Nice Girl Does Noir

To read Libby Fischer Hellmann is to love Libby Fischer Hellmann. Her writing is tight, fast, and highly entertaining. But I had no idea Libby was so versatile. My first inkling of this came a few years ago, when I asked her to contribute a story to an anthology I was editing. Frankly, I didn't think she'd make the cut. While Libby doesn't shy away from being tough in her writing, her Ellie Foreman books were not what I'd call hard boiled, and my anthology was a collection of hit man stories. Boy, was I wrong. Her story, DETOUR, was pure, adrenalin-fueled noir, and wound up being one of the best of the book. She also edited the acclaimed anthology, CHICAGO BLUES. She's still great at the light-hearted suspense she's known for, but the stories in NICE GIRL DOES NOIR — all previously published — offer a wide variety of styles, tones, and topics. Funny. Dark. Poignant. Exciting. Surprising. And all unputdownable.

"I don't usually like short stories, but these are terrific! I roared through them. Hellmann had a good mix of Chicago historicals and contemporaries. My highest recommendation here."—Molly Weston, Meritorious Mysteries

"When Hellmann explores the less sunlit areas of Chicago, her canvas becomes not only more universal but has greater depth and emotional value. Aspiring short-story writers would do well to pay attention." —Naomi Johnson, The Drowning Machine

"Standouts include Libby Fischer Hellmann's clever twist on a redemption tale…" THE JADE ELEPHANT (in THESE GUNS FOR HIRE)—Publishers Weekly

"Her own contribution sets high standards…" Oline Cogdill, on YOUR SWEET MAN (in CHICAGO BLUES, 2007) —Oline Cogdill, Mystery Scene Magazine

"Hellmann's story is remarkable…" Janielle Martin, on THE WHOLE WORLD IS WATCHING (in SISTERS ON THE CASE —The Eclectic Closet