Item: Murderous Means
Author: Gina

Book Review: Murderous Means (A Southern California Mystery) by Lida Sideris | #CozyMystery @GoddessFish @LidaSideris @lida_sideris

A book blog tour from Goddess Fish Promotions.

Thank you to the author, publisher, and Marianne & Judy at Goddess Fish for providing me with the information for this tour.

Book Details

Book Review: Murderous Means (A Southern California Mystery) by Lida Sideris ~ $20 Gift Card Available | #CozyMystery @GoddessFish @LidaSideris @lida_sideris

Murderous Means by Lida Sideris
Series: A Southern California Mystery
Published by Level Best Books on December 5, 2023
Genres: Cozy Mystery
Format: eBook, Paperback
Pages: 307

Corrie Locke may not be the best rookie lawyer in town, but when it comes to catching a killer, let’s just say, she’s got enough skills to bring a band of shifty-eyed suspects to their knees.

When the wealthy matriarch of the dysfunctional Means family dies in her sleep, Corrie’s hired to prove the death was anything but peaceful. Problem is, the only evidence she has to go on is a half-baked psychic vision that the matriarch was murdered.

To put the matter to rest, Corrie sets her sights on proving the psychic's a fraud. After all, everyone knows psychics are crack-pots. But what should be a simple investigation morphs into something deadly.

The deeper Corrie digs, the more bizarre truths are revealed. Tempers rise as she trails a cunning killer who will do whatever it takes to shut the investigation down before the real truth comes to light. It's up to Corrie to catch a killer… who's about to strike again.

Source: Goddess Fish Promotions, Received from the author or publisher for review.

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Excerpt from Murderous Means

Tiny beads of pain crashed together in my head like bumper cars made of steel. It felt like I’d emerged from a deep slumber. I lifted my leaden head. I lay sprawled in the middle of a field. Did I lose consciousness?

My fingers crept to my belt buckle, and I slipped the Japanese throwing star into my palm, relishing the shuriken’s cold metal and sharp points. I caught my breath. A flashlight illuminated the night. A dozen goats huddled together a good thirty feet away, their backs to me. A deep voice stirred the air. I couldn’t make out the words. Who was talking?

A large man stood near the goats, light beam in one hand, while the other dangled a pistol. As he shooed away the livestock, I lowered my head and stiffened. What was it Dad used to say?

A problem presents an opportunity to turn things around.

The guy trekked closer, stopping a few feet short of me. He smelled faintly of tobacco and beer. Shoving aside the pain, I jumped to my feet, only it was more like I heaved myself to a crouching position, shuriken ready. I sucked in a breath and sprang forward, straightening up enough to press my throwing star against his thick neck. Meanwhile, he stuck the muzzle of his gun to my side.

“Steady now, young lady.” His voice was a baritone growl that rustled the weeds. His crinkly blue gaze lit up like sparklers. “I’m going to lower my gun the same time you lower that sharp pointy thing. I know you broke inside the house tonight, but I’m willing to give you a chance to explain before I call the police.”

“Before you what?” I pressed the star deeper, a whisker away from drawing blood. “Who are you?”

Excerpt provided by the author/publisher for use in this post.

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Purchase Links for Murderous Means

Murderous Means: A Southern California Mystery

Amazon Kindle Edition
Sideris, Lida (Author)
English (Publication Language)
307 Pages - 12/05/2023 (Publication Date) - Level Best Books (Publisher)

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My Thoughts on Murderous Means

“Murderous Means” by Lida Sideris is a thrilling ride from start to finish. Corrie Locke, our rookie lawyer protagonist, might not have the smoothest legal skills in town, but she’s unstoppable when it comes to sleuthing out a killer.

Sideris does a masterful job of blending suspense and humor, keeping readers on the edge of their seats while garnering more than a few chuckles along the way. The characters are a delight, from Corrie and her irrepressible mother to her loyal sidekick Veera and her charming partner Michael.

I enjoyed the inclusion of the psychic, which adds a fascinating twist to the traditional mystery genre. It’s a refreshing departure from the norm and adds intrigue to an already entertaining tale.

In Conclusion

“Murderous Means” is a well-written and thoroughly enjoyable read that keeps you guessing until the end. Whether you’re a fan of mystery, suspense, or just great storytelling in general, this book is sure to entertain readers.

I received a copy of the book for the tour. This review is my honest, unbiased opinion.

You might be interested in my review of:

Gambling with Murder by Lida Sideris

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I love my Amazon Kindle Unlimited Subscription. So many books, so little time!

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About Lida Sideris

Lida Sideris’ first stint after law school was a newbie lawyer’s dream: working as an entertainment attorney for a movie studio…kind of like her heroine, Corrie Locke, except without the homicides.

Lida was one of two national winners of the Helen McCloy Mystery Writers of America Scholarship Award for her first book and a Killer Nashville, Silver Falchion Award Finalist for her fourth book – Slightly Murderous Intent.

Lida lives on the northern tip of Southern California with her family, rescue dogs, and a flock of uppity chickens.