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Barbara Holloway #14
Mirror, Mirror
Chaos has descended on the Valducci family. Gina Valducci's grandmother, mentor, and founder of the family's thriving nursery business, has died. Her death sets off a string of seemingly unrelated events, including two horrific murders. Gina's colleague, Jeff, stands out as an obvious suspect, with plenty of motivation, opportunity, and means. In her most unusual and complex case yet, Barbara Holloway accepts Jeff as her reluctant client. But, to defend him, she must first discover how a secret will, corporate greed, WWII stolen art, family skeletons, attempted murder, and an old ornate mirror factor in to the case. Barbara must reassemble the puzzle pieces perfectly, before it's too late.
400 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 14, 2017
65 people are currently reading
235 people want to read
About the author
Kate Wilhelm
275 books442 followersKate Wilhelm’s first short story, “The Pint-Sized Genie” was published in Fantastic Stories in 1956. Her first novel, MORE BITTER THAN DEATH, a mystery, was published in 1963. Over the span of her career, her writing has crossed over the genres of science fiction, speculative fiction, fantasy and magical realism, psychological suspense, mimetic, comic, and family sagas, a multimedia stage production, and radio plays. She returned to writing mysteries in 1990 with the acclaimed Charlie Meiklejohn and Constance Leidl Mysteries and the Barbara Holloway series of legal thrillers.
Wilhelm’s works have been adapted for television and movies in numerous countries; her novels and stories have been translated to more than a dozen languages. She has contributed to Quark, Orbit, Magazine of Fantasy and ScienceFiction, Locus, Amazing Stories, Asimov’s Science Fiction, Ellery Queen’s Mystery Magazine, Fantastic, Omni, Alfred Hitchcock’s Mystery Magazine, Redbook, and Cosmopolitan.
Kate Wilhelm is the widow of acclaimed science fiction author and editor, Damon Knight (1922-2002), with whom she founded the Clarion Writers’ Workshop and the Milford Writers’ Conference, described in her 2005 non-fiction work, STORYTELLER. They lectured together at universities across three continents; Kate has continued to offer interviews, talks, and monthly workshops.
Kate Wilhelm has received two Hugo awards, three Nebulas, as well as Jupiter, Locus, Spotted Owl, Prix Apollo, Kristen Lohman awards, among others. She was inducted into the Science Fiction Hall of Fame in 2003. In 2009, Kate was the recipient of one of the first Solstice Awards presented by the Science Fiction Writers of America (SFWA) in recognition of her contributions to the field of science fiction.
Kate’s highly popular Barbara Holloway mysteries, set in Eugene, Oregon, opened with Death Qualified in 1990. Mirror, Mirror, released in 2017, is the series’ 14th novel.
Wilhelm’s works have been adapted for television and movies in numerous countries; her novels and stories have been translated to more than a dozen languages. She has contributed to Quark, Orbit, Magazine of Fantasy and ScienceFiction, Locus, Amazing Stories, Asimov’s Science Fiction, Ellery Queen’s Mystery Magazine, Fantastic, Omni, Alfred Hitchcock’s Mystery Magazine, Redbook, and Cosmopolitan.
Kate Wilhelm is the widow of acclaimed science fiction author and editor, Damon Knight (1922-2002), with whom she founded the Clarion Writers’ Workshop and the Milford Writers’ Conference, described in her 2005 non-fiction work, STORYTELLER. They lectured together at universities across three continents; Kate has continued to offer interviews, talks, and monthly workshops.
Kate Wilhelm has received two Hugo awards, three Nebulas, as well as Jupiter, Locus, Spotted Owl, Prix Apollo, Kristen Lohman awards, among others. She was inducted into the Science Fiction Hall of Fame in 2003. In 2009, Kate was the recipient of one of the first Solstice Awards presented by the Science Fiction Writers of America (SFWA) in recognition of her contributions to the field of science fiction.
Kate’s highly popular Barbara Holloway mysteries, set in Eugene, Oregon, opened with Death Qualified in 1990. Mirror, Mirror, released in 2017, is the series’ 14th novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
April 28, 2022
On of the pleasures of retirement is the ability to binge read a series without any guilt. Here I am at the end of Wilhelm's excellent legal series starring Barbara Holloway. As I read it, I kept checking to see if there might not be another that I had somehow missed, but she died the year after finishing this.
What a wonderful author! I discovered her in the mid-80s when I read Oh, Susanna--a delightful romp starring a librarian. From there to some SF and then her Charlie Meiklejohn/Constance Leidl mystery series, which I devoured. I had read the first of the Holloway books ages ago, and I'm not sure what drew me back to the series, but now I've read them all. Smart dialog (and protagonist), a clever lawyer who pushes the boundaries in court. Her investigations and courtroom performances are powered by coffee, and to a lesser extent by good wine and good food--as long as someone else cooks. The cases she takes on as a defense lawyer always expand, usually to cover series issues (the environment in this one), as she struggles to collect the facts and, at all times, to protect her clients. Over the series we enjoy an ever-growing cast of interesting and likable secondary characters, including her father, a generally pessimistic investigator (the best on the west coast--cases set in Eugene, Oregon, and environs), a gorgeous and brainy assistant, and a romantic interest. She's a feminist through and through who often makes under the radar comments about male judges, policemen, and male attorneys. Serious but not dark, these address complex issues with a liberal bias, as well as the personal and professional worlds of a woman in the law. I've found them all satisfying and they've left me yearning for more.
What a wonderful author! I discovered her in the mid-80s when I read Oh, Susanna--a delightful romp starring a librarian. From there to some SF and then her Charlie Meiklejohn/Constance Leidl mystery series, which I devoured. I had read the first of the Holloway books ages ago, and I'm not sure what drew me back to the series, but now I've read them all. Smart dialog (and protagonist), a clever lawyer who pushes the boundaries in court. Her investigations and courtroom performances are powered by coffee, and to a lesser extent by good wine and good food--as long as someone else cooks. The cases she takes on as a defense lawyer always expand, usually to cover series issues (the environment in this one), as she struggles to collect the facts and, at all times, to protect her clients. Over the series we enjoy an ever-growing cast of interesting and likable secondary characters, including her father, a generally pessimistic investigator (the best on the west coast--cases set in Eugene, Oregon, and environs), a gorgeous and brainy assistant, and a romantic interest. She's a feminist through and through who often makes under the radar comments about male judges, policemen, and male attorneys. Serious but not dark, these address complex issues with a liberal bias, as well as the personal and professional worlds of a woman in the law. I've found them all satisfying and they've left me yearning for more.
January 30, 2019
Another interesting case for Barbara Holloway, and more great courtroom scenes. I am nearing the end of this series, and I need to find another one that has courtroom drama, as I enjoy that so much. There are actually two story lines that impinge upon each other. And Barbara is contemplating changes in her life. Maybe the series will continue—I hope so! Oh No! I just read that Wilhelm died last year at the age of 90. I’m so sad to hear that. But thanks to her for many hours of delightful reading.
November 30, 2020
Notes:
A satisfying place to end the series. The biggest question that drove Barbara was about how she felt about law & justice and the way it worked. I wanted more about her personal life as well but you can't get everything when the plot revolves around the drama of others in need.
Out of the 14 books, I believe my favorites will be the Best Defense #2 (my intro to the series) and this one.
A satisfying place to end the series. The biggest question that drove Barbara was about how she felt about law & justice and the way it worked. I wanted more about her personal life as well but you can't get everything when the plot revolves around the drama of others in need.
Out of the 14 books, I believe my favorites will be the Best Defense #2 (my intro to the series) and this one.
December 1, 2019
I enjoyed the story, both the characters and the mystery. This is the second one of the series that I've listened to with Carrington MacDuffie narrating, and I find him superb. I recommend this episode to all followers of the series. It isn't absolutely necessary to have read previous books in the series, but it helps one to appreciate some of the more subtle aspects of Barbara Holloway, her father Frank, and their mutual relationship. I was pleased to see Frank playing a significant role once again. The only part that didn't work so well for me was the trial. We had been treated to Barbara's role in discovering several secrets related to possible motives for the murder of Robert Valducci and, shortly thereafter, the killing of an appraiser recently hired by Robert. Yet we had to hear all these facts testified to and repeated during the trial, and there were almost no new facts revealed. Serious spoilers:
I guess others have tired of the series, since, in the nearly 3 years since it was published, it has been reviewed by only 28 readers here on GR, none of whom are among my GR friends or people I follow. I admit the some of the entries in the series had grown a bit stale, but this was better than some others that I rated as only 3-star. Sad to say, it is also the last of the series since Kate Wilhelm passed away in 2018, just 3 months shy of her 90th birthday.
