Praise for Easy Innocence

"Libby Hellmann can get into the mind of a character, whether the character is a mentally ill man or a teenage girl. I kept reading after the first brutal and fascinating pages because I... wanted to know what would happen to the good, the bad, the beautiful and the ugly people. PI Georgia Davis, the no-nonsense heart of this tale, is an original who cuts through the surface of the wealthy Chicago suburban North Shore and finds a darkness I didn't see coming. This is good stuff, very good stuff."
—Stuart M. Kaminsky, Grand Master, Mystery Writers of America

"Hellmann's done her homework here and it shows: the writing is assured, the voices authentic, and the understanding both of criminal investigations and relationships among cops, lawyers and prosecutors come to life with great urgency. Her PI, Georgia Davis, works the affluent suburbs north of Chicago, fertile territory for crime that's lain fallow far too long. Davis' arrival on the mean streets is long overdue."
—Sara Paretsky, author of the V.I. Warshawski series and Bleeding Kansas

"Easy Innocence grabs you and doesn't let go. Hellmann's cool style and sleight-of-hand plotting draw you in deep before you know what's happened. This one will keep you up at night."
—SJ Rozan, author of In This Rain

"Hellmann brings to life the reality of hazing and bullying among teenage girls in a story with enough twists and turns to keep you reading to the end. Highly recommended."
—Library Journal (starred review)

"Just what's needed in a mystery... Depth of characterization sets this new entry apart from a crowded field."
—Kirkus Reviews

"Exciting plot development and a strong heroine... If you enjoy gritty noir mysteries, this one is highly recommended."
—Midwest Book Review

"A fast-paced mystery... (Georgia) is a principled, compassionate character, determined to do the right thing, even if it doesn't follow conventional assumptions..."
—Booklist

Easy Innocence is Crime Fiction Dossier's Book of the Week (March 24)!

"Hellmann's vast knowledge of the area and ability to dive deep into her characters give her the authority needed to create a suspenseful and gripping story... Easy Innocence is a tough act to follow."
—CrimeSpree Magazine

"There's a new no-nonsense female private detective in town: Georgia Davis, a former cop who is tough and smart enough to give even the legendary V.I. Warshawski a run for her money... Hellmann knows how to distill the essence of a character in a few unadorned but dead-right sentences."
—Dick Adler, Chicago Tribune | Read full review

"[A] promising new series with an interesting heroine."
—David Montgomery, Chicago Sun-Times

"This is a very twisted tale with some extremely unsavory characters—and it's hard to put down!"
—Mary Helen Becker, Capital Times (Madison, WI)

"Davis takes the reader into some of life's dark corners, but Hellmann tells a heck of a story with good characters and plot twists. There is no easy innocence for anyone along for the ride."
—Barbara Rixstine, Journal Star (Lincoln, NE)

"Hellmann builds a complex web of deceit and treachery... Easy Innocence is more Ross Macdonald than Robert B. Parker, something long overdue in modern P.I. fiction."
—Jim Winter, January Magazine

"Seldom have I read a book as well thought out, as layered, as Easy Innocence... Hellmann's contrasting worlds of the lifestyles of these well-to-do families and PI Davis, who is trying to make ends meet, goes a long way to enhancing the believability of this novel. Life behind the facade is gritty and certainly a learning experience for us all. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED."
—Jean Utley, I Love a Mystery

"I thought that Hellman did a great job with the characters and in developing the situations. In Hellmann's hands, even the rich and privileged showed vulnerability. Add to that a complex and well-developed plot, and you have some great reading ahead of you."
—Maddy Van Hertbruggen, I Love a Mystery

"Georgia is an intriguing and complex character. At times she brims with confidence, at others she shows an endearing vulnerability... The twists in the plot are very well contrived, with enemies turning to allies and an ending that is both satisfactory and totally unexpected."
—Mary Elizabeth Devine, Reviewing the Evidence

"This is a gorgeous, tightly-written mystery. The characters are fully developed and the plot has delicious sub-layers running through it. I love the way the superb writing flows. If I had teen-age daughters, this book would make me very concerned about what they might be up to that I didn't know about. Even if you don't have teen-age daughters (or nieces, friends, etc.) I strongly recommended this book. Mysteries don't get any better than this."
—Sharon Wildwind, Story Circle Book Reviews

"Libby tackles several timely social issues, including peer pressure, the sexualization of young girls, and the pursuit of status, all without preaching or alienating the reader. She does it by simply telling a great story. It had me guessing about the identity of the killer until the very end, and also had me thinking about this book long after I turned the last page."
—Patrick Balester, Picks By Pat | Read full review

Praise For A Shot to Die For

"Libby Fischer Hellmann has already joined an elite club: Chicago mystery writers who not only inhabit the environment but also give it a unique flavor... her series continues in fine style... (Ellie)... lights up the page with courage and energy."
—Chicago Tribune

"This Libby Fischer Hellmann book is the best one yet... By every possible measure, Hellmann's status as a storyteller has grown. Plot development is masterful... intriguing, realistic characters... has me itching for the next book."
—Midwest Book Review (Read full review)

"A vivid setting... entertaining and effective..."
—Publishers Weekly

"Hellmann reaches next level with latest mystery novel"
—Chicago Sun-Times

"Ellie is a very empathetic heroine... intelligently and realistically solved... a very enjoyable read!"
—Deadly Pleasures

"...another wonderful effort by local author Libby Fischer Hellmann..."
—Alibi Books, Glenview, IL

"Excellent... provides a healthy dose of entertainment ... romance, suspense, even a little history. An all too quick read..."
—New Mystery Reader (Read full review)

"A traditional mystery with a modern edge... the author's confidence shows from beginning to end... refreshing as soft serve ice cream on a hot summer night."
—CrimeSpree Magazine

"Ellie Foreman is back... sparkling with humor and wit. Libby Fischer Hellmann takes you into her settings and into her characters' minds.... don't start an Ellie mystery at bedtime or you'll be up all night savoring it."
—Linda Hutton, Mystery Time

"Excellent dialogue, intriguing relationships, and good descriptions... I love Ellie's down-to-earth attitude... a credit to the series."
—Mystery News

"Just as suspenseful and cutting edge as its predecessors, this book is a must-buy... be sure to get A Shot To Die For before all the copies are sold!"
—Romance Reviews Today

"The best in the series... the plot has more layers than a Vidalia onion, but Hellmann handles them adroitly..."
—Mystery Scene

"Watching the development of this talented author has been a delight... Ellie is endearing, completely believable, and many readers can easily identify with her—her status as a single mother of a teen-aged daughter, her halting love life—and this explains part (though certainly not all) of Hellman's popularity. The other part is her increasing ease with a compelling and fast paced narrative."
—Aunt Agatha's, Ann Arbor, MI (Read full review)

"This mystery has it all... a thoroughly enjoyable read and as addictive as potato chips."
—Andra Tracy, Out Word Bound Bookstore, Indianapolis, IN

"A thoroughly enjoyable and fascinating read in a series that continues to delight and engage..."
—Cindy Chow, Adult Services Librarian, Kaneohe, HI

Praise For An Image of Death

"A powerful tale... Hellmann is adept at welding technical information to strong characters... Foreman's pluck and grit married to Hellmann's solid storytelling should win a growing audience... "
—Publishers Weekly

"A clever blend of thrills and humor... a fresh, new gutsy hero... Hellmann has carved out an enviable place on the local mystery scene..."
—Chicago Sun-Times

"Not only has Hellmann created a compelling group of believable characters, but the mystery she places them in is likewise plausible and engrossing. An Image of Death is highly recommended, even if you don't live in Illinois..."
—David Montgomery, Chicago Sun-Times

"A chilling subject matter, intriguing psychological suspense, and disturbing Eastern European connections recommends this to most collections..."
—Library Journal

"As she did in her first two books in this strong series, Hellmann makes sure that images captured on video play an important part in the action. And she balances Foreman's personal life... with her complicated, dangerous front story..."
—Chicago Tribune

"A smashing addition to the series..."
—Midwest Book Review

"Hellmann is really hitting her stride... a deft and surprising writer who is becoming a solid guarantee of an enjoyable read..."
—Aunt Agatha's

"I was quite impressed... a fast-paced plot, interesting characters... and the technical references added authenticity. Very well done."
—Mystery News

"Everything about this book is more vital than what has come before... Ms. Fischer Hellmann folds all ingredients in and rewards her reader with a book so well done you wish the next in the series was sitting at your bedside now."
—Ruth Jordan, Books ‘n Bytes

"A dark, beautiful book about the struggle of the human spirit against despair and the overwhelming forces that shape history. Libby Fischer Hellmann delivers a suspenseful tour de force, impossible to put down. Honest to god, mysteries don't get any better than this..."
—William Kent Krueger

"Exceeds the standards set by the previous mysteries... a superb job at maintaining a high level of suspense... Hellmann has proved that she only gets better with each book..."
—Cindy Chow, No-Name Café

"The pace of An Image of Death increases with each page... you don't want to put this book down once you begin it. It has a magnetic appeal to every reader..."
—Reviewing the Evidence

"Ellie's completely believable, because Hellmann writes believable. Her dialogue works... her characters, and her plot, even when unfamiliar or a little out-of-the-ordinary, are plausible... captivating reading and well-done."
—ILoveAMystery.com

"The book opens with a gripping scene that puts shivers down your spine, and then escalates into a fascinating, character driven mystery. Ellie's sleuthing is key, but her relationships with those around her add depth to the story..."
—Tracy Farnsworth, Roundtable Reviews

"The story is action packed with twists that keep you turning the pages. Ms. Hellman has done a fabulous job in bringing two worlds together... a must read."
—Romance Readers

"Two things you can always be certain of with Hellmann: Chicago is accurately and wonderfully described, and all her characters are portrayed with great sensitivity and feeling."
—Linda Gerber, Dorothy-L

"Libby Fischer Hellmann is a fabulous raconteur."
—Harriet Klausner

"Ellie is a tenacious investigator who feels deep empathy... Hellmann has created a riveting tale..."
—Murder and Mayhem Bookclub

Praise For A Picture of Guilt

"A smart and exciting story... deserves extra attention... Hellmann knows what people are willing to die for and that knowledge makes her work shine."
—Dick Adler, Chicago Tribune (Read full review)

"This sequel to An Eye For Murder has it all—action, excitement, increasing tension—with the usual family complications... Recommended."
—Library Journal

"A tale of darkness and evil in Chicago that keeps you turning the pages... Libby Fischer Hellmann made quite a splash last year with An Eye For Murder. This year's A Picture of Guilt proves that she's here to stay."
—Ruth Jordan, Mystery One

"An exciting new adventure... better written than the first... will keep you up late at night... highly recommended!"
—Mystery Times

"Hellmann owes a debt to fellow Chicagoans Sara Paretsky (complex plotting) and Barbara D'Amato (excellent research)—but she's the brash young thing making this formula new again. I can't wait for the next book!"
—Robin Agnew, Aunt Agatha's

"Hellmann has surpassed herself. Well-crafted, intense and exciting, right up to the last page... a must read!"
—Laurel Johnson, Midwest Book Review

"Hellmann has created a very successful follow up to her critically praised debut... Ellie Foreman continues to be very witty, realistic and likeable. The complex plot keeps the reader riveted to the page."
—Cynthia Chow, The No Name Café

"Ellie is a particularly believable protagonist... she's a pleasure to spend time with. Hellmann once again has made it convincing that this amateur would be involved in the investigation of a crime... and it's always a pleasure not to have to consciously suspend disbelief. A Picture of Guilt is a page-turner of a novel, with an ending even Ellie herself didn't see coming."
—Reviewing the Evidence

"Hellmann has turned out a great thriller, with nicely-handled character descriptions that will make the reader care about what happens to Ellie, her adolescent daughter, and her rocky relationship with her lover."
—John Broussard, ILoveAMystery.com

"Fast-moving and very absorbing... a very satisfying conclusion...a timely and engrossing mystery with a heroine who will be enjoyable to watch change and grow."
—The Mystery Reader

"I could go on and on about what a great book this is—except you should read it for yourself and be happy that the author has escaped the sophomore slump. This is even better than her first, An Eye For Murder, which was excellent!"
—Eden Embler, ILoveAMystery.com

