Defensive Wounds

This fourth novel featuring forensic investigator Theresa MacLean starts out with the death of a defense attorney. While the police shed few tears for the aggressive and determined lawyer, the investigative team put their feelings aside to work through several hundred possible suspects as the murder occurred in a hotel hosting a defense-attorney convention. When a second and then a third lawyer who attended the same gathering are found dead, the investigation becomes more difficult as the connection among the three must be the motive. MacLean's daughter, who works at the hotel, might be in danger because of her newfound friend with a sealed juvenile record. Narrator Kristen Potter does a masterly job of blending the young/old, female/male characters in a performance that is smooth and well integrated to the story. For mystery and C.S.I. fans.— J. Sara Paulk, Wythe-Grayson Regional Lib., Independence, VA