An Image of Death

January 12, 2004
Chicago filmmaker Ellie Foreman specializes in video documentaries, but her career has a way of sliding into harrowing murder investigations, as it does in this powerful tale, the third in the series after last year's A Picture of Guilt
. Foreman's receipt of a hand-delivered, unmarked surveillance videotape, apparently showing the cold-blooded murder of a young woman, ensures she gets involved in the police hunt for the woman's killer, if only at the fringes. At the same time, Foreman is filming a documentary for wealthy mover-and-shaker Ricki Feldman, a lady in a position to throw money and opportunities Foreman's way—opportunities that have their own dangers. When the police run out of leads in the murder case, Foreman shifts into high gear and uncovers a web of deceit connected to the break-up of the Soviet Union and the ensuing chaos and crime. Hellmann is adept at welding technical information about film-making, diamond cutting and other arcane subjects to strong characters. With her somewhat disreputable past, Foreman comes across as a complex and flawed heroine, who grapples with issues as large as murder and as mundane as an overdue visit to her father. Foreman's pluck and grit married to Hellmann's solid storytelling should win a growing audience. (Feb. 19)

FYI:
Berkley Prime Crime will release the mass-market edition almost simultaneously.

February 1, 2004
In this third series installment (following Picture of Guilt and the Anthony Award- nominated An Eye for Murder), Chicago videographer Ellie Foreman receives an anonymous videocassette in the mail that documents the cold-blooded murder of a young woman. Because the police could care less and because she understands the ins and outs of video but is concerned about possible danger to herself, her boyfriend, and her daughter, Ellie begins investigating on her own. She ultimately uncovers diamond couriers and money laundering in the Windy City. A chilling subject matter, intriguing psychological suspense, and disturbing Eastern European connections recommends this to most collections.

Copyright 2004 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.