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Connecticut River Valley, New England, United States

Friday, December 19, 2025

Review: The Hidden One

The Hidden One The Hidden One by Linda Castillo
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Having read the first two books in this series I was very excited to win this one for review. I was not disappointed. Even though out of sequence it was not dependent upon the earlier installments to understand the story--truly a stand-alone book. The Amish community is so clearly explained and shown in these books and it is interesting to read the Amish Dutch to see how closely my translation meets the immediate English the author provides. The mysteries Castillo presents are always intriguing and Kate, as a former Amish woman, is an interesting character who though no longer a member of the religious community is both understanding and respectful to its way of life. Though some view her as an outsider, her ability to speak their language and her professionalism as Police Chief often makes the less than trusting confide in her. In this book, as well as the earlier ones I've read, Kate's earlier life is revealed in small segments. Here, she is outside her area of authority doing a favor for a former childhood friend who has been arrested for the murder of his Bishop. Kate is not only an outsider to the local Amish but also to the local law enforcement agency. As her own investigation turns up some new information someone who seems to want her either silenced permanently or, at the very least, driven out of town threatened her life several times.

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Review: Fallen

Fallen (Kate Burkholder #13)Fallen by Linda Castillo
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Disappointed because on page 50 I knew who the murderer had to be! Rachael has to be one of Castillo's least likeable victims! Headstrong, rebellious, lived life to the fullest, sure, but also selfish, vindictive and a liar. Nothing about her, even as a supposedly precocious child appealed to me. That said, no one should die in such a way. But, not liking her made the book less interesting. As soon as I deducted who the murderer was and why, as I said, on page 50, I remembered the opening scene and knew without a doubt that the red herring wasn't the one. Even the murderer cites the opening scene at the end. Much too transparent this time, Ms Castillo. Hopefully, just poor editing and not a change in style. I'm moving to The Hidden One , number 14, now so we shall see!

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