Defense for the Devil

There were some negative reviews for "Defense for the Devil" but I must say those reviewers were awfully picky. As in all books there were a couple of minor "glitch points", but as a recreational read, Kate Wilhelm has produced another great "page turner" book. I hope she does an additional dozen Barbara Holloway novels; I will buy every one!!!!!

This book by Kate Wilhelm was an exciting thriller.That will have its reader on the edge of their chair. In the book Kate gives very detailed discriptions on of the characters. Also because the settings change so much the book gives background information about each setting. Defense for the Devil also gives an example of what the life of a lawyer maybe like. What type of questions they ask their clients.

Seventeen years ago, the townsfolk of Folsum, Oregon ran Mitch Arno out of town. The nasty Mitch left behind an abused wife and infant. Now he is back in town, prepared to throw his weight around since he carries a suitcase filled with money and an attaché case containing valuable but stolen software. A few hours after his reappearance, someone murders Mitch. The initial thought is that his spouse could not deal with being a punching bag. However, the police soon turn toMitch's brother Ray, whom they arrest. Barbara Holloway, known for wining hopeless cases, cannot defend Ray due to a conflict of interest. Still, she cannot idly stand by and watch as Ray's lawyer provides his client a defense pathetic enough tto get him hanged.Instead, she tries to prove from the sidelines that Ray is innocent. In her fourth legal thriller, Barbara remains an entertaining, feisty character. However, the same cannot be said this time about the major support cast. For instance neither Ray nor Maggie (Mitch's spouse) generate empathy because they appear one-dimensional. On the other hand, Mitch is a complex protagonist, who will elicit strong reaction from the audience. The complex story line is vintage Kate Wilhelm as it rapidly moves forward to an exhilarating climax even with several interesting sub-plots added to provide depth. DEFENSE FOR THE DEVIL needs no reader defense as it's a believable, well-written entry to a fine series.Harriet Klausner