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Barbara Holloway #7
Clear and Convincing Proof
Dr. David McIvey is a gifted surgeon on the Board of Directors of a privately run rehab hospital. After arguing with the Board over his desire to sell the clinic, Dr. McIvey is found murdered. Suspicion immediately falls on two people--David's long suffering wife, Annie, and Darren Halvord, an outspoken therapist at the clinic. Hired by the Board of Directors to protect Annie's interests, lawyer Barbara Holloway searches for the truth behind the murder.
352 pages, Hardcover
First published January 12, 2003
43 people are currently reading
327 people want to read
About the author
Kate Wilhelm
273 books437 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 89 reviews
April 18, 2012
Erica has been given a new start in her life, she is on her way to move into the house she was left by her Grandmother. In her head she pictures a beautiful house with the ability to rent out the top half for a little extra money…or sell it right away to make big money on it and then start over anywhere she wants. When she pulls her car into the driveway reality is far from what she hoped for. She pulls up to a run down, needs a LOT of work, house covered inside and out with trash. Erica now has to use what little money she did have to fix up the house so she can put it on the market. The realtor gives her the name of some places that she can work and can volunteer at to get herself established in the town so it is easier to sell the house when it’s ready. Erica gets a teaching job at an elementary school and starts volunteering at a local rehab clinic (non profit clinic). She works during the days, reads to the patients at the clinic in the evenings and on weekends she works on the house fix up project. She soon comes to love the clinic and its patients and its workers…especially Darren, the physical therapist. Soon it is found out that another doctor, David, is getting shares in the clinic and wants nothing to do with it except to make it into a profit making clinic for his practice. Feelings are strong that this is not what the workers and other share holders want. But how can they stop him? A few days later David is found murdered in the clinic’s garden. That’s one way to make sure he doesn’t get his way isn’t it? Would the people of the clinic really kill to have it stay the way it is? Or did his wife, whom he treats like a slave, finally say she had enough and do it?
This is, by far, one of the best books I have read in a long time! Talk about a book with a mystery that even the reader is baffled on. Because of how the events are set up in this book, the murder really does seem to be a mystery and then some. It was a book where I found myself thinking either no one did it or every single character did it. There were no super strong hints as to who really murdered the doctor or why. I found myself going around in circles in my head with who really would murder the man. I was convinced at one point in the book that the author forgot to put the character in the book that really did it. Then I found myself liking all the characters and not getting any feeling that any of them were capable of committing murder. The more I read, the more I wondered what could have really happened to the doctor. I started thinking that it somehow just had to be suicide. Alas, as the end of the book grew nearer a couple clues were put out there that finally made me 99% sure who did it…but then again I was still 1% unsure. This was a book that was very well written and very well thought out as a psychological thriller with terrific characters added. I will tell you this…the author did not forget to put in who did it, but the real answer to the question of who killed David the doctor will have you in a state of shock. Wonderful book!
5/5 Stars!! MUST READ!!!
This is, by far, one of the best books I have read in a long time! Talk about a book with a mystery that even the reader is baffled on. Because of how the events are set up in this book, the murder really does seem to be a mystery and then some. It was a book where I found myself thinking either no one did it or every single character did it. There were no super strong hints as to who really murdered the doctor or why. I found myself going around in circles in my head with who really would murder the man. I was convinced at one point in the book that the author forgot to put the character in the book that really did it. Then I found myself liking all the characters and not getting any feeling that any of them were capable of committing murder. The more I read, the more I wondered what could have really happened to the doctor. I started thinking that it somehow just had to be suicide. Alas, as the end of the book grew nearer a couple clues were put out there that finally made me 99% sure who did it…but then again I was still 1% unsure. This was a book that was very well written and very well thought out as a psychological thriller with terrific characters added. I will tell you this…the author did not forget to put in who did it, but the real answer to the question of who killed David the doctor will have you in a state of shock. Wonderful book!
5/5 Stars!! MUST READ!!!
April 17, 2018
In which Barbara meets Darren and the push me pull me commences.
