High Crimes

Georgia Davis #5

by Libby Fischer Hellmann

How do you solve a murder when there are 42,000 suspects?
That’s the task facing Chicago PI Georgia Davis, hired to hunt down those ultimately responsible for the assassination of Resistance leader Dena Baldwin at a demonstration fourteen months after the 2016 election. The gunman, on a nearby hotel rooftop, dies within minutes of the shooting.  As Georgia sifts through Dena’s 42,000 Facebook followers, she discovers that unknown enemies hiding behind fake profiles have infiltrated the group. She finds others who will do whatever it takes—including murder—to shield right-wing, wealthy elites. When Georgia begins piecing together the facts, relatives of both victims mysteriously disappear, and the danger escalates. Threats and bruises have never frightened Georgia, but she’s side-swiped by the sudden reappearance of the mother who abandoned her when she was a child. Can she survive an emotional family crisis at the same time she pursues killers whose only goal is to protect themselves?

Genres: Mystery, Thriller, Crime, Fiction, Suspense, Politics, Contemporary

330 pages, ebook

First published November 10, 2018

About the author

Libby 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."

Reviews

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Assigned book for review. 4 stars.

Hellman is an author after my own heart! I feel you, dear wonderful lady. I experienced the same deflation, which looking back, might have been a form of depression. But, I soldiered on, reading through it, even though my heart wasn't really in it, writing reviews without enthusiasm. But, then I realized, I was being robbed of my life force and I wouldn't let him have that, too. Carry on Libby- you did good! Welcome back! ❤

[Toni Osborne · Rating 4 out of 5]

5th book in the Chicago PI Georgia Davis Thriller Series

With the US establishment in mind Ms. Hellmann penned an exciting fiction that brings her protagonist to hunt down those who were responsible for the assassination of the Resistance leader at a demonstration.

In alternate chapters and with a progressive time frame this suspenseful story tells us how step by step Georgia plunged into the case and how the perpetrator was recruited and managed to pull this terrible act. Lurking behind the scene and between the lines we see the disturbing situation the US faces at the moment where democracy is being chip away by a flimflam leader. The author uses soft words to melt into her novel the present situation. News to me: there is actually a Resistance Group. In this story 42000 members and some have fake profiles in order to infiltrate the group for their own agenda.

This story is suspenseful and well written to provide all the intrigue one wishes for. Georgia is a wonderful PI, she is not afraid of danger, treats and bruises are part of the job. We do have secondary characters in the right-wing wealthy elites, gunman, tough guys and Georgia’s family members who all play their role to a tee. Georgia’s family life is atypical and the story tells us how she manages to share both her professional and private life in a meaningful way. The plot is solid and realistic with no silly or graphic action. The drama moves at a steady pace and held me captive from the moment I opened the first page.

Once again Ms. Hellmann has provided us with a page-turner that flows nicely.

[Kristina Anderson · Rating 2 out of 5]

High Crimes by Libby Fischer Hellmann is the latest edition to The Georgia Davis PI series. Georgia Davis is hired by Erica Baldwin Stewart to find out more about her daughter, Dena’s death. The family received an anonymous email several weeks after her assassination and it bothers them. Dena Baldwin was the leader of ResistanceUSA, a group against the current president with 42,000 followers. Dena was vocal against the current regime and their practices. At a demonstration in Grant Park in Chicago, Dena was assassinated and the gunman, Scott Allen Jarvis, was found dead on a nearby rooftop. Georgia’s search for the truth takes her on a perilous journey. She soon learns that someone does not want the truth to come to light, and they are willing to do whatever it takes to keep their secrets hidden. While handling the case, Georgia’s mother reenters her life. It brings up the old feelings of resentment, abandonment and jealousy. Georgia’s case takes a dangerous turn when people begin disappearing. Her quest for the truth could find Georgia paying the ultimate price.

If you have not read the previous books in The Georgia Davis PI series, I recommend beginning with Easy Innocence (the first book). I have not read any of the other novels in this series, and I felt I was missing key details on Georgia. I was not able to get into High Crimes (I ended up reading two other books while attempting to wade through High Crimes). I felt it lacked continuity and an ease. It jumped around to various characters and time periods which I found confusing. I tried to like Georgia, but it did not happen. I especially disliked her sister, Vanna. I found her self-centered and whiny. High Crimes contains an intriguing mystery with various twists that will surprise readers. It is the best part of the book. The writing is extremely detail oriented. Some of the extraneous information could have been eliminated. High Crimes takes punches at our current administration. It is obvious that the author is not a fan of the current president. If you are looking for an escape from all the political goings on in the news, then High Crimes is not the book for you. There is a significant amount of foul language (which I find offensive and unnecessary) and there is intimacy between couples (fair warning) that I was not expecting. As you can tell, I am not the right audience for High Crimes. However, that is the beauty of people and books. We are all unique and like different things. I suggest you obtain a sample of High Crimes to see if it is the right fit for you.

[Teresa Collins · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an ARC from the author at my request and this is my honest opinion. As a murder mystery, this story is fairly good; as a political treatise...not so much. I read in order to escape all the vitriol, hyperbole, and downright meanness that marks the political arena these days. So imagine my disappointment when I discovered this book was more of the same. I was very tempted to simply put it to the side and forget it, but I decided that wasn't fair to the author who fully expected me to read and review a book she had given me. So I did. I enjoyed most of the murder story until approximately 3/4 of the way in. Then Ms Hellman chooses to just reveal everything that took place without the benefit of her PI discovering the facts. Granted, I'm not one of those readers who enjoys being privy to details the protagonist doesn't have. I like my stories to flow smoothly from beginning to end. Granted, her method did reveal more of the motivation and details of the murder plot, it's just not my preferred method. However, I have to give Ms Hellmann credit for writing a very good story with great characters and attention to detail. I will most likely try another of her Georgia Davis novels (hopefully one without political overtones) and hope to find it more my cup of tea.

[Stanley McShane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Talk about riveting high-profile fiction ripped from today's topical headlines! A sharpshooting sniper hits his intended target and proceeds to wreak havoc in a highly-attended political rally. Curt also succumbs from the bullets aimed from the roof of an adjacent building into Grant Park, downtown Chicago. Protesters scatter but the crack of the weapon seizes and is later discovered with the remains of the perpetrator.

Dena Baldwin, the target who created a Facebook group she called Resistance USA, is from an old Chicago family of big time money. She is adamantly opposed to the new president and garnered 42,000 followers who felt the same.

Protagonist Georgia Davis is contacted by Dena's mother several weeks after the assassination, who feels the FBI saw an open and shut case and closed it far too quickly to answer her questions. Georgia, however, also has an upheaval in her current private situation, that of her kid sister, Vanna, and baby Charlie crowding her two-bedroom apartment in Evanston.

The narrative backtracks to a timeline prior to the rally and also locations, from Chicago to Washington DC, bringing in support characters and peripheral family members that led to the events unfolded early in the novel. It also includes scenes with Georgia's long-lost mother and her strong emotional feelings of rejection. The sub-plot was somewhat distracting.

Otherwise, I really liked Georgia, smart and effective as a PI. I also appreciated the personal tour of the sites of Chicago, many of which I'm beginning to recognize.

I received this download from the publisher and NetGalley and greatly appreciated the opportunity to read and review. Ms. Hellmann lays it all out, blackeye and chest pains included, and it was obviously a knowledgeable and emotional assessment of her personal feelings. Recommended for anyone, pro or con, for or against, the current administration with an intelligent, admittedly prejudiced, purview into our political climate.

Please see my full review and many others at https://rosepointpublishing.com

[Lis Carey · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's January 2018, and Donald Trump has been President for a year. Dena Baldwin, respected scion of a wealthy Chicago family, head of a major nonprofit charitable foundation, founder of a Resistance group, has organized a major protest. She briefly worries her fellow organizers of the group and the protest by arriving late, but she makes it in time that her second, Ruth Marriotti, doesn't have to stand up and speak in her place.

Then a shot rings out, Dena and one of the others are dead, and Ruth is badly wounded. Moments later, the shooter blows himself up on the roof of a nearby building.

Dena's mother, Erica Baldwin, calls Georgia Davis when the FBI's silence and apparent lack of action frustrates and distresses her. She wants answers.

What Georgia finds are more questions.

Dena briefly recruited a former hacker turned computer security expert to help protect the Resistance Facebook page and electronic records. They apparently had a passionate online "affair" for three weeks, and then he abruptly vanished from the group's life. Dena's parents are divorced and she's estranged from her father. Carl is as rightwing as Dena is left, a Washington lobbyist who supports the new administration and has no hesitation about taking Russian money to do so. He's rigid, controlling, domineering--much like, in fact, Dena, from what Georgia learns in talking to her friends.

The shooter is also a puzzle. There's no apparent connection between him and rightwing politics. He's a veteran of Iraq and Afghanistan, had had problems readjusting after his return home, but he'd never gotten involved in politics. Yet there's also no apparent connection between him and Dena Baldwin.

Why did he shoot her? Was someone else behind it?

Talking to his sister is an obvious start, but she's disappeared, paying her rent and asking her landlady to collect her mail, but leaving no contact information.

Then Carl Baldwin disappears, too, and Georgia is kidnapped, beaten, and threatened, told she needs to drop the case immediately.

And in case things might too easy and uncomplicated for her, she's having some stresses with her younger sister, Vanna, and Vanna's baby, Charlie, in her tiny apartment. This is not made easier when their mother, who abandoned Georgia but did raise Vanna (more or less, not very well), suddenly appears at their door.

There's a lot going on here. Political and social conflicts figure significantly in the murders. There are also family conflicts, among the Baldwins, and for Georgia and her family. Georgia has to confront her own feelings about her mother, her sister's insecurities, and how to move forward rather than remaining stuck. One of the great things about this series is the way the characters, both personally and in their relationships, continue to grow.

Recommended.

I received a free electronic galley of this book from the author, and am reviewing it voluntarily.

[Barbara Tobey · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was great to be back reading about PI Georgia Davis. Her family life is unusual. While I am not interested in politics, this book was fascinating. A definite page turner. The switching back and forth from past to present gave insight and intrigue. The author provided an advanced review copy.

[Jan · Rating 3 out of 5]

High Crimes by Libby Fischer Hellmann

I received this ebook in exchange for an honest review.
I have read and enjoyed other books by Ms. Hellmann but I am not too sure how I feel about this book. It was obvious, early on, that this book had a lot of references to current times, referring to our current president and resistances going on against him. I was fine with this. I did not find this book gripping to the point where I did not want to put it down. I read two other novels, different genres, while reading High Crimes. This speaks to Ms. Hellmann’s writing. There were parts of the book that bored me, some areas that I skimmed but also areas that I did find very interesting.
I am trying to think how Ms. Hellmann could have reduced some of what I felt was non-necessary information and still get her story across. I am coming up blank, though I am sure if I took the time it would come to me.
The story line is believable and convincing. I did enjoy following Private Investigator Georgia Davis, the main character, as she jumped through a lot of hoops to solve the crime.
If this is the first book of Ms. Hellmann’s you are going to read, I would suggest you either start with another one or after reading this one, read another to give her a fair shake. She is a good author.
09.15.18

[Dwain · Rating 1 out of 5]

Obvious left leaning author injects her politics into a novel

I just recently finished the first four books in this series and I loved them (even gave a 4-star review). Now I pay for the 5th one, open it up, and in less than 30 pages the author's liberal-leaning bias is so obvious that the book is not going to be enjoyable to read. I am a conservative and I respect everyone's views, but to be so obvious in this book about the heroes being liberals and the villains being conservative will instantly alienate half of the author's potential audience (which certainly includes me). Sorry I paid for this piece of political propaganda. Plenty of propaganda books out on the market – don't need this in my fiction reading. If you are politically liberal, buy the book. If you are politically conservative save your money! Sure wish I had my money back!

[Beverly Laude · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have read other books in this series and happen to like the characters. Georgia Davis is a PI who has recently gained a half-sister she never knew about and a nephew she has grown to love. The three are trying their best to get along in a small apartment meant for one person while Vanna, the sister, attends school and Georgia tries to continue her relationship with Jimmy Sacaredes, the police chief of a nearby community.

However, I have to say that this book did not engage me as much as the previous ones in the series. For one thing, there is a lot of jumping around between characters and time frames. I find this especially hard to follow in an audiobook since you can't turn back to the beginning of the chapter and see whose perspective and what time frame is involved.

Second, even though the blurb for the book states that it is "ripped from the headlines", I did not expect quite so much vitriol against the current President as this book contained. I realize that the author was writing about a resistance group whose sole focus was against the President, but I did get a little tired of the preaching tone regarding this issue. As another reviewer stated, I read to escape from the real world and this book was often like watching the evening news or reading it on the Internet.

That being said, the story did have its moments. Georgia does her usual amazing job of tracking down leads in order to solve a case that others, including the FBI, seem to have given up on. I have to say that the victim in this case is truly unlikeable, no matter your political leanings, and I was much more involved in the perpetrator's story than I was in the victim's.

The twists and turns in this book made me feel like I needed a score card to keep track of who was double-crossing who. The book often reminded me of a spy or espionage thriller more than a PI story. But, that is just in keeping with the Washington politics of the book, I guess.

The addition of Vanna and Charlie, Georgia's nephew, and the additional storyline of the reappearance of Jo Beth, Georgia and Vanna's mother, was a welcome relief to the political machinations of the book. The narrator did a great job and kept my interest throughout the book. Her voice inflections/accents were wonderful and added a lot to the story.

If you are an admirer of the current President, I suggest that you pass on this book. The other books in the series are great and I feel that the politics in this one just detract too much from the enjoyment of reading.

[SOS · Rating 5 out of 5]

4 1/2 stars

High Crimes is a riveting mystery/thriller. As always, Ms. Hellmann provides all the chills and twists a reader might like. Unfortunately, this book begins and continues as a political screed. While I don't disagree with the message, I had the distinct feeling that the author had a news feed running as she wrote this book, and that she plucked the latest absurdities to come out of Washington, D.C. and inserted them into the story. It was done with a heavy hand, and that drew away from what was happening to Georgia Davis, her work, and her family. Still, the politics and the plot were connected, and this was a well-written and interesting continuation of the Georgia Davis series. I liked how characters from some of her other books were brought back to make an appearance or two.

I fear/hope that in five years, this book will seem very dated. It's possible, given the author's notes at the end of the book, that Ms. Hellmann was too involved in the political side of this story. Distance might have allowed her to handle this with a lighter touch. Then, again, part of the purpose of this book is to get the message out.

As always, I enjoyed the locale of this book. Much of where it take place is, more or less, in my own back yard. I love being able to say to myself, "I know exactly where they are" or "I've been there." In this case, I could say this about multiple locations used in this book. That just adds more reality to what takes place. I do think that it might be a little confusing for people not from the area. To them, Lincolnwood, Rogers Park, or Touhy Avenue mean nothing. The author did say in that same author's note, that she'd been facing a serious case of writer's block, so the fact that she's back to writing is a wonderful thing. Here's hoping that she is able to continue churning out these interesting and attention grabbing books. I'm all for reading more.

I received this book as a gift from the author. I didn't even ask for it. It was sent without any request for review or comment. I appreciate the author's generosity, but it had no influence on my review of High Crimes. All opinions voiced in this review express my honest opinions of what I read, some being more positive than others. All in all, if you can deal with the muck of our current political world, then I can highly recommend this book.

[Sally · Rating 4 out of 5]

High Crimes by Libby Fischer Hellman is the 5th Georgia Davis crime thriller. Resistance leader Dena Baldwin was assassinated at a demonstration fourteen months after the 2016 election. The gunman died at the scene. But Dena’s family wants to know who is really responsible for Dena’s death and why she was killed. Chicago PI Georgia Davis has been hired to find out. This is not going to be an easy task. ResistanceUSA has 42,000 Facebook followers alone and George must sift through the profiles to see who is real and who is fake. Was the assassination political, or did someone have a personal grudge? Did the gunman kill himself or was he murdered?

Georgia is not one to shy away from danger, but this time she’s really got her hands full. In addition to a case that seems almost overwhelming, with people who will stop at nothing to get what they want threatening Georgia, her sister and young baby are living with her, and the mother who abandoned her when she was a child suddenly reappears.

As always, author Hellmann gives us a fast-paced story with intriguing characters, lots of action and no small measure of danger. The story is multi-layered, sprinkled with clues and false leads. Georgia must use all her wits to keep ahead of those out to harm her and to navigate the treacherous family dynamics at home.

In addition to the complex mystery, Georgia's investigation takes her to several locations in High Crimes. I grew up in the Chicago area and always enjoy the details and color of Georgia’s local surroundings, but this time she also travels to Washington DC, a fascinating place full of secrets and lies, and to Northern Minnesota, Chevy Chase, Maryland, and Virginia, all picturesque but not exactly safe for Georgia right now. It’s a travelogue, but a very suspenseful, dangerous one.

Thanks to the author for providing an advance copy of High Crimes. I voluntarily chose to review it and all opinions are my own.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book for free. I am voluntarily leaving this review and all opinions expressed herein are my own.

This is the fifth book in the Georgia Davis PI series. I have not read any of the prior books in this series. I found that this was a standalone book and I did not feel lost or suffer from a lack of understanding regarding the story or characters. Having said that [or written it], I really liked the MC Georgia and wish that I had read the prior books so I was involved with her character development to date but certainly not necessary to enjoy this book.

Here, the story is set in more or less present day. Dena Baldwin is the leader of a resistance group against President Trump. During a rally, she is shot and killed. Another member of the group is injured by the shooter. The shooter then blows himself up. When the shooter is identified, he is a veteran of Afghanistan and had no real political affiliations. Dena's parents hire Georgia to try to get to the bottom of why this individual would shoot Dena. While investigating Georgia also has family issues to conquer, Georgia's nephew becomes ill and her absentee mother shows up.

As I said, I really liked Georgia and her manner of investigating. She is smart, charismatic but certainly not perfect. She tries her best with her family - but sometimes wounds are too deep and her attempts to deal with it don't always show her best colors. The mystery is interesting and has a few red herrings. I liked that it was set in modern day, as the plot is completely believable in these times of political division. Overall, this is a really well written story which moves along at a good pace and has well developed characters. This is a series that I will continue to follow and pick up the prior books in the series.

As I listened to this -- the narrator, Eve Kaminsky, did a very good job. She was clear and had a good tone for this story.

[J Earl · Rating 5 out of 5]

High Crimes is an excellent political thriller that takes something that happens regularly (people infiltrating groups who think differently with the intention of being disruptive) and runs with it. If you can't read a thriller unless everyone on your end of the political spectrum are good then you might not be grown up enough for this one. Like any such work it takes who is in power, the right currently (even though they are a significant minority), and amplifies the old adage that power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely.

I find it funny that those who claim to be so tough get their little feelings hurt when a story isn't filled with enough propaganda for them. If the story were reversed they would probably put it on Breitbart and believe it was true, such are the mental shortcomings of those currently destroying democracy. If the people in the story are simply taken as characters without whining about them being on one side or the other, there are plenty of flaws to go around. And that is what makes a good story. If all you want is more of the same kool-aid, well, go try to decipher Trumpenfuehrer's tweets or his childish rallies. If you want a story that is well written and taken from the contemporary toxic waste that is our current administration, this is a great work.

Recommended for readers with functioning brains who enjoy political thrillers. For whiny right-wingnuts who feel entitled to everything, well, you're too cowardly to enjoy this so go back in momma's basement and read Breitbart and plan your next assault on a pizza restaurant running a child trafficking ring from their nonexistent basement.

Reviewed from a copy made available by the publisher via NetGalley.

[Norma · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Those bastions of truth, justice and the American way."
Following the shock election of a President thought by many to be systematically undermining the values of America as well as destroying the country's credibility, Dena, a spoilt, rich but charismatic young woman starts a Facebook group to oppose him, called Resistance USA. Membership grows rapidly, reaching almost 42,000, when Dena calls for a rally at which she will speak. Instead, the assembly of approximately 200,000 see her shot dead by a sniper together with two others and numerous injuries a!so occurred. The shooter, an Afghanistan vet, blew himself up.
Several weeks later, Georgia is contacted by Dena's mother. She had received a strange e-mail and she wanted it investigated

So begins this exciting and fascinating thri!ler which delves at least in part, into the merrier side of the Washington DC political world. Well written and frighteningly p!ausible , a real underbelly of everyday corruption emerges with present time activities interspersed with a few recent flashback scenes. This part of the story merits give stars. Unfortunately, the.also running story of Claudia's home life with her half sister and baby just seems too emotionally fraught to ring true for this reader, turning a good thriller into an uncomfortable cozy. More of the darker side of Washington and the investigation would have been prefered. Nevertheless, a very good look at the aspects of political life not so frequently exposed and well worth reading.
And, apparently, there really is a Resistance Facebook group.

[Grace Koshida · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's 14 months after the 2016 US election. A rooftop sniper kills ResistanceUSA leader Dena Baldwin at a rally in Chicago's Grant Park and then kills himself with a bomb. Dena's mother hires PI Georgia Davis to find the truth about her daughter's death after receiving a cryptic email. Was there a traitor amongst Dena's 42,000 Facebook followers? As Georgia follows a trail of clues from Chicago to Washington DC and a remote Minnesota cabin, she is threatened and attacked. But Georgia refuses to give up her investigation.

I like how the story is laid out with varying time frames and points of view to describe how Georgia works on the case and how the killer was originally recruited and manipulated into shooting Dena.

Georgia's personal life has changed with her younger half-sister Vanna and her newborn son Charlie now living with her. Then Georgia is stunned by the sudden reappearance of the mother who abandoned her when she was a child. This emotional family crisis is another complication that Georgia has to deal with in the midst of her investigation.

This book was a definite page turner and it was great to read another strong Georgia Davis mystery.

I received an eARC via Netgalley with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book and provided this review.

[Lisa G. Hudson · Rating 3 out of 5]

42,000 SUSPECTS!

How can anyone solve a crime involving 42,000 suspects? That’s the situation facing Chicago PI Georgia Davis. Dena Baldwin is the leader of ResistanceUSA. The case becomes more complex when the gunman is found dead on a nearby rooftop. Dena’s family is concerned by an email they received a few weeks after her assassination. Dena’s group - ResistanceUSA a group with 42,000 members - was dedicated to being vocal against our current administration. Georgia devotes herself to solving this enormous crime without getting herself killed in the process. This is an intense and complex plot. I have not read any of the previous books in the series before this one. I do think it would have been helpful to better understand Georgia’s character and her relationships with other characters.

I am compelled to include these comments. I do not care to read a diatribe against our current administration and/or President. This does not appeal to me at all! Nor does the language or the gratuitous sex that is that is found throughout this book. A book doesn’t need these things to get its point across!

I was provided an ARC of this book by the author. The opinions expressed here are completely my own and without influence.

[Chrisgonzo · Rating 3 out of 5]

It seems like an open and shut case; the leader of an anti-government protest group is gunned down at a demonstration and the shooter blows himself up in the aftermath. But the victims family isn't convinced the whole story is being told, so hires PI Georgia Davis to investigate further.

This is book 5 in the Georgia Davis series, of which I hadn't read any before this one, although you don't have to have read the previous entries to enjoy this one. The writing is slick and fast-paced, pulling you along with the story's twists and turns, with occasional flash-back adding depth to characters and fleshing out the background in the story. It's well-plotted, and the politics that root the story are relatively restrained; although discussed by characters, they never become polemical and therefor off-putting (though Trump supporters probably wouldn't agree).

It's not perfect though. The murdered protest leader doesn't really gel as a person, being more a collection of loosely gathered personality traits, and the same might be said of a couple of the supporting characters. There are also a couple of plot points that never really go anywhere or don't seem to make sense.

However, when all is said and done, this is still a fun read that will keep you turning the pages.

[Rosemary K · Rating 5 out of 5]

Libby Fischer Hellmann wrote a story that is amazing. The political backdrop is suspenseful and perfect for our current times. The assassination of Dena Baldwin, the leader of Resistance, takes Georgia Davis on a dangerous mission. She needs to find the truth about this act of domestic terrorism. Will she be successful? Georgia is a strong resourceful woman. As she begins her investigation, she has doubts that she will uncover any new information. Boy is she wrong. I couldn't put this book down. The shocks keep coming. The author balance the family drama in Georgia's life with the shocking revelations she uncovers in her investigation. I was glad that Jimmy was there for her. The characters are well written. It's easy to connect with them. The dialogue was sharp and on point. Libby Fischer Hellman, my hat is off to you. You didn't hold back. You put your heart into High Crimes.
I received a copy of this book which I voluntarily read. My comments are my honest opinion.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

HIGH CRIMES by Libby Fischer Hellman
I loved this but initially was doubtful because it seemed so different to a ‘usual’ Georgia Davies story. However, I gradually found myself being drawn in and really did enjoy it.
I live in the UK and although I follow US politics as you might say from a distance, being so far away I only know what I read in our papers. I don't really know what the American people’s personal view is, so this was refreshing to read.
Having said all that, let's talk about the actual story. Georgia certainly has her hands full with this one. Not only that but she also has family issues to deal with at the same time.
As always, I enjoyed following Georgia as she fought her way through all the problems. I was rooting for her all the way. Thank you Libby Fischer Hellman for another good read.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Bev · Rating 4 out of 5]

First I want to point out that while I do not like the personal political things put in this book, I did like the "real Georgia Davis" story behind it. Georgia is out to find the killer of Dena Baldwin, the leader of the Resistance group. Everyone knows who the killer was, as he 'blows himself up' after he uses a drone to kill Dena. But there is more to the story than that. As Georgia looks into it, perhaps even the 'killer' was actually killed! Something isn't right with this group. Things get pretty strange as Georgia actually uncovers who is really behind the assassination. I would of given it 5 stars if the writer would have left out all the personal political feelings she felt she had to put in it. The story, in my opinion would have been better without them. As it was I totally ignored them and skimmed over them to get to the real story.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I started reading this book I hadn’t realised it was the fifth in the Georgia Davies PI series, but it honestly read very well as a stand-alone. There was enough explanation of the necessary background to easily pick up on what was necessary to know to understand and enjoy the book.

Georgia Davies is a tenacious, plucky PI and even faced with a possible 42,000 suspects she doesn’t let such a ‘small’ detail get in the way of her investigation. This was a fast-paced, intriguing crime thriller, laced with a large pinch of political dissatisfaction. Not only do we get to see Georgia’s courage in the face of danger during her investigation, but we also get to see her softer side in the concurrently running story about her family.

This is a complex, well written story that I found very enjoyable to read.

[Book Monitor · Rating 4 out of 5]

High Crimes opens with an anti-government political rally- and a shooting. The story is then told partly in flashback and partly in the present.
Georgia is hired to investigate by the family of one of the victims, when the official investigation seems to have stalled. They have their killer but there are so many unanswered questions.
As she lifts the lid on family, friends and the politics of lobbying, she is also still working out her relationships in her personal life and grappling with her past.
I felt that Georgia and Vanna are particularly well characterised, but that some of the others are a bit cliched and not as multi-dimensional as they could be.
Having said that this was well paced, with short chapters that helps increase the sense of time passing, and this is a good listen, well narrated.

[Joy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy supplied at no charge by the author/publisher.
I really enjoy the Georgia Davis series, but being from Australia & not being interested in politics, found myself a little lost in some of the background. Georgia is asked to follow up what I would call a public shooting for a rally against the incumbent president in which the leader of the rally is killed, along with the shooter & her next in charge is wounded.
Georgia finds herself trying to find leads as to why this has happened & with her usual style does manage to find out the “why” within the different plots & protagonists in this story. Georgia also has some personal things to deal with as her mother appears on the scene. All in all a good read.

[Genelle Themann · Rating 4 out of 5]

The assassination of the leader of a political resistance organization by a right wing terrorist during a massive demonstration is deemed an open and shut case after the shooter blows himself up right after the shot is fired. However, the target's mother is not convinced that it was a simple "hit". She seeks the assistance of Georgia Davis, PI to find out why her daughter was targeted and if the "killer" was the only one involved. In other words, the mother wanted answers that the police and the FBI refused to provide. Georgia traces leads from Chicago to Wisconsin to Washington DC. The trail is convoluted and Georgia has to turn to friends and colleagues for assistance to try and figure out what really did happen.

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first time reading this author with it by the title alone is how it tempted me. A good mystery is one that is hard to find nowadays with this one as soon as I opened it found it to be intriguing. Georgia has a huge task ahead of her with I do love reading a challenge when presented to a woman. As this PI does her job you become more inbedded in her dilemma but also wanting to come up with answers too. As her mountain grows she will be given a humdinger right along with it that will be personal. The thrill in this one races your blood and slowly pulls you along taking you to the edge. Survival is though on top of the list with this author giving that mystery that is rare that is hard to find as mentioned above.

[Jak60 · Rating 1 out of 5]

I am not a big fan of PI stories nor of long book series, but I was attracted to High Crimes by the subject: a thriller built around the recent events of the Russia-gate, Facebook and Cambridge Analytics, political use of digital and hacking? Well, pretty intriguing, I told myself....
Except that, after the initial set up, all this stuff slid in the background to leave space to a plot that is totally disconnected from it; a plot that turned out as a rather conventional PI story with some touches of family melodrama, a very small, bland story. The 42.000 suspects from the Facebook page fans? Only in the blurb, not really part of the story...The political context (Hillary v Trump)? Just background noise...
So, good marketing but rather poor substance....

[Jan Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

High Crimes by Libby Fischer Hellmann is a gripping book. I was immediately pulled into this book. The twists and turns are stunning and I loved how the author pulled current events from today's news into the story. The suspense and motivation are great. Georgia is a very intuitive private investigator who gets caught up in more than she anticipated. The narration by Eva Kaminsky is flawless. She performs various characters with distinguishable voices. This book is a standalone listen and part of a series. I requested this review copy audiobook and have voluntarily written this review. Awesome Political Agenda and Murder book. I will definitely listen to more by this author and narrator.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

This fifth book in the Georgia Davis PI series by Libby Fischer Hellman grabs your attention with its action and then suspense as Georgia attempts to solve the murder mystery, and doesn't let go until you finish reading the book's final page. The characters are not perfect, but some are oh so identifiable as to whom they are in real life, as well as expressing the author's personal political viewpoint. The author has spent the time necessary to accurately depict not only the landscapes, but also the technological and armory aspects of the story. The book is also about love, betrayal, greed, power, and revenge, between the characters and the role they play. It also a book about family, whether good or bad relationships.

[Nadine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have enjoyed all of Ms Hellmann's books. As a native of southern Wisconsin, Chicago was the "big" city we loved to visit and I love revisiting it though her books. That said, fiction that addresses current political times is a tricky business. Ms Hellmann felt the need to address current events in a very compelling novel and I felt she walked a very narrow balance beam and won the gold!. The book was well written, well researched and told a great story. I much prefer to read as an escape from the high drama of politics, but enjoyed the story and respect her right to her passion. I look forward to reading novel # 6.