Breaking Silence by Linda Castillo

Breaking Silence (Kate Burkholder, #3)

by Linda Castillo

When Chief of Police, Kate Burkholder, is called to a farm in the Amish community of Painter's Creek, nothing could prepare her for the horror and tragedy she encounters. Solly and Rachel Slabaugh, and his brother Abel, have drowned in the hog pit leaving the four children as orphans. As the investigation progresses, it seems that the Slabaugh deaths were not an accident, and the case suddenly becomes a murder enquiry.

Agent John Tomasetti and Kate have worked together before, and now he is called back to Painter's Creek to help seek out the perpetrators of what appear to be serious hate crimes against the Amish. Whether these crimes and the Slabaugh murders are linked is hard to establish because the Amish are very proud and private people who do not enjoy involvement from outside.

As the case deepens, Kate develops a bond with the children, particularly the 15-year-old daughter, Solome. Maybe she is reminded of herself at that age, and maybe there's something about this case which stirs up memories for her. The events surrounding the deaths puzzle her - something doesn't feel right. As more information comes to light, a tragic incident turns into something much more shocking.

Reviewed by sleepseeker on

4 of 5 stars

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This book was good. The crime isn't as terrible as the first two books, but not every book has to have a bloody murder or serial killer. It did have a few twists that I did not see coming, especially the end.

What made the book likeable is the character development. Kate is feeling the effects of the last couple of cases and dealing with the ongoing one in the book. She is showing signs of destructive behavior and it's being held back with help from Tomasetti.

Speaking of him, we get to see more progression, in there relationship and there bond becoming stronger. I can't wait to see how there relationship grows and watch Tomasetti help Kate with her demons. It sounds like, that is something there going to address in the next book. I hope Kate can find a way to let go of the horrors she's seen recently.

Overall I am pleased with the book and will be moving onto book 4.

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Reading updates

  • Started reading
  • 26 June, 2015: Finished reading
  • 26 June, 2015: Reviewed