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The Fall Girl
Lives and lies are inextricably linked by a high-profile murder trial in The Fall Girl, the latest exhilarating legal thriller from bestselling author Marcia Clark.
When Charlie Blair left Chicago behind—and her old life as Lauren Claybourne—for a gig in the Santa Cruz DA’s office, things were supposed to be easier. Or at least nothing that a couple of Xanax and a tumbler of vodka couldn’t handle. The plan had been working, until the murder of a local bail bondsman Shelly Hansen.
Enter: hot-shot prosecutor Erika Lorman, she of the stellar record and unfailing touch with juries, a veritable legend in her own right. Fresh off the prosecution of celebrity chef Blake Steers, the newest resident of California’s penitentiary system and perhaps its most high profile, she’s thrust back into action alongside her new co-chair from the windy city and ready to do anything to put criminals behind bars.
But as the fevered search for answers intensifies and the hunt for a killer continues, secrets from the past threaten to undo not just the case—but Erika and Charlie, too. Expertly plotted and relentlessly paced, The Fall Girl will keep readers guessing until the very end.
When Charlie Blair left Chicago behind—and her old life as Lauren Claybourne—for a gig in the Santa Cruz DA’s office, things were supposed to be easier. Or at least nothing that a couple of Xanax and a tumbler of vodka couldn’t handle. The plan had been working, until the murder of a local bail bondsman Shelly Hansen.
Enter: hot-shot prosecutor Erika Lorman, she of the stellar record and unfailing touch with juries, a veritable legend in her own right. Fresh off the prosecution of celebrity chef Blake Steers, the newest resident of California’s penitentiary system and perhaps its most high profile, she’s thrust back into action alongside her new co-chair from the windy city and ready to do anything to put criminals behind bars.
But as the fevered search for answers intensifies and the hunt for a killer continues, secrets from the past threaten to undo not just the case—but Erika and Charlie, too. Expertly plotted and relentlessly paced, The Fall Girl will keep readers guessing until the very end.
302 pages, Hardcover
First published September 13, 2022
59 people are currently reading
741 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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Displaying 1 - 30 of 158 reviews
September 4, 2022
I love a good legal thriller! And who better to pen a tale than Marcia Clark, known for her role in the OJ Simpson murder trial. I’ve read one of her previous books and thoroughly enjoyed it, so I jumped at the chance for her latest. Even featuring Marcia herself as one of the narrators!💃
Needing to leave her life behind and start new, Lauren finds a job at the DA office in Santa Cruz and begins her new life as Charline(Charlie.) But as in most cases, she may not be able to outrun her past.
Presently working with fellow prosecutor Erika on the murder of a local bail bondswoman, may leave Charlie even more exposed and vulnerable. Even Erika’s secrets are now at risk too!
I think this may have been one of those times the 'book' version may have worked better than the audio. Though Marcia Clark and Cathy Lepard did an amazing job with the voice talent, I kept having to change the volume and speed ⬆️⬇️ depending on who was narrating at that time. Eventually it became rather distracting, leaving me lost in the shuffle, trying to follow the storyline.🤷♀️
I know Marcia Clark is an excellent writer so I will be sure to read the ‘digital’ format next time.
Thank you to NetGalley and RB Media 🎧
Needing to leave her life behind and start new, Lauren finds a job at the DA office in Santa Cruz and begins her new life as Charline(Charlie.) But as in most cases, she may not be able to outrun her past.
Presently working with fellow prosecutor Erika on the murder of a local bail bondswoman, may leave Charlie even more exposed and vulnerable. Even Erika’s secrets are now at risk too!
I think this may have been one of those times the 'book' version may have worked better than the audio. Though Marcia Clark and Cathy Lepard did an amazing job with the voice talent, I kept having to change the volume and speed ⬆️⬇️ depending on who was narrating at that time. Eventually it became rather distracting, leaving me lost in the shuffle, trying to follow the storyline.🤷♀️
I know Marcia Clark is an excellent writer so I will be sure to read the ‘digital’ format next time.
Thank you to NetGalley and RB Media 🎧
September 6, 2022
Lauren Claybourne (who was once Charlie Blair) got a new job at the Santa Cruz DA’s office and was happy to leave her old life behind. There she meets the Erika Lorman, a prosecutor who has a touch with juries and is known as a hot shot. They begin working on the case of a murdered bail bondsman, Shelly Hansen.
Both Lauren/Charlie and Erika have secrets. Lauren/Charlie is hiding from her past and is worried that she will be found and shy's away from press and getting too close to her co-workers. As the case progresses, it becomes evident that something isn't right.
I jumped at the chance of reading a book by Marcia Cross. I've heard so much positive buzz about her writing. I felt as a former prosecutor herself, this would be a spot-on legal thriller that would feel authentic. While I enjoyed the plot, I wasn't wowed by it. I listened to the audiobook. While the narrators (one being Marcia Cross) were good, it just didn't work well for me.
I found this to be an intriguing and enjoyable book and I am open to reading more Marcia Clark books in the future, I just wish I had enjoyed this one a little more.
#TheFallGirl #NetGalley.
Thank you to RB Media, Recorded Books and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
Both Lauren/Charlie and Erika have secrets. Lauren/Charlie is hiding from her past and is worried that she will be found and shy's away from press and getting too close to her co-workers. As the case progresses, it becomes evident that something isn't right.
I jumped at the chance of reading a book by Marcia Cross. I've heard so much positive buzz about her writing. I felt as a former prosecutor herself, this would be a spot-on legal thriller that would feel authentic. While I enjoyed the plot, I wasn't wowed by it. I listened to the audiobook. While the narrators (one being Marcia Cross) were good, it just didn't work well for me.
I found this to be an intriguing and enjoyable book and I am open to reading more Marcia Clark books in the future, I just wish I had enjoyed this one a little more.
#TheFallGirl #NetGalley.
