Jump Cut

The Ellie Foreman Mysteries, Book 5

By: Libby Fischer Hellmann

Narrated by: Nan McNamara

Chicago video producer Ellie Foreman has been absent from thriller author Libby Fischer Hellmann's repertoire for almost a decade. Now, in Jump Cut, she's back...and is soon entangled in a web of espionage, murder, and suspicion that threatens to destroy what she holds most dear.

Hired to produce a candy-floss profile of Chicago-based aviation giant Delcroft, Ellie is dismayed when company VP Charlotte Hollander trashes the production and cancels the project. Ellie believes Hollander was spooked by shots of a specific man in the video footage. But when Ellie arranges to meet the man to find out why, he is killed by a subway train before they can talk. In the confusion, she finds a seemingly abandoned pack of cigarettes with a flash drive inside that belonged to the now-dead man.

Ellie gets the drive's contents decrypted, but before long discovers she's under surveillance. Suspecting Delcroft and the ambitious Hollander are behind it, she's unconvinced when Hollander tells her the dead man was a Chinese spy. Ellie and her boyfriend, Luke, try to find answers, but they don't realize how far they have ventured into the dangerous echelons of hidden power - where more lives are on the line - including their own.

©2016, 2017 Poisoned Pen Press (P)2023 Libby Fischer Hellmann

read/listen to this book

I was gifted this audio ARC from the author for a honest and unbiased review
Libby Fischer Hellmann did a ok job at developing the characters. I didn't listen to this book in one sitting it took me almost a week to listen to it. That being said, this is the first book of hers I've read/listened to.
Nan McNamara did a great performance with the storyline.
I will recommend this book but I also recommend any the came before

Spellbinding

Why did Delcroft VP Charlotte Hollander reject the promotional video that Ellie and her company produced? The work was well done. Ellie Foreman wants answers. She doesn't realize what that information will cost her and those she loves. Ellie is in over her head and getting in deeper. Delcroft Corporation is ruthless. They will destroy anyone who gets in their way. What can Ellie do to survive? This story is so realistic that I felt I was reading today's headlines. Libby Fischer Hellmann has crafted a taut thriller that made me shiver. The suspense and tension are powerful. Ellie is an old friend. I'm happy to see her again. She's feisty and smart. She's found love with Luke. He cares about her and wants to protect her and her daughter. I liked that he let stand on her own two feet, but is there if she needs support. Chicago provides the perfect backdrop for this story of death and deception. The hustle of the city hides the evil. Jump Cut pulls you into a drama of political intrigue and double dealing. This is a story that will make you question the difference between good and evil. This book Is guaranteed to keep you up all night. Nan McNamara, the narrator, adds to the suspense. This audiobook adds drama and emotion to Jump Cut. This novel is amazing.

A totally engaging story

Jump Cut is a smart, sharply written, intense modern day thriller. I listened to the audio and was on the edge of my seat. My husband passing by stopped to listen. A totally engaging story. Recommend.

Outstanding read!

So many books, so little time to read. I read this book in less than a day! It is that good! I'm a character reader, I get into the characters, their story, who/what they are. The author does a fantastic job of developing Ellie ( even though this is book #5 in the series) quickly & thoroughly. The significant characters in her writing are developed similarly along the way. This book is in all senses of the word, a thriller, you can not wait to turn to the next page. That’s it, no spoilers from me though I can see more about this character in the future. Outstanding read!

Planes, Trains and a Handful of Murders

Who was your favorite character and why?

Ellie was my favorite. We spend the most time with her and though there were a few moments of eye-roll inducing naïveté, I really enjoyed going on this adventure with her. There is this one part, towards the end, where she gets very self-righteous and sanctimonious and it was almost enough to make me dislike her. Almost.

I do have to say that Agent Nick Lejeune was a very close runner-up. He seems like a very cool guy. If he were real, you would want to snag a beer with him.

What about Nan McNamara’s performance did you like?

She's always an excellent narrator. She's just pleasant to listen to, has great pacing and makes the characters easily identifiable.

Any additional comments?

I liked the story but the ending felt a bit rushed and there were parts that were, for me, unbelievable. I don't want to get into spoiler territory but it wasn't the most satisfying conclusion to a novel I've ever read. Some things were tied up way too neatly, other parts were left without any real conclusion at all. Other than that, though, I quite enjoyed this novel.

I received a free review copy of this audiobook at my request and have voluntarily reviewed this story.