But I believe the world is burning to the ground: SHAMED.

Shamed by Linda Castillo

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Painters Mill Chief of Police Kate Burkholder is back, in the eleventh book in the series from Linda Castillo. This time, she's investigating the brutal murder of an Amish grandmother. One of the woman's granddaughters is also missing--nothing left behind but a trail of blood. The girl's family is understandably devastated, and Kate recognizes that they are racing against time: the longer young Elsie is missing, the less chance they have of finding her. But as Kate plunges into the case, the more she delves into a world of secrets--and the more she realizes someone is going to great lengths to keep those secrets hidden.

I really enjoy the Kate Burkholder series, and I was very excited to receive a copy of this book, as I've missed a few of the latest books. It was incredibly easy to pick back up with Kate, and this book would work easily as a stand-alone, as well. It's a quick read; I read it in about a day. It's told mainly from Kate's point of view, with just a few tiny snippets inserted from a few of the other characters. It's tense, as it counts the hours Elsie has been missing, and you can easily feel Kate's panic and the sensation that the team is working against the clock.

As always, I am amazed that there is anyone left in Painters Mill; I always jokingly compare this town to "Murder She Wrote" and Cabot Cove, with Jessica Fletcher. Murder and violence seem incredibly attracted to Kate Burkholder and Painters Mill. Sheesh. But, that aside, I love the character of Kate, and the easy, familiar way Castillo portrays her. It takes no time at all to fall back into stride with her.

The mystery itself kept me guessing and interested, trying to put together the pieces along with Kate. As she often does in her books, through Kate, Castillo does a good job of highlighting the pressures of being Amish, along with the lengths they go to protect each other. The supporting cast is strong, although there isn't much further development in the Kate and Tomasetti (her partner in both love and work) relationship.

Overall, this is an easy, engaging read. Kate's a great character, and the story will draw you immediately and keep you guessing. 4 stars.

Thanks to Allison at Minotaur Books for my copy of this book, which I received in return for an unbiased review. It is available as of 7/16/2019.

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