Killer Ambition

By: Marcia Clark

Narrated by: January LaVoy

Length: 15 hrs and 4 mins

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.

[If you found this review helpful, please let me know by pushing the helpful button. Thanks!]

43 of 50 people found this review helpful

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

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

Brilliant Writing and Narration

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

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

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.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

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.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Suspense From The Begining<br />to The End<br />

Great book! I would love being able to write like Marcia Clark. Interesting glimpse into the work of a prosecutor.

A bit slow, otherwise a great story!

This wasn't my favorite Rachel Knight book. Still a good read! A bit slow!

Very enjoyable with plenty of unexpected situations

This is another of Marcia Clark's very enjoyable legal stories. It provides lots of bad situations for her likeable DA to try to manage. Unlike some other tales, not all can be solved and worse really does go to worst. A very believable opponent for the defense and a stinker of a judge made me listen closely for the details.

"5 O'Clock Shadow Shows Up at 3"

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

yes, I love this series, as it has a determined team that fights for justice for all. Lots of droll humor which lightens a dark issue. see title
Good scene is when our young baby D.A. slows up the action as a clever ploy.

What did you like best about this story?

Again, author gives a lot of twists and turns, evokes emotion, and yet adds droll humor.
Love the locations descriptions, as they are so spot on for anyone who knows L.A.

What about January LaVoy’s performance did you like?

She is great in this series as she brings all the characters to brilliant life.
See her in Harlan Corban stories, great.
note: I do use new 1.25x speed to match authors intent.

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

Yup, and one book after another in this series, as I got them all.
Great to have them all on Audible at the same time.

Any additional comments?

The Sam Brinkmann series is great too, but darker, and more men like that character a bit better.
note: must use 1.25x speed for that series.

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.