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Samantha Brinkman #1
Blood Defense
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.
400 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 1, 2016
About the author
Marcia Clark
24 books1,232 followersMarcia Clark is a former LA, California deputy district attorney, who was the lead prosecutor in the O.J. Simpson murder case. She wrote a bestselling nonfiction book about the trial, Without a Doubt, and is a frequent media commentator and columnist on legal issues. She lives in Los Angeles.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,186 reviews
March 6, 2017
A blast from the past.
We all remember Marcia Clark from the days of OJ. Right? She was brilliant then, though we all know how that ended.
Well, Ms. Clark has resurrected her career as a crime thriller author. And, with her extensive background would certainly have first-hand insight into the criminal world, more than most, and it shows here.
In the first novel of her new series, the main character is Samantha Brinkman, a struggling lawyer whose clientele isn't exactly the paying type.
With the latest murder of a rising Hollywood star and her roommate, Samantha can only dream of landing a case like this. (Maybe even one that pays.)
In a bizarre twist, the accused killer, a police detective, comes knocking on her door asking for her help. Could she be so lucky to land the case of a lifetime? Or is there an ulterior motive to why this case landed in her lap? Suddenly this whole case hits much too close to home.
My only negative is that at times I had difficulty keeping track of all the players. Found it a little confusing...but maybe that's just me. A fast, easy and fun read! Overall I really enjoyed it, and will be picking up the next in the series. Great job Ms. Clark!
We all remember Marcia Clark from the days of OJ. Right? She was brilliant then, though we all know how that ended.
Well, Ms. Clark has resurrected her career as a crime thriller author. And, with her extensive background would certainly have first-hand insight into the criminal world, more than most, and it shows here.
In the first novel of her new series, the main character is Samantha Brinkman, a struggling lawyer whose clientele isn't exactly the paying type.
With the latest murder of a rising Hollywood star and her roommate, Samantha can only dream of landing a case like this. (Maybe even one that pays.)
In a bizarre twist, the accused killer, a police detective, comes knocking on her door asking for her help. Could she be so lucky to land the case of a lifetime? Or is there an ulterior motive to why this case landed in her lap? Suddenly this whole case hits much too close to home.
My only negative is that at times I had difficulty keeping track of all the players. Found it a little confusing...but maybe that's just me. A fast, easy and fun read! Overall I really enjoyed it, and will be picking up the next in the series. Great job Ms. Clark!
June 9, 2016
Being troll-bait for haters is part of the gig.'
Criminal defense attorney Samantha Brinkman works out of a small raggedy office in a questionable part of town. The office is furnished in 'early "I don't give a damn"' decor, sports an on-its-last-legs computer, and an out-dated copier. The looks of the place where she hangs her shingle don't really matter too much. Not many walk-in clients in that area. Indeed, most of her customers are in custody.
Very readable, with a goodly amount of humor. The minutiae of the inner-workings of the courtroom were the most interesting portions of the book for me. I liked it alright, but it wasn't strong enough for me to start slavering for the next in the series.
This was a Kindle First selection for the month of April.
Criminal defense attorney Samantha Brinkman works out of a small raggedy office in a questionable part of town. The office is furnished in 'early "I don't give a damn"' decor, sports an on-its-last-legs computer, and an out-dated copier. The looks of the place where she hangs her shingle don't really matter too much. Not many walk-in clients in that area. Indeed, most of her customers are in custody.
Very readable, with a goodly amount of humor. The minutiae of the inner-workings of the courtroom were the most interesting portions of the book for me. I liked it alright, but it wasn't strong enough for me to start slavering for the next in the series.
This was a Kindle First selection for the month of April.
September 3, 2020
As a True Crime buff, I'm always on the hunt for documentaries or books on major murder cases.
I became interested in the OJ Simpson case and wanted to learn more about the investigation and trial.
I was in elementary school when the crimes and subsequent media circus took place and so knew only that Simpson had been acquitted in the wake of one of the most racially charged periods in LA’s history.
I’d never been especially curious about Martia Clark.
To be honest, I was only vaguely aware of her as the ice cold, take no prisoners prosecutor who’d been humiliated on the national stage when her staggering courtroom defeat put a double murderer back on the streets.
But when I came across her book on her life/the trial, I dug in, because I’m a memoir buff, too.
My first impulse was to dismiss her fictional stuff because, much like Nancy Grace’s offerings, they seemed to scream ghost written cash grab.
Still, I figured I’d try one and either DNF or pan it if it turned out to be trash.
I’m actually glad I gave her a try.
Overall, Blood Defense is a compelling story with some twists and turns and a fair bit of action.
I was surprised to find I liked it better than some of the other courtroom thrillers I’ve read, including Lisa Scottolini’s Risotto and DiNunzio and Rosato and Associates series.
The book does the work of a police procedural and courtroom drama and dispenses with nearly all of the sexist elements that turn me off.
Sam is a complex character, a woman of courage and conscience with a heartbreaking past and a decidedly grey moral code.
Her portrayal is mostly fair, though there are places where she seems to emblemize some of the problematic aspects of defense attorney’s; a prosecutor’s general disdain for that profession comes through crystal clear, whether or not this is Clark’s intention.
As a lawyer, she makes no apologies for doing whatever she feels is necessary to protect her client, even, and especially, if it involves bending and/or breaking the law herself.
She harbors neither faith in nor illusions about her clients’ innocence (some of them are human filth and will turn your stomach as much as they do hers) or moral character; her first job is to win.
The novel culminates in not one, but two shocking twists, one of which might either send you spinning or turn you completely off the books.
Even now, I don’t quite know how I feel about the revelation, but I’ll see how things develop over the course of the series.
That said, the manuscript should have gone through a few more rounds of editing; so numerous are the continuity errors that I began to think I was reading a first-year creative writing major’s first draft.
When I say numerous, I’m talking at least half a dozen, and they were of the “SMH,” “Oh. Come on” variety (see status updates).
Here’s hoping she got her literary legs under her by book two.
Ultimately, Blood Defense was a nice ride and a decent kickoff to what promises to be a gripping series. Four stars.
I became interested in the OJ Simpson case and wanted to learn more about the investigation and trial.
I was in elementary school when the crimes and subsequent media circus took place and so knew only that Simpson had been acquitted in the wake of one of the most racially charged periods in LA’s history.
I’d never been especially curious about Martia Clark.
To be honest, I was only vaguely aware of her as the ice cold, take no prisoners prosecutor who’d been humiliated on the national stage when her staggering courtroom defeat put a double murderer back on the streets.
But when I came across her book on her life/the trial, I dug in, because I’m a memoir buff, too.
My first impulse was to dismiss her fictional stuff because, much like Nancy Grace’s offerings, they seemed to scream ghost written cash grab.
Still, I figured I’d try one and either DNF or pan it if it turned out to be trash.
I’m actually glad I gave her a try.
Overall, Blood Defense is a compelling story with some twists and turns and a fair bit of action.