"Get your ticket now. Don't miss this thrill ride of suspense and mystery!"
—The Best Reviews

Praise For An Eye For Murder

"A masterful blend of politics, history, and suspense, this novel is well worth reading... sharp humor and vivid language... Ellie is an engaging amateur sleuth whose wisdom grows. Readers will hope they won't have to wait too long for Ellie's return."
—Publishers Weekly, November 4, 2002

"Complicated... fascinating... Hellmann has a beautifully tuned ear... which makes many of her scenes seriously funny... her film-editor instincts tell her when to let a scene run on and when to cut away."
—Dick Adler, Chicago Tribune

"Taut, compelling and gripping, An Eye For Murder is one of the best mysteries I've read in years! Fast-paced, cleverly crafted, complex drama...I highly recommend it."
—Terri Figueroa, Romance Reviews Today

"Entertaining and well written... a surprising and satisfying conclusion... a clever thriller."
—Ted Hertel, Mystery News

"A clever and compelling thriller."
—November Pick, "The Rap Sheet", January Magazine

"A very entertaining cerebral thriller... fans will encourage Ms. Hellmann to publish more tales starring a delightful TV producer turned amateur sleuth."
—Harriet Klausner, AllReaders.com

"Well-written, engagingly paced... exhibits marked talent. We're going to be hearing much more from this author."
—Carl Brookins, Reviewing the Evidence (Read full review)

"...A well-written and exciting account of how murder changes an ordinary life. Readers will delight... and are sure to demand more."
—Linda Hutton, Mystery Time, October 2002

"A thoroughly enjoyable read. Read An Eye For Murder. You won't be sorry!"
—Midwest Book Review (Read full review)

"Libby Fischer Hellmann is a terrific writer. An Eye For Murder is a mystery in the great tradition, with sins of the past returning to haunt the present. I love the Ellie Foreman character and I want more books about her."
—Barbara D'Amato, winner of the first annual Mary Higgins Clark Award and author of two mystery series

"Libby Fischer Hellmann has written a wonderful thriller. Triggered by a seemingly trivial exchange of intelligence in Prague near the end of World War II, the story quickly moves to contemporary Chicago, where the already harried life of Ellie Foreman is turned upside down by the death of an elderly man she can't recall ever even meeting. An Eye For Murder is a clever mystery puzzle within a beautifully wrought novel."
—Jeremiah Healy, author of Turnabout and Spiral

"Hellmann's gutsy heroine uncovers past crimes that lead to present day murders in this fast-paced, entertaining mystery."
—Rochelle Krich, author of Shadows of Sin and First Blume

"An Eye For Murder is the kind of mystery that I am searching for in the stacks and on the bookshelves. It is not 'just a mystery,' but a story—about reality, about human beings, about life, a story believably told. The plot propelled me forward, kept me 'turning the pages' and reached a satisfying, believable, and surprising conclusion."
—Eleanor Taylor Bland, author of the Marti MacAlister mystery series

"Libby Hellmann's debut novel has everything I want in a mystery: characters I care about; credible motivations; a complex plot. Intelligent and gutsy, the protagonist is someone I'd like to have as a friend. The author knows Chicago, and, more to the point, catches it on the page. An Eye For Murder is a wonderful book. Read it!"
—Michael Allen Dymmoch, author of Incendiary Designs and the John Thinnes/Jack Caleb series

"What a joy to watch Ellie Foreman become a take-charge woman who investigates the past to solve crimes of the present. An Eye For Murder is a remarkable debut mystery."
—Judy Duhl, Scotland Yard Books, Winnetka, IL

"Determined and resourceful, Ellie Foreman is an engaging amateur sleuth out to expose fifty-eight-year-old secrets, lies and murders in this cunning debut!"
—Sheri Kraft, Alibi Books, Glenview, IL

"An Eye For Murder is my favorite kind of mystery—a secret from the past snowballs into the present, creating an avalanche of problems for the protagonist who is witty, resourceful, and determined to dig her way out."
—Jacqueline Fiedler, author of Tiger's Palette and Sketches With Wolves

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