Thank you to RB Media, Recorded Books and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
February 6, 2023
If you enjoy a legal thriller you will love The Fall Girl. Marcia Clark expertly brings this riveting story to life through her compelling characters and dramatic narration. Marcia Clark and Cathy Lepard’s narration add an extra layer of depth and intrigue to this intense legal drama. There were many twists I never saw coming and I was continually entertained and engaged as the drama progressed. Thank you NetGalley and RB Media for my audiobook.
January 26, 2023
3.25⭐
Featuring ~ dual 1st & 3rd person POV, lawyers, child abuse (on page by foster parent)
Lauren is on the run from an abusive relationship and changes her name to Charlie. She begins working at the DA's office beside, Erika, the prosecutor. How she's able to do this I am not really sure. Would she have to retake the bar exam because of the name and state change? 🤷
I didn't really enjoy any of the characters, but I did enjoy their secrets. Marcia definitely knows her legal lingo and that was evident throughout the book.
I am a fan of Marcia's Samantha Brinkman's series, but I didn't like this one as much as those, still an okay read though. I did read those in paperback, so maybe that was my issue since I listened to this one.
The narration by Marcia Clark and Cathy Lepard for 10 hours and 52 minutes was alright, and it was easy to follow at 2x.
*Thanks to RB Media, the author and NetGalley for my audio copy. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
Follow me here ➡ Blog ~ Facebook
Featuring ~ dual 1st & 3rd person POV, lawyers, child abuse (on page by foster parent)
Lauren is on the run from an abusive relationship and changes her name to Charlie. She begins working at the DA's office beside, Erika, the prosecutor. How she's able to do this I am not really sure. Would she have to retake the bar exam because of the name and state change? 🤷
I didn't really enjoy any of the characters, but I did enjoy their secrets. Marcia definitely knows her legal lingo and that was evident throughout the book.
I am a fan of Marcia's Samantha Brinkman's series, but I didn't like this one as much as those, still an okay read though. I did read those in paperback, so maybe that was my issue since I listened to this one.
The narration by Marcia Clark and Cathy Lepard for 10 hours and 52 minutes was alright, and it was easy to follow at 2x.
*Thanks to RB Media, the author and NetGalley for my audio copy. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
Follow me here ➡ Blog ~ Facebook
November 30, 2022
A woman tries to start her life over with a new name and fresh career as an assistant district attorney. A hot-shot prosecutor with an outstanding record who is fresh off of a successful murder conviction of a famous defendant. A mother stabbed to death. And a teenager who looks guilty of the crime. But both of the attorneys have significant secrets that they want to keep hidden, even from each other. And is the young woman truly guilty? Or was she framed?
Lauren Claybourne, a star public defender in Chicago, has left her name and career behind to become an assistant district attorney in Santa Cruz after being stalked by an ex. Now going under the assumed name of Charlie Blair, she is forced to become second chair on the murder case of Shelly Hansen which has already become a media circus. Terrified that ‘he’ will find her, she works hard to avoid the cameras, but when first chair Erika Lorman begins to act unethically, she finds herself perturbed. Does she chance revealing herself by publicizing what Erika is doing or does she look the other way? But, with Erika hiding her own secrets, it’s just a matter of time until one of their traumatic pasts catches up with them.
Running in conjunction to the exploration of both prosecutors pasts is the horrific murder of single mother, Shelly Hansen. She has been stabbed to death in her own home and all of the evidence points towards her daughter, Mia. But as more and more facts come to light, Lauren (aka Charlie) begins to question what really happened that night. Who murdered Shelly? And why is Erika acting so strangely?
This book is best approached cold, so I tried to give just the bare essential facts. If anything I’ve written sounds good to you, pick up this novel ASAP because it is a fantastic read! Clark has crafted an excellent legal thriller that is fast-paced, layered, and emotionally charged as we learn not only what has happened within the present murder trial, but the past traumas that still haunt both Erika and Lauren. Despite facing off with their approaches to the investigation, their backgrounds have created two women both battling issues of anxiety, paranoia, and the emotional scarring of significant trauma that still impacts them years later. Lives and lies are inexplicably intertwined around a murder trial until a breathtaking twist that I absolutely did not see coming. There were only two things that bugged me about this book. One was the circumstances around Lauren being able to practice law in a new state under an assumed name without anyone knowing her real identity. The other (and why I downgraded my rating from 5 to 4.5) was how the middle got bogged down with conspiracy theory. I don’t feel it was necessary to focus so heavily on the secrets that existed between Lauren/Charlie and Erika which ultimately played very little into the plot. It would have been better, in my opinion, to concentrate more on potential suspects for Shelly’s murder. But I won’t harp on that because the book was simply that good. Ended up reading way too late into the night because I could not put it down. This was the first Marcia Clark novel I’ve read, but will definitely not be the last! Rating of 4.5 stars.
Lauren Claybourne, a star public defender in Chicago, has left her name and career behind to become an assistant district attorney in Santa Cruz after being stalked by an ex. Now going under the assumed name of Charlie Blair, she is forced to become second chair on the murder case of Shelly Hansen which has already become a media circus. Terrified that ‘he’ will find her, she works hard to avoid the cameras, but when first chair Erika Lorman begins to act unethically, she finds herself perturbed. Does she chance revealing herself by publicizing what Erika is doing or does she look the other way? But, with Erika hiding her own secrets, it’s just a matter of time until one of their traumatic pasts catches up with them.
Running in conjunction to the exploration of both prosecutors pasts is the horrific murder of single mother, Shelly Hansen. She has been stabbed to death in her own home and all of the evidence points towards her daughter, Mia. But as more and more facts come to light, Lauren (aka Charlie) begins to question what really happened that night. Who murdered Shelly? And why is Erika acting so strangely?
