“Depth of characterization sets this new entry by Hellmann apart from a crowded field.”–Kirkus

EASY INNOCENCE

Even In Fiction Chicago-Based Author Tackles A Growing Problem

Writing suspense thrillers is nothing new for Chicago-based author Libby Fischer Hellmann. Breaking out of the norm with a story about teen prostitution is a total departure…and realistic.

In her research for EASY INNOCENCE (Bleak House, April), Hellmann found she was dealing with a storyline that’s a growing — and disturbing — problem. “High school girls are selling their innocence for designer clothes and toys they believe will help them gain popularity and acceptance.” (Libby Fischer Hellmann is the founder of Chicago’s highly popular crime fiction blog THE OUTFIT)
Hellmann’s novel weaves murder, teen prostitution and scandal into a story that rocks the wealthy neighborhoods of Chicago’s North Shore. When a local girl is found bludgeoned to death in the woods, the murder is pinned on a mentally challenged young man, and the people of the North Shore go back to their daily lives. But the suspect’s sister is not convinced of her brother’s guilt and hires help. Enter private investigator Georgia Davis, who discovers the dark news that girls are prostituting themselves to buy what they otherwise wouldn’t be able to afford. But making fast money for the designer label life comes with risks. It’s murder.

“Unfortunately teen prostitution has been going on for a long time,” said Hellmann. “But now we’re seeing middle class girls from seemingly stable families deliberately turning to it. And from what I’ve learned, much of it stems from peer pressure.”

Hellmann wants to reach parents and women outside her traditional reader base through EASY INNONCENCE. “As a parent this subject is scary, it’s real and it’s out there,” she said. “What does it say about our society that some teens turn to prostitution to buy expensive things that will ensure their acceptance? How did we get here and how do we turn that around?”

The author understands the challenge of parenting. Four years ago Hellmann was going through a divorce and faced with the responsibility of being a single parent to her teenage daughter.”I was fearful at the time but knew I wanted to help my teen deal with peer pressures and outside influences…all the trappings of growing up. Together we got through it.”

Hellmann’s followers recognize PI Georgia Davis from AN IMAGE OF DEATH, where she was introduced as a tough cop. “I knew Georgia was going to be a character who wouldn’t go away,” said Hellmann. “I really like her and I hope she sticks around for awhile.”

Media contact:
Tom Robinson
Tcr811@aol.com
615-794-2998