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Rachel Knight #3
Killer Ambition
When the daughter of a billionaire Hollywood director is found murdered after what appears to be a kidnapping gone wrong, Los Angeles Special Trials prosecutor Rachel Knight and Detective Bailey Keller find themselves at the epicenter of a combustible and high-profile court case. Then a prime suspect is revealed to be one of Hollywood's most popular and powerful talent managers--and best friend to the victim's father. With the director vouching for the manager's innocence, the Hollywood media machine commences an all-out war designed to discredit both Rachel and her case. KILLER AMBITION is at once a thrilling ride through the darker side of Tinseltown and a stunning courtroom drama with the brilliant insider's perspective that Marcia Clark is uniquely qualified to give.
452 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2013
About the author
Marcia Clark
22 books1,222 followersMarcia Clark is a former LA, California deputy district attorney, who was the lead prosecutor in the O.J. Simpson murder case. She wrote a bestselling nonfiction book about the trial, Without a Doubt, and is a frequent media commentator and columnist on legal issues. She lives in Los Angeles.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 289 reviews
August 25, 2013
A good book makes me sweat real sweat. Killer Ambition had me sweating from the midpoint on.
The casual chatter between the main character and her friends rings true. That’s the way friends talk to each other, and it’s hard to deliver it well. Clark does.
I only saw one ‘stock’ character in this and other books in the series (and common in books featuring assistant or deputy prosecutors) – that’s the boss who is more concerned with his political career than justice or so inept his interference hampers the main character’s efforts to punish the bad guys.
As with Guilt By Degrees, this book could have been a little tighter and a little shorter. Only three books in and the series is starting to show signs of inflation. Guilt By Association, was 356 pages, Guilt By Degrees ran 448 pages, and Killer Ambition is 452 pages. That’s not a bad thing when the stories are as well told as these. But I hope it doesn’t continue. At this rate, the next one may top 500 pages and the one after, 600. What ever happened to tight writing?
The more I read in this series, the more I like the books. I picked the first one up with some trepidation because I thought it might be a case of a mediocre or poor book getting published because it was written by a ‘celebrity’ author. That wasn’t the case. The first book was good, the second better, and this entry maintains the quality. I hope there’s more to come, and the ending of this one made that seem a likely probability.
The casual chatter between the main character and her friends rings true. That’s the way friends talk to each other, and it’s hard to deliver it well. Clark does.
I only saw one ‘stock’ character in this and other books in the series (and common in books featuring assistant or deputy prosecutors) – that’s the boss who is more concerned with his political career than justice or so inept his interference hampers the main character’s efforts to punish the bad guys.
As with Guilt By Degrees, this book could have been a little tighter and a little shorter. Only three books in and the series is starting to show signs of inflation. Guilt By Association, was 356 pages, Guilt By Degrees ran 448 pages, and Killer Ambition is 452 pages. That’s not a bad thing when the stories are as well told as these. But I hope it doesn’t continue. At this rate, the next one may top 500 pages and the one after, 600. What ever happened to tight writing?
The more I read in this series, the more I like the books. I picked the first one up with some trepidation because I thought it might be a case of a mediocre or poor book getting published because it was written by a ‘celebrity’ author. That wasn’t the case. The first book was good, the second better, and this entry maintains the quality. I hope there’s more to come, and the ending of this one made that seem a likely probability.
August 28, 2013
The kidnapping of a young woman, daughter of a prominent Hollywood director, raises flags all over Tinseltown. Discovery of her body turns it into a murder investigation and the flag turns scarlet. Knight is involved from the get-go in a case that defies anything she’s experienced to date. All the evidence leads to a single suspect, but no one wants to believe it could be true, even the family. As Knight’s case appears solid, reaction from media, industry insiders, and the general public only fuel the defense’s advocacy of innocence. Knight is slandered and faces threats against her as she presents the case in court and hopes for the best. Armed with a rookie second chair, she must present her case in courts of law and public opinion. Success in one does not guarantee the other will follow suit. What looks like an easy conviction proves to be trying for Knight, who sees things fall apart before her eyes. Can anyone come out of the woodwork to save her reputation and ensure the killer faces justice? Clark treats readers to her best work yet, showing Rachel Knight as she’s not been seen extensively before, in front of a jury, with lives hanging in the balance.
Clark has made a name for herself and her characters in the past two novels and three short stories. I read the three latter pieces as fillers to see if I would like to take the plunge and was immediately hooked. Before long, I found myself with some time and devoured the two novels, which are a mix of Women’s Murder Club and a female Harry Bosch of sorts. Rachel Knight has always shown her ‘off the record’ investigator side, though she is a tried and tested DDA (previous reviews incorrectly had me calling her an ADA). Clark uses her own past experience at the prosecution table to bring Knight into her own element and does so in a masterful way. The case that seemed to be a cakewalk ends up filled with issues and a defense that will not succumb. Adding the Fourth Estate to the mix only exacerbates the story and fills the trial with more pitfalls, some of which hinder the case. Linking threads from the previous novel serves to treat the habitual series reader with some insight into the personal life Knight is struggling to keep under control. Another of Clark’s masterful literary treats, this novel is sure to stir up interest in the avid reader.
Kudos, Madam Clark for making this not only a wonderful read but showing the reader the other (and expected) side of Knight’s character. I cannot wait to see how you’ll dazzle us with your next publication.
Clark has made a name for herself and her characters in the past two novels and three short stories. I read the three latter pieces as fillers to see if I would like to take the plunge and was immediately hooked. Before long, I found myself with some time and devoured the two novels, which are a mix of Women’s Murder Club and a female Harry Bosch of sorts. Rachel Knight has always shown her ‘off the record’ investigator side, though she is a tried and tested DDA (previous reviews incorrectly had me calling her an ADA). Clark uses her own past experience at the prosecution table to bring Knight into her own element and does so in a masterful way. The case that seemed to be a cakewalk ends up filled with issues and a defense that will not succumb. Adding the Fourth Estate to the mix only exacerbates the story and fills the trial with more pitfalls, some of which hinder the case. Linking threads from the previous novel serves to treat the habitual series reader with some insight into the personal life Knight is struggling to keep under control. Another of Clark’s masterful literary treats, this novel is sure to stir up interest in the avid reader.
Kudos, Madam Clark for making this not only a wonderful read but showing the reader the other (and expected) side of Knight’s character. I cannot wait to see how you’ll dazzle us with your next publication.
November 1, 2018
I have been enjoying the Rachel Night series, though I am confused about her relationship with Graden and impressed with her ability to be a lawyer, manipulating people and letting the facts talk for her where my mouth would be going ninety miles an hour with some swear words thrown in and because truth…justice…MY ASS!
I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Killer Ambition by Marcia Clark.
See more at fundinmental
I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Killer Ambition by Marcia Clark.
See more at fundinmental
July 5, 2013
Hmmm, wonder where Clark got the idea and experience to do a novel about a case with ties to Hollywood, celebrity and an all-invasive press corps trying the case outside the courtroom while putting all the details of the attorney's lives on display for all the world. . . These parts of the novel worked so well -- obviously, her own experiences and role as commentator since that one case have equipped her to tackle these things.
The relationships between Rachel and her friends/coworkers/romantic entanglements remain strong -- although I think it was a bit more in the background this time around, and the book suffered for it.
I could be wrong, but I'm pretty sure we spent more time in court in this novel than the two previous. Which is good, on the one hand, because these are supposed to be legal thrillers, so it's good to have the courtroom proceedings. On the other hand, these are supposed to be legal thrillers, and on the whole, the pace and momentum of this books comes to a standstill in the details of the trial. Now, maybe this is just me -- after my Perry Mason phase in high school, most of the courtroom depictions I've read have been by David Rosenfelt or from Paul Levine's Solomon & Lord series -- and while Clark has a fun, light touch -- she's nowhere near as amusing as these two. Similarly, she doesn't have the gravitas and talent of Michael Connelly -- by the time Mickey Haller gets to court, the brakes have failed and there's nothing to slow the runaway freight train of tension, suspense and energy. I'm not saying I want Clark to turn into a clone of any of these gentlemen -- I'm just saying that until she improves, her readers are better served with Rachel & co. doing the bulk of their work in the field.
In the end, it was worth slogging through the slower portions, for the resolution to the mystery as well as to see how it all played out in the lives of those related to the case -- I particularly liked the storyline involving the Lindsay Lohan-ish character. Now that she's had her say about media circus trials and life under the microscope, I do hope that Clark gets back to the sorts of cases/victims that made the earlier books so much fun to read.
The relationships between Rachel and her friends/coworkers/romantic entanglements remain strong -- although I think it was a bit more in the background this time around, and the book suffered for it.
I could be wrong, but I'm pretty sure we spent more time in court in this novel than the two previous. Which is good, on the one hand, because these are supposed to be legal thrillers, so it's good to have the courtroom proceedings. On the other hand, these are supposed to be legal thrillers, and on the whole, the pace and momentum of this books comes to a standstill in the details of the trial. Now, maybe this is just me -- after my Perry Mason phase in high school, most of the courtroom depictions I've read have been by David Rosenfelt or from Paul Levine's Solomon & Lord series -- and while Clark has a fun, light touch -- she's nowhere near as amusing as these two. Similarly, she doesn't have the gravitas and talent of Michael Connelly -- by the time Mickey Haller gets to court, the brakes have failed and there's nothing to slow the runaway freight train of tension, suspense and energy. I'm not saying I want Clark to turn into a clone of any of these gentlemen -- I'm just saying that until she improves, her readers are better served with Rachel & co. doing the bulk of their work in the field.
In the end, it was worth slogging through the slower portions, for the resolution to the mystery as well as to see how it all played out in the lives of those related to the case -- I particularly liked the storyline involving the Lindsay Lohan-ish character. Now that she's had her say about media circus trials and life under the microscope, I do hope that Clark gets back to the sorts of cases/victims that made the earlier books so much fun to read.
April 6, 2013
Got an ARC from the bookstore I frequent. 04-06-2013
I really like Ms. Clark's books as they have more twists and turns than a mountain road. Now if she starts filling her books with too much information from the previous titles well her calibre as a writer will go down in my estimation, so far she hasn't done that and I really appreciate that as a reader.
Without giving anything away I will say this title is appropriately named and has a good ending, not great just good. The new characters introduced enhance the characters we know from her previous titles and Ms. Clark is really coming into her own with regards to writing books. I think though that while this is fiction is has it's basis in fact which is what makes it a really great rainy day read.
Ms. Clark is one that's well worth that first try, you will probably find something you like if you like Grisham or Patterson. While I will say I shall be looking out for the next, I don't mind the wait when it's as good as this one.
Editing can check out pages 216 and 318 for some issues that need to be taken care of before final print. ;-)
I really like Ms. Clark's books as they have more twists and turns than a mountain road. Now if she starts filling her books with too much information from the previous titles well her calibre as a writer will go down in my estimation, so far she hasn't done that and I really appreciate that as a reader.
Without giving anything away I will say this title is appropriately named and has a good ending, not great just good. The new characters introduced enhance the characters we know from her previous titles and Ms. Clark is really coming into her own with regards to writing books. I think though that while this is fiction is has it's basis in fact which is what makes it a really great rainy day read.
Ms. Clark is one that's well worth that first try, you will probably find something you like if you like Grisham or Patterson. While I will say I shall be looking out for the next, I don't mind the wait when it's as good as this one.
Editing can check out pages 216 and 318 for some issues that need to be taken care of before final print. ;-)
July 7, 2013
This book had a strong start, the first 60% was great, but then it kind of dragged on through the ending. Once they got in court it was not as exciting. Overall it just seemed too long.
March 17, 2016
Third in the Rachel Knight legal thriller mystery series and revolving around Rachel Knight, a prosecutor in L.A. A billionaire producer's daughter is kidnapped.
My thanks to NetGalley and Mulholland Books for providing this ARC for my enjoyment.
My Take
Clark pulled me in by the second page. I had to know who that second person was, and slowly Clark unveiled the events of that night. It was an intriguing reveal with all the detecting you could want in a case that appeared open-and-shut. There are red herrings galore in this, and it all comes down to anger and a girl with too much leeway in her young life. There are reasons kids need boundaries with definite limits. Unfortunately, kids also need parents with ethics. It's also unfortunate about that nasty twist Clark introduces. Jesus.
Hey, I'm with Bailey and Toni; Rachel way over-reacted to Graden's curiosity.
I do love Rachel's attitude toward Vanderhorn, and I completely agree, I too like a boss who's smart. It's incompetence that drives me mad. Instead, this man who's in charge of prosecuting criminals, oops, sorry, alleged defendants, is an idiot more concerned with how things look or who will give him money for re-election. So it's reasonable that how Rachel feels about Vanderhorn will spill over onto Declan whom Vanderhorn appoints to assist Rachel.
So much of this story rang true. People in this are real. There are greedy ones, angry ones, jerks, dedicated ones, and those who have issues. I do love that Hayley's friends are "truly nice kids who seemed to have a lot … going on". It says great things about Hayley, and the things she could accomplish as an adult. It's part of what makes it so incredibly awful. Then there's the legal aspect of the story which I found fascinating as it dives into details and the whys of tactics and requirements, the worries over picking jurors. Including Declan's "taking one for the team". A good guy. I'm looking forward to reading more about him! Then there are the behind-the-scenes machinations revealed about actors, producers, and how screenplays can be held to ransom.
I think I'm way out of date on this practice of detectives and lawyers partnering up to investigate crime. Of course, I've only watched television — CSI, NCIS, Rumpole of the Bailey, Inspector Morse, Law and Order +++ — and have no clue about how it really works. Seems kind of wasteful in some ways and practical in others.
What I'm liking about this series is how Clark has created a group of tight friends with issues, personalities, the back-and-forth teasing, and likes and dislikes who are there for each other. Close, they do have their own lives outside the job, when they can find the time for it, and while they're on the job, they want justice through truth. They're individuals, and Clark has put a twist on this that creates a trio of ladyfriends who kick back and get drunk, but responsibly in the most unexpected way. That room service gives this a nice fantasy twist that a lot of women (and men) could appreciate, lol.
You think Brittany has it bad with her mother? Hmph, it only gets so much worse. Brittany should toss her mommy out on her ear. Of course, I'm not too impressed with Antonovich. Jesus. What an idiot!
This kidnapping does get Rachel to thinking about events after Romy's kidnapping, so we get more back story on Rachel's childhood and the event that shaped the rest of her life.
Okay, I'm not buying that it's taken a year for Rachel to see Graden's house, and that they still haven't done the horizontal mambo. I mean, get serious. In this day and age? Nor have I read anything that explains why Rachel doesn't want to go there, nor why Graden is content to wait.
The Story
Over a late night over drinks, Bailey gets the call about a botched ransom drop, and she and Rachel head out into the night.
It's billionaire Antonovich's sixteen-year-old daughter who's been kidnapped. He paid the ransom, but no daughter. Now he has no choice but to call the cops.
The Characters
Deputy District Attorney Rachel Knight is with Special Trials. The truth about Romy, Rachel's older sister, comes out in a bad way. Carla "the Crone" is a friend and Rachel's childhood therapist. Daniel Rose is a lawyer's lawyer and an old boyfriend of Rachel's who'd like to get back together with her.
Special Trials is…
…"a small elite unit that handled the most complex and high-profile cases".
Toni LaCollier is another Special Trials prosecutor and another of Rachel's best friends. Eric Northrup is their boss; Melia Espinoza, a.k.a., Gossip Central, is his useless, tabloid-reading secretary. District Attorney William Vanderhorn, a.k.a., Vanderputz, is the top dog, clueless but a photogenic, media-savvy boss. Francine Jefferson is his secretary. Sandi Runyon is the DA's media relations chief. Declan Shackner is a young, up-and-coming lawyer, appointed to be second chair to Rachel's case because his dad has money; Kevin Jerreau was a baby DA with Rachel.
The judges
I think there are more judges than cops... Judge Pastor is the duty judge. J.D. Morgan is one of the new breed of judges, and he's Toni's on-again, off-again boyfriend. Siobhan Flanagan is his clerk. Lavinia Moss is the youngest and first black female judge assigned to handle high-profile cases. Judge Patrick Daley is assigned to the kidnapping case. Judge Daglian's clerk is Manny Washburn.
The trial…at last
Judge Osterman is the latest trial judge. Tricia Monahan is his clerk. Deputy Jimmy Tragan is the bailiff. Ms. Hogan is the court reporter.
LAPD
Lieutenant Graden Hales is Bailey's boss over at Robbery-Homicide, and Rachel threw him out on his ass for invading her privacy. He's also incredibly rich due to a video game he envisioned and his brother, Devon, developed. Detective Bailey Keller is one of Rachel's best friends. Drew Rayford is the bartender at the Biltmore Hotel where Rachel lives, and he and Bailey have been together for two years now. He has plans for opening an upscale bar.
SID
Dorian Struck is the "best criminalist" in the department, and Herrera is one of her assistants; Ben Glosky ain't bad either. Steven Diamond is the coroner's criminalist, and he's the knife expert. Detective Don Harrelson is part of Bailey's team. Scott Ferrier and George Harrison are coroner's investigators; Scott is Rachel's "friend with benefits". Dr. Graciela Vendi is the coroner assigned to the case. Dr. Sterling Numan is Dorian's contact when she needs to know about soil and plant samples. Tim Gelfer is the DNA expert who gets shafted on the stand; Barry Feinstein is his boss. Cliff Meisner is the head deputy of the computer crimes section. Leo Relinsky is the fingerprint expert. Barbara Meyerson is the cell phone records custodian. Officer Evan Kowalski does some knock-on-doors, and Officer Bander is with the Airport Division. M. Parkova is a Russian master hacker, the ex-con head of an international cybergang.
NYPD
Detective Abe Furtoni finds the murderer in New York City.
The Antonovich entourage
Sixteen-year-old Hayley Antonovich is the daughter of a mega-famous director, Russell Antonovich. She gets away with murder because her dad is guilty. Dani is Russell's second wife; Raynie is his first and Hayley's mother. Angela Mosconi is Dani's assistant. Uma is Russell's assistant; Jeff is a runner and sometimes an assistant.
Vera is the cook. Duncan Froehman is security. Sophie and Frankie are maids. Maria Sosa is the housekeeper at Russell's party house in the Hollywood Hills. Annabelle is the interior plant designer. Shakti Schwartz is Dani's trainer and yoga instructor. Lee is his driver.
Mackenzie Struthers is the "poor", new girl at Clarington Academy prep school, and she and Hayley are best friends. Brian Shandling is Hayley's boyfriend of whom Mackenzie is jealous.
Amongst Hayley's best friends, Jordana Bloom plans to be a pediatrician and help in underprivileged neighborhoods, another is aiming for a career in green tech, and one has volunteered with WHO and plans to join the Peace Corps. Says a lot about a girl with friends like these… Brittany Caren, the temperamental actress, is another best friend who has fallen off the rails. Patricia Caren is the nightmare of a mother. Dr. Shepherd is her therapist. Valerie is her dresser.
Ian Powers is a former child star, known for his character, Mattie. He's also Antonovich's manager and best friend. Sacha is his girlfriend. Ms. Vasquez is Powers' housekeeper. Stanford Trinity is Powers' lawyer.
The defense
Beldon Castleman is Averly's NY lawyer, as a favor to Donald Wagmeister, "one of the most high-priced lawyers in Los Angeles". Terry Fisk will become Averly's LA lawyer. Owen Poplar is one of their paid-for "experts". Dr. Anthony Kandell is their DNA expert. Suzanne Forester is one of the Las Vegas witnesses and a union worker.
Tommy Maher was a writer on Circle of Friends, a TV series that Antonovich co-produced. Estelle was Tommy's wife and they had a son, Brian. Tommy's sister, Janice, is an author in upstate New York; Elden Brademeyer is her agent. Ned Junger is head of security at Warner Brothers Ranch Studio. Franklin Yarberger is a guard at Russell's current studio; Pete Toker is head of security. Chuck Viener is the head of the studio.
Mr. Gardanian is Brian's landlord. Iris Stavros is a neighbor. Legs Roscoe is the computer hacker, he's finishing his Ph.D. in neuroscience, at the cybercafé. Stephen Wareby is a security guard at the jewelry store where Adam Meisner is the stand-in manager. Dominic Rostoni is a white supremacist gang leader and a successful custom motorcycle dealer. Stuart Connor is in New York with Hayley's iPad. Jack Averly is a dope dealer and production assistant.
The press
Andrew Chatham is with the National Inquisitor. Benjamin at KRFT radio spills the beans.
The Biltmore Hotel
Rachel's been upgraded to a two-bedroom suite. Sure makes it easier for the girls, lol. Angel is the doorman at the Biltmore; Gregor is head of security. Desiree is a "flamboyant cross-dresser whose visuals Rachel enjoys.
A Special Master is a lawyer who's an expert in legal privileges. S/he's called upon when the files of another lawyer or a psychiatrist may be required. Harvey Gish was Rachel's mentor, and he taught Rachel some very important tricks. The best one was "keep quiet".
Catching up…
The DA investigators have taken over the chase to find Lilah from Guilty by Degrees
The Cover
The cover seems appropriate with its Christian Louboutin shoe and a bullet against a white background.
Hey, it's Hollywood, of course there's Killer Ambition all over this town.
My thanks to NetGalley and Mulholland Books for providing this ARC for my enjoyment.
My Take
Clark pulled me in by the second page. I had to know who that second person was, and slowly Clark unveiled the events of that night. It was an intriguing reveal with all the detecting you could want in a case that appeared open-and-shut. There are red herrings galore in this, and it all comes down to anger and a girl with too much leeway in her young life. There are reasons kids need boundaries with definite limits. Unfortunately, kids also need parents with ethics. It's also unfortunate about that nasty twist Clark introduces. Jesus.
