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Rachel Knight #4
The Competition
In Marcia Clark's most electrifying thriller yet, Los Angeles DA Rachel Knight investigates a diabolical high school massacre.
A Columbine-style massacre at a high school in the San Fernando Valley has left a community shaken to its core. Two students are identified as the killers. Both are dead, believed to have committed a mutual suicide. But in the aftermath of the shooting, as LA Special Trials prosecutor Rachel Knight and Detective Bailey Keller dig deeper, they realize that the pieces don't add up. Could it be that the two "killers" were themselves victims? And if so, does that mean that the real killers are still on the loose? When someone starts dropping clues that another horrific crime is in the works, Rachel and Bailey scramble desperately to profile their suspect and prevent another killing--before it's too late.
A Columbine-style massacre at a high school in the San Fernando Valley has left a community shaken to its core. Two students are identified as the killers. Both are dead, believed to have committed a mutual suicide. But in the aftermath of the shooting, as LA Special Trials prosecutor Rachel Knight and Detective Bailey Keller dig deeper, they realize that the pieces don't add up. Could it be that the two "killers" were themselves victims? And if so, does that mean that the real killers are still on the loose? When someone starts dropping clues that another horrific crime is in the works, Rachel and Bailey scramble desperately to profile their suspect and prevent another killing--before it's too late.
416 pages, Hardcover
First published July 8, 2014
216 people are currently reading
1767 people want to read
About the author
Marcia Clark
21 books1,314 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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September 23, 2020
It’s early October and homecoming is approaching.
Christie is excited as hell to be apart of the varsity cheerleading squad. She worked her butt off for weeks, losing weight and sleep to get to this moment and, today, today is her first pep rally!
Harley picks at his breakfast, the anxiety and pressure in his gut so immense that food isn’t an option. His worried mother hovers over him, vowing that, whether or not he passes the test and gets that full ride to MIT, the family will, in spite of their major financial hardships, find a way to make college happen.
Later, Principal Dale Campbell looks out at his kids, marveling at their youth and vibrancy. He announces the varsity cheerleaders and steps aside.
The girls burst into the gym and get into formation. Sharp staccato pops, blood, tears, screams, heads exploding in showers of blood, bone and brain matter on the walls and floor, bloodied bodies slung about the bleachers and across the stairs like broken marionettes, derisive laughter and taunts.
Angela the socker coach does her best to shield the students until heat slams into her side, sending black spots dancing across her field of vision and taking her to the ground.
Meanwhile, Harley curls into a ball of silent sobs and abject terror as the killers' feet come into view and blood and brains splatter the library wall behind the girl hiding under the next desk.
The aftermath is all about answering the same questions. Who would do such a thing and why? How didn’t the parents know? What can we learn from similar crimes? What is the pathology?
Martia Clark’s The Competition, book four in the Rachel Knight series, comments on an raises questions about an atrocity that has become all too common in the last two decades.
With 33 people dead and 84 injured, Rachel and the team are under pressure like they’ve never been before.
On the whole, this was a fantastic story, complete with twists, suspense, race-against-time tension, hatred for the antagonists and the frustration that typifies police work, all topped off with the heartache and white-hot rage these kinds of tragedies can spark.
At the risk of spoiling, I’ll say that I was livid when I got to the end of this one. Suffice it to say that Clark’s penchant for “realistic” endings is present and accounted for.
Don’t get me wrong, this isn’t a criticism; I just wish things had gone differently.
I *will* mote that the questionings were numerous, protracted and tedious, in particular those involving the “shrinks.” I could have really done without the 15-minute infodump/Wikipedia entry on psychopathy.
Also annoying was Clark’s employment of “bad luck” humor, more specifically Rachel being the butt of sadistic jokes and getting maneuvered into uncomfortable things for her partner’s amusement.
And again, the controlling, “always right” authoritative BFF who knows the protagonist better than she knows her self and functions as the whip-cracker/handler is equally as irritating as the high-handed boyfriend who sets rules and restricts the heroine’s freedom “for her own good/his peace of mind.”
Just once, I’d like to see Clark’s supporting characters treat the protagonists with dignity and respect and trust them to take care of themselves in the field.
There's also a scene that might read as torture, but YMMV.
Those gripes aside, this was perhaps the best installment of the series; I look forward to whatever’s next for our favorite DDA and her pals at the LAPD. Four stars!
Christie is excited as hell to be apart of the varsity cheerleading squad. She worked her butt off for weeks, losing weight and sleep to get to this moment and, today, today is her first pep rally!
Harley picks at his breakfast, the anxiety and pressure in his gut so immense that food isn’t an option. His worried mother hovers over him, vowing that, whether or not he passes the test and gets that full ride to MIT, the family will, in spite of their major financial hardships, find a way to make college happen.
Later, Principal Dale Campbell looks out at his kids, marveling at their youth and vibrancy. He announces the varsity cheerleaders and steps aside.
The girls burst into the gym and get into formation. Sharp staccato pops, blood, tears, screams, heads exploding in showers of blood, bone and brain matter on the walls and floor, bloodied bodies slung about the bleachers and across the stairs like broken marionettes, derisive laughter and taunts.
Angela the socker coach does her best to shield the students until heat slams into her side, sending black spots dancing across her field of vision and taking her to the ground.
Meanwhile, Harley curls into a ball of silent sobs and abject terror as the killers' feet come into view and blood and brains splatter the library wall behind the girl hiding under the next desk.
The aftermath is all about answering the same questions. Who would do such a thing and why? How didn’t the parents know? What can we learn from similar crimes? What is the pathology?
Martia Clark’s The Competition, book four in the Rachel Knight series, comments on an raises questions about an atrocity that has become all too common in the last two decades.
With 33 people dead and 84 injured, Rachel and the team are under pressure like they’ve never been before.
On the whole, this was a fantastic story, complete with twists, suspense, race-against-time tension, hatred for the antagonists and the frustration that typifies police work, all topped off with the heartache and white-hot rage these kinds of tragedies can spark.
At the risk of spoiling, I’ll say that I was livid when I got to the end of this one. Suffice it to say that Clark’s penchant for “realistic” endings is present and accounted for.
Don’t get me wrong, this isn’t a criticism; I just wish things had gone differently.
I *will* mote that the questionings were numerous, protracted and tedious, in particular those involving the “shrinks.” I could have really done without the 15-minute infodump/Wikipedia entry on psychopathy.
Also annoying was Clark’s employment of “bad luck” humor, more specifically Rachel being the butt of sadistic jokes and getting maneuvered into uncomfortable things for her partner’s amusement.
And again, the controlling, “always right” authoritative BFF who knows the protagonist better than she knows her self and functions as the whip-cracker/handler is equally as irritating as the high-handed boyfriend who sets rules and restricts the heroine’s freedom “for her own good/his peace of mind.”
Just once, I’d like to see Clark’s supporting characters treat the protagonists with dignity and respect and trust them to take care of themselves in the field.
There's also a scene that might read as torture, but YMMV.
Those gripes aside, this was perhaps the best installment of the series; I look forward to whatever’s next for our favorite DDA and her pals at the LAPD. Four stars!
July 8, 2014
I'm reading a new author with a great new series out and you're never gonna guess who the author is. Ok, yes, her name is in the title, but do you actually know who she is?? She's that Marcia Clark. Yep. The one who prosecuted O.J. Simpson. Holy Cow. I KNOW! That's what I thought when I found out. She can write? Cool! Let me tell you, THIS WOMAN CAN WRITE.
I don't think I've made myself clear yet, so let me get all dramatic on you. Marcia Clark is the best new author I have ever come across. Really. For Serious. No Kidding. I've read two of her books, the first of the series ("Guilt By Association") and the fourth, "The Competition" and I can truthfully tell you I have never come across an author who writes so tightly and without superfluous details. Ms. Clark's writing is a joy to read. One never tires of detail or thinks can't she speed this process up? It's all just a supreme pleasure, every well placed word and well turned phrase. I know I'm getting all mushy about this author but I can't get over just what a spectacular writer she is.
