Easy Innocence

The Georgia Davis PI Series, Book 1

By: Libby Fischer Hellmann

Narrated by: Beth Richmond

Length: 11 hrs and 54 mins

Publisher's summary

When pretty, smart Sara Long is found bludgeoned to death, it's easy to blame the man with the bat. But Georgia Davis - former cop and newly-minted PI - is hired to look into the incident at the behest of the accused's sister, and what she finds hints at a much different, much darker answer. It seems the privileged, preppy schoolgirls on Chicago's North Shore have learned just how much their innocence is worth to hot-under-the-collar businessmen. But while these girls can pay for Prada price tags, they don't realize that their new business venture may end up costing them more than they can afford.

©2013 Libby FIscher Hellmann (P)2016 Libby Fischer Hellmann

wasn't engaging enough for me to finish

I was really hoping to find a new series. and I like strong female leads. I forced myself to listen to this. but couldn't even get to the end, so I gave up.

Great writing and nuanced plot twists

Would you listen to Easy Innocence again? Why?

Yes, I enjoyed it a lot. Libby Fischer Hellman is a master of the female voice and doesn't have to fall back on any of the over-used devices that spoil too many female protagonists (excessively cute, sarcastic, or combative). Her characters rang true for me.

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

Yes. Hellman slowly reveals the complexity of the mom character, who's not an especially nice person. And throughout the book, you know there'll be a twist.

What does Beth Richmond bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Yes, she voices the teens well. She doesn't make them into cartoons.

Any additional comments?

I liked that she included a vulnerable person who can't defend himself against unfair accusations. That made me root all the more for the heroine.

Excellent narration of an excellent novel

This was an excellent suspenseful mystery. Georgia, the protagonist is a strong well-written character Who is still yet very relatable. As a general rule I am not crazy about female private investigators however I very much enjoyed the way that this character was portrayed. This is the first novel in a series, I very much look forward to reading more of the books in this series. I received this book from the author narrator or publisher at no cost to me for a honest review

Good Mystery Novel with Building Suspense

Would you consider the audio edition of Easy Innocence to be better than the print version?

I didn't read the print version, just the audio. I will say the narrator was excellent.

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

I enjoy a mystery that keeps me guessing and this one did just that. The book also starts off right away with a hook that drew me into the story and wanting to know more. I also appreciated that the romance was kept to a minimum... about 5% romance and 95% related to the stories plot. I would say the most suspensive part was when Georgia was sleeping on her sofa while an assassin was aiming for her through a window.

What does Beth Richmond bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

I wouldn't be able to multi-task if it weren't for narrators. This narrator was professional and had a pleasant voice.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Yes, and SPOLIER!! For once, it was a book without a happy ending with the couple reuniting. Too many authors write women as soooo needy. Georgia decided that she didn't need Matt to be complete. Yay for Georgia and yay to Libby for taking the road less traveled in mystery novels.

Any additional comments?

“This audiobook was given by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review via Audiobook Boom.” I also want to say that although I got a free copy of this book, I am using my next credit to buy the next book in the series, it was that good.

A fan of Libby Fischer Hellmann for a long time

Any additional comments?

I've been a fan of Libby Fischer Hellmann for a long time but, although the print version of this book first came out in 2008, I had never read it or the following three books in the series. That wasn't because I didn't want to read it but I had focused on the author's other works with the idea of getting to this "one of these days". That day finally came when Ms. Hellmann offered a chance to listen to a re-do of the audiobook; I love audiobooks so I leaped at the opportunity.

From the standpoint of the story, the initial investigation into the teen's murder eventually develops into three seemingly separate storylines but whether they are related is something Georgia will have to determine. In fact, she isn't aware that one of these threads exists or, perhaps more accurately, she doesn't understand all the parts; this is one of those instances when the reader knows more than the protagonist does but, deviously, Ms. Hellmann sees to it that we don't know what we don't know. Very nicely...and wickedly...done, Ms. Hellmann ;-)

Georgia is a very likeable woman and an intelligent P.I. with a leg up from her police background. She doesn't have a lot of people in her life but those who surround her are good people who care what happens to her. There's nothing sleazy about Georgia and she approaches her tasks with a sense of honor and a desire to cause as little harm as possible. That's important because a lot of people could be very hurt by the results of her investigation, beginning with the ring of teenaged hookers and their oblivious families, not to mention their own airheaded ignorance of the dark side of their business venture. When Georgia learns of a possible fraudulent land development scheme, tying it to the prostitution ring ramps up the danger level to new highs including attempts on her own life.

