Linda Castillo
Rage
In this gripping installment of the Edgar Award winning series, Chief of Police Kate Burkholder investigates a brutal double murder that takes her into the dark underbelly of society and exposes the dangers of Amish lives gone wrong.
The Writer’s Dossier 7/8/2025 – The Linda Castillo interview
DOSSIER: The Dossier greatly appreciates all of your social media likes & reposts! Based on your timeline (and your roots), we’ve noticed a few Ohio references. Being located in NW Ohio, Dossier researchers are naturally curious … have you ever been to Cedar Point or are you a Six Flags person? You have horses, so we know you’re an adrenaline junkie.
CASTILLO: I’m always pleased to see book/author/publishing related posts on social media and would love to see an even larger presence, hence all the reposts and likes. To answer your question . . . I’ve been to both Cedar Point and Six Flags and enjoyed both immensely (I’m a roller coaster girl!) No favorites here (though I must admit I’m a huge fan of Lake Erie!) And . . . about those horses, I have three appaloosas and I can tell you there’s no bigger thrill than a fast ride. I don’t really see that as an adrenaline junkie kind of thing, but just a love of horses and riding and the poetry of knowing all of the training has paid off and then some.
Hollywood called
DOSSIER: Film and TV star, Neve Campbell, portrayed your legendary book character Kate Burkholder in a Lifetime movie. When you were writing you 2009 novel, Sworn to Silence, did you consider that Julia Salinger from Party of Five or Sidney from Scream would play the lead from your series debut?
CASTILLO: Never in a million years! When I was writing SWORN TO SILENCE, I had no idea the book would be made into a movie. Neve Campbell was perfect for the role. Comparing the Party of Five Neve and the Neve of Scream fame, I have to say Scream wins out hands down. Kate Burkholder is a mature woman and I love it that Neve Campbell is the same and going strong.
Wake up … write
DOSSIER: Some writers have a treadmill desk, others stare longingly out onto sprawling wine vineyards. Where and when do you like to write? Is there a horse barn in your field of view or would all those beautiful Appaloosas distract you too much?
CASTILLO: When it comes to writing, I’m a butt in chair in my home office kind of girl. I’m also a morning person (by afternoon, brain is cooked.) If I feel like I need to break out of the routine (for any number of reasons) I’m always happy to relocate to a coffee shop. My biggest distraction (horses aside!) is the out of doors. I’m a huge lover of the land and being outside whether it’s mucking stalls or clearing deadfall or working in the garden is always a temptation—and a great way to recharge the battery. For me, it’s all about discipline and I definitely have my share of weak moments.
That 2024 Edgar Award
DOSSIER: Besides being featured on The Writer’s Dossier (we know, it’s a career highlight), you’ve also won endless awards and citations for your books. What award or blurb meant the most to you? Was it something at the beginning of your career that boosted your confidence or winning one of the big writing awards that put a spotlight on you?
CASTILLO: The career highlight of being featured on The Writer’s Dossier aside, I have to say being a double finalist and winning the Edgar in 2024 is probably the most meaningful. I’ve written thirty-nine novels and many short stories (no idea how all of that happened!) Seriously, though, writing is solitary and often (usually) difficult. As you well know, we writers work alone for months on end and sometimes we’re not sure if the story we’re pouring onto the page is working. We love it, of course, but like everything in this life that’s worth doing, it’s not easy and it’s not always fun. To have a novel recognized for such an esteemed award (and for all the world to see!) was a career highpoint and a tremendous honor.
The Last Word
DOSSIER: With your books being set in Amish country, is there a poignant moment you encountered in your research or something about the community you try to convey in your writing?
CASTILLO: I’m originally from Ohio—of course, the books are set in small-town Ohio—and despite having lived in Texas for more than half of my life, I’ll always have a soft spot for the Buckeye State. When I began the Kate Burkholder series, I had some preconceived notions about the Amish. It wasn’t until I spent some time with them that I truly began to learn (I’m still learning!) and understand. Getting to know people on a personal level (and calling them friend!) is incredibly meaningful and made me appreciate them all the more. Those relationships have enriched my writing and my life and helps me depict the Amish in an honest and respectful way.
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