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Sidney Becker #1
The Killing Woods
(Formerly published as Girl with the Origami Butterfly)
Homicide Detective Sidney Becker is burned out. After years of investigations in a big city, she’s haunted by grisly crime scenes. Fleeing the stress of the job and a failed relationship, she accepts the position of police chief in her hometown—a peaceful mountain community in Oregon.
Life is good. Beautiful scenery. Low crime. Close to family.
Then a woman is found brutally murdered in the woods. The staging of the body is chilling, and resembles a victim found in the same area years earlier. The case went cold.
Now the killer has come out of hiding.
The case instantly becomes intensely personal for Sidney. Garnerville is a small community. Folks know each other. It’s unnerving to imagine that a neighbor could be a murderer, hiding in plain sight.
As she conducts her investigation with her small force of three officers, Sidney finds she is pitted against a killer more cunning than any she has faced before. The man is ruthless, and plans each murder to the smallest detail. The only clue found at the crime scene is an origami butterfly planted on the victim. Inside is a handwritten verse.
Sidney must decode his cryptic message and lure him into the open—before he strikes again.
Homicide Detective Sidney Becker is burned out. After years of investigations in a big city, she’s haunted by grisly crime scenes. Fleeing the stress of the job and a failed relationship, she accepts the position of police chief in her hometown—a peaceful mountain community in Oregon.
Life is good. Beautiful scenery. Low crime. Close to family.
Then a woman is found brutally murdered in the woods. The staging of the body is chilling, and resembles a victim found in the same area years earlier. The case went cold.
Now the killer has come out of hiding.
The case instantly becomes intensely personal for Sidney. Garnerville is a small community. Folks know each other. It’s unnerving to imagine that a neighbor could be a murderer, hiding in plain sight.
As she conducts her investigation with her small force of three officers, Sidney finds she is pitted against a killer more cunning than any she has faced before. The man is ruthless, and plans each murder to the smallest detail. The only clue found at the crime scene is an origami butterfly planted on the victim. Inside is a handwritten verse.
Sidney must decode his cryptic message and lure him into the open—before he strikes again.
311 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 18, 2018
1665 people are currently reading
1209 people want to read
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 188 reviews
February 10, 2020
I’d never heard of Linda Berry before and grabbed this on spec.Apparently she has published quite a few books. It showed. The writing was polished in this, the opening story of what I hope will be a nice long series.
Sidney Becker, jaded after years as a city homicide cop moves to small town Garnerville in Oregon to take up the position of police chief. Its supposed to be quiet, low crime, no dramas. But no, a brutal killing shakes up the sleepy town and Sidney and her three officers must pull out all stops to solve this one. The killing seems to be an exact copy of a murder three years earlier.which was never solved. Sidney’s team starts at the beginning again to try to find the link between the two women and the two deaths. Soon another murder is added to mix. Unfortunately, it is really hard to narrow down the suspect list.
This was cleverly plotted and featured a believable and likeable cast of characters who went about their jobs in a professional manner. I enjoyed this book and will surely read the sequel soon.
Sidney Becker, jaded after years as a city homicide cop moves to small town Garnerville in Oregon to take up the position of police chief. Its supposed to be quiet, low crime, no dramas. But no, a brutal killing shakes up the sleepy town and Sidney and her three officers must pull out all stops to solve this one. The killing seems to be an exact copy of a murder three years earlier.which was never solved. Sidney’s team starts at the beginning again to try to find the link between the two women and the two deaths. Soon another murder is added to mix. Unfortunately, it is really hard to narrow down the suspect list.
This was cleverly plotted and featured a believable and likeable cast of characters who went about their jobs in a professional manner. I enjoyed this book and will surely read the sequel soon.
May 12, 2019
There was one piece that kept jumping out at me and I was surprised the main character, Detective Sidney Becker, did not catch it. After all, she was an experienced homicide detective. However, other than that, I thought this was a very good serial killer/murder mystery. The secondary characters were well-developed and added to the story. It was a great, suspenseful read. Actually, I enjoyed the book so much, that I'm starting the second book next.
May 24, 2019
Excellent start to a new-to-me series.
August 10, 2020
Pissed me off. Its a good book, but I bought this and found out it was a book I had read with a new title.
