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274th out of 391 books
—
210 voters
The Best Defense (Barbara Holloway #2)
by
Kate Wilhelm
"ENGROSSING...Wilhelm provides suspense and excitement
while adeptly portraying Barbara [Holloway] as a wily and sympathetic heroine."
--Publishers Weekly
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, coff...more
while adeptly portraying Barbara [Holloway] as a wily and sympathetic heroine."
--Publishers Weekly
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, coff...more
Mass Market Paperback, 422 pages
Published
August 1st 1995
by Fawcett Books
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ISBN 0449223140 - Give or take 500 words, I might have given this book 5 stars - the problem is, there's reference to a relationship from the first book of the series, and no explanation. If the author really felt the need to drag "Mike" into The Best Defense, she ought to have included some more details. If I hadn't read a description that mentioned that he died, I'd have assumed a bad break up.
That aside, the book is quite good. Barbara Holloway, trying to come to terms with what she does for...more
That aside, the book is quite good. Barbara Holloway, trying to come to terms with what she does for...more
This is the second book for fictional character Barbara Holloway and I liked this book a lot more than the previous one, which was good, but a little too much soap box about the legal system. Here Barbara is the smart kick-ass lawyer and investigator her Dad knows she is, and not as whiny. By going on what looks like tangent she's able to find who the real killer is and she finally realizes she really is meant to do this kind of work.
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!
I don't usually read courtroom procedurals, but this author really has me hooked. I finished this book so fast, I neglected paperwork I definitely, really must get done. When I was done, all I could think was wow!! I was riveted almost immediately and literally couldn't put it down. The only reason I did last night is that I really had to go to bed. This is the best one by far that I have read of this genre. Although I guessed a few things before the end, I can never unravel the whole case, and...more
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As a caveat, I listened to this book on my long commute and at the gym. I don't know if that affects how I like it, but it's certainly great for those uses. Wilhelm really develops the characters (even if they become too predictable) and the plot--I can't stop listening! I have to say I love whomever reads this audiobook--fantastic ability.
Dec 29, 2012
Vannessagrace Vannessagrace
rated it
3 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
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Attorney Barbara Holloway was hired to defend a woman accused of murdering her daughter. Using her masterful skills as a criminal attorney, she lures the culprits to expose themselves in court. The intense courtroom drama will keep you reading because it is courtroom drama at its best! Anna Fields does an okay job in telling the story.
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.
Didn't like this one as much as the first, although still a fun and fast read/listen. I'll probably continue with this series as long as I can borrow audiobooks from eNYPL mostly because I enjoy the characters and am interested in how they will develop over time. Have already started on the third one.
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.
Loved this audiobook. So refreshing to see someone learn to love and accept certain imperfections they've struggled against for so long. Loved the story. Heartrending to see all the layers of deception, vanity and selfishness. Barbara and Frank team up and cut past all the barriers that have held them apart from each other and together take down a vicious group of criminals. Great story!
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!
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.
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.
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.
Not a bad book, entertaining, good courtroom scenes and of course the usual investigating finds that make the defense win. Definitely recommend it!
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.
Really a pleasure: good plot, plot twists, characters, courtroom procedural. Published in 1994-How did I miss Wilhelm all these years?
It's a good, solid courtroom drama with a well-plotted mystery. There are plenty of clues, and the characters are well-developed.
Kate Wilhelm's Barbara Holloway books are great! Once you start, you can't put it down till you are done. Loved them!
A good "light" courtroom mystery with plenty to keep your mind occupied. The audiobook has a good reader.
This book tied into a local court case more national issues. A really good case with twists and turns to arrive at the conclusion.
The whole premise seemed incredibly unlikely to me, but the book was still fairly enjoyable.
Jul 02, 2012
Audrey Gest
added it
I am enjoying this series. There is a ton of coffee drinking, and moistening of lips.
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.
BOOK 38 OF 2010 - Another interesting courtroom drama with Barbara!
Audiobook.
No woo-woo element this time. Thank goodness.
No woo-woo element this time. Thank goodness.
Good dourt room drama! I liked this better than her first book. I am sure I will try another.
These books are about ten years old but still great. I love this character.
This one was better than the first. I had no random repeating of paragraphs.
Rivetting courtroom drama. One of the best in the genre.
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Kate Wilhelm has won the Hugo and several Nebula Awards. She is the widow of author and editor Damon Knight.
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