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Georgia Davis #6
DoubleBlind
With little work during the pandemic, Chicago PI Georgia Davis agrees to help the best friend of fellow sleuth, Ellie Foreman. Susan Siler’s aunt died suddenly after her Covid booster, and Susan’s distraught mother wants the death investigated. However, Georgia’s investigation is interrupted by a family trip to Nauvoo, Illinois, the one-time Mormon heartland. It’s there that her life unexpectedly intersects with the runaway spouse of a Mormon Fundamentalist. Back in Evanston, after Georgia is almost killed by a hit and run driver, she discovers that she and the escaped woman look remarkably alike. Is someone trying to kill Georgia because of her death investigation? Or is it a case of mistaken identity? And how can Georgia find her doppelganger before whoever wants them both dead tries again?
335 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 8, 2022
21 people are currently reading
868 people want to read
About the author
Libby Fischer Hellmann
79 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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April 4, 2022
DOUBLEBLIND, Libby Fischer Hellmann’s latest Georgia Davis thriller, finds the Chicago PI with less work than normal due to the pandemic. When a friend comes to her about a relative who died suddenly after receiving the COVID booster, she agrees to look into it. She doesn’t realize that she will be solving several cases involving not only vaccines, but also drugs, guns, a missing person and a hostage crisis with her own family.
A trip to Wisconsin to track the shipment of the vaccine that seemed to have killed three people ends with threats to Georgia. Then her old friend, FBI Agent Nick LeJeune, lets her know that they're concerned about the situation. They include her in the case, expanding her resources as she ties in a missing doctor and more threads to the sinister plot to hurt people through the vaccine.
Georgia is nearly run down and isn’t sure if that is related to the vaccine or something else. She learns more by chance when her estranged mother offers to spend a weekend with Georgia, her sister and her nephew in Nauvoo, Illinois (the one-time Mormon heartland) to try and mend family fences. Several people think they recognize Georgia, and she realizes she may have a doppelgänger.
The point of view then shifts to Eden, who decides to leave her abusive Fundamentalist husband and their children and travel to Chicago. She finds shelter and a job, and is surprised when someone at the bar where she works thinks her name is Georgia. She fears that her husband, who she suspects is involved in dealing guns, has found her, so she prepares to run again.
Eden’s husband is indeed on the trail of what he believes is his missing wife but is really Georgia. He decides to kidnap members of Georgia’s family to try to get Eden back. Jimmy, Georgia’s boyfriend and the chief of police, helps her come up with a plan to save her loved ones and find Eden.
The vaccine thread is all too plausible and, when juxtaposed with Eden’s story, moves swiftly. Terrific scenes with Georgia’s family and boyfriend add depth and layers to a memorable cast of characters. DOUBLEBLIND is an exciting stand-alone, but fans of the series will enjoy Georgia’s progression. Hellmann deftly balances her protagonist's life, the history of the Mormon Church in Illinois, and the multiple threads of the investigation for a page-turning thriller.
Reviewed by Amy Alessio
A trip to Wisconsin to track the shipment of the vaccine that seemed to have killed three people ends with threats to Georgia. Then her old friend, FBI Agent Nick LeJeune, lets her know that they're concerned about the situation. They include her in the case, expanding her resources as she ties in a missing doctor and more threads to the sinister plot to hurt people through the vaccine.
Georgia is nearly run down and isn’t sure if that is related to the vaccine or something else. She learns more by chance when her estranged mother offers to spend a weekend with Georgia, her sister and her nephew in Nauvoo, Illinois (the one-time Mormon heartland) to try and mend family fences. Several people think they recognize Georgia, and she realizes she may have a doppelgänger.
The point of view then shifts to Eden, who decides to leave her abusive Fundamentalist husband and their children and travel to Chicago. She finds shelter and a job, and is surprised when someone at the bar where she works thinks her name is Georgia. She fears that her husband, who she suspects is involved in dealing guns, has found her, so she prepares to run again.
Eden’s husband is indeed on the trail of what he believes is his missing wife but is really Georgia. He decides to kidnap members of Georgia’s family to try to get Eden back. Jimmy, Georgia’s boyfriend and the chief of police, helps her come up with a plan to save her loved ones and find Eden.
The vaccine thread is all too plausible and, when juxtaposed with Eden’s story, moves swiftly. Terrific scenes with Georgia’s family and boyfriend add depth and layers to a memorable cast of characters. DOUBLEBLIND is an exciting stand-alone, but fans of the series will enjoy Georgia’s progression. Hellmann deftly balances her protagonist's life, the history of the Mormon Church in Illinois, and the multiple threads of the investigation for a page-turning thriller.
Reviewed by Amy Alessio
January 17, 2022
Glad to see Georgia Davis back in action! This started out a bit slow and with an unrealistic rabbit hole of issues around shipping vaccines and consequences. But then, it just took off and I literally couldn't tear myself away until I finished it. Read this in 24 hours. Please don't pick it up unless you can put everything aside to finish it!
April 1, 2022
This originally appeared at The Irresponsible Reader.
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WHAT'S DOUBLEBLIND ABOUT?
I'm going to appropriate the description from Hellman's website so I don't slip up and say something she wouldn't like me to reveal about the plot.
THE VACCINATION STORYLINE
I'm going to end up saying this at least a couple of times, but I thought it was a risky move to make the cornerstone of this novel a death that occurs right after the character receives a COVID-vaccination booster. It's risky enough to try to get readers to invest in a COVID-era novel, but to center your plot on it—particularly vaccines right now? Hats off to her.
What's more, there were a couple of times where I wondered if Hellman was on the verge of coming out pretty strongly anti-vaccination and other times I thought she was in danger of preaching the other direction—in the end, neither was true. There's enough for everyone to like the way Georgia opines (and enough for everyone to dislike it, too). For Hellman's sake, I hope her readers remember the views that are expressed by a fictional character do not necessarily match that of the author.
