Reviews

Killer Ambition by Marcia Clark

jaemac's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

Well obviously I'm enjoying author Marcia Clark's books. "Killer Ambition" is the third mystery of the series. I've already reviewed "Guilt By Association", "Guilt By Degrees" and "The Competition" so if you want to read the books in order you can read those reviews too. I know in previous reviews I've said it before but just in case you've forgotten, Marcia Clark is one spectacular author. I was surprised to find that the former prosecutor of O.J. Simpson could be such an amazing mystery writer.

This book opens with the kidnapping of Haley, the sixteen year old daughter of the famous billionaire Hollywood director Russell Antonovich. Our assistant District Attorney for Special Trials, Rachel Knight, catches the explosive case and just might live to regret it. The prosecution of the suspect will be a media sensation and might endanger Rachel's career. She and LAPD Detective Bailey Keller must race the clock to find out just what happened to Haley before the media machine chews Rachel up and spits her out.

Politics and the Hollywood elite ratchets up the stakes for Rachel. If she wins her case her boss will lose some huge influential and moneyed contributors, if she loses she'll be mocked for taking this case to trial at all. The media already are yelling that she's prosecuting just to make her career and all she wants to do is find out the truth. Who hurt Haley?

Once again Marcia Clark brings us a fast pace thrill of a mystery. There are so many people to talk to and information to collect that I found myself wishing it was a little more straight forward. Don't get me wrong, it's still a great read. Definitely a four out of five, just not as perfect as her previous mystery. Clark stays on my short list of go-to authors though. If you want a mystery that keeps you guessing until the end you've found a winner.

ktuc's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous challenging dark emotional mysterious sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.0

judithdcollins's review

Go to review page

3.0

A special thank you to Mulholland Books and NetGalley for a complimentary reading copy.

Marcia Clark’s KILLER AMBITION (A Rachel Knight Novel), captures the adventures of LA’s Special Trials DA Rachel Knight and BFF Detective Bailey Keller with humor, drama, and suspense!

After having finished reading an ARC of Clark’s latest novel, THE COMPETITION (July 8, 2014)—which I would recommend, involving a suspenseful high school massacre— wanted to go back and read the earlier books in the series, so playing catch up.

KILLER AMBITION, involves the glamour, glitz, and power of Hollywood, rights to screenplay, and kidnapping of teenager Hayley, the only child of mega producer Russell Antonovich. She is the daughter of billionaire Hollywood director, found murdered after a kidnapping gone wrong. To complicate matters, the prime suspect is a powerful talent manager and best friend to the victim’s father.

Of course the media is front and center and pressure heats up as Rachel Knight always seems to be high profile—for a suspenseful high stakes trial, a drama with well- planned legal strategies who knows her way around a courtroom.

I enjoyed the first portion of the novel better, as prefer the investigative part— versus the trial as felt it dragged a little; however, kept me hanging in to learn the outcome.

Clark’s experience and expertise definitely lends itself for great insight into this world, reflective throughout this thriller. I enjoy the recurring characters, personal aspects, and interactions with friends and her character’s investigative style.

http://judithdcollins.booklikes.com/post/922982/killer-ambition

littlelainey11's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

I have heard wonderful things from friends about Marcia Clark but haven't had a chance to read anything by her until now. This is the third in a series of books but it's definitely not necessary to read the others to follow the storyline.

The first third of the book focuses on the kidnapping/murder of a young girl. The rest of the novel deals with the trial for the accused suspect and the chaos that erupts during the trial. In my personal opinion, the first portion of the book was more enjoyable, mostly because I enjoy puzzles and piecing things together. The trial was a bit cumbersome for me to read, but only because I'm not a political person. It was still interesting; I literally read pages 200-448 in my copy in one day because I wanted to know how the trial ended!

There are a great deal of twists and turns throughout the novel that will keep you guessing. The ending was very satisfying, to the point that I wanted to reread portions of the beginning to see if there were clues that I had missed in the beginning. The only thing I was disappointed by was that a minor storyline with Rachel and Graden wasn't hashed out more. However, it's safe to say that Rachel was too busy with the case to have much of a social life so there's a very good reason why this wasn't more of a focus in the book.

I would definitely recommend this book to fans of thriller/crime novels. I am looking forward to checking out the rest of Ms. Clark's books over the summer!

[Disclaimer: I received an ARC from the publisher.]

melissadelongcox's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

I loved that this book spent so much time in the courtroom, as opposed to the first two which were more fieldwork. Gimme more!

jesslroy's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

Each one in the series gets better. I'm absolutely hooked.

orsayor's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

Killer Ambition by Marcia Clark is a thrilling ride through the cutthroat world of Hollywood. Los Angeles prosecutor Rachel Knight and Detective Bailey Keller are faced with a high-profile murder case involving a powerful talent manager. With insider knowledge, Clark weaves a gripping courtroom drama filled with twists and turns, providing a captivating glimpse into the darker side of Tinseltown. A must-read for legal thriller enthusiasts and anyone intrigued by the hidden truths behind celebrity culture.

novelesque_life's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

4.5 STARS


(I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review).

Rachel Knight, Special Trials Prosecutor, and one of her best friends, Detective Bailey Keller are called when a Hollywood director's daughter has been kidnapped. When the kidnapping case turns into murder Rachel and Bailey must follow the twisty trail to uncover the killer and find themselves in the media hots seat. When Rachel arrests the possible killer who is a beloved member of Hollywood everyone including the victims' family are out to discredit her and the case. Rachel and her office are not sure if they can bring justice to the real victim in this case.

I really liked the first two novels in the Rachel Knight series but was lukewarm with the novellas so was not sure how the third book would fair. After the Prologue I was hooked...and as the missing person case turns into murder I was at the edge of my seat waiting to see what would happen next.

I really enjoy the characters and Rachel's first person point of view. The storyline was so absorbing especially how it all comes together. The courtroom drama and legalese in this book is gripping but easy to understand as well. I am going straight into book Four, Competition, coming out in July.

azaria74's review against another edition

Go to review page

challenging dark emotional funny hopeful informative inspiring mysterious reflective tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

dhilderbrand's review against another edition

Go to review page

3.0

I continue to really love this series and this character. The story was, again, really good with an unexpected (for me) twist near the end. I see so much of marcia clark in this character - more so than her other lawyer lead.