The Dead Hand: A Rachel Gold Mystery

Kahn’s 10th mystery featuring St. Louis attorney Rachel Gold (after 2014’s Face Value) is more law-school textbook than legal thriller. The eponymous dead hand is an archaic term that refers to a person’s attempt while alive to control his or her assets beyond the grave into perpetuity. Rachel must grapple with two such cases at the same time. One client is Cyndi Mulligan, a widow being sued by her stepson, who had a falling out with his late father over the family business. The other is Marsha Knight, a dead millionaire’s first wife in danger of losing her divorce settlement through the machinations of the deceased’s young widow. Long expository legal passages are relieved by the lively supporting characters, who include Rachel’s supportive law partner, Jacki Brand; jolly lawyer friend Benny Goldberg; and Rachel’s matchmaking mother. Kahn’s signature diverting and snappy banter is a plus. (Sept.)