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A Michael Sullivan Mystery #1
Hidden Part One: A riveting and suspenseful western mystery
A Marine returns home after suffering wounds from an RPG blast that killed many of his squad members, including his best friend. He now faces brutal battles at home. Sully’s parents are estranged, his father is an invalid, and the family ranch is nearing bankruptcy. Murdering thieves are stealing champion horses and disappearing into the desert like ghosts. While attempting to make peace with his abusive father, Sully discovers the shocking secrets that drove his parents apart. Deeply resentful, he works with his father solely for the survival of the ranch. Sully finds comfort in Maggie, the mother of a young marine killed in action. Despite their age difference, he connects with her in a way he never thought possible. When a close friend is murdered, Sully and his Paiute companion track down the renegades. The epic violence that waits in the desert will test their survival skills—skills they never thought they’d use on American soil.
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Published January 15, 2024
247 people are currently reading
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About the author
Linda Berry
12 books280 followersLinda Berry is the author of nine Amazon bestselling novels in the categories of psychological thrillers, female sleuths, and murder mysteries.
What does Linda love most about her work?
"As a novelist, I love the creative process itself—the challenge of developing and constructing plots that include mystery, romance, and suspense, told in beautiful prose. Writing is both a passion and a compulsion, and the most satisfying form of escape I’ve ever experienced. My greatest reward comes from sharing my imaginary worlds with others who enjoy taking the journey. If readers talk about my characters as though they are real people, I know I did my job well."
Most notably, is Linda's Sidney Becker Mysteries series, set in the mountain community of Garnerville, OR. The seven-book series is perfect for readers who love small-town procedurals, strong female law enforcement leads, and psychological suspense. Linda does intensive research to ensure the themes of her novels are informative, her characters are unique, and the stories are captivating and original. One of her most trusted editors has twenty years of law enforcement experience, ensuring that the police protocol is accurate.
Before she was a full-time author, Linda enjoyed a twenty-five-year career as an award-winning graphic designer and copywriter. In Los Angeles, she provided design services for several magazines and movie studios. Later, she moved to the San Francisco Bay Area, and Hewlett Packard and Fujitsu were among her many clients. Linda was also an award-winning Art Director for South Bay Accent magazine for six years.
Linda currently lives in Virginia with her husband and adorable mini poodle. A passionate animal and nature lover, her garden provides a safe sanctuary for a wide variety of birds, bees, butterflies and other pollinators. She also loves to cook healthy meals, visit historical sites, and walk in the forests by rivers and lakes.
What does Linda love most about her work?
"As a novelist, I love the creative process itself—the challenge of developing and constructing plots that include mystery, romance, and suspense, told in beautiful prose. Writing is both a passion and a compulsion, and the most satisfying form of escape I’ve ever experienced. My greatest reward comes from sharing my imaginary worlds with others who enjoy taking the journey. If readers talk about my characters as though they are real people, I know I did my job well."
Most notably, is Linda's Sidney Becker Mysteries series, set in the mountain community of Garnerville, OR. The seven-book series is perfect for readers who love small-town procedurals, strong female law enforcement leads, and psychological suspense. Linda does intensive research to ensure the themes of her novels are informative, her characters are unique, and the stories are captivating and original. One of her most trusted editors has twenty years of law enforcement experience, ensuring that the police protocol is accurate.
Before she was a full-time author, Linda enjoyed a twenty-five-year career as an award-winning graphic designer and copywriter. In Los Angeles, she provided design services for several magazines and movie studios. Later, she moved to the San Francisco Bay Area, and Hewlett Packard and Fujitsu were among her many clients. Linda was also an award-winning Art Director for South Bay Accent magazine for six years.
Linda currently lives in Virginia with her husband and adorable mini poodle. A passionate animal and nature lover, her garden provides a safe sanctuary for a wide variety of birds, bees, butterflies and other pollinators. She also loves to cook healthy meals, visit historical sites, and walk in the forests by rivers and lakes.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
February 23, 2017
Beautiful story, and very well written, I couldn't help but follow Sully's journey with deep interest and compassion for what he is going through. The relationship with his father tore at me. I received a copy as an ARC and highly recommend this story.
