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Kate Burkholder #1-3
The Kate Burkholder Series #1-3: Sworn to Silence, Pray for Silence, Breaking Silence
New York Times bestselling author Linda Castillo immerses readers in the world of the Amish in this chilling series that is equal parts fast-paced thriller and intriguing psychological puzzle.Sworn to SilenceSixteen years ago, a brutal serial killer left a trail of victims before vanishing into thin air. Now, he may have returned, and only one woman can stop him—but can she solve the case without revealing a terrible secret that links her to the original murders?Pray for SilenceIn the quiet town of Painters Mill an Amish family of seven has been found slaughtered on their farm. Police chief Kate Burkholder and her small force have few clues, no motive, and no suspect. Breaking SilenceWhat appears to be a gruesome accident that left three people dead turns more sinister when evidence of foul play emerge. Together with agent John Tomasetti, Kate searches for answers and uncovers a dark secret at work beneath the placid surface of this idyllic Amish community.
1186 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 6, 2013
124 people are currently reading
1537 people want to read
About the author
Linda Castillo
94 books6,595 followersLinda Castillo is the author of the New York Times and USA Today bestselling Kate Burkholder mystery series, set in the world of the Amish. The first book, Sworn to Silence, was adapted into a Lifetime original movie titled An Amish Murder starring Neve Campbell as Kate Burkholder. Castillo is the recipient of numerous industry awards including a nomination by the International Thriller Writers for Best Hardcover, a nomination for the Mystery Writers of America’s Sue Grafton Memorial Award, and a nomination for an “Audie Award” for best mystery audiobook. Her work has appeared on numerous bestseller lists and earned a spot on the Boston Globe’s shortlist for best crime novel.
In addition to writing, Castillo’s other passion is horses. She lives on a ranch in Texas with her husband, three Appaloosas, and two feisty, but loveable Blue Heelers.
She loves hearing from readers. Contact her at books@lindacastillo.com.
In addition to writing, Castillo’s other passion is horses. She lives on a ranch in Texas with her husband, three Appaloosas, and two feisty, but loveable Blue Heelers.
She loves hearing from readers. Contact her at books@lindacastillo.com.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
April 21, 2017
I am enjoying the series. Amish murder/mystery books are my guilty pleasure. I just can't put it down!
November 16, 2020
This series (not just books 1-3, but through 12) hits home with me because the main character is police chief in a small town and constantly defying convention, because Linda Castillo really knows how to push you to the edge of your seat, and because of the setting in northern Ohio. The author seems to have done her homework well, and she is adept at creating characters. Sometimes you'll want to weep, others you'll be incredibly angry at one character or another. Sometimes you'll silently applaud Chief Burkholder. Other times you'll want to shake her by her shoulders and ask (very loudly), "WHY would you DO that?!"
Want to read
July 26, 2015Saw the film on Netflix, 7/26/2015.
May 22, 2025
**Kate Burkholder Series (Books 1–3) by Linda Castillo**
**Titles: *Sworn to Silence*, *Pray for Silence*, *Breaking Silence***
Linda Castillo’s Kate Burkholder series kicks off with a bang—gritty, atmospheric, and set deep in the heart of Ohio’s Amish country. These first three novels introduce us to Police Chief Kate Burkholder, a former member of the Amish community, now an English outsider with a badge and a past that haunts her. The books blend murder mystery with cultural conflict, internal trauma, and the harsh beauty of rural life.
Sworn to Silence opens with a gruesome serial killer case that shakes the quiet town of Painters Mill. Kate, just thirty and the newly appointed chief of police, is an outsider even in her hometown. Castillo nails the emotional weight of returning to one’s roots and reckoning with personal demons, though some pacing drags and Kate’s obsessive connection to the killer doesn’t fully track. Still, it’s a bold, dark, and relatable opener—human, lonely, and charged with emotion. The introduction of state agent John Tomasetti adds tension, complexity, and a potential romance that simmers just beneath the surface.
Pray for Silence raises the body count but stumbles slightly on cohesion. A horrifying crime scene at the Plank family farm sets the procedural wheels in motion. The pacing improves, yet this second outing lacks some of the emotional grit of the first. Tomasetti fades into the background, and supporting characters like Pickles and Glock are underused. Still, Castillo captures small-town dynamics well, and the gallows humor adds just enough light to balance the darkness.
Breaking Silence is a return to form. The stakes feel higher, with a disturbing increase in hate crimes against the Amish and a tragic case involving the Slabaugh family’s deaths in a manure pit. Castillo smartly expands the narrative with longer POVs from supporting characters—especially fan-favorite Pickles, who shines with humor and surprising depth. Kate continues to spiral emotionally, and her growing dependency on alcohol feels raw and honest. Tomasetti resurfaces, bringing tension and tenderness in equal measure. The plot packs in some wild action scenes and twisty developments, though a few threads feel unresolved. And yes, there’s a deeply graphic moment involving sheep that’s hard to forget.
**Overall:**
These novels are moody, immersive, and grounded in a setting rarely explored in crime fiction. Kate is a compelling, flawed protagonist navigating trauma, gender bias, and a culture that shaped her but no longer accepts her. The pacing, cohesion, and emotional resonance vary across the books, but the heart of the series—pain, justice, resilience—beats strong.
Recommended for fans of gritty female-led procedurals, small-town noir, and character-driven crime drama.
**Titles: *Sworn to Silence*, *Pray for Silence*, *Breaking Silence***
Linda Castillo’s Kate Burkholder series kicks off with a bang—gritty, atmospheric, and set deep in the heart of Ohio’s Amish country. These first three novels introduce us to Police Chief Kate Burkholder, a former member of the Amish community, now an English outsider with a badge and a past that haunts her. The books blend murder mystery with cultural conflict, internal trauma, and the harsh beauty of rural life.
Sworn to Silence opens with a gruesome serial killer case that shakes the quiet town of Painters Mill. Kate, just thirty and the newly appointed chief of police, is an outsider even in her hometown. Castillo nails the emotional weight of returning to one’s roots and reckoning with personal demons, though some pacing drags and Kate’s obsessive connection to the killer doesn’t fully track. Still, it’s a bold, dark, and relatable opener—human, lonely, and charged with emotion. The introduction of state agent John Tomasetti adds tension, complexity, and a potential romance that simmers just beneath the surface.
Pray for Silence raises the body count but stumbles slightly on cohesion. A horrifying crime scene at the Plank family farm sets the procedural wheels in motion. The pacing improves, yet this second outing lacks some of the emotional grit of the first. Tomasetti fades into the background, and supporting characters like Pickles and Glock are underused. Still, Castillo captures small-town dynamics well, and the gallows humor adds just enough light to balance the darkness.
Breaking Silence is a return to form. The stakes feel higher, with a disturbing increase in hate crimes against the Amish and a tragic case involving the Slabaugh family’s deaths in a manure pit. Castillo smartly expands the narrative with longer POVs from supporting characters—especially fan-favorite Pickles, who shines with humor and surprising depth. Kate continues to spiral emotionally, and her growing dependency on alcohol feels raw and honest. Tomasetti resurfaces, bringing tension and tenderness in equal measure. The plot packs in some wild action scenes and twisty developments, though a few threads feel unresolved. And yes, there’s a deeply graphic moment involving sheep that’s hard to forget.
**Overall:**
These novels are moody, immersive, and grounded in a setting rarely explored in crime fiction. Kate is a compelling, flawed protagonist navigating trauma, gender bias, and a culture that shaped her but no longer accepts her. The pacing, cohesion, and emotional resonance vary across the books, but the heart of the series—pain, justice, resilience—beats strong.
Recommended for fans of gritty female-led procedurals, small-town noir, and character-driven crime drama.
June 24, 2021
bought this as a “blind date” book from barnes & noble so i didn’t know what the book was about or what to expect but i wasn’t disappointed !! i didn’t think i’d like it tbh but once i started it i couldn’t put it down. murder/kidnapping mystery aside, learning a little about amish culture was pretty interesting as well. some of the murders were pretty gruesome though (u read about them from the victim’s perspective) so that might keep me up a little tonight thinking about it 😩 suuuper good book though! very intense
July 25, 2022
a little too raunchy for me!
I like the amish angles and it makes for great reads. I grew up near amish country and they interested me. But this took the sex angle that seems to be her themes to a new and disgusting level and I was not pleased.
I like the amish angles and it makes for great reads. I grew up near amish country and they interested me. But this took the sex angle that seems to be her themes to a new and disgusting level and I was not pleased.
Read
February 2, 2023Books 1, 2, and 3 of Linda Castillos series on police chief Kate Burkholder. I did struggle with the vivid imagery of the crime scenes, but managed to continue and enjoy the mystery and suspense set amidst the peace-loving Amish community.
November 27, 2017
A good read
Very suspenseful and believable characters. Looking forward to reading more from the author
I rarely complete reviews but felt it was necessary
Very suspenseful and believable characters. Looking forward to reading more from the author
I rarely complete reviews but felt it was necessary
January 18, 2021
Here is a very solid, entertaining crime novel series about a female detective working within an Amish community.
October 13, 2021
Love this series!! Recommend to anyone who loves a good mystery. Bonus that’s it’s Amish and in Ohio.
Read
July 8, 2022This book is exciting right from the very beginning. Great activity, love the characters. Although this was the first book I knew who did it before you were told.
February 26, 2024
I'm loving this series!
September 6, 2024
This story lets us know bout Kate and her past as a young Amish girl.
May 22, 2025
good
December 2, 2014
I loved the whole series and I read all six in a weeks time I can't wait for book seven to come out. Throughout all six books Linda really described the characters and what was going on. I have read the whole series 2 times and couldn't put the books down both times.
June 2, 2019
Really enjoy reading this series. Never want to put the book down.
August 19, 2014
Three enjoyable murder mystery's set in the county of Ohio.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews