Review: A Gathering of Secrets by Linda Castillo
By Janet Webb
July 10, 2018Read Janet Webb's review of A Gathering of Secrets by Linda Castillo, then make sure you're signed in and comment below for a chance to win a copy of the 10th Kate Burkholder thriller!
A deadly fire exposes the dark side of Amish life in A Gathering of Secrets, the 10th thriller in the New York Times bestselling Kate Burkholder series by Linda Castillo.
Chris Wolak’s introduction to her review of Sworn to Silence, the first in Linda Castillo’s Kate Burkholder series, perfectly captures Castillo’s appeal.
The story is set in the small fictional town of Painters Mill, Ohio, in the heart of Amish country. Although Castillo herself grew up in a small Ohio town, she didn’t know much about the Amish. Her initial interest has grown into annual research visits. She writes in her Introduction about how important it is to her to “depict the Amish culture correctly, without bias, and without stereotype.” Castillo’s straightforward use of details regarding Amish life set against the horrific crimes of a serial killer is startling.
Painters Mill, Ohio, where Kate Burkholder is chief of police, has somewhat of a Cabot’s Cove feel, with more than its share of unfortunate happenings. To an Englischer, crime in the Amish community seems unthinkable, the 1985 movie Witness notwithstanding. Also, the turmoil in Witness comes to the Amish from the outside world. But Linda Castillo knows that no community is immune from strife and struggles, as her opening epitaph to A Gathering of Secrets makes clear.
There is some soul of goodness in things evil,
Would men observingly distil it out.
—Shakespeare, HENRY V
The quiet starkness of Castillo’s descriptions is chilling. Why would a young girl be alone in a barn, fingering a coil of rope while her family is at church? She told her Mamm that “she’d been sick and throwing up half the night.” But that wasn’t true.
She didn’t let herself think about her family or what this would do to them as she uncoiled the rope. They wouldn’t understand, and that would hurt them. But there was no recourse. God had spoken to her, and she had listened. This was the only way she could keep her secret.
She ties the rope carefully around a rafter and then “slipped the loop over her head, careful not to skew her kapp.” It’s such a poignant notion, concern over her appearance in the face of anguish. Her last thoughts are of her family, her belief in the Lord, and the reason for her decision.
She didn’t think about what came next, but prayed it would be over quickly enough. Once it was done, she would be free.
“I forgive you,” she whispered.
Closing her eyes, she stepped forward and fell into space.
Six months later, Danny Gingerich, a young Amish man who’s reveling being on Rumspringa, sneaks out of his house late at night to meet a girl in the tack room of his family’s barn.
“Rumspringa” is the Deitsh word for “running around.” It’s the time in a young Amish person’s life when they have the opportunity to experience the world without all those Amish rules, usually right before they become baptized and join the church.
A lit candle, horse blankets, a bottle of wine, and two plastic glasses are arrayed in the tack room while “the smells of freshly oiled leather and kerosene and the lingering redolence of her perfume filled the air.” Everything in place except the girl. Danny sits down to wait but “then the door slammed hard enough to jangle the halters hanging on the wall,” trapping him. He smells smoke.
Fire burst into the room, a rabid, roaring beast that came down on top of him, tore into him with white-hot teeth. Smoke seared his face and neck and chest. The full force of his predicament slammed into him.
Police Chief Kate Burkholder hopes against hope that the burnt body discovered in the ashes of the Gingerich family’s barn is not their missing son Danny, but it’s him. Painstakingly, she reconstructs Danny’s life and relationships. It’s quite difficult because Danny is described as a paragon of virtues, beloved by his community and the Englisch alike. However, Kate grew up Amish and senses how much is being concealed from her. Her colleague Mona tells Kate that Emma Miller, the young girl that committed suicide six months ago, was pregnant—could there be a connection?
“Well, hell.” Even as I feel that jump of cop’s excitement, another part of me is saddened by the thought of a seventeen-year-old Amish girl believing death was a better alternative than life.
The dichotomy between painstaking police work and the mores of the Amish community gives A Gathering of Secrets great depth. The harder Kate works to gather and understand secrets, the opaquer the response from the Amish community. The #MeToo movement, with its overarching tenet to “Believe Women,” forms a backdrop to Kate’s inquiries, particularly when Mrs. Miller, reluctantly admitting that Emma was raped, whispers, “I told her God doesn’t let things like that happen to good girls.” Kate’s own painful past makes this mindset among the Amish almost unbearable. She thinks, “It’s one of the reasons I have a love-hate relationship with the community to which I was born.”
