By Stone, by Blade, by Fire

April 15, 2013

In this most recent installment of Wilhelm's Barbara Holloway mystery series, Barbara defends a young man charged with a murder committed in front of two eyewitnesses. Yet Barbara believes that he is innocent and would rather investigate his despicable father--a minister who harps on sexual morality. Seemingly random interviews lead nowhere, and the listener is hard put to care about the outcome. Not until the trial starts midway through the book does the Perry Mason courtroom-style narrative begin to weave its web. Reader Carrington MacDuffie enunciates clearly and sets an even pace that projects Barbara's intelligence, drive, and emotional involvement. She modulates her voice to differentiate the characters and is generally successful, although the hate-filled father is given a stereotypical Southern accent that fails to emphasize his evil nature. VERDICT Despite shortcomings, Wilhelm's mysteries are popular, so this recording will be in demand in most public libraries.--Juleigh Muirhead Clark, John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Lib., Williamsburg, VA

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