The Dead Will Tell

The Dead Will Tell is a thriller set in Painters Mill, Ohio, where Police Chief Kate Burkholder investigates a suspicious death tied to events from 1979. The victim is found with Amish trinkets near his body, suggesting connections to an unsolved robbery and multiple deaths at an Amish farm decades ago. Kate must navigate between the modern world and the Amish community she left behind as she pursues leads in both the present-day murder and the historical crime. Her investigation reveals buried secrets within the town and forces long-time residents to confront their pasts. Working alongside state agent John Tomasetti, Kate races to solve the case as more bodies surface and tension builds in the community. The investigation tests her understanding of both her former Amish life and her current role as Chief of Police. The novel explores themes of justice, redemption, and the lasting impact of violence on both individuals and communities. Through its parallel storylines, it examines how the past shapes the present and the different ways people cope with trauma and loss.

Readers found this Kate Burkholder mystery engaging and fast-paced, with many highlighting the author's authentic portrayal of Amish culture and life. The dual timeline structure connecting past and present crimes kept readers guessing. Likes: - Complex characters, particularly Kate's personal struggles - Accurate details about police procedure - Balance between mystery and character development - Atmospheric descriptions of Ohio Amish country Dislikes: - Some readers felt the ending was rushed - A few found the violence level excessive - Several mentioned predictable plot elements - Multiple reviews noted similarity to previous books in series Ratings: Goodreads: 4.18/5 (12,000+ ratings) Amazon: 4.6/5 (1,200+ reviews) Barnes & Noble: 4.4/5 (150+ reviews) Reader quote: "The historical crime ties into present-day events in a way that feels natural rather than forced, unlike many dual-timeline mysteries." - Goodreads reviewer

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🔍 Author Linda Castillo grew up in rural Ohio, where her Kate Burkholder series is set, and learned to castrate pigs on her family's farm. 📚 The book explores the real-life cultural tensions between the Amish and "English" (non-Amish) communities, drawing from Castillo's extensive research with Amish families. 🏆 The Dead Will Tell is the sixth installment in the Kate Burkholder series, which has been translated into more than 20 languages worldwide. ⚔️ The murder mystery's plot was partially inspired by actual cold cases involving Amish families in Ohio during the 1960s and 1970s. 🎭 Before becoming a novelist, Linda Castillo wrote romantic suspense novels, publishing over 30 books in that genre before creating the Kate Burkholder character.