Nobody's Child

Georgia Davis, Book 4

By: Libby Fischer Hellmann

Narrated by: Beth Richmond

A bloodstained note left for PI Georgia Davis reveals the shocking existence of a half-sister she never knew about. Her sister, Savannah, is pregnant and begging for Georgia's help. Determined to track her down, Georgia finds herself heading deep into the secretive and dangerous underworld of Chicago's illegal sex trafficking business. She soon discovers that trafficking is just a small part of the horrifying and deadly situation in which her new sister is caught up. Even worse, as Georgia tries to extricate Savannah, she comes up against an old enemy determined to make sure neither woman will escape alive. In the fourth Georgia Davis novel, Georgia faces her toughest challenge yet-and one she might not survive.

©2014 Libby Fischer Hellmann (P)2014 Libby Fischer Hellmann

She will do anything for family

Where does Nobody's Child rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

It ranks near the top.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Georgia Davis is my favorite character because she is resourceful and loyal.

What about Beth Richmond’s performance did you like?

She made the book come alive in my mind.

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

Yes, but I don't want to spoil it for anyone.

A really good read that's for everybody

Would you consider the audio edition of Nobody's Child to be better than the print version?

Have to read the print version to answer that, but the audio version does draw you into the story and you really do like the way it unfolds.

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

In some ways yes it did. You wanted to see how she'd progress with her investigation and there was an interesting character who was kind of on the shady side, but you kind of wanted to root for them, so they'd have a better outcome.

Have you listened to any of Beth Richmond’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Nobody's child? Georgia will find you. You can count on that.

Thrilling and Exciting!

This was my first book by this author, and although it's part of a series it stood alone perfectly. Georgia was such a real character, strong and clever while still flawed in a way that made her seem natural. Her journey of discovering a sister she didn't know she had was heartbreaking in it's hopefulness.

The level of intrigue as the plot spun webs of layers was impressive. It wasn't just one thing, it was many all interconnected in a way that captured Georgia and threatened to pull her down with it.

Getting to know her sister was emotionally difficult. Having such a promising young girl put through so much abuse was at times almost more than I could take, but I couldn't stop listening.

This was a thrill ride, of mystery and intrigue, and the ending was as intense as the build up. This may have been my first by Libby, but it absolutely won't be my last!

I love this series!

So many books, so little time to read. I listened to this audio book over a 3 day span, it would have been quicker but the battery on my Kindle Fire wears down quickly when listening to audio books! I was given a book by the author, not this book, and when I discovered there was a prequel to the series I decided to read it first. I'm glad I did. Now I'm 4 books into the series and it just keeps getting better! I'm a character reader, I get into the characters, their story, who/what they are. The author has done a great job of developing Georgia quickly & thoroughly throughout the first 3 books. The significant characters in her writing are developed similarly along the way. This book is in all senses of the word, a thriller, beginning with the revelation that Georgia has a sister! That’s it, no more spoilers from me though I can see more about this character in the future. As always, an outstanding listen, the narrator does a wonderful job as well!

Hellmann delivers another winner.

Although "Nobody's Child" brings us the fourth episode in Ms Hellmann's Georgia Davis series, and although it does refer back to events that took place in some of the previous installments, this novel stands alone well: You can enjoy it even if you have not already listened to its series predecessors (but it will make you want to do so!). You will like the character of Georgia Davis: She feels like a real person -- albeit exceptionally smart, but sill real -- because Ms Hellmann really knows how to develop character ... and write, and plot! The word "gritty" always comes to my mind when I listen to Ms Hellmann's Chicago-based novels -- Yikes! Talk about a "seamy underbelly"! -- and "Nobody's Child" digs right down into the grit. I want to hope that Ms Hellmann is exaggerating a bit -- or even just making it all up out of whole cloth -- when she describes the dreadful criminal enterprise at the heart of "Nobody's Child." I want to believe that people would never sink to such abominations in order to satisfy their greed; but I know that Ms Hellmann always does her research, and that she is probably exposing a true horror that none of us wants to see. Of course, Georgia Davis manages to penetrate the web of deception and cruelty spun by these wicked people (in this case, Russian mobsters), and to do so very cleverly: by setting mobster against mobster. (Take that, you wicked people!) In the process, she escapes death by the skin of her teeth; and emerges from her adventure with a new sister and a new boyfriend. (Whew!) Unfortunately, I have to say that "Nobody's Child" deserved a better narrator. Although Beth Richmond has an undeniably beautiful voice, I would have preferred a narrator with better acting skills ... even if she did not have such a pretty voice. In particular, this novel requires good Russian accents and better vocal distinction between characters. Aside from this one criticism (and I admit to a fussy predilection for good acting), I recommend "Nobody's Child" to any lover of gritty detective fiction.

Libby Fischer Hellman brings light to shadows

AudioBook Review:
Stars: Overall 5 Narration 3 Story 5

The second title in her Georgia Davis series that I have reviewed, Libby Fischer Hellman again brings light to shadows, unearthing truly disturbing elements as she brings us through the story. Georgia Davis is an easy character to like: she breathes and thinks and reacts to events with a humanity that is often missing in other detective stories, and Hellman uses that well-defined humanity in a character that is gutsy and determined, looking to do right for the underdog.

This story is particularly disturbing for it highlights the sex trafficking industry: already readers will intuit some less than savory elements, but Hellman goes steps further bringing child-trafficking into the mix. Be aware readers, while the story is incredibly well detailed and researched, there are moments that will literally turn your stomach and have you writing your congressmen.

Georgia manages to wind her way through several threats, deal with some particularly unsavory people, the initial depravity just may not be as deep and disturbing as this can get. And it can get pretty disturbing with Russian gangsters, her newly discovered half-sister who works as a prostitute, a missing child, and the ever-present grasping and greedy money-men, who only want their cut.

Narration in this story is provided by Beth Richmond, and while her narration was capable, it could have been much better. Her delineation between characters was lackluster, and there was a decided lack of emotive emphasis: this is a page-turner, action packed and tense story: narration should have, in some way, reflected that tension. And sadly, it didn’t. Fortunately, the story is so well written and engaging, the less-than-stellar delivery did not decrease my enjoyment of the book significantly.

Georgia Davis is a wonderful character: less gung-ho confident and more determined and methodical, looking to do right to those who have been wronged. Her stories all stand alone, although they will whet your appetite for more, especially if you prefer your mysteries with a touch of grit and grime.

I received an AudioBook copy of the title from the author for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.

Nobody's Child Narrated by Beth Richmond

A fast pace mystery that goes deep into the underbelly of society and dysfunctional families. Lone wolf P.I. Georgia finds out she has a half sister Samantha that she knew nothing about until Sam contacts Georgia in a most unusual and urgent way. Georgia does find her sister and is drawn neck deep in prostitution, murder and drug abuse and knows she is the only one that can save Sam.
Beth Richmond narrated this book and is a skilled and accomplished narrator that really brings this story to startling reality.

Nobody's Child

Georgia Davis is a Chicago PI who has trouble trusting people after her Mother abandoned her at a young age. After surviving life with her alcoholic father, she becomes a cop. Deciding the life of a cop is not for her, she turns private.

A mysterious note arrives in her mailbox, a man who seems to be following her is shot in a drive-by, and Georgia has to try to figure out what is going on.

Russian mobsters, sex trafficking, selling babies and body part....what has she gotten herself into? And, will she finally find love & a family?

Full of action, thought provoking and very well written.

Another Amazing Novel!!!

Stories in this series reveal realistic investigative procedures and the characters are well developed. I love Gorgia... and Libby Fisher Hellman . Her stories are well written and readers can easily become drawn strongly into the story line. Highly recommend.

You Can't Pick Your Family

If you could sum up Nobody's Child in three words, what would they be?

Quite a thriller.

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

The story time shifts between Georgia and Savannah. In a way you're following 2 stories resulting in 2 plot lines.

Which character – as performed by Beth Richmond – was your favorite?

Georgia would have to be my fav. She has her problems, screws up, rights herself and moves on. She is quite human in other words.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

When s#%t happens, who can you turn to for help?

Any additional comments?

Full disclosure: I know Ms. Hellmann, and had brunch with her twice in the past 2 years.

Although I'm not a follower of most series, including the Georgia Davis, I found NOBODY'S CHILD to be about as well done as her (Ms. Hellmann's) stand alone novels.
As a rule I have difficulty in suspending disbelief in stories where a single individual is able to outperform a police department with its access to modern technology.
However, Georgia is able to do so because she uses the tools available on the internet and has her friends both inside and out of various North Shore police departments.
Georgia screws up, becomes frustrated but always manages to, in the end make the game winning decision.
The story is a page turner.