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Ellie Foreman #3
An Image of Death
Who knew that a career in video documentaries could lead to crime? Such is the fate of Chicago's Ellie Foreman whose shoots hook her up with misdeeds past and present. Here she is producing a video about foster children that's being financed by a successful Chicago real estate developer. Her plans get thrown for a loop when a mysterious package appears at her door one winter night. Inside she finds a surveillance video showing the murder of a young woman. Who was this woman and what is her connection to Ellie? The cops shunt her aside, but the urgency she feels to find answers, coupled with her professional knowledge of film, compel her to sleuth despite the difficulties borne from a complex history with her lover, David. A little digging reveals that the murder victim was a courier with a dark history forged in Eastern Europe at the time of the Soviet Union's collapse. And a little more digging reveals dark happenings here at home, money laundering, and the deadly price of dealing in diamonds....
This dangerous case for Ellie follows 2002's Anthony-nominated An Eye for Murder and the 2003 Picture of Guilt, all three published in hardcover by Poisoned Pen Press and in paperback by Berkley Prime Crime.
This dangerous case for Ellie follows 2002's Anthony-nominated An Eye for Murder and the 2003 Picture of Guilt, all three published in hardcover by Poisoned Pen Press and in paperback by Berkley Prime Crime.
Hardcover
First published January 1, 2004
53 people are currently reading
301 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."
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
November 2, 2016
Ellie Foreman receives an unsolicited video by an unknown person at her home. She is an independent producer of industrial videos and thought it may pertain to work. Instead, what she receives is what looks like the murder of a young woman in some basement. Thus begins her desire to find the truth. Meanwhile, in Russia we learn of the lives of two friends, Mika and Arin as the Soviet Union crumbles and their lives change drastically.
How these two stories come together, I found interesting. This is a slow moving mystery and not a fast paced thriller. As the stories development, we get to know what makes Ellis tick and what she deals with on a regular basis. But since is the third installment of the Ellie Foreman mysteries, I found I was lacking in knowing her backstory and why she was so paranoid at the beginning. Other than that, I enjoyed how it all seems to mesh and make for a satisfying story.
How these two stories come together, I found interesting. This is a slow moving mystery and not a fast paced thriller. As the stories development, we get to know what makes Ellis tick and what she deals with on a regular basis. But since is the third installment of the Ellie Foreman mysteries, I found I was lacking in knowing her backstory and why she was so paranoid at the beginning. Other than that, I enjoyed how it all seems to mesh and make for a satisfying story.
December 14, 2018
Our video producer gets delivered a video of a murder taking place and despite handing it over to the police gets drawn into a plot involving Russian immigrants and criminals.
June 6, 2010
The plot drives this story more than the characters do. Hellmann does a great job with the Eastern European aspect of the story, where she touches on human trafficking and forced prostitution. The one problem I had was that Ellie Foreman, the main character, kept referring to some sort of nameless danger she got into in the past that, from what I gathered, had to do with her video editing career and the police. However, that was never clarified. Consequently, the character and aspects of the story felt incomplete.
August 28, 2013
I really enjoyed this book from Libby Fischer Hellman. Ellis was a very believable character caught up in a mystery she didn't go looking for but then really needed to see through to the end. Some of the darker characters were just dripping with evil, you could feel the slime. I will definitely read more of this author's work. I couldn't put this down!
March 16, 2024
Ellie Foreman and her daughter Rachel anticipated a quiet evening at home, eating chili for dinner. What they experienced was anything but that. Imagine the door rings and your teenaged daughter answers it to find no one there-- just a videotape.
Fortunately Ellie watches the tape alone. What she sees horrifies her. Ellie wonders whether the person who dropped off the tape knows she is a video producer. She decides to call the police-- but not right away. Why not work on the tape herself for a while, just to see what she can find?
