The “Kate Burkholder” series by Linda Castillo is a set of crime novels focused on mysteries within an Amish community in Painter’s Mill, Ohio. The series centers around Kate Burkholder, the Chief of Police, who works on solving crimes often connected to her own Amish background. Castillo’s writing provides a detailed view of the Amish culture and traditions, along with the suspenseful elements of each criminal investigation. Readers follow Burkholder through different cases, exploring how her past interacts with her present work.
Read through this article to find out the chronological order of the “Kate Burkholder” series, and get to know the stories filled with suspense, culture, and the pursuit of justice.
Kate Burkholder Books in Order
- Sworn to Silence (2009)
- Pray for Silence (2010)
- Breaking Silence (2011)
- Gone Missing (2012)
- Long Lost (2013)
- Her Last Breath (2013)
- The Dead Will Tell (2014)
- A Hidden Secret (2015)
- After the Storm (2015)
- Seeds of Deception (2016)
- Among the Wicked (2016)
- Only the Lucky (2017)
- Down a Dark Road (2017)
- In Dark Company (2018)
- A Gathering of Secrets (2018)
- In Plain Sight (2019)
- Shamed (2019)
- The Pact (2020)
- Outsider (2020)
- Disappeared (2021)
- Fallen (2021)
- Blood Moon (2022)
- The Hidden One (2022)
- Hallowed Ground (2023)
- An Evil Heart (2023)
Similar Authors
- “Still Life” by Louise Penny – A captivating mystery novel set in a quaint Canadian village, with a complex and well-developed cast of characters.
- “The Last Child” by John Hart – A suspenseful and emotionally charged story about a young boy’s relentless search for his missing twin sister, set in a small Southern town. See John Hart Books in Order.
See also: Vera Stanhope Books in Order.
Most Recommended Books
- The Dead Will Tell (4.17 Goodreads score)
- Her Last Breath (4.16 Goodreads score)
- Gone Missing (4.11 Goodreads score)
- Breaking Silence (4.08 Goodreads score)
- Sworn to Silence (4.03 Goodreads score)
Awards
Linda Castillo has received the Daphne du Maurier Award and the Holt Medallion and has been nominated for the RITA, the Mystery Writers of America’s Sue Grafton Memorial Award, and the International Thriller Writers’ Award for Best Hardcover.
Upcoming Releases
Book Summaries
Sworn to Silence
"Sworn to Silence" is a crime novel set in the quiet town of Painter's Creek, Ohio. The town was once plagued by a series of brutal murders that deeply affected the community. Now, after 15 years, Katie Burkholder, a young Amish girl who didn't feel like she belonged, has returned as the Chief of Police. With her unique background and law enforcement skills, Katie is determined to solve the mysterious murders that have resurfaced. As she investigates the first body found in a snowy field, Katie realizes that some secrets are too horrifying to be revealed.
Pray for Silence
"Pray for Silence" follows Kate Burkholder, a police officer in Painters Mill. When a horrific murder occurs on an Amish farm, Kate and her partner, Agent John Tomasetti, are determined to uncover the truth. As they delve into the victims' lives, they uncover a web of secrets and a young woman living a double life. Kate must confront her own past while trying to solve the case, but she soon realizes that getting too close may have dangerous consequences. Will she be able to find justice without losing herself in the process?
Breaking Silence
Breaking Silence follows Chief of Police Kate Burkholder as she investigates a tragic incident in the Amish community of Painter's Creek. When three members of the Slabaugh family drown in a hog pit, leaving their four children as orphans, Kate suspects foul play. With the help of Agent John Tomasetti, they uncover a series of hate crimes against the Amish, but connecting them to the Slabaugh murders proves challenging due to the Amish community's reluctance to involve outsiders. As Kate delves deeper into the case, she forms a bond with the children, particularly 15-year-old Solome, and begins to question the true nature of the events surrounding the deaths. With each new piece of information, the investigation takes a shocking turn, revealing a much darker truth.
Gone Missing
In "Gone Missing" an Amish teenager goes missing, setting off a series of disappearances in Ohio's Amish country. Chief of Police Kate Burkholder, who has Amish roots, is called in to help with the investigation. As Kate delves into the lives of the missing teens, she uncovers a disturbing pattern and a shocking secret. With her own past haunting her, Kate finds herself in a deadly battle with a ruthless killer.
Long Lost
In "Long Lost" Chief of Police Kate Burkholder and John Tomasetti decide to take a vacation at a cozy bed and breakfast. However, their plans for relaxation are interrupted when they hear rumors about the house being haunted by a girl who vanished two decades ago. Intrigued by the mystery, Kate and John start investigating the disappearance of Angela Blaine. As they dig deeper, they uncover hidden secrets and unravel a surprising twist in the case.
