Sworn to Silence (Kate Burkerholder Series-1)
Linda Castillo, 2009
St. Martin's Press
384 pp.
ISBN-13: 9780312597160
Summary
Some secrets are too terrible to reveal. Some crimes are too unspeakable to solve....
In Painters Mill, Ohio, the Amish and “English” residents have lived side by side for two centuries. But sixteen years ago, a series of brutal murders shattered the peaceful farming community. A young Amish girl named Kate Burkholder survived the terror of the Slaughterhouse Killer...but ultimately decided to leave her community.
A wealth of experience later, Kate has been asked to return to Painters Mill as chief of police. Her Amish roots and big-city law enforcement background make her the perfect candidate. She’s certain she’s come to terms with her past—until the first body is discovered in a snowy field.
Kate vows to stop the killer before he strikes again. But to do so, she must betray both her family and her Amish past—and expose a dark secret that could destroy her. (From the publisher.)
Author Bio
Bestselling author Linda Castillo knew at a very young age that she wanted to be a writer—and penned her first novel at the age of 13. She is the winner of numerous writing awards, including the Daphne du Maurier Award of Excellence, the Holt Medallion and a nomination for the prestigious RITA. She loves writing edgy stories that push the envelope and take her readers on a roller coaster ride of breathtaking romance and thrilling suspense.
Linda spins her tales of love and intrigue from her home in Dallas, Texas, where she lives with her husband and four lovable dogs. In her spare time she enjoys riding horses, especially trail riding, and dabbles in barrel racing. (From the publishers and author website.)
Book Reviews
Lovers of suspense will find no better novel to read this summer than Sworn to Silence, a teeth-chattering debut thriller from romance writer Linda Castillo.... This first in a series will delight fans of Chelsea Cain and Thomas Harris...compelling characters, excellent plotting and a hair-raising finale.
USA Today
Romance novelist Castillo, who grew up near Amish country, convincingly switches gears with this debut thriller, balancing chilling suspense and a nuanced portrait of the English-Amish divide. Starring a tough, complicated cop who speaks Pennsylvania Dutch as smoothly as she downs a vodka, Silence is the opening salvo in what promises to be a gripping series.
People
(Starred review.) [An] excellent first in a new suspense series from romance veteran Castillo…. Adept at creating characters with depth and nuance, Castillo smoothly integrates their backstories into a well-paced plot.
Publishers Weekly
This debut mystery… marks Castillo's move from romantic suspense to straight mystery, and judging by this novel, the move is a good one. Though the ending feels a bit rushed and serial killers abound in crime fiction today, this is very well done. —Jane Jorgenson
Library Journal
(Starred review.) [A] consistently chilling mystery debut.… Deeply flawed characters in a distinctive setting make this a crackling good series opener, recommended for fans of T. Jefferson Parker and Robert Ellis… who generate the same kind of chills and suspense. —Allison Block
Booklist
Discussion Questions
We'll add questions if and when they're issued by the publishers. In the meantime, use our LitLovers talking points to help start a discussion for SWORN TO SILENCE … then take off on your own:
1. How would you describe Kate Burkholder? What kind of character is she? Is she a likable heroine? What are her flaws...and do they overwhelm her more admirable qualities?
2. Follow-up to Question 1—Kate comes across as a woman of strength and integrity. When do you begin to see cracks in that facade? Why are they there?
3. Why did Kate abandon the Amish way of life? What is her current relationship with the community? What special insights does her Amish background give her as she pursues the murderer. Talk about the way in which she balances the opposing cultures of "English" and Amish.
4. What if anything have you learned about the Amish culture? What surprised you?
5. Four officers work under Kate Burkholder's direction—T.J., Glock, Skid, and Pickles. Does the author do a good job of drawing these secondary characters? Describe them—their strengths and weaknesses.
6. What about John Tomasetti. Is he a good cop? How does he initially view Kate… and what makes him change how he views her? Talk about his own past and the way it's impinged on his career and on this investigation in particular.
7. Kate makes some questionable choices as the mystery unfolds. What explanation can be given for those missteps?
8. Sworn to Silence contains graphic descriptions of murder and rape. Does the writing border on sensational… or are the descriptions necessary to further the plot? What do you think?
9. Were you surprised by the killer's identity? Does the book's ending satisfy? Or is it too predictable? If so, what did you know...and when did you know it? How well does Castillo plant her clues (they need to be planted but not obvious)?
10. What was your experience reading Sworn to Silence. The word "intense" is frequently used to describe the book. Did you find it too intense… or is the level of suspense just right?
(Questions by LitLovers. Please feel free to use them, online or off, with attribution. Thanks.)