Thus begins a cat and mouse chase with some people who are not very nice. At the same time, Ellie has been asked to supply a video for a charity that assists aging-out foster children. She thinks some of the people there might be a bit sketchy. The others are just filthy rich.
I enjoyed "An Image of Death" very much. It moves quickly and the characters are well-drawn. While producing the requested charity video, Ellie also allows time to repeatedly contact-- and sometimes secretly work with-- Officer Georgia Davis, who's been assigned to investigate the mystery videotape that was dropped by Ellie's house.
The level of danger increases and Ellie fears that not only she, but also her daughter, might be in danger.
If you like mysteries with some heavy duty thriller components, you'll enjoy "An Image of Death" by Libby Fischer Hellmann. It is the third in a series although I didn't know this when I read it; it seemed fine as a stand alone story.
I received an advance reader's copy and am posting an honest review.
Fortunately Ellie watches the tape alone. What she sees horrifies her. Ellie wonders whether the person who dropped off the tape knows she is a video producer. She decides to call the police-- but not right away. Why not work on the tape herself for a while, just to see what she can find?
Thus begins a cat and mouse chase with some people who are not very nice. At the same time, Ellie has been asked to supply a video for a charity that assists aging-out foster children. She thinks some of the people there might be a bit sketchy. The others are just filthy rich.
I enjoyed "An Image of Death" very much. It moves quickly and the characters are well-drawn. While producing the requested charity video, Ellie also allows time to repeatedly contact-- and sometimes secretly work with-- Officer Georgia Davis, who's been assigned to investigate the mystery videotape that was dropped by Ellie's house.
The level of danger increases and Ellie fears that not only she, but also her daughter, might be in danger.
If you like mysteries with some heavy duty thriller components, you'll enjoy "An Image of Death" by Libby Fischer Hellmann. It is the third in a series although I didn't know this when I read it; it seemed fine as a stand alone story.
I received an advance reader's copy and am posting an honest review.
September 28, 2020
Thank you Netgalley and The Red Herring Press for an ARC of A Bend in the River by Libby Fischer Hellmann for an honest review of the book.
This is the first historical fiction novel I've read about the Vietnam war and the effect it had on the citizens of the North and South Vietnam countries. We as Americans have heard lots through the American mind but have heard little of the circumstances and consequences on the individuals of those countries. This book opens those pages to us so we can catch a glimpse of their loss of family and homes.
A Bend in the River is the story of two sisters, Tam and Mai, ages 14 and 10. Their village is burned to the ground by Americans believing it is supporting the Viet Cong. Tam and Mai are the sole survivers of the village which leaves the two young girls to find a way to live. So they head out to Saigon. Tam is headstrong and a leader so expects Mai to follow. Mai knows she is not the oldest but also knows that she can make her own choices. This causes a rift and the sisters are estranged and don't know if either is alive for over 10 years. Mai becomes a bar girl at a local bar that caters to American servicemen. Tam fuels her anger for what happened to her family and starts working for the Viet Cong.
Libby Fischer writes strong characters with a view not thought of and makes the reader consider options they have never had to face before. Amazing novel and worth a read for anyone.
This is the first historical fiction novel I've read about the Vietnam war and the effect it had on the citizens of the North and South Vietnam countries. We as Americans have heard lots through the American mind but have heard little of the circumstances and consequences on the individuals of those countries. This book opens those pages to us so we can catch a glimpse of their loss of family and homes.
A Bend in the River is the story of two sisters, Tam and Mai, ages 14 and 10. Their village is burned to the ground by Americans believing it is supporting the Viet Cong. Tam and Mai are the sole survivers of the village which leaves the two young girls to find a way to live. So they head out to Saigon. Tam is headstrong and a leader so expects Mai to follow. Mai knows she is not the oldest but also knows that she can make her own choices. This causes a rift and the sisters are estranged and don't know if either is alive for over 10 years. Mai becomes a bar girl at a local bar that caters to American servicemen. Tam fuels her anger for what happened to her family and starts working for the Viet Cong.
