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Breaking Silence

A Kate Burkholder Novel

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Breaking Silence

By: Linda Castillo
Narrated by: Kathleen McInerney
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About this listen

The New York Times bestselling series hailed as "gripping" (People magazine) and "compelling" (USA Today) returns with Police Chief Kate Burkholder called to the scene of a horrific tragedy on a peaceful Amish farm.

The Slabaugh family are model Amish farmers, prosperous and hardworking, with four children and a happy extended family. When the parents and an uncle are found dead in their barn, it appears to be a gruesome accident: methane gas asphyxiation caused by a poorly ventilated cesspit. But in the course of a routine autopsy, the coroner discovers that one of the victims suffered a head wound before death—clearly, foul play was involved. But who would want to make orphans of the Slabaughs' children? And is this murder somehow related to a recent string of shocking hate crimes against the Amish?

Having grown up Amish, Kate is determined to bring the killer to justice. Because the other series of attacks are designated hate crimes, the state sends in agent John Tomasetti, with whom Kate has a long and complex relationship. Together, they search for the link between the crimes—and uncover a dark secret at work beneath the placid surface of this idyllic Amish community.

Chock full of twists and chills and set against the unusual world of the Amish, this series "will delight fans of Chelsea Cain and Thomas Harris" (USA Today).

Crime Fiction Mystery Police Procedurals Suspense Thriller & Suspense Women Sleuths Exciting

Critic reviews

“In addition to creating exceptionally well drawn characters and crafting a gripping plot that takes some shocking turns to a heart-pounding conclusion, Castillo probes with keen sensitivity the emotional toll taken by police work. The third in this series of thrillers (after Sworn to Silence, 2009, and Pray for Silence, 2010) is another winner.” —Booklist (starred review)

“Kate's third offers plenty of violence, a surprise ending and some insight into the Amish way of life.” —Kirkus Reviews

“Castillo melds deeply flawed characters with a glimpse into a unique community in which isolation can hide a plethora of secrets.” —Publishers Weekly

“Castillo has created a gripping series about police chief Kate Burkholder, who was raised in an Amish community but left during her teens, which creates a constant tension between herself and the community but also an understanding of the people involved. Life in the farming area is vividly portrayed and both the sociological background and the physical setting add greatly to the mystery. The mystery is complicated but clearly plotted with a heart-stopping ending.” —RT Book Review (4 ½ stars)

“This is the third in a stupendous series . . . Written at a thrilling pace, with haunting images, Breaking Silence is a novel worth staying up all night to reach the end.” —New York Journal of Books

All stars
Most relevant
Police Chief Kate Burkholder is called to an accident on a peaceful Amish farm. Two parents and an Uncle are dead in tragic circumstances. Four children are left as orphans.
But in the course of the autopsies, the coroner discovers that all is not what it seems. One of the victims suffered a head wound before death—murder was involved.

State agent John Tomasetti works with Kate to search for murder.

This is the third Kate Burkholder book and links to the previous ones. However, it can be enjoyed as a standalone book just as well.
 

Tragedy strikes but soon it becomes murder

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Compared to her debut novel "Sworn to Silence" the sequence spares the reader the gruesome detailed description of torture and death. (Hence this is a better choice if you want to listen to it when are out jogging desolated roads in the dark). The Amish/English conflict is well depicted again and draws the reader into the story. Once again I found the protagonists Kate and Tomasetti too one-dimensional and their respective burdens too far fetched. Nevertheless this book is a good choice if you are looking for a suspense crime novel.

Sex offenders and Amish

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Enjoyable series so far. I think the narrator is very talented. Hoping that the series keeps up the standard set by the early books.

Enjoyable!

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Any additional comments?

Amish life and detective work make this an interesting mystery. Kathleen McInerney's reading made Linda Castillo's story come to life.

Linda Castillo a great story teller

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