What do you think?
Rate this book
Georgia Davis #3
ToxiCity: Georgia Davis Prequel
A prequel to Libby Fischer Hellman’s Georgia Davis PI seriesThere’s an inventive killer at large in Chicago in this dark thriller and police procedural from best-selling crime writer Libby Fischer Hellmann.When three bodies turn up in rapid succession, all in landfills or waste disposal dumpsters, rookie cop Georgia Davis is drawn into the investigation. Teaming up with her detective boyfriend Matt and his friend Detective Sergeant John Stone, Georgia must work out who’s responsible for the killings, but there’s little evidence to go on. The case also tests the strength of Georgia’s relationship with Matt—complicating the situation is the daughter of a real estate mogul, who also happens to have her eye on Matt.Who’s behind these gruesome killings in this normally quiet neighborhood? Why are children developing cancer? And will Georgia’s relationship withstand the demands of this particularly complex investigation?Fans of Libby Fischer Hellmann’s gripping Georgia Davis PI series will enjoy getting to know a younger Georgia Davis in this thrilling prequel, which finds her ten years before Easy Innocence and Doubleback.Deftly weaving emotional pressure into an engaging plot centered on a tangled web of mystery and murder, ToxiCity is a must-read addition to the libraries of crime fiction enthusiasts the world over.
323 pages, Paperback
First published August 31, 2011
72 people are currently reading
342 people want to read
About the author
Libby Fischer Hellmann
78 books970 followersLibby Fischer Hellmann left a career in broadcast news in Washington, DC and moved to Chicago a long time ago, where she, naturally, began to write gritty crime fiction. She soon began writing historical fiction as well. Eighteen novels and twenty-five short stories later, she claims they’ll take her out of the Windy City feet first. She has been nominated for many awards in the mystery writing community and has even won a few. Her newest work is MAX'S WAR, her 6th historical saga. MAX, set before and during WW2, It will be released in April, 2024.
Libby began her career as an assistant film editor for NBC News in New York before moving back to DC to work with Robin McNeil and Jim Lehrer at N-PACT, the public affairs production arm of PBS. Retrained as an assistant director when Watergate broke, Libby helped produce PBS’s night-time broadcast of the hearings. She went on to work for public relations firm Burson-Marsteller in Chicago in 1978, where she stayed until she left to found Fischer Hellmann Communications in 1985.
Originally from Washington, D.C.—where, she says, “When you’re sitting around the dinner table gossiping about the neighbors, you’re talking politics”—Libby earned a Masters Degree in Film Production from New York University and a BA in History from the University of Pennsylvania. In addition to writing, Libby writes and produces videos, and conducts speaker training programs in platform speaking, presentation skills, media training and crisis communications.
Libby’s best-selling novels have won widespread acclaim since her first novel, AN EYE FOR MURDER, which was nominated for several awards and described by Publisher’s Weekly as “a masterful blend of politics, history, and suspense”.
Libby is known for her portrayal of strong female characters. EYE introduced Ellie Foreman, a video producer and single mother who went on to star in five more novels in a series described by Libby as “a cross between Desperate Housewives and 24.”
Libby’s second series, also six novels now, follows Chicago PI Georgia Davis, a no-nonsense hard-boiled detective operating in the Northern suburbs and beyond.
In addition to her popular series, Libby has also written five standalone thrillers in diverse settings and historical periods that demonstrate her versatility as a writer. Readers will meet young activists during the late Sixties, a young American woman who marries and moves to Tehran, three women forced to make dire choices during WW2, and a female Mafia boss who chases power at the expense of love. And in A BEND IN THE RIVER, she takes a break from her thrillers to write an award-winning novel of two Vietnamese sisters trying to survive the Vietnam war. MAX is the upcoming 6th addition to the loosely-linked series she calls her "Revolution Sagas."
Libby began her career as an assistant film editor for NBC News in New York before moving back to DC to work with Robin McNeil and Jim Lehrer at N-PACT, the public affairs production arm of PBS. Retrained as an assistant director when Watergate broke, Libby helped produce PBS’s night-time broadcast of the hearings. She went on to work for public relations firm Burson-Marsteller in Chicago in 1978, where she stayed until she left to found Fischer Hellmann Communications in 1985.
Originally from Washington, D.C.—where, she says, “When you’re sitting around the dinner table gossiping about the neighbors, you’re talking politics”—Libby earned a Masters Degree in Film Production from New York University and a BA in History from the University of Pennsylvania. In addition to writing, Libby writes and produces videos, and conducts speaker training programs in platform speaking, presentation skills, media training and crisis communications.
Libby’s best-selling novels have won widespread acclaim since her first novel, AN EYE FOR MURDER, which was nominated for several awards and described by Publisher’s Weekly as “a masterful blend of politics, history, and suspense”.
Libby is known for her portrayal of strong female characters. EYE introduced Ellie Foreman, a video producer and single mother who went on to star in five more novels in a series described by Libby as “a cross between Desperate Housewives and 24.”
Libby’s second series, also six novels now, follows Chicago PI Georgia Davis, a no-nonsense hard-boiled detective operating in the Northern suburbs and beyond.
In addition to her popular series, Libby has also written five standalone thrillers in diverse settings and historical periods that demonstrate her versatility as a writer. Readers will meet young activists during the late Sixties, a young American woman who marries and moves to Tehran, three women forced to make dire choices during WW2, and a female Mafia boss who chases power at the expense of love. And in A BEND IN THE RIVER, she takes a break from her thrillers to write an award-winning novel of two Vietnamese sisters trying to survive the Vietnam war. MAX is the upcoming 6th addition to the loosely-linked series she calls her "Revolution Sagas."