Libby Fischer writes strong characters with a view not thought of and makes the reader consider options they have never had to face before. Amazing novel and worth a read for anyone.
November 4, 2019
An Image of Death (Ellie Foreman Mysteries, Book 3), my twelfth read/ listen from author Libby Fischer Hellman. I was given a book by the author and after having read it I decided to read more by this author. I'm glad I did. I'm a character reader, I get into the characters, their story, who/what they are. The author does a great job of developing Elle Foreman quickly & thoroughly. The significant characters in her writing are developed similarly along the way. Outstanding read! What other blurbs can I use to describe these books? This book is in all senses of the word, a thriller, from beginning to end. That’s it, no more spoilers from me though if there are more books about this character I can not wait to read them. Oh well, buy the book, read the books, get into a good author and some good characters as I have. I have to mention the outstanding job that narrator Nan McNamara did, she became the voice of Elle Foreman! I was given an Audible copy of this book & I’m voluntarily reviewing it. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
May 17, 2017
Although this mystery was outside my usual pickings (50s pulp, gritty
crime, hardboiled detective), I found it to be very well written. It was a
fast paced read and quite enjoyable. Ellie Foreman, a divorced Jewish
mother of a teenager, works as a film editor in Chicago. One evening a
mysterious video is dropped on her doorstep. After viewing it and
believing it to be an authentic murder, Ellie seeks police assistance.
Meanwhile, a second story unfolds as two couples in Soviet Georgia
deal with the corruption and chaos as the Soviet Union falls. Of course,
the two stories intersect, but along the way, Ellie figures out what's
going on. There is a strong backdrop of history, including connections
to the Holocaust and to the fall of the Soviet Union and the havoc that
ensued. A fine piece of writing that is definitely worth your time.
crime, hardboiled detective), I found it to be very well written. It was a
fast paced read and quite enjoyable. Ellie Foreman, a divorced Jewish
mother of a teenager, works as a film editor in Chicago. One evening a
mysterious video is dropped on her doorstep. After viewing it and
believing it to be an authentic murder, Ellie seeks police assistance.
Meanwhile, a second story unfolds as two couples in Soviet Georgia
deal with the corruption and chaos as the Soviet Union falls. Of course,
the two stories intersect, but along the way, Ellie figures out what's
going on. There is a strong backdrop of history, including connections
to the Holocaust and to the fall of the Soviet Union and the havoc that
ensued. A fine piece of writing that is definitely worth your time.
October 24, 2020
An amazing story of two sisters who witnessed their parents shot and their village burned to the ground by the Americans. in the Vietnam war. “They’d claimed to be looking for VCs, Viet Cong fighters and their enablers, to retaliate against Tet. “.
Mai and Tam had been washing their clothes in a nearby river and went to their village to investigate when they heard the shots. The ran and hid, surviving the impossible.. Luck was on their side when they encountered a father and son in a boat on the river. Their adventures continue. As time passes the two sister took very different turns in their choices and lost touch.
The book provides insights of the Vietnam War. It is highly emotional, a story you won’t forget. I highly recommend reading this book, the authors writing will consume you.
Mai and Tam had been washing their clothes in a nearby river and went to their village to investigate when they heard the shots. The ran and hid, surviving the impossible.. Luck was on their side when they encountered a father and son in a boat on the river. Their adventures continue. As time passes the two sister took very different turns in their choices and lost touch.
The book provides insights of the Vietnam War. It is highly emotional, a story you won’t forget. I highly recommend reading this book, the authors writing will consume you.
January 5, 2017
Ellie is a video editor so it isn't unusual for her to review videos. However when she finds a video on her front steps one night and starts looking at the video she is shocked to find a video of a young woman being murdered. The police have nothing to go on as they try to figure out what who this young woman was and why anyone would want to kill her. As Ellie starts digging, just for her own peace of mind, she discovers a mystery and a crime circle that covers multiple continents. Will Ellie find the killer before the killer finds her?
I received this book for free from AudioBlast in exchange for my honest review.
I received this book for free from AudioBlast in exchange for my honest review.
September 11, 2017
It's difficult to believe these people would really make these decisions and behave this way, but forgiving the author her use of poetic license, this is an exciting, suspenseful mystery. The romantic tension between Ellie and David gets a bit tiresome -- instead, I wish the daughter's character was more fully developed.
Nan McNamara gives the characters distinct and appropriate voices. It's a good match of narrator with story. I continue to enjoy this series.
NOTE: I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
Nan McNamara gives the characters distinct and appropriate voices. It's a good match of narrator with story. I continue to enjoy this series.
NOTE: I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
November 24, 2019
An Image of Death by Libby Fischer Hellmann pulled me in immediately. The lead character of Ellie Foreman appealed to me; I had met her in another book by the author, and found her to have grown in this story. This book is both a standalone listen and part of a series. The author is fantastic adding details to the story that are relevant to Ellie's profession. I did not see the twist at the end coming. Nan McNamara was amazing performing the book. She brought the characters to life and had realistic emotions for them. I definitely will listen to more books by this author and narrator.
September 24, 2021
She does it again
Ellie isn't looking for trouble, but it sure finds her in this mystery. The bad guys are Russian and we get a look into the gritty side of life. It's a good book, with a well-told story. Very entertaining.
Ellie isn't looking for trouble, but it sure finds her in this mystery. The bad guys are Russian and we get a look into the gritty side of life. It's a good book, with a well-told story. Very entertaining.
May 30, 2017
Good book
You people should just read this book yourselves and write your own review on this novel yourselves. I really enjoyed reading this book very much so.Shelley MA
You people should just read this book yourselves and write your own review on this novel yourselves. I really enjoyed reading this book very much so.Shelley MA
September 21, 2020
American soldiers overrun a village. There are few survivors. What happens to the girls as they struggle to survive. Many memories and hardships on both sides. Excellent book!
June 18, 2021
Loved the story, will go to # 3 but way to much explaing about things that didn't matter. Skipped part of it
September 28, 2025
An interesting story which I thoroughly enjoyed. Once I got into it I couldn't put it down.
May 21, 2020
The image on the cover, plus first sentence of the Prologue, immediately grabbed my attention. Ellie Forman is smart, independent and fearless as she digs for answers portrayed in the video that ended up on her doorstep. This is a gripping page turner!
November 22, 2016
Ellie Foreman is really, really trying to be good--to go along with the variously expressed wishes of her dad, Mac, and David that she stay out of trouble. She goes to a ladies' charitable lunch as the guest of occasional nemesis Rikibeth Feldman, and isn't surprised when it turns into a request to make a video for the project. The project, it seems, is transitional housing for kids aging out of foster care.
How can that lead to trouble?
But this is Ellie, with her curiosity, her need to help, and her general gift for attracting trouble. Her doorbell rings one evening, and her daughter Rachel answers the door to find a van driving away, and a package left at their door.
It's a videotape. When she plays it, Ellie is relieved that Rachel got bored and went upstairs.
It's a video of what appears to be a a murder.
Ellie does the sensible thing, and gives the video to the police, specifically to Georgia Davis, whom she and Rachel know from when she was the youth officer. Except that, of course, being Ellie, she makes a copy at Mac's studio before she does.
What follows is, for Ellie, a confusing and alarming series of events. She can't leave that video with its apparent murder alone, and can't shake the idea that whoever brought it must have had some reason for wanting her to see it. Meanwhile, David has gotten word that his uncle--long believed dead in the Holocaust with all of his family except David's mother, Liesl, may be alive. The basis of this is an anonymous letter to a former neighbor back in Freiburg, but David reacts badly when Ellie gives perfectly sensible advice about being careful of anonymous letters.
