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High-Tech Crime Solvers #7
Virtually Undetectable
From critically acclaimed bestselling crime writer, Libby Fischer Hellmann, comes a gripping techno-thriller, part of a multi-author series tied together by an interlocking cast of characters, all centered around the fantastic new promise of high technology and the endless possibilities for crime that technology offers, in a world where getting away with murder can be not only plausible, but easy…if you just know how.
Trawling through the lawless corners of the dark internet is the last thing respectable bank manager, Rachel Foreman, expected to be doing. But she’s just been fired after falling for a cyber-scam, resulting in the identity-theft and online targeting of a female Fortune 500 CEO, accused, among other things, of the murder of a disgruntled former employee. Lucky for Rachel, her mother is renowned investigator Ellie Foreman. In an effort to find out who’s targeting the CEO and to salvage what’s left of Rachel’s reputation, both mother and daughter trail shadowy hackers and ruthless cyber-criminals through an increasingly dangerous web of deception.
Trawling through the lawless corners of the dark internet is the last thing respectable bank manager, Rachel Foreman, expected to be doing. But she’s just been fired after falling for a cyber-scam, resulting in the identity-theft and online targeting of a female Fortune 500 CEO, accused, among other things, of the murder of a disgruntled former employee. Lucky for Rachel, her mother is renowned investigator Ellie Foreman. In an effort to find out who’s targeting the CEO and to salvage what’s left of Rachel’s reputation, both mother and daughter trail shadowy hackers and ruthless cyber-criminals through an increasingly dangerous web of deception.
164 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 26, 2020
85 people are currently reading
93 people want to read
About the author
Libby Fischer Hellmann
76 books972 followersLibby Fischer Hellmann left a career in broadcast news in Washington, DC and moved to Chicago a long time ago, where she, naturally, began to write gritty crime fiction. She soon began writing historical fiction as well. Eighteen novels and twenty-five short stories later, she claims they’ll take her out of the Windy City feet first. She has been nominated for many awards in the mystery writing community and has even won a few. Her newest work is MAX'S WAR, her 6th historical saga. MAX, set before and during WW2, It will be released in April, 2024.
Libby began her career as an assistant film editor for NBC News in New York before moving back to DC to work with Robin McNeil and Jim Lehrer at N-PACT, the public affairs production arm of PBS. Retrained as an assistant director when Watergate broke, Libby helped produce PBS’s night-time broadcast of the hearings. She went on to work for public relations firm Burson-Marsteller in Chicago in 1978, where she stayed until she left to found Fischer Hellmann Communications in 1985.
Originally from Washington, D.C.—where, she says, “When you’re sitting around the dinner table gossiping about the neighbors, you’re talking politics”—Libby earned a Masters Degree in Film Production from New York University and a BA in History from the University of Pennsylvania. In addition to writing, Libby writes and produces videos, and conducts speaker training programs in platform speaking, presentation skills, media training and crisis communications.
Libby’s best-selling novels have won widespread acclaim since her first novel, AN EYE FOR MURDER, which was nominated for several awards and described by Publisher’s Weekly as “a masterful blend of politics, history, and suspense”.
Libby is known for her portrayal of strong female characters. EYE introduced Ellie Foreman, a video producer and single mother who went on to star in five more novels in a series described by Libby as “a cross between Desperate Housewives and 24.”
Libby’s second series, also six novels now, follows Chicago PI Georgia Davis, a no-nonsense hard-boiled detective operating in the Northern suburbs and beyond.
In addition to her popular series, Libby has also written five standalone thrillers in diverse settings and historical periods that demonstrate her versatility as a writer. Readers will meet young activists during the late Sixties, a young American woman who marries and moves to Tehran, three women forced to make dire choices during WW2, and a female Mafia boss who chases power at the expense of love. And in A BEND IN THE RIVER, she takes a break from her thrillers to write an award-winning novel of two Vietnamese sisters trying to survive the Vietnam war. MAX is the upcoming 6th addition to the loosely-linked series she calls her "Revolution Sagas."
Libby began her career as an assistant film editor for NBC News in New York before moving back to DC to work with Robin McNeil and Jim Lehrer at N-PACT, the public affairs production arm of PBS. Retrained as an assistant director when Watergate broke, Libby helped produce PBS’s night-time broadcast of the hearings. She went on to work for public relations firm Burson-Marsteller in Chicago in 1978, where she stayed until she left to found Fischer Hellmann Communications in 1985.
Originally from Washington, D.C.—where, she says, “When you’re sitting around the dinner table gossiping about the neighbors, you’re talking politics”—Libby earned a Masters Degree in Film Production from New York University and a BA in History from the University of Pennsylvania. In addition to writing, Libby writes and produces videos, and conducts speaker training programs in platform speaking, presentation skills, media training and crisis communications.
Libby’s best-selling novels have won widespread acclaim since her first novel, AN EYE FOR MURDER, which was nominated for several awards and described by Publisher’s Weekly as “a masterful blend of politics, history, and suspense”.
Libby is known for her portrayal of strong female characters. EYE introduced Ellie Foreman, a video producer and single mother who went on to star in five more novels in a series described by Libby as “a cross between Desperate Housewives and 24.”
Libby’s second series, also six novels now, follows Chicago PI Georgia Davis, a no-nonsense hard-boiled detective operating in the Northern suburbs and beyond.
In addition to her popular series, Libby has also written five standalone thrillers in diverse settings and historical periods that demonstrate her versatility as a writer. Readers will meet young activists during the late Sixties, a young American woman who marries and moves to Tehran, three women forced to make dire choices during WW2, and a female Mafia boss who chases power at the expense of love. And in A BEND IN THE RIVER, she takes a break from her thrillers to write an award-winning novel of two Vietnamese sisters trying to survive the Vietnam war. MAX is the upcoming 6th addition to the loosely-linked series she calls her "Revolution Sagas."
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
October 9, 2022
Scary, fast-moving at times. Some high finance, some computer junkie stuff, some romance, a lot of people working together. And twists, and surprises! Great characters working through an interesting situation to an exciting conclusion.
I think the possibility of the FBI working closely with some of the characters is remote, but what do I know. It worked for me.
I found this an interesting and overall a fun read.
I think the possibility of the FBI working closely with some of the characters is remote, but what do I know. It worked for me.
I found this an interesting and overall a fun read.
November 28, 2021
Virtually Undetectable: An Ellie Forman Mystery
By Libby Fischer Hellmann
It has been a while since I read a Libby Fischer Hellman book. I am glad I picked this one up as it reminded me how much I enjoy reading Ms. Hellmann’s work. Virtually Undetectable is Book 6 of 6 in the Ellie Forman Mystery Series but it can be enjoyed as a stand-alone.
A cure to Alzheimer’s is being worked on. An attempt to steal the formula is occurring. People are working on solving the mystery and saving the formula from getting into hands that should not have it. Rachel Foreman, a bank manager, gets drawn into the potential theft. Ellie Forman, her mother, helps her work on solving the crime.
Ms. Hellmann’s style of writing kept me reading. From the moment I started the first page, I wanted to keep reading to the end. Her characters become my friends. The story becomes my own. Now that I have a renewed taste of Libby Hellmann’s writing, I must go read more.
11.28.2021
By Libby Fischer Hellmann
It has been a while since I read a Libby Fischer Hellman book. I am glad I picked this one up as it reminded me how much I enjoy reading Ms. Hellmann’s work. Virtually Undetectable is Book 6 of 6 in the Ellie Forman Mystery Series but it can be enjoyed as a stand-alone.
A cure to Alzheimer’s is being worked on. An attempt to steal the formula is occurring. People are working on solving the mystery and saving the formula from getting into hands that should not have it. Rachel Foreman, a bank manager, gets drawn into the potential theft. Ellie Forman, her mother, helps her work on solving the crime.