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
June 16, 2019
Oftentimes, police procedurals are rather linear, taking the reader down a straightforward path from crime to solution, but that is definitely not the case with ToxiCity. Here, we have a tale full of complexity and a plethora of twists and turns leading to answers that are tinged with a bit of ambiguity. I couldn’t help having some sympathy and certainly a good deal of understanding for the killer even while deploring that person’s actions.
Adding to the ins and outs of the investigations is the look into Georgia Davis’s early days as a cop. Georgia is young but that can’t fully excuse some of the dumb things she does or her overwrought emotional reactions when things don’t go her way. On the other hand, we also get to see the beginnings of her investigative talent, her sharp intellect and keen desire to figure things out.
As narrators, Beth Richmond and Derek Shetterly do fine work and both have good pacing and clear voices with just the right emotional tones when needed. There is not a lot of distinction between characters but I found that didn’t get in the way of my enjoying the story.
Bottomline, this is a good entry in the series but I would encourage readers not to assume “prequel” means this should be read first because you could end up not liking Georgia. Much better to meet her in the two previous books when she’s matured a little 😉
Adding to the ins and outs of the investigations is the look into Georgia Davis’s early days as a cop. Georgia is young but that can’t fully excuse some of the dumb things she does or her overwrought emotional reactions when things don’t go her way. On the other hand, we also get to see the beginnings of her investigative talent, her sharp intellect and keen desire to figure things out.
As narrators, Beth Richmond and Derek Shetterly do fine work and both have good pacing and clear voices with just the right emotional tones when needed. There is not a lot of distinction between characters but I found that didn’t get in the way of my enjoying the story.
Bottomline, this is a good entry in the series but I would encourage readers not to assume “prequel” means this should be read first because you could end up not liking Georgia. Much better to meet her in the two previous books when she’s matured a little 😉
March 14, 2022
After reading the first two books in the Georgia Davis series, I found this one not up to my expectation! That's ok. It still held my interest! The story a prequel to the other two, is more about Georgia's old boyfriend, Matt Singer and another Policeman, John Stone who are working a case with a lot of characters, a huge problem. Lots of deaths, bodies found in dumpsters with no apparent cause of death. Matt is attracted to a new woman, Georgia has been suspended and isn't quite the gal I have in my mind. What's going on? 🤓
May 26, 2015
Another incredible thriller from master story teller Libby Hellmann, "Toxicity", is the third novel from the Georgia Davis P.I. series. The most suspenseful Georgia Davis book to date. From the first chapter right on through book's conclusion this story is intense and powerful. Georgia Davis is living with Detective Matt Singer at the onset. Singer and his partner Detective Sergeant John Stone are assigned the case of a badly mutilated body of a female, located in a dumpster on a "Feldman's" developing site. Stuart Feldman a local big wig, is building a mall on some distressed property. The town folk however are vociferously against Feldman's plans. This mall would create untenable traffic jams and delays for the local residents. The victim is a local math teacher with no apparent ties to development. The second victim, Louis Simon is found in a large water container also on Feldman property. Simon a sleazy womanizer and dentist also has no apparent ties to Feldman properties either. When the third victim is also found in a Feldman dumpster, the detectives are finally piecing together a plot that goes back some 40 years into the 1970's. Contaminated soil from toxic chemicals spurned several lawsuits decades before. Now the attractive and business savy, Ricki who's Feldman's daughter is running the company. However, she seems to have a bulls eye on her back. Just an enjoyable thriller to get lost into, "Toxicity" was both educational and scary. As usual with author Libby Hellmann's incredibly delightful characters, the reader rides on a roller coaster that flies non stop. Also, some really outstanding dialog really kicked some colorful life into this thriller. "Toxicity" is one of those books you want to take your time and enjoy each page, but a same time needed to push hard to see what was coming next. All 3 of the Georgia Davis P.I. books from Ms. Hellmann have been simply wonderful ! I can't wait to jump into the fourth book. A fantastic 5 stars out of 5 stars possible, this series is a winner. If you're not already been reading the Georgia Davis P.I. novels you're miss a real treat. I'd highly recommend, and as soon as possible.
September 6, 2011
As a professional environmental analytical chemist I was already predisposed to have fun with this new story by Libby Fischer Hellmann, one of my favorite Chicago mystery writers. I was not disappointed; Libby did a wonderful job of interweaving some Georgia Davis backstory, several interesting interpersonal relationships, and tense environmental drama, into a believably frightening murder mystery! The story unfolds in a non-linear fashion, which can be a disaster for the reader (and author!) if not laid out well, and Ms. Hellmann succeeded admirably in letting us have the present and past story fragments coordinated beautifully in the push towards the denouement, imho. The resolution of both the mystery and the drama was quite satisfactory, and I greatly enjoyed the looks at the many facets which comprise Georgia Davis!
The only negative comments I will make are solely due to personal pet peeves of mine: misspellings of place/person names, and geographical direction errors, as part of a story where said places/persons/directions are used to flesh out the verisimilitude. Particular bugs that stuck in my eye: Georgia traveling south from Fullerton to get to Diversey (which is north), and Halsted Street repeatedly spelled Halstead. Granted, I'm picking at nits here, but there you have it! :-)
All told, four stars, I greatly enjoyed this story!!
The only negative comments I will make are solely due to personal pet peeves of mine: misspellings of place/person names, and geographical direction errors, as part of a story where said places/persons/directions are used to flesh out the verisimilitude. Particular bugs that stuck in my eye: Georgia traveling south from Fullerton to get to Diversey (which is north), and Halsted Street repeatedly spelled Halstead. Granted, I'm picking at nits here, but there you have it! :-)
All told, four stars, I greatly enjoyed this story!!
July 3, 2016
Toxicity is about a serial killer that has the police force confused and the population scared. There are no marks on the victims, no way of telling how they died. They all just end up dead in a trash pile, dumpster or garbage place. No one can figure out why they die or if the deaths are even related.
I wasn't sure what to expect, but was blown away once I began reading. The author's style is fast paced and exciting. I literally couldn't put the book down. There are several main characters and several different view points going on at the same time, but it isn't confusing. There were just enough details to keep me reading and absorbed in the story, but not enough so that I figured it out too quickly. Think CSI meets Erin Brockovich. Combine that with excellent writing and you have a book that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
I received this book free of charge in exchange for my honest review.
I wasn't sure what to expect, but was blown away once I began reading. The author's style is fast paced and exciting. I literally couldn't put the book down. There are several main characters and several different view points going on at the same time, but it isn't confusing. There were just enough details to keep me reading and absorbed in the story, but not enough so that I figured it out too quickly. Think CSI meets Erin Brockovich. Combine that with excellent writing and you have a book that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
I received this book free of charge in exchange for my honest review.
October 30, 2011
I haven't read either of the Georgia Davis books, and Toxicity is an excellent introduction to the character, providing Georgia's backstory. But the book is more than just a prequel to the series. It's full of well-drawn characters, a solid mystery, and provocative issues, both personal and societal. Hellman is one of my favorite authors from the Ellie Foreman series. If Toxicity is a predictor of how the Georgia Davis series will develop, she'll have a major hit on her hands.
Hellman is one of the authors who makes me grateful I bought my Kindle. I would probably never had discovered her if not for that. Her work alone practically justifies the expense.
Hellman is one of the authors who makes me grateful I bought my Kindle. I would probably never had discovered her if not for that. Her work alone practically justifies the expense.
September 27, 2011
I loved this book. Not only will the writing style draw you in and make you unable to put down, the plot is skillfully interwoven to keep you guessing. Think A Civil Action meets Erin Brockervich. And the scary thing is, it could happen to you. Greed, murder, cover-ups, damaged relationships - this thriller has everything you need from a fab read.
June 18, 2019
Note: While this is labeled as Book #3 of the series, it really is set before Book #1 and can be read as a stand alone novel.
This is a clever serial killer mystery. The Feldman development site seems to be central to the story, but us readers know a little more than the detectives. The story has flashbacks to when houses were just going up on the Feldman site, showing us how families put their dreams into being home owners. At first the bodies don’t seem to be connected, but as Georgia and Detective Matt Singer dig into each one, similarities become apparent.
Singer and his partner Detective Sargent John Stone make a good team. But Matt has some personal issues. First, he’s in a relationship with Georgia, which is against department regulations. That double standard rears it’s ugly head and Georgia pays the price. Then he’s helping out a potential victim of the serial killer, Vicky Feldman (daughter of the Feldman who created the housing complex).
While I really enjoyed the plot, the characters fell a little flat for me. Matt is a wishwashy guy who can’t decide what he wants in a relationship. Georgia is drowning in self-pity and alcohol. Stone is interesting but we get so little of him. Ricky starts off as a capable business woman but later huffs off in anger, putting several people in danger.
The ending is full of suspense and action. The story revealed the motivations of the killer in such a way that I did sympathize with them in many ways. It was an excellent wrap up of the murder mystery. I did want a bit more from Georgia, showing us clearly how she went from being that drunken sorry sot to the competent PI we know and love. 4/5 stars
The Narration: Beth Richmond and Derek Shetterly tag team this book. I’ve gotten used to Richmond narrating the first 2 books solo, so I feel she could have pulled this entire book off. Again, I like her voice for Georgia. She also tackles several Jewish words with ease. Shetterly was OK. I often had trouble differentiating his voice for Stone and his voice for Singer, so I sometimes lost track of what each guy was doing. Over all, the pacing was good and there were no tech issues with the recording. 4/5 stars.
I received this audiobook as part of my participation in a blog tour with Audiobookworm Promotions. The tour is being sponsored by Libby Fischer Hellmann. The gifting of this audiobook did not affect my opinion of it.
This is a clever serial killer mystery. The Feldman development site seems to be central to the story, but us readers know a little more than the detectives. The story has flashbacks to when houses were just going up on the Feldman site, showing us how families put their dreams into being home owners. At first the bodies don’t seem to be connected, but as Georgia and Detective Matt Singer dig into each one, similarities become apparent.
Singer and his partner Detective Sargent John Stone make a good team. But Matt has some personal issues. First, he’s in a relationship with Georgia, which is against department regulations. That double standard rears it’s ugly head and Georgia pays the price. Then he’s helping out a potential victim of the serial killer, Vicky Feldman (daughter of the Feldman who created the housing complex).
While I really enjoyed the plot, the characters fell a little flat for me. Matt is a wishwashy guy who can’t decide what he wants in a relationship. Georgia is drowning in self-pity and alcohol. Stone is interesting but we get so little of him. Ricky starts off as a capable business woman but later huffs off in anger, putting several people in danger.
The ending is full of suspense and action. The story revealed the motivations of the killer in such a way that I did sympathize with them in many ways. It was an excellent wrap up of the murder mystery. I did want a bit more from Georgia, showing us clearly how she went from being that drunken sorry sot to the competent PI we know and love. 4/5 stars
The Narration: Beth Richmond and Derek Shetterly tag team this book. I’ve gotten used to Richmond narrating the first 2 books solo, so I feel she could have pulled this entire book off. Again, I like her voice for Georgia. She also tackles several Jewish words with ease. Shetterly was OK. I often had trouble differentiating his voice for Stone and his voice for Singer, so I sometimes lost track of what each guy was doing. Over all, the pacing was good and there were no tech issues with the recording. 4/5 stars.
I received this audiobook as part of my participation in a blog tour with Audiobookworm Promotions. The tour is being sponsored by Libby Fischer Hellmann. The gifting of this audiobook did not affect my opinion of it.
November 6, 2019
I enjoyed this book. This is book three in the Georgia Davis series which is a bit miss leading as I think it should have been book one, Georgia is still working on the police force and the story was more about Mat and his partner Stone solving the case. Don't get me wrong I did enjoy the story and thought it was great to find out more about Mat and Georgia relationship as they big parts in the books. The plot was interesting and I hadn't guessed who the killer was. The story jumped from character to character and also in time but with the use of two narrators it was easy to follow along and added to the mystery and suspense. Over all a great listen as either book one or book three.
A number of bodies turn up all over town with no obvious cause of death. The police have no clue who the murderer is, why they are dying or even if it is the same killer. They turn up a number of secrets but none that connect the bodies until Matt turns up a photo in one of the victims mail. Could this be the possible link they were looking for? Following up the team discover a cover up in the past that has grave consequence on the future.
I like the use of two narrators for the story and think it added to the enjoyment. The male narrator didn't have much of a variation for the male characters but that could be because there was a lot of characters and it didn't effect the enjoyment
A number of bodies turn up all over town with no obvious cause of death. The police have no clue who the murderer is, why they are dying or even if it is the same killer. They turn up a number of secrets but none that connect the bodies until Matt turns up a photo in one of the victims mail. Could this be the possible link they were looking for? Following up the team discover a cover up in the past that has grave consequence on the future.
I like the use of two narrators for the story and think it added to the enjoyment. The male narrator didn't have much of a variation for the male characters but that could be because there was a lot of characters and it didn't effect the enjoyment
November 17, 2019
This is the third in the series but as a prequel can be read as a stand alone or out of order. Dead bodies are being found in dump sites. Whilst trying to unravel what is going on Georgia and Matt 's relationship is found out- and Georgia is suspended. Matt and his friend John Stone team up in this investigation.
The story's focus is Matt really with Georgia a more peripheral character in many ways. Matt is to me a passive character and not my sort of person, too self-absorbed and easily manipulated, It was difficult to see what anyone would find attractive about him. John Stone was much nicer.
The story was good, if a little incredible, but it had me gripped and is an easy listen/read. I part read/part listened with whispersync for this one.
Definitely worth reading and continuing with the series.
The story's focus is Matt really with Georgia a more peripheral character in many ways. Matt is to me a passive character and not my sort of person, too self-absorbed and easily manipulated, It was difficult to see what anyone would find attractive about him. John Stone was much nicer.
The story was good, if a little incredible, but it had me gripped and is an easy listen/read. I part read/part listened with whispersync for this one.
Definitely worth reading and continuing with the series.
June 19, 2019
Toxicity was a total mind ****! The past comes back to haunt the developer, architect, and others involved in a land development deal from the 70's in this suspenseful, intense story from Libby Fischer Hellmann. Toxicity is one of the most complex stories I have delved into in a while and I loved it.
Narrators Beth Richmond and Derek Shetterly do a fantastic job of bringing this one to life.
Narrators Beth Richmond and Derek Shetterly do a fantastic job of bringing this one to life.
March 31, 2020
AUDIOBOOK REVIEW
As the bodies start turning up Georgia Davis is drawn into another investigation. With little clues to go on the team must work our who is responsible before anyone else is killed. The case tests her and her relationship to the limit as they try to work out who and why these murders are being committed and how to catch the person responsible.
Another exciting audio which I won’t spoil for you but it’s a very good story and a great narrator.
As the bodies start turning up Georgia Davis is drawn into another investigation. With little clues to go on the team must work our who is responsible before anyone else is killed. The case tests her and her relationship to the limit as they try to work out who and why these murders are being committed and how to catch the person responsible.
Another exciting audio which I won’t spoil for you but it’s a very good story and a great narrator.
December 25, 2017
Sad Commentary on Today’s Society
Graft corruption toxic waste bribes cover-up murder melodrama. Written in partial flashbacks and quick cut-aways, this story teeters between personal dramas and horrific legal injustices as seen through the eyes of each victim. Not one I will re-read in the future. Ultimately everyone in the story ends up a victim.
Graft corruption toxic waste bribes cover-up murder melodrama. Written in partial flashbacks and quick cut-aways, this story teeters between personal dramas and horrific legal injustices as seen through the eyes of each victim. Not one I will re-read in the future. Ultimately everyone in the story ends up a victim.
July 7, 2022
Good book
Overall, I enjoyed the book. There are a lot of peripheral characters and I had a hard time remembering all of them at times. I like the premise and think it is well orchestrated. There are some complex relationships that give the story depth. It is interesting seeing Georgia in her younger days.
Overall, I enjoyed the book. There are a lot of peripheral characters and I had a hard time remembering all of them at times. I like the premise and think it is well orchestrated. There are some complex relationships that give the story depth. It is interesting seeing Georgia in her younger days.
June 22, 2019
A great book to read! I want to read more from this series too. The author has written another wonderful book. It won't disappoint either. It has great characters and a great plot that will keep you on the edge of your seat throughout the book.
January 12, 2020
Audiobook review
Georgia’s past plays a part in this story. Her police job & her past cases.
A very good book looking at the working relationships between the officers and the way they work.