Hellmann always does good character development, and the tangled relationships and storylines here make a very good read. The foster care project is not the sideline it might have been, but becomes intertwined with both the murder shown in the video and David and Ellie's complicated and strained relationship.
It's a very good mystery, with Ellie continuing to learn and grow from her sometimes terrifying experiences. We also see Georgia Davis perhaps experiencing the first strains which lead to her later moves. Very much worth reading.
Recommended.
I received a free copy of this audiobook.
How can that lead to trouble?
But this is Ellie, with her curiosity, her need to help, and her general gift for attracting trouble. Her doorbell rings one evening, and her daughter Rachel answers the door to find a van driving away, and a package left at their door.
It's a videotape. When she plays it, Ellie is relieved that Rachel got bored and went upstairs.
It's a video of what appears to be a a murder.
Ellie does the sensible thing, and gives the video to the police, specifically to Georgia Davis, whom she and Rachel know from when she was the youth officer. Except that, of course, being Ellie, she makes a copy at Mac's studio before she does.
What follows is, for Ellie, a confusing and alarming series of events. She can't leave that video with its apparent murder alone, and can't shake the idea that whoever brought it must have had some reason for wanting her to see it. Meanwhile, David has gotten word that his uncle--long believed dead in the Holocaust with all of his family except David's mother, Liesl, may be alive. The basis of this is an anonymous letter to a former neighbor back in Freiburg, but David reacts badly when Ellie gives perfectly sensible advice about being careful of anonymous letters.
Hellmann always does good character development, and the tangled relationships and storylines here make a very good read. The foster care project is not the sideline it might have been, but becomes intertwined with both the murder shown in the video and David and Ellie's complicated and strained relationship.
It's a very good mystery, with Ellie continuing to learn and grow from her sometimes terrifying experiences. We also see Georgia Davis perhaps experiencing the first strains which lead to her later moves. Very much worth reading.
Recommended.
I received a free copy of this audiobook.
August 18, 2015
This is the third book in author Libby Fischer Hellmann's Ellie Foreman series. A solid and a very enjoyable series to read, "An Image Of Death", seemed to fall kind of flat for me. Ms. Hellmann is one of my most favorite authors with her Ellie Foreman, and Georgia Davis series'. Ellie starts out with a project from real estate mogul Rickie Feldman about Chicago's subsidized housing for foster children known as "WISH". WISH is now re-named "Tansitions" with Dr. Jordan Bennett taking the helm. Rickie wants Ellie to work closely with Dr. Bennett to produce an outstanding video project. Before long Ellie is mixed up in the affairs of the Russian Mafia, and Russian women forced into prostitution as sex slaves. Meanwhile we learn the life story of two Russian women, Mika, and Arin. Mika and Arin have a very difficult time from the days of the crumbling Soviet Union up to present day Russia. Ellie receives a video tape on her doorstep portraying a women being murdered by two men. Fearing for her safety, and safety of her daughter Rachel, Ellie goes to police. Ellie meets officer Georgia Davis who begins to investigate the video tape case. Ellie of course keeps getting in Georgia's way, and may endanger Georgia's career. A very quick reading 285 pages, this one never seemed to get far off of the ground for me. The characters were somewhat held back and moved like a slow motion video itself. I breezed over quickly the life stories of Arin and Mika. For some reason this plot just didn't grab me. I was pretty surprised I was ambivalent towards the story. Having read ten of author Libby Fischer Hellmann's previous books I'd have to say this one was a clunker. Although I'd recommend, "An Image Of Death", for those fans of the Ellie Foreman series. Basically it wasn't a bad story, I just didn't find it interesting. I'm pretty sure the next Ellie Foreman book from Ms. Hellmann will make a resounding comeback. I went three stars out of a possible five stars for this one. However, someone else may like it far better than I did. Do not hesitate to read.
November 8, 2016
4 1/2 stars
This is a well-crafted story and may be the quickest audio book listen that I’ve ever done. It helped that it takes place in and mentions locations that I’m intimately familiar with. I wanted to keep listening not only to find out what would happen next but to hear where it would take place.
