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Sidney Becker #3
Cold Revenge
A Gripping psychological thriller.
Small town Police Chief Sidney Becker is pitted against a ruthless killer who’s obsessed with Viking mythology. The investigation will lead her team through a labyrinth of dark secrets and myths. The killer stays one step ahead of them at every turn. As they close in, he becomes more dangerous. They narrowly escape his deadly traps of fire and ice. What is the meaning of ancient coins planted on the bodies of his victims? What clues lie in the legend of the Viking apocalypse that killed the God of Thunder? Will the bones of a headless corpse help track the killer? He isn't waiting for Becker to figure it out. He has more victims in mind.
Small town Police Chief Sidney Becker is pitted against a ruthless killer who’s obsessed with Viking mythology. The investigation will lead her team through a labyrinth of dark secrets and myths. The killer stays one step ahead of them at every turn. As they close in, he becomes more dangerous. They narrowly escape his deadly traps of fire and ice. What is the meaning of ancient coins planted on the bodies of his victims? What clues lie in the legend of the Viking apocalypse that killed the God of Thunder? Will the bones of a headless corpse help track the killer? He isn't waiting for Becker to figure it out. He has more victims in mind.
291 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 30, 2020
330 people are currently reading
285 people want to read
About the author
Linda Berry
12 books281 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 46 reviews
June 29, 2020
Another outstanding addition to the Sidney Becker series. This is a great series. ;)
March 12, 2021
Mediocre book about multiple murders in a small town in the Pacific Northwest. What I liked: the characters; the details of the gruesome murders; the interplay of the various police officers. What I didn’t like: the writing; the really stretched-thin plot; the author’s obvious love of her own words which made it hard to read at times. Just an okay book.
September 28, 2022
This is a real page turner! Now that the main characters have been developed in the earlier books, Berry can focus on the minds of the murderers and their victims. We also see a lot of the behind the scenes police work that must go on to bring suspects in for questioning and the risks those officers face as they put themselves in harms' way. I liked all the conversations and interactions that helped them put the pieces of the puzzle together. It's good to reflect upon the horrible experiences of the murderers that led them to kill people and the untreated mental illness that ends up putting many people in prison for crimes they may not have done if they had gotten the care they needed earlier. Themes in this book include the proper care of people with dementia and the effects on caregivers, date rape and the mistreatment of minors in the foster care system. One of my favorite scenes was the apprehension of a suspect in a cabin at a remote location by a SWAT team. I admire the training and bravery involved in doing something like that. I also liked seeing how Sidney carefully decided what tone to set when questioning suspects in order to get them talking.
Read
March 17, 2022Sidney Becker is awakened by her dispatcher that a woman's body has been discovered in a field outside of town. About three weeks earlier, a man's body had been found on the opposite side of town. Since animals had found the body first, cause of death was impossible to determine. Sidney doesn't believe in consciences!! The following morning, there is a call from one of the Monks that there is a man dead on the Monastery's grounds. It just happens that the Monk who called 911 is the ER doctor who Sidney has been trying to locate. What is he doing at the Monastery?
Plenty of suspense and drama abound as Sidney and her team investigate the different cases. The different cases leave you wondering if there is some connection and if so, what is the common denominator!! This is the third book in the Sidney Becker Series and, in my opinion, the best so far.
Plenty of suspense and drama abound as Sidney and her team investigate the different cases. The different cases leave you wondering if there is some connection and if so, what is the common denominator!! This is the third book in the Sidney Becker Series and, in my opinion, the best so far.
Read
October 23, 2025Cold Revenge by Linda Berry is a sharp, cinematic thriller that grips from the opening page and refuses to let go. Chief Sidney Becker is a compelling lead intelligent, intuitive, and unyielding as she faces a cunning killer obsessed with Viking mythology.
The blend of ancient Norse legend with modern crime gives the story an eerie and intellectual edge. Berry’s pacing is masterful the investigation unfolds like a psychological maze, where each twist deepens the mystery rather than resolves it. The killer’s obsession with mythology, the cryptic coins, and the haunting idea of Ragnarok are not just clever devices; they elevate the narrative into something chillingly mythic and psychologically rich.
A perfect storm of suspense, intelligence, and emotional depth, Cold Revenge stands out as one of the most atmospheric and imaginative crime thrillers in recent memory.
The blend of ancient Norse legend with modern crime gives the story an eerie and intellectual edge. Berry’s pacing is masterful the investigation unfolds like a psychological maze, where each twist deepens the mystery rather than resolves it. The killer’s obsession with mythology, the cryptic coins, and the haunting idea of Ragnarok are not just clever devices; they elevate the narrative into something chillingly mythic and psychologically rich.
A perfect storm of suspense, intelligence, and emotional depth, Cold Revenge stands out as one of the most atmospheric and imaginative crime thrillers in recent memory.
June 6, 2020
This is one more terrific, suspenseful read. There is plenty of action to keep the reader engaged and learning ( all kinds of neat facts included about the skills of tracking and cadaver dogs. I will admit to having figured out who the perpetrator was before the mid-point of the book but the motive eluded me until the last quarter. I figured it out shortly before Sidney did. However, that did not interfere with my enjoyment of the book at all. The characters are interesting, three-dimensional, and come across as real people, not caricatures. I will be going back to read books 1 & 2 to catch up on all the backstory of Sidney, her family, and her police department.
December 29, 2025
I have to say I was really disappointed with this book in the series. It’s the shortest one so far and I felt like it took me forever to read. It dragged on and I felt like the story really didn’t start until more than halfway through.
The first murder gets glossed over in the beginning, with the story focusing on Sidney and Selena’s mom and her relationship with Ray. I found it so boring.
When you finally get into the mystery of the murders, the whole Viking theme is explained as an add on that doesn’t really feel like it was really woven into the story.
This one was boring, very repetitive and not exciting at all.
The first murder gets glossed over in the beginning, with the story focusing on Sidney and Selena’s mom and her relationship with Ray. I found it so boring.
When you finally get into the mystery of the murders, the whole Viking theme is explained as an add on that doesn’t really feel like it was really woven into the story.
This one was boring, very repetitive and not exciting at all.
July 30, 2020
Wow!
Most exciting book in this wonderful series! Excellent, real police individuals dealing with horrific murders in a small Oregon town provide a great adventure. One exciting moment after another. Terrific author with excellent, intricate plot in a well written murder mystery.
Most exciting book in this wonderful series! Excellent, real police individuals dealing with horrific murders in a small Oregon town provide a great adventure. One exciting moment after another. Terrific author with excellent, intricate plot in a well written murder mystery.
February 22, 2022
Who Are They?
Sydney Becker is rushing to a field in which the body of a woman has been discovered. She has gulped down a cup of coffee and ignores the rumbling in her stomach from hunger.
The body had been discovered by a farmer in a field near his. The field is fifteen miles outside of downtown. This is the second recent discovery of a body in a rural area in three weeks. The first was the body of a man. Because of animal depredations the cause of his death could not be determined.
The implication of the discoveries of two bodies in rural areas troubles Sydney. As a former homicide detective she views all bodies as potential murder victims, but until proven otherwise the man’s death is considered to be unsuspicious.
The identity of the man is unknown. Can he be identified? Who is the woman in the field? How did she die?
Read Cold Revenge to solve the mysteries!
❤️✝️✡️❤️
Sydney Becker is rushing to a field in which the body of a woman has been discovered. She has gulped down a cup of coffee and ignores the rumbling in her stomach from hunger.
The body had been discovered by a farmer in a field near his. The field is fifteen miles outside of downtown. This is the second recent discovery of a body in a rural area in three weeks. The first was the body of a man. Because of animal depredations the cause of his death could not be determined.
The implication of the discoveries of two bodies in rural areas troubles Sydney. As a former homicide detective she views all bodies as potential murder victims, but until proven otherwise the man’s death is considered to be unsuspicious.
The identity of the man is unknown. Can he be identified? Who is the woman in the field? How did she die?
Read Cold Revenge to solve the mysteries!
❤️✝️✡️❤️
March 16, 2023
Family Matters
Bodies are turning up with unusual calling cards. Sidney must put together the harrowing pieces of a shocking puzzle.
This was an interesting read. The characters are likable. Too many though. Would have been better without the nursing home secondary story. But still a good read.
Bodies are turning up with unusual calling cards. Sidney must put together the harrowing pieces of a shocking puzzle.
This was an interesting read. The characters are likable. Too many though. Would have been better without the nursing home secondary story. But still a good read.
September 21, 2025
Linda Berry weaves a good story!
Sometimes we don’t get to see how one experience ties into future situations! In ‘Cold Revenge’, bodies are piling up and this small town overworked group of cops have the job of solving the murders. Will they find the perpetrators before it’s too late?
Sometimes we don’t get to see how one experience ties into future situations! In ‘Cold Revenge’, bodies are piling up and this small town overworked group of cops have the job of solving the murders. Will they find the perpetrators before it’s too late?
August 18, 2020
All in the Family
Another great mystery. This is about murder in a small town. The police chief and her three officers are working hard to solve one murder. Then another one happens. They are working overtime. Read the exciting ending.
Another great mystery. This is about murder in a small town. The police chief and her three officers are working hard to solve one murder. Then another one happens. They are working overtime. Read the exciting ending.
September 7, 2020
Detailed and riveting
I just finished the three books in this series back to back and want more. Ms. Berry has believable characters and avoids many of the cliches that are prevalent in murder mysteries. Quite refreshing.
I just finished the three books in this series back to back and want more. Ms. Berry has believable characters and avoids many of the cliches that are prevalent in murder mysteries. Quite refreshing.
September 17, 2020
Cold Killer
Linda Berry is heading towards an amazing career as a mystery writer. She tells a story so hypnotic you have to find a way to keep up and hang in there till she's finished. I'm ready for book 4 of Sidney Becker's world to begin.