Ms. Hellmann’s style of writing kept me reading. From the moment I started the first page, I wanted to keep reading to the end. Her characters become my friends. The story becomes my own. Now that I have a renewed taste of Libby Hellmann’s writing, I must go read more.
11.28.2021
May 22, 2020
When a well-dressed bank customer who identified herself as Pamala Cannon asked Rachel Foreman to help her set up a credit card account, Rachel had no inkling of what would happen next. By day’s end she’d lost her job, and the real Pamela, CEO of a Fortune 500 pharmaceutical company, was embroiled in a massive case of identity theft with international implications.
Desperate to restore her reputation and shut down those who were ruining Pamela’s company and her life, Rachel turned to her mother Ellie, an investigative reporter of some renown. Ellie brought in Zach, an IT genius, to aid Rachel in online research. The two young people work well together, both online and in person. NFBI agent Nick LeJeune, who apparently had a history with Ellie, lent his expertise as well. What they uncovered could shake the world economy and health system to the core.
Virtually Undetectable is part of a multi-author series of techno-thrillers. Each book focuses on the effect of high-tech on civilization today, exploring the endless possibilities for crime.
Desperate to restore her reputation and shut down those who were ruining Pamela’s company and her life, Rachel turned to her mother Ellie, an investigative reporter of some renown. Ellie brought in Zach, an IT genius, to aid Rachel in online research. The two young people work well together, both online and in person. NFBI agent Nick LeJeune, who apparently had a history with Ellie, lent his expertise as well. What they uncovered could shake the world economy and health system to the core.
Virtually Undetectable is part of a multi-author series of techno-thrillers. Each book focuses on the effect of high-tech on civilization today, exploring the endless possibilities for crime.
May 24, 2020
Wow ... this is a breathtakingly put together book !! Read in 1 time because you cannot do anything else than read on to see the denouement. So well thought out, so exciting to read, such wonderfully worked out plots.
The female characters are all strong persons and highly intelligent. But still with the weakness that a mother has when her child is in danger.
Taking advantage of today's capabilities, even the Coronavirus and what it does to the world is included in the story.
You should read this book if you like a strong story that is never boring or silent. Higly recommended
The female characters are all strong persons and highly intelligent. But still with the weakness that a mother has when her child is in danger.
Taking advantage of today's capabilities, even the Coronavirus and what it does to the world is included in the story.
You should read this book if you like a strong story that is never boring or silent. Higly recommended
May 24, 2020
Wow! Ellie Foreman’s daughter, Rachel takes the lead in this novella and I can’t wait for more adventures! This book is face-paced, topical, and timely. When Rachel accidentally gives away a VIP’s SS# at the bank where she works, all your favorite characters from previous Ellie books along with some great new characters join forces to save the day. What follows is a techno-political thriller.
May 22, 2020
I really enjoyed this book it is an nice fast paced thriller with believable characters. The descriptions of people and places are succinct and detailed enough to set the scene perfectly. It is an easy read and has the makings of a great series.
May 22, 2020
This was my favorite of Libby Fischer Hellmans books. Grabbed me on the first page and kept me turning them. Suspense, technology and great characters. I highly recommend this book. Can't wait for the next one
May 25, 2020
I was taken right in as I renewed my friendship with a favorite character from another series and met the new. I don't want to give away the exciting twist, but you won't be disappointed. Enjoy! Can't wait for more.
May 21, 2020
Fast exciting read. Finished half the book at my first sit down. A change in characters was a surprise. Love it when the action is not predictable. Interesting and scary premise and so appropriate for today.
My second book by this author, and what a good book.
My second book by this author, and what a good book.
June 10, 2020
I loved this new offering by Libby Fischer Hellman. In fact, I hope she gets a contract for it to be made into a movie. It is fast paced and engaging. I could t wait to finish it. It is full of contemporary references that were both thoughtful and even a bit humorous. Read this one!