This book is best approached cold, so I tried to give just the bare essential facts. If anything I’ve written sounds good to you, pick up this novel ASAP because it is a fantastic read! Clark has crafted an excellent legal thriller that is fast-paced, layered, and emotionally charged as we learn not only what has happened within the present murder trial, but the past traumas that still haunt both Erika and Lauren. Despite facing off with their approaches to the investigation, their backgrounds have created two women both battling issues of anxiety, paranoia, and the emotional scarring of significant trauma that still impacts them years later. Lives and lies are inexplicably intertwined around a murder trial until a breathtaking twist that I absolutely did not see coming. There were only two things that bugged me about this book. One was the circumstances around Lauren being able to practice law in a new state under an assumed name without anyone knowing her real identity. The other (and why I downgraded my rating from 5 to 4.5) was how the middle got bogged down with conspiracy theory. I don’t feel it was necessary to focus so heavily on the secrets that existed between Lauren/Charlie and Erika which ultimately played very little into the plot. It would have been better, in my opinion, to concentrate more on potential suspects for Shelly’s murder. But I won’t harp on that because the book was simply that good. Ended up reading way too late into the night because I could not put it down. This was the first Marcia Clark novel I’ve read, but will definitely not be the last! Rating of 4.5 stars.
September 8, 2022
The Fall Girl
By: Marcia Clark
4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
You can tell that Clark uses her skills as a prosecutor in this book. Yes, the Marcia Clark who was the prosecutor on OJ Simpsons trial. I had no idea she was an author. This legal thriller was riveting!
Lauren leaves behind her life in Chicago and start a new life and identity in the DAs office in Santa Cruz. Now she goes by the name Charline (Charlie) and is trying to keep her past hidden.
However her current work with Erika, can leave Charlie exposed as well as Erika. They each have troubled past and their own agenda. Will they turn on each other to get what they want? The case becomes high profile and Charlie does not want her past exposed.
A complex novel and you need to pay close attention, but worth it. Thank you NetGalley, Marcia Clark and RB Media for this advanced audio. This audio is available September 13, 2022.
#thefallgirl, #rbmedia, #audiobook, #stamperlady50, #bookstagram,#booksconnectus, #bookreview, #stamperlady50
By: Marcia Clark
4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
You can tell that Clark uses her skills as a prosecutor in this book. Yes, the Marcia Clark who was the prosecutor on OJ Simpsons trial. I had no idea she was an author. This legal thriller was riveting!
Lauren leaves behind her life in Chicago and start a new life and identity in the DAs office in Santa Cruz. Now she goes by the name Charline (Charlie) and is trying to keep her past hidden.
However her current work with Erika, can leave Charlie exposed as well as Erika. They each have troubled past and their own agenda. Will they turn on each other to get what they want? The case becomes high profile and Charlie does not want her past exposed.
A complex novel and you need to pay close attention, but worth it. Thank you NetGalley, Marcia Clark and RB Media for this advanced audio. This audio is available September 13, 2022.
#thefallgirl, #rbmedia, #audiobook, #stamperlady50, #bookstagram,#booksconnectus, #bookreview, #stamperlady50
September 3, 2022
CAPTIVATING! My seventh book by the author and my favorite—her best yet! A taut, cleverly crafted murder mystery that will leave you guessing to the explosive ending.
Marcia Clark is a former LA, California deputy district attorney who was the lead prosecutor in the O.J. Simpson murder case, bestselling author, television correspondent, producer, frequent media commentator, and columnist on legal issues. She returns with a standalone riveting legal thriller—THE FALL GIRL.
Charlie Blair (Lauren Claybourne) is hiding from a monster from her past. She has a new identity after leaving Chicago and is now with the Santa Cruz DA's office. She must keep a low profile.
She worries about her family constantly and always looking over her shoulder for the monster. She could lose her job and life if anyone finds out about her.
Erika Lorman, a hotshot prosecutor, has just won a big case, making a name for herself. Now there is more pressure with a new high-profile murder case, and Charlie has been assigned her co-chair. Charlie does not need a high-profile case and needs to stay out of the press and limelight.
The case is a murder of a local bail bondsman Shelly Hansen and the daughter is the top suspect. Is she guilty or innocent?
Charlie and Erika both are keeping secrets, and both are from a highly abusive background. We learn more about both pasts and how their past have shaped their present. They have more in common than they know, if only they could communicate on a more personal level.
Ericka will stop at nothing to win with the help of Skip. How far is she willing to go, crossing moral lines while throwing her co-chair under the bus? She is also suffering from panic attacks and is worried about her brother. If anyone discovers what she is doing, she could lose her job and her license.
However, Charlie is brilliant, and she suspects something is wrong. She suspects the person on trial for murder is innocent, and she does not trust Erika. However, how will she go up against her? What will happen to the case?
In a twisted game of cat and mouse, the two women are supposed to be on the same side with two different agendas. Will blackmail work, or will Charlie step up against all odds to seek justice for the wrongly accused? Will Erika be willing to lose it all for the truth?
Wow! This is one riveting legal thriller with two strong, intelligent women with personal, abusive pasts that make for relatable characters. The author knows her way around a courtroom and is a talented writer.
I love legal thrillers—my favorite genre. The author does an outstanding job with character development, courtroom scenes, and investigative skills and dives deep into the human psyche, making this a must-read winner! There is a focus on complex themes of morality, conscience, and personal responsibility.
Reflecting on the author's past, both professionally and personally, THE FALL GIRL is a highly recommended read. For those who enjoy legal thrillers, strong women, intense courtroom scenes, storylines with an undercurrent of humanity, heartbreaking honesty, emotional depth, and a passionate search for justice.
I have read some of her earlier books, her Rachel Knight and Samantha Brinkman series; however, THE FALL GIRL is brilliantly written, and two characters, Charlie and Erika, that I thoroughly enjoyed and hope she brings back for a series!
I listened to the audiobook narrated by the author and Cathy Lepard for an engaging and outstanding performance. Highly recommend the audiobook. Get this one on your list!
A special thank you to RB Media, Recorded Books, and NetGalley for an ALC in exchange for an honest review. I also have pre-ordered the hardcover.
Blog Review Posted @
www.JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
Pub Date: Sep 13, 2022
My Rating: 5 Stars
Sept 2022 Must-Read Books
Marcia Clark is a former LA, California deputy district attorney who was the lead prosecutor in the O.J. Simpson murder case, bestselling author, television correspondent, producer, frequent media commentator, and columnist on legal issues. She returns with a standalone riveting legal thriller—THE FALL GIRL.
