Sunday, August 2, 2009

Book Review : Sworn to Silence by Linda Castillo

Synopsis: (Book Flap)

A Killer Is Preying on Sacred Ground……..

In the sleepy rural town of Painters Mill, Ohio, the Amish and “English” residents have lived side by side for two centuries. But sixteen years ago, a series of brutal murders shattered the peaceful farming community. In the aftermath of the violence, the town was left with a sense of fragility, a loss of innocence. Kate Burkholder, a young Amish girl, survived the terror of the Slaughterhouse Killer but came away from its brutality with the realization that she no longer belonged with the Amish.

Now, a wealth of experience later, Kate has been asked to return to Painters Mill as Chief of Police. Her Amish roots and big city law enforcement background make her the perfect candidate. She’s certain she’s come to terms with her past—until the first body is discovered in a snowy field. Kate vows to stop the killer before he strikes again. But to do so, she must betray both her family and her Amish past—and expose a dark secret that could destroy her.

The prologue starts with the thoughts of the killers victim as she is contemplating her fate. The details are so vivid i am scared and not so sure i could keep reading!

Kate Burkholder, a former Amish, is the chief of police of Painters Mill, Ohio. Officer for only 6 mths. TJ Banks stumbles on a horrific scene and Painters Mill hasn’t seen anything like this in 16 years. Rumors fly, is it a copy cat crime? Or has the Slaughterhouse killer come back. Kate has a secret and she must find out the truth . In doing so she needs to talk to her family, who she rarely visits... You'll have to read the book to find out what happens!

I’m very intrigued by the Amish and love the Amish history and this murder mystery intertwined with the Amish was an awesome read. The characters were easy to follow and connect to and each page so full of description , making you feel like your right there. It was hard to put the book down, always wanting to know what was going to happen next and the end was soooo scary and riveting that i didn’t stop reading until it had ended. So if you enjoy a good murder mystery, this one is perfect!

An intense, riveting thriller definitely worth 10 stars!!!

On the back flap it says that she is currently working on her next book in the series and i will definitely be first in line to get it.

About the author:author_photo

Bestselling author Linda Castillo is the recipient of numerous writing awards, including the Daphne du Maurier Award of Excellence, the Holt Medallion and a nomination for the Rita. She lives in Texas with her husband and is currently at work on her next thriller, also set in Amish Country and featuring Chief of Police Kate Burkholder.

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

I try to read books that take place near home and this would be one. I'm about an hour from the huge Amuish community here in Ohio. This book looks interesting.

Jessica said...

Another book to add to my ever-growing wishlist! lol

Thanks for the review, Natalie. I love discovering new books!

Cathy said...

Nice review! I am glad that you enjoyed the book. I previewed the first ?? pages of it through the ST. Martin Read it First program. I enjoyed what I read and felt it was worth a purchase - have yet to buy it though - I want so many!!!

Natalie W said...

Hi Stacy! Lucky you. I would love to live there.
Thanks so much Jessica and Cathy and i definitely understand the growing list, my want list is about 50!

Yvette Kelly said...

Okay I just put this on my tbr list.Not as much as your 50 yet but getting there.I actually promised J Kaye this morning that I was going over to try and find some and make my list a little shorter but Im glad I put this one on before going.

Louise said...

Only 50 on your want-list, huh? LOL. Just kidding - this sounds like a great read, and while I do not know that much about the whole Amish-scene, it would be interesting to read a mystery that takes place among Amish people :o)

Kathryn Magendie said...

Here's to Books! and books we love!

Anonymous said...

Oh man! Now I really really really want to read this!! Thanks so much for the review!

- Phyl from Bookishgal (though the actual I.D. I had to enter for this comment could only be from my WordPress blog)

Uriah Robinson said...

I have visited Amish in Pennsylvania, Indiana and Tennessee but never in Ohio. They do find the most beautiful places to live and their food is so reminiscent of Northern Europe. This book sounds an interesting concept thanks for the review.