The sudden death of a wealthy matriarch catapults every member of her dysfunctional lineage onto investigator Corrie Locke’s suspect list in a local novelist’s new caper.
A Hollywood attorney by day and stealthy private eye by night, Locke is the lock-picking star of Santa Ynez Valley-based author Lida Sideris’ ongoing series of mystery novels. The series’ sixth entry released on Dec. 5—Murderous Means—follows the protagonist’s pursuit of a killer, but without much confidence in the first clue she comes across.
“The only evidence she has to go on is a half-baked psychic vision,” said Sideris, who described Locke as “a skeptic by nature.”
“As Corrie’s mother explains it, ‘Corrie has always been a skeptic. She never believed in Santa either. Not even unicorns, which were real by the way,’” Sideris said, referring to an excerpt from her new book.
The author added that she shares her heroine’s skepticism of psychics for the most part, despite her love of the TV series Psych, a popular sleuth show set in Santa Barbara, although most of it was shot in Canada.
“If seeing visions can result in that much fun, count me in,” Sideris said after mentioning her Psych fandom, during a recent Q-and-A with the Sun:
Sun: Between your first Locke novel and her latest adventure, has your character changed at all over the years, or would you say she’s pretty much stuck to her guns for the most part?
Sideris: In Murder and Other Unnatural Disasters [Sideris’ first book in the series], Corrie is immature, an impulsive risk-taker, and not a great team player. But by Murderous Means, Corrie has learned to exercise some caution in her investigations and has become a team player who’s gained three loyal, highly motivated sidekicks.
Sun: Avid fans of your mystery series probably know that Locke’s day job as an attorney was inspired by your own career in law. Are there any other notable ways in which your protagonist’s arc mirrors aspects of your own life?
Sideris: There are a few parallels between Corrie and I since the series is loosely based on my former life, working as a lawyer in a movie studio. I really didn’t realize how much my fictional heroine reflected my own life until Slightly Murderous Intent [Sideris’ fourth book in the series]. Every time Corrie takes down a criminal, I’m vicariously taking down a frustration in my own life. There’s plenty of action in my series, which is a wonderful way for me to let off steam.
Sun: For those who are unfamiliar with your work, how would you sum up your mystery novel series without giving too much away?
Sideris: All of my books may be read as stand-alones. Readers regard them as cozy mysteries, but they’re a little edgier. Humor plays a role in my series, as it does in my real life. It takes the edge off situations that tend to ruffle the calmest of feathers. Both my heroine and I agree that humor and laughter help us leap over obstacles and unpleasantries.
Sun: At an author event in Morro Bay earlier this year, you got the chance to read as Locke during a dramatized excerpt from your fifth book, Gambling With Murder. How was that experience? And do you plan to participate in similar kinds of programs in the future?
Sideris: When author Mara Purl invited me to join the radio drama-style reading last April at Coalesce Bookstore, I was all in. I couldn’t resist the opportunity to act out the part of my fearless heroine. I was a bit nervous, at first, since the other participants had acting experience, but I went for it. It was great fun, and yes, we have other similar readings planned for next spring.
Sun: Do you have anything special planned for your upcoming Dec. 16 book signing in Solvang? Any holiday-themed festivities for instance?
Sideris: I always have a song and dance routine ready to go at my signings.
Arts Editor Caleb Wiseblood’s routine is being sure to drink his Ovaltine. Send cryptic comments to [email protected].
