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An Eye For Murder: Chicago Filmmaker Investigates a WW2 Secret (The Ellie Foreman Mysteries Book 1) Kindle Edition

4.2 out of 5 stars 793 ratings

Her life may be in shambles, but Ellie Foreman can’t resist a good mystery.
Even one that risks far more than her career.

So there I was, my TV documentary career in shreds, wondering how I was going to support my daughter, Rachel, and my elderly father who’s in assisted living. Oh, and we can’t forget my lawyer ex-husband, who keeps showing up gloating over the state of affairs.

I finally got a break when I was asked to produce a campaign film for a female Senate candidate. Little did I know that the film would reveal a murder that reached back to WW2, and uncovered long-forgotten secrets—secrets that also involved my father who, back then, was in love with a German immigrant.

Like father, like daughter, I guess… (You'll understand when you read the book)

All kidding aside, my discoveries could very well change the political landscape. Some people didn't want that to happen. So before long, I was tangled up in some very unfunny situations. Filled with suspense, yes. Thrilling, again yes. But dangerous. Even life-threatening.

But the way I see it is that I need to do my part to make the world a better place. How? By getting rid of liars, cheats, and bad guys.

It’s only fair. I have a daughter, and I want her to inherit a better world. If that’s still possible. Yes, my pie in the sky optimism, for which I’m known, has taken a few hits over the years. But I’m nothing if not persistent. I’ll tell you more over a glass of wine.
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From the Publisher

"A masterful blend of politics, history and suspense."

Entertaining and well written.

Complicated... fascinating.

A clever blend of thrills and humor.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Sharp humor and vivid language distinguish Hellmann's Chicago-set debut. Ellie Forman, a recently divorced suburban mom, supports herself and her daughter by making documentaries, including a historical film, Celebrate Chicago, which has gained her local fame. The discovery of her name on a scrap of paper among the effects of an elderly gentleman, recently deceased in a Chicago rooming house, sets off a sinister chain of events and weaves an ever tightening web of intrigue. Preoccupied with her former husband's mounting stock losses, Ellie fails to put the pieces together until two more deaths and two attempted murders hit close to home. When her ex disappears and leaves her with a staggering amount of debt, Ellie panics, then turns her fear into determination to control her destiny. After taking on a new assignment to produce a campaign video for GOP Senate candidate Marian Iverson, she uncovers coincidences too startling to ignore. Soon Ellie is digging into a legacy of money and murder dating back to WWII and the Holocaust. A masterful blend of politics, history and suspense, this novel is well worth reading despite an overly complicated plot. Ellie is an engaging amateur sleuth whose wisdom grows as she learns the hard way that "Patience is bitter, but its fruit is sweet." Readers will hope they won't have to wait too long for Ellie's return.
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

"A masterful blend of politics, history, and suspense this novel is well worth reading... sharp humor and vivid language... Ellie is an engaging amateur sleuth. Readers will hope they won't have towait too long forEllie's return. Publishers Weekly

"A clever blend of thrills and humor... Hellmann has created a compelling group of believable characters..."
Chicago Sun-Times

"Complicated... fascinating... Hellmann has a beautifully tuned ear... which makes many of her scenes seriously funny."
Dick Adler, Chicago Tribune

"Entertaining and well written... a surprising and satisfying conclusion."
Ted Hertel, Mystery News

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B008EOCM00
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ The Red Herrings Press
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ November 14, 2013
  • Edition ‏ : ‎ US trade ed
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 3.1 MB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 329 pages
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1938733031
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Book 1 of 6 ‏ : ‎ The Ellie Foreman Mysteries
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.2 out of 5 stars 793 ratings

About the author

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Libby Fischer Hellmann
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Libby Fischer Hellmann left a career in broadcast news in Washington, DC and moved to Chicago a long time ago, where she, naturally, began to write gritty crime fiction. She soon began writing historical fiction as well. Seventeen 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 and crime writing community and has even won a few. She has been a finalist twice for the Anthony and four times for Foreword Magazine’s Book of the Year. She has also been nominated for the Agatha, the Shamus, the Daphne, and she won the The Chicago Writers Association Book of the Year in 2021. In the past she has won the IPPY, Foreword Magazine’s Indie Awards, and the Readers Choice Award multiple times.

Customer reviews

4.2 out of 5 stars
793 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book engaging, with a well-plotted mystery that keeps them enthralled. The writing quality receives positive feedback, with one customer noting the author's skill at crafting conflict. Customers appreciate the pacing, describing it as a fast read that holds attention, and they like the character development, with one review highlighting the well-developed protagonist.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

77 customers mention "Storyline"67 positive10 negative

Customers enjoy the storyline of this mystery book, praising its well-plotted twists and turns, good pacing, and suspenseful nature.

