Barb's Book Reviews: Review of "Fallen: A Kate Burkholder Novel of Suspense" by Linda Castillo

Monday, May 3, 2021

Review of "Fallen: A Kate Burkholder Novel of Suspense" by Linda Castillo

In this 13th book in the Kate Burkholder series, the Police Chief investigates the brutal murder of a woman she knew in the past. 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.

After Kate became a law enforcement officer, Painter's Mill offered her a job and she returned to head the police department. Kate's Amish background is advantageous because she speaks Pennsylvania Dutch and is familiar with Amish culture.

The story opens with the murder of thirtyish Rachael Schwartz, who was raised in an Amish family in Painter's Mill. Rachael was banned from the Amish community as a teenager, moved away, and lived a free-wheeling lifestyle. Now Rachael has returned to meet someone, and is brutally beaten to death in her motel room.

When Kate arrives at the crime scene she's shocked to realize she recognizes Rachael.

Kate used to babysit Rachael, and the child was mischievous even as a youngster. Now Kate is horrified to see Rachael's battered body.

Kate and her team process the crime scene, search for the murder weapon, question people in the motel, etc.

Kate also visits Rachael's parents and Rachael's childhood friend Loretta. There are flashbacks to the past, when Rachael and Loretta engaged in rebellious behavior like partying and drinking.

Loretta is now married with a family, and says she's had only sporadic contact with Rachael since she left, and doesn't know why Rachael came back.

SOMEONE is afraid Loretta knows something, however, and threatens her to keep her mouth shut.

The usual favorite characters make an appearance, including Kate's boyfriend John Tomasetti, who works for the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation.....

.....and Kate's police team: Glock, Pickles, Skid, T.J. and Mona (newly promoted from dispatcher to police officer).

I always like the peek into Amish customs, and the Pennsylvania Dutch phrases (which are translated). Linda Castillo doesn't shy away from sensational climaxes that endanger Kate's life, and the Police Chief gets in trouble once again.

For me, the ending stretches credulity a bit, but I enjoyed the book and recommend it to fans of the series and other mystery lovers.

Thanks to Netgalley, Linda Castillo and Minotaur Books for a copy of the book.

Rating: 3 stars

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Barb's Book Reviews

Monday, May 3, 2021

Review of "Fallen: A Kate Burkholder Novel of Suspense" by Linda Castillo

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