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3.76 AVERAGE
3.76 AVERAGE
This novel should have been a 3.5. I reveled in the details of the L.A. criminal justice system after having worked there for many years. It was like visiting the home you grew up in. I was impressed with Clark's writing. However, I downgraded the novel a .5 because the story started off with a bang, but ended with a PPFFFFFFT. The ending was rushed and wrapped up too conveniently. Still a good read, especially if you like legal fiction.
Clark is a hell of writer. Her books are full of suspense and intrigue. Waiting patiently to read the next book in the Rachel Knight series.
Ugh! What a complete waste of time. What is up with that ending?
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Content Warnings
Moderate: Murder
Minor: Drug abuse, Miscarriage, Toxic relationship, Kidnapping, Pregnancy
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
This is Marcia Clark's (think O.J. Simpson trial) second fiction book, and again, she has done a pretty good job though I suspect her best one is still out there. Smart female protaganist takes on a case no one else would normally pay attention to, and naturally, it gets bigger and more complex that you originally might think it to be. Only somewhat odd quirk to this novel is that almost every scene has this young woman going out to eat somewhere. Usually a busy young lawyer has more to do than simply head to the next restaurant. Reads quickly and is a good page turner. No sex; only real violence is in the opening pages.
Not a bad read
Having read the first in this series a few years ago, I picked this up easily, thankfully whilst part of a series they can be read as standalone books. This was a good character driven easy read. The main character is quite likeable and Marcia Clark really engrosses you with the characters and waiting to get a resolution for them
Having read the first in this series a few years ago, I picked this up easily, thankfully whilst part of a series they can be read as standalone books. This was a good character driven easy read. The main character is quite likeable and Marcia Clark really engrosses you with the characters and waiting to get a resolution for them
I really enjoyed Marcia Clark's first book, [b:Guilt by Association|10137884|Guilt by Association|Marcia Clark|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1328000346s/10137884.jpg|14393109], and was looking forward to this follow-up. In the end, I was satisfied with Guilt by Degrees.
This book had the same basic format as the first, with the same group of smart women, all professionals in the legal field, getting very involved in a case. This one again centered around Rachel, and her character is developing some very nice depth, with a back story taking shape.
I particularly liked an incident at the beginning of the book- the one that led to Rachel's involvement in this case. While she was waiting for her own case to be called, she saw a murder charge that was being mishandled, and worse yet, no one cared because it was a homeless man that was murdered. She stepped in, in spite of knowing this would inflame her enemies. She also had to face the irony that her job was explicitly about handling the high profile crimes, and that those of lower ability and motivation were assigned to cases like this one.
The mystery was intriguing, and the work to solve it was first rate. I didn't necessarily feel the same added realism of having someone that really knows the legal system as I did with her earlier book, but nothing strained credulity more than the average mystery.
The book was very consistent up until the end. I wasn't entirely happy with the resolution, but it wasn't enough to spoil the book for me, and I'm definitely looking forward to the next one.
This book had the same basic format as the first, with the same group of smart women, all professionals in the legal field, getting very involved in a case. This one again centered around Rachel, and her character is developing some very nice depth, with a back story taking shape.
I particularly liked an incident at the beginning of the book- the one that led to Rachel's involvement in this case. While she was waiting for her own case to be called, she saw a murder charge that was being mishandled, and worse yet, no one cared because it was a homeless man that was murdered. She stepped in, in spite of knowing this would inflame her enemies. She also had to face the irony that her job was explicitly about handling the high profile crimes, and that those of lower ability and motivation were assigned to cases like this one.
The mystery was intriguing, and the work to solve it was first rate. I didn't necessarily feel the same added realism of having someone that really knows the legal system as I did with her earlier book, but nothing strained credulity more than the average mystery.
The book was very consistent up until the end. I wasn't entirely happy with the resolution, but it wasn't enough to spoil the book for me, and I'm definitely looking forward to the next one.
This is my final book review centering on Marcia Clark's mystery novels. Ms. Clark is one of the best authors I've ever encountered and her prowess as a writer shows in "Guilt By Degrees", her second book in the Rachel Knight series.
In this book we learn more personal information about Rachel Knight, the deputy district attorney for special trials in L.A. We learn about her personal life and the struggles she's endured by delving into her back history. We also learn what a private person she is. Rachel's intelligence is shown in the way she untangles huge amounts of information. In this book the author shows her main character to her best advantage, making us wish we had some of her supremely useful sleuthing skills.
As my readers know, I never give "spoilers". The best part of a book is the Ohh, really? WOW!! moments that a reader comes across. Why would I want to ruin those for you? So, all I'll say is that although the mystery this book is based on wraps up nicely, we are left with a cliff hanger at the end. We do find out who done it, but..... well, you'll see. You'll love the ending. You'll love the series. I know you'll love the author, Marcia Clark. Go out and give yourself a treat, it's a great summer mystery.
In this book we learn more personal information about Rachel Knight, the deputy district attorney for special trials in L.A. We learn about her personal life and the struggles she's endured by delving into her back history. We also learn what a private person she is. Rachel's intelligence is shown in the way she untangles huge amounts of information. In this book the author shows her main character to her best advantage, making us wish we had some of her supremely useful sleuthing skills.
As my readers know, I never give "spoilers". The best part of a book is the Ohh, really? WOW!! moments that a reader comes across. Why would I want to ruin those for you? So, all I'll say is that although the mystery this book is based on wraps up nicely, we are left with a cliff hanger at the end. We do find out who done it, but..... well, you'll see. You'll love the ending. You'll love the series. I know you'll love the author, Marcia Clark. Go out and give yourself a treat, it's a great summer mystery.