Description
From Library Journal On the heels of FX’s blockbuster television series, American Crime Story: The People v. O.J. Simpson ...Simpson prosecutor–turned–author Clark offers not only an updated ebook version of Without a Doubt , her bestselling account of the 1995 trial, but also launches a new legal thriller series. Unlike in her well-received Rachel Knight books, which featured an L.A. prosecutor, Clark’s latest calls on her earlier career as a criminal defense attorney to fashion protagonist Samantha Brinkman. With the aid of her office manager, Michelle, and criminal-turned-investigator Alex, Brinkman is struggling to build a successful practice when she’s asked to defend a veteran LAPD detective charged with the murder of a popular TV star. Despite a personal dislike of the police, Brinkman is convinced that she can’t pass up such a high-profile case. However, she soon learns there is much more at stake for her than the advancement of her career—accepting the request to defend Detective Pearson quickly sets her on a course that will force her to deal with the truth of her past. VERDICT Clark’s deft handling of her characters through a multilevel maze of conflicts delivers an exhilarating read. —Nancy McNicol, Hamden Public Library “Former L.A. prosecutor Clark kicks off a promising new series with this top-notch whodunit...Clark sprinkles jaw-dropping surprises throughout and impressively pulls off a shocker that lesser writers can only envy.” — Publishers Weekly , Starred Review “[Clark] has the start of another successful series in this page-turner featuring a ballsy protagonist with a secret past.” — Booklist “Clark, who served as a prosecutor for the trial of O. J. Simpson, clearly knows this world well. She has the most fun when she’s showing readers the world of celebrity trials, from the media circus, the courthouse crowds, the crazies, and the police to the inner workings of the trial itself. You’ll push yourself to finish the final pages just to keep pace with the defense team’s discoveries.” —Associated Press “Once again, Marcia Clark has reinvented herself—and the results are stellar. Her knowledge of the criminal justice system is unrivaled, as is her understanding of how the media influences public opinion of high profile trials—and the actions of those involved. But the real magic of Clark’s writing is her dynamic, richly textured characters and the visceral, often gritty settings they frequent.” — Hartford Examiner “A deftly crafted suspense thriller from first page to last, Blood Defense demonstrates author Marcia Clark (she was the prosecuting attorney in the O. J. Simpson trial) has truly impressive talents as a storyteller.” — Midwest Book Review “ Blood Defense is a great suspense novel with a fun dose of humor and a lot of twists. Readers will enjoy learning more about Samantha as the series progresses. Anyone wanting a riveting murder mystery with realistic characters and an understanding of the routines of a defense attorney should read this book.” —WorkingMother.com “ Blood Defense is a suspenseful page-turner that will have you on the edge of your chair.” — Night Owl Reviews “Marcia Clark fans will be begging for the Brinkman crew to gear up for their next case.” — Suspense Magazine Praise for Marcia Clark: “It’s no big surprise that Marcia Clark knows her way around a courtroom, and a murder mystery—but she's also a terrific writer and storyteller.” —James Patterson “Clark clearly knows the court from the inside out, and her characterization of the proceedings is great fun to read.” — Minneapolis Star Tribune “Clark's expertise truly shines.” — Hartford Books Examiner California native Marcia Clark is the author of Guilt by Association , Guilt by Degrees , Killer Ambition , and The Competition , all part of the Rachel Knight series. A practicing criminal lawyer since 1979, she joined the Los Angeles District Attorney’s office in 1981, where she served as prosecutor for the trials of Robert Bardo, convicted of killing actress Rebecca Schaeffer, and, most notably, O. J. Simpson. The bestselling Without a Doubt , which she cowrote, chronicles her work on the Simpson trial. Clark has been a frequent commentator on a variety of shows and networks, including Today , Good Morning America , The Oprah Winfrey Show , CNN, and MSNBC, as well as a legal correspondent for Entertainment Tonight . Read more
Features & Highlights
- First in a new series from bestselling author and famed O. J. Simpson trial prosecutor Marcia Clark, a “terrific writer and storyteller” (James Patterson).
- Samantha Brinkman, an ambitious, hard-charging Los Angeles criminal defense attorney, is struggling to make a name for herself and to drag her fledgling practice into the big leagues. Sam lands a high-profile double-murder case in which one of the victims is a beloved TV star—and the defendant is a decorated veteran LAPD detective. It promises to be exactly the kind of media sensation that would establish her as a heavy hitter in the world of criminal law.
- Though Sam has doubts about his innocence, she and her two associates (her closest childhood friend and a brilliant ex-con) take the case. Notorious for living by her own rules—and fearlessly breaking everyone else’s—Samantha pulls out all the stops in her quest to uncover evidence that will clear the detective. But when a shocking secret at the core of the case shatters her personal world, Sam realizes that not only has her client been playing her, he might be one of the most dangerous sociopaths she’s ever encountered.