Charlie Blair (Lauren Claybourne) is hiding from a monster from her past. She has a new identity after leaving Chicago and is now with the Santa Cruz DA's office. She must keep a low profile.
She worries about her family constantly and always looking over her shoulder for the monster. She could lose her job and life if anyone finds out about her.
Erika Lorman, a hotshot prosecutor, has just won a big case, making a name for herself. Now there is more pressure with a new high-profile murder case, and Charlie has been assigned her co-chair. Charlie does not need a high-profile case and needs to stay out of the press and limelight.
The case is a murder of a local bail bondsman Shelly Hansen and the daughter is the top suspect. Is she guilty or innocent?
Charlie and Erika both are keeping secrets, and both are from a highly abusive background. We learn more about both pasts and how their past have shaped their present. They have more in common than they know, if only they could communicate on a more personal level.
Ericka will stop at nothing to win with the help of Skip. How far is she willing to go, crossing moral lines while throwing her co-chair under the bus? She is also suffering from panic attacks and is worried about her brother. If anyone discovers what she is doing, she could lose her job and her license.
However, Charlie is brilliant, and she suspects something is wrong. She suspects the person on trial for murder is innocent, and she does not trust Erika. However, how will she go up against her? What will happen to the case?
In a twisted game of cat and mouse, the two women are supposed to be on the same side with two different agendas. Will blackmail work, or will Charlie step up against all odds to seek justice for the wrongly accused? Will Erika be willing to lose it all for the truth?
Wow! This is one riveting legal thriller with two strong, intelligent women with personal, abusive pasts that make for relatable characters. The author knows her way around a courtroom and is a talented writer.
I love legal thrillers—my favorite genre. The author does an outstanding job with character development, courtroom scenes, and investigative skills and dives deep into the human psyche, making this a must-read winner! There is a focus on complex themes of morality, conscience, and personal responsibility.
Reflecting on the author's past, both professionally and personally, THE FALL GIRL is a highly recommended read. For those who enjoy legal thrillers, strong women, intense courtroom scenes, storylines with an undercurrent of humanity, heartbreaking honesty, emotional depth, and a passionate search for justice.
I have read some of her earlier books, her Rachel Knight and Samantha Brinkman series; however, THE FALL GIRL is brilliantly written, and two characters, Charlie and Erika, that I thoroughly enjoyed and hope she brings back for a series!
I listened to the audiobook narrated by the author and Cathy Lepard for an engaging and outstanding performance. Highly recommend the audiobook. Get this one on your list!
A special thank you to RB Media, Recorded Books, and NetGalley for an ALC in exchange for an honest review. I also have pre-ordered the hardcover.
Blog Review Posted @
www.JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
Pub Date: Sep 13, 2022
My Rating: 5 Stars
Sept 2022 Must-Read Books
September 9, 2022
Thank you NetGalley and RB Media for accepting my request to audibly read and review The Fall Girl.
Author: Marcia Clark
Published: 09/13/22
Genre: Mystery & Thrillers
Narrators: Marcia Clark & Cathy Lepard
This is just okay. I had the audiobook. Cathy Lepard did a good job as a narrator. Lepard and Clark worked well in that I clearly knew who was speaking. There is a definite necessary distinction. Clark sadly does well in some parts, has cringe-worthy moments, and the romantic moment left me speechless. She wasn't believable. I wonder if I would think higher of the story had she not narrated. I spent too much time wondering why publishers and friends didn't try harder for a professional.
Clark has the legal education and working experience to write this legal mystery. I don't have any legal experience and a couple things she wrote sounded cheesy; however the legal system is her business.
The book was good for me the first few chapters. It did take hearing Clark for me to connect she wrote the book and was an attorney. I tried hard to focus on her character, and never did. The book drug so slowly from the middle to frankly 80%.
There is profanity from F to vulgar women's parts. For the lack of respect of the English language, one of two good narrators, and a just okay story, I'm not rounding up. 2.5 stars.
Author: Marcia Clark
Published: 09/13/22
Genre: Mystery & Thrillers
Narrators: Marcia Clark & Cathy Lepard
This is just okay. I had the audiobook. Cathy Lepard did a good job as a narrator. Lepard and Clark worked well in that I clearly knew who was speaking. There is a definite necessary distinction. Clark sadly does well in some parts, has cringe-worthy moments, and the romantic moment left me speechless. She wasn't believable. I wonder if I would think higher of the story had she not narrated. I spent too much time wondering why publishers and friends didn't try harder for a professional.
Clark has the legal education and working experience to write this legal mystery. I don't have any legal experience and a couple things she wrote sounded cheesy; however the legal system is her business.
The book was good for me the first few chapters. It did take hearing Clark for me to connect she wrote the book and was an attorney. I tried hard to focus on her character, and never did. The book drug so slowly from the middle to frankly 80%.
There is profanity from F to vulgar women's parts. For the lack of respect of the English language, one of two good narrators, and a just okay story, I'm not rounding up. 2.5 stars.
September 10, 2022
I am a huge fan of Marcia Clark as an author, because she writes realistically strong, smart and gritty women working in tough professions and tackling tough life choices. Her characters work hard, live up (never down) to people's expectations, and get the kinds of results that make people stand up and notice. Who doesn't enjoy a story like that?
When I saw she had a new book out, I was ecstatic. I got my hands on The Fall Girl and devoured it in two days. It wasn't the best Clark has ever written, but she created two very complex women in even more complex situations, and I found their stories compelling right up to the very end.
Was everything in the setup and execution of the plot completely plausible? No, but I was willing to overlook some incredible stuff just to get to the meat of the action and mystery. I took off one star for that, but the fangirl in me forged ahead unperturbed because I was having fun reading this one, and that counts for a lot.
What's best: I SMELL A NEW SERIES!
When I saw she had a new book out, I was ecstatic. I got my hands on The Fall Girl and devoured it in two days. It wasn't the best Clark has ever written, but she created two very complex women in even more complex situations, and I found their stories compelling right up to the very end.
Was everything in the setup and execution of the plot completely plausible? No, but I was willing to overlook some incredible stuff just to get to the meat of the action and mystery. I took off one star for that, but the fangirl in me forged ahead unperturbed because I was having fun reading this one, and that counts for a lot.
What's best: I SMELL A NEW SERIES!
June 25, 2023
Not a bad story, just poorly written. It seemed to ramble and the characters were not very well defined. Skip is a detective, that’s all we know. Brett is a cop, no other info.
My biggest complaint - The state of California has the hardest of all bar exams. So…….how is Lauren/Charlie able to just waltz in from Chicago and get hired by the Santa Cruz DA’s office? No background check?? It makes no sense. Also, since when do the prosecuting attorney and a police detective go out canvassing the neighborhood together for clues and interview all the witnesses and suspects together?? Very odd.
Burbank Airport is 372 miles from Santa Cruz, how could Brett have arrived at Charlie’s house a few minutes later? How do you drive from San Francisco to Santa Cruz, commit murder at midnight and return back without arousing suspicion? You’d left the gala with a headache?? If the door was dead bolted from the inside, how did the murderer get out? This is not Agatha Christie!! Who buried the cell phone and why? I’m sure it wasn’t a raccoon! All these discrepancies cost a couple of stars.
Marcia sort of fell down on the job with this book - I guess that makes her the Fall Girl.
My biggest complaint - The state of California has the hardest of all bar exams. So…….how is Lauren/Charlie able to just waltz in from Chicago and get hired by the Santa Cruz DA’s office? No background check?? It makes no sense. Also, since when do the prosecuting attorney and a police detective go out canvassing the neighborhood together for clues and interview all the witnesses and suspects together?? Very odd.
Burbank Airport is 372 miles from Santa Cruz, how could Brett have arrived at Charlie’s house a few minutes later? How do you drive from San Francisco to Santa Cruz, commit murder at midnight and return back without arousing suspicion? You’d left the gala with a headache?? If the door was dead bolted from the inside, how did the murderer get out? This is not Agatha Christie!! Who buried the cell phone and why? I’m sure it wasn’t a raccoon! All these discrepancies cost a couple of stars.
Marcia sort of fell down on the job with this book - I guess that makes her the Fall Girl.
October 21, 2022
Charlie leaves Chicago for California and takes on a new identity to escape her deranged ex, who has already killed several women, including her cousin. She gets a friend to verify that she is a practicing attorney, and joins the prosecution team. The head prosecutor, Erica, has an admirable record, but Charlie wonders if she has hidden evidence to win cases. The book builds to an exciting conclusion, and there are many twists and turns in the plot. Characters are well developed, and we learn that Charlie is not the only one who has secrets from her past.
August 24, 2022
Wow! This is probably in my top-five mystery/thrillers of all time. 5 stars. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The author, Marcia Clark, is known for her famed position of being a prosecutor on the O.J. Simpson case. In my opinion, her background in real court experience made this novel even more believable and thrilling. There is a wide cast of characters, but Clark does a great job of making each one memorable and full of depth. It doesn’t rely on too much gore or violence to be effective. Like the end of the back cover description, “The Fall Girl will keep the readers guessing until the very end.” Thank you @rarebirdlit !
The author, Marcia Clark, is known for her famed position of being a prosecutor on the O.J. Simpson case. In my opinion, her background in real court experience made this novel even more believable and thrilling. There is a wide cast of characters, but Clark does a great job of making each one memorable and full of depth. It doesn’t rely on too much gore or violence to be effective. Like the end of the back cover description, “The Fall Girl will keep the readers guessing until the very end.” Thank you @rarebirdlit !
September 19, 2022
Marcia Clark's books are getting much better. I can tell she took her time with this one and was pleased so see she tried her hand at doing the audio. Clark was better than the other narrator. I am unsure why there were two?
A few nits in the story keep me from rating it a 4 or above: (SPOILERS)
-A highly trained trial attorney can just pick up a new identity and move across the country to practice law? This would be entirely more believable if she wasn't an attorney but still worked in law and somehow got pulled into this case.
-Mia wasn't protesting much about being innocent...
-I didn't buy Roman as a person dangerous enough to burn an identity and move away, and also be so scared of being found that she'd be looking over her shoulder at every turn. All those 'Bundy' references needed to come much earlier.
-I didn't get Erica's anxiety disorder. I don't even think they explained it- I was so tired of her freaking out on the freeway and not explaining what that was about. Her brother is a creep.
-Clark tried to make romance happen here but... it was razor thin and unbelievable. Brent just... left his Chicago firm and moved to be with Charlie?
Anyway, nits aside, this was a good listen. I'd love more books in the Samantha Brinkman series.
A few nits in the story keep me from rating it a 4 or above: (SPOILERS)
-A highly trained trial attorney can just pick up a new identity and move across the country to practice law? This would be entirely more believable if she wasn't an attorney but still worked in law and somehow got pulled into this case.
-Mia wasn't protesting much about being innocent...
-I didn't buy Roman as a person dangerous enough to burn an identity and move away, and also be so scared of being found that she'd be looking over her shoulder at every turn. All those 'Bundy' references needed to come much earlier.
-I didn't get Erica's anxiety disorder. I don't even think they explained it- I was so tired of her freaking out on the freeway and not explaining what that was about. Her brother is a creep.
-Clark tried to make romance happen here but... it was razor thin and unbelievable. Brent just... left his Chicago firm and moved to be with Charlie?
Anyway, nits aside, this was a good listen. I'd love more books in the Samantha Brinkman series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 17, 2022
Narrated by Marcia Clark & Cathy Lepard
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Fall Girl by Marcia Clark ⭐⭐⭐⭐
I really enjoyed this story and these characters. The way it ended it feels like there is going to be a second book and If that's the case I'm eager to see what is next for this unlikely friend group.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Fall Girl by Marcia Clark ⭐⭐⭐⭐
I really enjoyed this story and these characters. The way it ended it feels like there is going to be a second book and If that's the case I'm eager to see what is next for this unlikely friend group.
December 31, 2022
I enjoyed this!
September 29, 2022
3.5 to 4 stars
As an avid reader of mystery/suspense, I am surprised I haven't read anything from this author before. Marica Clark's life as a former prosecutor shows through in her writing. The legalese flows easily within the narrative of the story.
Written from the perspective of two attorneys, The Fall Girl unfolds in twists and turns as the reader tries to put together the pieces.
I listened to the audio version of this book. I had difficulty telling the two attorneys' a part at the beginning. The voices are somewhat similar but the internal dialogue and retelling of events were not distinguishable at times.
I really enjoyed the last forth of the book and laughed out loud when surprised by an unexpected twist. The characters started to feel real and relatable as well. I think this book would be good as a first book in a series. Seeing Marica Clark's previous series, perhaps one is coming! I will keep an eye out for it.
Thank you Net Galley for the chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
As an avid reader of mystery/suspense, I am surprised I haven't read anything from this author before. Marica Clark's life as a former prosecutor shows through in her writing. The legalese flows easily within the narrative of the story.
Written from the perspective of two attorneys, The Fall Girl unfolds in twists and turns as the reader tries to put together the pieces.
I listened to the audio version of this book. I had difficulty telling the two attorneys' a part at the beginning. The voices are somewhat similar but the internal dialogue and retelling of events were not distinguishable at times.
I really enjoyed the last forth of the book and laughed out loud when surprised by an unexpected twist. The characters started to feel real and relatable as well. I think this book would be good as a first book in a series. Seeing Marica Clark's previous series, perhaps one is coming! I will keep an eye out for it.
Thank you Net Galley for the chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
June 1, 2023
This book was okay. It was definitely not my favorite read, but that’s okay. Before, I get into the plot, I want to acknowledge that Marcia Clark is an actual attorney who has spent years in the courtroom, so her perspective in writing this book comes from a place of factual truth; however, being truthful doesn’t always make for a good book. It felt “too real” as in the mundane nature of the world was captured in this book. I don’t enjoy reading about normal life because I live a normal life. I read books to escape my normal.
Now, as for the SPOILERS… As I was reading this book, I just wanted to know how it was going to end so that I could stop reading it, so if you are that kind of person, keep reading this review. If you are NOT that kind of person, stop reading before I spoil the book for you. Here are the major highlights that conclude the main plot lines in the story:
1. Lauren/Charlie’s identity is uncovered by Skip, but that doesn’t bother Lauren/Charlie, and Erica doesn’t actually do anything with that information.
2. The book never explains what happened with Danny and his stalker personality. The whole backstory about the girl from high school and being Facebook friends felt so random and useless to the overall narrative.
3. Erica and Skip don’t receive an appropriate punishment for their ethical crimes. Skip is still a cop, and Erica is allowed to practice law (just not at the DA’s office).
4. Lauren/Charlie ends up covering up the murder of Steers (who was killed by a background character named Monica) and just lives with herself, knowing what she did. This felt weird given the moral superiority she claimed to have when she first called Erica and Skip out for their moral misconduct.
5. Roman finds Lauren/Charlie and tries to kill her, but Erica hits him with a car, and he magically becomes so injured that he can’t kill anymore.
6. Brett uproots his life in Chicago to move to Santa Cruz to fall in love with Lauren/Charlie and work as a detective for Lauren/Charlie and Erica’s new private law practice.
In conclusion, this book is a skip. If I had had these spoilers as I was reading, I would’ve just put the book down. The ending was not as satisfying as it should’ve been. For someone who worked the OJ Simpson case, Marcia Clark really let me down with this one.
Now, as for the SPOILERS… As I was reading this book, I just wanted to know how it was going to end so that I could stop reading it, so if you are that kind of person, keep reading this review. If you are NOT that kind of person, stop reading before I spoil the book for you. Here are the major highlights that conclude the main plot lines in the story:
1. Lauren/Charlie’s identity is uncovered by Skip, but that doesn’t bother Lauren/Charlie, and Erica doesn’t actually do anything with that information.
2. The book never explains what happened with Danny and his stalker personality. The whole backstory about the girl from high school and being Facebook friends felt so random and useless to the overall narrative.
3. Erica and Skip don’t receive an appropriate punishment for their ethical crimes. Skip is still a cop, and Erica is allowed to practice law (just not at the DA’s office).
4. Lauren/Charlie ends up covering up the murder of Steers (who was killed by a background character named Monica) and just lives with herself, knowing what she did. This felt weird given the moral superiority she claimed to have when she first called Erica and Skip out for their moral misconduct.
5. Roman finds Lauren/Charlie and tries to kill her, but Erica hits him with a car, and he magically becomes so injured that he can’t kill anymore.
6. Brett uproots his life in Chicago to move to Santa Cruz to fall in love with Lauren/Charlie and work as a detective for Lauren/Charlie and Erica’s new private law practice.
In conclusion, this book is a skip. If I had had these spoilers as I was reading, I would’ve just put the book down. The ending was not as satisfying as it should’ve been. For someone who worked the OJ Simpson case, Marcia Clark really let me down with this one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 12, 2022
Not my fav, red herrings weren’t good and writing was quite blasé
April 11, 2025
Besides the actions of the main characters being mostly unrealistic/unbelievable the grammatical and continuity errors were so glaring it took away from the plot.
September 11, 2022
thanks to NetGalley and RB Media/Recorded Books for gifting me an audio ARC of this book.. I was not influenced or paid for my honest review,
Hmm another book where the leading lady has a serious drinking problem. PSA to authors can we start a "new bad habit"/Addiction....the alcohol is getting way over used. How about a new hobby: underwater basket weaving, professional table setting I don't know.. watch paint dry? ANYTHING but the constant drinking.
Fun fact this was written by Marcia Clark--apparently she was a lawyer on the OJ case..I was shocked to find this out because some of the legal stuff that happened in this book was pretty far fetched (Mishandling of evidence, , covering up key testimony, practicing law IN ANOTHER STATE under a falsified name...(????)) I understand my knowledge of legal matters goes as far as watching Judge Judy back in the day when I was waiting to be picked up from tennis practice, but even I know that stuff doesn't fly in the real world.
The book dragged for the most part, but kept my interest enough to finish. I think what was so confusing for me was there were 2 POVs. Erica (the lead attorney ) is in my opinion really unlikable , I could not connect with her and ethically she was just one lie short of being a politician. Charlie was pretty crass and kinda dumb
With all the "illegal" shenannigans that took place and hardly a slap on the wrist given to Erica I was pretty dissapointed. The ending leaves open the possibility of a series??
If that is the case I would probably read it because I think Marcia has the ability to write well and create good twisty plots.
Overall pretty decent!
Off to NOT drink like a fish........
Hmm another book where the leading lady has a serious drinking problem. PSA to authors can we start a "new bad habit"/Addiction....the alcohol is getting way over used. How about a new hobby: underwater basket weaving, professional table setting I don't know.. watch paint dry? ANYTHING but the constant drinking.
Fun fact this was written by Marcia Clark--apparently she was a lawyer on the OJ case..I was shocked to find this out because some of the legal stuff that happened in this book was pretty far fetched (Mishandling of evidence, , covering up key testimony, practicing law IN ANOTHER STATE under a falsified name...(????)) I understand my knowledge of legal matters goes as far as watching Judge Judy back in the day when I was waiting to be picked up from tennis practice, but even I know that stuff doesn't fly in the real world.
The book dragged for the most part, but kept my interest enough to finish. I think what was so confusing for me was there were 2 POVs. Erica (the lead attorney ) is in my opinion really unlikable , I could not connect with her and ethically she was just one lie short of being a politician. Charlie was pretty crass and kinda dumb
With all the "illegal" shenannigans that took place and hardly a slap on the wrist given to Erica I was pretty dissapointed. The ending leaves open the possibility of a series??
If that is the case I would probably read it because I think Marcia has the ability to write well and create good twisty plots.
Overall pretty decent!
Off to NOT drink like a fish........
September 13, 2022
I was so excited to get this legal thriller from the wonderful Marcia Clark. I knew the information would be accurate with her experience in the courtroom. And on to the review…
Lauren Claybourne, who has a new identity and name, has gotten a job at Santa Cruz’s DA office wanting to leave busy Chicago. She was searching for a smaller office, but it was not as easy as she thought it would be. One of the benefits, however, is that she is within walking distance of the beach from her office. Must be nice! She works with Erika Lorman, who is more established at the office and is a big wig and know to be amazing at her job. A big case comes up with the death of a bails bond woman, and Lauren’s secret might be exposed to why she changed her identity.
I got this book as an audiobook, and I thought both narrators did an amazing job! I was surprised by Marcia Clark, but she was so good.
I want to thank the author, publisher, and Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Lauren Claybourne, who has a new identity and name, has gotten a job at Santa Cruz’s DA office wanting to leave busy Chicago. She was searching for a smaller office, but it was not as easy as she thought it would be. One of the benefits, however, is that she is within walking distance of the beach from her office. Must be nice! She works with Erika Lorman, who is more established at the office and is a big wig and know to be amazing at her job. A big case comes up with the death of a bails bond woman, and Lauren’s secret might be exposed to why she changed her identity.
I got this book as an audiobook, and I thought both narrators did an amazing job! I was surprised by Marcia Clark, but she was so good.
I want to thank the author, publisher, and Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
August 31, 2022
Received the ARC audiobook from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I think I would've love this book more if the narration is more expressive and livelier? I mean I dozed off a couple of times so I have to repeat a few chapters. I mean aside from that, the book was a great mystery thriller! I think I would prefer reading this in book form rather than the audiobook. I've searched about the author and learned that she is a prosecutor. Which made the book more better since the other character is a prosecutor. So, she knows what she's writing. Plot twists are great. Kept me guessing the whole time. Overall, this is a 3-star read for me. A good read.
November 24, 2022
This is a good story. It does keep you on the edge of your seat at times when you are trying to sort everything out.
Charlie Blair left her life and identity as Lauren Claybourne behind in Chicago. She’s now working in the Santa Cruz DA’s office. She’s expecting things to be easier. Anything not easy, well, she figures a bit of vodka can handle that. She was coasting along just fine with her plans working out just fine. Then there was a murder. A local bail bondsman, Shelly Hansen, was killed.
Erika Lorman is a hot shot prosecutor who has an unblemished record and has a winning way with juries. She’s definitely a legend and earned the title. She’s just come off the prosecution of famed celebrity chef Blake Steers, now living in California’s penitentiary system. Now she’s being thrust back into action with her new co-chair, Charlie, and ready to do just about anything to get the criminals of the world behind bars.
However, this new murder case isn’t going well. The more answers are sought the more complicated things get. Secrets from the past threaten to undo everything from the case to Erika and Charlie personally.
This is a well written and well planned out story. The main character is mostly alright but she must be a super incredibly attractive woman because she gets a whole lot of male attention, unwanted, throughout the book!
This is very good though and I definitely recommend giving it a chance. I had the opportunity to listen to the audio book as well thanks to NetGalley and if you like them this is a pretty good one to listen to. I believe there are two different ones. They are both quite good with one being slightly better but ever so slightly it’s not significant. They both really bring the story to life.
Charlie Blair left her life and identity as Lauren Claybourne behind in Chicago. She’s now working in the Santa Cruz DA’s office. She’s expecting things to be easier. Anything not easy, well, she figures a bit of vodka can handle that. She was coasting along just fine with her plans working out just fine. Then there was a murder. A local bail bondsman, Shelly Hansen, was killed.
Erika Lorman is a hot shot prosecutor who has an unblemished record and has a winning way with juries. She’s definitely a legend and earned the title. She’s just come off the prosecution of famed celebrity chef Blake Steers, now living in California’s penitentiary system. Now she’s being thrust back into action with her new co-chair, Charlie, and ready to do just about anything to get the criminals of the world behind bars.
However, this new murder case isn’t going well. The more answers are sought the more complicated things get. Secrets from the past threaten to undo everything from the case to Erika and Charlie personally.
