When a young girl is found dead in a rural Amish community in upstate New York, the state Bureau of Criminal Investigations (BCI) in conjunction with the county sheriff reaches out to Painter’s Mill Police Chief Kate Burkholder for help in infiltrating the community. It’s a strongly orthodox sect that has little to no interaction with the “Englishers” within their town and are becoming more and more isolated. Kate’s unique background positions her perfectly to get the answers eluding law enforcement from investigating the murder and other issues of concern.
Kate going undercover as an Amish widow in a strange community and virtually no backup…what could go wrong? She’s living in a squalid trailer with no heat and two guns and a cell phone as her protection. It doesn’t take long for Kate to get in the crosshairs of Bishop Eli Shrock, the self appointed leader of the sect. While she does a really good job of immersing herself back into being Amish, her nosiness and questioning made her stand out too much. I could see danger everywhere and she always seemed exposed and at risk.
If you were reading this book without having read the others in the series, it would probably be exciting and fresh. As I’ve mentioned in the past, the continued pattern of putting Kate in life threatening positions of her own doing is getting stale and unrealistic. I liked the story and didn’t love it for that reason. That said, it became a big issue for boyfriend Agent John Tomasetti and hopefully the honest conversation they had about this very issue will put an end to this stuff. Regarding the case, I’d figured out early on most of the evil happening in that community, including the surprise twist. That didn’t detract from me enjoying the investigation because the missing details were important. Here’s hoping that Tomasetti’s (and my) concerns change these stories going forward. No matter, the narrator’s storytelling skills and overall performance still make these books pretty compelling.
Book Info
- Release Date: July 12, 2017
- Series: Kate Burkholder #8
- Narrator: Kathleen McInerney
- Audio Length: 9 hours, 30 minutes
- Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Blue Mood Café 
That can be an issue with series. The main character really needs to grow and subtly change with each installment. Nothing big but someone who has read the entire series will detect even small changes. That helps to get out of the wash-rinse-repeat cycle. Insightful review, Jo!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Tessa💜 Perfect summary of what’s going on here. This might even be a 5-star read for those who haven’t read the series.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh, that’s a shame. There’s nothing worse than a series getting into this kind of rut. Like a TV shows dilemma of the week. It’s boring.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great analogy, Alexandra. The story was good on its own without her near death scene. I was rolling my eyes throughout.
LikeLike
We’ve all come across series that stall out like this. I think a good writer stops before a series gets stale, and moves on to new pastures and characters.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great review Jo. I just went back and checked my review and only gave this one 4 stars. I also commented in my review, Kate puts herself in danger once again. I agree with you, and it does change as her relationship with Tomasetti changes, but probably not as much as you would like.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Carla💜 Glad it isn’t just me! At this stage, I’ll take even a slight improvement.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Excellent review Jonetta. I’ve heard others mention those same issues with this series. I hope going forward the author changes it up a bit,🤞💕📚
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Kaceey💜 It helps to know others are having the same issue.
LikeLike
Well I haven’t gotten to this series yet but plan to read it. I’m sorry one that aspect is getting old. Yes characters need to grow and learn.
Anne – Books of My Heart
LikeLiked by 1 person
Otherwise, it’s still a good story, as are the others. But, every climactic ending has Kate in peril so I just roll my eyes and power through😏
LikeLike
This sounds really good. Great review Jo!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Jacob💜
LikeLike
Perhaps it’s time to bring this series to its end.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m enjoying the stories, just not their eye-rolling climaxes. That’s what I’d like to bring to an end.
LikeLike
I’ve had similar reactions to other series in the past with the headlong into danger with no safeties put in place. It got old for me, too. Glad there was a big heart to heart and hopefully it does the trick. Thanks for the intro to the series. 🙂
LikeLike