Barb's Book Reviews: Review of "A Hidden Secret: A Police Chief Kate Burkholder Story" by Linda Castillo

Wednesday, November 14, 2018

Review of "A Hidden Secret: A Police Chief Kate Burkholder Story" by Linda Castillo

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. 😊

End Spoiler Alert End Spoiler Alert

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

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Barb's Book Reviews

Wednesday, November 14, 2018

Review of "A Hidden Secret: A Police Chief Kate Burkholder Story" by Linda Castillo

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