“The Dead Hand” A Rachel Gold Mystery By Michael A. Kahn

by Cynthia Chow

Details on how to win a copy of this book at the end of the review.

The Dead Hand. Taught to law students in their Property Law class, it’s a situation so confusing that thankfully it rarely occurs. As the Rule of Perpetuities, it was established to prevent someone long dead from controlling property transfer in the future. The Dead Hand was supposed to shut down a tax loophole, but instead it has become a massive headache for St. Louis attorney Rachel Gold.

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Rachel has somehow found herself representing two different Dead Hands, one a case for the first wife and the other on the side of the trophy widow. In the matter of Danielle A. Knight v. Marsha V. Knight, Rachel’s client is Marsha Knight, whose right to her late ex-husband’s property is being disputed by the most recent wife. Concerning the Estate of Bertram R. Mulligan, the very resentful son is suing Cyndi Mulligan on grounds that her child is not Bert Mulligan’s true child. While it’s inarguable that Cyndi did give birth 11 months after her husband’s death, the truth cannot be explained so simply.

Image source: Poisoned Pen Press

As a huge fan of the Rachel Gold novels since the beginning in the early 1990s, I am always thrilled to see her next baffling legal case. The absurdities and complexities of the law are never more fascinating or entertaining, especially when Rachel is joined by her best friend, the lewd and loyal Washington University School of Law Professor Benny Goldberg. Rachel’s former legal assistant, Jackie Brand, having finally transitioned into both a woman and a full partner in Gold & Brand, Attorneys at Law, stands by with equal amounts of femininity and intimidation. Going up against one of the most unethical, ruthless lawyers of the family practice bar, Rachel can always use her friends’ support, but she’s more than capable than matching wits with the best. Rachel Gold has matured into an ingenious and savvy attorney, easily manipulating her lesser through cleverness, research, and adherence to the law.

As compelling as it is genuinely funny, a dash of romance may enter the field when Rachel’s mother delivers the dream of every matchmaking yenta. A practicing trial attorney, Michael A. Kahn is one of the few authors who continues to make courtroom scenes absolutely delightful.

To enter to win a copy of The Dead Hand, simply email KRL at krlcontests@gmail[dot]com by replacing the [dot] with a period, and with the subject line “hand,” or comment on this article. A winner will be chosen September 24, 2016. U.S. residents only. If entering via email please included your mailing address.

You can use this link to purchase the book:

Cynthia Chow is the branch manager of Kaneohe Public Library on the island of Oahu. She balances a librarian lifestyle of cardigans and hair buns with a passion for motorcycle riding and regrettable tattoos (sorry, Mom).