Dark & enjoyable
Georgia’s past plays a part in this story. Her police job & her past cases.
A very good book looking at the working relationships between the officers and the way they work.
Dark & enjoyable
January 16, 2020
I loved the first two in this series so was excited to pick up the third instalment. This one is a prequel and takes us into Georgia’s past as a young police officer. Unfortunately young Georgia is nowhere near as instantaneously likeable as older Georgia, especially contrasted with the girl power we got from her and Ellie in the last book, but fortunately other characters fill the void, the plot itself is gripping and thought provoking and the narration by Beth Richmond and especially Derek Shetterley is spot on. Off to enjoy the next one!
November 7, 2022
First novel - twitchy and inconsistent. Author was fighting on which character to feature.
February 4, 2023
Great
It was a good book to catch you up on Georgia's story. I am on to number 4, which sounds very interesting
It was a good book to catch you up on Georgia's story. I am on to number 4, which sounds very interesting
May 10, 2023
Excellent Read!!
September 7, 2023
I love Libby Fischer Hellerman Books
February 26, 2024
This is a prequel to the previous two stories. Georgia coming to terms with her dismissal and her relationship with Matt in tatters. A good edgy crime, well researched and entertaining.
December 16, 2011
Fans of the Georgia Davis PI series (Easy Innocence and Doubleback ), and anybody that loves police procedurals written tautly, with grit and a healthy dose of noir will love this one. Toxicity is a prequel to the other Georgia Davis PI books and takes place ten years earlier when Georgia is a young cop on an suburban Chicago police force.
The story opens with a hook. The antagonist over seeing the death of a man dying in agony. This prologue will pull the reader in and grab their attention like a road accident. There is no cure for morbid curiosity.We know we shouldn’t look, be we can’t help ourselves.
In suburban north shore Chicago three bodies turn up in succession, all ‘dumped’; one in a garbage truck to be ground up, one in a land fill and one in a pit in a waste disposal site. Glenbrook detective Matt Singer is called to the scene of the first body where Officer Georgia Davis, his fiancé, is securing the scene doing crowd control. Soon another body is discovered in the jurisdiction of Detective Sergeant John Stone, from neighboring Northview. There’s nothing to tie the crimes together except for the fact that both were peripherally associated with a developer named Feldman who also owns the garbage company. Singer and Stone partner up, and when a third body shows up, and the actual cause in none of the deaths is readily identifiable by the M.E. The political pressure, and the pressure from the wealthy Feldman’s starts to pile on.
Solid leads are few, and clues are non existent. As close as can be determined, all three deaths were from different causes and could have been innocently explained, except for all three bodies were moved to Feldman properties. Singer is driven by his Jewish heritage to reconcile murder and the pursuit of justice for the victim with his heritage. Even though Georgia is a young inexperienced patrol cop, he recognizes her intelligence and tenacity and unofficially thrust her into the case. But when Singer and Davis’ boss finds out they are living together, Davis is suspended. At first Davis, hurt by the fact that Singer betrayed her in order to stay on the case , and also because of the fact that to Singers family, Davis is just Singers shiksa, and she not only feels rejected by his family, but looked on as a flirtation or even his whore.
Georgia hits the bottle, but soon gets herself together and starts to research the different deaths, looking for a common thread. Mean while Singer, frustrated by the lack of progress, and succumbing to both the pressure from his family and the pressure from from his bosses, marginalizes Georgia and starts falling for the beautiful Ricki Feldman, the daughter of the wealthy developer who had started off as a garbage man 20 years earlier. Ricki is not only an observant Jew, but stunningly gorgeous and she has Singer in her sights.
The story is really a “how done it”, not a who done it, and Hellmann writes tight well researched prose to make the story work oh so well. There is a certain “hardboiled” feeling to the story without the use of the usual clichés.Instead, the dialogue is taut and to the point but never relies on “tough guy” one liners. The hardboiled atmosphere, instead comes from the dark aspects of the story and the gritty persistence of the characters and a pace to the story that is perfect.
The character development, which happens slickly as the plot unwinds, and is seamlessly woven into the story, draws the characters as real humans with real lives. Before you know it you are familiar with their dreams, frustrations and motivations. And there is nothing of the sensational, they walk across the scenes as complete characters, from wrinkled suits to bad habits, from endearing traits to thought processes.
The plot itself is complex and full of red herrings and dead ends that aren’t just “devices” but tell the back story. There are elements pertinent to current concerns about the environment, corporate greed, and corruption of the political and legal systems. Hellmann uses small details to instill a sense of place and to bring the story to life'; a Bob Dylan poster on a lawyers wall, with psychedelic colored hair (I own this poster!), the green copy button and the smell of ink from a Xerox machine. But the details push the story along, not weigh it down. You can see, feel, and smell the places and the people.
Hellmann is also wildly successful in developing empathy for the antagonist who is drawn as both a victim and a cold blooded serial killer. The back story is real, and has happened a thousand times only to be quickly forgotten, but Hellmann makes the reader aware that it is not forgotten by those whose lives it effected and that when the system fails, sometimes people take justice into their own hands.
Hellmann writes in many genre, but her Georgia Davis series may just be one of the best crime thriller series being written today.
The story opens with a hook. The antagonist over seeing the death of a man dying in agony. This prologue will pull the reader in and grab their attention like a road accident. There is no cure for morbid curiosity.We know we shouldn’t look, be we can’t help ourselves.