I've been a book hound for many years, since grade school actually. I have some especially beloved authors on my booklist so I am shocked to find someone even more accomplished than my favorites. So many authors, even the Gods like Robert Heinlein usually could use some strategic editing. There's always extra paragraphs that probably should have been cut before publishing but weren't. There's none of that with Marcia Clark's books. It's awesome to read and not get perturbed. I sailed through both books and have started the third. Let me give you a little synopsis of "The Competition", it just might be your next summer read.
"The Competition" opens with a horrific scene. There has been a school shooting, many students and teachers are dead or wounded. There is chaos and carnage at this San Fernando Valley High School and our heroine, Rachel Knight gets the call along with her bestie L.A.P.D. Detective Bailey Keller to attend the scene and head up the investigation into just what happened. Rachel Knight is the highly intelligent assistant district attorney for Los Angeles and is part of the "Special Trials" unit, the most prestigious section of the District Attorneys office.
In the wake of mass shootings like Columbine and SandyHook, this book gives intimate detail into what it must be like for the investigators. What were the killers thinking, why the penchant to kill? How do you investigate such an emotionally wrenching incident without further traumatizing the survivors?
As I said above, Marcia Clark is a most excellent author. This series starring Rachel Knight has four books in it so far. The latest book, "The Competition" is released to the reading public tomorrow, July 8. All her books stand alone as terrific mysteries but they are even better as a series. I recommend reading them all, they're just so well worth the time. Obviously Five stars!
I don't think I've made myself clear yet, so let me get all dramatic on you. Marcia Clark is the best new author I have ever come across. Really. For Serious. No Kidding. I've read two of her books, the first of the series ("Guilt By Association") and the fourth, "The Competition" and I can truthfully tell you I have never come across an author who writes so tightly and without superfluous details. Ms. Clark's writing is a joy to read. One never tires of detail or thinks can't she speed this process up? It's all just a supreme pleasure, every well placed word and well turned phrase. I know I'm getting all mushy about this author but I can't get over just what a spectacular writer she is.
I've been a book hound for many years, since grade school actually. I have some especially beloved authors on my booklist so I am shocked to find someone even more accomplished than my favorites. So many authors, even the Gods like Robert Heinlein usually could use some strategic editing. There's always extra paragraphs that probably should have been cut before publishing but weren't. There's none of that with Marcia Clark's books. It's awesome to read and not get perturbed. I sailed through both books and have started the third. Let me give you a little synopsis of "The Competition", it just might be your next summer read.
"The Competition" opens with a horrific scene. There has been a school shooting, many students and teachers are dead or wounded. There is chaos and carnage at this San Fernando Valley High School and our heroine, Rachel Knight gets the call along with her bestie L.A.P.D. Detective Bailey Keller to attend the scene and head up the investigation into just what happened. Rachel Knight is the highly intelligent assistant district attorney for Los Angeles and is part of the "Special Trials" unit, the most prestigious section of the District Attorneys office.
In the wake of mass shootings like Columbine and SandyHook, this book gives intimate detail into what it must be like for the investigators. What were the killers thinking, why the penchant to kill? How do you investigate such an emotionally wrenching incident without further traumatizing the survivors?
As I said above, Marcia Clark is a most excellent author. This series starring Rachel Knight has four books in it so far. The latest book, "The Competition" is released to the reading public tomorrow, July 8. All her books stand alone as terrific mysteries but they are even better as a series. I recommend reading them all, they're just so well worth the time. Obviously Five stars!
March 2, 2015
Author Marcia Clark, TV correspondent and former prosecutor, manages to distinguish her crime series by the strength of her writing and by the presentation of the material: she gives her readers an undeniably authentic inside look at the search for criminals, sharing along the way terminology and methods, points of law and methods of prosecution. She leavens the work by including the taunt-slinging humor that a hard-working, hard-living law enforcement team shares while investigating major crimes.
Clark’s Rachel Knight series features a prosecutor from the office of L.A. Special Trials. In her earlier (and shorter) novels, Knight was investigating interesting crimes that plague cities. This book takes on the important subject of the psychopathy behind mass shootings, whether at schools, stores, or the cinema. Clark relies heavily on the David Cullen’s nonfiction treatment of the Columbine shooting, Columbine, so that we can see clearly the resemblances in the copycat incident she relates, but she also looks closely at the other examples we’ve endured in the recent past and shares psychologists’ view of the phenomenon.
Clark’s story has many false leads and misdirection, but what I liked best was the palpable sense of not knowing enough: though the investigators worked hard at finding clues, there was so much they simply did not know. Clark manages to make us understand the real difficulties in pursuing an investigation in cases like these, and why it takes so long to make headway (it is not simply because of the fabled traffic jams in L.A.). Thesmog fog of confusion felt very real to me. When, towards the end of the book, Knight and her partner on this case, Detective Bailey Keller, finally get a lead that connects tiny shreds of information learned from disparate sources early in the investigations, Bailey sits back in her chair and says "Well, what do you know. An actual bona fide lead. So that’s what it feels like." And we feel that sense of discovery, awe, and relief, too.
Clark exhibits her control in a story of this size and scope. She covers a lot of ground by looking at so many major examples of mass shootings and still keeping the story alive with interactions between her characters. If I had any criticism, it would be that there were too many words, but I am not going to quibble. This is an excellent example of its genre which also serves to highlight important questions about our society and justice system.
In my review of an earlier book in the series, Guilt by Degrees, I commented that Rachel Knight seemed to have expensive tastes when it comes to eating and drinking. She still does, but I can see more clearly in this novel that Knight has time to eat only rarely and when she finally does, often late at night, she deserves every bite of those exotic meals. Hers is the kind of job that doesn’t slow or stop for normal people’s needs.
The first book in the Rachel Knight series, Guilt by Association, was a wonderful debut. Take a look if you are beginning the series for the first time.
Clark’s Rachel Knight series features a prosecutor from the office of L.A. Special Trials. In her earlier (and shorter) novels, Knight was investigating interesting crimes that plague cities. This book takes on the important subject of the psychopathy behind mass shootings, whether at schools, stores, or the cinema. Clark relies heavily on the David Cullen’s nonfiction treatment of the Columbine shooting, Columbine, so that we can see clearly the resemblances in the copycat incident she relates, but she also looks closely at the other examples we’ve endured in the recent past and shares psychologists’ view of the phenomenon.
Clark’s story has many false leads and misdirection, but what I liked best was the palpable sense of not knowing enough: though the investigators worked hard at finding clues, there was so much they simply did not know. Clark manages to make us understand the real difficulties in pursuing an investigation in cases like these, and why it takes so long to make headway (it is not simply because of the fabled traffic jams in L.A.). The
Clark exhibits her control in a story of this size and scope. She covers a lot of ground by looking at so many major examples of mass shootings and still keeping the story alive with interactions between her characters. If I had any criticism, it would be that there were too many words, but I am not going to quibble. This is an excellent example of its genre which also serves to highlight important questions about our society and justice system.
In my review of an earlier book in the series, Guilt by Degrees, I commented that Rachel Knight seemed to have expensive tastes when it comes to eating and drinking. She still does, but I can see more clearly in this novel that Knight has time to eat only rarely and when she finally does, often late at night, she deserves every bite of those exotic meals. Hers is the kind of job that doesn’t slow or stop for normal people’s needs.
The first book in the Rachel Knight series, Guilt by Association, was a wonderful debut. Take a look if you are beginning the series for the first time.
August 28, 2014
3.5 stars
Thank you to Netgalley and Mulholland Books for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for a review.
I don’t read a lot of crime thrillers, and I really don’t know why, since I always seem to enjoy them when I do. Since I don’t read them often, I cannot compare this to the typical crime thriller. What I can say is that this was a worthwhile, exciting read, with excellent, excellent pacing.
First things first. This is apparently the fourth in a series about a prosecutor, Rachel Knight. It reads like a standalone, however, so you do not have to read the three previous books to enjoy this one.
Also, it might interest some to know that the author, Marcia Clark, is one of the prosecuting attorneys who worked on the high profile OJ Simpson murder trial (she also prosecuted the stalking/murder of Rebecca Schaeffer - some might remember her as a television actress from the 80s and 90s).
Because the author is an attorney - a former prosecutor to boot - I expected more courtroom drama. Unfortunately for me, I got no courtroom drama. It’s like Law & Order without the Law. See, Rachel works in a special trial division where the prosecutors take part in the actual investigations with the detectives. This book, therefore, focused entirely on the investigation of an ongoing crime and manhunt. But that’s ok! While I was expecting a courtroom drama, and was sort of bummed not to get it, the investigation - the crime drama aspect - was riveting.
Nuts and bolts of the plot: Two suspects commit a Columbine style school shooting. Rachel and her detective partner, Bailey, begin to investigate the shooting. The investigation reveals, however, that all is not as it seems and the shooters may still be on the run. The rest of the book focuses on the ongoing investigation and manhunt, as they race against the clock to prevent additional tragedies from occurring.
Things I really liked: Clark really knows her stuff. Part of this stems from her former job, I’m sure, but she definitely did some solid research into the type of evidence that can be gained from a crime scene, and she definitely avoided the CSI type foibles that make a story unrealistic (for instance, trying to enhance a poor resolution image, but getting one of perfect clarity - can’t happen). For instance, when talking about hairs recovered from the scene, she immediately points out that there’s no way to assume it belongs to the perp. Later, they point out how improbable it is to recover prints off bullet casings. I like that Clark made nothing about this investigation easy - it made it stunningly realistic.
Clark also offered little tidbits, through Rachel, that any legal professional would recognize as true. This added some real authenticity to the book that I appreciated. It was little things, like touching on how a witness’s memory changes as they suddenly “remember” details that have been suggested to them. Or when she mentioned that a criminal defendant wanted access to the law library, “where he’d learn just enough to drive his lawyer crazy.” Or how about when an attorney wins a case, everyone in hindsight talks about what a no-brainer it was, but if you lose? Well, you’re the idiot who lost. Rachel also had a lovely way of interrogating witnesses, asking just the right kind of leading questions. Clark’s experience in the field served her well in this story.
Clark weaved a pretty tight plot, as well. She anticipated and pre-empted many of my questions. A breakthrough would occur, I’d immediately think, “but what if it really means this!” and in the next paragraph, she’d have one of her characters voicing that exact concern. Seriously, well done, Ms. Clark, well done.
Rachel is a great character. She’s intelligent and thinks things through on most occasions. She’s funny! She has a great personality, not at all stiff as many people expect attorneys to be. She has a somewhat youthful voice - I’d peg her in her thirties: old enough to have some life experience and wisdom, but not so old that she’s out of touch with modern slang. She has a breezy attitude, connected to the now. Her thoughts and feelings were very accessible and natural. This was a surprise, because I thought Clark’s writing might have the stiff, formal manner often associated with attorneys. It didn’t. She wrote in Rachel a rich, animated character whom I really enjoyed. Rachel is wearing her sassy pants and she isn’t putting up with your shit:
In fact, many of her characters were excellent - even some of the witnesses. They had very distinctive voices, painting a vivid picture of the scene.
What really drove the book was Rachel and the plot, which was written in a very dialogue heavy manner, consistent with an investigation of this type.
There were a couple twists that completely caught me off guard. One made me audibly gasp.
Things that bothered me: I get nitpicky about legal dramas. I don’t mind some inaccuracies, but there are others that just annoy me to no end. In this particular book, it was the fact that Rachel, a DA, spent two weeks of her life in this ongoing investigation. She checked into her office all of one time and noted a couple dates on her calendar, but that’s it. Sorry, but no. There is no possibility that she could just take a two-week leave from her job without notice, because she would have court dates, motions to respond to (she had motions in her inbox, in fact), phone calls to return, etc. This really annoyed me. If she had been painted as another detective, it would be fine, but she utterly shirked her responsibilities as she spent upwards of 12 to 14 hours per day investigating this crime. This just couldn’t happen with her job.
There was a whole mini-plot about getting a warrant involving a certain character and she repeatedly maintained they did not have enough for the warrant. I disagree so completely, especially given the exigencies of the situation they were investigating. They had more than enough for a basic warrant based on the evidence they had; at a minimum, real life people in that situation would have at least tried for the warrant. In this case, they didn’t even try - it felt very much like a plot device, because if they got the warrant that would push their investigation along too easily.
There was another subplot involving a witness (who happened to have committed some crimes). No Mirandas, but held against his will. Given his crucial role in the investigation, there is absolutely no way this would have happened, and I was a bit disappointed with Clark (especially after all her talk about getting a lock-solid warrant) for overlooking this. They were under the gun, sure, but the problem is that when that character eventually obtains counsel, everything they learned from him is at risk. I couldn’t buy that the characters, who had been so meticulous to that point, would be so careless in that moment, especially when said character admonished what they were doing as potentially “against the law.”
And I haven’t even mentioned how the LAPD is running all over the state, out of their own jurisdiction, but behaving as though they have authority in these other jurisdictions.
The flip side of those complaints, however, is that it kept the plot moving. Plot devices, certainly, but it meant that the investigation was constantly ongoing, and the plot remained taut with tension.
The other main characters were a little more wooden to me, particularly Bailey. Maybe it’s because I haven’t read the other books, but I found her pretty bland. Likewise with the psychiatrists who were brought in purely for exposition about the shooters. Actually, they did more than that - they served to try and answer some questions everyone has after a shooting of this caliber occurs - why did this happen? What kind of person does this? How did the parents not know?
She handled those questions delicately, as she did the reactions of various parents involved in the investigation. She did not dismiss under the rug the plights of the accused’s parents, and I thought she did an excellent job describing their pain, misery, and confusion. Again, I think this is an instance where her former job really served her well:
***
She also brought up various issues involving the media’s involvement in cases like this - the 24-hour news cycle, the public’s need to obtain information yesterday and understand a situation that sometimes just doesn't have an answer; the way in which the media and public’s need for information can potentially damage an investigation.
Now, when it came down to it, I found the shooters’ identities easy to predict, as was their target. And the fact that those identities escaped the characters, especially based on the evidence they had amassed, and their discussions, seemed a little far-fetched. But that’s again ok! Because the action and tension in the story remained, even despite that I had it all figured out.
In all, this was an exciting story, delivered in a breadcrumb style investigation. As Rachel notes, We who live on bread crumbs demand very little for a feast. While the details came slowly, it never felt like the pace slowed down (except during some of the profiling scenes with the “shrinkers”). Because the book retained its tension so consistently, it was difficult to put it down. I always needed to know a little more, to find out the next bit of evidence they would uncover. I enjoyed this quite a lot, despite my nitpicky issues noted above, and I would definitely consider picking up the others in the series based solely on the strength of this plot alone.
Thank you to Netgalley and Mulholland Books for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for a review.
I don’t read a lot of crime thrillers, and I really don’t know why, since I always seem to enjoy them when I do. Since I don’t read them often, I cannot compare this to the typical crime thriller. What I can say is that this was a worthwhile, exciting read, with excellent, excellent pacing.
First things first. This is apparently the fourth in a series about a prosecutor, Rachel Knight. It reads like a standalone, however, so you do not have to read the three previous books to enjoy this one.
