The Best Defense

A Barbara Holloway Novel

By: Kate Wilhelm

Narrated by: Anna Fields

Length: 11 hrs and 3 mins

Publisher's summary

A gripping, poignant, and masterful courtroom novel, The Best Defense is a major work from one of America's most popular writers.

After her recent harrowing experiences, attorney Barbara Holloway isn't looking to take on any new courtroom cases; instead she's happy working from a booth in a cafe in the local working-class neighborhood.

But when the sister of "Baby Killer" Kennerman asks for help, Barbara reluctantly looks into matters and finds that incompetent lawyers and a smear campaign from the local right-wing press are going to allow a killer to go free. The deeper Barbara delves into the case, the more atrocities she finds and the more she believes that the best defense may not be enough.

With this extraordinary novel, Kate Wilhelm returns to the marvelous milieu of Death Qualified, bringing us a legal thriller of the finest caliber.

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

©1994 Kate Wilhelm (P)2003 Blackstone Audiobooks

A very twisted mystery.

There were so many characters and story lines in this book that it required very close attention. At times it was confusing and at one point this reader lost the main story line. The narrator didn’t do a very good job with the men’s voices. Overall the story was very good.

Tremendous story.

It captured my attention within the early moments. The relevance of characters to today's world cannot be denied.

Good Courtroom Figure-em-out story

I love how the character development from book to book with a story behind the story. No horror or thriller here, but courtroom drama similar to Grisham but not as drawn out. VERY glad I found these as free Audible books!

love this read

Just like other books of Kate Wilhelm is some of the best turns. Will continue ready more from this author

Kate Wilhelm writes excellent trial dramas

This was an extremely enjoyable book with twists and turns that kept me involved until the end. I can't wait to listen to other books written by Kate Wilhelm. The narrator does a great job of giving the characters distinct voices.

GOOD BOOK!

I enjoyed the story but would have chosen a different narrator. Kate Wilhelm is a very talented writer. It would help if she was a little more cautious about the narrator that she chooses.

Current

It’s depressing to hear something written so many years ago is so absolutely timely. One can only hope that 25 years from now a person will listen to this story and be grateful for the progress our country will have made in addressing this pressing social issue. (I hope Barbara will be happier by then, too!)

Addicting

I’ve given up a lot of TV to listen to these books,which apparently have been around for 20 years. I’m currently binging on Debra Crombie but on a wait list so I tried Kate Wilhelm. I didn’t think I would like it, because I’m used to the British
detective stories. I heard her first one and then the second one both within a week and now I am about to begin number three. I feel they are addicting. She has great characters and great plot twists . Enjoy.

Kate Wilhelm novel = superb

The Best Defense is an amazing legal thriller which will intrigue you and blow your mind with Barbara Holloway’s ability to “ see beyond” the host of lies, and see the truth of the real picture. Excellent story.

Love this author!

I have read another of Kate Wilheim's from Audible and absolutely loved both of them. Your interest never wanes and the pace of the story is such you don't want to quit listening. Also, the narrator is so good, I Googled her and was not surprised how "seasoned" she is in her craft. Changing her voice for the various characters is amazing. Don't miss this one!