I thought the story wrapped up nicely, but I wish we'd gotten a little more time with it (and less of the Doppelgänger story).
THE DOPPLEGÄNGER STORY
I'm of two minds about this storyline—I got really invested in Georgia's doppelgänger. I'm not sure Hellman did the best job of depicting her story, but I really couldn't get into everything surrounding her story—the reactions of those she left behind, Georgia's involvement, the law enforcement angle...none of it seemed right.
If it stayed as a B-Plot to the Vaccine story, rather than taking over the book, I might have been better. If there'd been more nuance to the depiction of her husband—I'm not saying make him less of a clear-cut villain, just be more subtle about it's shown.
INFODUMPS
Given the subject matter of the two storylines, a lot of research had to be done to make the details believable—and a good deal of the product of that research needed to be delivered to the readers, too. The trick comes in how that product is delivered. Hellman gets it right with one storyline, and less-right with the other.
When it comes to the vaccination storyline, Georgia has to dig in and find out more about the transportation of the vaccines and how things are supposed to go if there's a problem with a patient post-vaccination. As Georgia does that research early on in the investigation, she has to think about what she learned and process it—this gives Hellman an opportunity to get that information in front of the readers in an organic way—even if it is an infodump.
On the other hand, Georgia and another character or two (being purposefully vague) need to be given information about Fundamentalist LDS culture and practices. Which results in some awkward infodumps—one that's so far beyond awkward and ill-timed that I couldn't suspend disbelief enough to handle the scene.
I've often heard authors in interviews talk about the temptation to use all their research in a novel, because it's just so interesting. The infodumps about the Fundamentalist LDS felt like Hellman just had to share everything she learned.* Giving us the information in a smoother fashion, and only what was needed (at least explicitly, she could've alluded to more) would've worked better for the flow of the story—and might have provoked the reader to go read more on their own.
* "Felt like" is the key term there, she clearly could've gone more in-depth, but in the moment it seemed like she left it all on the page.
SO, WHAT DID I THINK ABOUT DOUBLEBLIND?
There's some really strong storytelling at work here, with characters that Hellman's clearly spent a lot of time crafting over the previous five novels.
I had some issues with some of the mechanics of writing—I thought that some of the dialogue needed another editing pass or two, some of it is best described as "clunky." Not all of it—but enough that it stood out as a problem. The pacing could've been tighter in spots, there are the above comments about the infodumps (for both good and ill) and I don't think Hellman prioritized the stronger storyline as she ought to have. Those detracted from and diluted the storytelling and characters—but not to the extent I wasn't entertained by the novel or intrigued by the stories.
I'll say it again, the way she incorporated COVID-19, the restrictions, and vaccinations was a gutsy move. I'm not wholly convinced it was the best way to approach it, but it was a pretty successful effort, and a nicely calculated risk.
Would I recommend this? Yeah, I would—maybe with a few reservations, but I don't think they're important enough to make me wave off a potential reader. Am I going to read Georgia Davis #7? I think it's likely, I'm curious to see how Georgia moves from this point.
Georgia Davis is an intriguing character with a lot to commend her to your attention. Hellman's a solid storyteller. That's a combination I'm glad to recommend.
Disclaimer: I received this eARC from the author via Wiley Saichek and Saichek Publicity in exchange for this post—while I appreciate that, the opinions expressed are wholly mine.
---
WHAT'S DOUBLEBLIND ABOUT?
I'm going to appropriate the description from Hellman's website so I don't slip up and say something she wouldn't like me to reveal about the plot.
With little work during the pandemic, Chicago PI Georgia Davis agrees to help the best friend of fellow sleuth, Ellie Foreman. Susan Siler’s aunt died suddenly after her Covid booster, and Susan’s distraught mother wants the death investigated.
However, Georgia’s investigation is interrupted by a family trip to Nauvoo, Illinois, the one-time Mormon heartland. It’s there that her life unexpectedly intersects with the runaway spouse of a Mormon Fundamentalist. Back in Evanston, after Georgia is almost killed by a hit and run driver, she discovers that she and the escaped woman look remarkably alike.
Is someone trying to kill Georgia because of her death investigation case? Or is it a case of mistaken identity? And how can Georgia find her doppelganger before whoever wants them both dead tries again?
THE VACCINATION STORYLINE
I'm going to end up saying this at least a couple of times, but I thought it was a risky move to make the cornerstone of this novel a death that occurs right after the character receives a COVID-vaccination booster. It's risky enough to try to get readers to invest in a COVID-era novel, but to center your plot on it—particularly vaccines right now? Hats off to her.
What's more, there were a couple of times where I wondered if Hellman was on the verge of coming out pretty strongly anti-vaccination and other times I thought she was in danger of preaching the other direction—in the end, neither was true. There's enough for everyone to like the way Georgia opines (and enough for everyone to dislike it, too). For Hellman's sake, I hope her readers remember the views that are expressed by a fictional character do not necessarily match that of the author.
I thought the story wrapped up nicely, but I wish we'd gotten a little more time with it (and less of the Doppelgänger story).
THE DOPPLEGÄNGER STORY
I'm of two minds about this storyline—I got really invested in Georgia's doppelgänger. I'm not sure Hellman did the best job of depicting her story, but I really couldn't get into everything surrounding her story—the reactions of those she left behind, Georgia's involvement, the law enforcement angle...none of it seemed right.
If it stayed as a B-Plot to the Vaccine story, rather than taking over the book, I might have been better. If there'd been more nuance to the depiction of her husband—I'm not saying make him less of a clear-cut villain, just be more subtle about it's shown.
