A Frank Review of Jill Elizabeth Nelson’s Witness to Murder

by Frank Creed

When Minnesota newspaper reporter Hallie Berglund arrives to interview a female university student and model, she finds the front door ajar. Just inside, amidst signs of struggle, a man stands over the woman’s still body, a length of cord in one hand. This is how Witness to Murder opens, and if you like your conflict flowing, Jill Elizabeth Nelson keeps the tap open throughout this Steeple Hill, 2009 novel.

The problem with Hallie believing her eyes is newspaper colleague Brody Jordan, who believes the man is innocent. Begrudgingly the duo sets off on a search for truth, puzzling a string of ciphers, and get more than expect along the way. Their relationship grows beyond that of colleagues and one crime scene clue adds real mystery to this murder case; the victim wore a bracelet made long ago by Hallie’s African mother.

Jill Elizabeth Nelson well uses this little bracelet to keep pages turning as Hallie learns more about herself and the crime. While Hallie and Brody grow close, readers also ask questions about themselves. The real question that needs to be answered is, can one who is a Witness to Murder believe their eyes—or their heart.