Also, it might interest some to know that the author, Marcia Clark, is one of the prosecuting attorneys who worked on the high profile OJ Simpson murder trial (she also prosecuted the stalking/murder of Rebecca Schaeffer - some might remember her as a television actress from the 80s and 90s).
Because the author is an attorney - a former prosecutor to boot - I expected more courtroom drama. Unfortunately for me, I got no courtroom drama. It’s like Law & Order without the Law. See, Rachel works in a special trial division where the prosecutors take part in the actual investigations with the detectives. This book, therefore, focused entirely on the investigation of an ongoing crime and manhunt. But that’s ok! While I was expecting a courtroom drama, and was sort of bummed not to get it, the investigation - the crime drama aspect - was riveting.
Nuts and bolts of the plot: Two suspects commit a Columbine style school shooting. Rachel and her detective partner, Bailey, begin to investigate the shooting. The investigation reveals, however, that all is not as it seems and the shooters may still be on the run. The rest of the book focuses on the ongoing investigation and manhunt, as they race against the clock to prevent additional tragedies from occurring.
Things I really liked: Clark really knows her stuff. Part of this stems from her former job, I’m sure, but she definitely did some solid research into the type of evidence that can be gained from a crime scene, and she definitely avoided the CSI type foibles that make a story unrealistic (for instance, trying to enhance a poor resolution image, but getting one of perfect clarity - can’t happen). For instance, when talking about hairs recovered from the scene, she immediately points out that there’s no way to assume it belongs to the perp. Later, they point out how improbable it is to recover prints off bullet casings. I like that Clark made nothing about this investigation easy - it made it stunningly realistic.
Clark also offered little tidbits, through Rachel, that any legal professional would recognize as true. This added some real authenticity to the book that I appreciated. It was little things, like touching on how a witness’s memory changes as they suddenly “remember” details that have been suggested to them. Or when she mentioned that a criminal defendant wanted access to the law library, “where he’d learn just enough to drive his lawyer crazy.” Or how about when an attorney wins a case, everyone in hindsight talks about what a no-brainer it was, but if you lose? Well, you’re the idiot who lost. Rachel also had a lovely way of interrogating witnesses, asking just the right kind of leading questions. Clark’s experience in the field served her well in this story.
Clark weaved a pretty tight plot, as well. She anticipated and pre-empted many of my questions. A breakthrough would occur, I’d immediately think, “but what if it really means this!” and in the next paragraph, she’d have one of her characters voicing that exact concern. Seriously, well done, Ms. Clark, well done.
Rachel is a great character. She’s intelligent and thinks things through on most occasions. She’s funny! She has a great personality, not at all stiff as many people expect attorneys to be. She has a somewhat youthful voice - I’d peg her in her thirties: old enough to have some life experience and wisdom, but not so old that she’s out of touch with modern slang. She has a breezy attitude, connected to the now. Her thoughts and feelings were very accessible and natural. This was a surprise, because I thought Clark’s writing might have the stiff, formal manner often associated with attorneys. It didn’t. She wrote in Rachel a rich, animated character whom I really enjoyed. Rachel is wearing her sassy pants and she isn’t putting up with your shit:
(in response to a character who says they can’t convict him) “Well of course they can. They’ll bury you so deep you’ll still be in prison when you reincarnate. So you can talk now and buy yourself a little goodwill. Or you can keep fucking with me and roll the dice with the twelve-headed monster. Your choice.
In fact, many of her characters were excellent - even some of the witnesses. They had very distinctive voices, painting a vivid picture of the scene.
What really drove the book was Rachel and the plot, which was written in a very dialogue heavy manner, consistent with an investigation of this type.
There were a couple twists that completely caught me off guard. One made me audibly gasp.
Things that bothered me: I get nitpicky about legal dramas. I don’t mind some inaccuracies, but there are others that just annoy me to no end. In this particular book, it was the fact that Rachel, a DA, spent two weeks of her life in this ongoing investigation. She checked into her office all of one time and noted a couple dates on her calendar, but that’s it. Sorry, but no. There is no possibility that she could just take a two-week leave from her job without notice, because she would have court dates, motions to respond to (she had motions in her inbox, in fact), phone calls to return, etc. This really annoyed me. If she had been painted as another detective, it would be fine, but she utterly shirked her responsibilities as she spent upwards of 12 to 14 hours per day investigating this crime. This just couldn’t happen with her job.
There was a whole mini-plot about getting a warrant involving a certain character and she repeatedly maintained they did not have enough for the warrant. I disagree so completely, especially given the exigencies of the situation they were investigating. They had more than enough for a basic warrant based on the evidence they had; at a minimum, real life people in that situation would have at least tried for the warrant. In this case, they didn’t even try - it felt very much like a plot device, because if they got the warrant that would push their investigation along too easily.
There was another subplot involving a witness (who happened to have committed some crimes). No Mirandas, but held against his will. Given his crucial role in the investigation, there is absolutely no way this would have happened, and I was a bit disappointed with Clark (especially after all her talk about getting a lock-solid warrant) for overlooking this. They were under the gun, sure, but the problem is that when that character eventually obtains counsel, everything they learned from him is at risk. I couldn’t buy that the characters, who had been so meticulous to that point, would be so careless in that moment, especially when said character admonished what they were doing as potentially “against the law.”
And I haven’t even mentioned how the LAPD is running all over the state, out of their own jurisdiction, but behaving as though they have authority in these other jurisdictions.
The flip side of those complaints, however, is that it kept the plot moving. Plot devices, certainly, but it meant that the investigation was constantly ongoing, and the plot remained taut with tension.
The other main characters were a little more wooden to me, particularly Bailey. Maybe it’s because I haven’t read the other books, but I found her pretty bland. Likewise with the psychiatrists who were brought in purely for exposition about the shooters. Actually, they did more than that - they served to try and answer some questions everyone has after a shooting of this caliber occurs - why did this happen? What kind of person does this? How did the parents not know?
She handled those questions delicately, as she did the reactions of various parents involved in the investigation. She did not dismiss under the rug the plights of the accused’s parents, and I thought she did an excellent job describing their pain, misery, and confusion. Again, I think this is an instance where her former job really served her well:
The anguish in that room was heartbreaking. They had no idea why we were really here. Their only fear was that he was a victim. What we would tell them in the next few moments would make them long for that relatively simple form of agony.
***
I knew what she was in for, this seemingly decent, loving mother. The world would judge her and Tom, and The [redacted] as well. Maybe, eventually, I would too. But right now, all I felt was profound sympathy.
She also brought up various issues involving the media’s involvement in cases like this - the 24-hour news cycle, the public’s need to obtain information yesterday and understand a situation that sometimes just doesn't have an answer; the way in which the media and public’s need for information can potentially damage an investigation.
Now, when it came down to it, I found the shooters’ identities easy to predict, as was their target. And the fact that those identities escaped the characters, especially based on the evidence they had amassed, and their discussions, seemed a little far-fetched. But that’s again ok! Because the action and tension in the story remained, even despite that I had it all figured out.
In all, this was an exciting story, delivered in a breadcrumb style investigation. As Rachel notes, We who live on bread crumbs demand very little for a feast. While the details came slowly, it never felt like the pace slowed down (except during some of the profiling scenes with the “shrinkers”). Because the book retained its tension so consistently, it was difficult to put it down. I always needed to know a little more, to find out the next bit of evidence they would uncover. I enjoyed this quite a lot, despite my nitpicky issues noted above, and I would definitely consider picking up the others in the series based solely on the strength of this plot alone.
September 17, 2015
This is my first Marcia Clark novel and it is in the middle of a series. I didn't feel there was missing back story since I didn't read the first ones yet. I liked this book. It was a Columbine type story that was more like a legal thriller/crime story. The MC was well drawn and she possessed a normal personality. I also liked most of the other characters.
