Marcia Clark is a juggernaut in the crime field, and she brings her experience and expertise to this new book with gravitas and tact. The exploration of a lesser-known case will satisfy any true crime fan.

Book Review: Trial by Ambush
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ (3 out of 5 stars)

As someone who remembers watching the Simpson trial unfold, I was pleasantly surprised to find that Trial by Ambush was written and narrated by Marcia Clark herself. Her firsthand perspective added an authentic touch that made the story more compelling. Her insights and storytelling kept me engaged throughout.

However, I found myself wishing for a bit more closure by the end. The story leaves some questions unanswered, which was slightly unsatisfying. But then again, not all mysteries can be neatly solved, and that realism adds to the book’s authenticity.

Overall, it’s a decent read, especially if you’re interested in legal thrillers or have a curiosity about Marcia Clark’s work beyond the courtroom. Just don’t expect all the loose ends to be tied up.

I have enjoyed Marcia Clark’s previous books and this one is no different. I appreciate how she relates her her experiences as a lawyer when making commentary about the cases she investigates. I also appreciate how she tackles miscarriages of justice in the past. It’s particularly important in these times for us to continue to hear that, past and present, our justice system doesn’t always get it right. Even still, there are concrete reasons why our legal system has to be challenged to change over time- always in the quest for doing better.

the truly heartbreaking case of barbara graham and the mistreatment and injustice she faced during her trial. her story is told by a crimal defense attorney which gave some interesting insight on how horribly her case was treated and at the end left me extremely heartbroken that barbara was failed again and again- first by her mother and then justice system.

This book showcases a trial that made me so angry. The absolute misogyny, unfairness and calculated injustice that took place was just ridiculous.

The author obviously did copious amounts of research on this case, and it showed. This was chock full of trial transcripts, witness statements and news clippings. Her thoughts on the case are based on the facts and it really provided a contrast of this trial that showcased how abused the defendant was by the judicial system and the press. The way Clark laid out the evidence in the case really highlights that Barbara Graham would probably not have been convicted today.

Overall, this was such a tragic case and if you're in the mood for a book that invokes rage, helplessness & unfairness, then this is the one. I'd definitely recommend it to those who enjoy an enticing true crime story.

Thanks to Brilliance Publishing | Brilliance Audio and NetGalley for my audio arc!

the setup…
On March 9, 1953, Mabel Monohan, a 64-year old widow, opened the door of her Burbank home to a woman claiming car trouble and needing to use the phone to call for service. She allowed the woman in and details vary about what happened next. Four men eventually ransacked her house looking for a safe of cash they believed her former notorious son-in-law had left behind. Mabel was murdered and three of the alleged perpetrators were later arrested. Barbara Graham was the lone woman but became the main focus and target by the prosecutors. Former Los Angeles County Deputy District Attorney Marcia Clark examines the case and Graham’s trial, exposing how the toxic cocktail of misogyny, media sensationalism and prosecutorial misbehavior led to her execution.

the heart of the story…
I found it fitting that the lead prosecutor for the modern trial of the century revisited one that was considered the same in the 1953. Clark knows better than most how the power of the media can infiltrate the judicial process. Barbara Graham had a tragic life leading up to the robbery but had never been convicted of anything but petty larceny and non-violent infractions, mostly to help provide for her children or assist a friend. Clark meticulously researched the details of Graham’s life, the evidence and the trial (she found the trial transcripts!) and it showed. Her assessments are based on fact and less personal opinion, providing a riveting dissection of a trial that abused the defendant and the judicial system in the process, further manipulated by a biased press.

the narration…
I loved everything about Clark’s narration. Most have heard her speak and she clearly knows how to tell a story and have you hanging on to every word.

the bottom line..
Barbara Graham would probably not have been convicted today and Clark convincingly lays out that case. I loved how she compared and contrasted the elements of the evidence, witness testimonies and courtroom behaviors with the laws today, making it easily digestible for laypersons. What was tragic for Clark is how she went into this thinking she’d be able to see one her heroes in action, legendary prosecutor J. Miller Leavy, but was left with something far less than admiration. If you prefer true crime stories that lean more heavily on facts but still with a powerful narrative, you’ll love this book.

This read a bit dry but it’s clearly well researched. I was horrified by the tactics the prosecutors used to get a conviction and found Ms. Graham’s fate to be reprehensible. But it did read more like “wrongfully convicted” book than an “anti death penalty book,” which was a weird spin because it seems as if she likely did it. Of course, she still should have been given a fair trial, but I think the presentation of the story felt a bit odd given the circumstances.

Thank you to Brilliance Audio and Netgalley for this ARC!

Fabulous! Well thought out, supported and documented. I thoroughly enjoyed listening to Marcia Clark read her retelling and explanation of the Barbara Graham murder case. I’m also thankful that our justice system has evolved so that many of the injustices Barbara suffered at the hands of the prosecutors won’t happen today.

This book and case/trial was so interesting. The author is a really good storyteller and did a great job of compiling information from a case that occurred so long ago where no participants were alive to interview. That being said, the book felt less like a telling of all the facts from a neutral party, and more like a defense attorney trying to exonerate her client. Regardless, I liked it, and it left me with some strong feelings that I won’t put her for spoiler purposes. I enjoyed Marcia Clark as both an author and a narrator.

Thank you to the publisher, author, and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest rating and review.

*Trial by Ambush* by Marcia Clark is a compelling and meticulous exploration of Barbara Graham's trial, blending true crime with a deep dive into the intricacies of both the courtroom and media coverage. Clark offers a fair and thorough analysis, drawing from court transcripts, journalism articles, statements, and interviews to build a multifaceted perspective on the case.

What stands out in this book is Clark's ability to examine the biases and pressures that shaped both the public's perception of the trial and the legal strategies involved. She sheds light on how sensationalist journalism and a flawed legal system can impact the lives of those involved, particularly in a high-profile case like Barbara Graham's, where the line between truth and media narrative was often blurred.

Clark’s approach is both analytical and empathetic, offering readers a deeper understanding of the trial's complexities, the role of the media, and the implications of public opinion on justice. The use of original court documents and interviews gives the book a credible, factual foundation while also providing fresh insight into the characters and motivations at play.

Overall, *Trial by Ambush* is a thoroughly researched and engaging read for anyone interested in the intersection of crime, law, and media, and a must-read for true crime enthusiasts seeking a thoughtful, balanced examination of a tragic case.

I found this story of Barbara Graham thrilling and tragic. I enjoyed Marcia Clark's narration and found her delivery approachable. I was concerned she might be stuffy, given her professional background. The trial review was intriguing. I found myself thinking Graham was wrongfully convicted; then I went back and forth with it because I kept asking myself, why did they name her in the first place? This is a complex case that makes you question the verdict while still coming to the conclusion that Barbara Graham must be guilty of the crime. It was a great read about a Trial of the Century that has been almost forgotten.

This book moved too slow for me and didnt love the reader. I couldn't get into this book. Though I will say I don't normally read nonfiction so I was trying to step out of my comfort zone. And thought cause I like true crime this would work for me. It just fell flat

✨ Trial by Ambush by Marcia Clark
📅 December 1, 2024

This book really grabs your attention, but it took me on a wild emotional ride. There were moments when I got so frustrated that I had to pause the audio. The story takes you back to a case that was poorly handled in history, showing how little progress has been made in the legal system over time. By the end, I found myself pretty angry, but I would still suggest it to anyone who loves true crime.

Marcia Clark did an incredible job with the research, and you can really see that in the book. I added an extra star for the narration and the author; she was fantastic!

Thank you to Brilliance Audio, and NetGalley for allowing me to read and review this book.

I really enjoyed this audiobook. Trial by Ambush is narrated by the author, Marcia Clark. I honestly had never heard of Barbara Graham, but her story was interesting. The book had a lot of information and made me think. I am not for the death penang for sure think that Mrs Graham was undeserving of that sentence. Excellent book.

Marcia Clark, who many will remember as one of the prosecutors in the OJ Simpson murder trial, examines court transcripts and newspaper accounts regarding the sensationalized home invasion case that led to the execution of Barbara Graham in 1955. The victim was Mabel Monohan, a retired vaudeville performer, rumored to have a large sum money in her home. The often troubled Graham was used as a decoy, pretending to have car trouble to access entrance into Monohan's house where her male accomplices would force their way through the front door and terrorize the elderly Monohan. In the end, Monohan was gagged and pistol whipped and left for dead, as the robbers escaped without a cent.

Clark unveils the troubled life of Graham, who would enter San Quentin's gas chamber, executed at age 31, leaving behind three children, Graham was an unwanted child, being abandoned by her mother and ending up in foster homes and reform school. She was often abused and neglected, and turned to shoplifting. She was convicted of misdemeanors, and later, became a felon.

The author discovers the nauseating journalism that was practiced in newspaper accounts of the trial. The media portrayed Graham as a cold, heart harden, lying, scheming lady. The press became smitten with Graham's looks and appearances, and appeared to have already judged her. Graham's partners in crime would put the blames squarely on Barbara for killing Mohanan. However, Clark thoroughly examines the evidence and testimony, and comes to her own conclusions and offers an account of what likely happened in Monoham's home.

As a former prosecutor, I enjoyed Clark's appraisal of the prosecution during Graham's trial. She analyses the sleazy and underhanded maneuvers that appeared to seal Graham's ultimate fate. Clark notes that the prosecutor insisted on the death penalty, as it was possible for Graham to be paroled, which is an unethical remark.

The book details the Graham's appeals and her final days and moments before execution. Clark explores reports that Graham confessed to the murder while in prison. It is hard to image the jury only spent two hours arriving at their guilty verdict, and recommending the death penalty.

I found "Trial by Ambush" riveting and compelling. I want to thank Brilliance Audio and Netgalley for the opportunity to review Ms. Clark's new book.