Pretty Corpse

Lauren Starkley #1

by Linda Berry

1999: Lauren Starkley is a mother and one of San Francisco’s finest. Known for finding clues that others miss, she is pitted against a serial rapist targeting teenage girls, including a close friend of her daughter, Courtney. As Lauren gets closer to unraveling the truth, the danger to herself and her daughter escalates. Hunting him, Lauren becomes the hunted. Can Lauren find the rapist before Courtney is another Pretty Corpse?

Genres: Mystery, Thriller, Suspense

354 pages, Paperback

First published October 22, 2019

About the author

Linda 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.

Reviews

[Sarah Pettinato · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first thriller by Linda Berry and it was truly riveting. I got it for free in an adult reading program but I would have paid the full amount for it. I have read plenty of thrillers with a female cop protagonist and this was the best thus far. It had me on the edge of the couch, so to speak, and fully engaged in the plot. I highly recommend this book! Looking forward to the rest this wonderful author has to offer.

[Sharon Grow · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are interested in a really good novel involving a strong female police officer and suspense, then this is the one for you. San Francisco Officer Lauren Starkley and her partner are called to a scene where they find a nearly dead female who has been raped and strangled. At the scene, she sees a vague shadow through the trees and pursues who she believes might be the perpetrator. Shots are fired towards her and the man gets away. The victim is a teenager that attends the same school as Lauren’s daughter, Courtney. Even though she is not part of the investigation, Lauren continues to ask questions, unofficially, knowing that other young girls, including her daughter, may be at risk. We meet Lauren’s new love interest, Captain Jack Monetti, who is her boss. This relationship is new to them and they are still wondering how this is going to work. Things are even more complicated as Courtney is not pleased that her mother may be dating a cop. There is everything you could ask for in this book – mystery, romance, action and suspense as you watch the police going all out to stop this sadistic monster. Ms. Berry has written great characters that add so much to your involvement in the story line. (by paytonpuppy)

[Kylie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty Corpse by Linda Berry starts off kind of slow, and I struggled a bit to become fully engaged.
As I continued to read I became more engrossed in the story, dying to know who was behind the crimes and what the motivation was.
What I hadn't expected was a surprise love story, tangled in this web of secrecy and confusion.
Pretty Corpse if a very well written book, and is one I would highly suggest

[Dave Edlund · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is Linda Berry’s second thriller (if you haven’t read Hidden, Part I, it should be on your list), and once again she delivers a vivid and thoughtful plot with multidimensional characters. Well-conceived and intelligently executed, Pretty Corpse is a gripping police thriller. In Patrol Officer Lauren Starkley, Linda Berry gives us a strong and intelligent protagonist, one who is determined to see the job completed—even if that means jeopardizing her career. With a serial rapist prowling the streets of San Francisco, Starkley must outsmart the sadistic assailant before her daughter becomes the next victim. The pace and dialog both move along smartly. Pretty Corpse is a must-read for any fan of suspense and thrillers.

[Gabriel Land · Rating 4 out of 5]

Linda Berry deftly sets up a quaint if flawed family life (like anyone's isn't!) and juxtaposes that with tough police work trying to apprehend a depraved and sadistic predator. When the two sides collide, after considerable suspense, only one can keep walking the mean streets of San Francisco.

I appreciated this whodunit because it kept me guessing. I thought it got bogged down with a flashback but that's just me, I tend to favor pace over character development.

Well written mystery!

[Carmen Amato · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lauren Starkley is widowed single mom and a uniformed cop in San Francisco. She’s got a rebellious teen, a strained relationship with her own mom, a night-shift partner with family issues, and a crush on her boss. When she and her partner stumble on a series of strange sex crimes uncomfortably close to Lauren’s own neighborhood, she does a little detecting herself. Lauren earns official trouble for her efforts, but the high profile perpetrator’s unhealthy interest in herself and her daughter keeps her pulling at elusive clues. Lauren is a very relatable character; she’s tough and headstrong but lonely, too. This was an extremely well crafted police procedural with a solid sense of place, developed secondary characters, excellent dialogue-- especially between Lauren and her co-workers—and action sequences that are so gripping you’ll swear you hear Lauren’s ragged breathing as she encounters the evil that men do. The twisted motive was kept well hidden; don’t even try to guess. Highly recommended.

[Bonnye Reed · Rating 5 out of 5]

First in the Series 'Lauren Starkley', this police procedural is special. Linda Berry has several series, and they are all special, in their own light. It's 1999, and Police Officer Lauren Starkley is an experienced cop in a small bedroom community outside of San Francisco, CA, where the police are finding girls - 14-year-old high school freshmen girls chloroformed, kidnapped, raped, and posed for dead. Lauren's first case is, in fact, the third by this serial rapist though the first in her community. Lauren is the mother of a 14-year-old girl, a fellow student, and a friend of Melissa's. Unfortunately, Melissa will not be the last girl taken. The first fatality in this series of atrocities will not be a girl, but a fellow cop. I am pleased to recommend Linda Berry to friends and family. She writes a compelling, fast-action tale.

Reviewed on July 7, 2023, at Goodreads, AmazonSmile and BookBub. Could not post on B&N - said because of profanity? There are NO reviews on B&N. and not available at Kobo.

[Angela Petch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really, really good. I was hooked right from chapter one by Linda Berry’s pacey yet descriptive style. I believed in her characters – even the cameos – like the waitress: “an elderly Mae West look-alike whose plastic nametag read Dolly”. I’ve never visited “San Freaking-cisco” but the picture of this diverse city appealed to me so much, a visit there now has to be added to my bucket list.
The main theme of the book is creepy and worrying – the violent serial rapist with a pathological death fixation, preying on very young, innocent girls. But I admired the way the author manages to weave layer upon layer into the story so that the tension is upheld but at the same time not overworked. We have a very likable main character – Lauren Starkley, a strong heroine, a hardworking, conscientious Patrol Officer, whose commitment strengthens in her desire to track down the perpetrator, because of the real threat of harm to her own daughter, Courtney. Our heroine has her weaknesses, which bring her down to earth and stops her from being too good to be true. She has family problems to cope with as a single, widowed mother, a certain amount of pig-headedness in the way she does not want to lose control. Problems connecting to her domineering mother, grief as a widow and the usual balls to juggle with as a woman.
I loved the descriptions of “the other world that existed outside the station”…”; on a brief vacation at the end of the ordeal, … “a tangle of driftwood lay on the beach, limbs rising like fleshless bones from the moist ground…” and earlier on, numerous paintings of the city, including, “…It drenched the vehicles in clean morning light and backlit the liquid amber trees, transforming the leaves into stained glass.” This author knows how to write.
Those gentler brushstrokes served to heighten the shock of the scary parts. There were occasions when my heart hammered at the tension…what a good tele-film this book could be turned into.
So, although I started the book a little reluctantly – yet another given to me in exchange for an honest review - I was really grateful to be introduced to this new author and looked forward to the evenings when I could resume the story. She is an assured writer, in full control of her writing. I want to read more by her now. Congratulations, Linda Berry!

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pretty Corpse is a fast paced, gripping thriller with an intricate plot, full of twists and turn, and rich in highly emotional content.
The beauty of the book lies in the well defined, captivating characters. Their behaviour and their emotions are explored with compassion forming very realistic and interesting personas.
Lauren, the heroine, is a strong, compassionate, extremely intelligent woman. She pursues her dreams with constant energy and passion. She doesn’t search to excuse her mistakes, but bravely faces them, treasuring the lessons that life throws at her. Driven equally by intelligence and sensitivity, nothing can stop her. She is also a dedicated and loving mother, an affectionate daughter and a very loyal friend.
Courtney, her daughter, is a teenager torn between her willingness to explore life, typical of her age, and an underlying mature sensitivity reached too early due to the tragic loss of her father.
Together, Lauren and Courtney need to face a difficult (and dangerous) series of events, straining the delicate equilibrium of their little family. 
Lauren’s approach to Courtney’s antics and rebellious outbursts is measured and mature, evoking a strong sense of empathy in the readers.
Pretty Corpse, however, is also a sharp, gripping thriller. The scenes change continuously, populated by a variety of diverse characters. The pace is fast, with Lauren investigating frantically, against all odds. There are many layers within the story, creating a kaleidoscope of situations that give substance and complexity to the narration. 
Every side character has captivating peculiarities, all of them outlined with expert touches that give them life and entertain the reader. 
Friendship and camaraderie are very important in the general structure of the story. Lauren and her colleagues are connected by a very genuine, emotional relationship based on respect and mutual understanding. They all stand for each other, always ready to offer help but not excusing weakness or disrespect.
Lauren’s emotional journey and the intriguing mystery plot are extremely intertwined, resulting in a rich narration that makes every page beautiful to read beyond the obvious and well justified tension to find the solution of a detective story
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book. Opinions and comments are solely my own.

[D.B. Kennison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Linda Berry weaves a masterful tale of suspense in this novel heavy with police procedural details that reflect the time—1999. Set in beautiful San Francisco, the reader gets a glimpse of the grittier side of the city. Set nearly twenty years ago, we are reminded of how far we’ve come with science and technology and the challenges of crime solving years ago.

I quickly found myself pulled into protagonist Lauren Starkley’s world—a widowed cop raising a teenaged daughter, finding her way in what was still more of a man’s world back then, and dealing with crime on the late shift. She manages a multitude of roadblocks, both personally and professionally, all with grace and fortitude. Yes, she is a badass!

