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Kate Burkholder #11.5
The Pact
In The Pact a gripping Kate Burkholder short mystery from New York Times bestselling author Linda Castillo, a terrifying disappearance in Amish country reveals the power of friendship.
Three days before Thanksgiving, two boys disappear without a trace. Eleven-year-old Aaron Kuhns is Amish. Kevin Dennison is twelve and “English.” They’re adventurers, explorers, and inseparable best friends. When they don’t return home from what was supposed to be a fun afternoon of fishing, Chief of Police Kate Burkholder must find the missing boys before the first winter storm of the season bears down on Painters Mill.
Three days before Thanksgiving, two boys disappear without a trace. Eleven-year-old Aaron Kuhns is Amish. Kevin Dennison is twelve and “English.” They’re adventurers, explorers, and inseparable best friends. When they don’t return home from what was supposed to be a fun afternoon of fishing, Chief of Police Kate Burkholder must find the missing boys before the first winter storm of the season bears down on Painters Mill.
65 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 28, 2020
About the author
Linda Castillo
93 books6,029 followersLinda 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].
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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Displaying 1 - 30 of 284 reviews
April 12, 2024
3.5⭐
Genre ~ police procedural
Series ~ Kate Burkholder #11.5)
Others in the series ~ #1-16 + 0.5's
Setting ~ Ohio
Publication date ~ April 28, 2020
Page Count ~ 61
Audio length ~ 1 hours 52 minutes
Narrator ~ Kathleen McInerney
POV ~ 3rd & 1st
Featuring ~ missing children, no violence
Kate is on the hunt for 2 boys that didn't come home by dinnertime after fishing one afternoon. One boy is Amish and one is English, and one father isn't too happy these boys are friends.
The premise does sound heart pounding, but my heart remained beating at it's normal pace throughout. Perhaps because we get the POV of the boys, so we know all will turn out well. But it usually does when Kate and her team are on the case.
Narration notes:
A fine job, per usual.
Connect with me ➡ Blog ~ Facebook ~ Twitter
Genre ~ police procedural
Series ~ Kate Burkholder #11.5)
Others in the series ~ #1-16 + 0.5's
Setting ~ Ohio
Publication date ~ April 28, 2020
Page Count ~ 61
Audio length ~ 1 hours 52 minutes
Narrator ~ Kathleen McInerney
POV ~ 3rd & 1st
Featuring ~ missing children, no violence
Kate is on the hunt for 2 boys that didn't come home by dinnertime after fishing one afternoon. One boy is Amish and one is English, and one father isn't too happy these boys are friends.
The premise does sound heart pounding, but my heart remained beating at it's normal pace throughout. Perhaps because we get the POV of the boys, so we know all will turn out well. But it usually does when Kate and her team are on the case.
Narration notes:
A fine job, per usual.
Connect with me ➡ Blog ~ Facebook ~ Twitter
March 8, 2021
4 stars for an enjoyable short story that can be read in 1 sitting. It is 53 pages long . Two preteens, 1 Amish and 1 not, decide to become blood brothers and run away because their parents have forbidden them to be friends. However a winter storm rolls in and they are in trouble. Kate Burkholder, Painters Mill Chief of Police, mobilizes her 3 person force to search for the boys. I liked the ending. It is book 11.5 in the series, but can be read as a stand alone.
This was an Amazon purchase.
This was an Amazon purchase.
July 7, 2022
This is an Amish Suspense Mystery Novella, and this is the 11.5 book in the Kate Burkholder series. I have read and review books 1-11 books in this series before picking up this book. This book is all about finding two boys that are best friends that ran away. One of the boys is Amish and the another one is English. This is a well written fast pace mystery that has some turns. I really love this novella, and it is so developed even though it is a very short read. I love this series and this book so much.
June 15, 2022
It really is amazing how much Linda Castillo can pack into 65 pages. She writes her novellas as beautifully as she does her full length books.
In The Pact two young boys, one Amish and one not, decide to run away from home because their parents do not like them being friends. Certain incidents lead them to becoming lost and with a snow storm approaching Kate and her team lead a desperate search to find them. There are some very tense moments at the end.
As usual with these novellas I read it with great enjoyment and in one sitting. It was also nice to see Kate and Tomasetti still in their good place.
