The Pact
By Linda Castillo
Release Date: April 28, 2020
Ebook Available from WV Reads!
3 Stars - A fine little addition to the Burkholder series. It was refreshing to have Kate and Thomasetti not investigating the same old murder case here. This short but intense story is perfect for a dark, chilly evening.
Castillo's Kate Burkholder series is excellently written. I have issues with how redundant and silly at times the plot became. Kate's a smart and independent heroine who has a weak spot for her most of the time partner John Tomasetti. At the beginning of each book, I find myself wishing Kate would finally grow up, put her issues with her past and Amish lifestyle behind her. She frequently pushes away Tomasetti who is devoted and loyal, if a bit moody and impatient. She never does but she's a great leader, wise investigator, and sympathetic personality.
The story centers around two not too bright boys who run off into the woods together. Of course, the one boy's family hates the other just because they're Amish. That's a common theme in the series so it's no surprise. The boys at first seem to be stalked by "The Scarecrow" but later nearly succumb to the dangers of the wilderness and mostly abandoned land. There is a brief appearance of possible villians that are quite dastardly. Kate and John's handling of them make for a few chilling and exciting moments. I'm almost sorry this story wasn't expanded into one of the novels as it was like a quick breath of fresh air in the Burkholder tales. But I admit the plot was handled rapidly and yet skillfully enough that it's a satisfying short story. This can easily be read as a standalone. Although it is fun to see Kate's team of local troopers with their quirks and effective teamwork on display. Kate's got her work cut out for her with a new case that's different than most of her other adventures. Just enough suspense is here to make it a fun little read.
(NS)
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