Played!

Kahn, perhaps best known for his "Rachel Gold" mysteries, steps up to the plate with this stand-alone legal thriller introducing corporate lawyer Milton Bernstein, who suddenly finds himself in the position of defense attorney when his younger brother Hal is charged with kidnapping and murder. It is Hal's college baseball career that was cut short by injury before he could turn pro that provides the title's double meaning in the face of Hal's claim that he was framed. (Unfortunately, those who may expect stronger ties to America's No. 1 pastime, particularly from a novel set in St. Louis, will be sorely disappointed.) Short chapters quickly move the plot from Hal's first encounters with Cherry Pitt, his alleged victim, through their brief romantic entanglement to her violent death. Along the way, other key players are introduced, as Milton's transformation from legal nerd to wisecracking sleuth is completed.