"Very good read! A page turner. Lots of twists and turns. I love a mystery that hints at the solution but never gives it away completely...." Read more

"...Story was well written. Historical information was accurate. Will try another book by the author." Read more

"...This book is in all senses of the word, a thriller, from beginning to end...." Read more

"...The mystery in An Eye for Murder is opaque and filled with enough twists to keep the reader guessing, and turning pages...." Read more

73 customers mention "Enjoyment"73 positive0 negative

Customers find the book enjoyable, keeping them enthralled as it gets better with each read.

"...This was a fun read, and if it is an indication of the other books in the series, she has a winner.." Read more

"Very good read! A page turner. Lots of twists and turns. I love a mystery that hints at the solution but never gives it away completely...." Read more

"...Just trust me when I say this was a great read and you shouldn't hesitate to start it...." Read more

"It was OK. Just couldn’t get interested in the characters. Story was well written. Historical information was accurate...." Read more

46 customers mention "Writing quality"36 positive10 negative

Customers praise the writing quality of the book, describing it as well-crafted and believable, with one customer noting its effective conflict development.

"Libby Fischer Hellmann has written an intriguing and engaging story that is hard to put down...." Read more

"...Boy!! Am I glad I did. This book is unbelievably well written, though one needs to pay attention as a lot does happen...." Read more

"It was OK. Just couldn’t get interested in the characters. Story was well written. Historical information was accurate...." Read more

"...The author does a great job of developing Elle Foreman quickly & thoroughly...." Read more

34 customers mention "Character development"30 positive4 negative

Customers appreciate the character development in the book, with one mentioning the first-person narrator protagonist and another noting the detective's likable personality.

"I enjoyed "An Eye For Murder" the characters are interesting, the plot kept me interested, the action is not over-done which is nice in this day of..." Read more

"Excellent book. Great characters...." Read more

"Loved the story and character development. Enough who dun it to make it a great read. Reading next in Series now!" Read more

"...Main protagonist is clearly described along with her efforts and frustrations. Politics and associated interactions are included...." Read more

26 customers mention "Pacing"23 positive3 negative

Customers find the book well-paced and engaging, describing it as a page-turner that holds their attention.

"Very good read! A page turner. Lots of twists and turns. I love a mystery that hints at the solution but never gives it away completely...." Read more

"...The author does a great job of developing Elle Foreman quickly & thoroughly...." Read more

"...and filled with enough twists to keep the reader guessing, and turning pages...." Read more

"...characters are interesting, the plot kept me interested, the action is not over-done which is nice in this day of bloody shootings, and the ending..." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on June 17, 2016
    Libby Fischer Hellmann has written an intriguing and engaging story that is hard to put down. Writes in first person which can sometimes be a challenge, but she carries it off well. Her characters each have flaws that they must overcome, but they are memorable charactes.

    She invites the reader into the story with a scene in Europe, 1944, that sets the stage for events in the present. The death of an old man, then his elderly landlady make us question the relationship. As the story unfolds, the protagonist, Ellie Foreman, a freelance videographer, is drawn into a curious situation when she receives a letter from a woman she does not know about a man she does not know - but a man who had Ellie's name on a scrap of paper.

    Inquisitive, Ellie follows the crumbs laid out before her...crumbs that lead to her own father's door. On another note, she is hired by a wealthy legislative candidate to produce an ad campaign about the woman; a campaign that will bring in votes. More crumbs fall in her path when a tie to the candidate is found.

    Hellman is good at writing conflict that puts the reader on the edge of his/her seat. She puts clues in front of the reader; foreshadowing events and even putting several red herrings in the blender to make us stop and think about which fork in the road to follow. She clearly ties up all the loose ends with a satisfactory ending.

    This was a fun read, and if it is an indication of the other books in the series, she has a winner..
    3 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on January 3, 2024
    Very good read! A page turner. Lots of twists and turns. I love a mystery that hints at the solution but never gives it away completely. This one kept me on the edge of my seat all the way through. The little bit of romance was sweet. I would give warning that there is some language that was inappropriate and some content that bordered on being inappropriate as well. Not sure I would read this author again for that reason. Sad because I really enjoyed the book overall. That is my reason for the rating of 4 stars instead of 5.
  • Reviewed in the United States on March 11, 2016
    First off, let me say I shy away from books about Nazi's and that ilk. The only reason I decided to read this book is I have heard wonderful things about "Jump Cut" and this is the first book in that series so I wanted the background. Boy!! Am I glad I did. This book is unbelievably well written, though one needs to pay attention as a lot does happen. I'm happy to say it is not at all predictable as I hate "knowing" what's going to happen and really like to be surprised. And this ending was a surprise!

