Book Review: A Shot to Die For

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

A Shot to Die For     Amazon US PB Amazon US HC Amazon Canada PB Amazon Canada HC
Libby Fischer Hellmann
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Woman Main Character   Amateur Sleuth
Series: Ellie Foreman # 4
Poisoned Pen, Aug 2005, $24.95

In Chicago, divorced Ellie Foreman raises her teenage daughter Rachel while filming documentaries and training videos. Currently, Ellie is developing a video on the Lodge, a former Playboy Club turned into a popular G-rated resort in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. At a rest stop between Chicago and Lake Geneva, Ellie meets Daria Flynn, who says she was dumped here but is expecting a ride to come pick her up shortly. Instead a sniper in a pick up truck kills her as Ellie watches in horror.

Though the pay is good, the filming is uninteresting. Intrigued by Daria’s assassination and experienced with investigations (see AN EYE FOR MURDER, A PICTURE OF GUILT, and AN IMAGE OF DEATH), Ellie still vows to stay out of this one. Instead between Detective Milanovich’s questioning her on anomalies and other law enforcement officials asking questions of her too, Ellie begins her brand of investigation. As she begins closing in on the secrets of an affluent family living in an incredible mansion overlooking Lake Geneva, the killer is closing in on her.

The fourth Foreman picturesque amateur sleuth mystery is a fun tale as Ellie reluctantly is pulled in the investigation by initially the police questioning her and her increasing knowledge of the victim, a chef in a fancy restaurant. Though the use of a chance meeting at the highway rest stop begins Ellie’s quest for the truth, fans will enjoy her efforts to uncover the truth as she sees things differently than Milanovich and the other law enforcement types. Libby Fischer Hellmann provides a fine who-done-it starring a likable protagonist and a strong support cast to include the locale.

Harriet Klausner

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Harriet Klausner