An Evil Heart: A Novel (Kate Burkholder, 15) - book cover
  • Publisher : Minotaur Books
  • Published : 11 Jul 2023
  • Pages : 320
  • ISBN-10 : 1250781086
  • ISBN-13 : 9781250781086
  • Language : English

An Evil Heart: A Novel (Kate Burkholder, 15)

Chief of Police Kate Burkholder investigates the brutal death of a young Amish man in An Evil Heart, the latest installment of the bestselling series by Linda Castillo.

On a crisp autumn day in Painters Mill, Chief of Police Kate Burkholder responds to a call only to discover an Amish man who has been violently killed with a crossbow, his body abandoned on a dirt road. Aden Karn was just twenty years old, well liked, and from an upstanding Amish family. Who would commit such a heinous crime against a young man whose life was just beginning?

The more Kate gets to know his devastated family and the people―both English and Amish―who loved him, the more determined she becomes to solve the case. Aden Karn was funny and hardworking and looking forward to marrying his sweet fiancé, Emily. All the while, Kate's own wedding day to Tomasetti draws near...

But as she delves into Karn's past, Kate begins to hear whispers about a dark side. What if Aden Karn wasn't the wholesome young man everyone admired? Is it possible the rumors are a cruel campaign to blame the victim? Kate pursues every lead with a vengeance, sensing an unspeakable secret no one will broach.

The case spirals out of control when a young Amish woman comes forward with a horrific story that pits Kate against a dangerous and unexpected opponent. When the awful truth is finally uncovered, Kate comes face to face with the terrible consequences of a life lived in all the dark places.

Editorial Reviews

Praise for An Evil Heart:

"Skillful storytelling... An Evil Heart proves this is a series that continues to soar." ―Oline Cogdill, Shelf Awarness, starred review

"Characters you care about and a cleareyed look at their unique culture make this series the best of the Amish bunch." ―Kirkus Reviews

"Castillo's punchy prose and well-developed characters keep the pages turning... Series fans will be eager for the next entry." ―Publishers Weekly

Praise for the Kate Burkholder novels:

"Electrifying." ―Publishers Weekly

"A captivating story by a gifted storyteller." ―The Washington Book Review

"An atmospheric thriller about fear, revenge, and the dark side of Amish life...Linda Castillo is a true master of suspenseful police procedurals." ―Bustle

"Magnetic."―People Magazine

"Exquisitely plotted…a standout in a stellar series."―Associated Press

"Castillo weaves the particularities of the Amish mindset into a complex mystery that will leave you crying with pity or seething with rage." ―Kirkus Reviews (starred)

"Thrilling...Castillo skillfully sets each scene, compelling readers to fear the raging stream, sense the tension in a room." ―Publishers Weekly

Readers Top Reviews

Kindle Kindle S
I have read all of Linda Castillo's books. I have loved every single one of them. I think if it is possible, this may be the very best! I was shocked at the ending, I had no idea how it would end, and thank you so much for letting the Chief and Tomasetti finally get married!!!
Charlene Greenway
This is a book that I started and finished in record time. This is as usual for this author a great read. I've read every book in this series and all were excellent. I hope this isn't the last one in this series but if it is, I'm sure she'll be writing more books and I'll be reading them.
Kathy MilsteadCha
I've always loved Linda Castillo and she never disappoints. I always look forward to her book coming out and can't help myself, I read it in 1 to 2 days. Already can't wait for her next book. Thanks Linda Castillo for writing all the books you do. Oh and I always reread every book once of twice more!!!
Derice TuckerKath
This book was just as good as all the books in this series. My only complaint about it is I want to have the next one to continue the series. Linda writes so well that I can picture everything in my mind and feel as if I’m there witnessing the story as it unfolds.
Rebecca BerryDeri
Kaye Burkholder is an amazing woman. Strong, smart, dedicated. As is Linda Castillo. I look forward to each book and inhale it once it gets to me. The twists and turns in An Evil Heart almost gave me whiplash. I read it in one sleepless night. It was my pleasure! And now I have to wait on the next one!!! Thank you, Linda and Kate!