The story centers around Ellie Foreman (Wonder if the name came from the old Foreman motors?), a film producer, who is dragged into a murder when a video tape, showing that murder, is dropped off at her house. Ellie has had some trouble with the law in the past, so is a little squeamish about calling in the police, but she does. Ellie is also unwillingly pulled into making documentaries about foster children and construction ground breaking despite her insistence that she isn’t a documentary maker. From there, things escalate as we learn details about the murder as Ellie digs up clues that involve the Russian version of organized crime. On more than one occasion, her life is put in jeopardy. The story is quick moving, if a bit dated from a technology point of view. Parts of the story take place at the time of the break up of the Soviet Union and parts at the start of the 21st century. The events as they unfolded kept me listening, The story line is clearly set up for a sequel, but the book is complete, there are no cliffhangers or any blatantly unfinished business..
I received this book as a gift and almost stopped listening before hitting chapter 2. Ellie came across as so incredibly whiny and dislikable, that I almost gave up. Luckily, I didn't as that only lasted for the first chapter or so. Past that point, the narrator did a remarkable job in holding my attention. Her skill with various accents is laudable.
While I was able to figure out the who behind the ending, if not the specifics, that didn't bother me. Overall, this proved to be very entertaining listen. I’ll happily recommend this to my mystery-loving friends and will be seeking out other Hellman books.
This is a well-crafted story and may be the quickest audio book listen that I’ve ever done. It helped that it takes place in and mentions locations that I’m intimately familiar with. I wanted to keep listening not only to find out what would happen next but to hear where it would take place.
The story centers around Ellie Foreman (Wonder if the name came from the old Foreman motors?), a film producer, who is dragged into a murder when a video tape, showing that murder, is dropped off at her house. Ellie has had some trouble with the law in the past, so is a little squeamish about calling in the police, but she does. Ellie is also unwillingly pulled into making documentaries about foster children and construction ground breaking despite her insistence that she isn’t a documentary maker. From there, things escalate as we learn details about the murder as Ellie digs up clues that involve the Russian version of organized crime. On more than one occasion, her life is put in jeopardy. The story is quick moving, if a bit dated from a technology point of view. Parts of the story take place at the time of the break up of the Soviet Union and parts at the start of the 21st century. The events as they unfolded kept me listening, The story line is clearly set up for a sequel, but the book is complete, there are no cliffhangers or any blatantly unfinished business..
I received this book as a gift and almost stopped listening before hitting chapter 2. Ellie came across as so incredibly whiny and dislikable, that I almost gave up. Luckily, I didn't as that only lasted for the first chapter or so. Past that point, the narrator did a remarkable job in holding my attention. Her skill with various accents is laudable.
While I was able to figure out the who behind the ending, if not the specifics, that didn't bother me. Overall, this proved to be very entertaining listen. I’ll happily recommend this to my mystery-loving friends and will be seeking out other Hellman books.
August 23, 2012
Independent video producer Ellie Foreman is unwillingly trapped between murky political history and a murderous present.
When an unknown individual delivers a video to Ellie Foreman’s front door, she is swept into a complex and dangerous set of circumstances. The video depicts the apparent murder of a young woman. Although Ellie promptly delivers the video to the local police, the scene continues to haunt her.
The pressures of her current contract to produce an upbeat video about a foster children project in Chicago, brings her into contact with members of the cream of Chicago’s Gold Coast, a group Ellie is not entirely comfortable with. Then her relationship with David begins to come apart. Things do not bode well as these disparate elements swirl about Ellie’s existence and the normal life she is trying to maintain for her teen-aged daughter.
