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Set The Night On Fire: A 1960s Crime Thriller
Someone is trying to kill Lila Hilliard. During the Christmas holidays she returns from running errands to find her family home in flames, her father and brother trapped inside. Later, she is attacked by a mysterious man on a motorcycle. . . and the threats don't end there.As Lila desperately tries to piece together who is after her and why, she uncovers information about her father's past in Chicago during the volatile days of the late 1960s . . . information he never shared with her, but now threatens to destroy her.Part thriller, part historical novel, and part love story, Set the Night on Fire paints an unforgettable portrait of Chicago during a turbulent time: the riots at the Democratic Convention . . . the struggle for power between the Black Panthers and SDS . . . and a group of young idealists who tried to change the world.
396 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2011
68 people are currently reading
364 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 76 reviews
December 13, 2015
SETTING: Chicago - late 60s and present day
RATING: 3.5
The late 60s were a turbulent time in America’s history, with groups such as the Black Panthers and SDS being born to address the social issues of the time. The situation explodes at the 1968 Democratic Convention in Chicago, with riots on the streets. Many social activists and idealistic students flocked to Chicago to try to change the world. As the riots rages, six young people meet in the streets and decide to share an apartment as they pursue their individual agendas. Among them are Dar Gantner, who assumes a leadership role and who becomes the lover of Alix Kerr, daughter of a prominent businessman; Payton who moves into more extreme solutions along with Teddy Markham, who later becomes a presidential candidate; an artist named Rain, and Casey Hilliard, who is in love with Alix.
It’s forty years later, and various members of the sextet have died suspiciously. The latest incident involves Casey Hilliard and his son, Danny, who die in a house fire. Danny’s twin sister, Lila, was not at home at the time; but her life has also been threatened. Due to past connections, Dar feels compelled to look out for her; when they finally meet, they join forces to fight the evil that has its roots in the past. Lila has another reason for working with Dar. She has never known her mother, and her father never spoke of her. Through her own efforts, she finds out about the 60s commune and is hoping that Dar can provide her with the information that she so desperately seeks.
The narrative transitions from the present day to the late 60s and back again. Hellmann has done a superlative job with the 60s Chicago setting. I felt as though I had entered a time machine and been transported back. She makes the entire time come alive, recreating a historical time in perfect detail. That entire section of the narrative was fascinating to me, as it was so well done.
The segments dealing with the present were less successful. In order to create suspense and keep the pacing moving, there were several scenarios that just didn’t feel credible. For example, unsuccessful attempts are made on Lila’s life several times. And as the denouement unfolds, she becomes an accomplished markswoman, despite the fact that she has just learned how to shoot a weapon. I also had a little trouble getting into the book—characters were introduced without being placed into context. But once the narrative moved on, I found that the six main characters were very well developed, each memorable in their own unique way.
Despite the flaws that I’ve mentioned, I found SET THE NIGHT ON FIRE to be a book that I quite enjoyed due to the excellent rendition of Chicago in the late 60s. As a college student during that time, it brought back a flood of memories of a turbulent time that led to lasting changes in American life.
RATING: 3.5
The late 60s were a turbulent time in America’s history, with groups such as the Black Panthers and SDS being born to address the social issues of the time. The situation explodes at the 1968 Democratic Convention in Chicago, with riots on the streets. Many social activists and idealistic students flocked to Chicago to try to change the world. As the riots rages, six young people meet in the streets and decide to share an apartment as they pursue their individual agendas. Among them are Dar Gantner, who assumes a leadership role and who becomes the lover of Alix Kerr, daughter of a prominent businessman; Payton who moves into more extreme solutions along with Teddy Markham, who later becomes a presidential candidate; an artist named Rain, and Casey Hilliard, who is in love with Alix.
It’s forty years later, and various members of the sextet have died suspiciously. The latest incident involves Casey Hilliard and his son, Danny, who die in a house fire. Danny’s twin sister, Lila, was not at home at the time; but her life has also been threatened. Due to past connections, Dar feels compelled to look out for her; when they finally meet, they join forces to fight the evil that has its roots in the past. Lila has another reason for working with Dar. She has never known her mother, and her father never spoke of her. Through her own efforts, she finds out about the 60s commune and is hoping that Dar can provide her with the information that she so desperately seeks.
The narrative transitions from the present day to the late 60s and back again. Hellmann has done a superlative job with the 60s Chicago setting. I felt as though I had entered a time machine and been transported back. She makes the entire time come alive, recreating a historical time in perfect detail. That entire section of the narrative was fascinating to me, as it was so well done.
The segments dealing with the present were less successful. In order to create suspense and keep the pacing moving, there were several scenarios that just didn’t feel credible. For example, unsuccessful attempts are made on Lila’s life several times. And as the denouement unfolds, she becomes an accomplished markswoman, despite the fact that she has just learned how to shoot a weapon. I also had a little trouble getting into the book—characters were introduced without being placed into context. But once the narrative moved on, I found that the six main characters were very well developed, each memorable in their own unique way.
Despite the flaws that I’ve mentioned, I found SET THE NIGHT ON FIRE to be a book that I quite enjoyed due to the excellent rendition of Chicago in the late 60s. As a college student during that time, it brought back a flood of memories of a turbulent time that led to lasting changes in American life.
November 24, 2011
GREAT Adrenalin Rush!!!!!
Fascinating blend of history (Chicago 1968 Democratic convention--riots--Black Panthers--Anti War demonstrations, etc.), mixed with a Semi-Sensuous-Juicy--Rollar-Coaster-Delight intelligent Mystery-thriller!
I can't remember ever reading a historical-fiction/mystery thriller before. I like the combination! Its a little different from other types of historical fiction I usually read ---an 'enlightening'-& 'fun' experience it was!!!
The characters were well developed: (enough to feel very emotionally connected to them). Of course I related to the ruthless, charming, beautiful, strong, woman in the book! :)
A fun personal note: I am 59 years old --So this book was a trip down memory lane in ways, too.
..... I attended UC Berkeley during the early 1970's. The war was still going on--we still had anti war demonstrations --
Being in High School during the 1968 --- I was still busy with protected life (Cheerleading,gymnastics, fun innocent times with friends).
Life changed fast once I became a Freshman at Cal. I wasn't a flower child-hippie ---I was just trying to pass my classes and discover who I was. (but EVERYBODY hurt in those days). Confusing times!
Two special things for me in Libby's book:
1) Maxwell Street: My dad's name was Maxwell. He died when I was 4. He was only 34. Its my favorite name!
2) Bucky Fuller (Buckminster Fuller). I had the opportunity to host him do an event at UC Berkeley in the 70's. (loved that guy and his Geodesic domes). Libby mentions him in her book....(and it gave me a huge smile and another trip down memory lane)
Fascinating blend of history (Chicago 1968 Democratic convention--riots--Black Panthers--Anti War demonstrations, etc.), mixed with a Semi-Sensuous-Juicy--Rollar-Coaster-Delight intelligent Mystery-thriller!
I can't remember ever reading a historical-fiction/mystery thriller before. I like the combination! Its a little different from other types of historical fiction I usually read ---an 'enlightening'-& 'fun' experience it was!!!
The characters were well developed: (enough to feel very emotionally connected to them). Of course I related to the ruthless, charming, beautiful, strong, woman in the book! :)
A fun personal note: I am 59 years old --So this book was a trip down memory lane in ways, too.
..... I attended UC Berkeley during the early 1970's. The war was still going on--we still had anti war demonstrations --
Being in High School during the 1968 --- I was still busy with protected life (Cheerleading,gymnastics, fun innocent times with friends).
Life changed fast once I became a Freshman at Cal. I wasn't a flower child-hippie ---I was just trying to pass my classes and discover who I was. (but EVERYBODY hurt in those days). Confusing times!
Two special things for me in Libby's book:
1) Maxwell Street: My dad's name was Maxwell. He died when I was 4. He was only 34. Its my favorite name!
2) Bucky Fuller (Buckminster Fuller). I had the opportunity to host him do an event at UC Berkeley in the 70's. (loved that guy and his Geodesic domes). Libby mentions him in her book....(and it gave me a huge smile and another trip down memory lane)
February 19, 2021
Oh wow . This isn't my normal genre I like mysteries or cozy mysteries but I have listened to Libby's books before and really enjoyed them and with someone trying to kill Lila it did sound like my type of book. It was the history and love story that I wasn't sure about. I didn't need to worry I was soon caught up in the story and wanted to find out what happened. The first part of the book is where Lila escapes several attempts on her life and is rescued by Dar, so it jump around as each told there side and I did get a little bit confused but by the time it got to the second part of the book the history of why she became a target I had everybody straight and was pleasantly hooked. I don't know much about America's history and wasn't around in the 1960 but the author did a really good of describing it and building up the tension that I had no problems imagining it. I just loved the characters and yes we had tears in some places because the author crafted really like able characters, so much that you cared about what happened to them. The mystery was interesting and cleverly done to cover the different eras, it also showed off that the author did a lot of research for the book and not only for the history part of the story but also with her knowledge of modern day and high Tec equipment. A must read or listen no matter what genre you like.
Lila survives an accidental fire that kills her father and twin brother. An orphan and feeling alone she decides to find out more about her mother and her family who died in child birth. Her father and aunt would never talk about them. At the same time Dar a political activist gets out of prison and starts to look up old friends, only to find that most of them have died. The most recent bringing Lila's father. He is on the scene when someone pulls a gun on her and after saving her life the pair start to wonder if maybe the fire wasn't the accident that everybody claims. To find out the truth Lila and Dar will have to look to his past. A time of great unrest, protests, love and heart ache. But to survive in the future they must survive the past, which is something someone with a big reach doesn't want happening.
I liked the narrator. She built up the emotion and tension nicely with her calm demeaned and with some great voices.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
Lila survives an accidental fire that kills her father and twin brother. An orphan and feeling alone she decides to find out more about her mother and her family who died in child birth. Her father and aunt would never talk about them. At the same time Dar a political activist gets out of prison and starts to look up old friends, only to find that most of them have died. The most recent bringing Lila's father. He is on the scene when someone pulls a gun on her and after saving her life the pair start to wonder if maybe the fire wasn't the accident that everybody claims. To find out the truth Lila and Dar will have to look to his past. A time of great unrest, protests, love and heart ache. But to survive in the future they must survive the past, which is something someone with a big reach doesn't want happening.
I liked the narrator. She built up the emotion and tension nicely with her calm demeaned and with some great voices.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
July 20, 2015
Another amazing read from author Libby Fischer Hellmann, "Set The World On Fire", moves with difficult heartbreak through decades for a conflicted family. Successful financial planer Lila Hilliard comes home for the Christmas holidays eager to spend time with her father and twin brother, Danny. A simple thing like Christmas lights not working on the tree will change Lila's life forever. Upon returning home from store with several new sets of lights, Lila sees her home being destroyed by fire. Lila's father and brother are killed in the blaze. The fire marshal determines faulty lights on Christmas tree started blaze. Lila knows she'd unplugged all the lights before leaving for the store. When a mystery man on a motorcycle takes shots at Lila, she's lucky a passer by knocked her down and covered her from bullets. When a grenade is thrown at Danny's apartment, where Lila has been staying, Lila needs answers. With a plot that winds back to the 1968-70 era in Chicago, the story sizzles with suspense. From the 1968 DNC in Chicago, and along with the Chicago 7, it's very difficult to put down. The twists and turns inside the story really made it interesting with a historical slant. The carefully sculpted characters added immensely to the quick flow of the book. The intricately built, and developed characters were an enjoyment to root for throughout the book. I've read several of author Libby Fischer Hellmann's books and it seems they get better and better with each book of her's I pick up. I've now moved Ms. Hellmann to number two on my Goodreads favorite authors list. Quickly I'm already starting on another book in her Ellie Foreman series. Along with Ms. Hellmann's Georgia Davis series, "Set The World On Fire" is top notch. I'd highly recommend this 5 stars out of a possible 5 stars book. Do not miss this amazing read. If you're not already reading any of Libby Hellman's wonderful stories, you're missing a great storyteller.
February 6, 2011
Chicago in the turbulent world of 1960’s anti-war demonstrations fused with modern day times makes for an exciting book. Dar Gantner has just been released from prison. Dar was convicted and sentenced to serve 40 years for his participation in the 1970 bombing of a department store in Chicago. Although Dar was not the only one involved in the bombing, he was the only one who was caught and prosecuted. When Dar begins to touch base with his former friends things start going downhill. It seems that there are people who don’t want Dar around and fear that he may have information that could bring disaster to at least one successful person who has his past well-hidden.
Meanwhile, Lila Hilliard is in Chicago to spend Christmas with her father, Casey, and her twin brother Daniel. Tragedy struck when Lila made a short trip to the store only to return home to find that her childhood home had burned and her brother and father were killed in the fire.
Lila is in danger but has no idea why anyone would want to hurt her until she finally connects with Dar who fills her in on his background and that of her mother – the mother that Lila never knew. Lila refuses to believe the story that Dar is telling but soon realizes that he is telling the truth. She joins with Dar to track down their enemies and uncover the truth behind the bombing incident of the department store in Chicago.
This is no doubt the best novel that Libby Fischer Hellman has written to date and will stand out in the minds of her readers.
Meanwhile, Lila Hilliard is in Chicago to spend Christmas with her father, Casey, and her twin brother Daniel. Tragedy struck when Lila made a short trip to the store only to return home to find that her childhood home had burned and her brother and father were killed in the fire.
Lila is in danger but has no idea why anyone would want to hurt her until she finally connects with Dar who fills her in on his background and that of her mother – the mother that Lila never knew. Lila refuses to believe the story that Dar is telling but soon realizes that he is telling the truth. She joins with Dar to track down their enemies and uncover the truth behind the bombing incident of the department store in Chicago.
This is no doubt the best novel that Libby Fischer Hellman has written to date and will stand out in the minds of her readers.
July 22, 2018
First time reading this author and won’t be the last. I loved this book. A wonderful historical thriller that took me back to the years I was growing up and the naive idealism of the time.
May 13, 2023
Wow, this is one of those times I wish I hadn't judged the book by its cover. Besides a flashback middle section, this book had a couple of paragraphs set at the 1968 Democratic Convention in Chicago. Yeah the characters were alive in the turbulent 60s, but the scenes set in the time had nothing to do with what happened at this historic moment in American history. It was simply used as a backdrop a clever way for the author to set her soap operaesque love triangle, white person savior complex characters, and don't even get me started on the Baby Boomer overt Asian racism that the generation weirdly clings to. As "liberal" as these flaky members of the Weather Underground are and even protesting the Vietnam War, that generation can't stop using the term Oriental and a really pathetic scene where a mixed race couple dresses in kimonos and the wife is described as a Geisha even though she is Asian American, that's how most couples lounge around their house in the 21st century not stereotypical racist at all.
The author has a really nice package for a movie, but as a novel characters are hollow and cliched. I found this on a list of books set in Chicago, it is, but again the city is a setting you don't feel immersed in the setting, and the blurbs made it sound as if you were going to be inside the 68 Convention instead of one paragraph. Also the climax and the bad guys are what you would expect, typical 1%, entrenched in government and wealthy businessman stereotypes, grrr.
The author has a really nice package for a movie, but as a novel characters are hollow and cliched. I found this on a list of books set in Chicago, it is, but again the city is a setting you don't feel immersed in the setting, and the blurbs made it sound as if you were going to be inside the 68 Convention instead of one paragraph. Also the climax and the bad guys are what you would expect, typical 1%, entrenched in government and wealthy businessman stereotypes, grrr.
June 21, 2011
This book starts off with a real bang and carries the reader along. It transports us back to the sixties with a great mystery and wonderful characterisation.
The incredible descriptions had me thinking I was actually involved in the story.
An absolute must read thriller.
The incredible descriptions had me thinking I was actually involved in the story.
An absolute must read thriller.
August 7, 2025
I'm not quite sure what was supposed to be set on fire, but it certainly wasn't this book trying to be risque or clever-it was tragic and sophomoric. I love the previous work, "Behind the Bitter Veil" but this mess is just that-a mess.
I lived through the 60's-as a young and idealistic student, not so much a proponent of any political system as a by product of a system too corrupt and too blase about its corruption to ever move forward towards anything that might have resembled real political progress. After all this time, almost 60 years, we're now stuck in the wheel of time that has imploded with the detritus of Donald rump, and in my not so humble opinion, we've never ever been more messed up than we are now. I'll take the turbulent times of the past over rump any damn day of the week; For all the havoc and mayhem known then to the moral decrepitude of gaseous blathering of GOP of today, not much as changed.
This story is all over the place. None of it makes much sense, and it seems to me that is trying to force the squares into the circles, the author just rolls over and surrenders to the pathos of losing the plot, just miserably, again and again.
I'm sorry, but it's a meaningless amount of drivel and eye numbing incoherence that finally made me give it up and send it back the KI whence it belongs.
I do not recommend this hot mess. If I had a minus star to give it, I would.
I lived through the 60's-as a young and idealistic student, not so much a proponent of any political system as a by product of a system too corrupt and too blase about its corruption to ever move forward towards anything that might have resembled real political progress. After all this time, almost 60 years, we're now stuck in the wheel of time that has imploded with the detritus of Donald rump, and in my not so humble opinion, we've never ever been more messed up than we are now. I'll take the turbulent times of the past over rump any damn day of the week; For all the havoc and mayhem known then to the moral decrepitude of gaseous blathering of GOP of today, not much as changed.
This story is all over the place. None of it makes much sense, and it seems to me that is trying to force the squares into the circles, the author just rolls over and surrenders to the pathos of losing the plot, just miserably, again and again.
I'm sorry, but it's a meaningless amount of drivel and eye numbing incoherence that finally made me give it up and send it back the KI whence it belongs.
I do not recommend this hot mess. If I had a minus star to give it, I would.
July 13, 2017
Set the Night on Fire by Libby Fischer Hellmann vividly recreates that sense of not fitting into a changing world which characterized both the sixties and the present. A protagonist recently released from jail struggles to understand how technology has moved on—“appalled at how disposable capitalism had become… fascinated by phones smaller than a pack of cigarettes…” Meanwhile an intriguing young woman displays a love for numbers and patterns that immediately endears her to this reader. But how will she recover from tragedy? Is the stranger following her a threat or a protector? And more importantly, how will she define her identity as the patterns shift and change?
Moving smoothly from the 60s to the present, building convincing characters and themes, and slowly piling mystery on threat, this novel of the past is wholly relevant to the present. Thought-provoking, absorbing and hard to put down, I really enjoyed this novel.
Disclosure: I heard it was on a deal and I offer my honest review.
Moving smoothly from the 60s to the present, building convincing characters and themes, and slowly piling mystery on threat, this novel of the past is wholly relevant to the present. Thought-provoking, absorbing and hard to put down, I really enjoyed this novel.
Disclosure: I heard it was on a deal and I offer my honest review.
November 6, 2019
Set The Night on Fire, my 13th 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 & then another & another &... I'm glad I did. I'm a character reader, I get into the characters, their story, who/what they are, and significant characters in her writing are developed quickly & thoroughly 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. Diane Piron Gelman’s narration adds to the enjoyment of the book. I was given an Audible copy of this book & I’m voluntarily reviewing it. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
February 17, 2021
An incredible book about the "peace" movement in Chicago in the late 1960's and early 1970's. The rallies in Grant Park, the Democratic National convention, the Coliseum, and various landmarks around the city are captured in the middle section of the book that recounts a story about a small group of free thinkers who have banded together. The beginning of the book and the end of it are set in the present and follow those same people nearly 50 years later.
This well written story kept me enthralled until the very exciting conclusion. Even though I lived through this time and my husband lived in the near south side of Chicago during the National Convention, I read about things both familiar and unfamiliar. It was a seamless blend of facts and fiction that kept me reading until past midnight so I could finish the book.
I can't recommend this book enough! It is captivating. Do yourself a favor and get your copy and read it today. A glimpse into history was never so interesting!
This well written story kept me enthralled until the very exciting conclusion. Even though I lived through this time and my husband lived in the near south side of Chicago during the National Convention, I read about things both familiar and unfamiliar. It was a seamless blend of facts and fiction that kept me reading until past midnight so I could finish the book.
I can't recommend this book enough! It is captivating. Do yourself a favor and get your copy and read it today. A glimpse into history was never so interesting!
March 7, 2021
I have read and enjoyed several of Libby Fischer Hellmann’s excellent books, and this is no exception. I love when a book both entertains and enlightens, and Ms. Hellman accomplishes this with every new title. Her blend of historical fiction and thriller stories is unique, her research exhaustive and beautifully written with vivid details that make you feel as if you were a part of that time, her characters richly drawn and enchanting to get to know. I particularly enjoyed the strong female lead she created in this one, and I was rooting for her to be the hero of her own destiny. I was enthralled from the beginning until the exciting and multi-layered revelation ending – it was a fast-paced, thrilling ride full of twists and turns, and I highly recommend this title and this author. She does not disappoint! Many thanks to the author for granting me a free review copy at my request. All opinions are my own and are given freely.
September 25, 2022
The book starts in the modern day when a woman loses her father and brother in a fire. Then strange happenings make her confused and then concerned about her safety. A stranger seems to be looking out for her. As she looks into the fire, she finds that maybe all isn't as she thought it was for all of her life.
Much of the book takes place in the 1960's and is centered on a group of young people disillusioned with the country and state of the Vietnam war. They want to change society. It's also a story about their interrelationships.
As we move back to modern times, the danger escalates and new relationships develop.
I have enjoyed all of the books I've read by Libby Fischer Hellmann. They are well written and well thought out. I would recommend this book for mature readers.
I was given the opportunity to listen to the Audio version of this book. The narrator did an excellent job and was a pleasure to listen to.
Much of the book takes place in the 1960's and is centered on a group of young people disillusioned with the country and state of the Vietnam war. They want to change society. It's also a story about their interrelationships.
As we move back to modern times, the danger escalates and new relationships develop.
I have enjoyed all of the books I've read by Libby Fischer Hellmann. They are well written and well thought out. I would recommend this book for mature readers.
I was given the opportunity to listen to the Audio version of this book. The narrator did an excellent job and was a pleasure to listen to.
January 12, 2018
This is a truly mediocre book, the story is predictable, totally not original and with serious issues of plausibility. One can easily spot the whodunnit at a third of the story and you see coming well in advance even what is supposed to be the last twist, the grand final surprise....what the hell!
On paper, the novel had many elements which make what a good book is for me, such as the coming of age theme, some mystery, a touch of political intrigue; unfortunately all this is treated in a very superficial, cliché fashion, the character development is insufficient and the narrative style is rather flat not to say boring.
On paper, the novel had many elements which make what a good book is for me, such as the coming of age theme, some mystery, a touch of political intrigue; unfortunately all this is treated in a very superficial, cliché fashion, the character development is insufficient and the narrative style is rather flat not to say boring.
October 11, 2022
What do you get when you mix part history, part murder mystery, and a mysterious protector? Set the Night on Fire has all these elements and more wrapped up in a story that spans from the 60’s to the present. The who and why are always necessary in solving a murder, but in this case, there are plenty of who’s each with their own why, none of which are apparent to Lila. I listened to the audiobook narrated by Diane Piron Gelman. Ms. Gelman’s narration made me set aside the things I was multitasking while listening and put my feet up and just enjoy the story. This won’t be the last of Libby Fischer Hellman’s stories I read and hopefully not the last of listening to Diane Gelman’s narration.
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April 17, 2020A workable book with a great idea behind it. Starts in the present day, talking about the actions of a group of aged 1960s radicals. My favorite part of the book was the meat of it, when we were back in the 1960s and the kids were doing their radical hippie SDS type stuff; the things that the book hints are coming back to haunt them in the future. Unfortunately we head back to the present for a fairly implausible ending. Also, in the cover photo, the author looks like an angry lesbian biker. Why is this necessary?
January 22, 2020
This book left a bit to be desired. I was really looking forward to reading more about Lila's story, but it ended up being more about the 1960's friend group. While the book was still really well written and I think you should check it out, it just wasn't what I expected.
March 29, 2021
I received the audiobook free in exchange for a review. What a great story that is mixed between current times and the '60's. A great love story yet a thriller also tied in is the politics and the lifestyles of the '60's. So many twists and plots, a must read!
June 5, 2022
Hippies and Murder
Stayed up until 3am because I had to finish this book. Great story! Kept me guessing right to the end. Took me a bit to remember who Brian was!!! The best thriller that I have read in awhile.
Stayed up until 3am because I had to finish this book. Great story! Kept me guessing right to the end. Took me a bit to remember who Brian was!!! The best thriller that I have read in awhile.
January 6, 2025
Although it was a little hard to get into at the beginning, I almost dnf. But it definitely got better and I'm glad I stuck with it, with all its twists and turns. Secrets have a way of being found. Overall a pretty great read.
May 7, 2017
Very fast read! Story really grabs you and you do not want to put it down.
February 17, 2021
A well written story, full of action from start to finish. Lots of different characters, and lots of twists and turns, I couldn’t put it down.
February 15, 2022
First book I read in some time that is well conceived and leaves the ending to the story to twist and leave you wondering why it it all happened. Very good 5Star earned
July 16, 2023
An excellent thriller that mixes fiction with historical events. Well written with good characters and a plot that holds the readers interest throughout
September 13, 2023
I didn’t read this book, my 78-yr old mother did. She said she couldn’t put it down. Since she is not tech-savvy I thought I’d leave a review on her behalf.
March 6, 2021
The author of this book has demonstrated that she has a super power. She can recreate recent history with pitch perfect imagery and characters. The retelling of this time is especially interesting to me because I lived through it. At the time I was a dreamy art student at The Art Institute of Chicago, certainly mostly unaware of the greater world. I lived in a studio and a dark room. Reading this book alerts me the reality of a violent America, notjust now, but consistently and back through time. While this isn’t comforting, it is accurate and something we need to face and try to change.
This book chronicles the human costs of our violent past. With awareness, are we closer to solutions? Maybe this book should be required reading.
This book chronicles the human costs of our violent past. With awareness, are we closer to solutions? Maybe this book should be required reading.
January 11, 2011
My review from Gapers Block: http://gapersblock.com/bookclub/2011/...
Most people have some ideas about the ‘60s in general: Vietnam, the protests, the “hippies.” But what about the ‘60s in Chicago? What about the ‘60s in Chicago through the eyes of the young men and women who wanted to better the world? Libby Fischer Hellmann uses her latest thriller, Set the Night on Fire, to transport her readers to a topsy-turvy time in the city’s (and country’s) history, where idealism was everything. Until it wasn’t.
But it wouldn’t be a thriller without some mystery, of course. The book opens in “Part One: The Present” with one of the main characters, Dar Gantner, meeting with Rain – a friend? A foe? – in present-day Chicago to talk about “Alix’s brother,” and “Teddy,” “Casey,” and “Payton” – more friends? More foes? – as well as a mysterious package, the Convention of ’68, and, well, death. Presumably, Dar has just gotten out of jail. And it sounds like something fishy is going on. And that’s just chapter 1. Hellmann takes the reader through at least three more chapters (don’t worry – they’re short) where we follow Dar and Rain around and watch/listen to them do things we don’t quite understand while they introduce us to more characters we don’t find out much about. Typically, I’m not a fan of books that seemingly start in the middle of all the action, but Hellmann’s technique really works here. The reader learns just enough to become intrigued – but not annoyed or frustrated. Actually, I found myself hurrying along to the next chapter so I could “discover” exactly what was going on.
Chapter 5 is when it all starts to come together, and we get to the meat of the novel – the tie binding all of these people. Another protagonist, Lila Hilliard, has just lost her father, Casey Hilliard, and her twin brother in an awful house fire. As Lila swifts through Casey’s life, trying to square things away with his business and personal belongings, she finds a photo of him with five other people (unbeknownst to her, they are Dar, Rain, Alix, Teddy, and Payton), and she recognizes one of the women as her mother, who died when Lila and her brother were born. When Lila’s curiosity is triggered, and she digs deeper, she begins to realize that her father had secrets – and, consequently, now her own life may be in danger.
“Part Two: 1968–1970” is where Hellmann delves into the Chicago ‘60s scene and gives the reader a taste of what it was like to be at the forefront of trying to produce change. I know nothing of Chicago in the ‘60s, so it was fascinating to learn about the area – both architecturally and culturally. I must admit, I was a little disappointed that I didn’t really have any of those “Oh I’ve been there!” or “I recognize that!” moments, but as a child of the late ‘70s/early ‘80s, I suppose I shouldn’t be too surprised. I won’t divulge much – because this book is best when read for oneself, following all of Hellmann’s twists, turns, and surprises. But we get to know the six people (Casey, Dar, Rain, Alix, Teddy, and Payton) who come together for a common cause and watch them slowly drift into different directions – some more extreme than others. And by the time the reader reaches “Part Three: The Present,” we know how they all end up fitting into the life of Lila Hilliard – and the danger she’s in – in the present.
Set the Night on Fire is Hellmann’s seventh crime fiction novel (check out her website (http://www.libbyhellmann.com/) for more information on Hellmann and her work). I haven’t read any of the others, but if they are as engaging and suspenseful as this one, I’ll be adding them to my “to read” list very soon!
Most people have some ideas about the ‘60s in general: Vietnam, the protests, the “hippies.” But what about the ‘60s in Chicago? What about the ‘60s in Chicago through the eyes of the young men and women who wanted to better the world? Libby Fischer Hellmann uses her latest thriller, Set the Night on Fire, to transport her readers to a topsy-turvy time in the city’s (and country’s) history, where idealism was everything. Until it wasn’t.
But it wouldn’t be a thriller without some mystery, of course. The book opens in “Part One: The Present” with one of the main characters, Dar Gantner, meeting with Rain – a friend? A foe? – in present-day Chicago to talk about “Alix’s brother,” and “Teddy,” “Casey,” and “Payton” – more friends? More foes? – as well as a mysterious package, the Convention of ’68, and, well, death. Presumably, Dar has just gotten out of jail. And it sounds like something fishy is going on. And that’s just chapter 1. Hellmann takes the reader through at least three more chapters (don’t worry – they’re short) where we follow Dar and Rain around and watch/listen to them do things we don’t quite understand while they introduce us to more characters we don’t find out much about. Typically, I’m not a fan of books that seemingly start in the middle of all the action, but Hellmann’s technique really works here. The reader learns just enough to become intrigued – but not annoyed or frustrated. Actually, I found myself hurrying along to the next chapter so I could “discover” exactly what was going on.
Chapter 5 is when it all starts to come together, and we get to the meat of the novel – the tie binding all of these people. Another protagonist, Lila Hilliard, has just lost her father, Casey Hilliard, and her twin brother in an awful house fire. As Lila swifts through Casey’s life, trying to square things away with his business and personal belongings, she finds a photo of him with five other people (unbeknownst to her, they are Dar, Rain, Alix, Teddy, and Payton), and she recognizes one of the women as her mother, who died when Lila and her brother were born. When Lila’s curiosity is triggered, and she digs deeper, she begins to realize that her father had secrets – and, consequently, now her own life may be in danger.
“Part Two: 1968–1970” is where Hellmann delves into the Chicago ‘60s scene and gives the reader a taste of what it was like to be at the forefront of trying to produce change. I know nothing of Chicago in the ‘60s, so it was fascinating to learn about the area – both architecturally and culturally. I must admit, I was a little disappointed that I didn’t really have any of those “Oh I’ve been there!” or “I recognize that!” moments, but as a child of the late ‘70s/early ‘80s, I suppose I shouldn’t be too surprised. I won’t divulge much – because this book is best when read for oneself, following all of Hellmann’s twists, turns, and surprises. But we get to know the six people (Casey, Dar, Rain, Alix, Teddy, and Payton) who come together for a common cause and watch them slowly drift into different directions – some more extreme than others. And by the time the reader reaches “Part Three: The Present,” we know how they all end up fitting into the life of Lila Hilliard – and the danger she’s in – in the present.
Set the Night on Fire is Hellmann’s seventh crime fiction novel (check out her website (http://www.libbyhellmann.com/) for more information on Hellmann and her work). I haven’t read any of the others, but if they are as engaging and suspenseful as this one, I’ll be adding them to my “to read” list very soon!
January 14, 2011
It isn’t possible to explain to people who weren’t young on November 22, 1963 how much the world changed with the assassination of John Fitzgerald Kennedy.
Even the attacks on 9/11 did not unify the country as did the death of the president. He was killed in the early afternoon on a Friday. From Friday evening until Monday afternoon, when the funeral ended, businesses shut down, government offices closed, stores cut their business hours, and the people went to church or synagogue to pray for their country. And then the nation watched television. It is true that I was one of millions who saw a murder live on TV. My brother and I were watching the coverage of Lee Harvey Oswald being transferred from the jail to a police van, when Jack Ruby walked up and shot him. I can remember by brother saying, “That was pretend. It had to be pretend.”
Libby Fischer Hellmann centers SET THE NIGHT ON FIRE on six people who came together to try to change the path they saw as destroying the United States. JFK, Martin Luther King, Jr, and Robert Kennedy whipped up enthusiasm in young adults by convincing them they could change the world. When MLK and RFK were assassinated, there wasn’t anyone to step into their shoes and keep the the dreams alive. Instead, the focus was the war in Vietnam and the “military-industrial complex.” Dar, Rain, Alix, Teddy, Casey, and Peyton shared a vision until they didn’t and for two of the group, their association would lead to tragedy.
The author bookends the story of the group in the sixties with their separate stories forty years later. SET THE NIGHT ON FIRE is a page-turner. From the first paragraph the reader is drawn in, wanting to know everything there is to know about the characters. How did they come to live together? How did they drift so far apart?
The author creates the atmosphere of the sixties perfectly. The chaos and damage done at the 1968 Democratic convention led to the election of Richard Nixon and Richard Nixon led to Watergate and the greatest threat to the judicial system faced by this country.
But the reality of the characters in the book is as foreign to me as it would be to my children. My kids were appalled that I had not been at Woodstock. I explained I was working two jobs to pay my tuition. I had to confess that all my friends were equally boring. The characters represent that small group of twenty somethings that had the time, and the courage, to embark on a campaign to turn the United States inside out.
What makes the book so very good is that the author doesn’t allow the characters to stay forever young. Growing old and growing up are not necessarily the same thing but for most, like Dar, Rain, Alix, Teddy, Casey, and Peyton, growing up meant taking on the responsibilities against which they had raged.