In suburban north shore Chicago three bodies turn up in succession, all ‘dumped’; one in a garbage truck to be ground up, one in a land fill and one in a pit in a waste disposal site. Glenbrook detective Matt Singer is called to the scene of the first body where Officer Georgia Davis, his fiancé, is securing the scene doing crowd control. Soon another body is discovered in the jurisdiction of Detective Sergeant John Stone, from neighboring Northview. There’s nothing to tie the crimes together except for the fact that both were peripherally associated with a developer named Feldman who also owns the garbage company. Singer and Stone partner up, and when a third body shows up, and the actual cause in none of the deaths is readily identifiable by the M.E. The political pressure, and the pressure from the wealthy Feldman’s starts to pile on.
Solid leads are few, and clues are non existent. As close as can be determined, all three deaths were from different causes and could have been innocently explained, except for all three bodies were moved to Feldman properties. Singer is driven by his Jewish heritage to reconcile murder and the pursuit of justice for the victim with his heritage. Even though Georgia is a young inexperienced patrol cop, he recognizes her intelligence and tenacity and unofficially thrust her into the case. But when Singer and Davis’ boss finds out they are living together, Davis is suspended. At first Davis, hurt by the fact that Singer betrayed her in order to stay on the case , and also because of the fact that to Singers family, Davis is just Singers shiksa, and she not only feels rejected by his family, but looked on as a flirtation or even his whore.
Georgia hits the bottle, but soon gets herself together and starts to research the different deaths, looking for a common thread. Mean while Singer, frustrated by the lack of progress, and succumbing to both the pressure from his family and the pressure from from his bosses, marginalizes Georgia and starts falling for the beautiful Ricki Feldman, the daughter of the wealthy developer who had started off as a garbage man 20 years earlier. Ricki is not only an observant Jew, but stunningly gorgeous and she has Singer in her sights.
The story is really a “how done it”, not a who done it, and Hellmann writes tight well researched prose to make the story work oh so well. There is a certain “hardboiled” feeling to the story without the use of the usual clichés.Instead, the dialogue is taut and to the point but never relies on “tough guy” one liners. The hardboiled atmosphere, instead comes from the dark aspects of the story and the gritty persistence of the characters and a pace to the story that is perfect.
The character development, which happens slickly as the plot unwinds, and is seamlessly woven into the story, draws the characters as real humans with real lives. Before you know it you are familiar with their dreams, frustrations and motivations. And there is nothing of the sensational, they walk across the scenes as complete characters, from wrinkled suits to bad habits, from endearing traits to thought processes.
The plot itself is complex and full of red herrings and dead ends that aren’t just “devices” but tell the back story. There are elements pertinent to current concerns about the environment, corporate greed, and corruption of the political and legal systems. Hellmann uses small details to instill a sense of place and to bring the story to life'; a Bob Dylan poster on a lawyers wall, with psychedelic colored hair (I own this poster!), the green copy button and the smell of ink from a Xerox machine. But the details push the story along, not weigh it down. You can see, feel, and smell the places and the people.
Hellmann is also wildly successful in developing empathy for the antagonist who is drawn as both a victim and a cold blooded serial killer. The back story is real, and has happened a thousand times only to be quickly forgotten, but Hellmann makes the reader aware that it is not forgotten by those whose lives it effected and that when the system fails, sometimes people take justice into their own hands.
Hellmann writes in many genre, but her Georgia Davis series may just be one of the best crime thriller series being written today.
March 10, 2013
A AudioBook Review
Story – 5
Narration - 4
Overall 5
In what she calls the prequel to her Georgia Davis mysteries, Hellmann again leads us through a chilling mystery that is grounded in past and present, impeccably researched and characters that are well defined and wholly human.
This story centers on a series of puzzling murders, toxic waste sites, cancer clusters and revenge. With a good dose of homegrown separatist groups and the paranoia that is their genesis, detailing of the frustrations inherent in police work and several clues that are detailed for the reader, the masses of information are provided in simple pieces that don’t feel overwhelming.
Relationships are all prominently on display here as well, both current and in flashback: from a rather one-sided romance between Georgia and Singer, the overload of guilt that Singer is subjected to as his family cannot embrace Georgia fully since she is not Jewish, to Singer’s undeniable “grass is greener” attraction to Riki, the interpersonal details and inclusions are spectacular. Their inclusion helps to flush out the story and provide needed background information that enhances your understanding of the characters and fixes them in your brain.
My only complaint with the audiobook version was in the narration. Sadly, Robin Rowan worked to make distinct voices and accents for each character, that were often more distracting than had she simply made minor changes in pitch and pace. The inclusion of varying accents, which were then detailed in the character’s words, provided a dissonance that was noticeable and occasionally broke the flow of what was being said.
I should, at this point make note that when I had agreed to review this AudioBook, I did not realize that I had purchased a kindle copy of this particular title nearly six months ago. A fortuitous discovery, as I was also able to test out the “whispersync” feature. Whispersync allows you to purchase the audio book at a discounted price if you have the kindle version, and you can use this handy and clever application to alternate between reading and listening, with both versions integrating seamlessly.
I did receive the AudioBook version of this book from the author for purpose of honest review for the Heard Word promotion at I am, Indeed. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
Story – 5
Narration - 4
Overall 5
In what she calls the prequel to her Georgia Davis mysteries, Hellmann again leads us through a chilling mystery that is grounded in past and present, impeccably researched and characters that are well defined and wholly human.
This story centers on a series of puzzling murders, toxic waste sites, cancer clusters and revenge. With a good dose of homegrown separatist groups and the paranoia that is their genesis, detailing of the frustrations inherent in police work and several clues that are detailed for the reader, the masses of information are provided in simple pieces that don’t feel overwhelming.
Relationships are all prominently on display here as well, both current and in flashback: from a rather one-sided romance between Georgia and Singer, the overload of guilt that Singer is subjected to as his family cannot embrace Georgia fully since she is not Jewish, to Singer’s undeniable “grass is greener” attraction to Riki, the interpersonal details and inclusions are spectacular. Their inclusion helps to flush out the story and provide needed background information that enhances your understanding of the characters and fixes them in your brain.
My only complaint with the audiobook version was in the narration. Sadly, Robin Rowan worked to make distinct voices and accents for each character, that were often more distracting than had she simply made minor changes in pitch and pace. The inclusion of varying accents, which were then detailed in the character’s words, provided a dissonance that was noticeable and occasionally broke the flow of what was being said.
I should, at this point make note that when I had agreed to review this AudioBook, I did not realize that I had purchased a kindle copy of this particular title nearly six months ago. A fortuitous discovery, as I was also able to test out the “whispersync” feature. Whispersync allows you to purchase the audio book at a discounted price if you have the kindle version, and you can use this handy and clever application to alternate between reading and listening, with both versions integrating seamlessly.
I did receive the AudioBook version of this book from the author for purpose of honest review for the Heard Word promotion at I am, Indeed. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
June 24, 2019
Big money and high crimes…that is the game here. How much would one need to pay to make something go away? What about to just look the other way? What type of organization would have all of the right people in their pocket? Hellmann has a lot of action and some adventure in this third installment. Georgia Davis teams up with Detective Sergeant John Stone and her boyfriend Matt in this gripping case.
Matt Sanger gets involved in a homicide case with the victim being a school teacher. Detective Sergeant Stone finds more bodies with the same motive and both are forced to team up in hopes of finding the connection. When leads disappear faster than they can track them down, Georgia lends her assistance when she detects that something isn’t quite right with the little neighborhood as well. People seem to be dying and the only thing that they can catch a break on is that it has to do with the daughter of a real estate hotshot who has her eyes dead set on Matt, especially when she becomes a the target. Striking quickly and with precision, Matt and Georgia have to find the missing pieces of this puzzle quickly or they may lose an innocent woman to this killer.
Hellmann has a great story, filled with heartbreak, secrets, and vendettas. The characters are well-developed, but the pace is very slow. This installment seems to focus more on the boyfriend more than it does Georgia, which is a bit odd. It was expected for the story to focus primarily on Georgia instead of Matt, but it appears that Georgia is the supporting cast in this story. Since this review is complimenting the audiobook, Hellmann switches it up and has two narrators for this installment. Richmond and Shetterly have the male and female vocal differentiation covered, but since the pace is so slow…it seemed to drag a bit through scenes. If you are a readers of crime thrillers, suspense and mysteries, you may find this story entertaining to read. This is the third installment within the series; however, it is a back-story of the characters; therefore, it can be read as a standalone without losing any misinterpretation from previous installments.
A copy of this audiobook was provided to Turning Another Page by Audiobookworm Promotions and in no way affects the honesty of this review. We provide a three-star rating to Toxicity by Libby Fischer Hellmann.
Matt Sanger gets involved in a homicide case with the victim being a school teacher. Detective Sergeant Stone finds more bodies with the same motive and both are forced to team up in hopes of finding the connection. When leads disappear faster than they can track them down, Georgia lends her assistance when she detects that something isn’t quite right with the little neighborhood as well. People seem to be dying and the only thing that they can catch a break on is that it has to do with the daughter of a real estate hotshot who has her eyes dead set on Matt, especially when she becomes a the target. Striking quickly and with precision, Matt and Georgia have to find the missing pieces of this puzzle quickly or they may lose an innocent woman to this killer.
Hellmann has a great story, filled with heartbreak, secrets, and vendettas. The characters are well-developed, but the pace is very slow. This installment seems to focus more on the boyfriend more than it does Georgia, which is a bit odd. It was expected for the story to focus primarily on Georgia instead of Matt, but it appears that Georgia is the supporting cast in this story. Since this review is complimenting the audiobook, Hellmann switches it up and has two narrators for this installment. Richmond and Shetterly have the male and female vocal differentiation covered, but since the pace is so slow…it seemed to drag a bit through scenes. If you are a readers of crime thrillers, suspense and mysteries, you may find this story entertaining to read. This is the third installment within the series; however, it is a back-story of the characters; therefore, it can be read as a standalone without losing any misinterpretation from previous installments.
A copy of this audiobook was provided to Turning Another Page by Audiobookworm Promotions and in no way affects the honesty of this review. We provide a three-star rating to Toxicity by Libby Fischer Hellmann.
February 15, 2017
Wow, what a good audio book! I liked how all the pieces came together, finally, and we saw how all the characters were connected. I listened to the audio book and it was really good. I couldn't wait for my commute and daily walk every day, just to listen to it! I did not figure out what was going to happen, so the author was very good at the suspense and the plot. Ms. Hellmann is a really good writer and I hope to read ALL of her books!
April 7, 2013
I am prefacing my review by stating that I was given an audiobook copy of this book by the author. Thank you.
This is my first book by Libby Fischer Hellman... I know nothing of her Georgia Davis character and was surprised to see how little she appears in this book when it is plugged as a prequel to the series. Having said that she, Georgia, is the street cop "detective" that actually works it out what toxin is being used before the professionals.
What starts off to be a routine murder mystery suddenly twists and turns to be something so much more complex in its issues.
We also delve into the personal lives of the cops and the struggles they go through not only in their professional but also personal lives. Got to say Georgia's boyfriend left me wanting to smack him several times.
A rash of rather gruesome dead bodies have been turning up dumped in various places(obviously not where they had been killed). They appear to have no connection with each other..
