The Hidden One: A Novel of Suspense

Linda Castillo

Jul 2022 · Kate Burkholder Book 14 · Sold by Minotaur Books

About this ebook

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?

Ratings and reviews

I thought The Hidden One was well-written with realistic, developed characters. I like that we get to learn more about Kate’s past. I did miss Painter’s Mill and Kate’s significant other, John Tomasetti. I like how the author portrays the Amish people. We see them as they are. The mystery was intriguing and well-plotted. The Hidden One is a revealing suspense novel with a confusing cold case, an old love in jail, a beau’s birthday, meaningful memories, perilous incidents, & one curious Kate.

Page Turning Adventure!! Can you believe this is book 14 in the Kate Burkholder series. Still just as thrilling and exciting as the first. An old friend is arrested for murder in a Pennsylvania Amish community. Kate is asked to investigate but someone doesn’t want the truth to come out. There are flashbacks from Kate’s childhood. She has grown so much as a character during the 14 plus books. Tomasetti and Her relationship has blossomed in the last couple of stories and I’m so glad. “You still love him?” “No, but I care. Too much. I feel guilty for . . . what happened. To him. His family. The role I played. I want to make it right. I’m not sure how. It might be too late.” Let me tell you the ending was shocking. I’m a huge fan of this series and look forward to every new story. Keep up the wonderful work.

About the author

Linda Castillo is the author of the New York Times and USA Today bestselling Kate Burkholder series, set in the world of the Amish. The first book, Sworn to Silence, was adapted into a Lifetime original movie titled An Amish Murder starring Neve Campbell as Kate Burkholder. Castillo is the recipient of numerous industry awards including a nomination by the International Thriller Writers for Best Hardcover, the Mystery Writers of America’s Sue Grafton Memorial Award, and an appearance on the Boston Globe’s shortlist for best crime novel. In addition to writing, Castillo’s other passion is horses. She lives in Texas with her husband and is currently at work on her next book.