Fischer-Hellman has fashioned a story that intriguingly entwines two separate plots, one set in the dark days of the fall of the Soviet Union, and another in the go-go-atmosphere of upscale property development in Chicago. If there is an occasional coincidence and if some of Ellie’s activities with a friendly patrol woman stretch credibility just a bit, there is plenty of gritty dark reality to balance. That she is able to maintain a high level of interest in both, demonstrates her mastery of the genre and her skills as a writer. Not outstanding, but a clean, interesting satisfying novel.
When an unknown individual delivers a video to Ellie Foreman’s front door, she is swept into a complex and dangerous set of circumstances. The video depicts the apparent murder of a young woman. Although Ellie promptly delivers the video to the local police, the scene continues to haunt her.
The pressures of her current contract to produce an upbeat video about a foster children project in Chicago, brings her into contact with members of the cream of Chicago’s Gold Coast, a group Ellie is not entirely comfortable with. Then her relationship with David begins to come apart. Things do not bode well as these disparate elements swirl about Ellie’s existence and the normal life she is trying to maintain for her teen-aged daughter.
Fischer-Hellman has fashioned a story that intriguingly entwines two separate plots, one set in the dark days of the fall of the Soviet Union, and another in the go-go-atmosphere of upscale property development in Chicago. If there is an occasional coincidence and if some of Ellie’s activities with a friendly patrol woman stretch credibility just a bit, there is plenty of gritty dark reality to balance. That she is able to maintain a high level of interest in both, demonstrates her mastery of the genre and her skills as a writer. Not outstanding, but a clean, interesting satisfying novel.
September 17, 2011
This is not the kind of mystery I usually enjoy. I like my novels to have plenty of humor and I prefer a less formal writing style. [return][return]That said, this was a very good book for the kind of mystery it is. I think people who like mysteries in general would truly enjoy it. The plot is quick and the characters feel generally realistic.[return][return]I thought the Russian angle was a little strained, but it still worked for me. I also had trouble with the shift in narration. I think the whole thing might have been better written in the third person, but it's still definitely readable and understandable. [return][return]The novel went a little slowly for me. I think this was due to the fact that it's part of a series and that it didn't do a good job of recapping the previous novels. So, if you haven't read the others, you probably should not start with this one. But I'm certainly not saying don't read it at all.
May 6, 2015
More of a slow-developing mystery than a thriller
Overall, I found this story satisfactory, but not sharp enough to fit in the thriller genre. In fact, it is more of a slow-developing mystery, and one that you must follow along with two other sizable plot lines, which somehow the author interrelates with the main murder plot, but never convincingly (too coincidentally), and often with quite the distracting effect. This may lead one to the impression that the story doesn't move ahead at a good enough pace, but in all fairness, it is hard to drive three cars at once.
On the plus side, the main character is well developed, and the author doesn't skip on continuing her life story in the midst of her present challenges. I also enjoyed the way the setting (Chicago, for the most part) comes alive through effective narrative. For these reasons, I give a marginal three star recommendation.
Overall, I found this story satisfactory, but not sharp enough to fit in the thriller genre. In fact, it is more of a slow-developing mystery, and one that you must follow along with two other sizable plot lines, which somehow the author interrelates with the main murder plot, but never convincingly (too coincidentally), and often with quite the distracting effect. This may lead one to the impression that the story doesn't move ahead at a good enough pace, but in all fairness, it is hard to drive three cars at once.
On the plus side, the main character is well developed, and the author doesn't skip on continuing her life story in the midst of her present challenges. I also enjoyed the way the setting (Chicago, for the most part) comes alive through effective narrative. For these reasons, I give a marginal three star recommendation.
March 16, 2010
Ellie Foreman is an engaging protagonist in Libby Fischer Hellman's book book Image of Death. She is old enough to have some life experiences and smarts, but young enough to still be adventurous and ready to try new things. As a videographer, she has access to people and events that most people don't have. This plot device is handy to carry forward the action of the novel and bring it all together at the end. At times, though, this plot device may be a little too handy in that the coincidences seem a little contrived.