April 28, 2019
A romance-mystery for Gen X-ers and older Millennials
The mystery is the backbone from which hangs the tale of three lovely women who meet three handsome men. A rather heavy-footed do-si-do showcases the couples-to-be. Speaking as a mystery-police procedural aficionado, this book has too much angst and feels, especially during a women’s therapy group. The civilian women’s lives are threatened, which leads to drama and even melodrama.
The murder mystery itself is good, but it’s light on the procedural side. The police declare a serial murderer situation before there are three confirmed dead. At times it seems the author has cozy aspirations, but forget that, given the cold-blooded murder method and staging, descriptions of bodies, malicious shooting of birds, explicit attempted rape, etc. Furthermore, given the scenes and body presentations, I had to push myself to believe that the murderer hadn’t been active elsewhere before.
I hope prosopagnosia or face blindness won’t become the newest fad-disorder—as was Asperger’s. The woman with prosopagnosia doesn’t recognize the female police chief by her uniform, body shape, and six-foot height, so she may have more than just face-blindness. I wondered why her son or her best friend didn’t name the visitors for her.
The mystery is the backbone from which hangs the tale of three lovely women who meet three handsome men. A rather heavy-footed do-si-do showcases the couples-to-be. Speaking as a mystery-police procedural aficionado, this book has too much angst and feels, especially during a women’s therapy group. The civilian women’s lives are threatened, which leads to drama and even melodrama.
The murder mystery itself is good, but it’s light on the procedural side. The police declare a serial murderer situation before there are three confirmed dead. At times it seems the author has cozy aspirations, but forget that, given the cold-blooded murder method and staging, descriptions of bodies, malicious shooting of birds, explicit attempted rape, etc. Furthermore, given the scenes and body presentations, I had to push myself to believe that the murderer hadn’t been active elsewhere before.
I hope prosopagnosia or face blindness won’t become the newest fad-disorder—as was Asperger’s. The woman with prosopagnosia doesn’t recognize the female police chief by her uniform, body shape, and six-foot height, so she may have more than just face-blindness. I wondered why her son or her best friend didn’t name the visitors for her.
September 7, 2024
I know I am wasting my energy, but I have to mention it. Everyone is using AI for everything including audio books. I have yet to listen to one that I thought was good. Either they are too perky (like this book), or they mispronounce words even simple ones like 911. I realize this reduces costs but so far I don’t like it.
In addition, I wasn’t impressed with the book. I would imagine a lot of that can be contributed to the narrator.
RECOMMENDATION: SKIP IT
In addition, I wasn’t impressed with the book. I would imagine a lot of that can be contributed to the narrator.
RECOMMENDATION: SKIP IT
September 18, 2024
The story line sounded really good. It took me awhile to get into but once I did it was a decent. Totally shocked me at the end...the killer was not at all who I thought it was.! I will give the 2nd book a try.
September 8, 2020
Puedes encontrar esta reseña en español al final.
3,5 stars.
The suspense has been quite interesting. With a couple of twists of those you don´t see coming. And with some scenes that have left me practically without nails.
The romance has felt flat. And not very credible. Everything happens fast (one day) and under circumstances (a serial killer is on the loose) more than questionable ...
There are two more romances but just as flat, fast and bland as the main one.
And the characters have lacked depth. Too bad because they were interesting. But they have been too perfect, too handsome, too tall and too good to be true.
The bad guys, however, have had more layers, more nuances, they have felt so much real.
Altogether it has been entertaining, but it has lacked something.
***
3,5 estrellas.
El suspense ha sido bastante interesante. Con un par de giros de esos que no se ven venir. Y con algunas escenas que me han dejado prácticamente sin uñas.
El romance ha estado muy, muy flojo. Y poco creíble. Todo sucede rápido (un día) y bajo unas circunstancias (un asesino en serie anda suelto) más que cuestionables…
Hay dos romances más pero igual de flojos, rápidos e insípidos.
Y a los personajes las ha faltado fondo. Una pena porque eran interesantes. Pero han sido demasiado perfectos, demasiado guapos, demasiado altos y demasiado buenos para ser verdad.
Los malos, sin embargo, si han tenido más capas, más matices, han sido más reales.
En conjunto ha estado entretenido, pero le ha faltado algo…
3,5 stars.
The suspense has been quite interesting. With a couple of twists of those you don´t see coming. And with some scenes that have left me practically without nails.
