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Sidney Becker #4
Killer Magic
Something sinister and eerie is afoot in Linnly County...When Chief Sidney Becker arrives at a crime scene on the lakeshore of her small town, she’s confronted with one of the most spine chilling murders she’s ever witnessed. The victim was drained of blood, yet the crime scene is immaculate. The man’s nude body is inscribed with mysterious symbols, and strange tokens are buried nearby in the sand. A highly skilled detective, Sidney won’t rest until the killer is in custody. The investigation takes her into the world of magical practices and beliefs; her suspects include witches, illusionists, psychics, and magicians. Their familiarity with the symbols from the crime scene send a ripple of fear through the occult community. Many are convinced that a demonic warlock is on the loose. Sidney has little patience for beliefs in magic spells and demons. She’s convinced the killer is a lone psychopath with a personal vendetta. But she can’t deny that something sinister and eerie is afoot in Linnly County—something coiled and venomous and evil, and it’s waiting to strike again.
319 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 29, 2021
179 people are currently reading
177 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 - 25 of 25 reviews
March 21, 2022
I really enjoyed this series up until this book. Not what I was expecting based on the earlier books in the series. It was disjointed and all over the place. Disappointing because it is a good series.
April 3, 2021
Another fascinating and complex mystery for Police Chief Sidney Becker and her dedicated officers. The brawl at the local tavern is nothing compared to the gruesome crime scene that Sidney and her team investigate. The man, drained of blood and his body marked with odd symbols leads them to ask for assistance from the local witches. When the performers from the Cirque la Magie are attacked and another man is murdered, the situation becomes even more bizarre. Is someone seeking revenge on the men who have bullied members of the community? Ms. Berry writes an amazing story, walking the reader through the painstaking procedures used to produce the evidence needed to solve the crimes. Her continuing characters are familiar which makes them in sync, with each other, during the investigation. Sidney’s intimate involvement with her lover David Kane is just enough, implied without being overly graphic . A truly wonderful addition to this series. I highly recommend the previous three books as well. I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation from the author. (by paytonpuppy)
May 1, 2021
3.5 stars
I was really hard on this book but only because I expected so much of this series after book 4. With that being said I was really was hoping to read more about all the side characters especially since book one. I really loved Selena and Granger’s story line and was hoping to read more about them especially how her ex reacted to her moving on. But all we get in book 4 is Selena and Granger are still going strong. I was also hoping to read about Selena’s business partner Ann and her neighbor but I got nothing.
The plot had so much to do with magic which I really did not appreciate in this genre. There is a huge storyline early on about a circus group that practices magic. I liked the characters but when I got to the end of the book I realized how pointless their storyline really was. The witches really make it seem like they are up against this powerful evil warlock. But that is not the case.
I was waiting on a big finishing climax but was severely disappointed by the weakest villain I could have imagined.
With that being said I will read the next book and hope for more as I did really like the previous books.
I was really hard on this book but only because I expected so much of this series after book 4. With that being said I was really was hoping to read more about all the side characters especially since book one. I really loved Selena and Granger’s story line and was hoping to read more about them especially how her ex reacted to her moving on. But all we get in book 4 is Selena and Granger are still going strong. I was also hoping to read about Selena’s business partner Ann and her neighbor but I got nothing.
The plot had so much to do with magic which I really did not appreciate in this genre. There is a huge storyline early on about a circus group that practices magic. I liked the characters but when I got to the end of the book I realized how pointless their storyline really was. The witches really make it seem like they are up against this powerful evil warlock. But that is not the case.
I was waiting on a big finishing climax but was severely disappointed by the weakest villain I could have imagined.
With that being said I will read the next book and hope for more as I did really like the previous books.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 13, 2021
Wow!
Very exciting and very different! Strange happenings in this small town -----magic, witches, warlocks, commune, harassing bullies, and religious zealots! Lots of new characters and very conflicting stories that make it difficult for Sidney and her small police department to decide what is true. Then 2 gruesome murders occur and finding the truth before another occurs is top priority!
Very exciting and very different! Strange happenings in this small town -----magic, witches, warlocks, commune, harassing bullies, and religious zealots! Lots of new characters and very conflicting stories that make it difficult for Sidney and her small police department to decide what is true. Then 2 gruesome murders occur and finding the truth before another occurs is top priority!
February 4, 2024
I had read, and greatly enjoyed, the first 3 books, but this one left me cold…..in the beginning. I wasn’t thrilled with the storyline with the magic, witches, mind reading, poltergeist, etc. I wasn’t sure where this book was going. I stopped reading it until a friend who had read it told me to keep reading. So I did. Loved it!!! Great mystery, fabulously happy ending. So happy I continued reading it!
April 4, 2021
The Cirque, a circus type traveling event, arrived in town. Three members of Cirque go for a drink at a local bar. The get into an altercation with three local men. The locals are drunk and get taken care of rather quickly. Later that night someone shoots at the Cirque trailers. Then there is a murder that police chief Sidney Becker is investigating. A page turning novel to keep your interest
March 17, 2023
Witches, Warlicks, Magicians $p& Murder
Witches, warlocks, magicians, crazed cultists lead to murders present and past. Sidney must see through the smoke and mirrors to learn the truth.
I was less than enchanted by this outing. It is more a primer on Wicca than a focused mystery. The leads are intelligent and interesting. The decedents are not. Kind of slow. 2.5 stars
Witches, warlocks, magicians, crazed cultists lead to murders present and past. Sidney must see through the smoke and mirrors to learn the truth.
I was less than enchanted by this outing. It is more a primer on Wicca than a focused mystery. The leads are intelligent and interesting. The decedents are not. Kind of slow. 2.5 stars
March 27, 2023
Sidney
I'd like to listen to me as a strong powerful woman I also like the fact that David makes her happy I was surprised by all the witchcraft you know poppets and things but in the end they got the killor good read except for the blatant use of the Lord's name of aint and cursing Throughout the book
I'd like to listen to me as a strong powerful woman I also like the fact that David makes her happy I was surprised by all the witchcraft you know poppets and things but in the end they got the killor good read except for the blatant use of the Lord's name of aint and cursing Throughout the book
April 8, 2021
Magical Trouble
Exciting, thrilling, mysterious and an exceptional novel to spend time enjoying. Linda Berry has caught the magic of a police investigation into several interwoven crimes..
Exciting, thrilling, mysterious and an exceptional novel to spend time enjoying. Linda Berry has caught the magic of a police investigation into several interwoven crimes..
April 10, 2021
Mysterious & Spellbinding
I love all the different types of people, witches, cults ,murderer ,and the magical cirque and how the Sheriff really listen to what they told her. A lot of leads, that helped.The ending was truly MAGICAL
I love all the different types of people, witches, cults ,murderer ,and the magical cirque and how the Sheriff really listen to what they told her. A lot of leads, that helped.The ending was truly MAGICAL
December 26, 2021
Love these stories
The fluidness and flow plus the descriptions of the areas makes the readers feel like they are present in the story. It takes me less than three days to finish a book just can't put it down
The fluidness and flow plus the descriptions of the areas makes the readers feel like they are present in the story. It takes me less than three days to finish a book just can't put it down
July 10, 2022
Perfection
This book has everything to keep me entranced. It has thrills, murder, witches, magic, great characters, and romance. I loved it. It was much better than the two I already read, and they were very good. On to the next, but this one will be hard to beat!
This book has everything to keep me entranced. It has thrills, murder, witches, magic, great characters, and romance. I loved it. It was much better than the two I already read, and they were very good. On to the next, but this one will be hard to beat!
August 10, 2022
Loved all four Sidney Becker Mysteries
I read all four of Sidney Becker mysteries back to back and really enjoyed them. The characters were easy to visualize. Obviously I became a bit obsessed which means I loved the whole story concept.
I read all four of Sidney Becker mysteries back to back and really enjoyed them. The characters were easy to visualize. Obviously I became a bit obsessed which means I loved the whole story concept.
April 5, 2021
A wonderful mystery filled with complex, interesting and quirky characters. Lots of twists and turns make this a real page turner! A must read.
April 8, 2021
Not my usual genre, but I did enjoy it. A good story but don’t read it just before bedtime lol
December 31, 2021
Great Mystery
An exciting mystery complete with witches and demons. Mysterious deaths. Can Sidney find the killer in time t y to stop the bizarre killings?
An exciting mystery complete with witches and demons. Mysterious deaths. Can Sidney find the killer in time t y to stop the bizarre killings?
January 12, 2022
Killer Magic
Good plot & action. Keeps you trying to up with the rapidly changing mystery of " who done it" & soon finding out if you were right.!
Good plot & action. Keeps you trying to up with the rapidly changing mystery of " who done it" & soon finding out if you were right.!
August 17, 2022
Loved this one. This series is totally addictive.
September 11, 2023
With each new book, this series gets better and better!
June 2, 2024
Not my favorite in this series, I feel like this one was kinda out of character for Sydney.
January 10, 2025
non stop action
Loved the book can’t wait for the next one. This series is an action packed read. I highly recommend it
Loved the book can’t wait for the next one. This series is an action packed read. I highly recommend it
February 25, 2025
Action / mystery packed
This book was so good and kept me reading when i had a spare minute. The way she writes is wonderful!
This book was so good and kept me reading when i had a spare minute. The way she writes is wonderful!
June 24, 2025
Black Magic, white Magic, witches, and murder pretty much sums up this next Sidney Becker book. Another enjoyable read.
November 23, 2025
Different
At first I didn't like the witch/black magic theme. Too bizarre. But in the end, it played into the story well. Excellent book, like all of her others that I've read.
At first I didn't like the witch/black magic theme. Too bizarre. But in the end, it played into the story well. Excellent book, like all of her others that I've read.
August 15, 2024
This has been my favorite of the Sidney Becker series so far!!!
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews