Reed

I really enjoyed No Defense. The Oregon desert, the multi-dimensional characters, and a non-linear plot all lent complexity. I could not stop listening.

This one was better. I only listen in the car - I found myself making excuses for going to the store, etc. in order to listen. The story was compelling and Barbara Holloway is my hero.

All of the characters in this book were interesting. There were no throw aways. The story was paced perfectly and the extras about Eugene, OR, and the town of Opal Creek were fascinating.

This is the best in the Barbara Holloway series. Of course, its strength rests on the series - the characters that have remained vivid and true throughout each of the books (10?). If you have not read the others, you might want to get one or two of them first before reading this one. Otherwise, the story would lose its impact.

This was the best crafted and best written of the series. I paid attention to what Wilhelm told us, how she told us, and when she told us everything. Every element in this story has a purpose. She creates suspense and delivers suprises without them seeming contrived.

The characters have remined complex and constant throughout the entire series. Each of her characters was developed and woven into the series. Each book in the series relies on the characters that were introduced in earlier installments. Barbara Holloway is an especially complex person.

I have thoroughly enjoyed this series, and especially this installment.