Review of "The Outsider: A Police Chief Kate Burkholder Novel of Suspense" by Linda Castillo

In this 12th book in the 'Kate Burkholder' series, the Chief of Police learns about serious corruption in the Columbus, Ohio Police Department. The book can be read as a standalone. ***** Police Chief Kate Burkholder grew up in an Amish community in Painter's Mill, Ohio but left as a teenager. Kate eventually wound up in Columbus, Ohio where she met Gina Colorosa. The two young women bonded instantly. They moved in together, attended the Police Academy together, and became Columbus cops together. Gina was always a loose cannon, but Kate loved Gina like a sister and ignored her roguish behavior for years. Then Gina went too far and Kate packed up, moved out, and returned to Painter's Mill, where she became Police Chief. Kate and Gina haven't spoken for ten years when Gina crashes her truck on the icy roads of Painter's Mill. Gina is rescued by Amish widower Adam Lengacher who's out sledding with his three young children. Adam takes Gina to his house, administers first aid, and contacts Police Chief Burkholder. Kate makes her way to Adam's house just as a blizzard is roaring into Painter's Mill. Kate is shocked to find her former friend in a highly agitated state and bleeding from a bullet wound. The blizzard makes it impossible to take Gina to a hospital so Adam's Amish neighbor administers medical help. Meanwhile, Gina shamefully admits she was one of a group of bent cops in Columbus who shook down drug dealers, stole money from crime scenes, beat up suspects, and so on. According to Gina, her corrupt comrades went too far one night, and she was about to blow the whistle. Gina goes on to explain that, before she could turn them in, her former buddies framed her for murder, obtained a no-knock warrant, and planned to kill her during the arrest. Gina was ready for them though, and she escaped - getting shot in the process. Now Gina is in Painter's Mill, hoping Kate can help her. Kate repeats this shocking story to her boyfriend John Tomasetti, who's an investigator with the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI). Both Kate and John think Gina is holding something back, but Tomasetti agrees to check things out. He learns that the BCI is aware of corruption in Columbus and is quietly investigating. Moreover, Gina can supply valuable information.....if the bad guys don't get her first The suspense ratchets up as blizzard conditions strand Gina and Kate in the Amish household while a couple of Columbus cops are on the hunt, determined to find Gina and shut her up....forever. It's interesting to learn more about Kate's early police career. I also liked the peeks into Amish culture, and the scenes where the Lengacher children care for a newborn calf that's been rejected by its mama. This is more of a thriller than a mystery, but there are some twists to keep things interesting. I enjoyed this addition to the Kate Burkholder series and recommended it to fans of thrillers. Thanks to Netgalley, the author (Linda Castillo), and the publisher (Minotaur Books) for a copy of the book. Rating: 3.5 stars