For true crime fans everywhere, this was a gem. Heartbreaking but told beautifully. I never heard of this case or the following trial prior to being approved for this book but I AM familiar with Marcia Clark and her kick-ass career. This one is difficult to rate due to the type of story and the realness of the events that occurred. This is a tale of deep injustice and mirrors the unjust practices in the criminal just system that we are faced with today.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Amazon Publishing Thomas & Mercer for gifting me a digital ARC of this true crime book by Marcia Clark. All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 5 stars!

Barbara Graham was cursed from birth, unwanted and neglected. Left to fend for herself from a young age, she ended up with the wrong people. Then in 1953, she was thrust into the headlines when a robbery spiraled out of control and ended with a brutal murder of an elderly woman. Barbara found herself at the forefront of a media circus.

I am a huge Marcia Clark fan and have anxiously read all of her legal thrillers, so I couldn't wait to read this nonfiction book. I really appreciated the fact that Marcia walked the reader along her journey into this story, interjecting her experience and knowledge. She was able to accurately point out all the prosecutorial and police errors and downright illegal maneuvers, as well as tell the reader what has changed since this trial. And what hasn't - how Barbara as a beautiful woman became a media target and every look, hairstyle, and clothing choice became gossip fodder. Sound familiar? This book was meticulously researched and the writing engrossing. A must read for true crime and legal fans!

Trial by Ambush by Marcia Clark is a meticulously and thoughtfully researched 1930s true crime story, one of which I had never heard of. Going in fresh, I was amazed by the many faces of the case itself and the impact on many by awful decisions. Mabel Monahan was alone at home which is precisely why she was chosen for robbery. Her mistake was opening the door to strangers. But the robbery became senseless murder as the poor woman was pistol whipped and suffocated. Her last moments must have been sheer terror. Good jewelry and cash were untouched by the four criminals. An innocent life was taken and Barbara Graham in particular became the focus of the media and courts. She grew up unwanted and thrown out of her own home. Caught up in petty crime, the pretty and clever young lady maintained her innocence throughout her trial and to her death by gassing. But this was no straightforward case. The word of John True, one of the accomplices, was accepted as there was no physical evidence, no DNA testing at that time and no eyewitnesses. Media culture, bent rules by either police or prosecutor, the jurors missing key puzzle pieces and unethical misconduct by the prosecutor sensationalized this case. The fact that Barbara was a beautiful young woman played a part in an appalling way. The other men, Baxter Shorter and Jack Santo, seemed to fade into the background.

As a prisoner in San Quentin who faced the gas chamber the next day, June 2 1935, Barbara was assigned a nurse, Barbara Cate, to watch her every move. Rumours of a confession swirled but Cate insisted that was impossible. The morning of the execution was wrought with anxiety after the execution time was put off by an hour and a half, an eternity. Details about Barbara's harrowing death and her last words are noted. I wonder about the true sequence of events. The story is a fascinating and frustrating one. Could any other outcome have been reached if the discrepancies and lack of evidence be eliminated? Clark asks whether Barbara had a pistol...and if not, who did whip Mabel and who caused her death?

If true crime intrigues you, do read this book by former defense attorney, prosecutor and now appellate lawyer Marcia Clark. She spells everything out in black and white and allows the reader to become fully immersed and invested while drawing on her law and human nature experience.

My sincere thank you to Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for providing me with an early digital copy of this arresting book.

In _Trial by Ambush_, Marcia Clark brings her formidable expertise as a prosecutor to the intricate and disturbing case of Barbara Graham. Known for her legal acumen and meticulous attention to detail, Clark digs deeply into Graham's case, uncovering layers of mishandling, bias, and procedural failures that bring the trial's fairness into question.

Clark’s writing is not just informative but accessible, which helps demystify legal concepts that may be unfamiliar to readers. She explains complex legal issues with clarity, making the narrative easy to follow while still rich in legal insight. This accessible approach makes the book both educational and compelling, drawing readers into the emotional and moral complexities of Graham’s story.

The strength of _Trial by Ambush_ lies in Clark's methodical deconstruction of the case, showing how justice can be compromised by systemic flaws. By the end, readers are left questioning not only the outcome of Graham's case but also broader issues within the legal system itself. Clark's commitment to exposing the truth makes this book an engaging and thought-provoking read for both true-crime enthusiasts and anyone interested in the inner workings of the judicial system.

I found this to be very dry. It's a retelling of a retelling, and I guess I expected something more exciting or tense. This reads like a history paper.

Fans of true crime (and for that matter historical crime fiction) will admire this review by Clark of the infamous (in its time) case of Barbara Graham, who was alleged to have bludgeoned Mabel Monaghan to death during a robbery in 1953. There was more to Graham's story-not the lurid headlines but her backstory- which is explored here. And there were failures on the part of her attorneys and the courts. Always keep in mind that this was before all the forensics and legal rights we have today. Clark makes it all understandable and to be honest, page turning. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. A good read.

Really great true crime story, the writing was excellent and really gripped me from the first page. Really enjoyed the forensic examination, the juxtaposition of reported media and the evidence (or suppressed evidence).

Trial By Ambush is a fascinating read that hooks you right in, especially for a true crime lover like myself. Prior to reading this book, I had not heard of Barbara Graham's case before. This book explores the fascinating and often shocking details of how the court system had operated in the past, highlighting the rampant misogyny and shocking journalism that would influence this case. The media dubbed her Bloody Babs and called her a villainous femme fatale.

Barbara had it rough, neglected childhood, living a life of petty crimes throughout her adulthood to make ends meet. Barbara was anything but straightlaced. Although, it was expected of a woman in the 50s to be gracious, gentle and in her position to be scared and yielding to the men for guidance. Not only that, the justice system, ironically did her no justice. The prosecution ambushed her while she is in jail, setting traps to have forced confessions. Hence the title. It really felt like the prosecutor held a personal vendetta against her, but Barbara bravely held ground.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book. I loved that the author included little side stories about her time as a defense attorney/prosecutor (including the OJ Simpson case!). This book took a compelling look at a historical case that was so poorly handled, while shedding light on how things may or may not have changed in the legal system over the years.

My thanks to Thomas and Mercer Publishing, The Author, Marcia Clark, as well as NetGalley, for the opportunity to read and review an early copy of Trial by Ambush.

This book has a great plot, the story line flows, and kept me intrigued! I do not normally re-read books but this will go in that short list.

First and foremost, a large thank you to NetGalley, Marcia Clark, and Thomas & Mercer for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.

I have long enjoyed the work of Marcia Clark, particularly her legal thrillers. However, Clark’s past as a trial lawyer, made popular during the O.J. Simpson debacle, helps show her ability to explore the legal aspects of this non-fiction book that is sure to educate many readers. This book is one such attempt to shed light on an actual case, one in which the accused was met with significant issue and a conviction seemed to come to fruition due to the press sensationalism and poor legal handling of this 1950s murder. Clark provides detailed analysis of the Barbara Graham case and how the courts propelled the press to create a headline-creating trial that would pull the general public into the daily drama of events and skew the truth.

Marcia Clark found herself unable to stop thinking about the 1953 case of Barbara Graham when she first discovered it. Said to be a murder trial that depicted the female suspect as a cold-blooded murderer by a media that was so skewed, Clark seeks to shed light on the truth. Graham was said to be part of a group of three who duped Mabel Monahan to gain access to her home, where she was robbed and left to die. Graham was to have pistol-whipped the victim and caused the injuries that led to her death. However, as Clark explains, there was much more at stake here, including Graham’s pleas that she was nowhere near the scene of the crime.

Barbara Graham grew up unwanted and neglected, as the early chapters depict. This childhood helped develop a poor foundation for Barbara, as Clark argues throughout. While women at the time were supposed to be “calm and kind”, Barbara’s tough demeanor did not play into this stereotype and helped paint her as a menace, which might have fuelled the dislike shown by journalists and court officers through the trial.

Clark continues the discussion in the middle portion of the book, focussing on the trial itself and the evidence put forward to the court. This is essential to better understanding the basis for guilt that was levied against Barbara Graham and for which Clark feels there was little justification. The case rested on proving that Barbara was not present during the crime, as even being on the premises with the two men who might have committed the murder would tie Barbara into the mix. As Clark explores, Barbara found herself drawn to a young woman who would help bridge the gap to ensure an alibi could be provided. This individual was, however, a plant serving to help the prosecution and sought to stymie Barbara from the outset. This, alongside poor legal ruling from the bench and blatantly sexist depicting of Barbara by journalists made it an uphill battle to get justice for the accused.

Clark also explores the legal decisions made by all officers of the court, from the judge’s handling of the cases to the way both lawyers presented their arguments. While it is difficult to assess completely, as legal precedent and Supreme Court decisions have changed many of the accepted practices of the day. That said, Clark effectively argues that the fact Barbara Graham was set to be sentenced to death with a guilty verdict, all angles must be explored and assessed. Clark does so well and provided the reader with much of the needed explanatory notes to better understand legal processes. A strong book that seeks to bring the layperson into the middle of the legal happenings from 1953.

While I do not read a great deal to true crime, when I do, I want something that pulls me in from the opening pages. Marcia Clark does so with ease and provides the reader with a great analysis. Clark is able to explore the case and backstory with ease, leaving the reader to better understand all aspects of the case. The pace is clear and easy to comprehend, leaving the reader to simply follow all that is taking place. That Clark sought to provide analytical assessments helps the reader to see some of the pitfalls of the case and how different things were in 1953. Whether Barbara Graham deserved the guilt assigned to her is up to the reader, but it is with better analysis that they can decide if the death penalty was a reasonable sentence to put on Barbara and the role she played in the crime. I enjoyed this book from the outset and was able to learn a great deal. Marcia Clark has provided yet another strong book to impress readers.

Kudos, Madam Clark, for another great piece of legal writing!

I would say at this point in my reading journey, I dabble in nonfiction, and when I do it’s usually true crime. For me to enjoy it, it has to be very well done, and I need to become invested as a reader. That is exactly what happened here. This is one of the most beautifully written true crime books I have read in as long as I can remember. The author does a fantastic job at the research and helps lay out the facts in a compelling way so I can feel a certain way about the case. The author did such a great job at being neutral in her delivery of facts (while guiding me to come to my own conclusions) that I eagerly read the author’s note at the end hoping to hear if the author came to the same conclusion I did. However, the author inserted herself into the story but it felt so natural, like she was there holding my hand and walking through the reading journey with me, and I loved every minute of it. I loved learning that the author knew she should write a book (and she is a fantastic writer) but spendt a long time finding a case that she connected with. After reading this book, her connection and passion for this case is obvious and shines through in the best possible way.

I think that this is a true crime book that will invoke some strong feelings from readers, I don’t want to go into why because it is a mild spoiler. I also think that this is the perfect book for those who don’t necessarily think nonfiction is for them but want to try it out.

Who better to write a true crime novel than Marcia Clark. I did not know anything about this case but I was intrigued to read this. I loved how Marcia's voice was interjected into the facets of the case and made it easier to read. Even though it was a fairly short book, it had a lot of details and I had to take a break from the content on and off. Marica is so knowledgable about the laws that it was educational as well.

I have watched the film I Want to Live about Barbara Graham's trial and execution but have never read a book about it.
Marcia Clark has done a superb job researching this trial. From the evidence she submits it does appear that she was found guilty through lies and deception. The prosecutor seemed to care only for winning his case and even used entrapment to sway the jury. However, even though the presentation by Ms. Clark does indicate Graham's innocence the reader will have to make their own mind up.
It is a compelling read for anyone interested in criminal justice or even history. I highly recommend it.

Please indulge a personal diatribe, dear reader, before I dive into my review of Trial by Ambush by Marcia Clark. (And yes, the author is THAT Marcia Clark. She's so self-aware that it is literally her Twitter handle and no I will never call it X.)

When OJ decided to take his very slow drive in 1994, I was 12 years old. Even as an east coaster, the OJ trial was everywhere you looked. While there are many memorable aspects of the case, one thing I remember vividly is the first time I recognized sexism on a big scale. Sure, I had seen sexism before, but what I recall is thinking in my not quite developed brain, "Hey, they seem to be treating the lady lawyer a lot different than the guy lawyers." I then immediately laughed when someone said, "Let the juice loose!" Again, undeveloped brain. Please forgive the young idiot.

Is any of this relevant to my review of Trial by Ambush? Actually, yes! The book is about the 1953 murder of Mabel Monohan in one of the dumbest home invasions of all time. Was Barbara there? Did she assault Mabel? According to the prosecution, Barbara was a vicious killer and they would do whatever they could to make sure she was issued a state-sponsored passport to the afterlife.

This is not a traditional true crime book and it is exceptional because it isn't. The vast majority of the narrative is not the crime and the investigation, but Clark excoriating the prosecution's case which is held together by hidden evidence, shoddy ethical questioning, and the over-reliance on an accomplice who shouldn't be trusted at all.

I am generally against authors in non-fiction inserting themselves into their stories. However, Clark is speaking from her own extensive experience with prosecuting people. It is very much an expert walking you through the back and forth of the case and adding insight a non-lawyer wouldn't have. Yes, she does reference the OJ trial but also other cases she tried. Before anyone gets the wrong idea, this is not a legal treatise, but a true crime book with a bigger focus on the trial and the tricks used which led to (probably) a miscarriage of justice.

I wonder if Clark had any experience with one of those in her career? Eh, who knows. The book is great and you should read it.

(This book was provided as an advance copy by Netgalley and Thomas & Mercer Books.)

Trial by Ambush is true crime at it's best. Marcia Clarks writing is solid, well researched, and best of all captivating for the reader. This book also includes several side stories from Marcia Clark about her time as a prosecutor. This book does describe the technical aspects of the legal process and my advice is to embrace it as it adds so much to the understanding of the story. Warning there will be several times you want to throw this book due to the injustices in the story. Overall a solid true crime read.

I had a really hard time keeping interest. I much prefer Ms. Clarks fiction series.

I would read a bit, go read another book and then come back. Then at the end I skipped a lot since I knew how it was going to end. What I did appreciate is how the law and court rules have changed for the better since this trial took place.

I found this detailed true crime novel both boring and overly graphic. For some reason, I just didn’t care about the murders. I generally like this type of novel, but I just didn’t feel any involvement or empathy towards the victims.

Thank you for tge ARC, but it’s not for me.

Trial By Ambush is a gripping read and hooks you right in, especially for a true crime aficionado like myself. Prior to reading this book, I had never heard of Barbara Graham's case before. The book delves into the fascinating and often shocking details of how the court system operated back then, highlighting the rampant misogyny and sensationalistic journalism that influenced the case.

Barbara Graham faced significant injustices, including not being given a fair trial. The public perception of her was heavily influenced by the press, which painted her in a negative light and tainted the jury's and everyone’s view of her. It is incredible to see how the judicial processes and the treatment of Barbara Graham would never be allowed today.

This book provides a compelling look at a historical case while shedding light on the flaws and biases of the legal system of that era.

Thank you to the publisher Thomas & Mercer for providing an advance reader copy via NetGalley

i haven’t read a book surrounding a trial before, so this was a new genre, a new world. during the foreword, i almost thought i’d regret picking out this book as i feared to get bored cause I expected to get a long tedious tell-along from the 1000s of pages of transcripts, Clark has been given about this trial. Taking in for a surprise, I completely got immersed and absorbed most of the book in days. Towards the end then, perhaps cause I didn’t want to understand what would happen, I slowly read along, forcing myself to take it chapter by chapter.

Deep respect to the author for writing such a good descriptive and detailed book on this case. Absolutely loved how she was also able to give actual comments on how the procedure usually works.

Clark certainly did her research into the unethical and questionable prosecution of Barbara Graham. She told the complete story and was very vocal on her thoughts, drawing from her own experiences as a practicing lawyer. Clark’s thoughts on the trial really shined through in her writing. That being said, I wasn’t overly excited by this book and felt it didn’t do enough to draw the reader in.