I guess others have tired of the series, since, in the nearly 3 years since it was published, it has been reviewed by only 28 readers here on GR, none of whom are among my GR friends or people I follow. I admit the some of the entries in the series had grown a bit stale, but this was better than some others that I rated as only 3-star. Sad to say, it is also the last of the series since Kate Wilhelm passed away in 2018, just 3 months shy of her 90th birthday.
June 17, 2018
The last Barbara Holloway story, as Kate Wilhelm died this spring, at age 90, after a >60 year writing career. I have enjoyed many of Wilhelm's suspense novels over the years, and always looked forward to the next Holloway legal thriller.
December 5, 2025
Barbara Holloway's latest case. Much courtroom drama, clever as always. Rereading, reflecting on Barbara Holloway's razor-sharp intellect and a basic opposition to the system she functions in. Ah- it was her last case, written a year before she died.
January 23, 2020
I like the characters and locations in this series, but this one just wasn't as satisfying as usual. The evidence against Barbara's client was thin and really insufficient for even the most vindictive and/or incompetent police force and DA to take to trial. Knowing that and knowing that Barbara always wins in the end simply didn't keep me in suspense.
The characters seemed a little cliche and extremely thinly drawn. We moved from moment to moment with little depth or complexity. Problem uncovered, problem resolved as if by magic. Wondering if the author is growing bored....
The characters seemed a little cliche and extremely thinly drawn. We moved from moment to moment with little depth or complexity. Problem uncovered, problem resolved as if by magic. Wondering if the author is growing bored....
November 17, 2020
What happens when the only family member who believes in you, your dreams, and who supports you dies?
Gina Valducci’s grandmother lies in Gina’s arms dying. Her grandmother utters a cryptic message before closing her eyes forever. With the help of attorney Barbara Holloway and her attorney dad, Frank, her law associates Shelly and Eric and PIs Bailey and Alan, they solve the puzzle of clearing a man of murder.
Barbara Holloway is one of my favorite female attorney detectives. I call her the female Perry Mason. Carrington MacDuffie was not the voice of the characters.
Gina Valducci’s grandmother lies in Gina’s arms dying. Her grandmother utters a cryptic message before closing her eyes forever. With the help of attorney Barbara Holloway and her attorney dad, Frank, her law associates Shelly and Eric and PIs Bailey and Alan, they solve the puzzle of clearing a man of murder.
Barbara Holloway is one of my favorite female attorney detectives. I call her the female Perry Mason. Carrington MacDuffie was not the voice of the characters.
October 29, 2019
The last in the Barbara Holloway series and my favorite of all 14 books. Saying good bye to Barbara and Frank is sad. I have listened to the entire series in the last few months and I will really miss them and the entire cast of characters.
In books 12 and 13 I felt like Ms Wilhelm was not writing with her usual talent. Then came Mirror, Mirror and ... what a swan song! Rest In Peace, Kate Wilhelm and all of your Holloway people. 😢
In books 12 and 13 I felt like Ms Wilhelm was not writing with her usual talent. Then came Mirror, Mirror and ... what a swan song! Rest In Peace, Kate Wilhelm and all of your Holloway people. 😢
July 11, 2023
A law mystery. I had forgotten about this series and liked it a lot. The main character Barbara works as a trial lawyer and her dad helps her with her cases. There are a lot of descriptions of their meals too which is a fun touch. Her dad enjoys cooking and she does not. This case involved a group of friends who wanted to do produce food organically and there was a lot about the impact the climate change has/will have. Very timely.
November 29, 2023
Another humdinger and the last from a writer who was a genius with trial scenes. I highly recommend the Barbara Holloway series, set in Eugene, OR, as was their author.
From Death Qualified through to this #14, pure entertainment and the culminating trials always left me reading them out loud due to the drama and brilliances.
Then there's wonderful father, Frank, cooking up all delicious food and sharing the wisdom of his years.
I've never been able to read one slowly.
From Death Qualified through to this #14, pure entertainment and the culminating trials always left me reading them out loud due to the drama and brilliances.