Circling back to Wolak’s thoughts, “the great thing about coming to a series that’s in full-swing—you don’t have to wait a whole year for the next book!” Undoubtedly, fans of Linda Castillo’s Kate Burkholder series are immersed in a massive reread before A Gathering of Secrets (10th in the series) is released.
Read an excerpt from A Gathering of Secrets!
| Kate Burkholder Series Reread Navigation | ||
| To Reread or Not to Reread? Books so Good You Go Back for More! | ||
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A Gathering of Secrets Comment Sweepstakes: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. A purchase does not improve your chances of winning. Sweepstakes open to legal residents of 50 United States, D.C., and Canada (excluding Quebec), who are 18 years or older as of the date of entry. To enter, complete the “Post a Comment” entry at https://www.criminalelement.com/review-a-gathering-of-secrets-by-linda-castillo-comment-sweepstakes beginning at 12:00 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) July 10, 2018. Sweepstakes ends at 11:59 a.m. ET July 24, 2018. Void outside the United States and Canada and where prohibited by law. Please see full details and official rules here. Sponsor: Macmillan, 175 Fifth Ave., New York, NY 10010.
I would love the chance to read this book.
I wrote a book on the secret life of a house wife and https://usabookreviewers.com gave superb feedback for my book !
I love this series!
Sounds like a wonderful read.
So excited for a new Kate Burkholder book!
Love the series – thanks for the chance to win a copy of the latest.
I love this series and would love the chance to win a copy.
This sounds like a great book!
Count me in 🙂
I would love to read the book.
I’d love to read this one….
Sounds interesting
scoster1@comcast.net
I’d love an opportunity to read this!! Thank you!
I can’t wait to read!
I LOVE this series! I got 1st book in Readers Luncheon goody bag. Actually my friend read first and asked – have you read Sworn to Silence?? You have GOT to read it!!! Amazing twists and unpredictable!!!
Definitely a book to keep me turning the page! Would love to dive in.
Seems as if it is a good one….
I heard she was a wonderful author and story-teller. Would love to find out.
This series is one of my go-to favorites!
This book sounds very good.
I do go back and re-read some of my favorite books. I love your books and look forward to reading this one. Thank you for the giveaway.
This novel sounds like one I wouldn’t be able to put down! I want to look this author up right now to see what other books she has written.
Can’t wait to read!
Sounds like an exciting read. Would love to win a copy.
I have loved all of her books and look forward, I hope, to many more in the series.
corrineb201@gmail.com
I would love the chance to read this and share my thoughts with my very active online book club with over 10K members!
Love her series!
Sounds very exciting
Follow only 3 series faithfully and this is one of them!
Love the series. Can’t wait to read the new one.
They should all buy a pretty pair of suspenders to make themselves feel better!
This novel sounds captivating and intriguing. Thanks for this great feature and giveaway.
Perfect example of dark secrets within a small communiyy
I’m not familiar with this author, but she sounds interesting, and I love mysteries and would be delighted to win!
I love Linda’s books, and I think I have read them all. Can’t wait for this one!
I’d love to read this!
I love Linda Castillo books, would love to win this one!
I’d love a chance to read this book!
Sounds Very intriguing-would Love to read this book!
Count me in, please!
This sound so interesting.- can’t wait to read
count me in – I’m waiting for my library copy – I’ve read all the books to date and love the series
sounds like a book you can’t put down..would love to win this
A Linda Castillo story always means an up-than-usual night read. Can’t wait!
I’d like to read this, have read other books in the series. Thanks for the giveaway!
I would love to read this awesome book! Thank you for the opportunity to win. I NEED to read it
I’ve read all of the books in this series and would LOVE to win a copy!
This is going on my to read list!
I have – and have read – all of the books in this series. I then have lent them to friends! My friends and I would LOVE to add this one to my collection!
I love the Kate Burkholder book series. Would love to read the latest!
I can’t wait for the new book “The Gathering of Secrets” to come out. Have read all the Kate B. books in the series.
Wonderful series. Kate Burkholder is great!
Love this series💕📚
I am particularly intrigued by the weaving together of research on real people and the fashioning of a clever plot which remains true to the actual beliefs, practices, and ideas discovered.
A new series for me to read! Thanks for the chance to win a copy.