Murder and mayhem move the story along at a good clip as Lauren gets pulled into the dark world of a demented criminal. While working the night shift, the partners come upon a heinous crime scene that hits too close to home for Lauren. Someone is kidnapping and raping girls her daughter’s age, one victim is from her daughter’s class and that makes it personal. When the investigator in charge is slow to act, Lauren steps up and the real cat and mouse games begin.

Seamlessly, the complex characters, personal relationships, and criminal aspects of the book unfold, enmesh, and draw the reader in. The characters are multi-dimensional and realistic. And, that, coupled with an intriguing plot full of twists and turns, make this a must-read.

[Ingo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lent with Kindle Unlimited, as the blurb sounded interesting, but this looks like a DNF a few chapters in. Case is ok, but the MC is a Patrol Cop who is investigating the case alone, being told off by the case officer (female who does not like her, having worked a few months together as patrol cops).
Also the love interest is her superior, blah, both things alone are enough for me to not like this setup.
The book is also so far not current, but was originally written 2001, so probably no social media etc.
Will FF through the book to see wether it was updated or not, and how the situations play out.
Hate investigations where a single (female) person does work alone and goes places and in dangerous situations without telling anyone or leaving messages. If this happens, then this will be instant-DNF and 1 star from me.

2.5 stars, rounded up to 3 as the ending was good with a nice twist.
But no recommendation from me, too much normal Beat-Cop (Patrol-Officer) stuff, also playing in the time before smartphones and social media. Computer and mobile phones play a little role, but not enough. Also at one point the dreaded plot device of an out-of-power-mobile-phone is used.
And the MC goes to some places alone into danger, although it is well explained.
Not the page-turner I wanted, also a little love and romance I could have done without. As it is, it could have been a little shorter. Will not read another book by this author, not my style.

[Katie coriell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first read by Linda Berry, and I have to say, I was pleasantly surprised. It’s a really good slow burn—the kind of story that takes its time but keeps you hooked from start to finish. I was completely drawn in; it honestly felt like I was watching one of the crime shows I love, just in book form. The pacing, the tension, and the way the clues slowly came together made it hard to put down.

At first, I actually thought I was reading a book by Lucinda Berry—their names are so similar, and the cover looks like something she would pick. But about a few chapters in, I realized it wasn’t her because the writing style was totally different. Linda Berry writes in third person, while Lucinda usually uses multiple POVs, and that shift in style really stood out to me. It ended up being a nice change of pace and worked perfectly for this story.

The plot was well-developed, the writing was clean and engaging, and I felt like the story unfolded exactly how it should. Even though it started off slower, it built up beautifully and kept my attention the whole way through.

Overall, I think Linda Berry did an excellent job with this one. I’m glad for the mix-up, because now I’ve found another author I’ll definitely be reading again.

[Corine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lauren is a good police officer with a perfectly meshed partner, Steve. With a 14-year-old daughter, Lauren’s gut clenches when a second, then a third 14-year-old victim of near-strangulation and rape are reported. The latest one is much too close to her daughter, on the same soccer team.
Her partner is shot investigating the appearance of a fourth victim, too near where Lauren had had a confrontation with a pushy reporter and where she had been tormented with surrounding gunshots. Her fears for her own daughter mount as she realizes the rapist has been watching her.
Lauren is smart, determined, and persistent, and she finds some of the big breaks in the case but under extreme duress.
Linda Berry writes a detailed, in-depth police procedural story that draws the reader in to follow the characters and to cheer them on at every turn. Thank you, Linda, for a terrific experience!

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book by Linda Berry I have read. It won’t be the last. She brings a female police officer in who is able to hold her own but also push the barriers of working with so many men. She is also still able to show that side of her that wants love and try’s to get it. She has been grieving the death of her husband who also was a police officer. But she finally lets herself feel like she can let someone else in.
The killer in this loves young females at a reproductive age. He strangles them and dresses and lies them as if they are at their funeral. Very sick and apparently has some kind of death fetish.
It is intertwined with another killing of a police officer. Is it the same killer or a different one.
It was very good. I did not want to stop reading.
I won’t tell you anymore. Read it for yourself. I think you will like it.

[Connie Cockrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Linda Berry is a new to me author and I have to say, I’m glad I found her. Her book Pretty Corpse is a Police Thriller and a page turning read. I love her main character, police officer Lauren Starkly. A widow and a mother of a teenaged daughter, and a beat cop, Officer Starkly already has her hands full. Add in that the current serial killer has decided that both Lauren and her daughter Courtney are going to be his next targets, you have a nail-biting thriller in your hands.

I loved how realistic the police work is and anyone who’s raised a teen daughter, can catch all the nuances. The story is fast-paced and gritty. If you’re looking for a summer beach read, something for a rainy afternoon or a winter’s get away in front of the fireplace, this is your book!