Linda Berry is heading towards an amazing career as a mystery writer. She tells a story so hypnotic you have to find a way to keep up and hang in there till she's finished. I'm ready for book 4 of Sidney Becker's world to begin.
April 15, 2021
Homicide In A Small Town
Another cleverly written Sidney Becker book by Linda Berry. Murder after murder taxes the strength of Sidney Becker 's police officers. They work together diligently to find the killer or killers.
Another cleverly written Sidney Becker book by Linda Berry. Murder after murder taxes the strength of Sidney Becker 's police officers. They work together diligently to find the killer or killers.
June 24, 2021
Bloody Brilliant
I still love The Killing Woods the best but this 3rd book was equally brilliant. Full of twisted darkness, beautiful descriptions, multiple crimes that tied into one story with my favorite characters. Can’t wait to start book four!
I still love The Killing Woods the best but this 3rd book was equally brilliant. Full of twisted darkness, beautiful descriptions, multiple crimes that tied into one story with my favorite characters. Can’t wait to start book four!
June 30, 2021
Cold Revenge by Linda Berry
I've enjoyed this Series I'm going to start the last book and hate to see it come to an end. I found this Series kept me guessing and I love that. I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys a good mystery.
I've enjoyed this Series I'm going to start the last book and hate to see it come to an end. I found this Series kept me guessing and I love that. I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys a good mystery.
February 25, 2023
Just excellent writing
Great storytelling and characters with believable dialog. You see the most brutal, horrific side of humankind juxtaposed against empathy, professionalism and the best of the best.
Great storytelling and characters with believable dialog. You see the most brutal, horrific side of humankind juxtaposed against empathy, professionalism and the best of the best.
April 12, 2024
Great book!
Riveting story! It is fast-paced, and the characters are complex! I felt so much horror and sympathy for the same characters. Their lives had terrible trauma, leading them to create horrific crimes. Grueling story!
Riveting story! It is fast-paced, and the characters are complex! I felt so much horror and sympathy for the same characters. Their lives had terrible trauma, leading them to create horrific crimes. Grueling story!
June 22, 2025
Edge of your seat mystery
Sidney and her team are working on multiple murders and waiting for lab results when it happens again. There are so many twists in the story it's hard to figure out who the killer is. It turns out to be incredible sad and cruel.
Sidney and her team are working on multiple murders and waiting for lab results when it happens again. There are so many twists in the story it's hard to figure out who the killer is. It turns out to be incredible sad and cruel.
February 17, 2026
I have not read the prequels in this series but still enjoyed this book about Police Chief Sydney and her team is solving murders with bodies piling up in their small town location. I liked learning about the background of perpetrators and what may have influenced them to become criminals. 4 stars
July 1, 2020
Cold revenge
I enjoyed these books very much. They moved right along, and I loved the characters. I look forward to more books in this series.
I enjoyed these books very much. They moved right along, and I loved the characters. I look forward to more books in this series.
July 16, 2020
Great second book!
The sisters continue visiting their mother in a home for the mentally impaired. In a small town one murder is huge but 4?
The sisters continue visiting their mother in a home for the mentally impaired. In a small town one murder is huge but 4?
July 25, 2020
Fantastic Book
As usual Linda Berry gives us another first rate mystery filled with plenty of suspense,twists and turns.
This book is recommended for those who love mysteries
As usual Linda Berry gives us another first rate mystery filled with plenty of suspense,twists and turns.
This book is recommended for those who love mysteries
December 15, 2020
Result of physical abuse
I enjoyed another mysterious and thriller book. Very difficult to put down. Story and characters very believable. I look forward to her next book.
I enjoyed another mysterious and thriller book. Very difficult to put down. Story and characters very believable. I look forward to her next book.
July 6, 2022
Very good
A very good addition to the Sidney Becker series. Numerous thrills with a good mystery. Great character development. Looking forward to the next book.
A very good addition to the Sidney Becker series. Numerous thrills with a good mystery. Great character development. Looking forward to the next book.
May 20, 2023
Lucas
The book was good except for the use of the Lord's name in vain. Many times. Also the plot twist was really good. I hope Selena gives into a relationship with Granger.
The book was good except for the use of the Lord's name in vain. Many times. Also the plot twist was really good. I hope Selena gives into a relationship with Granger.
June 11, 2023
Wow
This book was well written & gave me insights into the stress that police officers face. The story was good & I'll have to get the rest of the books now!
This book was well written & gave me insights into the stress that police officers face. The story was good & I'll have to get the rest of the books now!
June 26, 2023
A definite Wow for this one!
Excellent police procedural. So well well-written and edited with a discerning eye. I'm ready to read the next one. Unputdownable.
Excellent police procedural. So well well-written and edited with a discerning eye. I'm ready to read the next one. Unputdownable.
July 17, 2023
Dynamite
Absolutely outstanding and it kept my interest to the very end. I very much look forward to the next Sydney Becker adventure.
Absolutely outstanding and it kept my interest to the very end. I very much look forward to the next Sydney Becker adventure.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews