That is 2* for it was okay. I didn't hate it but it was dry. I didn't feel the grittiness of the crime or the evil for that matter. I just felt sad for Barbara. I'm rather picky about my nonfiction and prefer it to read more like a story than a term paper. I would have liked to know why the author thought a murder from 1953 warranted such a deep dive, what made it so compelling for her. There were a lot of people involved in the crime and the author read thousands of pages of transcripts and notes but since the focus was more on the trial than it was the actual people I lost interest quickly although I can't deny that she did her research.

I would like to thank Netgalley and Thomas & Mercer for providing me with a digital copy.

I feel like this is yes true crime but really just court procedural - and somehow was not what i expected. Generally read more like a text book.

Prosecuting attorneys are an essential part of every criminal case. In contrast to the hundreds of famous defense attorneys in the public eye over the years, most people only know the name of one prosecutor: Marcia Clark. Further, they only know her for her most prominent case, the O.J. Simpson trial, which she lost. However, Clark successfully prosecuted many cases before Simpson’s and was a defense attorney both before and after her career as a prosecutor. She has also written several best-selling fictional legal thrillers and served as a legal commentator on various news channels. So, she is eminently qualified to write a non-fiction work about the case that became the “trial of the century” before the Simpson trial wrested away that title. Her new book, “Trial by Ambush,” is one of the best examples of investigative courtroom journalism I’ve read.

“Trial by Ambush” is the story of the 1953 murder of 64-year-old Mabel Monahan in her Burbank, CA, home and the subsequent arrest, trial, and execution of three people in the case. Two of the defendants were petty thugs with long criminal histories who would never have garnered much attention on their own. However, the third defendant was the beautiful Barbara Graham, who soon became the lead of every newspaper article about the case. The case was sensational ever since Monahan’s murder, but Graham’s arrest incited an absolute media frenzy. Graham soon gained the nickname “Bloody Babs” in the press because she allegedly brutally beat Monahan before her death. After her execution, Graham became the subject of a highly successful movie, “I Want to Live,” with Susan Hayward winning an Oscar for her portrayal of Graham.

Marcia Clark’s path to writing “Trial by Ambush” was unusual. A few years earlier, she had decided to write a true crime book instead of her usual fictional thrillers. However, Clark was waiting for the right case, one she felt passionate about because she knew she would be required to immerse herself in that case by doing months of research and writing. Clark was aware of the Graham case but thought at first it was too ancient and too well-covered by other writers. However, as she began her research, she found that the coverage since Graham’s death had been cursory, with no discussion of the actual trial, which was Clark’s chief interest. The more she researched, the more she believed Graham had been the victim of a severe miscarriage of justice. Thus, “Trial by Ambush” was born.

Clark faced several significant obstacles in writing the book. The crime and trial took place 70 years earlier, and all the witnesses were dead. (Clark was born during the trial.) Further, the only contemporaneous evidence about the case comprised sensational press articles, two poorly written books, and the fictionalized Hayward movie. However, Clark knew where to look for official records, based on her own experience as a prosecutor. She finally discovered the 4,000 pages of trial transcripts, as well as grand jury testimony by major witnesses and statements the police got from witness interrogations. These documents, many of which had been unseen for decades, gave Clark a better idea of what occurred in 1953 and, more importantly, what the defense was never allowed to see.

“Trial by Ambush” is actually a “true-courtroom” book instead of a “true-crime” one. Clark briefly covers the crime and its investigation and provides a brief biography of Graham’s life before her arrest. It’s a familiar story of a woman who was neglected as a child, wound up in juvenile correctional facilities, got arrested several times, got convicted of perjury (a conviction that would come back to haunt her), and was married four times. Her fourth husband, Henry Graham, introduced her to Jack Santo and Emmitt Perkins, the men who would become her co-defendants. While still married to Graham, she began an affair with Perkins and became involved in the planned robbery of Mabel Monahan. The men became convinced Monahan had a large sum of money in a safe in her home and tried to force her to open the safe. There was no money, and Monahan died during the robbery.

The factual background occupies the first quarter of “Trial by Ambush.” The rest of the book primarily describes the trial in detail, with some discussion of the appeals process. Here, Clark serves a similar function as sports color commentators. She discusses the strategies and tactics employed by the prosecution and defense. She sometimes draws comparisons with her own experience, including the Simpson case. However, “Trial by Ambush” is not an attempt by Clark to re-litigate the Simpson case or justify her actions there. She also provides readers with an education about the evolution of criminal practice in the United States, particularly the gradual development of the concepts of due process and defendants’ rights. In 1953, prosecutors were mainly free to employ many tricks and strategies that don’t pass muster today. In particular, they could and did withhold vital evidence from the defense, a practice not banned by the Supreme Court until several years later. Clark’s research turned up much of this exculpatory evidence, which she reveals in the book. Graham and her attorneys were not as fortunate.

In discussing the prosecution’s tactics in this case, Clark notes which ones were illegal at the time of the trial, which were serious violations of professional ethics, and which were banned later. The case against the three defendants rested primarily on the testimony of John True, an accomplice during the robbery who turned state’s evidence. He testified, among other things, that Graham had beaten Monahan during the attempt. True’s version of events contradicted those of Graham, who claimed she was home that night, and that of Baxter Shorter, who had been hired to open the safe. Shorter said that Graham’s only involvement was to act as a decoy and persuade Monahan to open her door, something the victim would never have done for a man. Unfortunately for the prosecution, Shorter was kidnapped and disappeared before he could testify (although Clark saw his various statements). The kidnapping was never officially solved, but most people believe Santo and Perkins eliminated the would-be snitch. The defense never got to see Shorter’s statements, which contradicted much of True’s sworn testimony (as did True’s earlier statements to police).

Some of Clark’s findings were disturbing for her personally. The chief prosecutor on the case was J. Miller Leavy, whom Clark described as an icon when she joined the L.A. Country District Attorney’s Office years later. Whenever Clark or one of her colleagues lost a case, the others in the office would kid them and say, “J. Miller Leavy could have won it.” At first, Clark believed Leavy’s reputation, but she found the reality of the man shockingly different. As she describes, Leavy and his associates repeatedly used as shabby, unethical, and illegal tactics before and during the trial as Clark had ever encountered.

Several versions of the actual crime emerged during the trial (and in the book). Clark sometimes is sloppy in relating them, leaving the impression at times that one version is “the truth.” Obviously, no one alive today knows what happened, and there is no documentary evidence. At the end of “Trial by Ambush,” Clark gives her opinion about what happened and some views about why the prosecutors and press railroaded Graham as they did. She points out the difference between whether Graham was actually innocent (legally debatable) and whether Clark should have been convicted based on the evidence presented and the prosecution’s tactics (not legally debatable). In so doing, she provides the best legal analysis of the case anyone has given to date.

Clark also adds a veteran novelist’s flair for descriptive writing, as when she describes looking at a photo of Graham surrounded by the press: “[Graham] is looking up at the sea of reporters—all men, their cameras and lights pointing down at her. A few of them are on bended knee, leaning toward her like nervous lovers about to propose. A palpable intensity radiating from the scene makes it feel as though Barbara could be consumed on the spot by the sheer energy pouring down on her. … She looks vulnerable, small, and very alone. The antithesis of all the news coverage I’d read that painted her as a vicious and cold-blooded, albeit beautiful, murderer.” Unfortunately, Clark doesn’t include that or any other photos in “Trial by Ambush,” which would have improved the book. However, her powerful, evocative language makes navigating the sometimes complex discussions of testimony and legal standards much easier for readers.

“Trial by Ambush” is an excellent recounting of a sensational trial that has receded in the public’s awareness over many decades. Anyone reading it should feel sympathy for Barbara Graham, who did not deserve the treatment she received from a press and judicial system that was out to get her. Readers will also get a greater appreciation for trial strategies and how criminal law has changed in the last 70 years to prevent the recurrence of spectacles like this. Marcia Clark’s description of legal precedents may sometimes be a bit too technical for lay readers (she uses official legal citations many won’t understand for precedent-setting cases). Still, her overall tone is powerful and descriptive. This book should be a must for historical, true crime fans and those interested in the criminal justice system.

NOTE: The publisher graciously provided me with a copy of this book through NetGalley. However, the decision to review the book and the contents of this review are entirely my own.

Marcia Clark was the lead prosecutor on two high profile cases many years ago - the OJ Simpson trial, of which she wrote a bestseller titled Without a Doubt, and she was also the prosecutor in 1991 in the case of Robert John Bardo for the murder of television star Rebecca Schaeffer. Now a former LA, California deputy district attorney she has written 24 books so far in which she draws from her extensive knowledge of the American legal system. Her latest offering, Trial by Ambush, kicks off with a very informative foreword from her as to why she picked this particular case to write about. She also refers to the movie, I Want to Live!, based on Barbara Graham's trial, and the novel that followed based on the movie.

I really enjoyed this book and its subject matter. Clark dives into every detail she could possibly unearth to bring the reader an in-depth objective look at the unfair and prejudiced trial and subsequent conviction that led to a contested sentencing for a woman in the 1950s whose life was a misery since the day of her birth.

The author doesn't overwhelm the reader with unnecessary legal jargon, but in the event she has to use it, she explains it to the reader in clear layman’s terms. She deftly paints a picture of the sensationalism the media created around this trial and the possible impact it had on public opinion, the jurors, and then the verdict.

I felt a lot of emotions while reading this book, and the very last sentence in the final chapter brought tears to my eyes. Although I knew from the start how it was going to end for Barbara Graham (as explained in the foreword), I still kept hoping throughout the book that it would turn out differently for this very brave woman who has had to deal with so much since she was little. I also found it very interesting to learn how some American laws had changed between then and now.

For lovers of true crime, this is for you.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for the opportunity to read an early copy of this book.

I was pleased to have received a copy of Trail by Ambush by Marcia Clark from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This was an interesting read within the true crime genre. I did try Marcia Clark's Without a Doubt, regarding her work on the O.J. Simpson trial but somehow I didn't get through it. Once I saw this book, I grabbed a copy and settled in instantly. This book started particularly well, although I was surprised by how frequently Clark interjected with her experience as a D.A.

Bloody Babs definitely makes for interesting reading, as her life up to the crime in question was ropey, to say the least. I was surprised by how sympathetic Clark was towards her, as, based on the laws at the time, she was obviously guilty. Still, Clark lays out fairly well the sexism and malpractice implicit within the case. Due to her expert knowledge, Clark attempted to explain everything from a legal point of view, which I understood but felt made the text read more like an essay than the story of the life of a woman who made many mistakes.

Overall, I felt this was well worth the read, although some editorial choices would have amplified the material. Perhaps the wildest part of this book was that Bloody Babs was a legitimate Catholic (the line she said to the priest was a standout.)

How do you find your next read? Over the years, I've developed several ways to discover books, but nothing compares to a recommendation from a trusted fellow reader. Since I first began blogging, John Valeri has been one of my favorite and most reliable book-reviewing friends. He's a prolific reviewer, author, interviewer, and an all-around professional reader. He's also among the nicest people I've met in the book world. So when John contacted me about reviewing Marcia Clark's latest true crime book, Trial by Ambush, I jumped at the chance. Even more compelling was the fact that John had helped Clark, his personal friend, with research for the book. Never one to turn down a recommendation from John, especially for a project he was personally involved in, I eagerly dove in.

Marcia Clark is no stranger to high-profile, controversial murder trials. As the prosecuting attorney in the O.J. Simpson case, she became a household name, and her extensive career in law has provided her with unique insight into the world of crime and justice. In recent years, Clark has shifted gears, finding success as a bestselling author of crime novels. When she decided her next book would be non-fiction, she struggled to find a case that genuinely captured her interest and inspired her to dedicate hours of research. It wasn’t until she stumbled upon a striking photograph of Barbara Graham, a woman on trial for murder in the 1950s, that Clark knew she had found the perfect subject for her book.

Barbara Graham's early years were marred by neglect and hardship. With little support from her parents, she relied on her striking looks and survival instincts, turning to petty crimes just to get by. Her life seemed destined for a downward spiral, and she appeared to have little power to change that trajectory. But things were about to take a dark turn. In 1953, Barbara allegedly became one of three people involved in an attempted robbery that escalated into the murder of a local woman. The media quickly seized on the case, portraying her as a femme fatale—a woman whose beauty masked a ruthless killer. Yet, there was a significant flaw in the narrative. Barbara maintained her innocence, and compelling evidence supported her claims. Despite this, the media sensationalized the story, and a jury, influenced by the prosecution's relentless drive to convict, ignored the facts and rushed to judgment. What followed was a trial riddled with injustice, where the desire for a scandalous conviction overshadowed the truth.

Barbara Graham's story has been explored before, with her enigmatic trial inspiring several books and even a film. What sets Trial by Ambush apart is the perspective Marcia Clark brings to this infamous case. Drawing on her extensive legal experience, Clark uncovers the truth buried in the court transcripts, revealing the trial’s proceedings in a way never seen before. The result is a riveting and infuriating story of injustice. Having already made her mark in crime fiction, Clark proves her skill extends seamlessly into true crime. Trial by Ambush is a gripping, fast-paced read that meticulously exposes the flaws in Barbara Graham’s trial and the crucial evidence that was unjustly concealed.

Children learn what they're taught, and Barbara Graham learned that, because of the callousness of her birth mother and other foster parents, and through no fault of her own, she was unlovable and unloved, almost from the moment of her birth. Her life could have gone one way or the other, but it seems she preferred to keep trying to get someone, anyone, to love her. By doing what others, sometimes nefarious characters, wanted her to do, she became caught up in petty crime and ultimately, a felony.

Like many people who grew up in the 50s and 60s, I saw the movie "I Want to Live!", about Barbara Graham, starring Susan Hayward. With no way to look Ms. Graham up online back then, but still realizing this movie was a romanticized version of her life and her life of crime, I had to be satisfied only that Barbara Graham existed and was involved in a crime that resulted in the death of an innocent elderly woman. With the onset of the internet, it's possible to read all kinds of things about Graham, but unfortunately, there is precious little to suggest that she was anything but the most flashy and cruel and guilty character in the murder of Mabel Monahan. It's almost as if the others who were involved were marginal characters who stood around watching while Barbara Graham did all the dirty work. That is why this book needed to be written.

Marcia Clark digs in, as we know she does and does well, and gives us a whole new side to both the way the courts worked (or didn't) and how the media twisted the facts, as it still does, to sensationalize this crime by spotlighting Barbara Graham, whose role in the crime was marginal, at best, placing actions, words and blame squarely on her shoulders, merely because it made for sensationalistic print and news stories. "If it bleeds, it leads", as the media adage goes.

I think the readers will walk away from this book with a new, but disappointing, feeling that Barbara Graham should have been alive at the end of it all, with perhaps a stint in prison for her participation in the crime. A "miscarriage of justice" barely scratches the surface.

Marcia Clark writes crisply, with an eye toward fairness and the law, as you would expect, and it's obvious she mourns the way the law was applied - or not - to Barbara Graham.

If you've ever heard of Barbara Graham, or if you want to read what is probably the most well-investigated and well-researched intelligent book on Graham's life, read this book.

Appreciation to NetGalley for providing this ARC.

Excellent information about the trial of Barbara Graham for a murder in the early 1950s. It is a travesty of justice to see how the prosecution was allowed to withhold evidence and suborn perjury. I remember the movie, I Want To Live, starring Susan Hayward, and have always believed Barbara Graham was persecuted and prosecuted because she was a beautiful woman and an easy mark. The misogyny of the times added to her persecution and the press played a hideous role in the whole affair. Very well-written by a lawyer who knows what she is talking about.

Marcia Clark’s Trial by Ambush is a riveting exploration of the intersection of crime, sensationalism, and justice gone awry. This true-crime account sheds light on the 1953 case of Barbara Graham, a woman vilified by the media and betrayed by a justice system driven more by public perception than by evidence. Clark, a seasoned prosecutor and bestselling legal thriller author, shifts to true crime with this meticulously researched dissection of Graham’s trial, uncovering the sexism, media manipulation, and prosecutorial overreach that defined her tragic story.

The book is both informative and engrossing, offering readers an in-depth look at Graham’s life—from her turbulent childhood to the events leading to her infamous trial. Clark vividly portrays Graham, balancing an honest acknowledgment of her flaws with a sharp critique of the systemic injustices that sealed her fate. The narrative operates on two levels: as a cautionary tale about the perils of media frenzy and as a poignant examination of a woman whose life was weaponized against her.

For fans of true crime and legal drama, Trial by Ambush is an eye-opening read that exposes the darker side of a justice system meant to protect fairness. While its exhaustive detail may not appeal to everyone, those who enjoy thorough investigations will find it both compelling and thought-provoking. Clark’s work ensures Barbara Graham’s story is more than just a footnote in history—it’s a powerful reminder of the cost of unchecked biases in the pursuit of justice.

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.