My only real complaint was with the story itself. It was tedious in the red herring chase when it seemed obvious who did it. It felt a little long since it took the author so long to get to the reveal. I wish it had been a little less obvious. But with that being my only complaint, I look forward to reading more by this author.
My only real complaint was with the story itself. It was tedious in the red herring chase when it seemed obvious who did it. It felt a little long since it took the author so long to get to the reveal. I wish it had been a little less obvious. But with that being my only complaint, I look forward to reading more by this author.
October 15, 2015
In the past, I mentioned that with each book, I had a harder time figuring out which story I liked best, but I think that The Competition was, HANDS DOWN, my favorite title of the entire series!!!! I am devastated to think that Marcia Clark may end with the series here! I think that she has such a great thing going with this series and I certainly hope that this isn't the end for Rachel Knight and her crew!
It's not very often that you find a series, that you enjoy the entire cast of main characters, but this is the case for this series! Each character brings so much to the table, and it's purely pleasurable to be able to continue to learn about them and grow with them as characters.
Marcia Clark has taken a very controversial subject and turned it into a stellar story! She created many different twists and turns, that kept you guessing clear into the end, who was to blame for all the chaos! I think as a former Prosecutor, that Clark has a unique opportunity to share the best of all worlds in mystery writing, and I think she uses her knowledge exceptionally! I also love that she provides explanations for things that normal people might not know the meaning of.
I really hope to see more in the Rachel Knight series, and hope to find more from Marcia Clark coming out very soon! She is a top-notch author, who has really found her niche in writing and is carving out a spot for herself as a top writer in the legal stories/mystery genre! PLEASE COME BACK WITH MORE RACHEL KNIGHT! I CAN'T BARE TO THINK THAT THIS IS THE END FOR HER!!!
FOR A MORE IN DEPTH REVIEW, PLEASE VISIT MY BLOG, CHORLEY CHRONICALS!!
It's not very often that you find a series, that you enjoy the entire cast of main characters, but this is the case for this series! Each character brings so much to the table, and it's purely pleasurable to be able to continue to learn about them and grow with them as characters.
Marcia Clark has taken a very controversial subject and turned it into a stellar story! She created many different twists and turns, that kept you guessing clear into the end, who was to blame for all the chaos! I think as a former Prosecutor, that Clark has a unique opportunity to share the best of all worlds in mystery writing, and I think she uses her knowledge exceptionally! I also love that she provides explanations for things that normal people might not know the meaning of.
I really hope to see more in the Rachel Knight series, and hope to find more from Marcia Clark coming out very soon! She is a top-notch author, who has really found her niche in writing and is carving out a spot for herself as a top writer in the legal stories/mystery genre! PLEASE COME BACK WITH MORE RACHEL KNIGHT! I CAN'T BARE TO THINK THAT THIS IS THE END FOR HER!!!
FOR A MORE IN DEPTH REVIEW, PLEASE VISIT MY BLOG, CHORLEY CHRONICALS!!
October 2, 2018
THE COMPETITION (RACHEL KNIGHT: #4)
Written by Marcia Clark
2015; Mulholland Books (544 Pages)
Genre: mystery, law, police, suspense, thriller, series
Rating: ★★★★1/2
In the latest Rachel Knight novel, Rachel and Detective Bailey Keller are headed to a local high school where there has been a Columbine-style shooting complete with the killers taking their own lives. As Special Trials Prosecutor, Rachel and Bailey go through evidence and witnesses they soon realize that the facts do not add up and the killers may not be among the dead. Not knowing the killers’ agenda Rachel and Bailey have to act quickly before the body count gets to be any higher.
Each time I pick up a Rachel Knight full-length novel I think it is great and worry the next one will be a let down by not being as suspenseful and absorbing. And each time Marcia Clark knocks me on my butt because it always gets better and I cannot stop reading till the novel ends.
This book had twists and turns I did not always see coming and was so heartbreaking at times. There was less of the courtroom drama in this one, just FYI, but still fits within the series.
***I received an eARC from NETGALLEY***
My Novelesque Life
Written by Marcia Clark
2015; Mulholland Books (544 Pages)
Genre: mystery, law, police, suspense, thriller, series
Rating: ★★★★1/2
In the latest Rachel Knight novel, Rachel and Detective Bailey Keller are headed to a local high school where there has been a Columbine-style shooting complete with the killers taking their own lives. As Special Trials Prosecutor, Rachel and Bailey go through evidence and witnesses they soon realize that the facts do not add up and the killers may not be among the dead. Not knowing the killers’ agenda Rachel and Bailey have to act quickly before the body count gets to be any higher.
Each time I pick up a Rachel Knight full-length novel I think it is great and worry the next one will be a let down by not being as suspenseful and absorbing. And each time Marcia Clark knocks me on my butt because it always gets better and I cannot stop reading till the novel ends.
This book had twists and turns I did not always see coming and was so heartbreaking at times. There was less of the courtroom drama in this one, just FYI, but still fits within the series.
***I received an eARC from NETGALLEY***
My Novelesque Life
July 21, 2014
This book is my first introduction to Marcia Clark and Rachel Knight. Luckily this book can be read as a stand alone novel. I really liked this book. While the story line was a little hard to read as I can remember hearing about the Columbine shooting and than there was the Connecticut shooting. So any time that I read a story that is closely similar to read life it is hard. But only for a brief moment as I can detach myself and remind myself it is just a story. This is a good sign and testament to the author that the author can write and tell a good story.
The dynamics between Rachel and Bailey were great. They worked and moved well together as a pair. They feed off each other and made each of each other stronger. This book is a quick read. This was because the author wrote the characters so well and I felt like nothing was lacking in the story. In regards to the investigation. The ending was good as well. I will probably go back and check out the prior three novels.
The dynamics between Rachel and Bailey were great. They worked and moved well together as a pair. They feed off each other and made each of each other stronger. This book is a quick read. This was because the author wrote the characters so well and I felt like nothing was lacking in the story. In regards to the investigation. The ending was good as well. I will probably go back and check out the prior three novels.
September 20, 2018
Great read, but vey sad!
May 25, 2023
Marcia Clark added this fictional title to her Rachel Knight series in 2015, about a school shooting in the L.A. area. Sadly and horribly there have been many such shootings since this book was published. But in her story, 2 people, believed to be boys who were students at the school where the shootings occurred, appear to be trying to one-up the shooters at Columbine High School in Colorado, with more killings and damage done than that inflicted in the earlier crime. Rachel, an assistant prosecutor, and her closest friend Bailey, a law enforcement detective, set out on an investigation into who the shooters were, and even more importantly, and increasingly threateningly, where they are.
There are other shootings, and the team of Rachel and Bailey keep hitting dead ends. The hunt takes them to different parts of the state, and then across state lines.
This was a story that grabbed me and held me till the end. Ms. Clark uses her own experiences to make the stories very real, and she is also a very talented writer. I hope to read more in this series.
There are other shootings, and the team of Rachel and Bailey keep hitting dead ends. The hunt takes them to different parts of the state, and then across state lines.
This was a story that grabbed me and held me till the end. Ms. Clark uses her own experiences to make the stories very real, and she is also a very talented writer. I hope to read more in this series.
February 16, 2020
I'm not a fan of serial killers or school shootings, but Marcia Clark writes so well that I enjoy her stories no matter the topic. The book offers a few twists and turns to keep the reader interested. The plot follows through with no loose ends left dangling.
I recommend Marcia Clark. Her books remind of Linda Fairstein's. Both authors are must-reads.
I recommend Marcia Clark. Her books remind of Linda Fairstein's. Both authors are must-reads.
June 16, 2014
I really enjoyed The Competition by Marcia Clark. I read one other of her Rachel Knight books and I enjoyed getting back with familiar characters and also feeling like I was back in LA. I did live north of LA for a few years and knowing the places that the main character, Rachel Knight went brought memories. This book works very well as a standalone even though it is a part of a series. Marcia Clark refers to previous Rachel Clark cases but brings the reader up to date very quickly with just a few sentences.