January 15, 2020
Excellent story so far....
I read the blurb for “Hidden, part 1” By Linda Berry when the novel appeared on a website offering short time special deals on notable books. The cover blurb indicated that 99¢ might be well spent. Always a miser with my book money I DL’ed and read a sample to my Kindle and was captivated by the main character, Sully, and his story.
The book opens with Sully, a recently discharged Marine who suffered wounds from a RPG blast that killed many of his squad members, including his best friend, arriving back home on Oregon at the family ranch. Before enlisting in the Marines, Sully had been a highly ranked rodeo competitor. He learned everything he knew about horses, hard taught from his father Joe, once a bronc riding champion,also. Now, Sully goes back to a ranch almost abandoned. His father is in a nursing home after suffering a stroke, and his mother separated from her abusive, argumentative and authoritarian husband. Only a faithful ranch hand has kept the property from abandonment. Sully resolves to get the property back running, raising , training and selling rodeo stock, and paying off debt. He also wants his parent back together.
It might sound like it in this brief summary, but “ Hidden” is not a soap opera on the ranch. MS. Berry rises above that by giving the reader interesting characters, not just Sully, but all of them, opening their lives up to the reader in absorbing prose. Her descriptions of ranch life on the high plains are often eloquent. There is a great deal more to the story than in this synopsis : someone is stealing prime livestock from area ranches, and a neighbor of Sully has been shot down by the thieves. A drifting rodeo bull rider, Justin, down on his luck after being robbed and beaten by thugs in a scene reminiscent of “ The Hustler” plays an important part in the story line. Sully’ s discovery of what caused the rift between is parents nearly destroys him.
“Hidden, Part 1” is an absorbing drama, and I recommend it without any reservation, not even the sense of incompleteness. The reader is forewarned that this novel is followed by, and I trust, finished by the available part 2. I had neverheard of not read Linda Berry before but she is definitely worth your book time and dollar.
Nothing objectionable in content.
I read the blurb for “Hidden, part 1” By Linda Berry when the novel appeared on a website offering short time special deals on notable books. The cover blurb indicated that 99¢ might be well spent. Always a miser with my book money I DL’ed and read a sample to my Kindle and was captivated by the main character, Sully, and his story.
The book opens with Sully, a recently discharged Marine who suffered wounds from a RPG blast that killed many of his squad members, including his best friend, arriving back home on Oregon at the family ranch. Before enlisting in the Marines, Sully had been a highly ranked rodeo competitor. He learned everything he knew about horses, hard taught from his father Joe, once a bronc riding champion,also. Now, Sully goes back to a ranch almost abandoned. His father is in a nursing home after suffering a stroke, and his mother separated from her abusive, argumentative and authoritarian husband. Only a faithful ranch hand has kept the property from abandonment. Sully resolves to get the property back running, raising , training and selling rodeo stock, and paying off debt. He also wants his parent back together.
It might sound like it in this brief summary, but “ Hidden” is not a soap opera on the ranch. MS. Berry rises above that by giving the reader interesting characters, not just Sully, but all of them, opening their lives up to the reader in absorbing prose. Her descriptions of ranch life on the high plains are often eloquent. There is a great deal more to the story than in this synopsis : someone is stealing prime livestock from area ranches, and a neighbor of Sully has been shot down by the thieves. A drifting rodeo bull rider, Justin, down on his luck after being robbed and beaten by thugs in a scene reminiscent of “ The Hustler” plays an important part in the story line. Sully’ s discovery of what caused the rift between is parents nearly destroys him.
“Hidden, Part 1” is an absorbing drama, and I recommend it without any reservation, not even the sense of incompleteness. The reader is forewarned that this novel is followed by, and I trust, finished by the available part 2. I had neverheard of not read Linda Berry before but she is definitely worth your book time and dollar.
Nothing objectionable in content.
June 5, 2018
Before I get into what I thought of the book(s) a couple of disclaimers, firstly this review covers both part 1 and part 2 of the 'Hidden' story by Linda Berry, and secondly I received complimentary copies of both books from the author, however I have voluntarily written this honest review.