June 12, 2020
Another attention holding mystery from Libby Fischer Hellmann. This time, Ellie Foreman is in the background; her daughter Rachel takes the lead in finding the woman who cost Rachel her job by stealing important information about a CEO of a pharmaceutical company.
This book involves identity theft, murder, hacking, light romance, important medical innovations, intrigue, blackmail, a touch of political commentary, and more. It’s definitely a page turner that will keep you involved, wanting to know what happens next. The book is set primarily in Chicago’s North Shore suburbs, an area I’m familiar with, and it’s always fun for me to be able to visualize where the action is happening. From Evanston, to Northbrook, to Deerfield, to Mt. Prospect, to Florida, the action in this book makes the rounds in a very believable way. It’s very well-written and easy to read.
I’m so happy to see a return to the Ellie Foreman series. I’ve loved the other Ellie Foreman books that I’ve read, and this one did not disappoint. Rachel is all grown up now, and on her own, but she keeps in touch with her mother and grandfather. I love Grandpa Jake. He reminds me of people I grew up around. He’s kind, friendly, and connected. He can always provide the link that’s necessary to move the investigation forward.
I thought this was a very enjoyable read, one that held my interest. Given that this book is more about Racehl that Ellie, I think this book can stand on its own.
I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from the author. I thank her for her generosity, but it had no effect on this review. All opinions in this review reflect my true and honest reactions to reading this book.
This book involves identity theft, murder, hacking, light romance, important medical innovations, intrigue, blackmail, a touch of political commentary, and more. It’s definitely a page turner that will keep you involved, wanting to know what happens next. The book is set primarily in Chicago’s North Shore suburbs, an area I’m familiar with, and it’s always fun for me to be able to visualize where the action is happening. From Evanston, to Northbrook, to Deerfield, to Mt. Prospect, to Florida, the action in this book makes the rounds in a very believable way. It’s very well-written and easy to read.
I’m so happy to see a return to the Ellie Foreman series. I’ve loved the other Ellie Foreman books that I’ve read, and this one did not disappoint. Rachel is all grown up now, and on her own, but she keeps in touch with her mother and grandfather. I love Grandpa Jake. He reminds me of people I grew up around. He’s kind, friendly, and connected. He can always provide the link that’s necessary to move the investigation forward.
I thought this was a very enjoyable read, one that held my interest. Given that this book is more about Racehl that Ellie, I think this book can stand on its own.
I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from the author. I thank her for her generosity, but it had no effect on this review. All opinions in this review reflect my true and honest reactions to reading this book.
June 21, 2020
I received a copy of this book for review. I wasn't too sure about the whole high-tech thing but I was very pleasantly surprised. This book shows how easy identity theft and computer hacking can be in this day and age.
A momentary lapse of procedure by bank employee Rachel Foreman leads to identity theft. Pamela Cannon is the CEO of a drug company on the verge of a breakthrough in Alzheimer's. Not only is her identity stolen but a former employee is murdered and the murder is blamed on her. Rachel's mother Ellie, an investigator introduced by the author in her own series which I have not yet read, introduces Rachel to computer whiz Zach and they become involved in this case. Enter the FBI and we have some really high tech hacking. It's amazing what can be done with the proper software.
I don't want to ruin anything for the reader. The book moves fast with unexpected twists and turns. I enjoyed the characters. I look forward to reading more of this series and the Ellie Foreman series.
A momentary lapse of procedure by bank employee Rachel Foreman leads to identity theft. Pamela Cannon is the CEO of a drug company on the verge of a breakthrough in Alzheimer's. Not only is her identity stolen but a former employee is murdered and the murder is blamed on her. Rachel's mother Ellie, an investigator introduced by the author in her own series which I have not yet read, introduces Rachel to computer whiz Zach and they become involved in this case. Enter the FBI and we have some really high tech hacking. It's amazing what can be done with the proper software.