Even so, Hellman does well in developing her characters, especially the Eastern Europeans left adrift after the break-up of the USSR. She also has a good sense of place for the settings of this book. The book was a good, fast read with a satisfying mystery at its heart.
Even so, Hellman does well in developing her characters, especially the Eastern Europeans left adrift after the break-up of the USSR. She also has a good sense of place for the settings of this book. The book was a good, fast read with a satisfying mystery at its heart.
April 22, 2015
Ellie Forman is a videographer who receives an unexpected video in the mail. This is not an ordinary video ... this one shows the murder of a young woman. Being the inquisitive sort, she decides to investigate herself, especially as the police have warned her to keep her nose out of it. There are back stories which involve Russia, greed and corruption.
The book is an easy read. Characters are well defined. It started out a little slow for me (personal taste) but was soon humming right along. This is a few steps up from a 'cozy' and the more I read, the more I really got into it.
I almost feel a little lost as I started with the 3rd book in the series. I will definitely go back and start at the beginning. I think Ellie Forman leads a very interesting life.
The author very graciously sent me the ebook to read and review in exchange for my honest opinion.
The book is an easy read. Characters are well defined. It started out a little slow for me (personal taste) but was soon humming right along. This is a few steps up from a 'cozy' and the more I read, the more I really got into it.
I almost feel a little lost as I started with the 3rd book in the series. I will definitely go back and start at the beginning. I think Ellie Forman leads a very interesting life.
The author very graciously sent me the ebook to read and review in exchange for my honest opinion.
July 26, 2015
Ellie Foreman is an independent Video Producer. When an unknown person delivers a Video to her front door she gets trapped between a murky Political History and a Murderous present. The video shows the apparent murder of a young women. Ellie gives the video to the police but the scene haunts her. She is under pressure on her current contract to produce an upbeat Video about a Foster Children Project in Chicago/ It brings her into contact with members of Chicago's Gold Coast.Ellie is not really comfortable around them. Than her relationship with David begins to fall apart. Things do not bode well for the normal life she is trying to maintain for her teenaged Daughter. A fascinating well written story.
August 9, 2015
I was given this book for an honest review and since it was my first read by author Libby Hellmann I looked forward to it. I love mystery thrillers and this was right on target.
It takes place in Chicago but goes back and forth to past times in the Soviet Union. The main character video producer, Ellie Foreman, receives a mysterious video which appears to have a murder on it. Even after she turns in over to the police she cannot help but dig into what it all is about. There are many twist and turns in the story that keep you wanting to read from murder, prostitution, money laundering and political corruption.
All the characters and scenery were well developed and written.
I would highly recommend this for those who like mystery thriller books.
It takes place in Chicago but goes back and forth to past times in the Soviet Union. The main character video producer, Ellie Foreman, receives a mysterious video which appears to have a murder on it. Even after she turns in over to the police she cannot help but dig into what it all is about. There are many twist and turns in the story that keep you wanting to read from murder, prostitution, money laundering and political corruption.
All the characters and scenery were well developed and written.
I would highly recommend this for those who like mystery thriller books.
March 21, 2011
this was a great book and one I couldn't put down, read in less than 24 hours!! Fast paced nicely written, good story line. Once the story began the "threads" of life were untangling and putting them back together wasn't easy. Ellie, leading character, is up to her pretty neck - in trying to figure out a mystery of murder with no clues. Little my little her time and people she meets along the way start tying all together with small clues. It's a never ending between two worlds that soon with come together, read this to find out - you won't be dissappointed.
May 30, 2016
Whenever I wasn't reading, I wanted to be reading. That's a good indicator of a great book. Ellie's faltering relationship with David was an interesting plot point, the complete opposite of the building romance that often happens in a mystery. All of the pieces came together nicely, and all of the plot threads intersected in interesting ways, including plot points from the first Ellie book. The fall of the Soviet Union, diamond smuggling, the Russian mob, and of course, murder.
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