Her Last Breath
"Her Last Breath" follows Kate Burkholder as she investigates a tragic car accident involving an Amish deacon and his children. As evidence emerges suggesting foul play, Kate becomes determined to uncover the truth behind the incident. With a young boy clinging to life in the hospital, Kate realizes he may hold the key to solving the mystery. As she delves deeper into the case, Kate begins to suspect that she is not dealing with a mere accident but a calculated murder. This thrilling journey takes her into the darkest corners of the human mind and challenges her beliefs about the Amish community she was born into.
The Dead Will Tell
"The Dead Will Tell" is a mystery set in the small town of Painters Mill. The abandoned Hochstetler farm is believed to be haunted, with a tragic incident that occurred there thirty-five years ago. When Chief of Police Kate Burkholder is called to investigate a supposed suicide, she quickly realizes it is a murder case connected to the past tragedy. As Kate delves deeper into the investigation, she uncovers shocking secrets that lead to unexpected twists and turns. Meanwhile, her personal life takes a hit when a man responsible for the murder of her partner's family is acquitted. With a stone-cold killer on the loose, Kate must race against time to solve the case and protect those she cares about.
A Hidden Secret
"A Hidden Secret" is a captivating mystery set in Painter's Mill, Ohio. When a newborn baby is found on the doorstep of the Amish bishop, Chief of Police Kate Burkholder is tasked with uncovering the truth behind this heart-wrenching abandonment. With only an Amish crib quilt and a hand-carved wood rattle as clues, Kate must delve into her own Amish background and team up with state agent John Tomasetti to unravel the mystery that lies within the Amish and "English" communities of Painters Mill.
After the Storm
"After the Storm" is a crime novel set in Painters Mill. When a tornado uncovers human remains, Chief of Police Kate Burkholder is tasked with identifying the bones and notifying the family. As evidence suggests foul play, Kate is drawn into a decades-old case that takes her back to the Amish community she once belonged to. Alongside this, Kate's relationship with state agent John Tomasetti faces emotional turmoil that puts their love and future at risk. As Kate faces personal demons and an unknown assailant, she delves deep into the case, uncovering shocking secrets and the lengths people will go to protect their own.
Seeds of Deception
"Seeds of Deception" is set in Painter's Mill during autumn. The story follows fourteen-year-old Katie Burkholder as she spends her day picking apples with her brother in Zimmerman's Orchard. However, things take an unexpected turn when Katie's best friend Mattie joins them, bringing excitement and adventure. But when a group of troublemaking boys, led by Billy Marquardt, interrupts their fun, Katie becomes wary of their association. Ignoring the Amish rules, Mattie disappears with Billy into an old barn, which soon catches fire. Katie suspects Billy's involvement, but he denies it. Determined to uncover the truth, Katie embarks on her own investigation, risking her friendship with Mattie. Will their bond survive once the truth is revealed?
Among the Wicked
When a young girl dies in a reclusive Amish settlement, Kate is called upon to assist in the investigation. Unable to break through the silence between the Amish and non-Amish communities, Kate is asked to go undercover as an Amish woman to uncover the truth. Despite objections from her love interest, Kate takes on the dangerous assignment to protect the children in danger. As she delves deeper into the community, she uncovers shocking secrets and finds herself in a fight for her life.
Only the Lucky
It's Friday the 13th in Painters Mill and Chief of Police Kate Burkholder is on edge. Rumors of an Amish party with underage drinking and a county-wide power outage add to the tension. When a teenage Amish girl is attacked and left for dead, Kate must find the culprit before it's too late.
Down a Dark Road
"Down a Dark Road" follows Chief of Police Kate Burkholder as she faces a personal and dangerous situation. When Joseph King, a convicted murderer and former Amish man, escapes from prison and takes his own children hostage, Kate is forced to confront her past and make a difficult decision. As she tries to help King prove his innocence, Kate begins to question who she can trust and uncovers a shocking secret that someone is willing to kill to protect.
In Dark Company
In the book "In Dark Company" Chief of Police Kate Burkholder is called to an Amish farmhouse in the middle of the night. A young woman, who can't remember her name or where she's from, seeks shelter there after being battered and terrified. She believes someone is trying to kill her. Kate suspects that the woman, known as "Jane Doe," knows more than she's revealing. When Jane is attacked again, Kate is determined to uncover the truth. As Jane's memories resurface and Kate delves deeper into her past, they must hurry to uncover what Jane was running from and who is still pursuing her.
A Gathering of Secrets
"A Gathering of Secrets" follows Kate Burkholder as she investigates a devastating barn fire that turns out to be a murder. When the body of a young Amish man is discovered inside the burned barn, Kate is determined to uncover the truth. However, she faces resistance from the tight-knit Amish community she once belonged to. As Kate digs deeper, she uncovers a web of secrets and crimes that challenge everything she thought she knew about her Amish background. Along the way, Kate must confront her own troubled past and face an unimaginable possibility.
