The Hidden One (Kate Burkholder, #14) by Linda Castillo

  

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Category: Adult
Genre: Mystery, Suspense
Content: Strong language

 

The discovery of an Amish bishop's remains leads chief of police Kate Burkholder to unearth a chilling secret in The Hidden One, a new thriller from bestselling author Linda Castillo.

Over a decade ago, beloved Amish bishop Ananias Stoltzfus disappeared without a trace. When skeletal remains showing evidence of foul play are unearthed, his disappearance becomes even more sinister.

The town’s elders arrive in Painters Mill to ask chief of police Kate Burkholder for help, but she quickly realizes she has a personal connection to the crime. The handsome Amish man who stands accused of the murder, Jonas Bowman, was Kate’s first love. Forced to confront a painful episode from her past, Kate travels to Pennsylvania’s Kishacoquillas Valley, where the Amish culture differs dramatically from the traditions she knows. Though Bishop Stoltzfus was highly respected, she soon hears about a dark side to this complex man. What was he hiding that resulted in his own brutal death?

Someone doesn’t want Kate asking questions. But even after being accosted and threatened in the dead of night, she refuses to back down. Is she too close to the case―and to Jonas―to see clearly? There’s a killer in the Valley who will stop at nothing to keep the past buried. Will they get to Kate before she can expose the truth? Or will the bishop’s secrets remain hidden forever?

 

This was a good solid addition to the series. I enjoyed reading yet another part of Kate's past that gave more insight into what made her the person she is. I loved that Tomasetti was trusting and supportive and that their relationship continues to strengthen and endure. I'm really hoping that they take that next step and finally get married. 

I thought the mystery was good in this one. There was less of Kate jumping into dangerous situations head on, but still a lot of danger as someone was trying to hinder her investigation. It did get a bit unbelievable near the end where she finally puts everything together. I thought this situation could have been handled differently and more realistically, without all the drama that ensues. It wouldn't have taken away from anything to have left that last bit of danger and conflict out. By that time I was ready for things to wrap up, and didn't feel the need for yet another life threatening event, but overall, I enjoyed this book. 

Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for providing me with an ARC of this book.