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.

So right from the start, the coverage of Barbara was not only excessively focused on her appearance; it was overtly sexualized, voyeuristic, and deliberately titillating.

In this book, the author depicts the chilling events leading up to the death of Mabel Monahan, the results after that & finally the death of **Bloody Babs** Barbara Graham. As the cops pinpoint the perpetrators - 3 men & 1 woman, Barbara becomes the focal point of a media shitstorm. Her beauty was a stark contrast to her co-defendants, which the media took to portray her as a **villainous femme fatale**. Every move of her were scrutinized in agonizing sharpness, only to paint a picture of *how Bloody Babs acts*. She couldn’t even cough in peace, a fall that severely injured her during the ongoing trial, only to be summarized as fake by the media.

*Throughout the trial, the press had strained to embellish descriptions of Barbara's reactions, saying she'd "glared" at the witness or "smirked" or "frowned angrily" at one person or another.*

Having had tough, neglected childhood, living a life of petty crimes throughout her adulthood, Barbara was anything but demure. Further, it was expected of a woman in the 50’s to be demure, gentle & given in her position to be scared and white-faced.

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. But though the process was nasty, it wasn’t exactly illegal. Moreover, the trap created by the prosecution happened to be another female inmate, leading them to have a romantic liaison. This didn’t help her either, making herself portray as a sexual deviant. It felt as if the prosecutor held a personal vendetta against her, but Barbara had bravely held ground

There is too much to say, too less to do.

I really really liked this book, even when it made me want to punch a hole in the wall because of the injustices it describes.
I loved that the author inclued little side stories about her cases as a defense attorney/prosecutor (including the OJ Simpson case!).
To enjoy this book, you musn’t be afraid of the details and technicalities that a book written about a trial entails. But if you enjoyed books like The Innocent Man by John Grisham (as I did), I’m pretty sure you’ll like this one.
Thank you NetGalley for this ARC

3.75
this was really solid! Marcia Clark is obviously incredibly intelligent and brings a lot of interesting perspective to the field of criminal justice. It was interesting reading from a prosecutor's perspective exactly *why* certain aspects of this case were out of line with best practice (or straight-up unjust).
I think Barbara Graham is a really interesting choice for a true crime book. There is little question as to whether or not she participated in a murder, so examining her trial as a miscarriage of justice may immediately push up against some people's instincts. At times, it was hard to discern exactly what argument Clark was trying to make. The book jumped around from condemning witnesses, to the judge, to the media. While I think all had their fault, the book lacked a central thesis or driving argument. The book focused much less on sexism and the idea of a "villainous femme fatale" than the synopsis implies, and I think Clark did maybe miss an opportunity to draw interesting parallels to her time in the spotlight. I also think some details could've been explored more—Clark talks early on about how the prosecutor of Graham's case is a local legend to this day, and someone that she herself had admired throughout her career. As she researched Graham's case and realized how poorly he had behaved in the courtroom, I would've loved a more in-depth discussion or reckoning with how history remembers him vs. her.

I like nonfiction that reads like a story. This book fits the bill. It was enjoyable and easy to read. Good book!

A true crime novel that meticulously chronicles the tragic and controversial case of Mabel Monahan’s murder. A chilling break-in and robbery culminates in Monahan's brutal death, a crime committed by three men and a woman. However, it is Barbara Graham, one of the perpetrators, who becomes the focal point of media and public attention, not just for her alleged involvement in the crime, but for her looks, personal life, and sexuality. The police employed tactics on Barbara that would not be permissible today.
This novel is more than just a recounting of a heinous crime; it’s a scathing critique of the judicial and media systems that exploit personal lives for sensational stories.

The trial of Barbara Graham is at the center of this book. I was intrigued by this being.investigated by Marcia Clark. First of all the trial being so long ago it was interesting the records were so hard to come by. Babbage and her co- conspirators were accused of killing a woman in order to steal 100,000 that was kept in a safe. One of the people there turned in three of them. Barbara was Mia characterized by the press and the whole situation was sensationalized. The book was interesting in that it went into Barabras background being neglected by her mom and sent off to correctional school and then going through marriages and babies and struggling to survive. She fell into the wrong crowd. But was she involved in this murder. You will have to red to find out what happens .

what a good book about trial gone wrong and Barbara graham who had a hard life but was innocent. Loved that Marcia looked at this case and read over the notes and in her words she tried to solve it. Loved that this case made her upset and this case intrigued her. . I had never heard of this case or the movies mentioned.