The Hidden One
A Novel of Suspense
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4.5 • 307 Ratings
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- $12.99
Publisher Description
The discovery of an Amish bishop's remains leads chief of police Kate Burkholder to unearth a chilling secret in The Hidden One, a new thriller from bestselling author Linda Castillo.
Over a decade ago, beloved Amish bishop Ananias Stoltzfus disappeared without a trace. When skeletal remains showing evidence of foul play are unearthed, his disappearance becomes even more sinister.
The town’s elders arrive in Painters Mill to ask chief of police Kate Burkholder for help, but she quickly realizes she has a personal connection to the crime. The handsome Amish man who stands accused of the murder, Jonas Bowman, was Kate’s first love. Forced to confront a painful episode from her past, Kate travels to Pennsylvania’s Kishacoquillas Valley, where the Amish culture differs dramatically from the traditions she knows. Though Bishop Stoltzfus was highly respected, she soon hears about a dark side to this complex man. What was he hiding that resulted in his own brutal death?
Someone doesn’t want Kate asking questions. But even after being accosted and threatened in the dead of night, she refuses to back down. Is she too close to the case—and to Jonas—to see clearly? There’s a killer in the Valley who will stop at nothing to keep the past buried. Will they get to Kate before she can expose the truth? Or will the bishop’s secrets remain hidden forever?
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Early in bestseller Castillo's captivating 14th Amish mystery (after 2021's Fallen), Painters Mill, Ohio, police chief Kate Burkholder learns her services are needed out of state. The remains of Kish Valley, Pa., bishop Ananias Stoltzfus have turned up in a field 18 years after his disappearance. Unsatisfied with the local police, the current elders of Kish Valley ask Kate for assistance, informing her that the police wrongfully arrested charming Amish cabinetmaker Jonas Bowman after his rifle, the murder weapon, was found at the crime scene. Unbeknownst to the elders, Kate had a secret relationship with Jonas as a teenager and doesn't believe he's capable of murder. Despite her whirlwind of emotions, Kate decides to help and unearths disturbing secrets about Ananias's past. As she oversteps, she often falls into danger during the investigation, and old feelings resurface when she questions the now married Jonas. Memorable characters help keep the pages turning, though the plot is somewhat more predictable than Castillo's usual, and not all questions related to the murder are answered. Series fans will look forward to Kate's next case.
Customer Reviews
Perfect.
I gave the book a 5 star review, but I feel that’s unfair. It is EASILY BETTER than THAT. Seriously.
Absurdly convoluted
This is my first novel in this series, and probably my last. I started out liking Kate and the local color, but by midway through the plot twists and red herrings had become completely ridiculous. The "secret" was so easy to figure out. Disappointing.
Outstanding
Loved it, as I did all her other books. She never disappoints. I just hate waiting a whole year for her next book. She is definitely one of my favorite authors, if not my favorite.