OK, so why have I written one review for both books? well, taken together the two books tell a complete story, but taken in isolation the first book finishes on a huge cliffhanger, and the second book rather suffers from a lack of important character development which is covered in part 1. So bear this in mind when reading the rest of this review.
The plot is really quite epic, telling the story of two young men in the modern day west of the USA, one a ranger in the US army, back from active service and the other an orphan who is a great bull rider in rodeos. There are a lot of themes covered in the books, including difficult family relationships, love, physical abuse of wives and children, betrayal but also friendship, reconciliation and forgiveness. All this is set against a beautifully described ranch country.
I thought that the characters are great, all very well written and very different but believable personalities who span the spectrum of human strengths and weaknesses.
Horses form quite a large element in this story, and I have to admit that I did struggle with the US equine terminology used, which is completely different to that used in the UK, so that I frequently had to stop and look up a term to understand what it meant.
But taken overall the tale is very exciting, uplifting and a pleasure to read, especially if both parts are read together.
OK, so why have I written one review for both books? well, taken together the two books tell a complete story, but taken in isolation the first book finishes on a huge cliffhanger, and the second book rather suffers from a lack of important character development which is covered in part 1. So bear this in mind when reading the rest of this review.
The plot is really quite epic, telling the story of two young men in the modern day west of the USA, one a ranger in the US army, back from active service and the other an orphan who is a great bull rider in rodeos. There are a lot of themes covered in the books, including difficult family relationships, love, physical abuse of wives and children, betrayal but also friendship, reconciliation and forgiveness. All this is set against a beautifully described ranch country.
I thought that the characters are great, all very well written and very different but believable personalities who span the spectrum of human strengths and weaknesses.
Horses form quite a large element in this story, and I have to admit that I did struggle with the US equine terminology used, which is completely different to that used in the UK, so that I frequently had to stop and look up a term to understand what it meant.
But taken overall the tale is very exciting, uplifting and a pleasure to read, especially if both parts are read together.
March 22, 2024
I read and loved Ms. Berry’s Sidney Becker series. After reading several mundane books and searching for something to read, I decided to try another Linda Berry book - hence, my reading of Michael Sullivan book 1. Totally different than I expected. Such a myriad of complex characters that pulled me into several storylines, wondering how they would come together. I greatly enjoyed Ms. Berry’s writing style in this book. Beautifully written, I was completely pulled into each character, each story.
I’m now on book 2, I am totally sucked into this wonderfully woven storyline and can’t put the book down.
I highly recommend this emotionally charged book. I have felt every emotion possible reading this very well written book.
I’m now on book 2, I am totally sucked into this wonderfully woven storyline and can’t put the book down.
I highly recommend this emotionally charged book. I have felt every emotion possible reading this very well written book.
January 31, 2017
If the measure of a great novel is that you want to keep turning the pages, then "Hidden" is a smashing success! Berry has created a cast of richly detailed characters—some we empathize with from the first moments we meet them, others we loath with a feral intensity. But what makes "Hidden" especially enjoyable is the beautiful Oregon scenery combined with a tense and compelling plot. Sully, a Marine veteran, returns home hoping to recover from the violence he has witnessed and been a party to. But a ring of horse thieves has a different plan, and soon Sully is forced to fight for his life and that of his father. Five stars and highly recommended!
May 13, 2017
I want more! I've never been a fan of the whole "western" or "cowboy" genre, but this novel hit a sweet spot. Maybe it was the descriptive Pacific Northwest setting; maybe it was the humanly flawed characters that felt like they could be my own family or friends... or adversaries; maybe it was the tightly woven storyline which kept me turning page after page long after I should have been in bed; or maybe it was just that this is simply a darn good read. All I know is, I want more! Hidden: Part 2 can't come soon enough.
February 28, 2018
HIDDEN by Linda Berry. Part 1
Author has captured a haunting plot of one who comes home, with battle scars on the body and within. To find the ranch, was sliding into bankruptcy.. his father ill tempered, from a stroke and secrets. Mother leaving, seemed to be the core of when everything started to slide. Can Sully find the peace he needs himself, and then the healing for the family. It is a tender, touching story, of a past that needs to mend to have a future . Looking forward to part 2. Readers definitely will be touched by this story.
Author has captured a haunting plot of one who comes home, with battle scars on the body and within. To find the ranch, was sliding into bankruptcy.. his father ill tempered, from a stroke and secrets. Mother leaving, seemed to be the core of when everything started to slide. Can Sully find the peace he needs himself, and then the healing for the family. It is a tender, touching story, of a past that needs to mend to have a future . Looking forward to part 2. Readers definitely will be touched by this story.
March 21, 2017
Hidden is a beautifully-told story. The author has brought to life a rich cast of characters that we immediately identify with. We understand their fragility, struggles, dreams, suffering, and joys. Sully, a returning Marine who is wounded physically and emotionally, is a man who embraces good values to the core, but he is often pitted against vile people and circumstances that test his integrity. Justin is a product of foster homes, and is struggling to find his way in life through a minefield of temptations. The reader accompanies them on their journeys, experiencing first hand their challenges, sometimes holding our breath, waiting to see what unfolds. Their struggles are set against stunning Oregon scenery. I was sorry when the book ended. These characters had become my friends. Can’t wait for Part Two.
September 8, 2020
Hidden Part One: A Michael Sullivan Mystery
Sully was a Marine that was coming home from overseas where he not only was injured but had lost his best friend. His father had had a stroke six months ago, and he really didn't know what kind of situation that awaited him. What he found baffled him totally. Who was stealing prized horses and murdering his neighbors? This was something new, and it just might have to change, in a hurry!
Sully was a Marine that was coming home from overseas where he not only was injured but had lost his best friend. His father had had a stroke six months ago, and he really didn't know what kind of situation that awaited him. What he found baffled him totally. Who was stealing prized horses and murdering his neighbors? This was something new, and it just might have to change, in a hurry!
March 3, 2018
Great story line. A story of Sully returning from the war in Afghanistan to work the family ranch.
Horse thieves, murder, a torn family.
A second storyline of Travis who was raised in multiple foster homes. He is a bull rider and takes a job at the ranch of a very famous former bull rider.
This was part one and leaves you yearning to read Hidden part 2.
Horse thieves, murder, a torn family.
A second storyline of Travis who was raised in multiple foster homes. He is a bull rider and takes a job at the ranch of a very famous former bull rider.
This was part one and leaves you yearning to read Hidden part 2.
September 22, 2021
Good story
A story of a disrupted family. A broken marriage due to infidelity. A son back from the war in Afghanistan as the leader saddened by the lives lost. His father having had a severe stroke left his son to repair the ranch. Missing horses never found. Death and mayhem finished the tsle.
A story of a disrupted family. A broken marriage due to infidelity. A son back from the war in Afghanistan as the leader saddened by the lives lost. His father having had a severe stroke left his son to repair the ranch. Missing horses never found. Death and mayhem finished the tsle.
March 20, 2017
The book Hidden challenges the reader to look at the harsh realities of life, love, war and loss.. The characters were well developed, making it easy to understand their emotions. The author beautifully describes the inner conflict experienced by the main character...after having lived in two different worlds, each with it's own struggles. This heartwarming story does not focus on murder, hatred or violence, a most refreshing change. I want to say that once I began reading Hidden... I had a hard time putting it down. Having grown up on a farm.. I found myself remembering the struggles my parents went through, in order to survive. I am looking forward to Part II
May 17, 2020
What a incredibly good story!
Loved this book, coming from a long line of ranchers and growing up with rodeo, this story was awesome! I wondered for a while how it all for together! Can't wait to read part two!
Loved this book, coming from a long line of ranchers and growing up with rodeo, this story was awesome! I wondered for a while how it all for together! Can't wait to read part two!
May 20, 2020
Sully Comes Home
This story has me hooked from page one. It captured the feelings of how a man served his country and returned home to serve his aging parents, and jumps right into trying to save the horses that he loves from thieves. I would recommend this good read to everyone.
This story has me hooked from page one. It captured the feelings of how a man served his country and returned home to serve his aging parents, and jumps right into trying to save the horses that he loves from thieves. I would recommend this good read to everyone.
August 21, 2020
Different Homecoming
This is about a man returning home after being hurt during war service. He returned to find his father in a nursing home. His mother moved. He finds out he has a stepbrother. Love on the ranch is different. Can't wait to read book two for ending.
This is about a man returning home after being hurt during war service. He returned to find his father in a nursing home. His mother moved. He finds out he has a stepbrother. Love on the ranch is different. Can't wait to read book two for ending.
September 11, 2020
Loved this book
Be sure to add this author to your favorites list. First book I have read ok f hers, it won't be the last. Great plot, fast moving and real live characters. Thank you Ms. Berry. I thoroughly enjoyed your book. Blessings
Be sure to add this author to your favorites list. First book I have read ok f hers, it won't be the last. Great plot, fast moving and real live characters. Thank you Ms. Berry. I thoroughly enjoyed your book. Blessings
August 15, 2021
Rustling, murder and rodeo
As an wounded marine returns home, prize horses are rustled from several ranches and a rancher is murdered. With all this happening a brother he has never heard of is following in the rodeo footsteps fo their father.
As an wounded marine returns home, prize horses are rustled from several ranches and a rancher is murdered. With all this happening a brother he has never heard of is following in the rodeo footsteps fo their father.
February 13, 2023
Disappointing
Very well written, but stops right in the middle of the action. I didn't realize it was only the first half of the book. I don't read "continued" stories intentionally. .
Very well written, but stops right in the middle of the action. I didn't realize it was only the first half of the book. I don't read "continued" stories intentionally. .
February 24, 2023
Bad way to end a book.
Disappointed with the end of the book. Leaves you hanging with no conclusion. Wouldn't have started the book if I had known that it wasn't a stand alone book.
Disappointed with the end of the book. Leaves you hanging with no conclusion. Wouldn't have started the book if I had known that it wasn't a stand alone book.
March 8, 2018
another well written book by Linda Berry. Great story line. another book worth getting for your library.
August 17, 2019
A marine back from Middle East returns to his family ranch.
September 18, 2019
Horses horses horses & bulls
I've been reading city stuff so long I forgot how much I love horses, rodeos and cowboys. This plot is tantalizing and engrossing.
I've been reading city stuff so long I forgot how much I love horses, rodeos and cowboys. This plot is tantalizing and engrossing.
September 23, 2019
Cliff hanger
The book just ends mid story. Don’t bother unless you want to read anther book that may or may not have an ending
The book just ends mid story. Don’t bother unless you want to read anther book that may or may not have an ending
January 17, 2020
Hidden part one
Super book, but I hate the cliff hanger. Great story so far though
Wish it had an ending. I really hate cliff hangers and wish I had not gotten hooked up with one
Super book, but I hate the cliff hanger. Great story so far though
Wish it had an ending. I really hate cliff hangers and wish I had not gotten hooked up with one
February 29, 2020
Good
a book that brings you to understand how when a mearine comes home from war learns his ranch is trouble.
a book that brings you to understand how when a mearine comes home from war learns his ranch is trouble.
May 17, 2020
Good mystery, but I hate books without an ending. Now I have to read part two.
May 25, 2020
Loved this book. Just started on Book 2. Can't wait to see how it ends.
June 14, 2020
Ranching and rodeo
Two line are in this book. One a man home from the service to the family ranch. The other working on rodeo skills. Cannot put it down. Not on to part two.
Two line are in this book. One a man home from the service to the family ranch. The other working on rodeo skills. Cannot put it down. Not on to part two.
October 11, 2020
What a confusing, make that a missing plot
Suggestion - avoid this random, stream of consciousness! What a waste of space! Use of an editor would be a wasted effort!
Suggestion - avoid this random, stream of consciousness! What a waste of space! Use of an editor would be a wasted effort!
January 4, 2021
Discovery
A interesting story. I personally didn't care for the back and forth stories of Sully and Tucker. I was just getting into the story when it ended.
A interesting story. I personally didn't care for the back and forth stories of Sully and Tucker. I was just getting into the story when it ended.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews