Online-Bibliothek

I love legal thrillers. There were times I got bogged down in the constant infusion of characters. As an attorney I was sometimes uncomfortable about the actions taken by the main character in representing her clients. I thoroughly enjoyed the courtroom scenes. They were very realistic. I would definitely read another Kate Wilhelm book

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

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.

Wilhelm is one of those writers who gets overwhelmed by the publicity machines that promote Grisham, et. al. So she seems to have become Grishamesque in an effort to sell books. Too bad. I found this one tedious and overcomplicated with bad guys suddenly dropped in from nowhere. It also lacked the character development that has elevated her other books above run of the mill. I suspect the hand of an overeager editor and publisher because Wilhelm seems too intelligent to turn out this mish mash.And does anyone know what's become of John?

I was so excited to see the new Wilhelm book but a bit disappointed when I read it. The story itself was okay but I thought the editing was terrible and a couple of characters (eg Waters) seemed to appear as one person and then as another with little explanation about who/what they were all about. I'm also a little tired of Barbara's relationships, or lack, thereof. With all that said, Wilhelm is still one of my favorites writers and I eagerly await her next book!