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Kate Burkholder #15.5

Dark Storm Rising

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2 hours

In this short mystery from bestselling author Linda Castillo, Chief of Police Kate Burkholder must race through a dangerous blizzard to save an elderly Amish woman from a sinister foe.

Newlyweds Chief of Police Kate Burkholder and John Tomasetti are happily spending their honeymoon at a beautiful Lake Erie cabin that was once part of an historic Amish settlement. But when a violent storm suddenly erupts, Lovina Nisley, the Amish owner of the cabin, goes missing. Lovina is in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease, so it initially appears the elderly woman simply took the wrong path, but her disappearance takes an ominous turn when her husband reveals that a developer has been threatening them if they refuse to sell him their home. With temperatures dropping and local law enforcement unable to reach them, Kate and Tomasetti must brave the perilous weather to find her. But will they reach Lovina in time to save her life?

Audible Audio

Published May 7, 2024

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About the author

Linda Castillo

94 books5,973 followers
Linda Castillo is the author of the New York Times and USA Today bestselling Kate Burkholder mystery series, set in the world of the Amish. The first book, Sworn to Silence, was adapted into a Lifetime original movie titled An Amish Murder starring Neve Campbell as Kate Burkholder. Castillo is the recipient of numerous industry awards including a nomination by the International Thriller Writers for Best Hardcover, a nomination for the Mystery Writers of America’s Sue Grafton Memorial Award, and a nomination for an “Audie Award” for best mystery audiobook. Her work has appeared on numerous bestseller lists and earned a spot on the Boston Globe’s shortlist for best crime novel.

In addition to writing, Castillo’s other passion is horses. She lives on a ranch in Texas with her husband, three Appaloosas, and two feisty, but loveable Blue Heelers.

She loves hearing from readers. Contact her at [email protected].

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5 stars
802 (38%)
4 stars
691 (33%)
3 stars
470 (22%)
2 stars
88 (4%)
1 star
18 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 134 reviews
Profile Image for Sean Peters.
747 reviews118 followers
April 9, 2024
Another favourite author, and another quick read Of the Kate Burkholder story, with 15.5 in the series.

Newlyweds Chief of Police Kate Burkholder and John Tomasetti are happily spending their honeymoon at a beautiful Lake Erie cabin that was once part of an historic Amish settlement. But when a violent storm suddenly erupts, Lovina Nisley, the Amish owner of the cabin, goes missing. Lovina is in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease, so it initially appears the elderly woman simply took the wrong path, but her disappearance takes an ominous turn when her husband reveals that a developer has been threatening them if they refuse to sell him their home. With temperatures dropping and local law enforcement unable to reach them, Kate and Tomasetti must brave the perilous weather to find her. But will they reach Lovina in time to save her life?

All happens nice and quickly, always find it hard to give 4 or 5 stars review on a book so short, yes I enjoyed it, good story, but such a quick read with not time for suspense or twists.


Builds up ready for the next full read in the series. Three stars.

Profile Image for Darcy.
13.6k reviews516 followers
April 3, 2024
I always like these short Kate books in between the main books, it usually takes Kate out of her area, but she still ends up in some sort of drama. This time is no different. Kate and Tomasetti are newly married and driving to their honeymoon destination, an Amish place with cabins, Kate visited as a child, one she remembers fondly. Kate discovers the same people own it and it starts their trip out great! Before too long they are drawn into help as one of the owners are missing and you can guess things aren't as they seem. Kate and Tomasetti work to find the woman and get the bad guy, who then turns on the real bad guy, proving crime doesn't pay. It was nice to see how this one played out and for Kate and Tomasetti to help the couple and still enjoy their time away from home.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Maureen ~Bitch Can Write A Book.
1,346 reviews34 followers
April 10, 2024
Fast, fun visit with the new Mr. & Mrs. Frankly I just love her short stories because there’s a wee mystery but usually no murder. So it gives me the fun of a quick visit but not a ton of stress. 😂

And I was lucky to already read the next book and it was so dang fabulous but got my heart pounding.
260 reviews5 followers
April 9, 2024
Dark Storms


This is another good mystery from Linda Castillo that makes me anxious to read the next! I am looking forward to her new book coming out soon!
Profile Image for Lisa Shower.
559 reviews3 followers
April 9, 2024
Another nice little story!

I adore this series! I am not a huge fan of the short stories but this one at least included Kate & Tomasetti's honeymoon.
Profile Image for Donna Mcnab.
1,378 reviews24 followers
April 18, 2024
I like these short stories about Kate Burkholder. The mystery is resolved pretty quickly which is rather fun.
Profile Image for Lynda.
1,186 reviews26 followers
April 3, 2024
Even on a honeymoon...