I WOULD LOVE TO READ THIS BOOK
Sounds exciting!
Oh my gosh! Sounds like a must-read! I’m hooked!
An Amish Thriller?? Sign Me Up!!
I love all her Kate books
Any book that tries to deal with culture clash is going to be interesting.
I cannot wait to read this book!
Late is one of my favorite characters in literature and Castillo has crafted a marvelous series. I’d be thrilled to win this new addition.
Thank you for the giveaway!
Ironically, this sounds like a terrific beach read!
I would love to win a copy of this book! I just found a new author to enjoy!
I have not read anything from Linda Castillo yet, but am looking forward to it!
Can’t wait for the new Linda Castillo!!! My Mom’s favorite!!!
I have just started reading this series, I’m on book 2. Got hooked with just reading book 1.
I have read all of the Kate books. I can’t wait to see what happens next. Each book gets us a new insight into the Amish world and their customs which is a world that most of us have very little knowledge of. Thank you for exposing us to another way of life.
There are great reviews for the whole series at Goodreads and Amazon. I’d be thrilled to win a copy of this book.
I just love this entire series and would like to win the book.
I love Ms. Castillo’s work!
I love the way Linda Castillo writes and would love to read the 10th Kate Burkholder thriller!!
I’ve been reading this series since it began.
I’d love to read this!!!
Oh yes! Another Kate Burkholder book. Can’t wait to read it! Winning it would be the icing on the cake!
Perfect reading for the beach!
I haven’t read this series yet, but I’ve read lots of great reviews. Looking forward to start reading the series.
I love the Kate Burkholder series and would be thrilled to in a copy of the new book!
I enjoy how this series provides a window into Amish life and has a strong female lead. Looking forward to reading A Gathering of Secrets 👍
Hope #10 is lucky!
Sounds very good.
Looking forward to reading this one.
interesting
I love this series!
This book sounds interesting. Wouldn’t mind having it in my TBR pile.
Thanks for the chance!
It sounds so good!!!!
I haven’t read this series yet but this has made me go look it up to start reading first book. Would love opportunity to receive this one!!
I’ve read just one book in this series and I really think I need to start again at the beginning. But maybe I’ll read this one first before going back. Fascinating lives and she writes a great mystery!
a great sounding book, I’ll have to look into it.
Thank you for the sweepstakes! Would love to win!
I love books that deal with some of the different subcultures within the US. It almost feels like a foreign country with the clash of cultures on top of the mystery. I am intrigued.
Great!
Please enter me in this sweepstakes.
Thanks —
Would love to read this! Thanks!
Hi, You had me at the word, Amish. I especially like the intensive research you do into the lifestyle of the Amish Community. Also, the cover of the book pegged my interest!
Many thanks, Cindi
I’ve read almost all of her books and love them!
What a great excerpt to pique your interest.
Looks like a great read
Jspegar65@gmail.com
When your tired and hit the post comment button before you write one.
I love this series.Kate burkholder is the best .always trying to manage 2 worlds.the series is a great read.
Can’t wait to read this book!
I do not believe I have had read any books buy Linda Castillo. This review really grabs my interest and even if I do not win – I have added to my TBR list
I have read every Detective Kate novel she has written. Can’t wait to read this one!!
I Live in Ohio, and have friends that live in Amish country. I would love to have a chance to read this. Thank you for the chance
Let. The. Thrill. Ride. Begin
So excited to read this next book in the series!!
this looks like one I’d REALLY enjoy!
This sounds like my type of book. Thank you for the chance to win!
Would love to read this book!
This looks like agreat summer read
This is a great series–I can’t wait to read the latest!
How fascinating!
Another book from one of my favorite authors.
This author has written some very chilling lines. Can’t wait until this one comes in the mail
Thanks for the opportunity!
I have really been intrigued by this book & can’t wait to read.
I’d love to win this book.
Looks like one you won’t want to put down.
Love her books.
Sounds interesting!
Just started discovered the series recently and have now read the first 6 of the series. Great!
Just discovered the series and am up to book 7. Great!
Would love the chance to read this one!
Can NOT wait to read this book!! I’ve also gotten my good friend and my sister hooked on Linda’s books!! We plan on catching her on her tour through Ohio!
All of Linda Castillo’s books are terrific reads. I am especially fond of the Amish mystery series and have read every single one of them! Can’t miss a single one or I break out in hives. I’m obsessed.
can’t wait to get this in my hands-thank you for the opportunity to win this great novel.
