Book Review: No Defense

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

No Defense     Amazon US PB Amazon US HC Amazon Canada PB Amazon Canada HC
Kate Wilhelm
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Thriller   Legal Setting
Series: Frank and Barbara Holloway # 6
St. Martin’s, Jan 2000, $24.95, 384 pp.

The beautiful Lara Jessup married Vinnie, a man more than twice her age for financial gain. He takes out a large life insurance policy on himself, naming her his beneficiary. Most of the residents of Bend and Salt Creek believe Lara married Vinnie for his insurance money. However, Lara and Vinnie know she wed him out of love, gratitude, and protection against her abusive ex-husband.

Vinnie dies in an apparent accident. However, the autopsy reveals a bullet to his head was the cause of death. They feel Vinnie committed suicide. On the night of his death, Vinnie was supposed to deliver important papers to Judge McReady, but none are found on his corpse. The Judge and his powerful father-in-law put an inordinate amount of pressure on Lara to give them the documents or be charged with murder. Lara turns to attorney Barbara Holliway to represent her in a case in which all legal avenues appear to convict her client.

NO DEFENSE is more than just a finely written legal thriller that will elate the sub-genre audience. The tale concentrates on the hopes and dreams, strengths and weaknesses of individuals. The story line is a superior character study that few authors can do as well as Kate Wilhelm can. Already a fan favorite, this may be Kate Hollaway’s best appearance as the complex tale has crossover appeal to fans of contemporary fiction as well as the mystery crowd. Readers who miss this excellent legal procedural story will have NO DEFENSE when it comes to refusing to read an excellent work.

Harriet Klausner

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Harriet Klausner