Bestselling author Linda Castillo writes book with a local connection
By Kyle Valentini
June 27, 2014
1901
The Dover Public Library will host a program featuring New York Times bestselling author Linda Castillo Tuesday, July 8 at noon.
This will be my fourth trip to Dover, and after so many years, I feel as if I know some of the people in the area, either from the events or via correspondence, said Linda Castillo.
Castillo will discuss her latest thriller in the Kate Burkholder series, The Dead Will Tell.
Set in the fictitious town of Painters Mill in Holmes County, Ohio, the story opens with only a handful of the residents remembering the terrible secrets lost in timeand now death is stalking them, seemingly from the grave.
Everyone knew the old Hochstetler farm was haunted. Its one of my favorite lines in the book and it sets the tone for much of the story, said Castillo. This novel was an absolute blast to write. Its part mystery, part police proceduraland part ghost story, an aspect I really enjoyed.
Called to the scene of an apparent suicide, Chief of Police Kate Burkholder investigates when an old man is found hanging from the rafters in his dilapidated barn. Evidence quickly points to murder, and Burkholder finds herself chasing a difficult and elusive trail of evidence that somehow points back to the tragedy of that long ago incident.
Meanwhile, Burkholder has moved in with state agent John Tomasetti, and for the first time in a long time, they are both happy, a bliss quickly shattered when one of the men responsible for the murders of Tomasettis family four years ago is found not guilty and walks away a free man. Tomasetti could be pulled back to his own haunted past. When a second man is found deadalso seemingly by his own handBurkholder discovers a link in the case that sends the investigation in a direction no one could imagine, revealing the horrifying truth of what really happened that terrible night 35 years ago, when an Amish father and his four children perished and his young wife disappeared without a trace. As Burkholder knows, the past never truly dies.
The dual stories play off of each other and share some common themes that will give readers an intimate glimpse into the pasts of both characters, said Castillo.
The author of 27 novels, Castillo is the recipient of numerous industry awards, including the Daphne du Maurier Award of Excellence, the Holt Medallion, the Golden Heart and a nomination for the prestigious Rita. Her Amish-themed thrillers routinely appear on the New York Times bestseller list.
Castillo admits she gets inspiration from readers. I have, indeed, received some very good book ideas from readers. So many of my readers in the area are interested in the Amish culture, and they keep me up to date on the happenings in the area, including arrests and crimes, both of which are fascinating me to me as a writer, said Castillo. I can take just one small kernel of a true life event and, if the event (or crime) is interesting or unusual, or if the characters involved are remarkable in some way, I can embellish upon that and build an entire novel around the event.
Im originally from a small farming community it Western Ohio (population 79) so I always experience a sense of homecoming when I return, said Castillo. Theres no place in the world like Ohios Amish Country.
In her spare time Linda enjoys riding horses, especially trail riding, and dabbles in barrel racing. She resides in Texas with her husband, three dogs, a barn cat, and two Appaloosa horses.
Although admission to the author event is free, lunch is available for $5. A book signing will follow the program. Please call the Dover Public Library at 330-343-6123 for more information or to register.
