An Evil Heart (Kate Burkholder #15) by Linda Castillo
Publication Date: July 11th 2023 by Minotaur Books
Pages: 320
Source: Publisher
Rating: ★★★★
Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Goodreads
My
Thoughts:
An Amish man, Aden Karn, is found brutally murdered and left
on dirt road. At first glance, Aden seems well-liked with a bright future ahead.
His fiancée, Emily, is torn up over the crime. Chief Kate Burkholder and her
team are tasked with finding the person responsible for this heinous crime. Kate’s
disturbed that someone would cut Aden’s life short so cruelly. However, as Kate
and her officers dig deeper, another side of Aden is presented, and motives start
coming out.
This was a chilling mystery! I don’t want to go into
detail because of spoilers, but as the story unfolds, I was outraged on behalf
of more than one character and was eager for justice to prevail.
The town of Painters Mill is a small one so Kate has to be a
very hands-on Chief of Police, investigating suspects and following up on leads
right along with her officers. I appreciated that she is smart when there’s
possible danger, well for the most part, anyhow. I really like Kate and her officers:
Glock, Mona, Skid, and Pickles! They’re a good team, more than just work colleagues.
An Evil Heart is book fifteen in the Kate Burkholder series
but could be read as a standalone in a pinch. Each book focuses on a case that’s
solved by the end. There is the romance between Kate and Tomasetti that begins
in book one, and I was happy to discover their status in this installment! I read the first two books in the series and
then skipped ahead to this one, but I’d like to go back and work my way through
the rest of the books.
4 Stars
Book Description:
Chief of Police Kate Burkholder investigates the brutal death of a young Amish man in An Evil Heart, the latest installment of the bestselling series by Linda Castillo.
On a crisp autumn day in Painters Mill, Chief of Police Kate Burkholder responds to a call only to discover an Amish man who has been violently killed with a crossbow, his body abandoned on a dirt road. Aden Karn was just twenty years old, well liked, and from an upstanding Amish family. Who would commit such a heinous crime against a young man whose life was just beginning?
The more Kate gets to know his devastated family and the people—both English and Amish—who loved him, the more determined she becomes to solve the case. Aden Karn was funny and hardworking and looking forward to marrying his sweet fiancé, Emily. All the while, Kate’s own wedding day to Tomasetti draws near...
But as she delves into Karn’s past, Kate begins to hear whispers about a dark side. What if Aden Karn wasn’t the wholesome young man everyone admired? Is it possible the rumors are a cruel campaign to blame the victim? Kate pursues every lead with a vengeance, sensing an unspeakable secret no one will broach.
The case spirals out of control when a young Amish woman comes forward with a horrific story that pits Kate against a dangerous and unexpected opponent. When the awful truth is finally uncovered, Kate comes face to face with the terrible consequences of a life lived in all the dark places.
This is one of my favorite series, and one of the few series where I've actually read all the books. My copy of this one just came in at my library, and I'm looking forward to picking it up and reading it next week. :D
ReplyDeleteI really like the series and want to read more. It's a plus that they have the audios at my library. Looking forward to your thoughts! :)
DeleteGlad you had such a fun time with this one. Love that this has such a solid mystery to work your way through with.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Renee!
DeleteThis sounds like a good mystery. I am wondering why someone would want to kill this guy now.
ReplyDeleteIt was a great mystery!
DeleteThis sound interesting. I love that you can pick up anywhere despite the romantic thread.
ReplyDeleteYes, I still think a reader would get more from the series by starting at the beginning, but just reading the first two and then this one worked out.
DeleteIt's impressive that the author can keep you coming back to this world for 15 books! I like that it stirred you to the point of really wanting justice for the character
ReplyDeleteYes. It's a great combo of personal relationships and mystery.
DeleteI own so many of the books from this series and haven't read even one of them yet. It is great to see that the series is still going strong.
ReplyDeleteI hope you enjoy the series once you're able to make time for it!
DeleteI really want to read this series. I will want to read them in order though.
ReplyDeleteAnne - Books of My Heart
I'm sure it's more enjoyable to read them in order! I think you'd like the series, Anne.
DeleteWell I'm already curious about Aden and what made him a target for murder. Glad this series continues to be so strong!
ReplyDeleteGlad to know it can be read as a stand-alone. The mystery sounds well done.
ReplyDeleteThe setting of this one gives such a great atmosphere for a murder mystery! I'm definitely adding it to my TBR.
ReplyDeleteI love this series and have read them all. There was another book earlier in the series with a similar theme of Amish women, drugs and pornography, but this one took it a step further. Great review, Rachel.
ReplyDelete