November 28, 2020
Notes:
Currently on Audible Plus
Most of the story deserves 4 stars. I think the ending was rushed and needed the time the other elements were given within the story.
Currently on Audible Plus
Most of the story deserves 4 stars. I think the ending was rushed and needed the time the other elements were given within the story.
May 6, 2009
I liked the book but not as well as other mysteries I've read by Wilhelm as the plot was a little convoluted.
David McIvey is a brilliant neurosurgeon but to know him is to "wish him dead". If there were mourners at his funeral, they must have been paid by the hour". The victim is obviously deservedly dead thus the problem is narrowing the field from those who would like him dead to those who had means and opportunity. David was threatening to turn a non-profit rehab clinic in which he controlled 50% of the shares into a for-profit surgical and rehab clinic. He had targeted several staff and was trying to ease them out of their jobs. He was vicious to his second wife. Thus, there are plenty of suspects, lots of clues, and enough twists to keep your head spinning.
David McIvey is a brilliant neurosurgeon but to know him is to "wish him dead". If there were mourners at his funeral, they must have been paid by the hour". The victim is obviously deservedly dead thus the problem is narrowing the field from those who would like him dead to those who had means and opportunity. David was threatening to turn a non-profit rehab clinic in which he controlled 50% of the shares into a for-profit surgical and rehab clinic. He had targeted several staff and was trying to ease them out of their jobs. He was vicious to his second wife. Thus, there are plenty of suspects, lots of clues, and enough twists to keep your head spinning.
January 20, 2021
Barbara Holloway is a great court mystery series available on Hoopla and Audible Plus. I'm a bit critical of the romances Barbara has / attempts to have in each book, but the mysteries are great, and each book seems to explore criminal defense from a different angle. And the romance i complained about is a very minor aspect of the stories...
(I'll probably move this review to book 1 when I catch up on 2020 ratings / reviews).
(I'll probably move this review to book 1 when I catch up on 2020 ratings / reviews).
August 29, 2011
Barbara looked into the murder of a doctor that was wanting to make a rehabilition clinic that was non-profit into a surgical hospital for profit. It had two people suspected of the murder but the real person that did the killing was a big surprise. Barbara might have a new boy friend.
This was narrated by Anna Fields and as always I enjoy listening to her.
This was narrated by Anna Fields and as always I enjoy listening to her.
January 23, 2023
This was a struggle to get through. I would have DNFed if I wasn’t given a copy of this from my mom’s friend and told it was really good. 🥺 I decided to push through and see if it picked up.
It did get a bit better. The first 80 pages dragged and it felt like nothing was happening. There were also so many characters that it was hard to keep track. 🫠 Once Barbara was introduced (the main character didn’t come in until nearly 100 pages in), the author would sometimes start chapters with “she” instead of the varying character names, as was done in the entire book previously. It was confusing and I just had to assume it was Barbara whenever that happened.
The plot wasn’t very interesting to me and I didn’t care about any of the characters. I didn’t predict the ending though and don’t really like it. It’s also strange it ended on speculation… I assume it was correct, but it was a bit weird with no actual proof (despite the book’s title) or confession.
It did get a bit better. The first 80 pages dragged and it felt like nothing was happening. There were also so many characters that it was hard to keep track. 🫠 Once Barbara was introduced (the main character didn’t come in until nearly 100 pages in), the author would sometimes start chapters with “she” instead of the varying character names, as was done in the entire book previously. It was confusing and I just had to assume it was Barbara whenever that happened.
The plot wasn’t very interesting to me and I didn’t care about any of the characters. I didn’t predict the ending though and don’t really like it. It’s also strange it ended on speculation… I assume it was correct, but it was a bit weird with no actual proof (despite the book’s title) or confession.
August 5, 2019
You do not start out a mystery from the perspective of the killer and give absolutely NO indication that the person has the capability to kill. That is literally the First Commandment of Detective Fiction: The criminal must be someone mentioned in the early part of the story, but must not be anyone whose thoughts the reader has been allowed to follow. Wilhelm, who teaches a writer's workshop, surely knows about the Commandments. It almost makes me wonder if Wilhelm broke the first commandment out of hubris.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 20, 2017
I struggled to get interested, but once I did, I enjoyed it a lot. I especially enjoyed reading about Eugene, Oregon, the setting.
July 17, 2020
A different track then the others in the series but it works well. No actual courtroom work this time.
February 13, 2011
This book is involving a non-profit rehab center with much to lose as the main therapist and another staffer become the top suspects in the murder of a neurosurgeon who is the spouse of the female suspect. Barbara H.is the lawyer defending both suspects. I wasn't drawn in until the first 1/3 of the book, more psychological and legal thriller with major drama at the end. I rate this 3 plus to 4- due to the writing quality/style in the beginning.
April 9, 2008
My husband liked it, but I found it to be a disappointing mystery--by a highly acclaimed Northwest author. Too many characters, not enough depth, and a smooshed-together ending with an unconvincing motive.
Jette, you might like this author because her books take place in Eugene!
Jette, you might like this author because her books take place in Eugene!
May 10, 2017
Anna Fields always does a great job in bringing the characters to life.
August 16, 2017
I've read quite a bit of Wilhelm's sf, but I don't think I've ever read any of her straight out murder mysteries before. And it is a good example of the genre. Unfortunately, I think I'm easily bored by murder mysteries, especially when they hinge on a second death as the way to solve the murder. I also get a bit antsy about people who aren't police being the ones who find all of the relevant information*, and to some extent are withholding it from the police. Especially, as in this story, when there are scenes of the 'investigator' confronting the major witness, on her own. Goes against my set of 'play by the rules'.
And the other problem with this book is that the characters are not particularly memorable. The plot is good, although I'm not sure that I remember all of the twists that the solution is based on, and it is certainly one of those lovely 'unpleasant person dies so everyone has a motive' type stories that redeem this genre to me.
* by which I'm thinking the pieces of the puzzle that the solution hinges on, rather than the 'who was where, when' info.
And the other problem with this book is that the characters are not particularly memorable. The plot is good, although I'm not sure that I remember all of the twists that the solution is based on, and it is certainly one of those lovely 'unpleasant person dies so everyone has a motive' type stories that redeem this genre to me.
* by which I'm thinking the pieces of the puzzle that the solution hinges on, rather than the 'who was where, when' info.
January 8, 2019
One of the underlying themes of the book is arrogance, a major characteristic of the murder victim, but not limited to him/her. In fact, at the end, two other important characters accuse each other of possessing a dangerous kind of arrogance. Yet the author allows us to distinguish between the three individuals. In one case, the individual has no interest in or concern for others — he/she is all that matters. The second individual has difficulty admitting mistakes, at least publicly, but is also filled with compassion and doing work that helps others. The third takes charge and makes decisions (sometimes taking risks), but is aware of his/her fallibility and is able to acknowledge that to others. He/she also asks for advice from respected others. I valued the thought-provoking aspects of the book, but found the “solution” to the crime not entirely convincing, particularly from a psychological perspective. Hence the 4 stars not 5.
November 1, 2022
Relationship stuff is definitely not Wilhelm's strength.
She writes good books but struggles to figure out what to do with Barbara's personal life. If you want her to be incapable of having a relationship, then stop having every man who turns up fall in love with her.
This book was interesting from the standpoint that Barbara doesn't end up in court, which makes for a nice change, but the downside was it took awhile to get this story up and running.
I listened to this book on Audible, and it was narrated by Anna Fields. I much prefer Marguerite Gavin who was the narrator of books 5 and 6. Fields' attempts at various accents are just distracting.
She writes good books but struggles to figure out what to do with Barbara's personal life. If you want her to be incapable of having a relationship, then stop having every man who turns up fall in love with her.
This book was interesting from the standpoint that Barbara doesn't end up in court, which makes for a nice change, but the downside was it took awhile to get this story up and running.
I listened to this book on Audible, and it was narrated by Anna Fields. I much prefer Marguerite Gavin who was the narrator of books 5 and 6. Fields' attempts at various accents are just distracting.
July 21, 2022
I had a little trouble with this book at first, had to go back and reread the first couple chapters twice, then three times. There are WAY too many characters in the story, and darn it I can't see how they are all necessary. But I finally got things straightened out and was absorbed by the story. I was a bit surprised at the ending, and I didn't especially care for the lawyer's way of finding the final solution. It was entertaining, though, and a good summer read.
April 1, 2025
Dr. David McIvey is a gifted surgeon on the Board of Directors of a privately run rehab hospital. After arguing with the Board over his desire to sell the clinic, Dr. McIvey is found murdered. Suspicion immediately falls on two people--David's long suffering wife, Annie, and Darren Halvord, an outspoken therapist at the clinic. Hired by the Board of Directors to protect Annie's interests, lawyer Barbara Holloway searches for the truth behind the murder.
February 20, 2016
THIS SUMMARY/REVIEW WAS COPIED FROM OTHER SOURCES AND IS USED ONLY AS A REMINDER OF WHAT THE BOOK WAS ABOUT FOR MY PERSONAL INTEREST. ANY PERSONAL NOTATIONS ARE FOR MY RECOLLECTION ONLY
Erica has been given a new start in her life, she is on her way to move into the house she was left by her Grandmother. In her head she pictures a beautiful house with the ability to rent out the top half for a little extra money…or sell it right away to make big money on it and then start over anywhere she wants. When she pulls her car into the driveway reality is far from what she hoped for. She pulls up to a run down, needs a LOT of work, house covered inside and out with trash. Erica now has to use what little money she did have to fix up the house so she can put it on the market. The realtor gives her the name of some places that she can work and can volunteer at to get herself established in the town so it is easier to sell the house when it’s ready. Erica gets a teaching job at an elementary school and starts volunteering at a local rehab clinic (non profit clinic). She works during the days, reads to the patients at the clinic in the evenings and on weekends she works on the house fix up project. She soon comes to love the clinic and its patients and its workers…especially Darren, the physical therapist. Soon it is found out that another doctor, David, is getting shares in the clinic and wants nothing to do with it except to make it into a profit making clinic for his practice. Feelings are strong that this is not what the workers and other share holders want. But how can they stop him? A few days later David is found murdered in the clinic’s garden. That’s one way to make sure he doesn’t get his way isn’t it? Would the people of the clinic really kill to have it stay the way it is? Or did his wife, whom he treats like a slave, finally say she had enough and do it?
This is, by far, one of the best books I have read in a long time! Talk about a book with a mystery that even the reader is baffled on. Because of how the events are set up in this book, the murder really does seem to be a mystery and then some. It was a book where I found myself thinking either no one did it or every single character did it. There were no super strong hints as to who really murdered the doctor or why. I found myself going around in circles in my head with who really would murder the man. I was convinced at one point in the book that the author forgot to put the character in the book that really did it. Then I found myself liking all the characters and not getting any feeling that any of them were capable of committing murder. The more I read, the more I wondered what could have really happened to the doctor. I started thinking that it somehow just had to be suicide. Alas, as the end of the book grew nearer a couple clues were put out there that finally made me 99% sure who did it…but then again I was still 1% unsure. This was a book that was very well written and very well thought out as a psychological thriller with terrific characters added. I will tell you this…the author did not forget to put in who did it, but the real answer to the question of who killed David the doctor will have you in a state of shock. Wonderful book!
Erica has been given a new start in her life, she is on her way to move into the house she was left by her Grandmother. In her head she pictures a beautiful house with the ability to rent out the top half for a little extra money…or sell it right away to make big money on it and then start over anywhere she wants. When she pulls her car into the driveway reality is far from what she hoped for. She pulls up to a run down, needs a LOT of work, house covered inside and out with trash. Erica now has to use what little money she did have to fix up the house so she can put it on the market. The realtor gives her the name of some places that she can work and can volunteer at to get herself established in the town so it is easier to sell the house when it’s ready. Erica gets a teaching job at an elementary school and starts volunteering at a local rehab clinic (non profit clinic). She works during the days, reads to the patients at the clinic in the evenings and on weekends she works on the house fix up project. She soon comes to love the clinic and its patients and its workers…especially Darren, the physical therapist. Soon it is found out that another doctor, David, is getting shares in the clinic and wants nothing to do with it except to make it into a profit making clinic for his practice. Feelings are strong that this is not what the workers and other share holders want. But how can they stop him? A few days later David is found murdered in the clinic’s garden. That’s one way to make sure he doesn’t get his way isn’t it? Would the people of the clinic really kill to have it stay the way it is? Or did his wife, whom he treats like a slave, finally say she had enough and do it?
This is, by far, one of the best books I have read in a long time! Talk about a book with a mystery that even the reader is baffled on. Because of how the events are set up in this book, the murder really does seem to be a mystery and then some. It was a book where I found myself thinking either no one did it or every single character did it. There were no super strong hints as to who really murdered the doctor or why. I found myself going around in circles in my head with who really would murder the man. I was convinced at one point in the book that the author forgot to put the character in the book that really did it. Then I found myself liking all the characters and not getting any feeling that any of them were capable of committing murder. The more I read, the more I wondered what could have really happened to the doctor. I started thinking that it somehow just had to be suicide. Alas, as the end of the book grew nearer a couple clues were put out there that finally made me 99% sure who did it…but then again I was still 1% unsure. This was a book that was very well written and very well thought out as a psychological thriller with terrific characters added. I will tell you this…the author did not forget to put in who did it, but the real answer to the question of who killed David the doctor will have you in a state of shock. Wonderful book!
July 27, 2017
This book was a letdown. I guessed the killer straightaway. Characters were little more than personality traits. Annie was just a complete idiot and it was obvious that Wilhelm thought so too because she had to explain why other characters shouldn't judge. The killer's motivation was the lazy "they must be crazy" line. This was written as if Wilhelm just phoned it in to meet a deadline.
August 24, 2019
First Barbara Holloway book I've read, and a good introduction. I felt as though I was missing some backstory. This story examined the impacts of parent/child relationships among many of the characters and how the relationships affected understanding of the past, ramifications in the present, and hints of the relationships' futures.
January 21, 2021
I Love that this story was placed in Eugene Oregon, My home town, I wish there were more locations rather than what could be look up on any map, but it was still nice. Cleaning up an inherited house, meeting a man, Trying to save a nursing home inheritance and stocks and a murder mystery. This was a good read.
June 15, 2024
Well, it was a fast read. Easy to follow and interesting enough. I didn't quite guess the ending and that was nice. And I liked the way a little detail provided just as you were about to give up, opened the whole thing up. Oh! Well, that was important! I thought it was a well done touch. It almost earned it a fourth star. Not great, but pretty darn good.
November 26, 2022
Imagination
I don’t know how the author invents these incredibly complex crimes, and then let Barbara lead you slowly and convincingly to the final conclusion. Which is still a surprise.
I don’t know how the author invents these incredibly complex crimes, and then let Barbara lead you slowly and convincingly to the final conclusion. Which is still a surprise.
June 14, 2023
Still a good book but took way too long - like 9 chapters - to get to Barbara and the end - the chemistry with Darren and Barbara - is not anything I appreciate. Barbara is too smart to ditch Will and fall for Darren. I know she has to be flawed but not broken.
April 24, 2018
too many characters
October 11, 2018
I enjoy Barbara Holloway mysteries. I like the characters and the plots are plausible.
March 30, 2019
Took me two days. Very different from rest as the protagonist doesn’t even enter the story until a bit in and no courtroom scene. As far as mystery we’ll I guessed it from very early on.
July 9, 2019
Good, quick, pulpy read. Figured it out about 2/3rds thru but was still worth finishing.
May 2, 2020
The ending was wonderful. Thanks, waiter! Ha. Engaging, as always. Great storyline.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews