After the Storm by Linda Castillo

by:  Linda Castillo
published by:  Minotaur Books
publish date:  July 14, 2015

When a tornado tears through Painters Mill and unearths human remains, Chief of Police Kate Burkholder finds herself tasked with the responsibility of identifying the bones--and notifying the family. Evidence quickly emerges that the death was no accident and Kate finds herself plunged into a thirty year old case that takes her deep into the Amish community to which she once belonged.

Meanwhile, turmoil of an emotional and personal nature strikes at the very heart of Kate's budding relationship with state agent John Tomasetti. A reality that strains their fragile new love to the breaking point and threatens the refuge they've built for themselves--and their future.

This is the 7th book in the Kate Burkholder series.  In my opinion this series is just getting better.  I think it had a little bit of a dip in the middle but it's definitely on an upswing now.

A tornado tears through Painters Mill destroying parts of the town.  A troop of Boy Scouts are assisting in the clean up when they come across a skeleton.  Kate has to call in forensic anthropologists and other experts to date the bones and figure out exactly how and when the victim died.  At the same time, Kate discovers she's pregnant and she isn't sure how this news will affect her relationship with John Tomasetti.  

I really enjoyed this book.  There seemed to be a few critics of this book, but they also sounded like they haven't read the entire series and been through all of Kate's ups and downs.  This is one of my favorite mystery series, Linda Castillo is a great writer and I highly recommend her books.

A Hidden Secret by Linda Castillo

by:  Linda Castillo
published by:  Minotaur Books
publish date:  June 2, 2015

When a baby-only hours old-is discovered on the Amish bishop's front porch in Painter's Mill, Ohio, Chief of Police Kate Burkholder is called in to investigate. The newborn is swaddled in an Amish crib quilt, and the only other item found with the child is a hand-carved wood rattle, which Kate also recognizes as Amish.

Though the quilt and rattle could be purchased, Kate suspects the mother is Amish, possibly young and unmarried, both of which would be powerful motives for such a desperate act. With the rattle and the baby quilt as the only clues, Kate must call upon her own Amish roots, and with the help of state agent John Tomasetti, search the Amish and "English" communities of Painters Mill for clues to unravel the poignant, puzzling mystery.

This is a novella in the Kate Burkholder series.  It's number 6.5 in the series.  It was a short, easy story in this series and I enjoyed it.  

Kate investigates a child that has been found on the doorstep of the Amish Bishop.  Because the Bishop doesn't count as an official receiver under the Safe Haven law the mother must be found.  As the investigation continues, Kate is aware of her ticking biological clock.  

This book was a typical Kate Burkholder story.  I got burnt out on them for a little while, but I'm glad to get a little taste of my old friend again.  This novella is a build up to the next story in the series After the Storm.  Also a good book, one which I recommend.