Picture of Guilt, A: An Ellie Foreman Mystery (Ellie Foreman Mysteries) - Hardcover

Hellmann, Libby Fischer

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1590580737 ISBN 13: 9781590580738

Publisher: Poisoned Pen Press, 2003

Synopsis

The big news story in Chicago is the murder trial of Johnny Santoro, a dock worker whose girlfriend has been killed. Most Chicagoans are betting on a quick guilty verdict, but Ellie Foreman has doubts about

his complicity—Santoro is strangely familiar to her. Checking back to the outtakes of a video project in progress while the murder took place, Ellie finds evidence that could save Santoro from a lifetime

behind bars. It seems the perfect alibi, but the tape is compromised by radio interference and Santoro goes to jail. Almost immediately, Ellie's world begins to shift: a suspicious vehicle follows her, the Chicago mob shows up, and the FBI wants to question her. She doesn't have answers, but she has questions of her own about the radio transmissions. Everything indicates someone wants something from her, something bigger than the Santoro case. If only she could figure out what it is.... 'A Picture of Guilt' follows Ellie's debut in 'An Eye for Murder.'

About this title

About the Author:

Originally from Washington, D.C., Libby has lived in the Chicago area almost twenty-five years. When not writing, Libby coaches individuals in presentation and interview skills. She also writes and produces videos. She holds a MFA in film production from New York University, and a BA from the University of Pennsylvania. Libby lives with her husband, two

teenagers, and a Beagle.

Review:

"In her second mystery, Hellmann demonstrates significant growth as a writer. This plot, with considerable current relevance, has major surprises and twists and a nicely developing protagonist. It is an enjoyable book, logical and well-plotted. The peripheral characters are carefully drawn and the subplot involving Foreman's relationships with her daughter and her male friends is engaging and logical. A Picture of Guilt is a fine novel, requiring very little suspension of disbelief, and it comes to a satisfying and surprising solution. Ellie Foreman is a woman of strong beliefs; she has an interesting teenage daughter, and is worth spending time with. Hellmann is an author to watch." –Mystery Scene Magazine

"Chicago industrial filmmaker Ellie Foreman becomes involved in a murder case when she inadvertently provides a filmed alibi for the accused. Despite her testimony, the man's jury convicts him—owing to an unconcerned defense lawyer, lack of supporting witnesses, and derogatory cross-examinations. Then, a fearful woman approaches Ellie with crucial evidence that could save the now-convicted man, hut she dies that night in a suspicious car wreck. Before long, Ellie fancies links between the lawyer and smugglers—if not the mob. This sequel to An Eye for Murder has it all-action, excitement, increasing tension— with the usual family complications thrown in for counterweight. Recommended." -- Library Journal

"Hellmann's characters are the strength of her books. Furthermore, the menace at the heart of the story is truly frightening, something that will instill fear in everyone who reads this novel."--Deadly Pleasures

"Hellmann has surpassed herself. Well-crafted, intense and exciting, right up to the last page...a must read!" --Midwest Book Review

About this edition

• Publisher: Poisoned Pen Press
• Publication date: 2003
• ISBN 10: 1590580737
• ISBN 13: 9781590580738
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 325