In The Pact two young boys, one Amish and one not, decide to run away from home because their parents do not like them being friends. Certain incidents lead them to becoming lost and with a snow storm approaching Kate and her team lead a desperate search to find them. There are some very tense moments at the end.
As usual with these novellas I read it with great enjoyment and in one sitting. It was also nice to see Kate and Tomasetti still in their good place.
June 20, 2022
Aaron Kuhns and Kevin Dennison just want to be friends but their parents object to them associating with each other. Aaron is Amish, Kevin is “English” and their fathers can’t see beyond that. The boys take matters into their own hands, decide to run away and teach their parents a lesson but get frightened in the woods and stranded. Police Chief Kate Burkholder gets involved when the parents report them as missing. What started out as an adventure turns into something perilous.
It’s a short story but it is one with strong themes. I loved how 12-year old Aaron and 11-year old Kevin were determined to maintain their friendship despite the prejudices of their parents. It was interesting getting their points of view as law enforcement worked to find them. The weather is a serious factor with temperatures below freezing and a snow storm impending. I enjoyed the story, especially on audio, and appreciated the underlying messages delivered through these children. Nice touch.
Posted on Blue Mood Café
It’s a short story but it is one with strong themes. I loved how 12-year old Aaron and 11-year old Kevin were determined to maintain their friendship despite the prejudices of their parents. It was interesting getting their points of view as law enforcement worked to find them. The weather is a serious factor with temperatures below freezing and a snow storm impending. I enjoyed the story, especially on audio, and appreciated the underlying messages delivered through these children. Nice touch.
Posted on Blue Mood Café
April 29, 2020
5 perfect Amish stars
I am a HUGE fan of Linda Castillo and I love these short stories that she writes. This was the perfect length to read while I rode the exercise bike. Filled with an Amish setting and a mysterious disappearance of two teen boys, I was back on the case with Kate Burkholder.
Can't wait for the next full-length Kate Burkholder novel, but this was a great read today.
I am a HUGE fan of Linda Castillo and I love these short stories that she writes. This was the perfect length to read while I rode the exercise bike. Filled with an Amish setting and a mysterious disappearance of two teen boys, I was back on the case with Kate Burkholder.
Can't wait for the next full-length Kate Burkholder novel, but this was a great read today.
May 5, 2021
Three days before Thanksgiving, two boys disappear without a trace. Eleven-year-old Aaron Kuhns is Amish. Kevin Dennison is twelve and English.
They’re adventurers, explorers, and inseparable best friends. When they don’t return home from what was supposed to be a fun afternoon of fishing, Chief of Police Kate Burkholder must find the missing boys before the first winter storm of the season bears down on Painters Mill.
A great short story but still a great thriller, well paced for a quick read.
As always a great character Kate Burkholder, and still fits some great supporting characters
They’re adventurers, explorers, and inseparable best friends. When they don’t return home from what was supposed to be a fun afternoon of fishing, Chief of Police Kate Burkholder must find the missing boys before the first winter storm of the season bears down on Painters Mill.
A great short story but still a great thriller, well paced for a quick read.
As always a great character Kate Burkholder, and still fits some great supporting characters
July 21, 2020
These little mini novellas/long short stories by Linda Castillo are less satisfying and less developed than the full novels in the Kate Burkholder series but if, like me, you are addicted to KB you’ll take whatever you can get. In this story two boys, an Amisher and Englisher, are best buds who like to hang out together and fish…their narrow-minded parents do not like the relationship and both have forbidden the boys to continue to meet. Boys will be boys, and they decide they will run away but, boys will be boys, they get into mischief and run into danger. While searching for the boys, Kate, Pickles, Glock et al will race to the scene and save the boys from yet another terrifying fire scene. All good in the end, parents learn their lesson!
November 21, 2021
A quick little read but enjoyable nonetheless!
June 11, 2022
Twelve-year-old Aaron Kuhns and eleven-year-old Kevin Dennison are best friends. Aaron is Amish and Kevin is English. None of their parents are happy about the situation. Aaron and Kevin tell their parents that they are going fishing. But hours later they have not returned home and no one can find them. Chief of Police Kate Burkholder and her officers work to find these boys before the first winter storm of the season rolls in.
