Sleight of Hand

This is one of the better Barbara Holloway Books..you will find it a good read

Without getting into every detail, I enjoyed reading this book. It was easy reading without a million characters to remember and a good story line. Out of all the Kate Wilhelm books I have read this is one of the better.

I agree with the other reviewer that this is not the place to start reading this series. But I'm not good at taking my own advice; this is only the third Barbara Holloway book I read. Fortunately, one of the others I read introduced her on-and-off boyfriend so I could at least follow that. But I really should go back and start reading the series from the beginning. But I disagree with the other reviewer's claim that the ethical dilemma was not credible. I found that dilemma one of the most interesting parts of the book. Her decision not to reveal her knowledge of the real killer was completely understandable from a compassionate point of view but completely violated her ethical duty to her client. And I don't think the fact that her client wasn't facing the death penalty made the risk of losing his case any less compelling. I definitely recommend reading this book, but it would be better to have read a number of the earlier books before this one. I intend to read the whole series.

She as done it again! Just plain excellent. I am always left with the feeling that I am part of Barbara and Franks world. They are so real to me. Kate please write faster..............I can hardly wait.

Twice he was caught thieving; the first time he received probation but the next time he served hard time in the state pen for five years. When he was released his wife Meg was waiting for him but Wally Lederer knew if he ever committed another crime she would walk out on him He went on to make a good life for himself and his wife using his unique skills as an entertainer. One night at the casino he meets a childhood friend Jay Wilkins who invites him and his wife over for a drink. They accept the invitation and when they arrive, Wally sees Jay is preoccupied about his missing wife. Wally is later accused by Jay of stealing a gold horse statue valued at $30,000. Wally goes to lawyer Barbara Holloway for advice she tells him to sit tight. They later learn that Jay was murdered and the police believe Wally was the culprit; the motive is that if Jay could make his case, Wally would have gone to prison for a long time. Before the trial starts, Barbara has evidence that will exonerate her client but she refuses to use it and prays she can get a not guilty verdict at his trial. The protagonist realizes in SLEIGHT OF HAND that justice and the law do not go hand in hand; she is unsure of herself and angry at a system that could incarcerate the innocent. Many readers won't agree with the choice the protagonist makes unless they need a lawyer to extract them from such a mess. The trial is fascinating as Kate Wilhelm known for her exciting legal thrillers, has written a memorable tale. Harriet Klausner