I was surprised to find I liked it better than some of the other courtroom thrillers I’ve read, including Lisa Scottolini’s Risotto and DiNunzio and Rosato and Associates series.
The book does the work of a police procedural and courtroom drama and dispenses with nearly all of the sexist elements that turn me off.
Sam is a complex character, a woman of courage and conscience with a heartbreaking past and a decidedly grey moral code.
Her portrayal is mostly fair, though there are places where she seems to emblemize some of the problematic aspects of defense attorney’s; a prosecutor’s general disdain for that profession comes through crystal clear, whether or not this is Clark’s intention.
As a lawyer, she makes no apologies for doing whatever she feels is necessary to protect her client, even, and especially, if it involves bending and/or breaking the law herself.
She harbors neither faith in nor illusions about her clients’ innocence (some of them are human filth and will turn your stomach as much as they do hers) or moral character; her first job is to win.
The novel culminates in not one, but two shocking twists, one of which might either send you spinning or turn you completely off the books.
Even now, I don’t quite know how I feel about the revelation, but I’ll see how things develop over the course of the series.
That said, the manuscript should have gone through a few more rounds of editing; so numerous are the continuity errors that I began to think I was reading a first-year creative writing major’s first draft.
When I say numerous, I’m talking at least half a dozen, and they were of the “SMH,” “Oh. Come on” variety (see status updates).
Here’s hoping she got her literary legs under her by book two.
Ultimately, Blood Defense was a nice ride and a decent kickoff to what promises to be a gripping series. Four stars.
May 9, 2016
Like many folks, I was glued to the TV set during the infamous police chase and subsequent capture and trial of former NFL star O.J. Simpson, charged with the murders of his ex-wife Nicole Brown Simpson and waiter Ronald Goldman. The trial was riveting, and it was especially interesting to me to watch the teams of attorneys on both sides in action. The lead prosecutor was Marcia Clark from the Los Angeles District Attorney's office. She impressed me - maybe in part because I'd never before seen a female prosecutor in such a high-profile, high-stakes trial - and when the glove came off, so to speak, I suppose I even felt more than a little sympathetic (in case there's a living soul out there who doesn't know, O.J. was acquitted). Later, when I found out she'd turned to fiction writing, I told myself that one day I'd give one of her books a try.
But life intervened, the multi-hundred page Harry Potter books hit the stores and my good intentions went by the boards. Apparently, though, somebody up there likes me; out of the blue, the publisher of this book - Clark's most recent and the first in a series featuring rather hard-boiled criminal defense attorney Samantha Brinkman - offered me a copy in exchange for an unbiased review. That was, of course, an offer I couldn't refuse.
And guess what? I'm impressed all over again. I admit to favoring mysteries and thrillers with a legal flavor - every so often I even drag out one of Erle Stanley Gardner's classic Perry Mason books to reread, for goodness sake - but I never fail to cross my fingers when I find one by a new-to-me author. This time, I'd uncrossed them by the end of the first handful of chapters; no worries here - I was hooked.
At the beginning, Samantha's tiny firm (consisting of Sam, her longtime friend Michelle and ex-con and hacker Alex), is hired to defend a veteran LAPD detective who's charged with the murder of two young women - one of whom is a popular TV star. If she's successful (and maybe even if she isn't), it's a case almost guaranteed to grab the media's attention and catapult Sam and her firm to the criminal defense elite.
As might be expected, though, there's many a slip between the cup and the lip; one particularly noteworthy piece of news, in fact, almost derails the whole case (and certainly makes it harder for Samantha to do her job effectively and objectively). But do it she does - with her usual fools-rush-in overlooking of the "rules" when it suits her purpose - and there are more than a few other twists as the drama shifts from the courtroom to out-of-the-office sleuthing (the latter of which put the lives of Samantha and her crew in danger).
My favorite parts, though, happened in the courtroom; I've always been intrigued by legal strategy, be it how to "work" the media, craft meaningful opening arguments or pick the best possible jurors during voir dire. There's no shortage of that here, and I loved it; take, for instance, Samantha's instructions to her client not to laugh, smile or frown anywhere near the jury no matter what. "No innocent man on trial for murder laughs," she tells him. "At anything."
In the end, I'm delighted to award this book 5 stars; reading it was time well spent Not only am I eager to read the next installment of this series, I've already looked into getting my hands on her Rachel Knight books.
But life intervened, the multi-hundred page Harry Potter books hit the stores and my good intentions went by the boards. Apparently, though, somebody up there likes me; out of the blue, the publisher of this book - Clark's most recent and the first in a series featuring rather hard-boiled criminal defense attorney Samantha Brinkman - offered me a copy in exchange for an unbiased review. That was, of course, an offer I couldn't refuse.
And guess what? I'm impressed all over again. I admit to favoring mysteries and thrillers with a legal flavor - every so often I even drag out one of Erle Stanley Gardner's classic Perry Mason books to reread, for goodness sake - but I never fail to cross my fingers when I find one by a new-to-me author. This time, I'd uncrossed them by the end of the first handful of chapters; no worries here - I was hooked.
At the beginning, Samantha's tiny firm (consisting of Sam, her longtime friend Michelle and ex-con and hacker Alex), is hired to defend a veteran LAPD detective who's charged with the murder of two young women - one of whom is a popular TV star. If she's successful (and maybe even if she isn't), it's a case almost guaranteed to grab the media's attention and catapult Sam and her firm to the criminal defense elite.
As might be expected, though, there's many a slip between the cup and the lip; one particularly noteworthy piece of news, in fact, almost derails the whole case (and certainly makes it harder for Samantha to do her job effectively and objectively). But do it she does - with her usual fools-rush-in overlooking of the "rules" when it suits her purpose - and there are more than a few other twists as the drama shifts from the courtroom to out-of-the-office sleuthing (the latter of which put the lives of Samantha and her crew in danger).
My favorite parts, though, happened in the courtroom; I've always been intrigued by legal strategy, be it how to "work" the media, craft meaningful opening arguments or pick the best possible jurors during voir dire. There's no shortage of that here, and I loved it; take, for instance, Samantha's instructions to her client not to laugh, smile or frown anywhere near the jury no matter what. "No innocent man on trial for murder laughs," she tells him. "At anything."
In the end, I'm delighted to award this book 5 stars; reading it was time well spent Not only am I eager to read the next installment of this series, I've already looked into getting my hands on her Rachel Knight books.
November 7, 2016
Ok, so Marcia Clark, the prosecutor in the OJ trial, writes a mystery in which the main character is a defense attorney. And her attitude seeps through. Samantha isn't one of those “true believers, who didn't care how many victims their clients had disemboweled, who thought they were all just poor, misunderstood unfortunates”. But she is a fighter for her clients.