It seems like we hear about school shootings almost every day. Now it has spread to movie theatres and any place where people are trapped together in one spot. This book besides providing a great mystery and crawls into the head of the mass murderer. Psychologists are pulled into the case to profile the two murderers. I was really struck how much the description fit the latest ones in the news. Just learning about how some are so intelligent why they are so difficult to identify. They are good at acting and hiding their true feelings. I think I have a much better idea of what killers are like, how they think and fantasy about death, their victims and their own.
This book never let you count on anything except the determination of the team of Rachel Knight, LA Special Trails Prosecutor and her closest friend, Bailey Keller. Just when you think they have identified the two killers, you are thrown for a loop. Are these the true killers? When you are satisfied that they are, you have reason to believe that they are not! I found myself gasping out loud several times when reading it.
The book opens with the story of Chris Shilling, a girl whose dream was to be a cheerleader. She worked so hard to be on the team with practicing, losing weight and sweating out the trials. She is an average girl who pursued a dream and then something horrible happens to her in the gym during the pep rally. You feel so helpless when she is struck down and you feel the emotional confusion and grief of the students. The effect of the shootings has on the students is very believable.
I recommend this mystery to all mystery lovers but especially to everyone who have lived in the LA area.
I received this ARC from the publisher as a win from FirstReads but that in no way influenced my thoughts or feelings in this review.
It seems like we hear about school shootings almost every day. Now it has spread to movie theatres and any place where people are trapped together in one spot. This book besides providing a great mystery and crawls into the head of the mass murderer. Psychologists are pulled into the case to profile the two murderers. I was really struck how much the description fit the latest ones in the news. Just learning about how some are so intelligent why they are so difficult to identify. They are good at acting and hiding their true feelings. I think I have a much better idea of what killers are like, how they think and fantasy about death, their victims and their own.
This book never let you count on anything except the determination of the team of Rachel Knight, LA Special Trails Prosecutor and her closest friend, Bailey Keller. Just when you think they have identified the two killers, you are thrown for a loop. Are these the true killers? When you are satisfied that they are, you have reason to believe that they are not! I found myself gasping out loud several times when reading it.
The book opens with the story of Chris Shilling, a girl whose dream was to be a cheerleader. She worked so hard to be on the team with practicing, losing weight and sweating out the trials. She is an average girl who pursued a dream and then something horrible happens to her in the gym during the pep rally. You feel so helpless when she is struck down and you feel the emotional confusion and grief of the students. The effect of the shootings has on the students is very believable.
I recommend this mystery to all mystery lovers but especially to everyone who have lived in the LA area.
I received this ARC from the publisher as a win from FirstReads but that in no way influenced my thoughts or feelings in this review.
August 19, 2017
a most excellent 5 star read!
This was a grisly read, mass shootings by a screwed up teenager is always a bummer.
I must say I am enjoying Rachel and her gang of merry do gooders. I love the camaraderie of the characters, I love that Rachel lives at the Biltmore Hotel, I love that she and her friends are always hungry and I love that they are all workaholics!
Rachel and Bailey get the call that a Columbine like shooting has just happened at a nearby school and they are on the case.
Who are the shooters, are they the kids everyone is pointing fingers at? Could it be a disillusioned ex military man or maybe the meth head they run into? There are clues twists and more mention of the illusive killer Liliah whom I am hoping the next book will be about along with Romy.
The part where all the school teachers and principals were questioned was not my favorite part of the book and was skimmed over, Marcia also did this in the last book with picking the jury... some people might like that but, not me, too much time on things that have nothing to do with the actual story are just annoying. Marcia shines with the characters and the thrill and chase of the story.
I guess I'll just have to wait for the next book to come out to find out about those two.
This was a grisly read, mass shootings by a screwed up teenager is always a bummer.
I must say I am enjoying Rachel and her gang of merry do gooders. I love the camaraderie of the characters, I love that Rachel lives at the Biltmore Hotel, I love that she and her friends are always hungry and I love that they are all workaholics!
Rachel and Bailey get the call that a Columbine like shooting has just happened at a nearby school and they are on the case.
Who are the shooters, are they the kids everyone is pointing fingers at? Could it be a disillusioned ex military man or maybe the meth head they run into? There are clues twists and more mention of the illusive killer Liliah whom I am hoping the next book will be about along with Romy.
The part where all the school teachers and principals were questioned was not my favorite part of the book and was skimmed over, Marcia also did this in the last book with picking the jury... some people might like that but, not me, too much time on things that have nothing to do with the actual story are just annoying. Marcia shines with the characters and the thrill and chase of the story.
I guess I'll just have to wait for the next book to come out to find out about those two.
July 18, 2014
This is the fourth novel in Marcia Clark's Rachel Knight series. Having read and reviewed the previous three, I would say that this is the best one so far. I became quite engrossed in this one and read it very quickly.
The plot involves a high school massacre which is based on the Columbine incident. It appears that the killers are trying to outdo previous villains with a higher body count. Hence, the title: The Competition. Initially the police believe that two bodies found at the scene are those of the killers. But as the investigation progresses it becomes clear that this is not the case. It also becomes clear that further killings are planned. The second one involves a shooting in a cinema modeled on the Aurora, Colorado mass shooting but fewer people are killed.
Meanwhile the police are hot on the trail of one student who appears to be implicated. A second they thought likely is already dead. The second real killer is not unmasked until the finale.
This novel is well written and flows smoothly heightening your interest as you turn the pages.Definitely worth reading. Recommended for lovers of crime fiction.
Disclaimer: I was provided with a copy via NetGalley to review.
The plot involves a high school massacre which is based on the Columbine incident. It appears that the killers are trying to outdo previous villains with a higher body count. Hence, the title: The Competition. Initially the police believe that two bodies found at the scene are those of the killers. But as the investigation progresses it becomes clear that this is not the case. It also becomes clear that further killings are planned. The second one involves a shooting in a cinema modeled on the Aurora, Colorado mass shooting but fewer people are killed.
Meanwhile the police are hot on the trail of one student who appears to be implicated. A second they thought likely is already dead. The second real killer is not unmasked until the finale.
This novel is well written and flows smoothly heightening your interest as you turn the pages.Definitely worth reading. Recommended for lovers of crime fiction.
Disclaimer: I was provided with a copy via NetGalley to review.
September 17, 2014
This is a very strong story. I know this is fiction but it brought back to me the times I've heard on the News of shootings in schools.
This opens up almost immediantley with the shooting. The young teacher throwing her arms as wide as she can to protect the youngsters. The girl hidden under the table whose head gets shot at close range. At times this author had me wriggling in my seat. I don't usually read discriptive words as plainly told as this, so much so I could see it in my minds eye and felt physically sick.
I don't read blood and gore, but this story had to have the details to bring it home.
The puzzles of crime solving were coming together nicely and fitting where they should go to make a picture and lead up to the killer/killers. But there were pieces that fitted but they were all so wrong so, just as you thought you were travelling along with the Detectives it all changed.
I loved the unpredictability of this. Kept me engrossed. I just had to read some of the shootings with one eye closed!
I would like to thank Mulholland Books for allowing me to read and review this book.
This opens up almost immediantley with the shooting. The young teacher throwing her arms as wide as she can to protect the youngsters. The girl hidden under the table whose head gets shot at close range. At times this author had me wriggling in my seat. I don't usually read discriptive words as plainly told as this, so much so I could see it in my minds eye and felt physically sick.
I don't read blood and gore, but this story had to have the details to bring it home.
The puzzles of crime solving were coming together nicely and fitting where they should go to make a picture and lead up to the killer/killers. But there were pieces that fitted but they were all so wrong so, just as you thought you were travelling along with the Detectives it all changed.
I loved the unpredictability of this. Kept me engrossed. I just had to read some of the shootings with one eye closed!
I would like to thank Mulholland Books for allowing me to read and review this book.
June 24, 2014
Wow...just wow. We join Prosecutor Rachel Knight and LAPD detective Bailey Keller on an amazing and crazy ride following a school shooting. There are so many brilliant and heart-pounding twists and turns it is impossible to put the book down and not walk away wanting to know what is coming next. I don't want to get into much detail because that would give away the awesomeness of this book. It is so well written and each page leaves you hanging on the edge of your seat.
I am a crime buff. I love all crime-related books, fiction or non-fiction. It's been a long time since I have read a GOOD crime story. The Competition blew all other books out of the water. I became addicted and would read as much as I could as often as possible.
With The Competition, you'll never know what is going to happen next. It draws you in and hooks you. You feel as though you are actually on the investigation with Knight and Keller. Each chapter makes you question: Whodunit?
If you enjoy a good crime story, that will make you sweat with anticipation, The Competition is a book for you.
I received this book from a GoodReads giveaway to review.
I am a crime buff. I love all crime-related books, fiction or non-fiction. It's been a long time since I have read a GOOD crime story. The Competition blew all other books out of the water. I became addicted and would read as much as I could as often as possible.
With The Competition, you'll never know what is going to happen next. It draws you in and hooks you. You feel as though you are actually on the investigation with Knight and Keller. Each chapter makes you question: Whodunit?
If you enjoy a good crime story, that will make you sweat with anticipation, The Competition is a book for you.
I received this book from a GoodReads giveaway to review.
August 30, 2014
I was given the book, "The Competition (Rachel Knight, #4)" by author Marcia Clark and publisher Mulholland Books via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. This was the fourth book in the series, and I found it the best. I have now read all the books in the series.
This novel centers around a school shooting, leaving dozens of children dead.... including the two shooters. But are they dead...or did they get away? As Rachel and her best friend, Detective Bailey Keller start putting the puzzle together, they find things that just don't add up....and the investigation begins. The copycat shooters want to resemble the Columbine shooters, or the armed gunman at Sandy Hook...but in a bigger way...with a higher death count. Thus the title name "The Competition."
High suspense level that doesn't let go until the last page. Would highly recommend this book.
This novel centers around a school shooting, leaving dozens of children dead.... including the two shooters. But are they dead...or did they get away? As Rachel and her best friend, Detective Bailey Keller start putting the puzzle together, they find things that just don't add up....and the investigation begins. The copycat shooters want to resemble the Columbine shooters, or the armed gunman at Sandy Hook...but in a bigger way...with a higher death count. Thus the title name "The Competition."
High suspense level that doesn't let go until the last page. Would highly recommend this book.
January 7, 2015
This is the 4th book featuring Rachel Knight, Los Angeles DA. While it is more interesting to read them in order, this one is a terrific stand-alone.
This time around it's a school shooting, leaving dozens of children dead.... including the two shooters. Or are they dead? As Rachel and her best friend, Detective Bailey Keller start putting the puzzle together, they find things that just don't add up....and the chase is on.
I don't think many of us have ever forgotten the Columbine shooters, the armed gunman at Sandy Hook. These killers are out to make those shootings look menial.
Awesome book.... great storyline. The suspense starts on page 1 and continues until the very last page. Would highly recommend this book.
This time around it's a school shooting, leaving dozens of children dead.... including the two shooters. Or are they dead? As Rachel and her best friend, Detective Bailey Keller start putting the puzzle together, they find things that just don't add up....and the chase is on.
I don't think many of us have ever forgotten the Columbine shooters, the armed gunman at Sandy Hook. These killers are out to make those shootings look menial.
Awesome book.... great storyline. The suspense starts on page 1 and continues until the very last page. Would highly recommend this book.
September 10, 2014
I have become quite a fan of Marcia Clark's Rachel Knight Series, and this book was a great addition. In this one, prosecutor Rachel Knight and detective Bailey Keller are investigating a high school shooting. At first glance, it seems the two suspects killed themselves, but Rachel and Bailey soon find that the appearances are deceiving.
This book has great characters and a compelling storyline. It captured and held my attention throughout, and I thought it was a very good book.
This book has great characters and a compelling storyline. It captured and held my attention throughout, and I thought it was a very good book.
July 30, 2014
The Competition is a solid mystery novel that is better than I anticipated. The phenomena of celebrity lawyers becoming novelists is nothing unusual but I daresay it evokes a certain amount of skepticism in the average mystery reader. I certainly had that my doubts when I received this novel to review. Marcia Clark is mainly known as the lawyer that prosecuted O.J. Simpson. Little did I know she wrote three books before The Competition, all involving a district attorney by the name of Rachel Knight. But I ended up pleasantly surprised and if it didn't soar about the heavy competition in the mystery field, it did present itself as an intelligent and thoroughly intriguing mystery novel.
In The Competition, Rachel Knight and her homicide detective friend Bailey Keller investigates a shooting at a San Fernando Valley high school. The crime bears some resemblance to Columbine and it appears that, like Columbine, the two shooters killed themselves. Yet it soon becomes clear that this may not be the case. From there on, it is a cavalcade of rapid investigations, interviews with unreliable witnesses, and lots of red herrings as they try to prevent the next inevitable tragedy and hopefully figure out what is really happening. Not surprisingly, Clark provides a nice level of realism to her story of a homicide investigation. A little more surprisingly, is that Clark seems more involved with the detective side than the prosecutorial aspects. The book focuses solely on the investigation; a little disappointingly for me since there is no courtroom suspense scene as I may have suspected considering her profession. But this is not a criticism. Clark as a writer seems totally at ease in the field, so to speak.
It's an entertaining novel with a charismatic character in Rachel Knight. While there are 3 books before this, it is entirely standalone with needed information from the other 3 books deftly managed and inserted. It has a bit of a ICU / Law and Order feel that I enjoy. Overall, it is a solid whodunnit that deals sensitively with a hot topic. Now that she has quit her day job, Clark appears to be a new and refreshing voice in a crowded literary genre. Three and a half stars.
In The Competition, Rachel Knight and her homicide detective friend Bailey Keller investigates a shooting at a San Fernando Valley high school. The crime bears some resemblance to Columbine and it appears that, like Columbine, the two shooters killed themselves. Yet it soon becomes clear that this may not be the case. From there on, it is a cavalcade of rapid investigations, interviews with unreliable witnesses, and lots of red herrings as they try to prevent the next inevitable tragedy and hopefully figure out what is really happening. Not surprisingly, Clark provides a nice level of realism to her story of a homicide investigation. A little more surprisingly, is that Clark seems more involved with the detective side than the prosecutorial aspects. The book focuses solely on the investigation; a little disappointingly for me since there is no courtroom suspense scene as I may have suspected considering her profession. But this is not a criticism. Clark as a writer seems totally at ease in the field, so to speak.
It's an entertaining novel with a charismatic character in Rachel Knight. While there are 3 books before this, it is entirely standalone with needed information from the other 3 books deftly managed and inserted. It has a bit of a ICU / Law and Order feel that I enjoy. Overall, it is a solid whodunnit that deals sensitively with a hot topic. Now that she has quit her day job, Clark appears to be a new and refreshing voice in a crowded literary genre. Three and a half stars.