I don't want to ruin anything for the reader. The book moves fast with unexpected twists and turns. I enjoyed the characters. I look forward to reading more of this series and the Ellie Foreman series.
June 26, 2020
I received an advance copy of this book and agreed to post my honest opinion after finishing it. Well, first of all, let me tell you that I LOVED this book so much, I purchased a copy so I could have the finished product! Never a spoiler in my reviews, this book was simply amazing. I'm generally not a fan of techy type stuff but this book had me riveted once I started reading. This is a fast-paced story with twists and turns which could have been ripped right out of today's headlines. Computer hackers, identity theft, and murder highlight this page-turner featuring Ellie Foreman (whom I love from previous books). Well told, descriptive beyond belief, I've never been to Chicago, but after reading Libby's books I feel like I have. This does just fine as a standalone, you get some back story, but you definitely want to go back and read the others. This book will have you thinking twice about leaving your computer unlocked.
June 19, 2020
First, I thoroughly enjoyed this book! I’ll get to why in a moment. As a way of background my only experience with the author was a short story, which I liked and her first Elie Forman book, An Eye for Murder which impressed me. I am an old guy who has been reading mysteries/thrillers for many decades. Now back to the “why.” Virtually Undetectable is part of a series, High-Tech Crime Solvers, which features some recurring characters. VD is a short novel, fast paced, very readable and very entertaining. We meet some interesting characters most of whom I would expect to see in future books by Ms. Hellmann and we get a timely plot including a mention of a corona virus. My only regret is that it wasn’t longer! Its like a single scoop of ice cream, as you are finishing it you wonder why you didn’t ask for two scoops!
June 18, 2020
This is a great read about a very contemporary problem, identity theft. But it is a lot more than that, with a long held grudge and some very exciting travels through the dark underworld of the internet leading to a mother and daughter team tracking down cyber criminals.
Although this is a techno-thriller, the technology isn't over-done and is accessible to most people and it plays second fiddle to human interaction. As always with this author, the characters and storyline are excellent.
I received an advance copy of this book from the author, but this honest review has been voluntarily written.
Although this is a techno-thriller, the technology isn't over-done and is accessible to most people and it plays second fiddle to human interaction. As always with this author, the characters and storyline are excellent.
I received an advance copy of this book from the author, but this honest review has been voluntarily written.
June 14, 2020
Pamela Cannon is a CEO of a pharmaceutical company, Carefill, that has The Project. It is a vaccine that the company has worked on as a cure for alzheimer's. A person impersonating Pamela goes into a bank and applies for a credit card. Rachel Foreman is the person taking care of this transaction. Rachel gets an urgent call and minimizes her screen. When she walks away, this woman gets a social security number. Pamela's daughter gets kidnapped to try to get the formula to cure alzheimers. A thrilling novel that keeps your interest.
June 14, 2020
What could possibly go wrong if you leave your computer in sleep mode while checking an account for a client and leave your desk? Your whole life could be turned upside down. You lose your job and the client you thought you were helping becomes a suspect in a murder.
Rachel Foreman along with her mother Ellie Foreman and Zack Dolan are doing everything they can to find the true identity of the woman who came into Rachel's office and posed as a Fortune 500 CEO.
I really enjoyed this book and I am hoping there will be more books in the future with these same characters.
Rachel Foreman along with her mother Ellie Foreman and Zack Dolan are doing everything they can to find the true identity of the woman who came into Rachel's office and posed as a Fortune 500 CEO.
I really enjoyed this book and I am hoping there will be more books in the future with these same characters.
July 4, 2020
Libby Hellman’s contribution to the multi-author series, High-Tech Crime Solvers, is a winner. The story features Rachel Foreman, Ellie’s daughter, as she accidentally becomes involved in a multilayered scheme of industrial espionage which leads to the highest level of government. With the aid of her mother, a hacker, and the feds, Rachel finds herself in a race against time to break the conspiracy and restore her reputation. A page-turner of a read!