The romance has felt flat. And not very credible. Everything happens fast (one day) and under circumstances (a serial killer is on the loose) more than questionable ...
There are two more romances but just as flat, fast and bland as the main one.
And the characters have lacked depth. Too bad because they were interesting. But they have been too perfect, too handsome, too tall and too good to be true.
The bad guys, however, have had more layers, more nuances, they have felt so much real.
Altogether it has been entertaining, but it has lacked something.
***
3,5 estrellas.
El suspense ha sido bastante interesante. Con un par de giros de esos que no se ven venir. Y con algunas escenas que me han dejado prácticamente sin uñas.
El romance ha estado muy, muy flojo. Y poco creíble. Todo sucede rápido (un día) y bajo unas circunstancias (un asesino en serie anda suelto) más que cuestionables…
Hay dos romances más pero igual de flojos, rápidos e insípidos.
Y a los personajes las ha faltado fondo. Una pena porque eran interesantes. Pero han sido demasiado perfectos, demasiado guapos, demasiado altos y demasiado buenos para ser verdad.
Los malos, sin embargo, si han tenido más capas, más matices, han sido más reales.
En conjunto ha estado entretenido, pero le ha faltado algo…
October 10, 2020
"Sometimes less is more"
Some of the descriptive passages in this one left me wondering why I bother to write. I lost count of the magical phrase that defined a minuscule part of the story. By the time I reached halfway I felt the story drifted too much into areas unrelated to the main plot. I wanted to get back to the hunt for the killer not learn about yoga.
This had all the elements for a 5* review, hidden away in the extraneous detail. Sometimes less is more. Let the reader paint their own pictures.
Some of the descriptive passages in this one left me wondering why I bother to write. I lost count of the magical phrase that defined a minuscule part of the story. By the time I reached halfway I felt the story drifted too much into areas unrelated to the main plot. I wanted to get back to the hunt for the killer not learn about yoga.
This had all the elements for a 5* review, hidden away in the extraneous detail. Sometimes less is more. Let the reader paint their own pictures.
July 3, 2020
Although this book has a premise I don't like - serial killer killing women and 'staging' their dead bodies - I enjoyed the writing. The characters had depth and the prose had charm. I'll read more of this author.
August 5, 2024
Did I read the same book as everybody else? I don’t get the hype. This is the the slowest thriller I’ve read. It took me so long to get to the end because I was so bored. I even skimmed through some chapters and it made no difference.
January 5, 2020
Interesting characters; good writing. On the fence about reading b2.
*3.5*
*3.5*
March 8, 2025
Nice twist.
August 26, 2024
Definitely a 4.5 star read! 🤩
What a tremendous start to a new series! The book unfolded in such a timely and intriguing way as we went along. I really appreciated how well the secondary characters were developed as it added so much to the story. Actually did not figure out who it was until right before the author revealed it herself, so the suspense was heightened for much of the story as I tried to piece everything together.
Had the greatest time reading this alongside my little sister so we could discuss everything! Will definitely read the rest of the series. ❤️
What a tremendous start to a new series! The book unfolded in such a timely and intriguing way as we went along. I really appreciated how well the secondary characters were developed as it added so much to the story. Actually did not figure out who it was until right before the author revealed it herself, so the suspense was heightened for much of the story as I tried to piece everything together.
Had the greatest time reading this alongside my little sister so we could discuss everything! Will definitely read the rest of the series. ❤️
June 2, 2024
Linda did such a good job on this thriller that I had to stop reading until my husband got back in town… lol country girl living and set scene with a murderer targeting women who are alone touched a little to close to home.
Sydney is a strong female detective who is back in her hometown as the chief of police. This small town that doesn’t have a lot of crime has been shaken with another murder and an attempted murder.
Sydney is a strong female detective who is back in her hometown as the chief of police. This small town that doesn’t have a lot of crime has been shaken with another murder and an attempted murder.
October 6, 2019
First time book with this author. Really enjoyed this first book and decided I'll be reading the next in the series. I like the two sisters and although there are love interests and relationships, the murders took primary focus...which is my preference.
April 18, 2018
One helluva story
Linda Berry is a fantastic author. I read this book in one sitting I literally couldn't put it down. Please Linda Berry more books.
Linda Berry is a fantastic author. I read this book in one sitting I literally couldn't put it down. Please Linda Berry more books.
January 21, 2024
Slow.
The slowest thriller I’ve read so far. The story told so many things that were irrelevant and the story didn’t build until the very end. Almost didn’t get to the end at all.
The slowest thriller I’ve read so far. The story told so many things that were irrelevant and the story didn’t build until the very end. Almost didn’t get to the end at all.
May 24, 2023
SPOILER ALERT
As the first of the series we are introduced to Police Chief Sidney Becker. She burned out in Oakland as a homicide detective and has come to Garnerville, Or for a quieter life. However, she and her small police group are faced with a ruthless and scary serial killer as she is called to the site of a murder. Ann Howard is walking her dog her persists on getting away from her, to find a man dragging the body of a young woman into the forest. Ann runs, and hides in a dead tree, then leads the police to the spot she saw the man. Ann, however, suffers from facial blindness and cannot describe the man or recognize anyone. They find Samantha Ferguson, against a tree, her eyes glued shut, her wrists slit, and paralyzed from an injection of a neurotoxin. She had to watch her assailant as he killed her unable to move.
This killing is found to mimic that of Mimi Matsui, three years earlier. Later a tamed, talking raven will deliver a origami butterfly to Ann, and she will reveal other gifts he has brought her, the match of an earring found on the body of Mimi. Mimi's husband has a farm next to Ann's business, From Selena's Kitchen, which she owns with Selena, Sidney's sister. Selena also runs a yoga studio. Miko Matsui is still suspected of her murder by some of the townspeople.
In the process of following up clues, Sidney is led to the artist of the origami art, that is highly prized and valuable, Satoshi Akira, who was thought to have committed suicide but was also murdered in the same fashion. Sidney meets the owner of the local Art Studio, David Kane, who begins to assist her, and they begin a relationship. Miko Matsui's son, Noah, having been the supplier of drugs to Samantha, and newly released from prison, is stalking Ann Howard. He attacks the ravens and shoots Arthur, and he then tries to rape Ann. Selena and Officer Granger Wyatt show up in time to stop and arrest him. Removing him from the suspect list they find that another local, Derek Brent, who had been questioned in the death of Mimi, is back after a serious auto accident left him disfigured and incapacitated. He is a marine biologist who has shown interest in Selena, and is studying cone and "cigarette" snails that are deadly. Their toxin could have been used for paralyzing the victims. He had been helped to recover after his accident by Satoshi. The police arrive to arrest him, only to remember that he could not have killed Samatha, as he was helping a highway assistant pull a huge elk off the road at the time of the killing. The local press person, Jeff Norcross, however, lives on the property owned by Brent, and Jeff was the one who took care of the fish while Derek was recovering. He has gone after Selena, and they barely arrive in time to stop him. He had been jealous of each women who had shown interest in other men.
An excellent start to the series, and I look forward to the next installment.
As the first of the series we are introduced to Police Chief Sidney Becker. She burned out in Oakland as a homicide detective and has come to Garnerville, Or for a quieter life. However, she and her small police group are faced with a ruthless and scary serial killer as she is called to the site of a murder. Ann Howard is walking her dog her persists on getting away from her, to find a man dragging the body of a young woman into the forest. Ann runs, and hides in a dead tree, then leads the police to the spot she saw the man. Ann, however, suffers from facial blindness and cannot describe the man or recognize anyone. They find Samantha Ferguson, against a tree, her eyes glued shut, her wrists slit, and paralyzed from an injection of a neurotoxin. She had to watch her assailant as he killed her unable to move.
This killing is found to mimic that of Mimi Matsui, three years earlier. Later a tamed, talking raven will deliver a origami butterfly to Ann, and she will reveal other gifts he has brought her, the match of an earring found on the body of Mimi. Mimi's husband has a farm next to Ann's business, From Selena's Kitchen, which she owns with Selena, Sidney's sister. Selena also runs a yoga studio. Miko Matsui is still suspected of her murder by some of the townspeople.
In the process of following up clues, Sidney is led to the artist of the origami art, that is highly prized and valuable, Satoshi Akira, who was thought to have committed suicide but was also murdered in the same fashion. Sidney meets the owner of the local Art Studio, David Kane, who begins to assist her, and they begin a relationship. Miko Matsui's son, Noah, having been the supplier of drugs to Samantha, and newly released from prison, is stalking Ann Howard. He attacks the ravens and shoots Arthur, and he then tries to rape Ann. Selena and Officer Granger Wyatt show up in time to stop and arrest him. Removing him from the suspect list they find that another local, Derek Brent, who had been questioned in the death of Mimi, is back after a serious auto accident left him disfigured and incapacitated. He is a marine biologist who has shown interest in Selena, and is studying cone and "cigarette" snails that are deadly. Their toxin could have been used for paralyzing the victims. He had been helped to recover after his accident by Satoshi. The police arrive to arrest him, only to remember that he could not have killed Samatha, as he was helping a highway assistant pull a huge elk off the road at the time of the killing. The local press person, Jeff Norcross, however, lives on the property owned by Brent, and Jeff was the one who took care of the fish while Derek was recovering. He has gone after Selena, and they barely arrive in time to stop him. He had been jealous of each women who had shown interest in other men.
An excellent start to the series, and I look forward to the next installment.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 18, 2021
Danger in the Dark!
Ann Howard had a taxing day and has fallen asleep in her chair. She awakes to the sound of her dog, Bailey ,sniffing at the door and going from the door to the window and back. She knows that he wants out
to see what’s out near the house.
Since Ann fell asleep from exhaustion Bailey and she missed their usual walk. Bailey is full of pep for that reason, so Anne decides to take him for a short walk to help him settle down to sleep.
Usually she avoids going outside after dark. A neighbor was murdered in the nearby woods, and the crime was never solved! As they walk Bailey becomes more and more agitated! He hears something
in the woods. He lunges, ripping the leash from Ann’s hand, and dashing into the woods, baying loudly.
Bailey charges further into the dark, and Ann follows, frantically calling him back!
Then Bailey’s barking stops! In the quiet Ann hears a noise, and turns to see if it’s him. But it isn’t! Ann sees a man carrying something! As she looks Ann realizes that he’s carrying a limp and unmoving woman!
The man sees Ann and sets his burden down. Suddenly Ann realizes that the woman is dead, and the man is coming after her! Panic stricken she runs through the woods, and finding a hiding place, eludes the murderer!
Police Chief Sidney Becker is nearby at the scene of a traffic accident. When Ann calls the police to report the body which she saw, Sidney rushes to Ann’s place to begin the investigation.
Read The Killing Woods to follow the trail as Sidney and her officers gather evidence that lead them to a murderer!❤️✝️✡️❤️
Ann Howard had a taxing day and has fallen asleep in her chair. She awakes to the sound of her dog, Bailey ,sniffing at the door and going from the door to the window and back. She knows that he wants out
to see what’s out near the house.
Since Ann fell asleep from exhaustion Bailey and she missed their usual walk. Bailey is full of pep for that reason, so Anne decides to take him for a short walk to help him settle down to sleep.
Usually she avoids going outside after dark. A neighbor was murdered in the nearby woods, and the crime was never solved! As they walk Bailey becomes more and more agitated! He hears something
in the woods. He lunges, ripping the leash from Ann’s hand, and dashing into the woods, baying loudly.
Bailey charges further into the dark, and Ann follows, frantically calling him back!
Then Bailey’s barking stops! In the quiet Ann hears a noise, and turns to see if it’s him. But it isn’t! Ann sees a man carrying something! As she looks Ann realizes that he’s carrying a limp and unmoving woman!
The man sees Ann and sets his burden down. Suddenly Ann realizes that the woman is dead, and the man is coming after her! Panic stricken she runs through the woods, and finding a hiding place, eludes the murderer!
Police Chief Sidney Becker is nearby at the scene of a traffic accident. When Ann calls the police to report the body which she saw, Sidney rushes to Ann’s place to begin the investigation.
Read The Killing Woods to follow the trail as Sidney and her officers gather evidence that lead them to a murderer!❤️✝️✡️❤️
March 10, 2025
This was a pretty good book but I did not care for the virtual voice.
Sydney is a homicide detective who left the big city to become the police chief in her hometown Garnersville, Oregon. She discovers she has a serial killer on her hands and way too many suspects.
The first killing was in the woods with no answers. A year later another woman is killed in the same manner and left in the woods. He is “seen” by Anne who cannot identify facial features. The third is an origami specialist in Portland who was very private and also very gay in her life. An origami butterfly was left at the scene with a cryptic message inside that has been mostly washed away by rain. The butterfly was brought to Anne by a raven as a prize.