Sounds good.
I think my favorite was, Her Last Breath. It mentions many places that I have actually been to, for example,Trumbull Memorial Hospital. Keep em coming, Linda!
I have read many in this series and have enjoyed all, would love to win the latest. thank you for the chance
I have never read Linda Castillo – would love to start with her new book.
I love Linda’s books: this one looks amazing!!!!
I’m looking forward to reading this.
I really enjoyed “the forgotten girl” by Rio, which I won here. Let’s hope I win again.
Recently discovered her books and have become a big fan! Exhausted the supply at my local library!
Would love a chance to win
I love Linda Castillo. Cant wait to read this new book.
This looks to be an excellent read!
I’ve read some of her books based on Lee Child’s Jack Reacher books. I would like to give this a try.
I would love to have the opportunity to read this book.
my mom love’s mysteries and we read your books, so we’d love to win a copy
Can’t wait to read this book! I’m a huge fan of the Kate Burkholder series <3
Love her series – thanks for the chance to win.
This sounds like a very interesting read about a culture of which I have limited knowledge. A great was to become more knowledgeable.
I believe I’ve read one of this series and would enjoy reacquainting myself with this author.
This will be a good addition to my must read list.
ahhh an excellent mystery….my favourite type of read!!
Look forward to reading this exciting book. Thanks for posting.
Secrets! Yes!
I love reading your books so it would be great to win this one. Thank you!
I recently found this series – would love to read this one too!
sounds great – would love to read this!
I can’t wait to read this!
This sounds like an exciting read. Thanks for the opportunity.
Ah, there’s no secrets like Amish country secrets.
Sounds like a fantastic read. I want to read the whole series!
Sounds like I need to start a new series! This book sounds excellent!
Its Christmas in my mind when I see the date of a new Linda Castillo release. I can lose my self in the world she creates for Kate Burkholder, I just wish they were longer as I hate to come to the last page..looking forward to this one.
After reading the excerpt, I want to read this book. I want to read them all. If I win a copy this would be the first book of hers I’ve read!
I have read other books by her and really enjoyed them!
I’ve never read any of Ms. Castillo’s books, but this sounds very good.
I already entered but was not logged in. So I will try again. Please delete my first comment.
I have read books by here and really liked them!
digicats {at} sbcglobal {dot} net
I love this series and can’t wait to read this one.
Wow, this book sounds awesome! Can’t wait to read this one!
I haven’t read this series yet, but it sounds quite captivating! Would love the book!
new author for me thanks for chance
Count me in!
Great Series.
Ms. Castillo is a good writer, and her series is excellent.
Sounds like a good one
I want to put this on my next-to-read list!
Ooooh! This sounds like it has to be on my short list of next-reads.
Sounds good to me!
This series is new to me but it sounds so good!
I used to work in Ohio’s Amish Country, and I grew up in the same county as Linda.
sounds really interesting
I’m ready for another good book and this one looks like it will fit the bill.
My husband and i just spent our 20th wedding anniversary in Millersburg, Ohio, so we (I) could pretend i was in one of the Kate Burkholder novels! so excited to have a new story.
I love Linda’s books, and this one sounds amazing. Thanks for this chance to read it.
Sounds good. I would love to win!
I love the Kate Burkholder Amish series! I have been a fan since the beginning!! Can’t wait to read this one!
Good review – makes me want to read the book.
I also grew up in Ohio and have had a communal dinner in one of their houses. I would love to hear more about their mores and daily life and history! I am so happy you researched and wrote this book!!
One way or another, I will be getting this book. I absolutely love Linda’s writing. Her words are so vivid that it’s almost like watching a movie. (All of her books could and should be made into movies). I am looking forward to reading this book and adding it to my collection.
I’ve read her books before. Always entertaining to read
I LOVE LOVE LOVE this series!!!!! I have read all the Kate Burkholder books and can’t wait to read this one! Love the relationship between Kate and Tomasetti – and love the way Castillo writes. Most enjoyable books!!! Would love to win a copy of this latest book!!! I own a bookstore in Texas and recommend her to all my mystery-loving customers!
An Amish thriller? Sounds interesting! I’ve never read a mystery book series, but may start!
Great series.
Great series
would love to read this thank you for the chance
looks great
I love her books!!!!
I’m interested!!
!
Sounds like a winner for this series!
I NEED this book!!
I’ve got to read this – adding it to my wishlist!
One of my favourites. Looking forward to reading it.
Love the depth of characters and the layers in the stories of Linda Castillo’s Kate Burkholder mysteries. Looking forward to being transported again to Amish country in “A Gathering of Secrets.”
I’d love this book, but have never won anything so no worries for the rest of you lol
Sounds really good! Thanks for the chance!
This series is GREAT! I usually guess killer – but Linda Castillo weaves a web of lies & deceit!
I would love to win her newest book!
Can’t wait!
I would love a chance to read this! Thank you so much!
I would love to win a copy of this book. I discovered Linda Castillo at my local library and have been hooked ever since. Even if I don’t win the book I will definitely be reading this new one when it is released and at the library..
Thanks for the giveaway. I would love to have a chance to read this new release
Love Kate Burkholder!!!!
As an Amish Story fan I would love to read Kate’s new book.
Oooh! Sounds so good!
This looks like a great read!
sounds like a good read
I would love to read this, have read several of hers. I also post reviews, on GR and Amazon, over 500 in the past year and a half.
Fingers crossed I get the chance to read this!
Always look forward to her next book.
I can’t wait to read this one, thanks for the chance to win!
thanks sounds like a great read
This series is wonderful. I cannot wait to read this new installment.
Sounds like a great read
Love this series and the main character, Kate!
I love this series.
I hate reCAPTCHA – all that clicking on nonsense
I had to do it to log in AND to post comment
its like at register – are you sure??? are you REALLY SURE????
I just realized its FRIDAY THE 13TH!!!!
I am on the hold list at the SLC Library! Very anxious to read this!
I’d love to be able to read this!
I like this author very much and would love to read her new book.
Interesting!
she is a great author !
I absolutely love this series!
Ms. Castillo certainly has a knack for making the Amish more than just “horse and buggy” and “no electricity” people as they are usually portrayed.
Would love to read
Very different from when I normally and that intrigues me, love trying new authors. Would love a shot at this, thanks !
Ughh should proofread more often. I meant this sounds very different from what I normally read, I’m intrigued. Etc. Jeez
I’d love to receive a free copy of this book and give an honest timely review
Thanks for the review Janet! I will add this to my TBR list!
Oh, this sounds so good!
I love this series! Would be an honor to win a book!!
My cousins live in Coshocton which is near Amish territory in Ohio. I’ve seen the Amish working on roofs and selling breads, jams and produce at Farmer’s Markets. I like reading stories about the Amish and how they manage their families and farms.
I finally got to visit the Amish community in Pennsylvania Would love to read this book!
love this series – it would be great to win this…..if I don’t , I will be sure to read it anyway 🙂
Learning and peaking into a community, that is mostly, quiet and reserved is a great experience.
I love the premise of this book! It looks so good!
I really enjoy the Kate Burkholder books!
I loved the others. Can’t wait to read this one.
The Amish were always an oddity to me, but after watching TLC’s series featuring young Amish people leaving their communities, I understand their lives a bit better. Would love to read this series and see how the author focuses on the Amish in a crime setting. Interesting concept.
This sounds like a story I will really enjoy.
Now this is my kinda book!
This sounds great, thanks.
I think I would love this book so count me in!
Enjoy reading this series. Looking forward to this one!
this book looks really good. i would love to read it.
Thanks for the giveaway!
sounds like a good one
Sounds like an interesting read
thanks for the chance to win and to discover a new author
Sounds awesome, thanks for the chance
sounds like a fun one
I would love to read your book!
This one sounds great!!! Thanks for the chance!!
This sounds great!!!
I would love to have the chance tp read this
I would like to read this.
Looks interesting. Thanks for the chance.
This sounds gripping.
Thanks for this opportunity.
I would love to read this!!
This looks great, thanks
Love Kate Burkholder
I would love a chance to read a new author for me and intro to a series of books. I would even pass this on to my church librarian for her to read. And if it was appropriate she would also put it in our small church library. Good luck everyone
I love Amish stories. Thanks for the chance to read this book.
This sounds fascinating, a great read. I am in Pennsylvania, also in the middle of Amish country.
It sounds like an interesting read.
This sounds like a great book!
Fascinating read!!
I really enjoy reading this authors work hope to read more of it.
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I already knew the author of A Gathering of Secrets’ s Book. Here You reviewed this book. Great.
I was thinking that I should buy this book from amazon. Here I read your perspective that’s why I decide that I will not buy it.
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