SWORN TO SILENCE

Linda Castillo

Macmillan pbk £6.99

Released: December 2009

Reviewer: Keith Miles
 

Keith Miles is probably best recognised by readers under the pen name of Edward Marston. He writes several well-received historical mysteries spanning the 11th century through to the 19th century. His website is www.edwardmarston.com

 

In this stunning series debut, Linda Castillo takes us to the heart of an Amish community. Kate Burkholder, who renounced the Amish way of life, has returned to the area as Chief of Police. She nurses a dreadful secret and – when a series of brutal murders occurs – the past comes back to haunt her. While trying to run the investigations, she has to contend with political interference, people brought in from outside agencies and uncooperative members of her own family.  

Crackling tension is maintained throughout. For the most part, Kate tells her own story in first-person, present tense mode but the narrative changes cleverly to third-person, past tense whenever necessary. Aware of her shortcomings and her inexperience, Kate tries hard to conceal them. It’s only when she meets an unlikely kindred spirit that she’s able to reveal her psychological wounds.   

The novel builds to a terrific climax and – even though some loose ends are left hanging - there’s a sense of resolution. The one question that readers might find themselves asking is why – when the killer’s modus operandi is so revoltingly unusual – nobody has looked at the geography of the crimes before and joined up the dots. Highly recommended but not for those of nervous disposition.

 


 

 

 


 

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