For suspects we have Noah, Anne’s neighbor (Nico’s) son who was until recently in prison for drugs. We also have Derek who was in a car wreck and badly scarred, but is very charming. We have Mr. James, the rich business man, known for cheating on his wife. There is also an annoying press agent that turns up every where.
Sydney’s sister Selena is also Anne’s neighbor and is separated from her husband Randy. She learns Randy is living with 18 year old Allison who is ready to pop with Randy’s baby. Selena had 2 miscarriages before Randy left her. Selena becomes involved with Derek.
Will Selena be the next one to perish? Sydney must solve the case quickly!
Sydney is a homicide detective who left the big city to become the police chief in her hometown Garnersville, Oregon. She discovers she has a serial killer on her hands and way too many suspects.
The first killing was in the woods with no answers. A year later another woman is killed in the same manner and left in the woods. He is “seen” by Anne who cannot identify facial features. The third is an origami specialist in Portland who was very private and also very gay in her life. An origami butterfly was left at the scene with a cryptic message inside that has been mostly washed away by rain. The butterfly was brought to Anne by a raven as a prize.
For suspects we have Noah, Anne’s neighbor (Nico’s) son who was until recently in prison for drugs. We also have Derek who was in a car wreck and badly scarred, but is very charming. We have Mr. James, the rich business man, known for cheating on his wife. There is also an annoying press agent that turns up every where.
Sydney’s sister Selena is also Anne’s neighbor and is separated from her husband Randy. She learns Randy is living with 18 year old Allison who is ready to pop with Randy’s baby. Selena had 2 miscarriages before Randy left her. Selena becomes involved with Derek.
Will Selena be the next one to perish? Sydney must solve the case quickly!
March 9, 2022
I love a good murder mystery and this one was perfect. It has the right amount of suspense and emotional feelings. It has plenty of twists and the clues are slowly revealed to keep you guessing till the very end. And let me tell you, my guess was wrong. The who done it was very hard to figure out. The author perfected her story by slowly telling it and revealing everything at the most perfect time.
The characters in this story are well developed and expertly created. Sidney is a strong and very smart detective. She has a tough exterior, yet I feel as if she is sad and lonely inside. As the story progresses she slowly begins to come out of her cocoon. Shedding some of her layers. I believe as the series progresses we will see her bloom into a beautiful butterfly.
Overall this book was an excellent read. It has a sick twisted plot to be uncovered. It is a steady paced read that slowly reveals the clues in the exact moments needed to solve the mystery. It has some disturbing triggers that make this book not suitable for anyone under the age of 17. It touches on rape, stalking, drugs and murder.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and cannot wait t o read more about this small town Chief of police.
The characters in this story are well developed and expertly created. Sidney is a strong and very smart detective. She has a tough exterior, yet I feel as if she is sad and lonely inside. As the story progresses she slowly begins to come out of her cocoon. Shedding some of her layers. I believe as the series progresses we will see her bloom into a beautiful butterfly.
Overall this book was an excellent read. It has a sick twisted plot to be uncovered. It is a steady paced read that slowly reveals the clues in the exact moments needed to solve the mystery. It has some disturbing triggers that make this book not suitable for anyone under the age of 17. It touches on rape, stalking, drugs and murder.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and cannot wait t o read more about this small town Chief of police.
October 17, 2024
Creative writing class 101
So as I've noted in other reviews - in case you missed it :-) - I think there is a creative writing class that has an outline for murder mysteries. Take a big city homicide detective, usually female, that has some sort of trauma that leads her to become a Sheriff of a small town. Typically it's a spouse or boyfriend that's has been killed, sometimes a sister. In this case its a bad breakup. Next, suddenly there is a serial killer in a town that has few murders but how timely that our experienced homicide detective is on the job. To digress for a moment, there are more serial killers in fiction than on the history of the world.
Next there is a good looking, single guy that is just the right age. We all know there are many of those in small towns. And, oh yes, he's financially stable.
Throw in the close friend, sibling or even our Sheriff who becomes a target and needs saving. Of course, everyone is good looking, fit and eat healthy.
This book has all the essential elements of this class but unfortunately did pass to Class 102.
The formula is spot on but little character development and while I was interested enough to read it to find out whodunit but don't plan on reading the next in the series.
