Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book
Rate this book
Length: 11 hrs and 2 mins

A few short blocks from the safety of the museums and monuments on the National Mall, a ruthless killer prowls the streets of Washington DC. Federal prosecutor Jeff Trask joins a team of FBI agents and police detectives as they try and solve the series of brutal murders. As the body count rises, the investigation leads to a chilling confrontation with the leader of an international drug smuggling ring, and no one is safe, not even the police.

Written by former Washington prosecutor Marc Rainer, Capital Kill is a swirling thrill ride through the labyrinth of a major federal investigation and trial, with a gripping conclusion that no one will see coming.

Audible Audio

First published March 31, 2012

1161 people are currently reading
543 people want to read

About the author

Marc Rainer

12 books47 followers
Marc Rainer is a former prosecutor in the federal and local courts of the District of Columbia and the Western District of Missouri (Kansas City), and a former circuit prosecutor for the US Air Force's Judge Advocate General (JAG) Corps. A graduate of the US Air Force Academy, he has more than thirty years eperience in the prosecution of major cases. He is married to a former Air Force OSI Special Agent, and lives in a suburb of a major American city. The first book in his Jeff Trask crime drama series, Capital Kill, has been ranked #1 in Amazon’s kindle store’s mystery series sales rankings.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
570 (50%)
4 stars
375 (33%)
3 stars
131 (11%)
2 stars
42 (3%)
1 star
17 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews
Profile Image for Jim A.
1,267 reviews82 followers
April 24, 2018
Very well written prosecutorial and police procedural thriller. Involving a Jamaican drug operation in Washington D.C. Written by a former Assistant U.S. Attorney, it highlights the combined efforts of Washington D.C.'s police department, the offices of the U.S. Attorney, the FBI, as well as ATF and Canadian Mounties.

Highly recommend this if procedurals are in your wheel house. The beginning of a Jeff Trask series.
1 review1 follower
Read
August 7, 2012
What a fantastic book! I tend to read many of the same mystery/crime writers. Finding Marc Rainer's Capital Kill was a refreshing treat. The characters were well developed, the plot held my attention and Technical judicial jargon was explained seamlessly within the story. I give it 5 stars. Please put Capital Kill on your reading list.
Profile Image for Alta.
1 review1 follower
August 8, 2012
Get ready for one of the best books you'll ever read!! Marc Rainer's Capital Kill is suspenseful, realistic, touching, and full of shocks and surprises at almost every page turn. Rainer's easy-to-read writing style and his talent for vivid description and great story-telling make this book almost impossible to put down. I'm looking forward to a sequel to this fine book in the near future. More please, Mr. Rainer!!
Profile Image for Joyce.
1,801 reviews18 followers
June 23, 2020
I really liked this book!

A former JAG, Jeff Trask, has been hired by the US Attorney’s Office in Washington DC. He has finally been moved to felony litigations from the Appellate Division. This novel covers his first major case. It has an amazingly colorful and complex cast of characters and procedurally is one of the closest to reality I’ve read in years. The writing will grab the reader from the onset. The plot is straightforward but with lots of twists and turns in it. There is a remarkably well done trial in it with a climax no one would guess and, of course, a horrendous serial killer! Thanks to the author and publisher for an e-galley for an honest review.
Profile Image for MICHAEL D. CASTLE.
21 reviews1 follower
December 14, 2020
I'm not certain how veteran this author is, or if this was a first novel sort of thing. Without looking at the series, I decided to read this one to get a grip on the writing style and story type, and was pleasantly satisfied to have found a quality author to add to my stable. I'll be grabbing the next book in his series soon and continue my trek with this author. The author gives a good character fleshing out, while keeping a solid course for the reader to follow. There is little in this story that either doesn't connect with this book, or presumably the next book. Little fluff. Good story line humor and dramatic tragedy. If you are looking for a good detective mystery book, I recommend giving this author a look-see.
6 reviews
June 15, 2021
Legal Thriller

The best legal thriller I have read in quite some time. It was a real page turner and an excellent bit of trial work. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series.
57 reviews
January 21, 2019
Highly recommend

I loved this book. Great character development and lots of action. If you like crime novels you will enjoy this. Going to buy the rest of this author’s books
Profile Image for Jason E. Fort.
Author 22 books26 followers
June 7, 2021
This author, a former prosecutor himself, definitely knows his stuff. The reality to the criminal justice system and legal procedure is spot on, and he nailed describing strong personalities in police culture. I am sure he got to work with his fair share, and wouldn't be surprised if real cops he dealt with heavily inspired some of his characters. Having met the author personally, the dry wit and humor in his main character is not surprising - he is quite similar. My favorite thing about the story was how callous he portrayed the darkest members of the criminal underworld, namely the Jamaican drug dealers. I do not know near enough about that side of things, but I am sure this author's stellar career brought him in contact with those types on occasion.
If anyone likes a crime story that is as close to real life as it gets, this is the book to read. I definitely plan on checking up on Mr. Trask.
Profile Image for Carl.
169 reviews6 followers
March 2, 2016
After reading 20% of this book, I decided that I'd find more interest listening to my hair grow. I just couldn't get motivated to finish the book. While it got a lot of good reviews, those reviews didn't measure up to expectations. One of the few book I gave up on.

Edit ... I finally read this book after 3 years of setting it aside. I found the story line interesting and engaging, but it simply didn't engage me as deeply as many other thrillers tend to do. I thought the author just missed the opportunity to draw the reader at times. Example, when a key character died, it just seemed to fall flat, as a matter of fact, rather than an engaging event. It was a decent read, but could have been much better, in my opinion. I will be reading the next book in the series to see how things progress with the key character, as well as the author.
Profile Image for Kakashi Wolf.
45 reviews2 followers
August 9, 2024
Slow Burn

This novel began as a slow burn. Giving you pieces to a puzzle, while they fit together to form a complete picture, it doesn't show the complete story. Mr. Rainer will give you more pieces to solve to form another picture. Each picture you put together will not be together for long. Mr. Rainer will keep you on the edge until the very last page. For that, I give this incredible author a five star review.
Profile Image for Wendy.
155 reviews3 followers
December 30, 2017
Nicely crafted novel of murders and the prosecution of a serial killer.

Police, Prosecuting Attorneys with a liberal dose of US agencies working together to stop a serial killer and a drug dealer. Unexpected ending that I loved and highly recommend this book! Bring on the next book in the series!
1 review
August 10, 2012
A very entertaining read. The assortment of characters and events keeps the story interesting. Terrific writing. I predict much success in this author's future.
Profile Image for Barb.
113 reviews
January 28, 2013
Fast paced political mystery thriller, taking place in Washington, D.C. The story doesn't end until the last page is turned!
Profile Image for Tony Parsons.
4,156 reviews102 followers
November 27, 2017
Washington, DC. Homeless & living on the street; James P. "Junebug" Wilson (39) was looking to buy some crack cocaine.
Detective Dixon “Dix” Carter (A/A, 7th. District, Metropolitan PD, narcotics, U of Maryland; English) & Detective Juan “The Twins” Ramirez (partner, 7th. District, Metropolitan PD) were out/about patrolling the streets.

Miller Gardens project complex. Ronald “R.F.” Fellows (18, drug addict) let Demetrius M. “D’Mon” Reid (Jamaican, drug dealer, aka William Coleridge) know what was going on in the hood.
Junebug stopped by “D’Mon’s” apartment.
Maura Loxley (chief of the misdemeanor trial section) had called a meeting.
She was to supervise: Jeff Trask (Federal prosecutor, retired USAF), Tim Wisniewski (Polish, attorney), Robert “Bob” Lassiter (45, chief of the office's criminal division, West Point, retired US Army, JAG), & Deputy William “Bill” Patrick (criminal division).
Judge Benton R. Pike will preside in the 5 trials.
People v Dugan.
All 3 of the cases including: People v Williams & People v Duke were dismissed by Judge Pike, defendant failed to show up.
People v Forster.
People v Nguyen.
Judge Linda Worthington would hear the last case instead.
Who did Spencer Goode (Esq.) call?
What happened to Detective Ramirez & Spencer Goode (attorney)?

Warning: This book is for adults only & contains extreme violent or graphic adult content. It may be offensive to some readers.

I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.

A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written legal crime thriller book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a huge set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great legal crime thriller movie, or better yet a mini TV series. A very easy rating of 5 stars.

Thank you for the free author; BookSends; Amazon Digital Services LLC.; book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
203 reviews6 followers
August 22, 2018
Interestingly enough, I had purchased all the books in the series, but my first read was #4. After reviewing it, I was captivated enough by his cast of characters that I was planning to purchase at least one or two - and then found out I had already done so. They must have been offered as freebies at one time or another, since that would be the only way I had accumulated them all without having read any.

This is the first in the series, and, as such, introduces all the characters that populated his hero's universe - as well as the general attitude and flavor of things. Prosecutors and LEOs who are tough on crime and criminals, have a sense of humor, love to banter among themselves, and criminals who rise a little beyond stereotypical.

I've read Rainer's autobiographical comments in #4 - he is writing about a world he knows. This reads like it really does emerge from a world he knows well. That includes political infighting. Mistakes. Loss of friends and dear ones.

This was a sit and read until it's done book, and I fully expect the rest of them (#2, 3 and 5) to be as compelling. I have a new favorite author
1,729 reviews13 followers
October 19, 2018
This is the 3rd book that I have read of this series. I have wondered how this series began since I have read books that have been some of his latest. I have the second book in the series to read and am looking forward to it. I have full intention of reading all of the books in this series before I am done. I have been fortunate to find this because of the fact that I could get the book at no costs.

I have epreviously read a lot of books through the library such as Clancy, Baldacci, Child, Pattersopn and so on. I am finding a lot of new authors to read since I have gottem my KIndle.

Keep up the good work.
Profile Image for Helen.
327 reviews5 followers
December 25, 2017
E-Reader. Crime thriller

Jeff Trask, a Federal prosecutor joins a task force with FBI agents, and local Metropolitan Police Department 7th district, detectives Dixon Carter & Juan Ramerez & others.

Someone is brutally murdering people.  There are homicides, drug trafficking & corruption.

There are many more characters in this book, so much happens you need to read this book.  There are some gruesome parts in this book.   Plus you'll definitely find out much more about the judicial system.

Profile Image for Judith  Wong.
142 reviews1 follower
July 19, 2018
Intense and interesting look into the processes involved in the development of a criminal court case and the trial that follows!

Can Officers of different law enforcement agencies come to work together in order to build a case against not only an intelligent drug dealer and businessman but also a ruthless, brutal murderer? A number of agents and attorneys worked together to do just that but at a grave cost. A gripping, well written and constructed story that will certainly hold your interest throughout!
Profile Image for Julie Fitzpatrick.
302 reviews7 followers
Read
May 10, 2024
Gripping, exciting, page turner of a Legal Thriller recommended by Kindle Unlimited, I am amazed I had not seen Marc Rainer's Name before through recommended searches. The only reason I had to put the Kindle down was because of everything I had no choice but to get on with, otherwise I would have sat there and read from start to finish. The first ever Jamaica/America Drug Legal Thriller Series I have ever found and started to read, intense, love it. Full of suspense, shocks, surprises, twists and turns with realistic all along the way, love it.
314 reviews1 follower
June 12, 2018
Excellent !!

Loved this story. I felt like I was reading about happenings in the here& now- the personalities of the people in law enforcement along with their ci’s and their daily lives were so relatable....the sadness when the cop was killed- felt like I knew him !i was so hoping for a different end with Lassiter...very heartfelt book- loved Trask !! Will be reading more of this author....❤️❤️
Profile Image for Candy.
940 reviews24 followers
June 30, 2018
Good story and an easy read. Only problem was that there needed to be dates included so the reader could get a sense of time passing. On one hand, it seemed like everything was taking place within a couple of weeks, but then there were parts that made you wonder just how much time had passed. It seemed within a few chapters, Jeff met, got engaged, and then married, which indicated a fair amount of time passing, while I thought the legal part of the book was in early stages.
356 reviews
May 28, 2025
Long read but a good one. Set in NYC with Jeff Trask as the lead character in a series. He is a trial lawyer who works with police and the FBI to bring major crimes to a halt. This story was a Jamaican drug smuggler who used Canada to get drugs into NYC. Smuggler was a cold hearted killer who used intimidation and murder to further his business. Lots of legal detail - and the trial was really good.
11 reviews
January 4, 2018
So so

Book dragged for me for first quarter - third, bogged down with legalese details although I understood the groundwork the author was trying to lay. Reminded me of first book attempt by a lawyer I once knew. Good story, though once it started to flow. So many very good mysteries out there to read, it is with regret that I don't recommend this red.
Profile Image for Jen.
2 reviews
July 16, 2018
Fast paced dc based crime read

First book I’ve read in this series and enjoyed it. Fast, a little gory, intense and kept you guessing. 14th Street isn’t as seedy these days as described in the book, I was wanting some cross streets so I could better picture the location of the restaurant.
579 reviews4 followers
October 29, 2018
Author does a good job keeping the book moving. A lot of legal stuff is boring and moves slow. This book avoids most of that. Another thing that happens too often is that the team always remains intact. This book has a surprising trial ending where the accused never gets a verdict. Read it and find out how.
579 reviews4 followers
October 29, 2018
Author does a good job keeping the book moving. A lot of legal stuff is boring and moves slow. This book avoids most of that. Another thing that happens too often is that the team always remains intact. This book has a surprising trial ending where the accused never gets a verdict. Read it and find out how.
207 reviews
September 23, 2020
Wow a great exciting read

We have a new author to read. We are very happy the way he keeps you turning pages. Nothing is taken for granted in the story line and her leave very little in the way of clues as to what is going tho happen. Needless to say something's pop up that throw thou for a loop.
147 reviews1 follower
November 7, 2017
Excellent

This book is full of twists and turns that keep you reading till the last page. Jeff Trask is a wonder-boy lawyer, very nice character, with very intense tendencies that make this a thrill ride. Can't wait to start the next Marc Rainer book.
188 reviews
January 2, 2018
Sustained!

This was a top-notch legal thriller! I wasn't sure of what to expect from this author, but he certainly didn't disappoint! There were no dull moments here - all the way to the final chapter!
569 reviews3 followers
February 5, 2018
Great book!

Capital Kill had a good crime investigation and also a great court room drama. A little romance mixed in makes a great book. Take the profanity out and it would be even better.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.