    As someone born and raised in the Chicago area, primarily the North side and Northern suburbs, I could picture some of the areas mentioned particularly specific streets and buildings which was kind of fun. Unfortunately the "politics" rang true which is all the more credit to Ms. Hellmann and her (obviously) copious research.

    I don't want to spoil this book for potential readers - let them make their discoveries as Ellie does. Just trust me when I say this was a great read and you shouldn't hesitate to start it. Just make sure you have enough time to finish as you won't want to put it down.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on February 25, 2024
    It was OK. Just couldn’t get interested in the characters. Story was well written. Historical information was accurate. Will try another book by the author.
  • Reviewed in the United States on October 16, 2016
    So many books, so little time to read. I was given a book by the author, not this book, and after having read it I decided to read more by this author. I'm glad I did. I'm a character reader, I get into the characters, their story, who/what they are. The author does a great job of developing Elle Foreman quickly & thoroughly. The significant characters in her writing are developed similarly along the way. This book is in all senses of the word, a thriller, from beginning to end. That’s it, no more spoilers from me though I there are more books about this character and I can not wait to read them. Outstanding read!
  • Reviewed in the United States on March 27, 2016
    [A BIT OF A SPOILER!! BEWARE!]

    The mystery in An Eye for Murder is opaque and filled with enough twists to keep the reader guessing, and turning pages. And the device of a first-person narrator protagonist who's a documentary filmmaker was interesting. I also enjoyed the way the protagonist's Jewish background created a tidy opening for the author to weave in some history lessons about WWII, the Holocaust, and anti-Semites that younger generations might not be aware were anti-Semites.

    My only real complaints are the protagonist's rather stupid behavior in some places, which led her bumbling straight into danger, and to a rather disappointing "damsel in distress rescued by men" "Hollywood" ending.

    Still, it was an entertaining read. Good enough that I'll check out some of her other books.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on July 30, 2016
    Being a part time student of WWII and the reading some of the stories, myths, and adventures of that period, I found this book to be a great many faceted story of the post WWII period.

    The author wisely started the book on the dark streets of Prague during WWII. An American, Skull, is working with the underground and passing a report on German activities passed to a member of the resistance. The book closes on a bright sunny day in an open air cafe in Odessa, Ukraine; thus closing the circle of events that started in those dark streets so long ago.

    In between those events Ellie, our heroine, finds herself in the middle of a story of intrigue, murder, politics, and romance (even hers) that rovides the complete story beginning to end; the alpha and omega. Ellie becomes involved when a neighbor finds an old man Ben Sinclair dead in his room and there is a note with Ellie’s name on it. Ellie has no idea who this old man was.

    To truly enjoy this Five Star Book, I recommend that you obtain it immediately and make sure you have time to finish it in one setting; it is almost impossible to put down
    3 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Ann Stanmore
    5.0 out of 5 stars A Really Good Read
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on June 13, 2014
    This is a really good read. Ellie Foreman is a documentary film maker and suddenly finds herself involved in researching the past and delving into wartime relics. An elderly gentleman writes to her and a chain of events emerge, leading Ellie into danger.

    This is a real page turner and I enjoyed it very much. I will be looking for more Ellie Foreman Mysteries
  • Desleen
    4.0 out of 5 stars 4½ stars. Great story, well written.
    Reviewed in Australia on April 9, 2016
    I got into this book from the first page. Ellie & some of the main characters are well developed and with an interesting plot, made this book a very entertaining & enjoyable story.
    I will be reading more of the Ellie Forman stories and I hope they are as good as this one.
  • Amazon Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Couldn’t stop reading.
    Reviewed in Canada on December 19, 2020
    This book held my interest throughout. Intrigue and mystery with a touch of historical fiction. I couldn’t put it down. I finished reading it in 2 days, staying up way past midnight
  • Lsh
    2.0 out of 5 stars pretty bad
    Reviewed in France on February 26, 2025
    The plot is poorly constructed, no suspense, boring because there are too many disconnected and far-fetched parts. it's only at the end (90%) that it becomes more interesting. After reading "a bend in the river" and "a bitter veil" by this author, I can say that detective novels are not her cup of tea.

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