Killer Ambition

A Rachel Knight Novel

By: Marcia Clark

Narrated by: January LaVoy

Length: 15 hrs

Publisher's Summary

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.

©2013 Marcia Clark (P)2013 Hachette Audio

It's a Perfect (Rachel) Knight

I am a sucker for a legal procedural thriller, especially if it's set in Los Angeles. I listened my way through Michael Connelly's Mickey Haller series ("The Lincoln Lawyer" (2005), etc.) a few months ago. I loved the sense of place, but I was annoyed by the legal mistakes I couldn't help but notice.

Maria Clark knows California law and the Los Angeles Criminal Courts, and "Killer Ambition" is great. Clark conveys the true tension of being a trial lawyer, from missing witnesses (it happens); snarky opposing counsel trying to pull a fast one with discovery and evidence (no, I don't believe you just found that important letter); the agony of jury selection (watching the other side excuse that juror you were counting on); expert witnesses that are experts only in their own minds; and a judge who might as well just sit with the other side, he's made so many (wrong) decisions in their favor. There's so much more, but i don't want to give away the story. Clark captures the tension and excitement of trial perfectly. I actually found myself yelling objections to evidence the Judge allowed in as I drove up the 5 freeway to Court. (I don't usually talk to my books, but I am a civil trial attorney and couldn't help it.)

Clark weaves downtown Los Angeles through the book -The Biltmore, Pershing Square, Engine Company No. 28 . . . She has a true love for those very real places, and it shows.

I read (on paper) Clark's other two Rachel Knight books, "Guilt by Association" (2011) and "Guilt by Degrees" (2012). I liked them well enough to want to read/listen to more, but I loved "Killer Ambition."

January LaVoy is a perfect voice for Rachel Knight. At times, though, other characters voices were a little too dramatic and high pitched.

For those of you that are wondering, yes, the author is That Marcia Clark - the legal commentator, and lead prosecutor on the OJ Simpson trial. I'm mentioning it last so it doesn't overshadow her fine storytelling.

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Killer Story!!

What did you love best about Killer Ambition?

I have read the previous 2 Rachael Knight Books, so naturally I had this one on my wish list The main characters were back, and the story was awesome

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

YES... especially the last 2 chapters. I couldnt do anything at my desk @ work but sit still and listen

What about January LaVoy’s performance did you like?

everything... she is one of the best out there. i enjoy how she brings the characters to life

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

yes!! hated when it ended

Any additional comments?

I actually posted on Marcia Clarks Facebook page telling her how much i love her series and enjoyed her book. She ACTUALLY RESPONDED to my post!!! Can't wait for the next book!! June 2014

Vapid

"I barely control my anger as I ...." "I reach for my *insert detailed description of alcoholic drink*..."

That's the plot. Well, the most interesting parts of the plot. Sorry for the spoilers.

The only person I would recommend this book to is Marcia Clark's therapist.

Brilliant Writing and Narration

I read and then listened to this novel straight thru. Couldn't put it down?

Really like this author!

This is my 3rd book by this author. First one with Rachel and I'm looking forward to more. Good story line and characters and entertainment value was worth the credit.

Another great story from Marcia Clark!

Another great story from Marcia Clark!

I am a huge fan of both her Rachel Knight AND Samantha Brinkman series. Ms. Clark’s stories are engrossing and finely-honed. She weaves common story threads through each series to tie the novels together, but each book stands proudly on its own merit. Ms. Clark’s writing style is warm and inviting. And I love her heroine’s sense of humor…much like my own.

“Killer Ambition” takes the reader not only inside the workings of the DA’s office, courtroom, and juries, but also into the cut throat world of Hollywood. I enjoyed it immensely.

January LaVoy provides yet another stellar, engaging narration of Marcia Clark’s work. She is my favorite narrator. Her narrations are true performances…not merely reading the text, but truly acting out each scene.

Well written and intriguing

I thought this book was excellent. Great characters, intriguing plot development and a satisfying ending. I will definitely read another Marcia Clark novel.

Not impressed with attention to detail

I enjoyed the story, which is as the publisher describes. I am a detail-oriented person, and found the inattention to detail just a little unsettling. As an example, Rachel starves herself and constantly appears to be watching every calorie. However, she seldom has an evening without alcohol. The drinking didn't detract from the story, but as every calorie-counter knows, alcoholic drinks contain lots of calories. That's just a little example, there were others. I was entertained by the story, but would prefer cleaner editing. Just saying in case others are also slightly rankled by inattention to detail.

Fantastic Trial Story

The details of a court trial add to the suspenseful build-up of the final verdict. The narration was excellent as usual.

loving this series

I admit I started this series because I love the reader, January lavoy but this series is great and the stories are a really great listen!