The Hidden One

Kate Burkholder, chief of police in Painters Mill, Ohio, is used to being called upon to bridge the gap between the Amish community and the law; however, when the skeletal remains of an Amish bishop turn up in the Kishacoquillas Valley of Pennsylvania, she is baffled as to why the town’s elders would call on her. That is, until they tell her that the man who stands accused of the crimes is Jonas Bowman, Kate’s first love. Solving this case will mean confronting her own past, navigating an Amish community with traditions very different from her own upbringing, and bringing to light dark facts about the late beloved Bishop Stoltzfus that many, including the killer, would rather not have discovered.

Linda Castillo’s The Hidden One (the fourteenth book to feature Kate Burkholder) could be read as a standalone novel, as the writer gives enough backstory that the reader can follow along well. However, I would not suggest it. By not reading this series in succession, the reader loses the important character development and thus the richness of the relationships as they have developed over time. Besides, it would be such a shame NOT to enjoy this series from book one, and then plan a trip to the lovely, and very much not “murder,” Ohio Amish country, where I can assure you, you will enjoy yourselves immensely!