I like Ms. Clark’s writing style. She imparts a dry sense of humor onto Samantha. As she comments on a prosecutor “wearing a dress from Forever 21 (no one told her it was just a name, not a promise).” She also does a good job detailing Samantha’s relationship with her mother, which impacts her issues with trust. Her plot moves along at a decent clip, not really fast paced, but fast enough. She throws in a few curve balls along the way. However, the bit about the nightmares that are peppered through the book are infuriating. You know they'll be brought into play eventually, but she needed to flesh out a little reasoning for them earlier on. This is a decent, not great mystery. Outside of Sam, none of the other characters are really three dimensional. But it’s good enough that I will read #2 in the series to see how Clark moves forward.
May 13, 2016
Marcia Clark, famous for her role as lead prosecutor in the 1994-95-murder trial of former football star O.J. Simpson, is now a mystery fiction writer. I was excited to receive an ARC copy of her new book, Blood Defense, from NetGalley. I also wish to thank Thomas & Mercer and the author for providing me with this opportunity to read this first in a series legal thriller in exchange for my unbiased review.
Ms. Clark’s protagonist in this book is a defense attorney named Samantha Brinkman. Is this woman totally a figment of Clark’s imagination, or is she an amalgamation of defense attorneys encountered by the prosecutor in her career? Sam, as her friends call her, is witty, sarcastic, and a fast thinker. She’s a struggling solo practice lawyer who follows the rules, except when the rules get in her way.
When an LAPD cop is the prime suspect in the murder of his actress girlfriend and her roommate, Brinkman can hardly contain her glee. It doesn’t matter that she believes that her client, Dale Pearson, is probably guilty; she knows that the media attention will likely propel her practice to a higher level. We get the story in first person from Brinkman’s point of view, which is edgy and sometimes brutally honest, but it is also quite funny at times. I also chuckled at some of the names of Ms. Clark’s characters; it seemed to me that she got her inspiration from real life. I’m wondering, Ms. Clark, was Amanda “Queen” Trace based on a certain TV legal commentator named Nancy ---? And Dale? Was your inspiration for him perhaps an Illinois police sergeant who was convicted of killing his fourth wife? The names are quite similar, even though the details are obviously different. The references to present day pop stars may date this book in a few years, however.
The defense of Dale Pearson proves challenging, and Samantha and her small team of Michelle and Alex have their work cut out for them. Beset by media leaks, missing witnesses, big surprises, and dangerous, malicious situations, it actually looks like Dale might be telling the truth. Or is he?
Along the way, we learn that Samantha has a terrible relationship with her mother “Celeste,” and we eventually learn why. Perhaps the hard edge and the sarcasm are a cover for all of the pain she has endured. At the very end, Sam reveals something deeply private and troubling about herself. Why? I’m not sure how I feel about it, and I’m still processing that. I do feel that several of the events that happen in the course of the investigation are over-the-top. The pace is steady, and there is certainly no lack of action, even though some of it is improbable. Was this was an intentional, perhaps farcical testimony by the author, who probably dealt with more than a few inane situations in her legal career?
This is my first venture into Marcia Clark’s realm, as I have not checked out her Rachel Knight series. I think this new series shows promise, since Blood Defense has elements that will appeal to many readers: a dogged defense team consisting of a loyal office manager, an-ex con investigator with an uncanny knack for loosening tight tongues and deciphering technological puzzles, and an up-and-coming lawyer who is learning to play her cards right by manipulating the media and betting the odds. We see consultations, a lot of investigation, jailhouse visits, pre-trial hearings, jury selection, and trial action. Samantha Brinkman is not a perfect person; some might not even find her likeable. I found her intriguing, however, and I will probably read one more Brinkman book to see where it goes.
4 stars
Ms. Clark’s protagonist in this book is a defense attorney named Samantha Brinkman. Is this woman totally a figment of Clark’s imagination, or is she an amalgamation of defense attorneys encountered by the prosecutor in her career? Sam, as her friends call her, is witty, sarcastic, and a fast thinker. She’s a struggling solo practice lawyer who follows the rules, except when the rules get in her way.
When an LAPD cop is the prime suspect in the murder of his actress girlfriend and her roommate, Brinkman can hardly contain her glee. It doesn’t matter that she believes that her client, Dale Pearson, is probably guilty; she knows that the media attention will likely propel her practice to a higher level. We get the story in first person from Brinkman’s point of view, which is edgy and sometimes brutally honest, but it is also quite funny at times. I also chuckled at some of the names of Ms. Clark’s characters; it seemed to me that she got her inspiration from real life. I’m wondering, Ms. Clark, was Amanda “Queen” Trace based on a certain TV legal commentator named Nancy ---? And Dale? Was your inspiration for him perhaps an Illinois police sergeant who was convicted of killing his fourth wife? The names are quite similar, even though the details are obviously different. The references to present day pop stars may date this book in a few years, however.
The defense of Dale Pearson proves challenging, and Samantha and her small team of Michelle and Alex have their work cut out for them. Beset by media leaks, missing witnesses, big surprises, and dangerous, malicious situations, it actually looks like Dale might be telling the truth. Or is he?
Along the way, we learn that Samantha has a terrible relationship with her mother “Celeste,” and we eventually learn why. Perhaps the hard edge and the sarcasm are a cover for all of the pain she has endured. At the very end, Sam reveals something deeply private and troubling about herself. Why? I’m not sure how I feel about it, and I’m still processing that. I do feel that several of the events that happen in the course of the investigation are over-the-top. The pace is steady, and there is certainly no lack of action, even though some of it is improbable. Was this was an intentional, perhaps farcical testimony by the author, who probably dealt with more than a few inane situations in her legal career?
This is my first venture into Marcia Clark’s realm, as I have not checked out her Rachel Knight series. I think this new series shows promise, since Blood Defense has elements that will appeal to many readers: a dogged defense team consisting of a loyal office manager, an-ex con investigator with an uncanny knack for loosening tight tongues and deciphering technological puzzles, and an up-and-coming lawyer who is learning to play her cards right by manipulating the media and betting the odds. We see consultations, a lot of investigation, jailhouse visits, pre-trial hearings, jury selection, and trial action. Samantha Brinkman is not a perfect person; some might not even find her likeable. I found her intriguing, however, and I will probably read one more Brinkman book to see where it goes.
4 stars
May 13, 2016
4 Captivating, Page-Turning Stars
* * * *
They say write what you know... Well, Marcia Clark knows trials, fame, twists, turns and surprise outcomes. She also knows how to write extremely engaging novels and this is another one. Very exciting to have a brand new series by her. Looking forward to more.
A gifted copy was provided by Thomas & Mercer via NetGalley for an honest review.
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
* * * *
They say write what you know... Well, Marcia Clark knows trials, fame, twists, turns and surprise outcomes. She also knows how to write extremely engaging novels and this is another one. Very exciting to have a brand new series by her. Looking forward to more.
A gifted copy was provided by Thomas & Mercer via NetGalley for an honest review.
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
May 31, 2016
I'm sorry but I don't understand how this book has gotten such high ratings. The story was stupid and the characters had no depth. I was only able to finish it because I have a compulsion to finish what I start (thanks mom...). Bottom line, don't waste your time.
July 11, 2016
Launching her new legal series, Clark introduces the reader to defence attorney Samantha Brinkman. While she is hard-working, Brinkman struggles with a bare-bones staff; her best friend as receptionist and a recently-released criminal as investigator. Brinkman and Associates put their hearts into their cases, but cannot seem to find a way out of a sea of debt. After the murder of television star, Chloe Monahan, and her roommate, the city is abuzz with speculation. Who would want to kill such a sweet young woman in cold blood? Brinkman uses her time as a regular on some of the television legal shows to garner some personal attention by discussing the in passing. Her lack of prestige is dwarfed by her knowledge and leaves her wondering if she could ever net representing the accused. News leaks that the accused killer is a police officer, Dale Pearson, who surprises everyone when he arrives on the doorstep of Brinkman and Associates. They rush to sign him up and begin their own investigation, which is more difficult than first expected. Pearson's past consistently butts up against media reports and Brinkman must succumb to the possibility that her client is guilty and it is only a matter of time before the truth comes out. It is not enough that Pearson had an unethical relationship with one of the victims, but his record with women leaves much to be desired. A shocking revelation forges a bond of sorts between Brinkman and Pearson, which helps to solidify their attempts to dismiss the charges. Working every angle on a shoestring budget, Brinkman begins to uncover some telling facts and discovers that there is more to these murders than simply an argument between Chloe and Pearson. However, proof is harder to acquire when dealing with those who wish to railroad an easy target. With the trial looming, Brinkman will have to bring more than speculation and a stellar opening argument to acquit her client. Clark presents this great legal thriller that does not slow down and keeps the reader wondering at every turn.
Being a great fan of Clark's Rachel Knight series, I had high hopes with this novel. However, it took a while for me to warm up to the story and its characters, as they were not as refined or driven by success. After taking some time to get acclimated, it is the contrast of the Samantha Brinkman character that makes her one the reader can enjoy. A strong protagonist who has little but her mental acuity and a thirst for justice, Brinkman chooses to run her practice above board and struggles at every turn. She rubs elbows with the lesser element, but is not sullied. The story is one not only of legal antics, but personal self-discovery, where Brinkman pushes back against a mother who expects her to forge a reputation based on money rather than integrity. A strong narrative and fast-paced dialogue helps the story to flow from initial investigation to a courtroom drama, pulling on many of Clark's experiences as a trial attorney. Brinkman, like Knight, may be a force to be reckoned with, given time and a favourable reaction by readers. I cannot see how this could be an issue for those who enjoy entertaining fiction.
Kudos, Madam Clark for taking the time to develop a new character readers can enjoy. More women in legal thrillers who take charge will certainly add nuances to a male-saturated genre.
Like/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
Being a great fan of Clark's Rachel Knight series, I had high hopes with this novel. However, it took a while for me to warm up to the story and its characters, as they were not as refined or driven by success. After taking some time to get acclimated, it is the contrast of the Samantha Brinkman character that makes her one the reader can enjoy. A strong protagonist who has little but her mental acuity and a thirst for justice, Brinkman chooses to run her practice above board and struggles at every turn. She rubs elbows with the lesser element, but is not sullied. The story is one not only of legal antics, but personal self-discovery, where Brinkman pushes back against a mother who expects her to forge a reputation based on money rather than integrity. A strong narrative and fast-paced dialogue helps the story to flow from initial investigation to a courtroom drama, pulling on many of Clark's experiences as a trial attorney. Brinkman, like Knight, may be a force to be reckoned with, given time and a favourable reaction by readers. I cannot see how this could be an issue for those who enjoy entertaining fiction.
Kudos, Madam Clark for taking the time to develop a new character readers can enjoy. More women in legal thrillers who take charge will certainly add nuances to a male-saturated genre.
Like/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
May 4, 2019
On occasion NetGalley will have books listed on their site that are not available to request but you can “wish for it.” The publisher/author may later decide to grant a reviewer wish. (I am not at all sure how this decided). I have “wished” for a few books and not really thought much about it. I was so excited to see one of my favourite authors, Marcia Clark, had her newest book on NetGalley. And, then I saw it was a “wish for it” item. SIIIIIIGH. Less than a week later I get an email entitled….You Wish Has Been Granted! I finally got my wish.
RATING: 4 STARS
2016; Thomas & Mercer (400 Pages)
Samantha Brinkman is a defense attorney in Los Angeles and striving to hit the big leagues. She has a part-time gig on HLN that doesn’t pay the bills but may help her get bigger clients. Helping her along is her Gal Friday and childhood friend, Michelle and former-client-turned-new-not-legally-an-investigator, Alex.
Soon all news networks are airing the case of a popular young TV actress who is found murdered in her apartment. Her roommate and inspiring model is also found murdered with all clues pointing to the actress’s older boyfriend, a LAPD cop. As all defense attorney’s vie for the high profile case, the defendant, Dale comes to Samantha to take his case. Even after saying yes, on the urging of Michelle and their mounting bills, to taking the case Sam is not entirely sure she believes in Dale’s innocence. As she starts to investigate the case, talk to Dale and interview witnesses she is finding that nothing in this case is straightforward. And, if Dale is not the murderer, is the real murderer watching her?
Ever since I read Clark’s first book, Guilt by Association I have been a big fan of her legal thrillers. They are a more stylish Grisham that has you hanging on every suspense moment and twist. I love that Rachel Knight is so realistic and easily to relate to. When I saw that Clark had a new book out this year, and was not a Rachel Knight book, I was a little disappointed. And, seeing that Samantha Brinkman was to be a new series I worried over the future fate of Rachel. I, of course, was going to read Blood Defense either way – and did enjoy this book. I really liked that we got to see the defense side of things (as Rachel was a prosecutor) and Samantha was a likeable character. Like in the other series, friendship is the key to making Sam successful. Characterizations by Clark are always well done in my opinion. What I did think lacked in this book was a romantic interest…or maybe even banter with a frenemy. I recommend this book, and any other Marcia Clark book, to fans of legal thrillers, suspense and mystery.
***I received both eARCs from NETGALLEY***
My Novelesque Life
RATING: 4 STARS
2016; Thomas & Mercer (400 Pages)
Samantha Brinkman is a defense attorney in Los Angeles and striving to hit the big leagues. She has a part-time gig on HLN that doesn’t pay the bills but may help her get bigger clients. Helping her along is her Gal Friday and childhood friend, Michelle and former-client-turned-new-not-legally-an-investigator, Alex.
Soon all news networks are airing the case of a popular young TV actress who is found murdered in her apartment. Her roommate and inspiring model is also found murdered with all clues pointing to the actress’s older boyfriend, a LAPD cop. As all defense attorney’s vie for the high profile case, the defendant, Dale comes to Samantha to take his case. Even after saying yes, on the urging of Michelle and their mounting bills, to taking the case Sam is not entirely sure she believes in Dale’s innocence. As she starts to investigate the case, talk to Dale and interview witnesses she is finding that nothing in this case is straightforward. And, if Dale is not the murderer, is the real murderer watching her?
Ever since I read Clark’s first book, Guilt by Association I have been a big fan of her legal thrillers. They are a more stylish Grisham that has you hanging on every suspense moment and twist. I love that Rachel Knight is so realistic and easily to relate to. When I saw that Clark had a new book out this year, and was not a Rachel Knight book, I was a little disappointed. And, seeing that Samantha Brinkman was to be a new series I worried over the future fate of Rachel. I, of course, was going to read Blood Defense either way – and did enjoy this book. I really liked that we got to see the defense side of things (as Rachel was a prosecutor) and Samantha was a likeable character. Like in the other series, friendship is the key to making Sam successful. Characterizations by Clark are always well done in my opinion. What I did think lacked in this book was a romantic interest…or maybe even banter with a frenemy. I recommend this book, and any other Marcia Clark book, to fans of legal thrillers, suspense and mystery.
***I received both eARCs from NETGALLEY***
My Novelesque Life
May 5, 2016
This is the start of a new series by this author. I have to admit ... I don't know too much about Marcia Clark as a state prosecutor ( think OJ ), but I think she's a terrific writer. I read her first series, featuring Rachel Knight, and now I keep her on my 'watch for new books' list.
Samantha Brinkman is a criminal defense attorney trying to keep her office afloat. She has two associates. Michelle is her forever best friend and her investigator, Alex, a former client with some super computing hacking skills.
Sam lands a high profile case ... an up and coming TV star and her roommate are murdered ... and a veteran LAPD detective is the accused.
Though she has her doubts about his innocence, she takes the case ... not knowing that he has a secret ... one which will turn her life upside down and inside out when revealed.
He might truly be innocent ... or he may be one of the most dangerous sociopaths she has ever run across.
This is a well-written, tightly weaved novel with characters that come across as real people with real issues.
Samantha is a 30-something woman who is dealing with some not-so-savory characters, yet maintains her position of not crossing the personal line she has .. well, most of the time. She's also dealing with personal issues in her relationship with her mother. She and her associates are a tight-knit group, watching each others' backs.
There are lots of suspects that are investigated, numerous threads being followed ... that lead them right into a place that is fraught with danger.
I thoroughly enjoyed BLOOD DEFENSE, and hope to get my hands on the next in this series, MORAL DEFENSE.
Many thanks to the author / Thomas & Mercer / NetGalley who provided a digital copy in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
Samantha Brinkman is a criminal defense attorney trying to keep her office afloat. She has two associates. Michelle is her forever best friend and her investigator, Alex, a former client with some super computing hacking skills.
Sam lands a high profile case ... an up and coming TV star and her roommate are murdered ... and a veteran LAPD detective is the accused.
Though she has her doubts about his innocence, she takes the case ... not knowing that he has a secret ... one which will turn her life upside down and inside out when revealed.
He might truly be innocent ... or he may be one of the most dangerous sociopaths she has ever run across.
This is a well-written, tightly weaved novel with characters that come across as real people with real issues.
Samantha is a 30-something woman who is dealing with some not-so-savory characters, yet maintains her position of not crossing the personal line she has .. well, most of the time. She's also dealing with personal issues in her relationship with her mother. She and her associates are a tight-knit group, watching each others' backs.
There are lots of suspects that are investigated, numerous threads being followed ... that lead them right into a place that is fraught with danger.
I thoroughly enjoyed BLOOD DEFENSE, and hope to get my hands on the next in this series, MORAL DEFENSE.
Many thanks to the author / Thomas & Mercer / NetGalley who provided a digital copy in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
May 17, 2016
I am a huge fan of Marcia Clark's novels. The fact that this book is first in a new series is just a bonus. Her plots are tight, intense and full of action. As I was reading and, of course, attempting to second guess the author, I found that I was consistently wrong. Not a first for me, but it certainly made me want to continue to read so that I could guess again.
Ms. Clark's characters were quirky. Her main character, Samantha, is a down and out lawyer who deals with some of the dregs of society. Of course, she makes next to nothing for her work. Then a high profile case comes along and she ends up being center stage. Suffice it to say, the action is non-stop and I wouldn't have it any other way. I'm ready to read #2 in the series!
I received this book from NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer in exchange for an honest review.
Ms. Clark's characters were quirky. Her main character, Samantha, is a down and out lawyer who deals with some of the dregs of society. Of course, she makes next to nothing for her work. Then a high profile case comes along and she ends up being center stage. Suffice it to say, the action is non-stop and I wouldn't have it any other way. I'm ready to read #2 in the series!
I received this book from NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer in exchange for an honest review.
November 24, 2016
My original Blood Defense audiobook review and many others can be found at Audiobook Reviewer.
This is the first book featuring criminal defense attorney Samantha Brinkman. Brinkman and her team take on the case of an LAPD detective, Dale Pearson, who is accused of murdering his girlfriend, a popular TV actress, and her roommate. The case ensures plenty of media attention and could be just what Samantha, who is hardworking but struggling financially, needs. But as more details of Detective Pearson’s relationships and history are uncovered, Samantha realizes this case will test her not only professionally but also personally.
Delivered in Samantha’s first person perspective, it was quite easy to warm up to her character. Samantha is witty and sarcastic allowing for some very entertaining dialogue. Her interactions with her office manager and longtime friend, Michelle, and her investigator, Alex, a clever ex-con, were fun. However, it was the legal elements of this thriller and the courtroom action that were particularly strong. But I found some of the action stuff a bit over the top. The story moved along at a good pace, provided a few nice twists, and it held my attention. But I think I would have enjoyed this more if I had read it rather than listened to it.
While the narration suited the protagonist’s character to a certain degree, it was too theatrical for me. I had to pause it several times because the melodramatic – at times almost hysterical – delivery actual made me jittery and made me want to shout at “Samantha” to freaking calm down.
This was my first book by Marcia Clark, lead prosecutor in the O.J. Simpson murder case, and I enjoyed her style of writing. The second Samantha Brinkman novel, Moral Defense, was recently released and as there is a different narrator, I will definitely check it out.
There were no issues with the audio quality of the production.
I would recommend this to anybody who enjoys legal thrillers with a humorous undertone and a strong female protagonist. 4 stars for the story, but I really couldn't give the narration more than 2 stars, sorry.
Audiobook provided for review by the audiobookreviewer.com
This is the first book featuring criminal defense attorney Samantha Brinkman. Brinkman and her team take on the case of an LAPD detective, Dale Pearson, who is accused of murdering his girlfriend, a popular TV actress, and her roommate. The case ensures plenty of media attention and could be just what Samantha, who is hardworking but struggling financially, needs. But as more details of Detective Pearson’s relationships and history are uncovered, Samantha realizes this case will test her not only professionally but also personally.
Delivered in Samantha’s first person perspective, it was quite easy to warm up to her character. Samantha is witty and sarcastic allowing for some very entertaining dialogue. Her interactions with her office manager and longtime friend, Michelle, and her investigator, Alex, a clever ex-con, were fun. However, it was the legal elements of this thriller and the courtroom action that were particularly strong. But I found some of the action stuff a bit over the top. The story moved along at a good pace, provided a few nice twists, and it held my attention. But I think I would have enjoyed this more if I had read it rather than listened to it.
While the narration suited the protagonist’s character to a certain degree, it was too theatrical for me. I had to pause it several times because the melodramatic – at times almost hysterical – delivery actual made me jittery and made me want to shout at “Samantha” to freaking calm down.
This was my first book by Marcia Clark, lead prosecutor in the O.J. Simpson murder case, and I enjoyed her style of writing. The second Samantha Brinkman novel, Moral Defense, was recently released and as there is a different narrator, I will definitely check it out.
There were no issues with the audio quality of the production.
I would recommend this to anybody who enjoys legal thrillers with a humorous undertone and a strong female protagonist. 4 stars for the story, but I really couldn't give the narration more than 2 stars, sorry.
Audiobook provided for review by the audiobookreviewer.com
April 3, 2016
Blood Defense is a fast-paced crime thriller set in Los Angeles. Criminal defence attorney Samantha Brinkman finds that funds are running low for her practice, and she requires work fast. When TV star Chloe Monahan and her flatmate Paige Avner are found stabbed to death at home in their flat, it’s big news. A high profile case is just what Sam needs, and she and her team are relieved when she’s appointed to defend the chief suspect Dale Pearson, a veteran LAPD detective.
Author Marcia Clark writing is easy to read and the story skips along nicely, with a wide cast of characters. I immediately liked the style of writing and Sam proves to be an interesting and likeable lead, while her team of Michelle and Alex provide entertaining support. The main three characters are well developed, believable and we get to find out some of their background which endears them to the reader.
As the case develops Sam is in for some shocks of a personal nature and the whole team find themselves in danger as they get closer to the truth. The author keeps us guessing with plenty of twists and as we approach the finale, even those we least suspect have their guilty secrets too.
I liked the courtroom procedural scenes and I enjoyed the company of Sam and her associates. The writing was good and there was plenty to keep the reader on their toes with the plot racing along. My concerns were that some of it stretched the imagination a little too far, and there were a lot of characters to keep track of. Other than that it was a good read that I finished in a day and would be very happy to read the next instalment of this Samantha Brinkman series.
July 25, 2016
Disappointing. Upsetting. Boring. Uninteresting. The most bothered I got was at the end, when a few big reveals took the book from "forgettable" to "just no". I absolutely loved Ms. Clarke's "The Competition" - it was intelligent, well-researched, fantastically paced; it took a sensationalist subject and really examined it. Her other Rachel Knight books weren't as good, but enjoyable.
It's hard to believe this is written by the same author. It almost ended up in my DNF, but instead I skipped through it and skimmed to finally find out what happened.
With forgettable characters that are hard to like, clients that are easy to dislike and unsympathetic, and a plot so weak it was barely there, I have no idea what happened. It started out as genuinely promising, but moved quickly to dull, almost unreadable, and the ending and epilogue left a bad taste in my mouth.
As I was finishing it, I waffled between 2 and 3 stars. Now I'm unsure if I should give it 1 or 2. I've given worse books better ratings. Disappointing, ugly, and poorly executed. I can only hope that the author I love comes back in future novels, because this was an upsetting departure from her thoughtful, intelligent, funny legal thrillers.
In a word: ugh. In three: don't read this.
It's hard to believe this is written by the same author. It almost ended up in my DNF, but instead I skipped through it and skimmed to finally find out what happened.
With forgettable characters that are hard to like, clients that are easy to dislike and unsympathetic, and a plot so weak it was barely there, I have no idea what happened. It started out as genuinely promising, but moved quickly to dull, almost unreadable, and the ending and epilogue left a bad taste in my mouth.
As I was finishing it, I waffled between 2 and 3 stars. Now I'm unsure if I should give it 1 or 2. I've given worse books better ratings. Disappointing, ugly, and poorly executed. I can only hope that the author I love comes back in future novels, because this was an upsetting departure from her thoughtful, intelligent, funny legal thrillers.
In a word: ugh. In three: don't read this.
Read
August 4, 2016I’m a huge fan of Marcia Clark’s novels (seriously, if you haven’t read her previous series, don’t let the famous name fool you. Marcia Clark is an amazing writer), so when I heard she had a new series coming out, I was immediately intrigued. This new series features criminal defense attorney Samantha Brinkman who is hired to defend a detective accused of killing a TV star. It might seem like a common premise for a legal thriller, but Clark delivers incredible twists and turns. She writes her characters incredibly well; I already can’t wait to revisit Samantha in a future installment.
— Swapna Krishna
from The Best Books We Read In July 2016: http://bookriot.com/2016/08/01/riot-r...
— Swapna Krishna
from The Best Books We Read In July 2016: http://bookriot.com/2016/08/01/riot-r...
May 18, 2016
︻╦╤─LOVED IT!!!
︻╦╤─Hands down one of the best books I have read this year and probably one of the best legal thrillers I have ever read.
︻╦╤─I loved being shocked and surprised by the turn of events. And this book is filled with unexpected twists and turns. For the most of the book I didn't know what is true and what isn't, even though I had my guesses I was never 100% sure.
︻╦╤─Samantha Brinkman is officially one of my all time favorite heroines and I cannot wait to see what will happen next and who is she defending next!
︻╦╤─Hands down one of the best books I have read this year and probably one of the best legal thrillers I have ever read.
︻╦╤─I loved being shocked and surprised by the turn of events. And this book is filled with unexpected twists and turns. For the most of the book I didn't know what is true and what isn't, even though I had my guesses I was never 100% sure.
︻╦╤─Samantha Brinkman is officially one of my all time favorite heroines and I cannot wait to see what will happen next and who is she defending next!
March 22, 2019
This is a strange book. It is my first Marcia Clark book and my first and Last Samantha Brinkman book. Samantha is a struggling criminal defense attorney in Los Angeles, CA. She has a tiny office in a shady neighborhood where her secretary is her BFF and her investigator is felon with a heart of gold. When a former child star and her roommate are murdered and a LAPD officer charged Samantha would give her right arm to get the case. (Spoiler Samantha is left handed)
This book has so many ridiculous 'twists' that M. Night Shyamalan would throw up his hands and say "now that's unbelievable". If you want to read a good book about Criminal Defense in LA I recommend the Lincoln Lawyer.
This book has so many ridiculous 'twists' that M. Night Shyamalan would throw up his hands and say "now that's unbelievable". If you want to read a good book about Criminal Defense in LA I recommend the Lincoln Lawyer.
May 6, 2016
2.5 stars
Sam is neither a hero nor anti-hero. That is, I feel like I'm supposed to root for her, but then she does things that cause me to respect her less. But these actions aren't interesting enough for her to be an anti-hero. Minor spoiler: When Sam stole the registration sticker off a license plate, that was a turning point for me. Maybe I shouldn't admit this, but I was more bothered by this than the revelation at the end of the novel.
I kept forgetting that the narrator is supposed to be 30-something and not a 60-year-old woman. It's not that I mind the perspective of a 60-year-old, but having Sam be 30 felt disingenuous. It annoys me when authors mention things like "Snapchat" just to show they're hip to current trends.
There are certain topics I don't want to think about, bestiality being one of them. This subject was briefly included, and it served no point in the plot. It's a personal preference, but I don't need the ick-factor for a plot to be edgy.
Sam is neither a hero nor anti-hero. That is, I feel like I'm supposed to root for her, but then she does things that cause me to respect her less. But these actions aren't interesting enough for her to be an anti-hero. Minor spoiler: When Sam stole the registration sticker off a license plate, that was a turning point for me. Maybe I shouldn't admit this, but I was more bothered by this than the revelation at the end of the novel.
I kept forgetting that the narrator is supposed to be 30-something and not a 60-year-old woman. It's not that I mind the perspective of a 60-year-old, but having Sam be 30 felt disingenuous. It annoys me when authors mention things like "Snapchat" just to show they're hip to current trends.
There are certain topics I don't want to think about, bestiality being one of them. This subject was briefly included, and it served no point in the plot. It's a personal preference, but I don't need the ick-factor for a plot to be edgy.
June 20, 2016
I enjoyed this book, which I listened to on audio book. The story was enjoyable and the characters believable and well fleshed out. It did not invoke any emotional reactions as such, but I was travelling and it made for an easy listen. The only thing that spoiled it was the narration, and I had to take several breaks from the story due to the excitable tone of voice. During the more dramatic scenes, I wanted to tell her to calm down. It was too much to listen to for any length, which is a shame, as the story was good.
All in all, a well-written story. Lovers of legal dramas would enjoy this book.
All in all, a well-written story. Lovers of legal dramas would enjoy this book.
May 17, 2016
I love a good strong female character and Samantha Brinkman is just that. I would equate her with several other female lawyer characters written by famous authors and cannot wait to read the other stories with her character. Marcia Clark does a great job writing this book. Samantha’s practice is having a cash flow problem and she needs work to keep her practice going. When the opportunity comes up to defend a TV star it may just save them. Page turner. I would like to thank the Publisher and Net Galley for the chance to read this ARC.
March 3, 2017
This is more of a criminal thriller than a legal one. The book starts off beautifully with the main protagonist, a lawyer, who just about manages to eke out an existence professionally when she is approached by her biological father to take up his case where he is charged with the homicides of two girls, one an upcoming actress and the other, a waitress. Soon bodies start piling up. It initially promises to be legal thriller but midway it meanders away from the main plot and becomes a whodunit case. The story becomes convoluted with characters drifting in and out of the plot.
The author has written the book drawing her personal experiences as a public prosecutor (she is the former public prosecutor in the O J Simpson case). While not in the Grisham class, the book can be read if you have lots of time to kill.
The author has written the book drawing her personal experiences as a public prosecutor (she is the former public prosecutor in the O J Simpson case). While not in the Grisham class, the book can be read if you have lots of time to kill.
April 27, 2016
Really fun fast paced legal thriller. Clark is a good writer, I will go back and look for her other books. 3.75 stars.
May 21, 2016
Well this is my first Marcia Clark book. I had no idea until now that she has written other books and I may check them out now.
"Blood Defense" is the first book in Marcia Clark's Samantha Brinkman series. Samantha is a defense attorney in Los Angeles doing what she can to keep her struggling one woman firm open. When the opportunity arises that she takes the latest high profile murder case involving a LAPD detective named Dale Pearson and a beloved childhood actress, Samantha takes the case.
Told in the first person, "Blood Defense" gives you a really good look at how defense attorneys work along with prosecutors. And now in the age of the internet, we get to see how both sides play the media.
I found Samantha complicated. Not that it is a bad thing. We get dribs and drabs revealed to us as Samantha does her best to sit down with the media and also investigate while interviewing witnesses with her newest employee. She is smart, sarcastic, incredibly loyal, and also insightful. With her we don't get a lot of my client is so innocent (though some of hers are innocent) she tends to believe the worst in people except for her best friend Michelle.
Besides Samantha, we also have Samantha's receptionist/best friend Michelle and her newest hire Alex. I liked the way the three characters worked with each other, and how their brains worked. Being a defense attorney and working in a firm that specializes in defense you get to see how people work through a lot of evidence in order to show reasonable doubt. I hope in the next book we get more interaction with Michelle. We got a lot of interaction with Samantha and Alex with Samantha showing him how to work witnesses and look at evidence. Alex cracked me up with his bringing up two he read in order to be better at his job and how Samantha was constantly ready to shove those books down his throat.
Other than these characters, we have Samantha's client Dale Pearson who we find has a surprising connection to her and Samantha's terrible mother Celeste.
I really enjoyed the writing. I guess because Marcia Clark is a former prosecutor I would have thought she would not be able to write very well from the defense side of things. But this book proved me wrong. I like how the story kept moving and we had enough things explained to me as a reader that I got the ins and outs of how jury selection works, trials, and even how both sides are provided the same evidence but end up looking at it differently.
The setting of Los Angeles was as much a character as Samantha and other people. Living in a not so great neighborhood and working in a gang area we get to see a different Los Angeles in this book. We don't see a lot of celebrities and have characters who are living the high life.
The ending though. So that's what ended up causing me to only give this book four stars. We had some eleventh hour reveals that honestly came out of nowhere and at least two that ended up giving me hard pause about the character of Samantha. I don't know if you can continue on with a series if you are given cause to not like the main character. So for me, that was a misstep by Ms. Clark. I can see why she did it though, and even in parts why it made sense for the character, but it sat all wrong with me.
So even though I gave this book four stars, I don't know if I would read book two in this series. Things were kind of left on a cliffhanger (which I hate) and I assume book #2 is going to deal with some of the revelations that were revealed to the reader at the last minute.
"Blood Defense" is the first book in Marcia Clark's Samantha Brinkman series. Samantha is a defense attorney in Los Angeles doing what she can to keep her struggling one woman firm open. When the opportunity arises that she takes the latest high profile murder case involving a LAPD detective named Dale Pearson and a beloved childhood actress, Samantha takes the case.
Told in the first person, "Blood Defense" gives you a really good look at how defense attorneys work along with prosecutors. And now in the age of the internet, we get to see how both sides play the media.
I found Samantha complicated. Not that it is a bad thing. We get dribs and drabs revealed to us as Samantha does her best to sit down with the media and also investigate while interviewing witnesses with her newest employee. She is smart, sarcastic, incredibly loyal, and also insightful. With her we don't get a lot of my client is so innocent (though some of hers are innocent) she tends to believe the worst in people except for her best friend Michelle.
Besides Samantha, we also have Samantha's receptionist/best friend Michelle and her newest hire Alex. I liked the way the three characters worked with each other, and how their brains worked. Being a defense attorney and working in a firm that specializes in defense you get to see how people work through a lot of evidence in order to show reasonable doubt. I hope in the next book we get more interaction with Michelle. We got a lot of interaction with Samantha and Alex with Samantha showing him how to work witnesses and look at evidence. Alex cracked me up with his bringing up two he read in order to be better at his job and how Samantha was constantly ready to shove those books down his throat.
Other than these characters, we have Samantha's client Dale Pearson who we find has a surprising connection to her and Samantha's terrible mother Celeste.
I really enjoyed the writing. I guess because Marcia Clark is a former prosecutor I would have thought she would not be able to write very well from the defense side of things. But this book proved me wrong. I like how the story kept moving and we had enough things explained to me as a reader that I got the ins and outs of how jury selection works, trials, and even how both sides are provided the same evidence but end up looking at it differently.
The setting of Los Angeles was as much a character as Samantha and other people. Living in a not so great neighborhood and working in a gang area we get to see a different Los Angeles in this book. We don't see a lot of celebrities and have characters who are living the high life.
The ending though. So that's what ended up causing me to only give this book four stars. We had some eleventh hour reveals that honestly came out of nowhere and at least two that ended up giving me hard pause about the character of Samantha. I don't know if you can continue on with a series if you are given cause to not like the main character. So for me, that was a misstep by Ms. Clark. I can see why she did it though, and even in parts why it made sense for the character, but it sat all wrong with me.
So even though I gave this book four stars, I don't know if I would read book two in this series. Things were kind of left on a cliffhanger (which I hate) and I assume book #2 is going to deal with some of the revelations that were revealed to the reader at the last minute.
April 4, 2016
I chose this from the April offerings for the Kindle First program. It grabbed me from the beginning with a likable protagonist and interesting mystery. The legal setting proved to be fascinating with Samantha using the media as well as more expected methods to achieve her goal of getting a fair trial for an almost universally disliked client.
This book provoked an unusual response from me thanks to a plot twist at the very end. It is rare that I give a book such a high rating while simultaneously swearing to never read another in the series.
I do recommend it but the ending demands more thought than one expects.
This book provoked an unusual response from me thanks to a plot twist at the very end. It is rare that I give a book such a high rating while simultaneously swearing to never read another in the series.
I do recommend it but the ending demands more thought than one expects.
May 14, 2016
Back in 2009 a friend of mine loaned me a book “Without a Doubt” by Marcia Clark. It was about the O. J. trial for which Clark was the head prosecutor. I was impressed by her writing skills. When she wrote the Rachel Knight series I read each of the books. I felt as a former prosecutor she was writing about what she knows best as Knight was a prosecutor. Now Clark has stepped out of her comfort zone writing about a defense attorney. The new series features Samantha Brinkman a criminal defense attorney. Clark has Samantha doing the legal expert bit on local T. V. shows just as Clark herself did. The plot begins with the murder of two women, a T. V. star Chloe Monahan and model Paige Avner. The police eventually arrest a local LAPD detective who was Chloe’s boyfriend.
The book is well written, the pace is fast with lots of suspense as the plot twists and turns. There is some action toward the end of the book. As with the other Clark books there is humor. All of Clark’s principal characters are strong, intelligent women with a sarcastic wit. Clark writes a very realistic story that seems right out of today’s headlines. I am looking forward to the next book in the series. I read this as an audiobook downloaded from Audible. Tavia Gilbert does a good job narrating the story.
The book is well written, the pace is fast with lots of suspense as the plot twists and turns. There is some action toward the end of the book. As with the other Clark books there is humor. All of Clark’s principal characters are strong, intelligent women with a sarcastic wit. Clark writes a very realistic story that seems right out of today’s headlines. I am looking forward to the next book in the series. I read this as an audiobook downloaded from Audible. Tavia Gilbert does a good job narrating the story.
June 22, 2016
There were some surprises at the end of this story and I'm not yet sure how I feel about them. I'll read the next book to see how it all fleshes out but I'll be reading the physical book. While the narrator did an okay job in the audio book, there were some parts where her narration reached near hysteria and while, objectively, that fit with what was going on in those scenes, it still pulled me right out of the story. Overall though I liked the story, the murder case was interesting and the discovery of clues kept me going back and forth between guilt and innocence. Keeping track of all the side cases was a bit confusing.
April 25, 2021
Blood Defense is a surprisingly compelling crime novel. I couldn't put it down, so thankfully it was such a fast read or my entire weekend would have gone up in a puff of smoke.
I'm going to pick up the next two in the series right now because I've developed a mad respect for this badass character, Samantha Brinkman. I need to see what fresh hell is in store for her next. I have no doubt she'll come out on top in her own earnest and no-nonsense way.
I'm going to pick up the next two in the series right now because I've developed a mad respect for this badass character, Samantha Brinkman. I need to see what fresh hell is in store for her next. I have no doubt she'll come out on top in her own earnest and no-nonsense way.
Want to read
May 21, 2016This wasn't available on Netgalley so I wished for it and today they "granted my wish." Awesome!
Received hard copy today from publisher! Yaày!
Received hard copy today from publisher! Yaày!
August 3, 2016
I was really young when the OJ Simpson trial occurred. I remember bits and pieces from my mother catching the highlights whenever she was home. Yet like most people, I remembered Marcia Clark's name and was really curious if she could write. The answer is a resounding yes. Yes, she definitely can. I was glued to this book to the point that interrupting me was really not a good idea. Fast paced, well written, and addicting.
Samantha Brinkman has found her way up. A criminal defense attorney, she works from a dangerous neighborhood with dangerous clients and keeps a gun tucked in the desk drawer in her shabby office. She gets the opportunity to defend an extremely high profile client... a police officer who is accused of brutally murdering an up and coming actress he happened to be dating and her roommate. It's always the boyfriend, right? Maybe, maybe not. What matters most is the win, which thanks to the never-ending media attention, will certainly attract some more cases like this one. A win means money, a win means success. And Samantha, Michelle her paralegal associate and best friend, and Alex her hacker investigator certainly crave it.
Many thanks to Net Galley and Thomas & Mercer for allowing me to read this book in exchange for my honest review.
Samantha Brinkman has found her way up. A criminal defense attorney, she works from a dangerous neighborhood with dangerous clients and keeps a gun tucked in the desk drawer in her shabby office. She gets the opportunity to defend an extremely high profile client... a police officer who is accused of brutally murdering an up and coming actress he happened to be dating and her roommate. It's always the boyfriend, right? Maybe, maybe not. What matters most is the win, which thanks to the never-ending media attention, will certainly attract some more cases like this one. A win means money, a win means success. And Samantha, Michelle her paralegal associate and best friend, and Alex her hacker investigator certainly crave it.
Many thanks to Net Galley and Thomas & Mercer for allowing me to read this book in exchange for my honest review.
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