I usually like the short stories that are inserted between the novels in the Kate Burkholder series. This one was just "ok" to me. My rating: 3.5 Stars.
I usually like the short stories that are inserted between the novels in the Kate Burkholder series. This one was just "ok" to me. My rating: 3.5 Stars.
July 14, 2020
I just started reading books by this author and I'm absolutely loving the series. I never thought I would read books about an Amish community; the books my local library carries had turned me off of them forever I thought. But I was asked to review a book by Castillo and loved it! Now I can't read them quickly enough when they hit the shelves which is why I was thrilled to see this little novella pop up before her next book is released.
The Pact is a short mystery about two young boys who are lost/run away in the deep woods just as a snow storm in approaching. Burkholder is called out to the search and, as always, does her due diligence to solve the mystery/crime. This is actually a rather sweet story and I think that younger middle school aged children would enjoy it as well as fans of Castillo. It's well written, especially since it is so short. Lots of action packed into those few pages. I definitely recommend it.
The Pact is a short mystery about two young boys who are lost/run away in the deep woods just as a snow storm in approaching. Burkholder is called out to the search and, as always, does her due diligence to solve the mystery/crime. This is actually a rather sweet story and I think that younger middle school aged children would enjoy it as well as fans of Castillo. It's well written, especially since it is so short. Lots of action packed into those few pages. I definitely recommend it.
May 6, 2020
A short novella that tells the story of a friendship and brotherhood formed between two young boys -- one Amish, the other English -- and frowned upon by their parents. On a cold winter night, Aaron and Kevin set out on a quest to release a huge buck back into the wild. No one knows where they are and, when things go helter-skelter, Chief of Police Kate Burkholder and her deputies, along with Tomasetti, Kate's main squeeze, step in to track down the lost boys.
Always ends too soon. I can never get enough of Castillo's stories that always carry a lesson within (both the full novels and novellas) and set in the small Ohio town of Painters Mill. This will have to hold me until July 7th when her latest full novel, OUTSIDER, will be released.
Always ends too soon. I can never get enough of Castillo's stories that always carry a lesson within (both the full novels and novellas) and set in the small Ohio town of Painters Mill. This will have to hold me until July 7th when her latest full novel, OUTSIDER, will be released.
May 5, 2020
This novella was a welcome read during this period in quarantine. I was disappointed that the story wasn't longer, but it was fun to read another story with all the familiar characters. This story was about two little boys who are missing, one Amish and one English. Kate and her team rush to find the boys before a snow storm arrives.
August 30, 2020
Great short story in today's day. It shows how kids have more open minds when it comes to differences between them.
April 14, 2022
I don't always enjoy novellas that are written between full length novels of series I enjoy, but I always look forward to these short stories by Linda Castillo in the Kate Burkholder series. In The Pact, two boys disappear three days before Thanksgiving. Eleven-year-old Aaron Kuhns is Amish and his best friend Kevin Dennison is 12 and an Englischer. The boys are reported missing and Kate and her team are in a race to find them before a dangerous winter storm arrives in Painters Mill.
One of the things I like about these novellas is the simplicity of the cases. This is a case of two runaways, but where are they and what happened to them? This is a well written fast paced mystery that has a few twists to keep you guessing. It is well written with a lot of action packed into those few pages. If you aren't sure if this series is for you, pick up a couple of the novellas, especially this one, and give them a read. I definitely recommend this series. If you enjoy audiobooks, I recommend you listen to them. Kathleen McInerney does an amazing job and I love her as the voice of Kate.
One of the things I like about these novellas is the simplicity of the cases. This is a case of two runaways, but where are they and what happened to them? This is a well written fast paced mystery that has a few twists to keep you guessing. It is well written with a lot of action packed into those few pages. If you aren't sure if this series is for you, pick up a couple of the novellas, especially this one, and give them a read. I definitely recommend this series. If you enjoy audiobooks, I recommend you listen to them. Kathleen McInerney does an amazing job and I love her as the voice of Kate.
June 7, 2020
Two boys, one Amish, another an Englischer became blood brothers. The Pact was a very exciting thriller.
October 22, 2020
I am getting close to being caught up on this series and I am so sad. I love it and I hate to think I will have to WAIT for the next book!!!