The book exists perfectly in both time frames because the choices made by the characters when they were just entering into adulthood, come back to haunt them and hunt them. The sins of the fathers, and the mothers, bring wrath down upon the succeeding generations.
This is a terrific book for those who want to relive those times when we thought we could do anything. For the generation we brought into the world, it is a lesson in the how the best of intentions can be thwarted by the usual sins of greed, pride, and dishonesty.
November 2, 2010
Set The Night On Fire
By Libby Fishcher Hellmann
ISBN: 978-0-98406-5-7
Trade Paperback from
Allium Press, Chicago, 2010
346 pages.
Every so often a novel comes along that connects with the reader in such a visceral way that it is like a punch in the stomach. This is such a story. If you lived through the nineteen-sixties and your memory is reasonably intact, or you learned even a small amount about those turbulent times, you will connect with this story.
On one level this is the story of Lila Hilliard. Forty-some years after a particular series of spectacular and dangerous events in Chicago that revolved around a nasty far-off war and a political convention, a mysterious fire has robbed her of the only family she has ever known. At about the same time, a man named Dar Gantner, just released from prison, returns to Chicago from prison to reconnect with a few of his former companions from the same era. One, a woman named Rain, tells Dar that another of their mutual friends has just met with an odd fatal accident. It is clear in their conversation that Rain doesn’t entirely believe that it was an accident.
From that moment on it becomes apparent that dark and unknown forces are at work. But why? Who are these people we meet at the beginning of the book, who targets them and why? Through a series of small and then progressively longer flashbacks we are transported to a time when young people believed the rhetoric, that they could indeed change the outcomes of momentous happenings, that they could affect the course of the most powerful nation in the world. Some of those players, whatever they believed, moved on to build calm and substantial lives of commerce, and politics, and contemplative existences. They don’t want to relive any part of that time.
Most readers alive today will have memories of the Chicago convention of 1968, or of the riots and will begin again to remember the emotions of the time. And even if not, the measured, artful, portioning out of connections, of information, will bring those emotions to the surface. On another level, this is the telling of the great events of the late sixties, the crimes and the abuses and the trails that descended from them, not from the newspaper headlines or the televised reports, but through the eyes and hearts of some of the young people at the center of the conflicts. But this is no polemic, nor is it an attempt to change the record. What the author has done is produce a cracking good thriller that grips a reader by the throat and doesn’t let go until the final pages. One after another the revelations keep coming, and as the central characters struggle to stay alive long enough to solve their mysteries, the author maintains our interest in the love story, the history and the dynamics of the times. It doesn’t matter your political beliefs, then, or now; the characters and their trials will reach off the pages of this fine novel and touch you in ways that are basic to our existence as human beings. This is a fine, fine novel that well deserves the accolades it will surely receive.
By Libby Fishcher Hellmann
ISBN: 978-0-98406-5-7
Trade Paperback from
Allium Press, Chicago, 2010
346 pages.
Every so often a novel comes along that connects with the reader in such a visceral way that it is like a punch in the stomach. This is such a story. If you lived through the nineteen-sixties and your memory is reasonably intact, or you learned even a small amount about those turbulent times, you will connect with this story.
On one level this is the story of Lila Hilliard. Forty-some years after a particular series of spectacular and dangerous events in Chicago that revolved around a nasty far-off war and a political convention, a mysterious fire has robbed her of the only family she has ever known. At about the same time, a man named Dar Gantner, just released from prison, returns to Chicago from prison to reconnect with a few of his former companions from the same era. One, a woman named Rain, tells Dar that another of their mutual friends has just met with an odd fatal accident. It is clear in their conversation that Rain doesn’t entirely believe that it was an accident.
From that moment on it becomes apparent that dark and unknown forces are at work. But why? Who are these people we meet at the beginning of the book, who targets them and why? Through a series of small and then progressively longer flashbacks we are transported to a time when young people believed the rhetoric, that they could indeed change the outcomes of momentous happenings, that they could affect the course of the most powerful nation in the world. Some of those players, whatever they believed, moved on to build calm and substantial lives of commerce, and politics, and contemplative existences. They don’t want to relive any part of that time.
Most readers alive today will have memories of the Chicago convention of 1968, or of the riots and will begin again to remember the emotions of the time. And even if not, the measured, artful, portioning out of connections, of information, will bring those emotions to the surface. On another level, this is the telling of the great events of the late sixties, the crimes and the abuses and the trails that descended from them, not from the newspaper headlines or the televised reports, but through the eyes and hearts of some of the young people at the center of the conflicts. But this is no polemic, nor is it an attempt to change the record. What the author has done is produce a cracking good thriller that grips a reader by the throat and doesn’t let go until the final pages. One after another the revelations keep coming, and as the central characters struggle to stay alive long enough to solve their mysteries, the author maintains our interest in the love story, the history and the dynamics of the times. It doesn’t matter your political beliefs, then, or now; the characters and their trials will reach off the pages of this fine novel and touch you in ways that are basic to our existence as human beings. This is a fine, fine novel that well deserves the accolades it will surely receive.
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