I really like 'A Hidden Grave' among her short stories. The characters are vividly portrayed and the mystery keeps you hooked till the end. It's full of twists and turns that make it an exciting read.
Kate Burkholder is likely the main character. She's probably someone who has a connection to the Amish community, maybe she was raised in it or has some strong ties to it. And she's the one who gets involved in the mystery regarding the hidden secret.
In this short story, Kate Burkholder might be a complex character. She could be a person with a past that is somehow intertwined with the hidden secret. Maybe she has her own demons to face as she delves into the mystery. She could be a person who is respected in the community for her integrity and determination, and as she uncovers the secret, she has to make difficult decisions that will impact not only her but also those around her.
Kate Burkholder in 'A Gathering of Secrets: A Kate Burkholder Novel' is presumably the central figure. She may be a strong - willed individual who has a deep connection to the secrets that are being gathered. It's possible that she has a history within the community or setting of the story, and her actions and decisions are what drive the exploration and revelation of these secrets.
Another theme is the exploration of small - town life. Kate Burkholder often sets her stories in small - town environments. This allows her to explore the relationships between the characters, the secrets that can be hidden in such close - knit communities, and how the past can have an impact on the present. For instance, in 'The Dead Will Tell', the small - town setting plays a crucial role in the development of the mystery.
One way to understand this short story could be through its setting. If it's set in a small town, the 'dark company' could be some local troublemakers or a hidden criminal network that has been operating unnoticed. Kate Burkholder, being in this situation, may have to use her wits and skills to navigate through the problems. Her character traits like courage, intelligence and determination would play important roles in how the story unfolds. For instance, if she is a detective, she would be gathering evidence against the 'dark company' while facing various obstacles and threats.
One book that might be similar is 'The Silence of the Lambs' by Thomas Harris. It has a strong female protagonist dealing with complex criminal cases, much like Kate Burkholder in 'Gone Missing'.
I'm not sure specifically as I haven't read it yet. But generally, in Kate Burkholder short stories, there's often mystery and drama in an Amish - related setting. Maybe this one involves Kate uncovering a long - hidden family secret or something related to a crime in her community.
The nature of the hidden secret could vary greatly. It could be a secret identity, a conspiracy, or a hidden past that has a major impact on the characters' lives. The possibilities are endless and keep the readers engaged.
The hidden secret could be a mystery related to a crime or a personal drama. It's hard to say exactly without knowing the specific story.
One of her well - known short stories is 'The Story of an Hour'. It tells the story of a woman who upon hearing of her husband's death has a complex range of emotions, initially feeling a sense of freedom which is quite revolutionary for the time. Another great one is 'Desiree's Baby', which deals with themes of race, identity and motherhood in the context of the antebellum South.