Undue Influence

Borgenicht's 16th mystery is another of her well-crafted narratives featuring strong characters. Here the focus is on Lydia Ness; a lawyer employed by a noted Manhattan firm, she is the divorced mother of a little girl, Addie. Ambition compels Lydia to defend Jerry Eldstrom, charged with the rape-murder of young Pam Howells, although all the odds are against him. Incited by Pam's outraged family, public opinion militates against the lawyer's efforts to find evidence exonerating the accused. Lydia is able to upset the prosecution's case, and the jury's intention to vote not guilty becomes clear. It is, however, a costly victory for Lydia. To avenge the pathetic victim, the Howell clan kidnaps Addie, creating a situation that demands all of her mother's legal arts. In most respects, the novel equals Borgenicht's best adventures in suspense. However, Lydia's discovery of evidence favoring her client is too sudden and convenient. As a result, the closing chapters lose a bit of the suspense that has kept the reader turning pages. (Nov.)