Then there's wonderful father, Frank, cooking up all delicious food and sharing the wisdom of his years.
I've never been able to read one slowly.
August 12, 2024
Another good story.
Barbara decides to represent a young man accused of murder. He is part of a group of young people trying to find a way to combat climate change and come up with innovative ways to increase growth of vegetables - earlier budding, and more produce. They had greenhouses at Gina’s grandmother’s farm.
Then Gina’s grandmother and father are killed. Gina’s mother is shot at and Jeff is arrested on all accounts.
A very interesting plot is uncovered and a wonderful courtroom drama reveals the truth.
Barbara decides to represent a young man accused of murder. He is part of a group of young people trying to find a way to combat climate change and come up with innovative ways to increase growth of vegetables - earlier budding, and more produce. They had greenhouses at Gina’s grandmother’s farm.
Then Gina’s grandmother and father are killed. Gina’s mother is shot at and Jeff is arrested on all accounts.
A very interesting plot is uncovered and a wonderful courtroom drama reveals the truth.
March 11, 2019
Possibly the most complex Barbara Holloway mystery yet, involving death, lies, and corruption, as well as an excellent account of the coming problems with food production, water management, and plant diseases brought on by climate change. This side story stresses the need for as much locally produced food as possible and presents one possible solution.
March 14, 2019
Sadly, this will be the last of the Barbara Holloway mysteries. When Kate Wilhelm died a year ago, just short of her 90th birthday, I thought I would not have the treat of one of the books from this series again, so I was thrilled to find this one, written in 2017. This is another great contribution to her long list of accomplishments.
September 22, 2021
Very good. I recall reading 'Death Qualified' a few years ago, so I picked this up at a local used book store. Kate Wilhelm weaves several threads together into a well-constructed story, with engaging characters. I've missed quite a few of these books (this is apparently #14), but it didn't seem to matter -- much appreciated.
October 12, 2024
I read this entire book without having read the series. When I finished the book I started looking at the author and realized I had read the 14th book in the series out of the 14 books that were in the series. The book was so detailed and hooking that I didn’t notice nor did I care at the end because the writing were so good! Truly loved this book.
July 13, 2018
I have never been disappointed by one of Kate Wilhelm's Barbara Holloway books. They're never repetitive and always keeping you guessing about how she'll handle the case. This book is one of her best.
January 16, 2019
So love to settle in with Barbara and Frank. And the good city of Eugene.
Tell me. Did I miss something? Not sure who the perpetrators of the crime ended up being.
Real sure who didn't do it though.
Tell me. Did I miss something? Not sure who the perpetrators of the crime ended up being.
Real sure who didn't do it though.
February 25, 2020
No surprise!
No surprises, but high rating is because I kept reading to hopefully be surprised. Too much time taking about food and preparation. It did nothing to add to story except more words and longer book.
No surprises, but high rating is because I kept reading to hopefully be surprised. Too much time taking about food and preparation. It did nothing to add to story except more words and longer book.
May 27, 2017
enjoyed tremendously. never fails to keep me turning the pages as rapidly as I can. I never saw the murderer coming until the very end. keeps you intrigued and wanting to know more.
October 4, 2017
Kate's books are amazing, too bad she doesn't write faster.
October 17, 2017
What an up to the minute & interesting "read" (listen). Lots about climate change and survivalist farming. An art heist and a clutch of murders!
October 25, 2017
This series got a bit formulaic for me so I had given it up a few books ago. I picked this one up based on good reviews. I was not disappointed. Well plotted and fresh.
December 17, 2017
Much ado about coffee ... like other Wilhelm books, the scenario of every chapter is this - unsophisticated plot, one dimensional characters and someone getting coffee (or making meal).
December 29, 2017
It had its moments.
January 25, 2018
I enjoy most of Kate's books. I wish she would produce more.
February 27, 2018
very good, enjoyed the interweaving of the characters,
March 23, 2018
Another amazing book!
I can’t wait to read the next book! Kate Wilhelm writes so well! It’s a pleasure to read her series!
I can’t wait to read the next book! Kate Wilhelm writes so well! It’s a pleasure to read her series!
April 10, 2018
The permutations and the connecting the dots are fascinating. Barbara Holloway is an amazing attorney.
May 8, 2018
Very good story -
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews