The Best Defense by Kate Wilhelm
A Three Reasons Review
1. Reason I chose this book
Kate Wilhelm was an author I “discovered” last year. I enjoyed the first one in her Barbara Holloway series and this audiobook was on the “always available” list through my library, so I borrowed it.
2. Reason I liked the book
It kept me hooked. Barbara Holloway is defending a woman accused of killing her daughter and then setting a building on fire to cover up the crime. The media has already convicted her, but Barbara is far from sure she’s guilty. There’s a small group of other suspects, some of whom prove to be very dangerous.
I liked Barbara better in this one. She’s still not quite sure of who she is/ who she wants to be, and she is recovering from the death of the man she fell in love with in the first book, but she doesn’t dwell on herself as much as she did in the first one. Her passion for justice is still evident though.
3. Reason I’m recommending this book
It’s a good, solid courtroom drama with a well-plotted mystery. There are plenty of clues, and the characters are well-developed. It touches on some important issues, like battered wife syndrome and the way media can affect how the public sees things.
Barbara Holloway #2, but can be read as a stand-alone
11 hours, 2 minutes, narrated by Anna Fields
First published 1994
Challenge: Mystery & Suspense
3½ out of 5 stars
Purchase at Amazon.
I borrowed my copy from the library and the above is my honest opinion.
This book sounds delicious…I love your reading bill of rights…that is awesome…
Interesting, I do like courtroom dramas, have to think about it
I’ve heard Anna Fields is a good narrator, so I’m not surprised you enjoyed this.
I think this is the second I’ve heard read by her. She is a good narrator; it’s almost like I don’t hear her if that makes sense, I just hear the story.
I’ve never heard of this author but I’m usually reminded of Law and Order when I read books like this.
I honestly have never seen Law and Order.
wow, sounds like a good courtroom drama.
I’ve never heard of this series but I may have to check it out. Thanks for the review.