Select one of the keywords
Gone Missing: Kate Burkholder #4    by Linda Castillo Amazon.com order for
Gone Missing
by Linda Castillo
Order:  USA  Can
Minotaur, 2012 (2012)
Hardcover, CD, e-Book
* * *   Reviewed by Martina Bexte

At age sixteen, Amish teens are encouraged to pursue rumspringa, a time where they are allowed to ignore their strict upbringing and adherence to the church - in essence to experience English life. Once they've tasted these freedoms they must decide if they will return to their former lives, or walk away from the Amish community - and their families - forever.

When these same kids begin disappearing, in particular a couple of teens from Painter's Mill, Chief Kate Burkholder sits up and takes notice. It doesn't take long for her to discover that over the course of the past few years, other teens from Amish communities have gone missing as well. When State Agent John Tomasetti (Kate's lover) arranges for her to consult on the case, she's grateful - and determined to find out what's going on. The investigators, and Kate, know that as a former Amish member herself, only she would be able to break through the Amish communities mistrust of the English.

As they delve into more and more cold cases involving missing Amish teens, Kate begins to suspect that it's the Amish themselves who are keeping dark secrets - secrets that she fully intends to expose to the clear light of day.

This fourth instalment of Castillo's Kate Burholder series might be a bit more predictable than its predecessors. However, there's still a gripping story here as Kate moves heaven and earth - and as always, takes a few too many unsanctioned risks - as she races against time to locate the missing teens.

Her relationship to FBI special agent Tomasetti continues to evolve as well, as they cautiously move toward a real commitment, despite both their tortured pasts. I did find his character a bit too cardboard-esque this time around. Gone Missing won't disappoint series fans - for those of you looking for something different, give Chief Kate Burkholder a try.

Note: Opinions expressed in reviews and articles on this site are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of BookLoons.

Find more Mystery books on our Shelves or in our book Reviews