Crime in and around an Amish community

Linda Castillo has written six books in her New York Times bestselling Kate Burkholder series. Set in the town of Painters Mill, Ohio, the series follows the chief as she navigates crime around the Amish community, a closed world of which she is no longer a member.

Castillo has written Burkholder as a solid character with a firm understanding of her role in policing and in particular, one who carefully manages the relationship between the Amish and the rest of the community (the English.)

It’s not hard to understand why the Amish would become an excellent base for crime fiction. Largely private, if not secretive, their practices are relatively unknown to those outside of the community. Reality TV shows notwithstanding.

I’ve read the first four books and suggest you give the series a try. As an note, the first book Sworn to Silence, was made into a movie in 2013 starring Neve Campbell and titled: An Amish Murder. I haven’t seen it but based on Campbell’s previous movies I’d say the casting is likely a good fit.

Are you familiar with this series? Is there another series based on a religious community that you’ve read?

~ June Lorraine