INFODUMPS
Given the subject matter of the two storylines, a lot of research had to be done to make the details believable—and a good deal of the product of that research needed to be delivered to the readers, too. The trick comes in how that product is delivered. Hellman gets it right with one storyline, and less-right with the other.
When it comes to the vaccination storyline, Georgia has to dig in and find out more about the transportation of the vaccines and how things are supposed to go if there's a problem with a patient post-vaccination. As Georgia does that research early on in the investigation, she has to think about what she learned and process it—this gives Hellman an opportunity to get that information in front of the readers in an organic way—even if it is an infodump.
On the other hand, Georgia and another character or two (being purposefully vague) need to be given information about Fundamentalist LDS culture and practices. Which results in some awkward infodumps—one that's so far beyond awkward and ill-timed that I couldn't suspend disbelief enough to handle the scene.
I've often heard authors in interviews talk about the temptation to use all their research in a novel, because it's just so interesting. The infodumps about the Fundamentalist LDS felt like Hellman just had to share everything she learned.* Giving us the information in a smoother fashion, and only what was needed (at least explicitly, she could've alluded to more) would've worked better for the flow of the story—and might have provoked the reader to go read more on their own.
* "Felt like" is the key term there, she clearly could've gone more in-depth, but in the moment it seemed like she left it all on the page.
SO, WHAT DID I THINK ABOUT DOUBLEBLIND?
There's some really strong storytelling at work here, with characters that Hellman's clearly spent a lot of time crafting over the previous five novels.
I had some issues with some of the mechanics of writing—I thought that some of the dialogue needed another editing pass or two, some of it is best described as "clunky." Not all of it—but enough that it stood out as a problem. The pacing could've been tighter in spots, there are the above comments about the infodumps (for both good and ill) and I don't think Hellman prioritized the stronger storyline as she ought to have. Those detracted from and diluted the storytelling and characters—but not to the extent I wasn't entertained by the novel or intrigued by the stories.
I'll say it again, the way she incorporated COVID-19, the restrictions, and vaccinations was a gutsy move. I'm not wholly convinced it was the best way to approach it, but it was a pretty successful effort, and a nicely calculated risk.
Would I recommend this? Yeah, I would—maybe with a few reservations, but I don't think they're important enough to make me wave off a potential reader. Am I going to read Georgia Davis #7? I think it's likely, I'm curious to see how Georgia moves from this point.
Georgia Davis is an intriguing character with a lot to commend her to your attention. Hellman's a solid storyteller. That's a combination I'm glad to recommend.
Disclaimer: I received this eARC from the author via Wiley Saichek and Saichek Publicity in exchange for this post—while I appreciate that, the opinions expressed are wholly mine.
February 7, 2022
This book is part of a series but I have not read the other books and had no problem following this one. It starts out a little slowly as PI Georgia Davis investigates the death of the mother of a friend of a friend after getting her COVID shot. The book becomes very convoluted, involving a missing doctor, a family trip, a runaway wife who looks like Georgia, Fundamentalist Mormons, drugs and gun running with a little romance thrown in too. It sounds confusing but it is really very interesting, well researched and well developed with a unique plot. Ms Hellman's characters are wonderful, like our friends and neighbors. I felt invested in them and came to care deeply about what was happening to them. I was given an ARC copy but this is an honest review. I really enjoyed this book and want to catch up on the Georgia Davis series. She is a wonderful heroine who has her flaws and gets into trouble but manages to come out on top.
March 17, 2022
Another strong female private investigator to get behind!
In this, the sixth of the series, PI Georgia Davis finds herself embroiled in not one but two life threatening mysteries. First, there's the case is the three deaths that occurred immediately after they received a COVID booster. One of the dead is the aunt of Georgia's friend and she's asked to investigate why/how she could have died when she had no reaction to her previous shots. When she starts to look into it she's met with resistance from all sides and is threatened when asking questions at the local bar giving her the impetus to dig deeper. The second case involves a battered mother of three running from her abusive, Mormon Fundamentalist husband. This woman though is Georgia's doppelganger and the people looking for the battered wife just might mistake them for each other putting both their lives at risk. What to do? What to do?
This is the first book in the series I've read and the author does a great job at making this easily a stand-alone. Although the characters have a history and a background their development in this one is such that you don't feel like you've missed anything. There is only a mention of what I think was a previous case from another book but it was so minor it barely registered making this book self contained with no cliffhangers at the end. All-in-all this was a very entertaining novel and I recommend it those you enjoy strong female protagonists and suspenseful mysteries.
.
Thank you to the author and Wiley Saichek, Saichek Publicity for the gifted copy to read, review and enjoy.
In this, the sixth of the series, PI Georgia Davis finds herself embroiled in not one but two life threatening mysteries. First, there's the case is the three deaths that occurred immediately after they received a COVID booster. One of the dead is the aunt of Georgia's friend and she's asked to investigate why/how she could have died when she had no reaction to her previous shots. When she starts to look into it she's met with resistance from all sides and is threatened when asking questions at the local bar giving her the impetus to dig deeper. The second case involves a battered mother of three running from her abusive, Mormon Fundamentalist husband. This woman though is Georgia's doppelganger and the people looking for the battered wife just might mistake them for each other putting both their lives at risk. What to do? What to do?
This is the first book in the series I've read and the author does a great job at making this easily a stand-alone. Although the characters have a history and a background their development in this one is such that you don't feel like you've missed anything. There is only a mention of what I think was a previous case from another book but it was so minor it barely registered making this book self contained with no cliffhangers at the end. All-in-all this was a very entertaining novel and I recommend it those you enjoy strong female protagonists and suspenseful mysteries.
.
Thank you to the author and Wiley Saichek, Saichek Publicity for the gifted copy to read, review and enjoy.
March 4, 2022
Georgia agrees to help her friend Ellie find out what happen to a friend, Susan Siler’s aunt who was very healthy suddenly die after a Covid booster. She also finds out a few more very healthy individuals also died after being administered a Covid booster. While investigating she is requested to go on a family trip to Illinois and Georgia is almost killed by a hit and run driver. So finding out more about the doctor or person who had administer the booster shots to the elderly and why people are dying from the nursing home she also needs to keep her wits while in Illinois since someone is out to get her or someone that looks like her. This books starts quickly into the people dying from booster shots and then goes quickly into another side story where a woman feels that her husband is going to kill her and plans to escape him. A very hard to put down story.
March 8, 2022
Doubleblind by Libby Fischer Hellmann.
Georgia Davis Series Book 6.
With little work during the pandemic, Chicago PI Georgia Davis agrees to help the best friend of fellow sleuth, Ellie Foreman. Susan Siler’s aunt died suddenly after her Covid booster, and Susan’s distraught mother wants the death investigated.
A very good read with good characters. I did like Georgia. Great series. 4*.
Georgia Davis Series Book 6.
With little work during the pandemic, Chicago PI Georgia Davis agrees to help the best friend of fellow sleuth, Ellie Foreman. Susan Siler’s aunt died suddenly after her Covid booster, and Susan’s distraught mother wants the death investigated.
A very good read with good characters. I did like Georgia. Great series. 4*.
February 1, 2022
I flew through this book. Great characters with distinctive personalities. The storyline was a bit intense at times which only ratcheted up my interest. A little bit mystery, a little bit relationship driven and full of action, there's something for everyone. The book was well written and made me want to read the books that preceded this one in the series.
I received an arc of this book and voluntarily provided a review.
I received an arc of this book and voluntarily provided a review.
January 13, 2022
I received an arc copy and it did not disappoint. Georgia is a pi ,and the whole COVID thing is going which makes this book more poinient. Two deaths occur due to contaminated vaccines, also there is a side story involving the Mormon church,and Georgia's doppleganger. This makes for an exciting. And enjoyable read
April 7, 2022
A doubleblind is a clinical test using 2 or more groups without either knowing which medicine each group is being given. It's an excellent title for this detective novel with 2 separate plots set during the COVID pandemic. Story opens with PI Georgia feeling the effects of a pandemic on her work, and everything we all experienced. She gets a call from a friend and is asked to investigate the death of a healthy older woman immediately after being given the COVID vaccine, a death caused by the vaccine. The family is not satisfied it was really a vaccine related death.
While Georgia investigates this death, we are introduced to a parallel plot regarding a Fundamentalist Mormon wife who runs away from her abusive husband, said fundamentalist husband now looking to kill his wife as she knows too much about some illegal doings he's contemplating. This story quickly intersects with Georgia because she is the doppelganger for the runaway wife and is being mistaken for her. When someone attempts to murder Georgia, the question is whether its the COVID case that's put her at risk or is it being a doppelganger - the doubleblind of the title.
This is my first Libby Fischer Hellmann but it sure won't be my last. The story builds a bit slowly but accellerates in quite a satisfactory manner. There are a few twists and turns, and at the end of the penultimate chapter, the author delivers a shocker I did not see coming but that was in hindsight inevitable. It's a beautifully plotted detective suspense thriller. I thought the affect of the pandemic on the character's everyday lives was well-integrated into the story and will make it very clear exactly when this story occurs. Set in and around Chicago, including places in nearby states (this New Yorker tends to forget Chicago's proximity to 3 other states), there is a wonderfully strong sense of place; I believe I would even recognize many of the settings were I to visit them. The author did not stint on her research either into COVID vaccine distribution and administration, but also into Fundamentalist Mormons -- I learned a few things and none of it was extraneous to the plot.
Best of all, though this was 6th in an ongoing series which I have not read, it reads perfectly fine as a standalone. There are references to prior events and secondary characters and relationships clearly are evolving, but it does not read as you need to have read the earlier books to appreciate where all are here. .
While Georgia investigates this death, we are introduced to a parallel plot regarding a Fundamentalist Mormon wife who runs away from her abusive husband, said fundamentalist husband now looking to kill his wife as she knows too much about some illegal doings he's contemplating. This story quickly intersects with Georgia because she is the doppelganger for the runaway wife and is being mistaken for her. When someone attempts to murder Georgia, the question is whether its the COVID case that's put her at risk or is it being a doppelganger - the doubleblind of the title.
This is my first Libby Fischer Hellmann but it sure won't be my last. The story builds a bit slowly but accellerates in quite a satisfactory manner. There are a few twists and turns, and at the end of the penultimate chapter, the author delivers a shocker I did not see coming but that was in hindsight inevitable. It's a beautifully plotted detective suspense thriller. I thought the affect of the pandemic on the character's everyday lives was well-integrated into the story and will make it very clear exactly when this story occurs. Set in and around Chicago, including places in nearby states (this New Yorker tends to forget Chicago's proximity to 3 other states), there is a wonderfully strong sense of place; I believe I would even recognize many of the settings were I to visit them. The author did not stint on her research either into COVID vaccine distribution and administration, but also into Fundamentalist Mormons -- I learned a few things and none of it was extraneous to the plot.
Best of all, though this was 6th in an ongoing series which I have not read, it reads perfectly fine as a standalone. There are references to prior events and secondary characters and relationships clearly are evolving, but it does not read as you need to have read the earlier books to appreciate where all are here. .
February 10, 2022
It’s been three years since the start of the pandemic, and a new and more virulent strain is causing havoc. It’s more important than ever for everyone to get vaccinated, and the government is going full steam ahead to meet the need. The system is not perfect, however. Private investigator Georgia Davis gets a call from her friend, Ellie Forman, asking her to look into one incident where things went tragically wrong. Emily, a perfectly healthy woman, died minutes after getting her booster shot. An autopsy was inconclusive. Soon after Emily’s death, two men died at the same clinic where she’d received her shot. Emily’s sister Evelyn wants to know why Emily died.
Georgia’s investigation attracts the attention of the FBI, who suspect the recent deaths were no accident. Special Agent Nick Lejeune, whom Georgia has worked with in the past, enlists her as a confidential source, giving her greater resources and support. She will need that, as the case is more far-reaching and dangerous than she’d expected.
In Navvoo, Illinois, Eden Christiansen is desperate to leave her abusive husband Porter, but their fundamental Mormon religion makes it almost impossible. Her decisions will impact Georgia in unforeseen and violent ways.
Georgia’s estranged mother JoBeth has come back into her life, swearing that she’d changed and wanted another chance. Georgia agrees to take a weekend family trip to the picturesque town of Navvoo, Illinois, a one-time heartland of the Mormon church. They have a good time, but Georgia wonders why so many people looked at her strangely.
Eden and Georgia have never met, but they share something that threatens everything they hold dear. Ms. Hellman deftly intertwines the two story lines into one satisfying thriller that will keep the reader reading well into the night. Highly recommended.
Georgia’s investigation attracts the attention of the FBI, who suspect the recent deaths were no accident. Special Agent Nick Lejeune, whom Georgia has worked with in the past, enlists her as a confidential source, giving her greater resources and support. She will need that, as the case is more far-reaching and dangerous than she’d expected.
In Navvoo, Illinois, Eden Christiansen is desperate to leave her abusive husband Porter, but their fundamental Mormon religion makes it almost impossible. Her decisions will impact Georgia in unforeseen and violent ways.
Georgia’s estranged mother JoBeth has come back into her life, swearing that she’d changed and wanted another chance. Georgia agrees to take a weekend family trip to the picturesque town of Navvoo, Illinois, a one-time heartland of the Mormon church. They have a good time, but Georgia wonders why so many people looked at her strangely.
Eden and Georgia have never met, but they share something that threatens everything they hold dear. Ms. Hellman deftly intertwines the two story lines into one satisfying thriller that will keep the reader reading well into the night. Highly recommended.
February 24, 2022
This book got off to a slow start for me, I think because the story deals with Covid. Luckily, it picked up at around 20% when the various story lines started to come together. Once that happened, the pace continued to accelerate and kept me turning pages. Hang in at the start. The Covid storyline fades, for the most part, into the background and the real story gets going.
The story found a different and interesting angle. It’s filled with great characters and an interesting plot. However, I did wonder if she did enough research about the Mormon Church. While I’m sure it’s hard to convert to any religion, I question if it’s that hard to convert to LDS, as it’s one of the fastest growing religions in the world. Also, at the beginning of the book, little distinction is made about the difference between the established LDS church and the Fundamentalists. This book is about Fundamentalists. Also, I wondered why with both a Mormon church and a temple in the area where the book takes place (Wilmette and Glenview), why no one reached out to them for information. Would they have cooperated? Who knows? But I would think that Georgia, Jimmy, or Nick would have given it a try.
Even so, I really enjoyed this book. It kept me turning pages and wanting to know what would happen next. There’s no shortage of twist and turns. It held my attention and kept me involved. If I have one true complaint, it’s, “Libby Fischer Hellmann, how could you?” I won’t give away what happens, but I was irritated by something horrible that happens to one of my favorite characters.
A good book and worth a read.
I received an advanced reader copy of this book from the author. I thank her for her generosity, but it had no effect on this review. All opinions in this review reflect my true and honest reactions to reading this book.
The story found a different and interesting angle. It’s filled with great characters and an interesting plot. However, I did wonder if she did enough research about the Mormon Church. While I’m sure it’s hard to convert to any religion, I question if it’s that hard to convert to LDS, as it’s one of the fastest growing religions in the world. Also, at the beginning of the book, little distinction is made about the difference between the established LDS church and the Fundamentalists. This book is about Fundamentalists. Also, I wondered why with both a Mormon church and a temple in the area where the book takes place (Wilmette and Glenview), why no one reached out to them for information. Would they have cooperated? Who knows? But I would think that Georgia, Jimmy, or Nick would have given it a try.
Even so, I really enjoyed this book. It kept me turning pages and wanting to know what would happen next. There’s no shortage of twist and turns. It held my attention and kept me involved. If I have one true complaint, it’s, “Libby Fischer Hellmann, how could you?” I won’t give away what happens, but I was irritated by something horrible that happens to one of my favorite characters.
A good book and worth a read.
I received an advanced reader copy of this book from the author. I thank her for her generosity, but it had no effect on this review. All opinions in this review reflect my true and honest reactions to reading this book.
January 18, 2022
I enjoyed this book but didn't see the end coming and as a consequence needed tissues (Don't let that put you off because I cry at Disney films.) The story does cover the emotional after effects of covid which I can understand might not be to everybody's liking but it is tastefully done with a lot of understanding and research. The story is told by two characters and from two very different backgrounds but don't worry the story comes together nicely in an explosive way. I like the characters and think they are a big reason why I enjoyed it so much, a strong female lead but one that also has her own problems and issues. It's a gripping story written by a talented author that held my interest until the very last page.
With the covid pandemic in full swing its not a good time to be a private investigator, as everybody is following the rules and staying home. So when Georgia gets a case she jumps at the change to investigate. Her good friend Ellie knows someone who wants to hire her to look into her mother's death hours after getting a covid booster. She isn't the only one to die despite there being no reports on the news. Was it problems with delivery service? Administration of the vaccine or did somebody deliberately tamper with it? With so many different avenues to investigate Georgia might need some help from the big boys, the FBI. At the same time while investigating the small town distribution office people she has never met seem to recognise her. When somebody tries to run her over she learn she and her family are in even more danger that even she can guess at. Can Georgia work out what is going on in time? Or is even more lives going to be lost?
I was given this free review copy book at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
With the covid pandemic in full swing its not a good time to be a private investigator, as everybody is following the rules and staying home. So when Georgia gets a case she jumps at the change to investigate. Her good friend Ellie knows someone who wants to hire her to look into her mother's death hours after getting a covid booster. She isn't the only one to die despite there being no reports on the news. Was it problems with delivery service? Administration of the vaccine or did somebody deliberately tamper with it? With so many different avenues to investigate Georgia might need some help from the big boys, the FBI. At the same time while investigating the small town distribution office people she has never met seem to recognise her. When somebody tries to run her over she learn she and her family are in even more danger that even she can guess at. Can Georgia work out what is going on in time? Or is even more lives going to be lost?
I was given this free review copy book at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
March 20, 2022
DoubleBlind (Georgia Davis #6)
by Libby Fischer Hellmann
I received a complimentary copy from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Doubleblind by Libby Fischer Hellmann is a mystery thriller surrounding the life of P.I. Georgia Davis. The book is well written and covers the very relevant topic of Covid and the pandemic. When an elderly woman dies swiftly after receiving her vaccine booster, the concerned family appeals to Georgia for help. Otherwise healthy with no ailments, is it merely a coincidence that several others die within a short time of receiving the vaccine? Simply an allergy? Accidental or something more sinister?
I found the author’s descriptive style captivating, enthralled from the very beginning, with a second storyline intertwined with the initial Covid events. A book encompassing such a pertinent topic requires specific characteristics for it to work. Foremost, the writing needs to be clinically accurate without embellishment. It is also essential to include how the characters evaluate the conflict. Doubleblind possesses all these qualities.
This is the sixth book in this series. I have not had the pleasure yet of reading the previous books of the series, but it is not entirely necessary as the author describes events to the full. Libby Fischer Hellmann has written an exceptional book with concise law enforcement functions and clever psychological analysis. The slightly slow beginning is necessary to fully describe the characters and provide the backstory for what ensues. I have no negative comments to make concerning this book, therefore I rate it five out of five stars.
I recommend this book to people who like mystery and hot topics, guaranteed to engage the reader.
by Libby Fischer Hellmann
I received a complimentary copy from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Doubleblind by Libby Fischer Hellmann is a mystery thriller surrounding the life of P.I. Georgia Davis. The book is well written and covers the very relevant topic of Covid and the pandemic. When an elderly woman dies swiftly after receiving her vaccine booster, the concerned family appeals to Georgia for help. Otherwise healthy with no ailments, is it merely a coincidence that several others die within a short time of receiving the vaccine? Simply an allergy? Accidental or something more sinister?
I found the author’s descriptive style captivating, enthralled from the very beginning, with a second storyline intertwined with the initial Covid events. A book encompassing such a pertinent topic requires specific characteristics for it to work. Foremost, the writing needs to be clinically accurate without embellishment. It is also essential to include how the characters evaluate the conflict. Doubleblind possesses all these qualities.
This is the sixth book in this series. I have not had the pleasure yet of reading the previous books of the series, but it is not entirely necessary as the author describes events to the full. Libby Fischer Hellmann has written an exceptional book with concise law enforcement functions and clever psychological analysis. The slightly slow beginning is necessary to fully describe the characters and provide the backstory for what ensues. I have no negative comments to make concerning this book, therefore I rate it five out of five stars.
I recommend this book to people who like mystery and hot topics, guaranteed to engage the reader.
March 11, 2022
This is the sixth book in the Georgia Davis series. I haven't read the previous novels, but had no problem following the plot. This is thanks to the author revealing just the right amount of backstory. I will definitely need to go back and read the previous books. I am usually very OCD about reading series in order, but DOUBLEBLIND worked well as a standalone for me.
Georgia Davis is a former police officer who is now a PI. The surge of Covid has put a damper on her getting new cases. Because of this she agrees to look into the unexpected death of healthy woman after a Covid shot. This leads her on trail that is twisty and dangerous.
At the same time as Georgia is working hard on her investigation, the author introduces a young woman called Eden who is trying to escape her violent Fundamentalist Mormon husband. You know that the two women's paths will intersect eventually. The twists along the way kept me reading and I felt heart-pounding suspense as the tale raced toward the ending.
The author has crafted a wonderful thriller with many elements including a little romance to lighten up things.
Georgia is a strong woman who has had to deal with some serious issues including ones that date back to her childhood. Eden has finally been able to break the bonds of an abuser who had cowed and hurt her.
I was impressed by the amount of research the author did into Covid vaccines and the Fundamentalist Mormons. One of her sources was UNDER THE BANNER OF HEAVEN by Jon Krakauer. I read the book with a book club when it first came out and it is pretty intense.
I will look forward to more books by Libby Fischer Hellman in the future.
Georgia Davis is a former police officer who is now a PI. The surge of Covid has put a damper on her getting new cases. Because of this she agrees to look into the unexpected death of healthy woman after a Covid shot. This leads her on trail that is twisty and dangerous.
At the same time as Georgia is working hard on her investigation, the author introduces a young woman called Eden who is trying to escape her violent Fundamentalist Mormon husband. You know that the two women's paths will intersect eventually. The twists along the way kept me reading and I felt heart-pounding suspense as the tale raced toward the ending.
The author has crafted a wonderful thriller with many elements including a little romance to lighten up things.
Georgia is a strong woman who has had to deal with some serious issues including ones that date back to her childhood. Eden has finally been able to break the bonds of an abuser who had cowed and hurt her.
I was impressed by the amount of research the author did into Covid vaccines and the Fundamentalist Mormons. One of her sources was UNDER THE BANNER OF HEAVEN by Jon Krakauer. I read the book with a book club when it first came out and it is pretty intense.
I will look forward to more books by Libby Fischer Hellman in the future.
May 28, 2022
A convoluted tale you'll find hard to put down!
Circumstances dictate that Georgia Davis, a Chicago PI, is at loose ends and available when a fellow sleuth needs help with a case of death after COVID vaccine. In the course of her investigation, she stumbles across a missing Mormon wife whose uncanny resemblance to Georgia finds the investigator in the crosshairs. But is it the retaliatory husband, or something about the vaccine death that has made her a target?
Hellman takes us on a wild chase filled with twists and turns; a pageturner I guarantee you'll get through in one sitting. I hadn't read any other Georgia Davis adventures, but I plan to catch up with her so that I'm ready for the new one.
NB - while I tend to shy away from "COVID books", Hellman hasn't done that here. The pandemic is mentioned only in passing, it's not belabor or politicized or scapegoated; it just is. And I liked that.
[I was fortunate to receive a copy of Double Blind from the author, with no obligation to review. The opinions expressed herein are given freely and are entirely my own.]
Circumstances dictate that Georgia Davis, a Chicago PI, is at loose ends and available when a fellow sleuth needs help with a case of death after COVID vaccine. In the course of her investigation, she stumbles across a missing Mormon wife whose uncanny resemblance to Georgia finds the investigator in the crosshairs. But is it the retaliatory husband, or something about the vaccine death that has made her a target?
Hellman takes us on a wild chase filled with twists and turns; a pageturner I guarantee you'll get through in one sitting. I hadn't read any other Georgia Davis adventures, but I plan to catch up with her so that I'm ready for the new one.
NB - while I tend to shy away from "COVID books", Hellman hasn't done that here. The pandemic is mentioned only in passing, it's not belabor or politicized or scapegoated; it just is. And I liked that.
[I was fortunate to receive a copy of Double Blind from the author, with no obligation to review. The opinions expressed herein are given freely and are entirely my own.]
February 4, 2022
It’s been a while since I’ve read any Georgia Davis novels. Even though I had previously read them all, it did take me a few chapters to reacquaint myself with the characters and the interaction between them. We are introduced to a woman telling her story of her abusive husband, his sordid activities, and family life and her desperate need to disappear, even needing to leave her children in order to save her life. At the same time, Georgia Davis, a PI, is traveling on a vacation trying to bond with her mother who abandoned her as a child, and a half sister she never knew she had. When they happen to end up in the same town where the runaway wife lived and disappeared, the mystery takes off. Unbelievably, Georgia and the wife closely resemble each other. As a result, the novel begins to twist and turn as we are involved in gun running, shootings, kidnapping, and attempted murder. Ms. Hellman’s novels are always exciting.
February 4, 2022
Georgia Davis is a private investigator who frequently finds herself in deeper trouble than she expects, but in this story she really does find herself up against some very powerful adversaries.
I really like the author has used the current pandemic as the background to this exciting story, starting off with an elderly lady who dies after having the Covid vaccine. This isn't an anti-vaccination story however, but rather an investigation into how the vaccine is transported and whether it could be interfered with.
Unfortunately her investigation is complicated by a Fundamental Mormon wife who runs away from her abusive husband.
This story is full of twists and turns and peopled by believable characters who act in a consistent manner. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book, I managed to read it in two sittings.
I received an advance copy of this book, but I have voluntarily written this honest review.
I really like the author has used the current pandemic as the background to this exciting story, starting off with an elderly lady who dies after having the Covid vaccine. This isn't an anti-vaccination story however, but rather an investigation into how the vaccine is transported and whether it could be interfered with.
Unfortunately her investigation is complicated by a Fundamental Mormon wife who runs away from her abusive husband.
This story is full of twists and turns and peopled by believable characters who act in a consistent manner. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book, I managed to read it in two sittings.
I received an advance copy of this book, but I have voluntarily written this honest review.
February 14, 2022
Starts out a bit slow, but DON'T give up because soon, twists and turns take you for a thrilling ride as you plow through this story with a combo of subplots that are expertly intertwined to give the reader an unputdownable book. Contains all the elements the reader has come to expect in a well-written novel. Well-developed characters grip the reader in this sure-to-please pageturner. (You don't have to have read any of the previous Georgia novels to enjoy this one). The action takes us through a storyline that involves an abusive husband, gun-running, shootings, kidnapping, COVID, attempted murder, and family and friends. Georgia's past resurfaces and as she deals with those issues, nothing in the rest of the subplots suffer. The best part is this book, with all of the (potentially sensitive) topics (for some) is done in such a graceful and superb way. If you're looking for action a great book, you've found it here! I highly recommend it.
February 7, 2022
Double Blind has the most unusual blend of themes: Covid-19 and the Mormon's way of life. In respect of Covid, she raises many of all the possible question pro and con vaccination in view of the possible transgressions that may happen between the vaccine leaving the pharmaceutical company and reaching the person who will receive the shot. Regarding the Mormons, it's rather unbelievable that, to this day, women as regarded as means to procreation and to serve the master of the house! Totally unacceptable! The author, however, writes about the two situation in parallel in a very entertaining way, and at the same time keeps the story's plot light, sometimes with a dash of romance, and a lot of camaraderie and friendship among the characters.
I received a free copy of this book from the author and this is my honest opinion.
I received a free copy of this book from the author and this is my honest opinion.
February 27, 2022
This is the first book that I’ve read by this author but it won’t be the last. I love the character of Georgia, from her capacity to get into awkward situations to her human flaws. She is certainly part of what made reading this book really enjoyable. I also liked the collection of supporting characters as they made for compelling reading.
This is a standalone book and although there are clearly other books with the same characters in it wasn’t a problem that I hadn’t read them. I do think coming to this book with zero familiarity however made it feel a little slow going to start with. The book is really well written and the pace picked up as it progressed. I’m now hooked and want to read more of Georgia’s investigations.
This is a standalone book and although there are clearly other books with the same characters in it wasn’t a problem that I hadn’t read them. I do think coming to this book with zero familiarity however made it feel a little slow going to start with. The book is really well written and the pace picked up as it progressed. I’m now hooked and want to read more of Georgia’s investigations.
January 14, 2022
Georgia is asked to look into why a perfectly healthy woman died right after getting a COVID booster shot. Yes, she was elderly, but she didn't have any problems with the first shots she received. The family wants answers, and they will not be easy to come by. Add to the fact that Georgia's mother is trying to 'bond' with her and her half-sister Vanna, something that Georgia isn't really very trusting about. Plus, there is a woman who is trying to leave her abusive marriage. What does this have to do with the other? That is a story for the reader to sort out. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
February 3, 2022
I was a little surprised at first when I started reading about Covid. Then the story starts to develop quickly. Georgia is using some work she is doing to take a vacation with her mother. Georgia wants to get to know her mother better after she was abandoned as a child. While they are on vacation they end up in a town with a wife and mother who was being abused and had to leave her home and children behind. The woman and Georgia look alike This book has interactions with family as well as lots of suspense and plot twists. This is one of those books when you start it you have a hard time putting it down.
I received an advance copy to read and voluntarily provide an honest review.
I received an advance copy to read and voluntarily provide an honest review.
March 2, 2022
Fantastic
I received this book through a Goodreads giveaway.
I haven't read the other books, but will be contacting my library to carry them.
What a well rounded, thought out approach to the world today. I was born and raised in the greater Chicagoland area. Being able to visualize the books placement was awesome.
Excellent character description and story telling.
As someone who gets asked "are you released to....you could be her sister" i was intrigued about the Georgia and Eden storyline. It was suspenseful and thrilling.
Between the Covid story, the Mormons and everything in between I couldn't put it down.
I received this book through a Goodreads giveaway.
I haven't read the other books, but will be contacting my library to carry them.
What a well rounded, thought out approach to the world today. I was born and raised in the greater Chicagoland area. Being able to visualize the books placement was awesome.
Excellent character description and story telling.
As someone who gets asked "are you released to....you could be her sister" i was intrigued about the Georgia and Eden storyline. It was suspenseful and thrilling.
Between the Covid story, the Mormons and everything in between I couldn't put it down.
March 6, 2022
This is book six of the Georgia Davis Series, and it can be read as a standalone. I was a little leery going into this book due to the simple fact that it had to do with the Covid, I get enough of that in day to day life that I wasn’t sure I wanted to read about it. I’m glad I gave this book a shot though (no pun intended). This book starts out a little slow but picks up to a good pace, with a good bit of action, and keeps you entertained and wanting more. It covers several touchy subjects (abuse, kidnapping, Covid, etc.) that were well written and in no way insensitive. I would definitely recommend this book.
March 7, 2022
Ebook Review: DOUBLEBLIND by Libby F Hellman
(D) oing
(O) ne's
(U) pmost
(B) est...
(L) ooking
(I) nto
(N) ecessary
(D) etails
DOUBLEBLIND... requires options.
Discovering... who's involved.
Testing... the results.
Proceeding... with caution.
Questioning... status quo.
Firmly... staying rooted.
Becoming... a team.
Confirming... the facts.
Getting... a grip.
Deciding... actions taking.
Rescuing... is possible.
Leaving... nothing behind.
Okay... follow along.
Worth... every minute.
(D) oing
(O) ne's
(U) pmost
(B) est...
(L) ooking
(I) nto
(N) ecessary
(D) etails
DOUBLEBLIND... requires options.
Discovering... who's involved.
Testing... the results.
Proceeding... with caution.
Questioning... status quo.
Firmly... staying rooted.
Becoming... a team.
Confirming... the facts.
Getting... a grip.
Deciding... actions taking.
Rescuing... is possible.
Leaving... nothing behind.
Okay... follow along.
Worth... every minute.
January 15, 2022
This is a brilliant read.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and found myself second guessing every thought I had continuously.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and found myself second guessing every thought I had continuously.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
February 7, 2022
This book is suspenseful, Georgia has not one but two jobs. She goes from having nothing to do to being chased and almost killed. A case of mistaken identity gets her into trouble and trying to find a killer keeps her on her toes. I really enjoyed reading this book and loved the way the author weaves in the two stories. There is a very sad part to this book but also a very happy part. I would recommend this book.
March 4, 2022
I had a worry at the start that it might be anti-vax but the story took me along another path. That would have been extremely disappointing because I hate that view. It didn't take long for me to see that the anti-vaxx content was more complicated.
The book also deals with an abused wife who runs away from her fundamentalist Mormon husband. The wife looks very similar to PI Georgia Davis.
The two stories intersect and it was GREAT.
I really enjoyed the story.
The book also deals with an abused wife who runs away from her fundamentalist Mormon husband. The wife looks very similar to PI Georgia Davis.
The two stories intersect and it was GREAT.
I really enjoyed the story.
March 10, 2022
This is one nail biting suspense thriller! Georgia Davis is a Chicago PI asked to investigate the death of a woman following a Covid shot. Her investigation is interrupted by a family trip to Evanston where Georgia is nearly killed in a hit and run. Turns out that she is a look alike to a runaway spouse. Someone wants her dead. This turns into a real page turner. There are two storylines and two dangerous situations. Brilliant writing!
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