In the first third or so of the book, I thought things dragged a little and the narrator's performance added to that feeling because of her somewhat deliberate and slow pace. In fact, at one point, I turned up the speed on my iPod just to see what it would sound like and, although Ms. Richmond sounded quite a lot like she inhaled helium, I could still understand her clearly. That indicates to me that her pace really was a little too slow BUT....

....everything changed once certain things started happening and Ms. Richmond grabbed and held my attention. Certainly a lot of that is because Ms. Hellmann's story began to come to life but it's also because Ms. Richmond really is quite a good narrator, especially with her varying voices. When all is said and done, I'm now wanting to continue with the series and with Beth Richmond's narration.

Better than I was expecting

It wasn’t what I expected – it was better! I thought I knew who did it, but I was wrong – and I love that about this murder mystery. The story surprised me and held my attention all the way through. I thought the story was going this direction, and it was actually headed this other direction.

Our main character Georgia is so easy to like. She’s a real person with a past, mistakes and victories, foibles, and her own sense of justice. I like that she’s willing to bend or break the rules when she feels it’s right. Her way of handling the prostitutes was great – she treated them like real people instead of passing judgement on them.

Toss in some undercover work, a few attempted murders, and some underage teens crying, then Georgia has her hands full. I do wish we had one more scene with the wrongly accused and his sister just to wrap things up in a neat bow. But that’s my only little quibble with the story. Very entertaining book. 4.75/5 stars.

The Narration: Beth Richmond has a great voice for Georgia, very believable. She captured all of Georgia’s emotions throughout the story. Richmond could use a little more voice variation as I sometimes had trouble keeping the various teen females separate. Richmond’s pacing was a bit slow but with Audible’s app I was able to speed the book up a touch just so the speech sounded normal to me. There were no technical issues with the recording. 4/5 stars.

I received this audiobook as part of my participation in a blog tour with Audiobookworm Promotions. The tour is being sponsored by Libby Fischer Hellmann. The gifting of this audiobook did not affect my opinion of it.

Entertaining and Enjoyable

Any additional comments?

A well written, interesting, entertaining and enjoyable mystery/detective story. After being suspended from the police force Georgia Davis becomes a P.I. While investigating the subsequent arrest of the "obvious" suspect Georgia uncovers the tangled twisted lives of those closest to the murder victim. The story is constantly moving forward weaving through numerous twists and turns that keep you guessing. Love stories that have a strong independent woman.

Great cast of interesting characters all around the good and the bad. If you like stories with a strong independent woman as the lead this book is worth your time.

Beth Richmond did a great job with the narration. Pleasant voice, easy to listen to for long periods of time. Great character voices. Smooth even pace. Overall very enjoyable narrator.

This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of AudiobookBoom dot com

Lost in Listening, while biting my nails!

I absolutely loved this first book in the series! This book has it all, with so many questionable characters that keep you guessing and re-guessing. I couldn't stop listening to this audiobook, I looked like a wall staring zombie feeding on my nails! Libby Fischer Hellmann is amazing at writing a GREAT CRIME novel that keeps you hooked from start to finish. A huge part to a good audiobook is the narrator and Beth Richmond was perfect for this one. This is definitely a series I will continue to read as long as Libby keeps them coming!

“This audiobook was given by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review via Audiobook Boom.”

Great debut

This story is a little confusing in the beginning, but stick with it. It's worth it. Timing is a bit vague through much of the story and it's unclear who
some of the characters are at first, but it's all clear by the end. Georgia Davis is a great character. She's likable and realistic. She's not perfect,
but her flaws aren't just stupid contrivances -- they are a result of inexperience and believably poor judgement. Neither is she superhuman. It's also
refreshing that prostitution isn't presented in its stereotypical form.

Beth Richmond delivers an excellent performance. She's an appropriate match to voice Georgia, and her other character voices are distinct and equally well
done.

This is an exciting series debut and I look forward to more in this series.

NOTE: I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

A view of the shadier side of suburbia.

Hellmann delves into the shady side of suburbia in Easy Innocence. This murder mystery weaves multiple complex plots in one large explosive ending. The characters are well defined and portrayed nicely by narrator, Beth Richmond.