May 28, 2020
WOW! Loved this book. The characters (some we have met before) are fabulous. The story is great and very believable. Identity theft plus other crimes will have you devouring this book to get to the conclusion. Thank you to Libby Fischer Hellmann for the privilege of reading and reviewing this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
June 26, 2020
What a great book!!
Dementia caused or related to a virus? Sounds like a very interesting field to study.
White hat hacking always seems to be a challenging task. The black hats just want to zero-in on their target while the white hats have a world to search.
Throw in a little “ordinary” crime and you have an enthralling book.
Dementia caused or related to a virus? Sounds like a very interesting field to study.
White hat hacking always seems to be a challenging task. The black hats just want to zero-in on their target while the white hats have a world to search.
Throw in a little “ordinary” crime and you have an enthralling book.
July 3, 2020
This is a brilliant read.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believeable.
Great suspense and action with wonderful world building.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believeable.
Great suspense and action with wonderful world building.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
August 1, 2020
Another excellent book by Ms. Hellmann! Rachel Foreman inadvertently becomes involved in an identity theft of a CEO of a pharmaceutical company. With the help of her mother’s high tech friends and her mother, we are taken on a whirlwind adventure of espionage and intrigue. This is an action packed story. A great read.
January 18, 2021
SPOILED for me
SPOILED for me by the author's abuse of Almighty GOD's Names and abuse of the word HOLY. This is blasphemy and is NEVER acceptable. Minus 1 *
That said, the story was otherwise well crafted.
I'm looking forward to reading future stories - without Blasphemy, please
SPOILED for me by the author's abuse of Almighty GOD's Names and abuse of the word HOLY. This is blasphemy and is NEVER acceptable. Minus 1 *
That said, the story was otherwise well crafted.
I'm looking forward to reading future stories - without Blasphemy, please
May 10, 2021
White hats save the day
This was an excellent book. Well-written, easy to read, exciting with an interesting storyline. I enjoyed getting to know Ellie's daughter, Rachel and her new boyfriend, Zach. I also enjoyed learning about cyber security and threats and the whole world of white, red and black hats.
This was an excellent book. Well-written, easy to read, exciting with an interesting storyline. I enjoyed getting to know Ellie's daughter, Rachel and her new boyfriend, Zach. I also enjoyed learning about cyber security and threats and the whole world of white, red and black hats.
January 16, 2021
A plot that shows that in the blink of an eye a bank teller was fired, now knowing it was a cyber scam of a female CEO 500. Thankfully her mother is a famous private investigator and with mother and daughter to solve, finding themselves in the dark side of hackers and deception. Well done.
January 16, 2021
Be careful where you click!
After reading ”VIRTUALLY” you ll wonder about every time you click your mouse........who’s seeing it? Wil you compromise yourself? Will your identity be stolen?
Anyway.....a good plot & good reading
After reading ”VIRTUALLY” you ll wonder about every time you click your mouse........who’s seeing it? Wil you compromise yourself? Will your identity be stolen?
Anyway.....a good plot & good reading
February 28, 2021
A compelling read with likeable characters. Hellmann takes you into the world of cyber crime in a way that is understandable - just the right amount of detail to keep you reading without making you feel you have to go out and a degree in I-T.
April 15, 2021
This fast-paced novella tracks efforts to thwart a high-tech attack on the CEO of a Chicago pharmeceutical company. It features Rachel and Ellie Foreman, characters in some of Hellman's previous novels.
December 28, 2021
I could not get “into” this book. Too many unanswered questions for me. Why would Rachel be called away to retrieve a package when she is with a top $ client.? Why is the Suspect eliminated? Every time I picked the book back up to read, I had to go back a few pages to refresh in my mind what I was reading about. I was bored with it.
June 15, 2023
Rachel a CEO , ia threatened when her daughter is kidnapped. The ramsom demand is for company secrets worth many millions. . Rachel's mother is a renowned investigator, and the two of them are determined to save the day
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews