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[close] A Gathering of Secrets by Linda Castillo
Kate Burkholder series Book #10
5 ★

When a historic barn burns to the ground in the middle of the night, Chief of Police Kate Burkholder is called in to investigate. At first, it looks like an accident, but when the body of eighteen-year-old Daniel Gingerich is found inside—burned alive—Kate suspects murder. Who would want a well-liked, hardworking young Amish man dead? Kate delves into the investigation only to find herself stonewalled by the community to which she once belonged. Is their silence a result of the Amish tenet of separation? Or is this peaceful and deeply religious community conspiring to hide a truth no one wants to talk about? Kate doubles down only to discover a plethora of secrets and a chilling series of crimes that shatters everything she thought she knew about her Amish roots—and herself.

This is a wonderful series. The characters are real...the situations are believable...and the solutions always come out on the side if the good guys. Even though this is a series with 10 books already to it's credit...each book actually reads well as a standalone since the author explains any references she may make to past events. The series also gives some insight to the Amish and their simple way of life without being preachy or religious. Easy reading and very enjoyable.