August 20, 2020
A very sweet story, not quite a novella. Kate Burkhelder’s cop job usually involves gruesome death. Here, two kids defy their parents’ wishes that they don’t remain friends and it leads to some eye openers for the kids as well as the adults when their escapade gets them lost in a winter storm.
May 7, 2020
An easy read at 70+ pages. I would almost classify it as young adult.
May 5, 2020
This is one of my favorite series and each summer I look forward to reading the newest. We also get a novella each year and this one was my favorite yet. We follow Kate and her crew as they search for two boys who are lost in the woods on a cold cold night. Kevin(English) and his best friend Aaron (Amish) were planning on running away together because their parents are not in support of their friendship. Unfortunately during their campout something happens that changes their initial plans. I enjoyed being back with these cast characters and I particularly liked the story. It has reestablished my love for this series and i look forward to book 12 coming out soon.
April 29, 2020
This was another good read from Linda Castillo. Love reading her books. They are always filled with adventure and excitement. Looking forward to her next Book "The Outsider"!
July 25, 2020
This short Police Chief Kate Burkholder story is clearly one of those teaser tales that are published via eBook to promote an author's next full length novel -- herein, Castillo's popular series about a small Ohio town that is one-third Amish folk. We're pretty fast readers (but read every word) and this one took nearly forty minutes to consume -- so we'd call it a fun, heart-warming novella about two kids who get lost that was plenty entertaining in its own right.
Englisher Kevin and Amish Aaron decide to become blood brothers and to avenge things they felt were wrong. Expected at their homes for dinner, neither showed up, prompting both sets of parents to eventually notify the police. The ensuing search and happenings were quite suspenseful and engaging.
Normally we dismiss these "tweener" stories as little more than somewhat amusing advertisements (and usually not free at that!). But this one is for sure worth reading -- and does a fine job of showcasing Castillo's storytelling talents. Well done!
Englisher Kevin and Amish Aaron decide to become blood brothers and to avenge things they felt were wrong. Expected at their homes for dinner, neither showed up, prompting both sets of parents to eventually notify the police. The ensuing search and happenings were quite suspenseful and engaging.
Normally we dismiss these "tweener" stories as little more than somewhat amusing advertisements (and usually not free at that!). But this one is for sure worth reading -- and does a fine job of showcasing Castillo's storytelling talents. Well done!
December 29, 2021
Good story about friendship with 2 missing boys, one Amish, one English, before a major snowstorm.
May 7, 2020
I was a little worried as I read this one, bad things usually happen in this series and these boys were so cute. I loved that they didn't want to let their friendship go, they deserved to just be boys and have fun. Things got a bit out of control for them, but in the end Kate and her crew did their jobs and showed the parents at the end what was really important.
June 3, 2020
The Pact: A Kate Burkholder Story by Linda Castillo opens with boys being boys. In this case 12-year-old Aaron Kuhns and 11-year-old Kevin Dennison. Aaron is Amish, Kevin is not, and the respective families have had enough of their friendship and hanging out together. Each family has told their son to stop and keep away from the other kid. The boys, on the other hand, have a plan to address that problem and a couple of other things.
As will happen, things go wrong, and soon the boys are lost in the Ohio wilderness somewhere outside of Painters Mill. For Chief of Police Kate Burkholder and her small police force, the hunt is on to find the missing boys before the worsening winter weather turns their mission into one of recovering bodies.
This recently released short story includes an excerpt preview of the upcoming novel, Outsider. That preview consists only of the prologue of the next book and does nothing at all to promote it.
The Pact: A Kate Burkholder Story is a solidly good short story that uses a frequent theme of this series—kids in danger. It ties into another frequent theme of the series regarding how it is to young and Amish in this day and age. Both are at work in this fast-paced mystery short story.
Nearly everyone central in this series makes an appearance as does a potential new character that very well could have a solid place going forward. An enjoyable and fast read, The Pact: A Kate Burkholder Story is well worth your attention.
Picked up to read and review using funds in my Amazon Associate account. I am a big fan of this series and do have the new one, Outsider, on my hold list at the local library. However, with the library system remaining shuttered as it has been since the middle of March, I do not have much faith in being able to get the read through them.
