One night almost 35 years ago, the Hochstetler family was shredded when they were set upon by masked robbers. Fast forward to the present and Police Chief Kate Burkholder investigates the hanging of a wealthy man in his own barn that at first looks like a suicide. As she and her team continue to probe, they realize this was no death by the victim’s hand. Then a second murder occurs involving one of the people she’d contacted about the first murder and a connection to what happened at the Hochstetler farm begins to emerge.
The story begins with the Hochstetler tragedy and it broke my heart into a thousand pieces. I didn’t know what to expect but it’s written in a way that made me feel like, deep down, I really knew. I was glad when it transitioned to the present day, even if it meant attending to a murder scene. I love the procedural aspects of a murder mystery and they excel in this series. Kate and her team do a really good job of connecting the clues and seeing beyond the obvious. And, her Amish background is invaluable when it involves that community.
This took some unexpected directions that made it hard to put down. Those involved in the events from the past have a reckoning they (nor I) never imagined. There was also a development impacting Tomasetti that was equally compelling and may have far reaching consequences. His relationship with Kate is put to the test and they survive for the moment. I’m enjoying how it’s evolving. Listening to this series is one of the best decisions I made, especially as McInerney handles the Pennsylvania Dutch with skill. It’s a tough, tough story with an even harder conclusion but one that’s well written and executed flawlessly.
Book Info
- Release Date: July 8, 2014
- Series: Kate Burkholder #6
- Narrator: Kathleen McInerney
- Audio Length: 8 hours, 37 minutes
- Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Blue Mood Café 
Fantastic review Jo! I definitely want to try this series especially as I’ve just found some on Scribd! 😀
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Thank you, Nicki💜 This is an amazing series I think you’d enjoy. Best read in order, though.
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Unfortunately they don’t have the first ones so I’m probably going to have to start somewhere in the middle.
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The Amish setting totally fascinates me. Sounds like a wonderful read! Great review, Jo!
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Thank you, Tessa💜 I had to be convinced about the Amish aspect of the series before starting and now it’s one of the plus elements that keeps me wanting to come back.
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Great review Jo! This sounds really good!
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Thanks, Jacob💜 It is and I think you’d love it.
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Sounds like a great summer read, I like when things go a different way than you expect them to. 😀
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I like that, too. This series is a great read in any season.
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You are moving right along with this series. I want to read them but I have a long list.
Anne – Books of My Heart
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This is a Goodreads group read so I’m listening to one each month. I’m loving that it was selected!
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Fabulous review Jonetta! Glad you are enjoying the series…and the audio. For some reason I prefer to read this series instead of listening to it🤔🤷🏻♀️💜
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Thank you, Kaceey💜 I’d imagine hearing those gruesome/graphic scenes might be problematic for you. It’s tough for me, too, but McInerney’s skill with the Amish characters makes it worthwhile.
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So happy you have another wonderful series to read or listen to! I really have to get my series vibe going, but first there is the ng mountain to climb. Enticing review!
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Thank you, Marialyce💜 I’m loving my return to this series. FYI, I had to go on an NG diet a few years ago and am still on it. That place is like a candy store😏
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Terrific review, Jonetta!! I’ll be sure to add audio to the next book in the series.
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Thank you, Julie💜 I’m committed to the audio format for the rest of the series.
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Excellent review Jo. I thought I had read or listened to all of these books, but checked and realized that I had missed 5 & 6 along the way. I will have to go back and listen to them. I agree, they are best read in order, but this one sounds really good.
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Thank you, Carla💜 I’ve noticed some of the short stories missing from my shelf, too. The group read is helping me stay on track.
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I didn’t read all the short stories either, probably half of them.
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