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)

First but not Last

This was my first Wilhelm novel but it won't be my last. Enjoyed it and recommend it.

Good Read different plot

My first Kate Wilhelm book, I found it a good listen with well developed characters, and a different plot. It started me on the road to her other books which I enjoyed even more. A good cozy mystery to relax and curl up to.

So Good!

So good! if you enjoy legal stories and a lot of action. A lot of actions with twists and turns that make think 'no it can't be that person'. Then a chapter later you start thinking that it might be this other person. then you're back to the first one was the perp. And then, and then...you get what I mean.
A very good story!

When what we see is deeper than the surface!

Oh yes, there is suspense & mystery in this installment, but it's not what I will remember. A story of human kindness & love that's unconditional. Facing the truth of ourselves.
If I had one issue it's this, the use of God's name in vain over & over again is unnecessary & just too much. I realize that as a reader /listener I always have the option of skipping over or fast forwarding. I am ready for the next installment.

Pronounced

I have been a fan of Kate Wilhelm for several years and enjoy this being set in Oregon. Being a native Oregonian it was disappointing to hear Willamette pronounced incorrectly. It is “wi lam ette” not “Willa Met”

What a great listen!

This is the sixth book in a series and I have been missing out!! What a great story!!

Barbara Holloway is a great main character for a legal thriller. She is strong and capable with an emotional core that is rarely rattled. The story is well-written and the court scenes put you right there. Loved it.

The narrator was very easy on the ears and performed all of the characters to perfection.

I'm going to check for a seventh book because while this book had a resolution, there was still more to know.

Compelling

Interesting characters. Intriguing story. Lots of plot twists and turns. Found myself getting angry at characters and wanting justice to prevail, with no guarantee. I’ll be looking for more books by this author!

Good Story; Distracting Audio

This is the second Barbara Holloway book I've read and I enjoy the characters and story. The only annoyance was that the recording repeats a line a few times throughout the recording.

Love the Barbara Holloway Series

Well written, good attorney/intelligent plots and wonderful relationship between Father and Daughter.
I have read already four of Kate Wilhelm books and I have loved every single one. I have already added to my Library all her other books.

Superbly wriitten!

I started the Barbara Holloway books from the first in the series and am reading them in order, though this is not completely necessary. The first one was good, but after the second book I was hooked. This one is yet another example of how clever Kate Wilhelm was and how brilliantly she could write a story that takes you in all different directions and then bring every path back to a well put together conclusion.