Death Qualified

A Barbara Holloway Novel

By: Kate Wilhelm

Narrated by: Anna Fields

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)

Needed better editing

I really enjoyed this book a great deal. I found the story intriguing and loved the way Anna Fields read it. The ending was not quite what I was hoping for but that doesn’t take away from the story- just personal preference. My issue with the book is actually in the editing. There were dozens of times when a sentence or two was repeated in the recording which I found to be extremely annoying.

Repeats Paragraphs

Story is okay. It’s annoying that the editor or whatever it’s called didn’t catch the repeats being read in the story.

Death Qualified

There were no complete endings. Very frustrating. Struggled to get through. Did not answer any questions.

Narrator is outstanding

I love this narrator. Her voice is rich and demonstrative. She has the ability to quickly Create characters through nuance of tone and dialect. Male and female voices are clearly identified without an over use and unflattering tone change.
The storyline was different and left a lot to the imagination. The author and narrator are Experts in their ability to bring the countryside to life and create a visual with their words and tone.

Slow start but worth

Started off slow when I was a little confused, but it all came together about midway through the book. Wonderful plot, incredible reader I would suggest this to anyone to listen to.