Hey, I'm with Bailey and Toni; Rachel way over-reacted to Graden's curiosity.
I do love Rachel's attitude toward Vanderhorn, and I completely agree, I too like a boss who's smart. It's incompetence that drives me mad. Instead, this man who's in charge of prosecuting criminals, oops, sorry, alleged defendants, is an idiot more concerned with how things look or who will give him money for re-election. So it's reasonable that how Rachel feels about Vanderhorn will spill over onto Declan whom Vanderhorn appoints to assist Rachel.
So much of this story rang true. People in this are real. There are greedy ones, angry ones, jerks, dedicated ones, and those who have issues. I do love that Hayley's friends are "truly nice kids who seemed to have a lot … going on". It says great things about Hayley, and the things she could accomplish as an adult. It's part of what makes it so incredibly awful. Then there's the legal aspect of the story which I found fascinating as it dives into details and the whys of tactics and requirements, the worries over picking jurors. Including Declan's "taking one for the team". A good guy. I'm looking forward to reading more about him! Then there are the behind-the-scenes machinations revealed about actors, producers, and how screenplays can be held to ransom.
I think I'm way out of date on this practice of detectives and lawyers partnering up to investigate crime. Of course, I've only watched television — CSI, NCIS, Rumpole of the Bailey, Inspector Morse, Law and Order +++ — and have no clue about how it really works. Seems kind of wasteful in some ways and practical in others.
What I'm liking about this series is how Clark has created a group of tight friends with issues, personalities, the back-and-forth teasing, and likes and dislikes who are there for each other. Close, they do have their own lives outside the job, when they can find the time for it, and while they're on the job, they want justice through truth. They're individuals, and Clark has put a twist on this that creates a trio of ladyfriends who kick back and get drunk, but responsibly in the most unexpected way. That room service gives this a nice fantasy twist that a lot of women (and men) could appreciate, lol.
You think Brittany has it bad with her mother? Hmph, it only gets so much worse. Brittany should toss her mommy out on her ear. Of course, I'm not too impressed with Antonovich. Jesus. What an idiot!
This kidnapping does get Rachel to thinking about events after Romy's kidnapping, so we get more back story on Rachel's childhood and the event that shaped the rest of her life.
Okay, I'm not buying that it's taken a year for Rachel to see Graden's house, and that they still haven't done the horizontal mambo. I mean, get serious. In this day and age? Nor have I read anything that explains why Rachel doesn't want to go there, nor why Graden is content to wait.
The Story
Over a late night over drinks, Bailey gets the call about a botched ransom drop, and she and Rachel head out into the night.
It's billionaire Antonovich's sixteen-year-old daughter who's been kidnapped. He paid the ransom, but no daughter. Now he has no choice but to call the cops.
The Characters
Deputy District Attorney Rachel Knight is with Special Trials. The truth about Romy, Rachel's older sister, comes out in a bad way. Carla "the Crone" is a friend and Rachel's childhood therapist. Daniel Rose is a lawyer's lawyer and an old boyfriend of Rachel's who'd like to get back together with her.
Special Trials is…
…"a small elite unit that handled the most complex and high-profile cases".
Toni LaCollier is another Special Trials prosecutor and another of Rachel's best friends. Eric Northrup is their boss; Melia Espinoza, a.k.a., Gossip Central, is his useless, tabloid-reading secretary. District Attorney William Vanderhorn, a.k.a., Vanderputz, is the top dog, clueless but a photogenic, media-savvy boss. Francine Jefferson is his secretary. Sandi Runyon is the DA's media relations chief. Declan Shackner is a young, up-and-coming lawyer, appointed to be second chair to Rachel's case because his dad has money; Kevin Jerreau was a baby DA with Rachel.
The judges
I think there are more judges than cops... Judge Pastor is the duty judge. J.D. Morgan is one of the new breed of judges, and he's Toni's on-again, off-again boyfriend. Siobhan Flanagan is his clerk. Lavinia Moss is the youngest and first black female judge assigned to handle high-profile cases. Judge Patrick Daley is assigned to the kidnapping case. Judge Daglian's clerk is Manny Washburn.
The trial…at last
Judge Osterman is the latest trial judge. Tricia Monahan is his clerk. Deputy Jimmy Tragan is the bailiff. Ms. Hogan is the court reporter.
LAPD
Lieutenant Graden Hales is Bailey's boss over at Robbery-Homicide, and Rachel threw him out on his ass for invading her privacy. He's also incredibly rich due to a video game he envisioned and his brother, Devon, developed. Detective Bailey Keller is one of Rachel's best friends. Drew Rayford is the bartender at the Biltmore Hotel where Rachel lives, and he and Bailey have been together for two years now. He has plans for opening an upscale bar.
SID
Dorian Struck is the "best criminalist" in the department, and Herrera is one of her assistants; Ben Glosky ain't bad either. Steven Diamond is the coroner's criminalist, and he's the knife expert. Detective Don Harrelson is part of Bailey's team. Scott Ferrier and George Harrison are coroner's investigators; Scott is Rachel's "friend with benefits". Dr. Graciela Vendi is the coroner assigned to the case. Dr. Sterling Numan is Dorian's contact when she needs to know about soil and plant samples. Tim Gelfer is the DNA expert who gets shafted on the stand; Barry Feinstein is his boss. Cliff Meisner is the head deputy of the computer crimes section. Leo Relinsky is the fingerprint expert. Barbara Meyerson is the cell phone records custodian. Officer Evan Kowalski does some knock-on-doors, and Officer Bander is with the Airport Division. M. Parkova is a Russian master hacker, the ex-con head of an international cybergang.
NYPD
Detective Abe Furtoni finds the murderer in New York City.
The Antonovich entourage
Sixteen-year-old Hayley Antonovich is the daughter of a mega-famous director, Russell Antonovich. She gets away with murder because her dad is guilty. Dani is Russell's second wife; Raynie is his first and Hayley's mother. Angela Mosconi is Dani's assistant. Uma is Russell's assistant; Jeff is a runner and sometimes an assistant.
Vera is the cook. Duncan Froehman is security. Sophie and Frankie are maids. Maria Sosa is the housekeeper at Russell's party house in the Hollywood Hills. Annabelle is the interior plant designer. Shakti Schwartz is Dani's trainer and yoga instructor. Lee is his driver.
Mackenzie Struthers is the "poor", new girl at Clarington Academy prep school, and she and Hayley are best friends. Brian Shandling is Hayley's boyfriend of whom Mackenzie is jealous.
Amongst Hayley's best friends, Jordana Bloom plans to be a pediatrician and help in underprivileged neighborhoods, another is aiming for a career in green tech, and one has volunteered with WHO and plans to join the Peace Corps. Says a lot about a girl with friends like these… Brittany Caren, the temperamental actress, is another best friend who has fallen off the rails. Patricia Caren is the nightmare of a mother. Dr. Shepherd is her therapist. Valerie is her dresser.
Ian Powers is a former child star, known for his character, Mattie. He's also Antonovich's manager and best friend. Sacha is his girlfriend. Ms. Vasquez is Powers' housekeeper. Stanford Trinity is Powers' lawyer.
The defense
Beldon Castleman is Averly's NY lawyer, as a favor to Donald Wagmeister, "one of the most high-priced lawyers in Los Angeles". Terry Fisk will become Averly's LA lawyer. Owen Poplar is one of their paid-for "experts". Dr. Anthony Kandell is their DNA expert. Suzanne Forester is one of the Las Vegas witnesses and a union worker.
Tommy Maher was a writer on Circle of Friends, a TV series that Antonovich co-produced. Estelle was Tommy's wife and they had a son, Brian. Tommy's sister, Janice, is an author in upstate New York; Elden Brademeyer is her agent. Ned Junger is head of security at Warner Brothers Ranch Studio. Franklin Yarberger is a guard at Russell's current studio; Pete Toker is head of security. Chuck Viener is the head of the studio.
Mr. Gardanian is Brian's landlord. Iris Stavros is a neighbor. Legs Roscoe is the computer hacker, he's finishing his Ph.D. in neuroscience, at the cybercafé. Stephen Wareby is a security guard at the jewelry store where Adam Meisner is the stand-in manager. Dominic Rostoni is a white supremacist gang leader and a successful custom motorcycle dealer. Stuart Connor is in New York with Hayley's iPad. Jack Averly is a dope dealer and production assistant.
The press
Andrew Chatham is with the National Inquisitor. Benjamin at KRFT radio spills the beans.
The Biltmore Hotel
Rachel's been upgraded to a two-bedroom suite. Sure makes it easier for the girls, lol. Angel is the doorman at the Biltmore; Gregor is head of security. Desiree is a "flamboyant cross-dresser whose visuals Rachel enjoys.
A Special Master is a lawyer who's an expert in legal privileges. S/he's called upon when the files of another lawyer or a psychiatrist may be required. Harvey Gish was Rachel's mentor, and he taught Rachel some very important tricks. The best one was "keep quiet".
Catching up…
The DA investigators have taken over the chase to find Lilah from Guilty by Degrees
The Cover
The cover seems appropriate with its Christian Louboutin shoe and a bullet against a white background.
Hey, it's Hollywood, of course there's Killer Ambition all over this town.
September 1, 2013
I've read all three of Marcia Clark's Rachel Knight novels. The first two were very good detective novels. The stories revolved around police investigation work. This latest installment also has investigation, but unlike the first two, there is a full trial. I liked this aspect. Because the author is a former District Attorney, it was very believable. This particular story also delves into the lack of moral values of certain Hollywood show business types. As I got closer to the finish, I had a hard time putting the book down because I wanted to see how the trial would come out. Also, I like the fact that Clark uses recurring characters in the series who you get to know. Rachel Knight herself, is a very likable, smart, and admirable character. Clark is very good at laying out methods of investigation, but not in a tedious way. If you are interested in crimes from the point of view of police detectives and the district attorney, I highly recommend this book or any of Marcia Clark's Rachel Knight novels. I am looking forward to her fourth book in the series and finding out if there will be any in-depth story line or resolution to Rachel Knight's childhood family tragedy.
June 8, 2013
Let me start out by saying I received this book for free through Goodread's First Read.. Second I do not normally like this genre of books and third FIVE stars all the way! I loved loved loved everything about the book. This is really how I felt as I read the book.
Forget that I read the unedited version. Forget that there were some writing mistakes. I loved the characters and will definitely go back and read books one and two and I sure hope to read more about Rachel Knight. The characters in this book had personalities they were people and that is something many authors fail to convey when writing a story. Nothing negative to say about this entire book. I think I have found a new author and a new genre!
Forget that I read the unedited version. Forget that there were some writing mistakes. I loved the characters and will definitely go back and read books one and two and I sure hope to read more about Rachel Knight. The characters in this book had personalities they were people and that is something many authors fail to convey when writing a story. Nothing negative to say about this entire book. I think I have found a new author and a new genre!
January 19, 2015
KILLER AMBITION contains all of the things that make a Rachel Knight book exciting.
Sass and personality? Check.
A fascinating crime to solve? Check.
More twists and turns than a canyon road? Check.
Picking up right where the last book left off, Rachel Knight is thrown into a celebrity case when the daughter of a hotshot movie director is kidnapped...and doesn't turn up after the ransom is delivered. The case quickly turns out more complicated than it originally seems, and the political side of it isn't making it even better.
And oh, if that wasn't enough, Lilah is still around...somewhere. But where?
Rachel grew over the course of the book, adding much more depth to her already complex character. Sure, she's always going to throw herself into every case, and she's always going to rush into situations, but that's what makes her so likable.
Another must read. This book is entertaining, written well, and Marcia Clark obviously knows her stuff.
Sass and personality? Check.
A fascinating crime to solve? Check.
More twists and turns than a canyon road? Check.
Picking up right where the last book left off, Rachel Knight is thrown into a celebrity case when the daughter of a hotshot movie director is kidnapped...and doesn't turn up after the ransom is delivered. The case quickly turns out more complicated than it originally seems, and the political side of it isn't making it even better.
And oh, if that wasn't enough, Lilah is still around...somewhere. But where?
Rachel grew over the course of the book, adding much more depth to her already complex character. Sure, she's always going to throw herself into every case, and she's always going to rush into situations, but that's what makes her so likable.
Another must read. This book is entertaining, written well, and Marcia Clark obviously knows her stuff.
December 5, 2012
I just love Rachel Knight more and more in each book. And this one is the best yet because it has an amazing Hollywood storyline and a trial sequence like none I've ever read before. Marcia Clark has outdone herself!
June 6, 2018
This was part of our mystery book club. Best of this series, less talk of clothes and traffic and more time spent developing the story. Story was key here with relationships between friends integrated into the story line.
August 14, 2018
Four and a half stars.
I really enjoyed this book. To me, this is the book that Clark is perfect at writing. This one spends far more time in the courtroom than the first two (but, I enjoyed both of those a lot, too). "Watching" Rachel in her element was really enjoyable, and I found myself reading wayyy past my bedtime. Definitely will read the next one. Hope Clark writes more!
I really enjoyed this book. To me, this is the book that Clark is perfect at writing. This one spends far more time in the courtroom than the first two (but, I enjoyed both of those a lot, too). "Watching" Rachel in her element was really enjoyable, and I found myself reading wayyy past my bedtime. Definitely will read the next one. Hope Clark writes more!
February 25, 2017
This was a rather good novel. We had just watched the O.J. Simpson series, so I was curious to see what a book by Ms Clark would be. I got bogged down about a third thru, but then it got better. Got it for a dollar, so the price was right.
September 2, 2023
Very draggy in the middle, the first two Rachel Knight books were much better
May 14, 2020
I don't know how I missed this when it first came out. It was another solid edition in the Rachel Knight series. I really wish Clark would write more featuring this spunky DA>
May 14, 2016
The third Rachel Knight book in series from author Marcia Clark was by far the best thriller of her's I've read. At just over 620 pages, "Blind Ambition", delivers a well scripted suspense legal thriller. Not really a fan of the first two books in this series, this one was an eye opener. Author Marcia Clark keeps her protagonist Rachel Clark in her element, and not running around L.A. playing detective. A riveting tale that is primarily set within the confides of a court of law that keeps Rachel busy as a top flight ADA. Rachel must unwind a kidnapping case that seems to defy what investigators uncover day after day. The kidnapping of Haley Antonovich, the daughter of Hollywood mogul Russell Anonovich quickly morphs into a double murder, and one million dollars ransom missing. The kidnapping may likely have been staged by Haley and her new boyfriend Brian. Before long bodies turn up, and former child star, and now Russell Antonovich's top confidant, Ian Powers is arrested for murder. It's here this one really shines when the case moves into the courtroom. Rachel gets a raw rookie, Declan to assist preparing her case and be her second chair with the trial. At first Rachel is horrified her boss has done this to her. Luckily for Rachel, Declan seems to grow as a lawyer, and researcher with each passing pages. At times the suspense hangs in the air like an anvil waiting to fall on someone's head. Rachel is also supported by her usual cast of characters, Bailey Keller, Graden Hale, and Toni. The dynamics of these characters working together in support of Rachel really help define this book much better than previous Rachel Knight thrillers. We also get a glimpse into what happened to Rachel's missing sister from many years ago. All of the side characters are very well developed and play key pieces to what this murder case is about. I was so happy this book read very quickly. Not that the 600 plus pages scared me, there is no lull in the plot. It took me a little longer than I normally read, but I enjoyed it cover to cover. It was an interesting story. Author Marcia Clark shows she can weave a pretty good tale. Five stars out of a possible five stars for, "Blind Ambition". I'm looking forward to reading the fourth book in this series. Highly recommend for those who like good legal thrillers. One of the ring tones on Rachel's phone is, "The Crystal Ship", from the Doors, now that's cool.
August 24, 2014
Killer Ambition – Slick and stylish.
Killer Ambition by Marcia Clark is part of the Rachel Knight series of which this was my first reading which charmed from the first page to the last. Written by a former Californian prosecutor she brings all her experience to bear as she shines a light on the relationship between the District Attorney’s Office and the LAPD. Marcia Clark’s writing style is addictive and her choice of characters is inspired, it is also great to see two strong intelligent women without having to rely on a defective detective.
Detective Bailey Keller and Deputy DA Rachel Knight are called out to a kidnapping of the teenage daughter of famous Hollywood director Russell Antonovich. They have only get called in once the ransom fee has been paid and the daughter has not been released. Now it becomes a race to find Haley Antonovich and to find out as much as possible about her as possible.
Neither, Keller or Knight can believe how many people there are around Antonovich all with knowledge of what is going on. It is when Haley and her boyfriend turn up dead in different locations that things really start to go downhill very fast. As fast as they try to find information and evidence of what happened they see how quickly doors are closed to them. They find that Hollywood tends to operate on the same principles of the mafia just with more glitter and glamour.
We see that even as the investigation continues that Knight and Keller are faced with doors slamming in their faces. They also have to contend with the DA who does not want to upset any of the big hitters of Hollywood especially as he needs their money for re-election. Not helped by slick Hollywood attorneys trying to muddy the waters and using every trick in the book to protect and clear their client.
Killer Ambition is a great crime procedural novel that is well written and researched, very polished. It is worth letting the household chores pile up as you read this book as it enjoyable and highly addictive. This book and its lead characters charm all the way through the thriller making it nothing but a pleasure to read.
Killer Ambition by Marcia Clark is part of the Rachel Knight series of which this was my first reading which charmed from the first page to the last. Written by a former Californian prosecutor she brings all her experience to bear as she shines a light on the relationship between the District Attorney’s Office and the LAPD. Marcia Clark’s writing style is addictive and her choice of characters is inspired, it is also great to see two strong intelligent women without having to rely on a defective detective.
Detective Bailey Keller and Deputy DA Rachel Knight are called out to a kidnapping of the teenage daughter of famous Hollywood director Russell Antonovich. They have only get called in once the ransom fee has been paid and the daughter has not been released. Now it becomes a race to find Haley Antonovich and to find out as much as possible about her as possible.
Neither, Keller or Knight can believe how many people there are around Antonovich all with knowledge of what is going on. It is when Haley and her boyfriend turn up dead in different locations that things really start to go downhill very fast. As fast as they try to find information and evidence of what happened they see how quickly doors are closed to them. They find that Hollywood tends to operate on the same principles of the mafia just with more glitter and glamour.
We see that even as the investigation continues that Knight and Keller are faced with doors slamming in their faces. They also have to contend with the DA who does not want to upset any of the big hitters of Hollywood especially as he needs their money for re-election. Not helped by slick Hollywood attorneys trying to muddy the waters and using every trick in the book to protect and clear their client.
Killer Ambition is a great crime procedural novel that is well written and researched, very polished. It is worth letting the household chores pile up as you read this book as it enjoyable and highly addictive. This book and its lead characters charm all the way through the thriller making it nothing but a pleasure to read.
September 7, 2015
With each book that I read in the Rachel Knight series, I find it harder and harder to pick which one I liked more! I find that each book fulfills different yearnings that quinces my reading thirsts!
I like the fact that the main characters don't really change throughout the series! You may hear less from a few throughout the different books, but for the most part, they are all back, with much more greatness with each book! Of course, new characters are introduced as each story is different, but I find comfort in knowing my favorite characters keep coming back, because I enjoy reading and learning more about Rachel and her crew!
Marcia Clark has infinite knowledge of the judicial system and that shows in her writing! She beautifully weaves factual legal strategies within her stories, which is one thing that I think pulls me in like it does! I enjoy the thoroughness of her writing in the legal sense!
January LaVoy is the perfect narrator to portray Rachel Knight! I am also beyond thrilled that LaVoy has narrated the entire series! I hate when a narrator changes every few books, especially if that narrator is jiving with the stories and characters! LaVoy is spot on with her narration, delivering a stunningly stellar performance! She is a true professional narrator and I find myself picking up titles just because she narrates them!
Overall, the Rachel Knight series is one of my favorite series' to read and I fall in love with it more with each book! I just read the synopsis for the next book, The Competition and I can't wait to jump into it! Killer Ambition has the perfect title...because that story is KILLER!!!
For a more in depth review, please visit my blog, ChorleyChronicals!!!!
I like the fact that the main characters don't really change throughout the series! You may hear less from a few throughout the different books, but for the most part, they are all back, with much more greatness with each book! Of course, new characters are introduced as each story is different, but I find comfort in knowing my favorite characters keep coming back, because I enjoy reading and learning more about Rachel and her crew!
Marcia Clark has infinite knowledge of the judicial system and that shows in her writing! She beautifully weaves factual legal strategies within her stories, which is one thing that I think pulls me in like it does! I enjoy the thoroughness of her writing in the legal sense!
January LaVoy is the perfect narrator to portray Rachel Knight! I am also beyond thrilled that LaVoy has narrated the entire series! I hate when a narrator changes every few books, especially if that narrator is jiving with the stories and characters! LaVoy is spot on with her narration, delivering a stunningly stellar performance! She is a true professional narrator and I find myself picking up titles just because she narrates them!
Overall, the Rachel Knight series is one of my favorite series' to read and I fall in love with it more with each book! I just read the synopsis for the next book, The Competition and I can't wait to jump into it! Killer Ambition has the perfect title...because that story is KILLER!!!
For a more in depth review, please visit my blog, ChorleyChronicals!!!!
December 16, 2013
A kidnapping goes wrong, and two young persons are found knifed to death. One is the teenage daughter of a popular Hollywood director; the other, the son of a writer who had accused that same father of stealing a script that started him on the road to fame. As Rachel Knight, the Special Trials prosecutor and detective Bailey Keller begin to assess physical evidence, it turns out that a top talent agent, the director’s partner and best friend, looks good for the crime.
That is the setting for the courtroom scene, which occupies a good part of this novel. Of course the author, a former prosecutor herself, knows the ins and outs of conducting a trial, and uses her knowledge well. With much of Hollywood, and especially the father, proclaiming the accused’s innocence, the media has a field day, and the dynamic duo has a tough row to hoe. Especially with some of the artificial impediments the author places in the way of Rachel overcoming the work of the excellent defense counsel, and proving guilt beyond a shadow of doubt, since the evidence is largely circumstantial.
While the plot is interesting, I felt that too much time was spent on side issues, like the love lives of the three main female characters, or how they need a drink because they’ve “worked” too hard. (What are they supposed to be doing? Vacationing at the taxpayer’s expense?) And the running cliché: how a cold, dry martini is refreshing after one has been subjected to 90 degree weather. Aside from such minor foibles, the story moves swiftly, and the novel is recommended.
That is the setting for the courtroom scene, which occupies a good part of this novel. Of course the author, a former prosecutor herself, knows the ins and outs of conducting a trial, and uses her knowledge well. With much of Hollywood, and especially the father, proclaiming the accused’s innocence, the media has a field day, and the dynamic duo has a tough row to hoe. Especially with some of the artificial impediments the author places in the way of Rachel overcoming the work of the excellent defense counsel, and proving guilt beyond a shadow of doubt, since the evidence is largely circumstantial.
While the plot is interesting, I felt that too much time was spent on side issues, like the love lives of the three main female characters, or how they need a drink because they’ve “worked” too hard. (What are they supposed to be doing? Vacationing at the taxpayer’s expense?) And the running cliché: how a cold, dry martini is refreshing after one has been subjected to 90 degree weather. Aside from such minor foibles, the story moves swiftly, and the novel is recommended.
August 20, 2014
By the time I started reading the third book in the series I knew to expect Rachel's recklessness and propensity to purse the truth at all costs (and the fact that these two combined kept constantly getting her into all sort of trouble). This book also happens to feature the case that I found most interesting (the second book was a close second - I know, I know, couldn't help it lol) - this murder takes us into the heart of glamour, wealth and deception that is Hollywood (or at least Marcia Clark's fictional version of it). A daughter of a rich Hollywood director has been kidnapped and murdered. To say it's a high profile case would be an understatement. On her quest for the truth and justice Knight is forced to go against everyone - not only the suspect and his defense team but also the press, the press and in a strange twist of events, the victim's father. And of course there is always her ever obnoxious, spotlight hungry boss who saddles her with a rookie second chair. (one of those supporting role characters that I hope will reappear in the future books)
I enjoyed the change of investigative pace and switching gears towards the courtroom. Procedurals tend to be my cup of tea anyway but I really think that more than anything I simply find the character of Rachel Knight likeable and interesting (in all her imperfection) and that's what keeps me coming back. I tend to form attachments to my favorite characters the same way I do to hairdressers - loyal to a fault. This is definitely a series I plan to continue reading.
I enjoyed the change of investigative pace and switching gears towards the courtroom. Procedurals tend to be my cup of tea anyway but I really think that more than anything I simply find the character of Rachel Knight likeable and interesting (in all her imperfection) and that's what keeps me coming back. I tend to form attachments to my favorite characters the same way I do to hairdressers - loyal to a fault. This is definitely a series I plan to continue reading.
August 19, 2017
3 stars, review to come...:)
killer ambition... 3 stars
Let me start out by saying I really, really liked the first 2 books and I like this one too. but, What made me give this book only 3 stars was the whole jury selection thing which I skimmed over! leave out the trial and jury selections and this would have been a 5 star for me. The relationships and story line are enough to carry the stories Ms. Clark so wonderfully writes.
The humor is wonderful as is the friendships Rachel has with her two "besties" Bailey and Tony along with each of their significant others, J.D. and Drew. Rachel's new man Lieutenant Graydon who I think I might be a little in love with myself is perfect for her. Declan was a delight, hope he stays part of the team. I so enjoy the no sex they have, so refreshing that they are waiting!
The young daughter of a super rich and powerful movie mogul is kidnapped and the trail seems to lead to her boyfriend. The hunt is on and no one is better at this than Rachel and Bailey! There are quite a few twists and turns and I won't give anything away so .... you will have to read this one for yourself...
killer ambition... 3 stars
Let me start out by saying I really, really liked the first 2 books and I like this one too. but, What made me give this book only 3 stars was the whole jury selection thing which I skimmed over! leave out the trial and jury selections and this would have been a 5 star for me. The relationships and story line are enough to carry the stories Ms. Clark so wonderfully writes.
The humor is wonderful as is the friendships Rachel has with her two "besties" Bailey and Tony along with each of their significant others, J.D. and Drew. Rachel's new man Lieutenant Graydon who I think I might be a little in love with myself is perfect for her. Declan was a delight, hope he stays part of the team. I so enjoy the no sex they have, so refreshing that they are waiting!
The young daughter of a super rich and powerful movie mogul is kidnapped and the trail seems to lead to her boyfriend. The hunt is on and no one is better at this than Rachel and Bailey! There are quite a few twists and turns and I won't give anything away so .... you will have to read this one for yourself...
August 30, 2014
"Killer Ambition (A Rachel Knight Novel"), by Marcia Clark is the third novel in this legal thriller mystery series, that centers around Rachel Knight, a prosecutor in L.A. I have read her previous two books, and enjoyed this novel the best so far.
This book takes a different approach, and concentrates on gathering evidence and witnesses for a trial, and then continues on to the trial.
So Killer Ambition is really more of a courtroom drama than a police procedural. Since Ms. Clark is a lawyer and prosecutor, this book probably feels more natural to her. The story of what happens behind the scenes is very believable and interesting.
I recommend this novel to people who like courtroom drama. I wonder if the next book will be a mystery or a courtroom book?
This book takes a different approach, and concentrates on gathering evidence and witnesses for a trial, and then continues on to the trial.
So Killer Ambition is really more of a courtroom drama than a police procedural. Since Ms. Clark is a lawyer and prosecutor, this book probably feels more natural to her. The story of what happens behind the scenes is very believable and interesting.
I recommend this novel to people who like courtroom drama. I wonder if the next book will be a mystery or a courtroom book?
Read
February 19, 2016Held my interest and seemed a competent example of its genre, although the petty competitions between the protagonist and her friends were annoying (as a character trait, not that characters have to be likable). Before I learned that the author was involved in prosecuting the O.J. Simpson case, I was skeptical that a deputy DA would be going out to the crime scene with the police, but I suppose the author would know better than I do. However, there was a major clue (cafe scene) that ultimately seems not to fit with the solution.
August 7, 2014
I found myself interested in the book all the way through. It was a nice change to look at a murder case from the point of view of a D.A. I enjoyed the book very much!
December 1, 2014
This took too much time to develop and I found it boring so I abandoned it.
July 16, 2020
Ths review needs to be very short because I am having some really bad eye problems and need to get off the computer and put on some warm compresses!
I love Marcia Clark in the courtroom and as a writer. There are 13 discs in this audio set. First of all my vision is very blurry and I actually listened to disc 7 instead of disc 1 at first! Of course I was really confused about what was going on. I listened to the whole disc and then found out what happened. Next day, I played disc 1 and the story started to make sense. I love the dialogue and the chatter between Rachel. It is a great procedural crime novel with dramatic trial scenes. I used to live in Los Angeles County and it brought back my memories of jury duty there. Hollywood or the picture industry makes sense for part of the story. I would have loved to have gotten picked up for one trial involving a charge that one writer stole the story idea from another writer for a movie. Did not get on that jury but it works into this book.
Rachel Knight was excited about getting the case in this book, involved the kidnaping of a young star who was the daughter of hugely rich director. Rachel teams up with Bailey Keller and later adds young and brillant law student whose father refuses to accept him and Russian woman who had three years on Terminal island, a mastermind with all things computer. I loved her blunt and let's get to work attitude!
I loved the story. There also a part at the end connecting Rachel Knight's relationship with her father and what the other women were seeking but not finding in their fathers.
I love Marcia Clark in the courtroom and as a writer. There are 13 discs in this audio set. First of all my vision is very blurry and I actually listened to disc 7 instead of disc 1 at first! Of course I was really confused about what was going on. I listened to the whole disc and then found out what happened. Next day, I played disc 1 and the story started to make sense. I love the dialogue and the chatter between Rachel. It is a great procedural crime novel with dramatic trial scenes. I used to live in Los Angeles County and it brought back my memories of jury duty there. Hollywood or the picture industry makes sense for part of the story. I would have loved to have gotten picked up for one trial involving a charge that one writer stole the story idea from another writer for a movie. Did not get on that jury but it works into this book.
Rachel Knight was excited about getting the case in this book, involved the kidnaping of a young star who was the daughter of hugely rich director. Rachel teams up with Bailey Keller and later adds young and brillant law student whose father refuses to accept him and Russian woman who had three years on Terminal island, a mastermind with all things computer. I loved her blunt and let's get to work attitude!
I loved the story. There also a part at the end connecting Rachel Knight's relationship with her father and what the other women were seeking but not finding in their fathers.
July 31, 2017
Killer Ambition by Marcia Clark is the third installment in the Rachel Knight series. One of my favorite things about this series is not that it’s a Rachel Knight series. No, Marcia Clark, does better and goes one step further by writing a series with several characters that the reader gets to know and bond with.
This story packs a punch right in the feels when Rachel and Bailey are brought in to investigate the murder of the daughter of a Hollywood mover and shaker after it appears she has been kidnapped. This story hit me hard because the victim is so young and it bothers me when life is snuffed out so needlessly, but even more so when the victim is young and has so much life to live. The story delivers a swift kick when the prime suspect of the murder turns out to be the best friend of the victim’s father. My first thought, was “with friends like this, who needs enemies?”
As more details about the case emerge and the Hollywood machine gets ugly, I was so impressed with how Rachel and her posse continue to persevere and dig for the truth and not take anything at face value.
My Final Verdict: This is an amazing series that I highly recommend reading in order. I truly hope there will be more Rachel Knight stories, though there appears to only be four at this time. Marcia Clark writes intriguing stories with characters that are easy to relate to and connect with.
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of Killer Ambition from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
This story packs a punch right in the feels when Rachel and Bailey are brought in to investigate the murder of the daughter of a Hollywood mover and shaker after it appears she has been kidnapped. This story hit me hard because the victim is so young and it bothers me when life is snuffed out so needlessly, but even more so when the victim is young and has so much life to live. The story delivers a swift kick when the prime suspect of the murder turns out to be the best friend of the victim’s father. My first thought, was “with friends like this, who needs enemies?”
As more details about the case emerge and the Hollywood machine gets ugly, I was so impressed with how Rachel and her posse continue to persevere and dig for the truth and not take anything at face value.
My Final Verdict: This is an amazing series that I highly recommend reading in order. I truly hope there will be more Rachel Knight stories, though there appears to only be four at this time. Marcia Clark writes intriguing stories with characters that are easy to relate to and connect with.
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of Killer Ambition from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
April 13, 2018
I really enjoyed this book. I've read the previous books in this series as well as all the books in her other series (Samantha Brinkman) and while I generally prefer Samantha Brinkman a bit better, "Killer Ambition" is definitely the best of the Rachel Knight books so far.
The bare bones of the plot are covered in the description above, though I was actually surprised that it gives away the main suspect. They zero in on the suspect very early in the book so I guess it's not hurting anything and anyway this book is much more heavily focused on the trial than the previous two installments.
I'm generally a huge fan of detective procedurals, but I do like a good legal courtroom procedural as well, and this book had both! Clark actually walks you pretty much through how a trial works from jury selection all the way to reading the verdict. Since I know that she is very knowledgeable on the subject, it all came off as pretty true to life and I even saw several hints that maybe she was drawing some inspiration from her own history of prosecuting an extremely high profile case.
This book was jam packed with content - so much so that the personal relationship stuff that was so present in the first two installments felt notably more sparse, but I actually liked that. It gave the sense of what Knight's (or Clark's) life would really be like during a big trial.
We were also introduced to a few new characters that I found really likable, especially second chair Declan. Hopefully he'll be back in future installments!
The bare bones of the plot are covered in the description above, though I was actually surprised that it gives away the main suspect. They zero in on the suspect very early in the book so I guess it's not hurting anything and anyway this book is much more heavily focused on the trial than the previous two installments.
I'm generally a huge fan of detective procedurals, but I do like a good legal courtroom procedural as well, and this book had both! Clark actually walks you pretty much through how a trial works from jury selection all the way to reading the verdict. Since I know that she is very knowledgeable on the subject, it all came off as pretty true to life and I even saw several hints that maybe she was drawing some inspiration from her own history of prosecuting an extremely high profile case.
This book was jam packed with content - so much so that the personal relationship stuff that was so present in the first two installments felt notably more sparse, but I actually liked that. It gave the sense of what Knight's (or Clark's) life would really be like during a big trial.
We were also introduced to a few new characters that I found really likable, especially second chair Declan. Hopefully he'll be back in future installments!
November 4, 2017
Do you converse with strangers? I do, frequently. This time it was in the library. A fellow crime section wanderer told me, after a bit of crime fic chat, that I'd probably like Marcia Clark as she was a prosecutor. Clark was , in fact, lead prosecutor in the OJ Simpson case. I do like an authentic courtroom battle, or what is presented as such. This book had twists, turns, layers and a cast of thousands. Well, a lot. This book was the third in the series but can be read as a standalone.
I was sufficiently gripped despite expecting The Good Wife and getting something more along the lines of Sweet Valley High grows up and does Police Stuff and Law. I will read more by this writer and I admire her ability to remember who everyone is, let alone get them in a linear plot.
Deputy District Attorney Rachel Knight is hard-working, level headed and has a bezzie mate who is a robbery and homicide detective. Detective Bailey Keller gets that sometimes it is all work and treasures the time when they can hang out just being cocktail drinking gals with their friend Toni. The trio are 'feisty' and occasionally feisty without the air quotes. I don't like faux feistiness. It always seems indulgent and the route to a comeuppance. We shall see.
The plot involves a kidnapping,a murder and a trial where the reputation of some powerful people is on the line.
I was sufficiently gripped despite expecting The Good Wife and getting something more along the lines of Sweet Valley High grows up and does Police Stuff and Law. I will read more by this writer and I admire her ability to remember who everyone is, let alone get them in a linear plot.
Deputy District Attorney Rachel Knight is hard-working, level headed and has a bezzie mate who is a robbery and homicide detective. Detective Bailey Keller gets that sometimes it is all work and treasures the time when they can hang out just being cocktail drinking gals with their friend Toni. The trio are 'feisty' and occasionally feisty without the air quotes. I don't like faux feistiness. It always seems indulgent and the route to a comeuppance. We shall see.
The plot involves a kidnapping,a murder and a trial where the reputation of some powerful people is on the line.
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