puzzle.
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"Kate Burkholder is the chief of police in rural Ohio's Painters Mill. She's on a mission to to solve the brutal slaying of the Planks, a local Amish family. Having been raised Amish herself, Kate communicates in Pennsylvania Dutch, and follows Amish protocols and traditions to a t. Unfortunately, Kate's got baggage. Having been raped as a teen herself she begins experiencing post traumatic stress after reading Mary Plank's diary. The diary alludes to drugs, rape, and internet porn. Kate numbs herself with alcohol. Helping her piece the investigation together is love interest BCI agent John Tomasetti. He's also battling demons. Tomasetti is on mandatory leave due to failing a drug test... drugs he took after the brutal murder of his own family. Castillo spins and weaves parallels and overlapping storylines from two very different worlds with such craft and skill that you will not be able to put this book down."
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Avril (4 out of 5 stars)