In Plain Sight
"In Plain Sight" is a story about a seventeen-year-old Amish boy named Noah Kline who is involved in a car accident late one night. Chief of Police Kate Burkholder initially believes it to be a hit and run, but as she investigates further, she discovers evidence that suggests it was no accident.
Shamed
In the book "Shamed" the peaceful town of Painters Mill is rocked by the brutal murder of an Amish grandmother on an abandoned farm. Chief of Police Kate Burkholder is determined to find the woman's missing seven-year-old granddaughter, who was abducted right before her eyes. As Kate delves deeper into the investigation, she discovers that the girl's family, who are highly respected in the Amish community, are hiding dark secrets from their past. With each new crime scene, Kate uncovers cryptic notes that lead her to a haunting secret. As time runs out to find the missing girl, Kate is faced with a difficult choice that will challenge her beliefs and forever change a family's life.
The Pact
"The Pact" is a story about two young boys who go missing just days before Thanksgiving. Aaron, an Amish boy, and Kevin, who is not Amish, are best friends and love to go on adventures together. When they don't come back from a fishing trip, Chief of Police Kate Burkholder must find them before a dangerous winter storm hits their town.
Outsider
In "Outsider" Amish widower Adam Lengacher comes across a car stuck in the snow with an unconscious woman inside during a sleigh ride with his children. He reaches out to Chief of Police Kate Burkholder for assistance, only to discover that the woman is Gina Colorosa, a former friend and fellow cop. Gina shares a shocking tale of betrayal and revenge that has forced her to flee for her life. Kate agrees to help Gina hide on Adam's farm as a blizzard approaches. As Kate investigates the incident that led to Gina's escape, she uncovers a dangerous truth that challenges everything she believed about friendship and her own profession.
Disappeared
In the book "Disappeared" a violent thunderstorm hits Painters Mill. Kate Burkholder, a police officer, gets a call from a worried Amish woman whose two-year-old son is missing. Despite the heavy rain, Kate and her team search for the toddler, fearing he may have been carried away by the rising creek. However, a shocking family secret makes Kate suspect that there is more to this disappearance than meets the eye. Will she be able to find the boy and uncover the truth before it gets dark?
Fallen
In the thriller novel "Fallen" Chief of Police Kate Burkholder is faced with a shocking murder case when a young woman, Rachael Schwartz, is found dead in a motel. What surprises Kate even more is that she used to know the victim, who had left the Amish community years ago. As Kate delves into Rachael's life, she discovers a troubled past and a reputation that may have been well-deserved. With long-buried secrets resurfacing and a killer on the loose, Kate must uncover the truth and bring justice to Rachael's murder, even if it means putting her own life at risk.
Blood Moon
In "Blood Moon" Chief of Police Kate Burkholder is faced with a mysterious creature causing fear among the residents of Painters Mill. When an Amish man is attacked by a large beast, Kate must investigate and track down the creature before it causes further harm. As more incidents occur, the town becomes increasingly anxious. Kate must venture into the dark woods to stop the violence from escalating into a tragedy.
The Hidden One
In "The Hidden One" the Amish bishop Ananias Stoltzfus vanished without a trace many years ago. However, when skeletal remains are discovered, it becomes clear that foul play was involved. The town's elders seek help from chief of police Kate Burkholder, who realizes she has a personal connection to the crime. The man accused of the murder, Jonas Bowman, was Kate's first love. As she delves into the case, Kate travels to the Amish community in Pennsylvania's Kishacoquillas Valley, where she learns about a darker side to Bishop Stoltzfus. Despite facing threats and danger, Kate is determined to uncover the truth. Will she be able to expose the secrets before it's too late?
Hallowed Ground
In "Hallowed Ground" Chief of Police Kate Burkholder is faced with a mysterious discovery when a family dog brings home a human bone. Determined to find answers, Kate sets out to uncover where the bone came from, who it belongs to, and whether foul play is involved. As Halloween approaches, the unsettling questions stir up uneasiness and rumors among the residents of Painters Mill. Kate, along with her soon-to-be husband John Tomasetti, embarks on a thorough investigation to put an end to the ghost stories haunting the town. Will their search for the truth about the human remains lead them to an even darker secret buried on sacred land?
An Evil Heart
In "An Evil Heart" Chief of Police Kate Burkholder is called to investigate the violent murder of an Amish man in Painters Mill. Aden Karn, a well-liked young man from a respected Amish family, was killed with a crossbow and left on a dirt road. As Kate gets to know Aden's family and friends, she becomes determined to find the person responsible for this heinous crime. However, as she digs deeper into Aden's life, she uncovers rumors of a dark side to his character. Kate relentlessly follows every lead, even when faced with a dangerous opponent. Eventually, she uncovers a shocking truth that reveals the devastating consequences of a life lived in darkness. Meanwhile, Kate's own wedding day to Tomasetti is approaching, adding to the tension and urgency of the investigation.