This novella in the 'Kate Burkholder' series finds the Police Chief concerned about a newborn baby (not hers). The book can be read as a standalone.
*****
In this story Police Chief Kate Burkholder of Painter's Mill, Ohio - who usually investigates gruesome murders - has a different kind of crime to solve. A newborn baby has been found on the doorstep of Bishop Trotter, who ministers to the town's Amish community.
Phone calls are made and Kate, Agent John Tomasetti (Kates's boyfriend), and a woman from social services soon arrive at the Bishop's home.
The baby is found to be healthy - and hungry - and while the infant is drinking goat's milk Kate examines the quilt and rattle left with her.....which appear to be Amish-made.
Kate takes these items to baby stores, hoping to glean information about the baby's momma and poppa. In her search, Kate has to interview several Amish people - who usually have nothing to say to "Englishers." However, Kate was raised Amish and speaks fluent Pennsylvania Dutch, so she has a bit of an 'in.'
Step by step, Kate amasses clues that help her discover the identity of the newborn's parents. I don't want to say much more because of spoilers - but this is a touching story that's appropriate for the holiday season.
I have a thought about the story that requires a spoiler alert.
Spoiler Alert Spoiler Alert
At one time I would have found it almost impossible to believe that a high school girl could go through an entire pregnancy without anyone noticing that she had a baby onboard. However, I've now seen enough episodes of "I Didn't Know I Was Pregnant" to find it credible. 😊
Note: The story mention's an Ohio law that makes it legal for a parent to 'abandon' a newborn by leaving it with a law enforcement officer or a medical professional. I think many communities have similar statutes, which probably saves lives.
Rating: 3 stars
No comments:
Post a Comment