As stated, at the beginning, this book was set before more advanced police toxicity procedures had been established and these poor detectives are at a loss as to what is happening here. I actually enjoyed the 'leg-work' involved in trying to solve these mysteries, not just a CSI easy fix.
There is a secondary story running through the background (at first) about a new housing estate being built on what could be toxic land and the heartbreaking story of sick children.
I must admit I did not see the ending or the bad-guy coming which in itself is a great achievement with a crime novel.
Going by this book I will be reading more from this author about her heroine Georgia
October 24, 2016
( Format : Audiobook )
"Organic justice?"
I have mixed feelings about this audio book, sadly. As always with Ms.Hellman's stories, this was exciting, well written with rounded, three dimensional characters, the plot was good, the ending sensational and the back story very believable. But this is insufficient for audio _ so much also depends on the narration.
Toxicity has two narrators, one to tell the ongoing (present) story, the other to read the chapters relating to past events. A clever idea which could have been quite effective had the contrast in the two voices not been so extreme. The present narrative was performed by Derek Shetterly, whose performance was clear, paced perfectly and with distinctive and convincing conversational voices for the protagonists. He was a pleasure to hear. The alternate narrator, Beth Richmond, however, read much more slowly, and appeared even more sluggish when interspersed with Shetterly's chapters. Turning up the speed to 1.5 for these sections helped a little but could not also eradicate the irritating cadences of her voice nor the strident quality of her voice. The unfortunate result was that I found myself mentally switching off during her reading sessions, thus missing possibly crucial elements of the story.
However, and despite the very occasional editting glitch (where a sentence is started, stops, then stars again, as in in chapter 42), Toxicity is still well worth the listen for the excellence of this thriller.
My thanks to the author for the gift of this book
"Organic justice?"
I have mixed feelings about this audio book, sadly. As always with Ms.Hellman's stories, this was exciting, well written with rounded, three dimensional characters, the plot was good, the ending sensational and the back story very believable. But this is insufficient for audio _ so much also depends on the narration.
Toxicity has two narrators, one to tell the ongoing (present) story, the other to read the chapters relating to past events. A clever idea which could have been quite effective had the contrast in the two voices not been so extreme. The present narrative was performed by Derek Shetterly, whose performance was clear, paced perfectly and with distinctive and convincing conversational voices for the protagonists. He was a pleasure to hear. The alternate narrator, Beth Richmond, however, read much more slowly, and appeared even more sluggish when interspersed with Shetterly's chapters. Turning up the speed to 1.5 for these sections helped a little but could not also eradicate the irritating cadences of her voice nor the strident quality of her voice. The unfortunate result was that I found myself mentally switching off during her reading sessions, thus missing possibly crucial elements of the story.
However, and despite the very occasional editting glitch (where a sentence is started, stops, then stars again, as in in chapter 42), Toxicity is still well worth the listen for the excellence of this thriller.
My thanks to the author for the gift of this book
January 10, 2012
Not having read previous books by Ms. Hellman, I was a bit confused at the beginning of the novel by the strained relationship between the two main characters of the story Matt and Georgia. However, it quickly began to make sense. Matt is a practicing Jew and Maggie is a Christian which places many challenges to their relationship. In addition, according to police policy they are not supposed to have any relations at all which cause problems later in the book. I found the Jewish customs and history interesting but I didn’t know what some of the items mentioned were. Unfortunately, Ms. Hellman did not describe what they were so hopefully they weren’t too important to the story.
When I reached Chapter 9, I was unsure as to what the events eight years prior had to do with the current investigation. It wasn’t until much further in the book that I began to make links between Maggie’s life and the deaths in the present day. But once the connections are made, it all makes complete sense. I was rooting for Matt to make the connections as well and was excited to see where he took this once the link was made.
Not a bad read, but a few bits were confusing, especially when Matt discovered who the killer really was and where to find her. However, Matt’s dilemma over his religion and his love interests were interesting to watch.
When I reached Chapter 9, I was unsure as to what the events eight years prior had to do with the current investigation. It wasn’t until much further in the book that I began to make links between Maggie’s life and the deaths in the present day. But once the connections are made, it all makes complete sense. I was rooting for Matt to make the connections as well and was excited to see where he took this once the link was made.
Not a bad read, but a few bits were confusing, especially when Matt discovered who the killer really was and where to find her. However, Matt’s dilemma over his religion and his love interests were interesting to watch.
November 1, 2011
Fast-paced...
Detective John Stone and Detective Matt Singer are the key detectives who investigate a case which appears to indicate a serial killer on the loose. The common factor is a dumpster company in whose dumpsters and on whose landfill, bodies are being found. Now they need to figure out why and who.
We also discover cancer deaths occurring from toxins affecting small children, children who have a playground in common.
Lots of great characters. Holds the readers’ interest which I'm particularly glad for since I read this during a time when we had no internet service for about 2.5 days after an October snowstorm. After the internet came up, we lost the power and with that, the internet again. Go figure.
Georgia plays quite the minor role in this one as it's mostly Detectives Stone and Singer working the case.
Detective John Stone and Detective Matt Singer are the key detectives who investigate a case which appears to indicate a serial killer on the loose. The common factor is a dumpster company in whose dumpsters and on whose landfill, bodies are being found. Now they need to figure out why and who.
We also discover cancer deaths occurring from toxins affecting small children, children who have a playground in common.
Lots of great characters. Holds the readers’ interest which I'm particularly glad for since I read this during a time when we had no internet service for about 2.5 days after an October snowstorm. After the internet came up, we lost the power and with that, the internet again. Go figure.
Georgia plays quite the minor role in this one as it's mostly Detectives Stone and Singer working the case.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews