Doubleblind

In Hellmann’s straightforward sixth outing for Georgia Davis (after 2018’s High Crimes), business has dropped off for the Chicago PI due to the Covid-19 pandemic. As she notes, “Who needed a PI when they barely left home?” Finally, she gets a client, who asks Georgia to investigate the death of her aunt, who collapsed and died immediately after receiving her Covid vaccine booster. Though in her 80s, the woman had been in robust good health. Two other people also died in the same way and at the same vaccination facility. Detailed information about the care and distribution of vaccines follows. Meanwhile, Georgia’s mother decides that she and her daughters should have a bonding weekend in Nauvoo, Ill. Georgia’s uncanny resemblance to Eden, an abused wife who has fled Nauvoo fearing for her life, puts the detective in the crosshairs of a Mormon fundamentalist sect. Georgia takes many potentially life-threatening risks en route to the action-packed finale, which pits her against evil, wife-beating fundamentalist Mormons. This escapist adventure will appeal to readers who secretly dream of kicking butt. (Self-published)