By: Marcia Clark
Samantha Brinkman #1
ASIN: B0146LBFIE
Publisher: Thomas & Mercer
Publication Date: 5/1/2016
Format: Other
My Rating: 3.5 Stars 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.
Advance Praise
“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
“Blood Defense is a suspenseful page-turner that will have you on the edge of your chair.” —Night Owl Reviews
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
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
About the Author
I began practicing law as a criminal defense attorney. I became a prosecutor in the L.A. District Attorney's Office in 1981, and spent ten years in the Special Trials Unit where I handled a number of high profile cases prior to the O.J. Simpson case, including the prosecution of stalker/murderer Robert Bardo, whose conviction for the murder of actress Rebecca Schaeffer resulted in legislation that offered victims better protection from stalkers as well as increased punishment for the offenders.
Since the Simpson trial, I have toured the U.S. and Canada giving lectures on a variety of women's issues including domestic violence and inspirational/motivational speeches, as well as lectures on the latest high profile cases, public service careers, and of course, the Trial of the Century.
In May of 1997 my book on the Simpson case, Without a Doubt, was published and quickly rose to #1 on the New York Times, Wall St. Journal, Washington Post, LA Times, and Publishers Weekly bestsellers lists.
From February 1998 to 2000 I was under contract as a legal analyst and expert commentator for NBC, CNBC and MSNBC. I appeared weekly as the substitute host of Geraldo Rivera's "Rivera Live," and also hosted "Equal Time" for CNBC and "Judge and Jury" for MSNBC. I have appeared on the "Oprah Winfrey Show," the "Larry King Show," the "Today" show, "The Early Show," and "Good Morning America," among others, and provide legal commentary on a wide variety of cable shows such as "Anderson Cooper 360" and "Issues with Jane Velez Mitchell."
TNT optioned the Rachel Knight books for a one hour drama series and shot the pilot, which starred Julia Stiles as Rachel Knight. I (with my writing partner, Catherine LePard) have sold hour-long pilots to the FX network, Lifetime, and VH1 and developed a half hour comedy for NBC. I've also developed reality projects for CBS and was an executive producer of a one hour reality pilot for CBS. Read More