November 12, 2014
Clark's latest literary venture takes readers into a highly touching and controversial topic; school shootings. When two masked gunmen open fire in a gymnasium full of students, panic erupts as the body count rises. Called in to investigate, ADA Rachel Knight and Detective Keller determine that the killers may not be dead, as originally presumed. When the suspected gunmen are found slain in the library, Knight and Keller realise they may have stumbled upon a far more devious and complicated plan; one that has the shooters mirroring some of the most horrific school shootings in US history. Knight begins to receive taunting letters, posted from out of state, mocking her bumbling the investigation and leaving everyone to wonder who could be behind this, as the public shootings continue. Bodies pile up, families are torn apart, yet Keller and Knight cannot stop until the rampage comes to a brutal conclusion. Clark amps up her writing style, tapping into the various aspects of school shootings and draws her collection of characters together to reflect the myriad emotions that course through such an occurrence and its subsequent investigation. Not for the faint of heart, but sure to impress readers across the board.
Clark is on the ball with this latest addition to the Rachel Knight series. Examining the psychological as well as the legal aspects to school shootings, the reader can, at least partially, tap into the mindset of a teenage killer with angst and emotional yearning fuelling the fires. By trying to examine not only the public fallout, but also the psychological toll such an event has on the shooters, their families, and those close to the shootings. Clark does a wonderful job at telling the story and advancing the investigation by honing in on all aspects of the crime as well as the actors involved, such that the reader cannot help but feel a well-rounded compassion for all those involved in the event. She not only knows the law, but also how to pull at the heartstrings of her readers, who are sure to stay on the edge of their seats well into the night.
Kudos, Madam Clark for this highly provocative tale, which has only helped to solidify my like of your work.
Clark is on the ball with this latest addition to the Rachel Knight series. Examining the psychological as well as the legal aspects to school shootings, the reader can, at least partially, tap into the mindset of a teenage killer with angst and emotional yearning fuelling the fires. By trying to examine not only the public fallout, but also the psychological toll such an event has on the shooters, their families, and those close to the shootings. Clark does a wonderful job at telling the story and advancing the investigation by honing in on all aspects of the crime as well as the actors involved, such that the reader cannot help but feel a well-rounded compassion for all those involved in the event. She not only knows the law, but also how to pull at the heartstrings of her readers, who are sure to stay on the edge of their seats well into the night.
Kudos, Madam Clark for this highly provocative tale, which has only helped to solidify my like of your work.
October 17, 2014
2.5 Stars. Meh! Not my favotite. Written by Marcia Clark (remember that OJ trial attorney?), the story was Ok but got a little tedious for me. Yes, a DA could very well be asked to be present at crime scene investigations, but the whole premise that she would be out there "solving" the crime is pretty far fetched. On the plus side, the story moved along pretty well and she tried to interject a bit of humor here and there. If you're into crime novels give it a try. Otherwise, don't waste your time on this one.
July 12, 2022
3.5 - good, fast-paced story that shows her knowledge of the law (& how to blur things to get what you need fast). I knew who the shooter was early on, and the plot development felt a little contrived to try to lead the reader away from them. Also, an editor should have caught some of the smaller details such as: teens do not sign off in texts like we do in emails, teens don’t email each other, etc.
October 7, 2023
I really enjoyed this book although the story was a bit horrifying. Prosecutor Rachel Knight and her friend Bailey, a policewoman from LAPD, investigate a school shooting in which the two shooters are dead - or are they? And who are they since things aren't necessarily what they seem.
There are some twists and suspense since the two shooters are apparently trying to kill more victims than there were in past shootings at schools and other places.
There are some twists and suspense since the two shooters are apparently trying to kill more victims than there were in past shootings at schools and other places.
January 7, 2025
Fabulous but concerning and disturbing. This is the fourth book where Rachel Knight and Bailey are the main characters. There is a school shooting - probably a copy cat killing, looks like the two perpetrators are in amongst the dead bodies found in the carnage - or are they? Two psychologists are part of the characters so we, as readers, can be part of the thought process about who these killers are likely to be and why even their parents didn't notice that their children were psychopaths.
January 12, 2017
Homegrown terrorism vs cops and society. Well narrated and recommended.
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July 8, 2019I am really eager to begin to read this one because I am hoping to find out the answers to a past that has haunted her.
I can empathize with her ability to keep from letting the occasional curse word escape. LOL I can relate to her being cold all the time and dressing for warmth. I do too. I crave 80 degrees.
These characters have grown on me in a big way. This is my fourth book in the series and I have enjoyed watching Marcia Clark’s writing grow and develop. This is the best one yet.
The Competition deals with a sensitive subject…school shootings.
It took me a while to figure out the last villain standing and even more what would be the villains fate. It was so obvious in hindsight, but isn’t that always the way it always is?
Marcia Clark does a fantastic job misdirecting me.
I still have questions about Lilah and Romy, so I guess there must be another story to come.
I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of The Competition by Marcia Clark.
See more at fundinmental
I can empathize with her ability to keep from letting the occasional curse word escape. LOL I can relate to her being cold all the time and dressing for warmth. I do too. I crave 80 degrees.
These characters have grown on me in a big way. This is my fourth book in the series and I have enjoyed watching Marcia Clark’s writing grow and develop. This is the best one yet.
The Competition deals with a sensitive subject…school shootings.
It took me a while to figure out the last villain standing and even more what would be the villains fate. It was so obvious in hindsight, but isn’t that always the way it always is?
Marcia Clark does a fantastic job misdirecting me.
I still have questions about Lilah and Romy, so I guess there must be another story to come.
I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of The Competition by Marcia Clark.
See more at fundinmental
August 19, 2018
A Columbine shooting is the setting for this mystery novel. Clark writes with a great deal of intensity and turns out a pretty good police procedural, except when she is pushing her characters to bend the law, twist their stories, etc. In fact, to paint a Deputy District Attorney to have such a prominent place in the investigation stretches reality to its breaking limit. While they would be on scene-- while they would be involved-- it would be an advisory capacity-- so much more than as a lead investigator... AMAZINGLY messed up.
The mystery is well plotted and carefully spooned out to the reader... but the lack of realism makes this a mediocre read, at least for me.
The mystery is well plotted and carefully spooned out to the reader... but the lack of realism makes this a mediocre read, at least for me.
September 22, 2017
well written story of prosecutor and police working together. The plot is a bit difficult to read because it involves mass shootings at schools and other locations by young sociopaths. The 'competition' is between mass killers.
September 22, 2016
ADA Rachel Knight returns for a fourth novel in, "The Competition", from author Marcia Clark. This fourth book is the best read yet of this thrilling series. The subject matter takes on a very difficult, and delicate topic of a mass shooting in a high school. Marcia Clark really grabs the reader from the very first page with her narrative. Rachel Knight and her sidekick detective Bailey Keller arrive on this scene which is one of the worst type of a nightmare scenarios. Two apparent high school student shooters have attacked the students in the Gym during an assembly. Chasing students and faculty through the halls until they end up in the library where both commit suicide. Rachel is horrified with 33 dead, and many others wounded. However when the investigation gets going things are not quite what they seem. It's possible the two dead "shooters" in the library may not be the actual killers. Rachel and Bailey have to deal with terrified students and teachers who all seem to tell different stories. This story creates a plot that expands from various towns around Los Angeles to Boulder, Colorado, and Utah looking for answers. With a suspect who recently mustered out of the military, and who while working at a gun range sets off a series of events that will further endanger other schools. When the second mass shooting occurs a a local movie theater, Rachel and Bailey need to be investigating 24/7 getting answers. With a very well planned out conclusion, this yarn reads very quickly. This one is packed with high octane action, and snappy dialog to make this an enjoyable and riveting read. Main characters Rachel and Bailey work very well together when intense pressure has their backs up against a wall. Also, the supporting characters really help round out a very well developed plot and story. Author Marcia Clark has become a pretty good story teller. Her Rachel Knight novels have all been enjoyable and riveting reads. I'm giving, "The Competition", four stars out of a possible five stars. Although it reads very quickly there are a couple times early on where it slows to a crawl. The action and dialog do make this one a winner. Be sure to check it out. This one and the other Rachel Knight series books. The series is progressing and interesting with each new book.
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