[Chantelle Mc · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

I struggled slightly with the authors writing style in this novel. There seemed to be a rather large preoccupation with weight and appearance, and not just from the criminal regarding his victim profile. The relevance of a character ordering a cheeseburger needed to be discussed because she “isn’t scared to eat”, but only because she had lost weight, and every slight appearance of a character, even for one paragraph, required a discussion of their race and appearance.

The story itself was fine. It was exciting enough and definitely kept me intrigued, but it wasn’t exactly ground breaking. A serial kidnapper/rapist. A police partner killed on duty by his daughter’s criminal partner.

Not overly memorable, but it was enjoyable.

[C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this entire book. Great storyline and characters. Thank goodness Kindles weigh so little. I read waiting for doctor's appointments and when my husband's driving, at night before bed and every other spare minute. I'm so glad there are talented writers out there. This was my first Linda Berry book and I guarantee it won't be my last. Thank you, Linda, for giving me another author to add to my list. I WILL NEVER LEAVE A SPOILER. YOU WILL ONLY GET MY FEELINGS ABOUT A BOOK!!!

[Anne G. Kasaba · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book by a really talented author. A storyline that grips you by the throat and won’t let got and characters that are endearingly Tesla.

Young teens are being abducted and sexually assaulted in a ritualistic manner terrorizing the families in the area. Lauren Starkley is a patrol officer with a need to get this maniac off the streets. It’s not just because it’s her job, she also has a young teen daughter to protect.

I received an arc of this book and voluntarily provided a review.

[Quanita · Rating 5 out of 5]

When teen girls start showing up drugged, nude, and their faces painted white the police know they have a serial 'something' on their hands. The girls are alive, with odd marks on their necks, and a strange fragrance on their skin. Who ever he is - he's not a killer or true rapist. What is he? When a police officer is killed at one of the scenes, the case takes on an urgency felt by all. Lots of red herrings. I was gifted this from the author.

[Toni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Addicted to this author!

I tried so hard to read this one slowly since it was the last book available to read by this author but it was just too good! I know writing a book is a long process but I’ll be anxiously waiting for her next release.

Her characters are so well developed, the pacing is perfect, and the story just swoops in and carries you off. I have no idea what I’m going to read now!

[India Kells · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good!! I was lucky enough to get a copy of this page-turner and couldn't put it down! It's the type of story that grips you to the core and wouldn't let you go. Mystery, thriller, and one thing I like is the main protagonist. Her description of police work is also is a bonus! Exciting and fast-paced, you will love it!

[Rebecca Morean · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first Linda Berry novel and I am so glad to have found her! This novel was gritty, tightly plotted and written, with real people and dealt with a series of murders. A real page turner and totally engrossing. Lauren, our hero is a mom, a cop, and must negotiate both worlds to protect the people she loves.

[Constance Norgaard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pretty Corpse by Linda Berry

An exciting ride with a very dedicated police women. A serial rapist, teenage abductions, and one teenage daughter to watch closely. Finding the abductor was especially nerve racking but a thrill. Family dynamics a plenty and interesting co-,workers. The thrill of hunting was the most exciting. Please read it's a great book!

[David S. Hager · Rating 5 out of 5]

More than Pretty Good

Surprisingly good book. Held my attention throughout. Well drawn characters. The last chapter was a little weak but that may just be a male perspective. But Lauren deserves to ride again. The female patrol cop was at her best "On Duty" on the streets of San Francisco.

[Tweety · Rating 4 out of 5]

Happy finally

Finally a happy ending 🤗 to a good book. Also the murder got solved!! Was about to give up, all sad and dreary endings ruins the story line. Can't wait to see how this romance goes with her being promoted and changing precincts..
Hope her and Jack stay together at least for awhile..Glad her daughter came around, she has a mom to be proud of👍🤗
Tweety🐦🐦

[Antigone Walsh · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ugh

Although I loved another of the author's series this look one left me cold. It is boring with Lauren running around like robo cop, juggling her tiresome domestic drama, and lusting after her boss. It is tedious and she is both uninteresting and unlikable. The mysteries are choppy. Unsatisfactory.

[Gail · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first book by this author. I was definitely not disappointed. I enjoy a mystery / suspense read that keeps me guessing until the end. This book delivered just that. I was engaged with the story from the first scene. I plan on continuing this series and reading other books by this author.

[Mette Barfelt · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great read!
I love this book. It has it all - mystery, action and love. And family, that I like.
The main protagonist Lauren is a strong woman, and I like her relationship with her daughter.
The book is well written!

[K.D. Marley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book with twists and turns!

I loved the characters, and their depth. Parallel plots kept it fast moving and interesting. Anyone who enjoys police mysteries will love it! Highly recommended.

[Sammye · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this arc in exchange for an honest review. This is the first book that I have read by this author and it won’t be the last !! It grabbed me from the first page. It’s full of suspense and mystery. I loved it !