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Rachel Knight #1.6
If I'm Dead: A Rachel Knight short story
An all-new short story from Marcia Clark, IF I'M DEAD shows Deputy District Attorney Rachel Knight in her element - the courtroom - fighting to make the jury convict a man who killed his wife.
The one snag? No body...
IF I'M DEAD is a tense and compelling account of a high-stakes trial. Extracts from the two Rachel Knight novels are also included!
The one snag? No body...
IF I'M DEAD is a tense and compelling account of a high-stakes trial. Extracts from the two Rachel Knight novels are also included!
60 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 3, 2012
About the author
Marcia Clark
21 books1,319 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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Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
August 7, 2023
#1.6 in the Rachel Knight mystery series
This is a brief novella featuring Rachel and Bailey, working on a case of a missing woman whose car has been found on a lonely cliff. An important part of the case is the woman's diary who says that if she's dead, then it must have been her husband. But when some other information comes to light, it seems as though Rachel's case will probably fall through.
This is a brief novella featuring Rachel and Bailey, working on a case of a missing woman whose car has been found on a lonely cliff. An important part of the case is the woman's diary who says that if she's dead, then it must have been her husband. But when some other information comes to light, it seems as though Rachel's case will probably fall through.
Currently Reading
August 2, 2012Who knew? Marcia Clark is a great writer.
October 11, 2023
You know that old saying be careful what you wish for? Well, it certainly applies here as I have been hoping that I haven’t seen the last of Rachel Knight when I finished The Competition. Marcia Clark fulfilled my wish…in a sense. However, instead of another full-length book, she has given her readers several filler novels that are part of the series, but as I learned If I’m Dead is a standalone.
Taking place between the events of Guilt by Association and Guilt by Degrees, this story involves a case of a missing woman who is likely dead and the resulting murder trial with the woman’s husband as the defendant. Pretty standard Rachel Knight without any surprises or twists that grabbed me the way the other books did.
My Final Verdict: I recommend this book to fans of the Rachel Knight series, which, for me, really showcases Marcia Clark’s talent as an author. Rachel’s success in the courtroom clearly shows to me that Ms. Clark certainly knows her stuff and can hold her own. I’m still holding out hope for another full-length story, but until then there are two more filler stories.
Taking place between the events of Guilt by Association and Guilt by Degrees, this story involves a case of a missing woman who is likely dead and the resulting murder trial with the woman’s husband as the defendant. Pretty standard Rachel Knight without any surprises or twists that grabbed me the way the other books did.
My Final Verdict: I recommend this book to fans of the Rachel Knight series, which, for me, really showcases Marcia Clark’s talent as an author. Rachel’s success in the courtroom clearly shows to me that Ms. Clark certainly knows her stuff and can hold her own. I’m still holding out hope for another full-length story, but until then there are two more filler stories.
July 28, 2021
In a story ripped from 1994 headlines the beautiful wealthy wife is murdered by her philandering jealous husband and her white SUV is found abandoned by the PCH
This is a short book, 62 pages and it moves at lightning pace. It has a clever-ish twist but ends at 62% on my kindle.
This is a short book, 62 pages and it moves at lightning pace. It has a clever-ish twist but ends at 62% on my kindle.
March 7, 2021
I shall look forward to reading this series now. I feel the characters have more to share with me very good story.
June 29, 2013
Having not read the full-length novels penned by Clark, I am, perhaps, missing out on some of the background found in this short story. The story is a quick and abbreviated synopsis of what the reader might expect in one of the three novels, complete with investigation, background interviews, and jury trial. A seemingly murdered (and missing) quasi-socialite leaves behind a husband with little interest in keeping her around. Forensic evidence appears to implicate him n the crime, but with no body, the case is fairly circumstantial. Both sides present their case to the jury and the reader is forced to weigh the evidence, including a compelling diary that all but points to the defendant's guilt. Still, reasonable doubt emerges and it is up to the collected twelve to pass judgement.
The story is a short 30 pages and rushes through the process, acting more as a teaser for interested readers or those with a previous investment in the series. Clark's captivating style pulls the reader into the mix and offers up a great peek into what would surely emerge in a full novel.
Interesting story, Ms. Clark, as I search for a few quick reads before committing to a new list of authors. I am certain to test out some of the longer work on offer soon. Well done and thanks for piquing my curiosity!
The story is a short 30 pages and rushes through the process, acting more as a teaser for interested readers or those with a previous investment in the series. Clark's captivating style pulls the reader into the mix and offers up a great peek into what would surely emerge in a full novel.
Interesting story, Ms. Clark, as I search for a few quick reads before committing to a new list of authors. I am certain to test out some of the longer work on offer soon. Well done and thanks for piquing my curiosity!
May 31, 2012
Pretty good story but only 20+ pages. Rather disappointing - I expected a full length book.
January 14, 2018
Very good, short story. Gives good description of what really goes on in a trial. January LaVoy does an excellent job with narration as always. <><
April 13, 2024
Predictable. As a trial procedural, it lacks any sense of a real trial. Rachel Knight apparently tries high profile murder cases on her own, without a trial partner. Only her best- friend/detective sits at counsel table? Inadmissible evidence is the heart of her case. The trial ends with a “dramatic” twist that is the flip-side of an old Perry Mason rerun- the defendant himself (instead of a witness on the stand) snatches victory from the jaws of defeat-for the prosecution - in front of the jury.
Marcia Clark can, and has done much better. (On the bright side, there’s a moment where her alter ego- Rachel Knight— opts to not make a mistake very similar to the major one made in the OJ Simpson case.) looking forward to better stories from Ms. Clark.
Marcia Clark can, and has done much better. (On the bright side, there’s a moment where her alter ego- Rachel Knight— opts to not make a mistake very similar to the major one made in the OJ Simpson case.) looking forward to better stories from Ms. Clark.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 29, 2022
This is a great short story starring Rachel Knight. She is a prosecutor in Los Angeles prosecuting a murder case without a body, which is the worse kind! If you like books with a lot of courtroom action, you will enjoy this one. You can read this one in less than 30 minutes but it will whet your appetite for more of Marcia Clark’s books about Rachel Night!
July 27, 2025
If I'm Dead by Marcia Clark is book 1.6 of the Rachel Knight mystery/legal thriller series set in contemporary Southern California. Rachel Knight is a Deputy District Attorney prosecuting a murder case. The forensic evidence indicates the defendant is guilty. The defense must create a reasonable doubt in the jurors' minds. The story ends with a stunning courtroom trick.
March 1, 2017
What a great short story.
It's very nice to read a short story that has a beginning, middle, and ending that grasps you and keeps your attention. No thought of being a waste of time. Recommend.
It's very nice to read a short story that has a beginning, middle, and ending that grasps you and keeps your attention. No thought of being a waste of time. Recommend.
August 28, 2017
Don't usually read e-books and didn't realize this was not a novel, but perhaps a short story or novella. Still cute plot, but disappointed in that it was so very short as I read it in an hour (if that)!
August 30, 2017
I like the Marcia Clark books & enjoyed this as well. However, didn't realize I purchased a "novella." Felt like it was just getting started when it was done (because it was)!
I'll continue to read her books as I really enjoy her characters & she tells a good story.
I'll continue to read her books as I really enjoy her characters & she tells a good story.
September 21, 2021
Could have been a great court room thriller
I was disappointed to find out how short the story was. With more background and even more about the two main characters, the wife and husband, it would have been a really great story.
I was disappointed to find out how short the story was. With more background and even more about the two main characters, the wife and husband, it would have been a really great story.
May 12, 2022
Meh. Not terrible. Short novella but it didn't leave me wanting anything longer or anything more from this author. I don't expect much character development or plot in a novella but this was merely a short trial with a dramatic conclusion.
January 15, 2023
Meh at best
This was most definitely not on of her better reads. Very short and lacks anything gripping. I felt it didn't hold my attention. No true suspense like her other writings.
This was most definitely not on of her better reads. Very short and lacks anything gripping. I felt it didn't hold my attention. No true suspense like her other writings.
May 15, 2017
Good book
A very good interesting short story. Read it in about an hour and was not too heavy Would recommend it
A very good interesting short story. Read it in about an hour and was not too heavy Would recommend it
May 19, 2017
Good Short Story
February 27, 2020
Short but sweet
Good story
Believable
Love the storyline
She always gives a good and unpredictable ending
Enjoy her characters in all of her books
Good story
Believable
Love the storyline
She always gives a good and unpredictable ending
Enjoy her characters in all of her books
Read
February 26, 2021She actually got paid for that?
November 10, 2021
It was a good quick read
January 7, 2022
Rich short story in the Rachel Knight series. This is a re-read after I picked up the first book and loved it this time. (Now that I am invested in the characters.)
March 20, 2022
I found this short story to be a bit flat- very descriptive, and honestly maybe too much detail for a short story....
July 2, 2022
A great short story a missing woman assumed murdered, a Court case guilty or not guilty verdict, tense, great characters. Page turner. Gripping. Quick. 4* kindle.
March 18, 2026
A short story.
April 22, 2026
Short book, tight plot. Rachael and Bailey solve the crime and jail the perp. Fun read.
May 25, 2026
Quick read. Marcia’s a great writer.
March 14, 2022
Ik trapte er weer in: haar korte verhalen zijn echt niks aan. De romans, daarentegen zeker wel! Maar deze had ik moeten laten liggen.
Een rechtszaak die onze deputy DA Rachel Knight met twee vingers in de neus zou moeten winnen krijgt een rare wending als de advocaat voor de verdediging een getuige in discrediet brengt. Omdat zij de zus is van de slager van de buurvrouw etc., waar ze in Amerika heel gevoelig voor zijn. Ineens is de jury op de hand van de man die zijn vrouw vermoord zou hebben. Zo'n rare rechtszaak zonder lichaam.
Voor het slotpleidooi zit ons Rachel bij te komen op haar kamer als een collegavriendin haar een armbandje komt brengen, haar juju, voor geluk. En inderdaad: Rachel wint. Door iets heel erg raars. Ik lees nooit meer een kort verhaal van Clark. Een dikke speurdersroman misschien nog wel eens, maar dat is dus anders.
Een rechtszaak die onze deputy DA Rachel Knight met twee vingers in de neus zou moeten winnen krijgt een rare wending als de advocaat voor de verdediging een getuige in discrediet brengt. Omdat zij de zus is van de slager van de buurvrouw etc., waar ze in Amerika heel gevoelig voor zijn. Ineens is de jury op de hand van de man die zijn vrouw vermoord zou hebben. Zo'n rare rechtszaak zonder lichaam.
Voor het slotpleidooi zit ons Rachel bij te komen op haar kamer als een collegavriendin haar een armbandje komt brengen, haar juju, voor geluk. En inderdaad: Rachel wint. Door iets heel erg raars. Ik lees nooit meer een kort verhaal van Clark. Een dikke speurdersroman misschien nog wel eens, maar dat is dus anders.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 26, 2018
Not a book
This was not a book but was a short w, one you could read in any magazine. I will not waste my time or money on another of her stories.
This was not a book but was a short w, one you could read in any magazine. I will not waste my time or money on another of her stories.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews