Death Qualified

A Barbara Holloway Novel

By: Kate Wilhelm

Narrated by: Anna Fields

Length: 15 hrs and 21 mins

Publisher's summary

Five years ago Barbara Holloway gave up practicing law, disillusioned with a profession that put politics before justice. Then she receives a phone call, with a simple message: "I need you."

Nell Kendricks's husband disappeared seven years earlier, abandoning his young family. Nell hasn't seen him since, until the day Lucas Kendricks arrives at the edge of her property and is shot, instantly killed.

Accused of his murder, Nell turns to lawyer Frank Holloway for help. But Frank knows he cannot win this case alone. He calls upon his daughter Barbara, who remains "death qualified," legally able to defend clients who face the death penalty if convicted.

Barbara is determined to stay distanced from the case, but the more she learns, the more questions she finds herself asking. Is Nell innocent, as Frank attests? Where has Lucas Kendricks been for the past seven years? Despite her vow, Barbara finds herself drawn to the case and reclaims the search for truth that first led her to the law.

It's legal: download more of Barbara Holloway's cases.

©1991 Kate Wilhelm (P)2003 Blackstone Audiobooks

Critic reviews

"Wilhelm is a masterful storyteller whose novels have just the right blend of solid plot, compelling mystery, and great courtroom drama." (Library Journal)

Great listen

I think they story was good because it was different. Narrator was truly great and entertaining!

Took a while to get started. Good story.

Had problems with parts of the reading being repeated. It happened 6-8 times and repeated the last couple of minutes.

Oh HELL No!!!

This story caught my attention right off. I liked the characters, it kept me wondering and entertained… until it didn’t.

I gave e it 3 stars. I would have given it 5 right up to the end, except the story just stopped. No real satisfaction

Great Story, But Narration Repeats

Great story that leaves you wanting more. Unfortunately, the narration repeats a few times at the start of several chapters.

Excitement throughout

This book was full of characters and as it developed, so did each character and their unique sordid history making them potential suspects or at least knowing what happened in this small town. I felt like I was chasing a bouncing rubber ball that was always one bounce out of my reach for almost 2/3 of this book. The audible was done pretty well on the voices but it had several repeated phrases that were somewhat irksome. Overall, I recommend this book. 👍

📚📚

Good mystery

The story was very suspenseful once it got started. The background was laid out for you which set in motion an idea of what was going through the minds of some of the characters I enjoyed this.

So many “skips” where several words or sentences were repeated

So many “skips” where several words or sentences were repeated…it was annoying after the third time. Great narrator, though. The pace was usually good, but seemed to get bogged down in detail in a few places. I’m not sure I’ll invest the time in the next book if it’s a series.

Death Qualified

Loved the narrator voice, soothing, mature & believable.Another excellent tale by author Kate Wilhelm, kept me guessing with a shocking ending.

Engaging

Enjoyed the character development. Presented an interesting view to think about seeing the world in a different perspective.

Not the best ending.

Confusing at first, better in the middle this story is a little dark for my taste. The narrator does a good job with the different voices and I appreciate her efforts.