A short story. I'd love to tell you about one of the best lines and scenes but it comes at a perfect time in the story. Yes, they have their honeymoon but they also protect a delightful Amish couple and solve a crime. The first part of The Burning is included (already read and reviewed).
Profile Image for Carla.
6,859 reviews159 followers
July 8, 2024
In this short story (only 65 pages), newlyweds Chief of Police Kate Burkholder and John Tomasetti are happily spending their honeymoon at a beautiful Lake Erie cabin that was once part of an historic Amish settlement. The owners of the cabins tell them that many of the Amish have moved after being bought out by a developer. They let a few things slip that lead Kate to believe that they might have been bullied or threatened to sell, so when Lovina Nisley, the Amish owner of the cabin, goes missing, they are worried. Lovina is in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease, so it initially appears the elderly woman simply took the wrong path, but finding her is urgent as a violent storm suddenly erupts. With local law enforcement tied up with an accident, Kate and John try to find her and the person who is threatening her life.

I enjoy these short stories in the Kate Burkholder series. This one give us a quick look at Kate's and John's honeymoon, but they are always law enforcement officers first, so they jump into action when needed. They work well together, following the evidence to find not only Lovina, but perhaps put a halt to the illegal practices of a developer that wants their land. This was a quick story where we see Kate and John solve a crime and mystery that doesn't include a grizzly death.
Profile Image for Chris.
1,740 reviews30 followers
April 30, 2024
Short story with Kate on her honeymoon at a place on Lake Erie from her childhood. A once thriving Amish community is no more in Ashtabula. When the octogenarian Amish owners of the bed and breakfast are being intimidated by thugs Kate and her husband spring into action in the middle of the night during a snow storm.
1,032 reviews12 followers
September 10, 2024
This is a quick easy read writtenby Linda Costello, one of my favorite authors. This book takes place not in the usual location, but near the great lakes where Kate and Tomasetti are honeymooning. Immediately there are problems with a storm brewing and a missing woman. Between the two of them, they solve the mystery and even the local authorities are happy that they are in the area.
81 reviews
April 4, 2024
Perfect short story to continue the series

Another great story by Linda Castillo. The Kate Burkholder series continues. Great amount of intrigue and mystery. Excellent stand alone or read as part of the series.
April 8, 2024
Great author!

Always love her books. Highly recommend. She has a way of making you feel like you know the characters. Can't wait for the next book
Profile Image for Read All About It.
1,792 reviews24 followers
April 10, 2024
Honeymoon

Such a great short story in this long time favorite series. On their honeymoon Kate and John help with some crazy things going on with an older Amish couple.

“Don’t mess with an Amish woman when she’s got a broom in her hands?”
Profile Image for Judy Morris.
1,175 reviews30 followers
April 19, 2024
This was a short story. It was very good Linda never disappoints her readers!

Great read short and sweet. It easy to read in one day! I did
Profile Image for Vickie.
1,978 reviews61 followers
April 26, 2024
Good Short Story

Although this is a short story, it is an excellent read with lots of action and plenty of Kate and her FBI love in an Amish camp setting. I enjoyed getting to know the Niseleys and the antics of the elderly wife. The setting was described beautifully and the story flows together well. There aren’t many twists and it was easy to guess the villain but the story was well written and enjoyable.
259 reviews
May 18, 2024
Excellent

This story doesn't disappoint. Another great book. I love Linda Castillo stories and the characters. Can't wait for the next book.
Profile Image for Bianca.
203 reviews
May 18, 2024
I love her in between novellas. Definitely tides me over as I wait for her new releases every July.
Profile Image for Alyssa Knott.
420 reviews
April 6, 2024
Loved the short story but wish it was longer 😍😍😭
I enjoyed this book 📖
I love this book series and I am ready for the next one coming this year!!!!😁
And I am going to reread the series again because I love them 😍
I love the relationships Kate has with her officers
I love the relationship Kate has with her now husband John
Profile Image for Pam (Kaydee).
15 reviews
April 4, 2024
Excellent quick read

I love how Toasseti and Kate are finally married. I like how they work together. I wish the book would have been longer. Another good book by Linda Castillo. 😍
Profile Image for Debby.
1 review
April 4, 2024
Another Best Seller, Kate Berkholder book

This is about the. 14th book I have read about Kate Berkholder.
I have loved them all.
A friend got me started & I can't stop.
2,664 reviews13 followers
April 6, 2024
A very good but very short story. I would definitely like a follow up on the older Amish couple in future books.
Profile Image for Lindsey Ruppe.
679 reviews9 followers
April 10, 2024
Poor Kate and John can't even go on a honeymoon without trouble! This was a fun little novella with just a little mystery! Perfect for in between novels
Profile Image for Annette Meier.
1,832 reviews5 followers
April 11, 2024
Nice little segue from their long-awaited wedding to lead us into their next adventure.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 134 reviews

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