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The Best Defense: A Barbara Holloway Novel Audiobook
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(3.05) - 499 listener ratings
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Publisher Description
Kate Wilhelm returns to the marvelous milieu of Death Qualified with this page-turning legal thriller.
The neighborhood in Eugene, Oregon, is blue-collar; the cafe holds only three tables and four booths. But it’s the only place attorney Barbara Holloway feels both productive and peaceful. Laptop computer on the table, coffee refilled regularly by the cook, Barbara gets her work done and wants for nothing more—certainly not another explosive, emotionally devastating courtroom case.
Then a woman comes to Barbara with a case she cannot refuse. The sister of “Baby Killer” Kennerman tells a tale so terrifying that Barbara must act, even if she does so reluctantly. What she unearths is a corrupt conspiracy, complete with incompetent lawyers, that will allow a killer to go free. The deeper she delves, the more atrocities she finds. When she finds herself up against a smear campaign of unimaginable proportions, Barbara Holloway realizes that even the best defense may not be enough.
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"I liked this book even better than her first one because now Barbara Holloway is carving out a niche for herself in town, has set up informal legal counseling in a restaurant, and is moving forward. Before long she finds herself defending a "Baby Killer." I loved the research and courtroom drama, not to mention the development of Barbara as a person in her complicated relationships! I'm hooked!"
— Nancy (4 out of 5 stars)
Quotes
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“With this engrossing sequel to Death Qualified, prolific Wilhelm claims a leading place in the ranks of trial suspense writers…Wilhelm provides suspense and excitement while adeptly portraying Barbara as a wily and sympathetic heroine.”
— Publishers Weekly -
“Anna Fields combines her clear voice with a delightful range of timing and emotion to present this story.”
— AudioFile -
“The plot twists with steadily mounting danger and tension…The characterizations and courtroom atmosphere are especially well done…This cleverly crafted page-turner proves that indeed the best defense is a good offense.”
— School Library Journal -
“[Barbara] is a complex and appealing woman; her next court appearance will be eagerly awaited. Wilhelm’s presence in the suspense genre is impressive; already a master of fantasy, she brings a competent voice and a thoughtful eye to her new territory.”
— Library Journal -
“This latest in the Barbara Holloway series reaffirms veteran SF and mystery author Wilhelm’s mastery of yet another genre—the courtroom drama. An action-filled thriller guaranteed to please current fans and create many new Wilhelm converts.”
— Booklist
The Best Defense Listener Reviews
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" This one was better than the first. I had no random repeating of paragraphs. "
— Jen, 2/12/2014 -
" I enjoyed this book more than the first. I found that I was more intrigued by the story line and even the court scenes. I grow to like Barbara more with each novel. "
— Tara, 2/3/2014 -
" Disappointed at how this book did not pick up from where the first book left off. I would love to see Mike come back for both Barbara and her fathers sake. I would want Barbara on my side and would fear if she was not my attorney. Another good story. "
— Christine, 1/23/2014 -
" Really a pleasure: good plot, plot twists, characters, courtroom procedural. Published in 1994-How did I miss Wilhelm all these years? "
— Kathy, 12/29/2013 -
" Good dourt room drama! I liked this better than her first book. I am sure I will try another. "
— Amy, 12/22/2013 -
" When I finish a Kate Wilhelm book, I feel as if I have actually seen it on a screen or in real life. I think that is a sign of a very good writer. "
— Sandy, 12/18/2013 -
" Not a bad book, entertaining, good courtroom scenes and of course the usual investigating finds that make the defense win. Definitely recommend it! "
— Ricardo, 12/10/2013 -
" The author takes us by the hand and lead us step by step through a juridic procedure. Well done and even though I guessed before the end I enjoyed it for the humanity of the characters. "
— Alex, 12/9/2013 -
" These books are about ten years old but still great. I love this character. "
— Peg, 12/5/2013 -
" This book tied into a local court case more national issues. A really good case with twists and turns to arrive at the conclusion. "
— Heather, 11/25/2013 -
" Book 2 of this series. It was almost as good as the first book. I love when they are actually in court and Barb is giving it a good what-for. You don't need to read the first book to get this one. It can be read alone but I like how it feels to feel like I have a building report with the characters. "
— Coco, 9/26/2013 -
" Kate Wilhelm's Barbara Holloway books are great! Once you start, you can't put it down till you are done. Loved them! "
— Eve, 9/17/2013 -
" The whole premise seemed incredibly unlikely to me, but the book was still fairly enjoyable. "
— Petula, 8/30/2013 -
" A good "light" courtroom mystery with plenty to keep your mind occupied. The audiobook has a good reader. "
— Beth, 8/13/2013 -
" Pretty good mystery and courtroom drama. I liked the insider's view of the legal system, but if that's really how it works, I hope I am never wrongfully accused. "
— Gretchen, 4/18/2013 -
" I listen to most of my books as I commute, and I really enjoyed this one. While I didn't feel compelled to continue to listen repeatedly, I did enjoy it. Barbara Holloway becomes a little depressing, but the plot was good. "
— Glenajo, 10/30/2012 -
" This was the next book after Death Qualified. I though that it would explain/end that book better. I was wrong. This book was okay, but I got a little tired of her not liking/knowing her self. One book of that was okay, but two books of that got a little old! "
— Stephanie, 10/22/2012 -
" It's a good, solid courtroom drama with a well-plotted mystery. There are plenty of clues, and the characters are well-developed. "
— Carol, 10/19/2012 -
" Love this Author! Her story lines take unsuspected twist and turns. The Barbara Holloway Series' main character is a female Attorney, who we discover is a force to be reckoned with. This author lives in Eugene, Oregon and most of the stories she writes are based in Oregon. "
— Lolli, 4/22/2012 -
" Great legal drama, suspenseful. "
— Kathy, 3/9/2012 -
" This was an airport mystery read. I felt it was of much better quality than most mysteries. As with some other mysteries by this author, it had some aspect about people getting crazies riled up about issues. "
— Rrshively, 2/9/2012 -
" Very good courtroom mystery, identifiable main character. "
— Melissa, 2/9/2012 -
" Rivetting courtroom drama. One of the best in the genre. "
— Linda, 1/25/2012 -
" enjoy the book.. good story "
— Mitch, 6/19/2011 -
" I liked this book but was confused with how it fit in with the other Barbara Holloway books I read in the past. This book is obviously an early story even though it was published in 2011. Once you figure this out the story is a good one. "
— Melissa, 4/14/2011 -
" Not the best entry in the series by far. "
— Diane, 3/8/2011 -
" I have loved the Barbara Holloway series and this one topped them all! A great read that I couldn't put down. "
— Elizabeth, 2/16/2011 -
" Kate Wilhelm writes some of the best in the mystery genre. "
— Rrshively, 2/6/2011 -
" Another excellent, defense attorney Barbara Holloway book. This is one of my favorite lawyer series and this installment did not disappoint. Although this one wasn't very "lawyery" (no court room scenes, etc) it was an action packed thriller for sure. "
— Jan, 2/1/2011
About Kate Wilhelm
Kate Wilhelm (1928–2018) was the bestselling author of dozens of novels and short-story collections. Among her novels are the popular courtroom thrillers featuring attorney Barbara Holloway. Her other works include the science fiction classic Where Late the Sweet Birds Sang.
About Anna Fields
Kate Fleming (a.k.a. Anna Fields) (1965–2006), winner of more than a dozen Earphones Awards and the prestigious Audie Award in 2004, was one of the most respected narrators in the industry. Trained at the Actors Theatre of Louisville, she was also a director, producer, and technician at her own studio, Cedar House Audio.