Desperate Measures

A Barbara Holloway Novel

By: Kate Wilhelm

Narrated by: Marguerite Gavin

Length: 13 hrs and 6 mins

Publisher's summary

Barbara Holloway has a reputation for taking on the toughest cases - and winning them. But this time she's up against an unbeatable opponent - her father, the lawyer who taught her all she knows.

Gus Marchand, a hardworking, God-fearing farmer, is found dead on his kitchen floor, and suspicion soon falls on Alex Feldman, Marchand's hideously deformed neighbor. At the request of another attorney, Barbara agrees to defend the young man, whom most of the town has already condemned.

But there is another suspect, as well: Hilde Franz, a woman Gus had a very public altercation with just before he was murdered. Hilde also happens to be an old friend of Barbara's father, Frank, who, unaware of his daughter's involvement in the case, agrees to represent Hilde.

For the first time in her career, Barbara cannot turn to her father for advice. Quite the contrary: she has to stay one step ahead of him if she's to have any hope of saving her client. Because she knows only too well what kind of legal mind she's up against.

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

©2001 Kate Wilhelm (P)2002 Blackstone Audiobooks

Critic reviews

"...fast-paced, plausible, and entertaining." (Kirkus Reviews)

One of the best procedural mysteries around!

I just finished this and I am glad that I did not rush through it. It was like taking a long leisurely walk while on vacation through an unknown town. There was suspense, and delights around each corner. Some of the turns were unexpected ( red herrings ) but it was really good. Held my interest. Subtle but powerful message about our society’s fixation on appearance… from one of the witnesses to the lawyers and of course the defendant. Grateful for the intelligent writing.

Excellent

subject and storyline has a different perspective than most.
Interesting and entertaining story. Narrator wonderful.

Read the series

Wonderful series! Great writing and stellar narrator will hold you for hours. Can't stop reading Kate Wilhelm books. Now, on to the next one...

Maybe it's just my download.....

But on several occasions, one or two sentences were repeated (recorded twice). Other than that minor annoyance, it was an interesting read. Intelligent story, well written.

Brilliantly written legal novel

Brilliantly written novel with well defined characters. The story line was detailed well and easy to follow chronologically. The narrator SUPERB!

i really this author and also the narrator

it's a sad day in audiobook land when we no longer have the human vpice to bring books to life. i listened to this a few years ago and it was like hearing from a friend to hear ot again.

a must read

Kate has crafted a well-developed "who done it" mystery with an unusual bend. Will someone that physically looks like a monster get a fair trial? Can someone who is shunned by society find fairness? What an intriguing murder mystery. As the body count mounts the story line adds layers of complexities. The characters are so fully developed you can pick them out of a line up. Fair warning - if you start this book be sure you have plenty of hours left in the day as you'll not want to put it down. A Must Read.

Great listen

I loved this one across the board. Goos story. Well balanced. Perfect narration by Marguerite Gavin.

My husbands account but…

We don’t share the same taste in books completely but I scout his chooses from theme to time. This was an excellent listen. Kept me engaged for 3 days of laundry, yard work and groceries. Just a great all round story. Good solid characters and believable story line.

Pronunciation!

This is a message to ALL audio book producers, directors, and narrators. I love Kate Wilhelm books because they’re great reads and also because I live in the Wil-AM-it valley, love to walk along the Wil-AM-it River, and avoid Wil-AM-it Street as much as possible. And while I’m at it, a shout-out to all of our good friends to the north that live in Spo-CAN.

Good grief, people. Pronounce it like the locals or get a different job!