Jump Cut by local author Libby Fischer Hellmann marks the
return of Chicago video producer Ellie Foreman.
Initially, Ellie is hard at work on a documentary about Delcroft, an aviation-related
company, when her own company is suddenly and humiliatingly fired. All that Ellie can think is that the swift action
is related to some background footage and she arranges to meet the man shown in
the questionable segment. However, he is
killed just before the meeting and she then finds a flash drive hidden in what
may have been his cigarette pack. From
there, it’s off to a suspenseful plot involving encryption, decryption, malware,
“ethical hackers,” surveillance, and international secrets.
The plot brings to mind current headlines about security and privacy, about suppression of minorities,
especially overseas, and about ethics and “collateral damage.” Throughout
the fast-paced story, Ellie is a very likeable and determined sleuth. Jump Cut was an entertaining
mystery and especially fun due to the references to The Happ Inn and other
local venues. Award-winning Author Libby
Fischer Hellman will be speaking about her new book on THIS SUNDAY,
March 6th, at The Book Stall (Elm Street, Winnetka) at 2pm.
Time
of Fog and Fire by Rhys Bowen is another quick mystery I have been reading
lately. Its main character is Molly
Murphy Sullivan who has featured in previous reviews. This time, Molly is off to San Francisco in 1906 – hence the
fog and the post-natural disaster fires.
I liked the novelty of the West Coast setting, but thought that the
author strained believability at several points: no cross-country travel with
an infant (Molly’s son Liam) would go that smoothly; plus, she would not have
left her child with virtual strangers; nor acted as stoically upon hearing of a
loved one’s death. That said, award-winning
author Rhy Bowen’s writing is always diverting and Time of Fog and Fire will certainly continue
to please her many, many fans. 
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