Kevin R. Tipple ©2020
As will happen, things go wrong, and soon the boys are lost in the Ohio wilderness somewhere outside of Painters Mill. For Chief of Police Kate Burkholder and her small police force, the hunt is on to find the missing boys before the worsening winter weather turns their mission into one of recovering bodies.
This recently released short story includes an excerpt preview of the upcoming novel, Outsider. That preview consists only of the prologue of the next book and does nothing at all to promote it.
The Pact: A Kate Burkholder Story is a solidly good short story that uses a frequent theme of this series—kids in danger. It ties into another frequent theme of the series regarding how it is to young and Amish in this day and age. Both are at work in this fast-paced mystery short story.
Nearly everyone central in this series makes an appearance as does a potential new character that very well could have a solid place going forward. An enjoyable and fast read, The Pact: A Kate Burkholder Story is well worth your attention.
Picked up to read and review using funds in my Amazon Associate account. I am a big fan of this series and do have the new one, Outsider, on my hold list at the local library. However, with the library system remaining shuttered as it has been since the middle of March, I do not have much faith in being able to get the read through them.
Kevin R. Tipple ©2020
June 6, 2020
The Pact is a very intense mystery written by Linda Castillo in her Kate Burkholder series. This is a short story but full of suspense, mystery, and the Amish. The characters a very likeable and will either make you laugh or cry. I absolutely loved the two young boys Aaron who is Amish and Kevin an Englisher. The journey they take is terrifying at times. This story will definitely keep the readers interest and have them sitting on the edge of their seats. In this story you will find a superstition that sets the boys journey in place. I loved the ending for many reasons but if I reveal them it could spoil the story for others
I was not given a complimentary copy of this story to read and review. I was not expected to post a favorable response. All opinions are my own. I have rated this story with five stars for meeting my expectations of a great mini mystery.
Congratulations to Linda Castillo for releasing another intriguing mystery for her faithful readers.
I was not given a complimentary copy of this story to read and review. I was not expected to post a favorable response. All opinions are my own. I have rated this story with five stars for meeting my expectations of a great mini mystery.
Congratulations to Linda Castillo for releasing another intriguing mystery for her faithful readers.
January 9, 2022
Aaron, an Amish boy and Kevin, an English boy have become friends, very close friends, but Kevin’s father is against that relationship. The boys have decided to become blood brothers, and they have a quest to fulfill. They are going to rescue an illegally penned up deer. But things go awry, the boys go missing, and an extreme winter storm is setting in. The distraught parents seek help from Chief Kate Burkholder and her team. It is a tense situation that becomes increasing worse. This short novella lacks for nothing. It has a great plot, well developed characters, an engrossing setting, and more. I am amazed at the masterful writing of Linda Castillo, who makes every word count, not only to tell a story, but also to deliver a moral message. She has written an suspenseful story that is entertaining as well as thought provoking.
April 29, 2020
Intensifying
I always love reading the Kate Burkholder short stories leading up to the release of the new Kate Burkholder series book. Because of the intensity of these short stories I feel like I've just read a book in the series and am ready for the next book without the long wait. This Kate Burkholder short story is centered around two missing boys and the need to find them quick. Will Kate find them in time? You will have to read it to find out.
I always love reading the Kate Burkholder short stories leading up to the release of the new Kate Burkholder series book. Because of the intensity of these short stories I feel like I've just read a book in the series and am ready for the next book without the long wait. This Kate Burkholder short story is centered around two missing boys and the need to find them quick. Will Kate find them in time? You will have to read it to find out.
May 17, 2020
The Pact by Linda Castillo is a short mystery in the Kate Burkholder series. The book takes no time at all to read, which means it is a great read to finish within a night. Kate being the chief was called out for two missing boys just after Thanksgiving. One boy is Amish and one book is English. That in itself raises the concern, but to add to it, there is the concern about a large winter storm moving in. The Pact by Linda Castillo was a great book to read…too short, but still a great book!
June 12, 2020
It goes without saying that I absolutely LOVED this novella! But then again, I have absolutely loved EVERY book from the Kate Burkholder series!
This series is like a fine wine...it just gets better with time! I was happy to read about a happy ending on this book!
Overall, great, quick read!
This series is like a fine wine...it just gets better with time! I was happy to read about a happy ending on this book!
Overall, great, quick read!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 284 reviews