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Book Review of Sworn to Silence (Kate Burkholder, Bk 1)

Sworn to Silence (Kate Burkholder, Bk 1)
robinmy avatar reviewed on + 2047 more book reviews


Katie Burkholder grew up Amish, but left the community when she was eighteen. Now she has returned to her hometown to take the job as Chief of Police. Chief Burkholder is tough and competent, respected by her officers and staff. When the brutal murder of a young woman sends shock waves through the community, Kate's past comes back to haunt her. Sixteen years ago, a series of unsolved murders in the small town ended when Kate killed the man who raped her. Her family covered up the death by disposing of the body and refusing to report it. Now a new murder has occurred and the clues make it look like the same serial killer is back. Is this a copycat? Did the man that Kate knew not actually die?

As Kate begins her investigation, the town council question her experience in such matters. They call for the assistance of the County Sheriff's department and and the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation. Trying to solve the murder while staying in charge of the investigation and keeping her own secrets buried gets harder when another dead body is discovered.

This story had me hooked from the first chapter. It is a good mystery/suspense book with well developed characters. Kate Burkholder and BCI Agent John Tomasetti are deeply flawed but realistic characters. The Amish community seems to be portrayed accurately. The mixed community of "English" and Amish very much reminds me of the small town I live in (without the murders). I will definitely be searching for the next book in the series and hope to read it soon. My rating: 5 Stars.