So as I've noted in other reviews - in case you missed it :-) - I think there is a creative writing class that has an outline for murder mysteries. Take a big city homicide detective, usually female, that has some sort of trauma that leads her to become a Sheriff of a small town. Typically it's a spouse or boyfriend that's has been killed, sometimes a sister. In this case its a bad breakup. Next, suddenly there is a serial killer in a town that has few murders but how timely that our experienced homicide detective is on the job. To digress for a moment, there are more serial killers in fiction than on the history of the world.
Next there is a good looking, single guy that is just the right age. We all know there are many of those in small towns. And, oh yes, he's financially stable.
Throw in the close friend, sibling or even our Sheriff who becomes a target and needs saving. Of course, everyone is good looking, fit and eat healthy.
This book has all the essential elements of this class but unfortunately did pass to Class 102.
The formula is spot on but little character development and while I was interested enough to read it to find out whodunit but don't plan on reading the next in the series.
October 5, 2025
I started reading this book simply because I wanted to read something different from what I normally read (romance and fantasy), so I turned to one of the genres I only read in the fall: thrillers.
I didn't have any expectations, as it was the first book I had read by this author, but I was pleasantly surprised. I thought I was good at solving mysteries, but the author proved me wrong. I didn't figure out who the killer was until the protagonist herself found out.
We get:
• well-developed characters;
• balanced action and mystery that keep you hooked;
• a very well-developed villain, with a modus operandi that stays with you;
• maximum tension (it made me afraid to go to the bathroom on the night I read it, so you can imagine what I mean);
• a bit of drama focused on secondary characters, but which does not detract from the charm of the book in the slightest;
I don't know why, but I think you're going to love Sidney Becker. The police chief of this tiny town has a sharp mind, and I can't wait to make time for volume 2 of the series.
I didn't have any expectations, as it was the first book I had read by this author, but I was pleasantly surprised. I thought I was good at solving mysteries, but the author proved me wrong. I didn't figure out who the killer was until the protagonist herself found out.
We get:
• well-developed characters;
• balanced action and mystery that keep you hooked;
• a very well-developed villain, with a modus operandi that stays with you;
• maximum tension (it made me afraid to go to the bathroom on the night I read it, so you can imagine what I mean);
• a bit of drama focused on secondary characters, but which does not detract from the charm of the book in the slightest;
I don't know why, but I think you're going to love Sidney Becker. The police chief of this tiny town has a sharp mind, and I can't wait to make time for volume 2 of the series.
September 5, 2022
This book held my interest so that I looked forward to reading a chapter each night. Then I read the last third of the book in one sitting on a trip. There is great character development so that I'm now interested in reading the next book in the Sidney Becker mystery series to see what happens in the main characters' relationships and how they work through their challenges. I learned enough about the women who were murdered in the story to develop empathy for them and to want to see the murderer discovered and punished. While the chapters flow easily and keep the reader entertained, there are many twists in the tale that I could not predict. Ms. Berry describes a wide variety of personalities and lifestyles so that any reader would find someone they identify with in the story. I like the strength of the women in this book. While they enjoy working with, and befriending men, these women can hold their own and don't need men to solve all their challenges.
March 16, 2023
Insert fast paced breathing
This was intense! Because I'm a person who has read way more psychological thrillers and mysteries that is healthy, I have a knack for sniffing out plot twists, regardless of however kooky they may seem. It's so delicious being able to discover whodunit and why they did and I swore I had it, though a nagging feeling in the back of my head insisted the author was far more clever than I gave her credit for.
And then when the reveal came, I was shocked but also gratified because it made sense, but I never considered the possibilities because of how skillfully the story was woven, the author takes readers on a journey that you won't be sure you're ready for until you embark.
This was such a good read, I'm looking forward to the rest of the series (though I'm not a mystery series kinda gal)
This was intense! Because I'm a person who has read way more psychological thrillers and mysteries that is healthy, I have a knack for sniffing out plot twists, regardless of however kooky they may seem. It's so delicious being able to discover whodunit and why they did and I swore I had it, though a nagging feeling in the back of my head insisted the author was far more clever than I gave her credit for.
And then when the reveal came, I was shocked but also gratified because it made sense, but I never considered the possibilities because of how skillfully the story was woven, the author takes readers on a journey that you won't be sure you're ready for until you embark.
This was such a good read, I'm looking forward to the rest of the series (though I'm not a mystery series kinda gal)
April 24, 2025
I cannot imagine why this book has a rating of anything close to 4!
First of all, they start calling the killer a serial killer in the very beginning and they just allow people outside the force know details that shouldn’t be shared.
They question a suspect while he’s under the influence of drugs and alcohol—which is such a no-no. None of what he may have said would be admissible. The author hasn’t ever read a police procedural?
The characters are so one-dimensional, it’s silly. Every other law enforcement officer is incompetent except for the main group.
The bad guy is obvious. The writing is juvenile. It feels like what I imagine a romance novel would be like with the “heroine” as the chief of police.
I almost didn’t finish, but I let it play in the background long after I lost interest. Also, the narration was AI, so it was pretty bad.
First of all, they start calling the killer a serial killer in the very beginning and they just allow people outside the force know details that shouldn’t be shared.
They question a suspect while he’s under the influence of drugs and alcohol—which is such a no-no. None of what he may have said would be admissible. The author hasn’t ever read a police procedural?
The characters are so one-dimensional, it’s silly. Every other law enforcement officer is incompetent except for the main group.
The bad guy is obvious. The writing is juvenile. It feels like what I imagine a romance novel would be like with the “heroine” as the chief of police.
I almost didn’t finish, but I let it play in the background long after I lost interest. Also, the narration was AI, so it was pretty bad.
September 24, 2019
The killing woods
I really enjoyed this book. I ordered #2 of the series as soon as I finished it. Not unlike a current trend: a female big city cop or female soldier retreating to small town life as local law enforcer. What is different is all characters are fully fleshed out not just our heroine. I loved the male romantic leads but really enjoyed the female characters all of whom were strong independent women, none of whom were "victim types" - even the actual murder victims. Of course, the real story is the search for a sadistic serial killer which is a horrifying, fast paced journey. I was completely blindsided by the reveal of the sadist. I usually have caught on to the identity of the murderer well before the last couple of chapters. Great book!
I really enjoyed this book. I ordered #2 of the series as soon as I finished it. Not unlike a current trend: a female big city cop or female soldier retreating to small town life as local law enforcer. What is different is all characters are fully fleshed out not just our heroine. I loved the male romantic leads but really enjoyed the female characters all of whom were strong independent women, none of whom were "victim types" - even the actual murder victims. Of course, the real story is the search for a sadistic serial killer which is a horrifying, fast paced journey. I was completely blindsided by the reveal of the sadist. I usually have caught on to the identity of the murderer well before the last couple of chapters. Great book!
May 26, 2021
Interesting plot; plenty of characters to refocus subtle hints. I liked the way the author winds up the readers' intensity only to swoop in with a new chapter and different view point. Three quarters of the book I still hadn't visualized the real psychopath. When I found out just who it was I was somewhat let down.
I felt the reasoning behind the kills was somewhat benign. There was no real drama or intensity of the characters reasoning, no propensity. Perhaps, it's the authors way of stating you really don't know a person, truly. It's usually what a person wants the other to see, not the factual characteristics of their make up. Even after living with a person it may be difficult to know the complex hidden personality.
I felt the reasoning behind the kills was somewhat benign. There was no real drama or intensity of the characters reasoning, no propensity. Perhaps, it's the authors way of stating you really don't know a person, truly. It's usually what a person wants the other to see, not the factual characteristics of their make up. Even after living with a person it may be difficult to know the complex hidden personality.
June 16, 2021
Holy wow. I grabbed this book a few months ago because of the cover and I’m glad I did. This is so much more than just a pretty face. Berry knows how to write an excellent story full of rich detail and relatable characters.
The writing is superb, the pacing flawless, the plot both deep and wide. I was hooked from the first chapter. I took the day off yesterday just so I could read this. Sure, I work for myself but that still speaks volumes about how high it was on my list of priorities.
The moment I finished, I grabbed book two in the series. Berry might just be my new favorite author, and I may be taking the rest of the week off.
The writing is superb, the pacing flawless, the plot both deep and wide. I was hooked from the first chapter. I took the day off yesterday just so I could read this. Sure, I work for myself but that still speaks volumes about how high it was on my list of priorities.
The moment I finished, I grabbed book two in the series. Berry might just be my new favorite author, and I may be taking the rest of the week off.
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