This is a well written and well planned out story. The main character is mostly alright but she must be a super incredibly attractive woman because she gets a whole lot of male attention, unwanted, throughout the book!
This is very good though and I definitely recommend giving it a chance. I had the opportunity to listen to the audio book as well thanks to NetGalley and if you like them this is a pretty good one to listen to. I believe there are two different ones. They are both quite good with one being slightly better but ever so slightly it’s not significant. They both really bring the story to life.
September 2, 2022
I think all the lovers of true crime and investigations lovers will love this. For me it was quite a difficult but interesting listening. I liked that I did not knew what will happen and was a guessing till the end. Perfect mystery fall reading. Thank you RB Media, Recorded Books for this opportunity.
October 19, 2022
Secrets, lies and murder! The Fall Girl is a gripping thriller filled with unexpected twists. It held my interest and would not let go. Three murder cases are expertly woven and revealed until they are unraveled in a shocking ending!
Read
December 6, 2022"The Fall Girl" by Marcia Clark
This is the first novel I have read from the former lead prosecutor on the OJ Simpson case. I enjoyed this as an audiobook and really thought the Narrators did a wonderful job of bringing the characters to life.
If you enjoy suspense, this book is for you. There were so many strings that Marcia left open to pull. I never knew what would happen. You know how sometimes you start a book and can tell by the 50-60% point exactly what is going to happen and who the bad guy is? This isn't that book - you will be guessing until the end as you maneuver the motivations at play for everyone involved in the story.
I really enjoyed the character development of Erica and Charlie and how much detail Marica put into their backstory. They felt like three-dimensional people with real fears, flaws, and hopes. The book dives deep into exploring what these characters of made of and what is eating them alive. By the end of the book, I was sad to see Erica and Charlie's stories end.
The Fall Girl was written in a way that made it easy to read or listen to. The chapters were concise but still packed with action. There are a few different plot lines running simultaneously, so having a dual POV really worked well for this novel.
Read this if you enjoy:
- suspense and thrillers
- crime and law stories
- Dual POV
Overall, I rated "The Fall Girl" a 3-star book. I did really enjoy the story but felt that there were a few missing pieces. I felt strung along with the development of Erica's brother, who ended up being a rather pointless character.
This is the first novel I have read from the former lead prosecutor on the OJ Simpson case. I enjoyed this as an audiobook and really thought the Narrators did a wonderful job of bringing the characters to life.
If you enjoy suspense, this book is for you. There were so many strings that Marcia left open to pull. I never knew what would happen. You know how sometimes you start a book and can tell by the 50-60% point exactly what is going to happen and who the bad guy is? This isn't that book - you will be guessing until the end as you maneuver the motivations at play for everyone involved in the story.
I really enjoyed the character development of Erica and Charlie and how much detail Marica put into their backstory. They felt like three-dimensional people with real fears, flaws, and hopes. The book dives deep into exploring what these characters of made of and what is eating them alive. By the end of the book, I was sad to see Erica and Charlie's stories end.
The Fall Girl was written in a way that made it easy to read or listen to. The chapters were concise but still packed with action. There are a few different plot lines running simultaneously, so having a dual POV really worked well for this novel.
Read this if you enjoy:
- suspense and thrillers
- crime and law stories
- Dual POV
Overall, I rated "The Fall Girl" a 3-star book. I did really enjoy the story but felt that there were a few missing pieces. I felt strung along with the development of Erica's brother, who ended up being a rather pointless character.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 7, 2022
DNF
The first chapter told me this was a "nope" but I pressed on for several more chapters only to find it too slow moving without progress or anything to keep me interested.
The book opens when "Charlie" burns her IDs, etc to run away from Chicago, where she was a lawyer but is now fearing for her life (why is unknown).
She gets a fake Drivers License and moves to Santa Cruz, CA to work as a state prosecutor.
#1 You can't practice in a state where you don't have a license
#2 you have to put your lawyer ID on literally everything and can't so much as file a paper without it.
This means it is IMPOSSIBLE to practice law or be a lawyer with a fake name, without having passed the bar, etc. etc.
#3 a PROSECUTOR? puh-lease. There is NO WAY *any* DA office wasn't going to figure out she was lying/fake/blah blah
I can't begin to express how badly this irked me.
In alternating chapters the reader hears from Erica, another attorney Charlie sees in court. I think the author is reading these chapters and it's terrible. I wish authors would stop trying to read fiction. It's so rare they can. The Charlie chapters narrator is fine.
I can't summarize hardly anything (even after 6 chapters) because nothing has happened.
Charlie moved to Santa Cruz and thinks Erica is a good lawyer. Erica is on a case involving a "celebrity" who will probably get off and notices Charlie in the courtroom. YAWN.
Thanks netgalley for my ARC
The first chapter told me this was a "nope" but I pressed on for several more chapters only to find it too slow moving without progress or anything to keep me interested.
The book opens when "Charlie" burns her IDs, etc to run away from Chicago, where she was a lawyer but is now fearing for her life (why is unknown).
She gets a fake Drivers License and moves to Santa Cruz, CA to work as a state prosecutor.
#1 You can't practice in a state where you don't have a license
#2 you have to put your lawyer ID on literally everything and can't so much as file a paper without it.
This means it is IMPOSSIBLE to practice law or be a lawyer with a fake name, without having passed the bar, etc. etc.
#3 a PROSECUTOR? puh-lease. There is NO WAY *any* DA office wasn't going to figure out she was lying/fake/blah blah
I can't begin to express how badly this irked me.
In alternating chapters the reader hears from Erica, another attorney Charlie sees in court. I think the author is reading these chapters and it's terrible. I wish authors would stop trying to read fiction. It's so rare they can. The Charlie chapters narrator is fine.
I can't summarize hardly anything (even after 6 chapters) because nothing has happened.
Charlie moved to Santa Cruz and thinks Erica is a good lawyer. Erica is on a case involving a "celebrity" who will probably get off and notices Charlie in the courtroom. YAWN.
Thanks netgalley for my ARC
September 11, 2022
I have to say that this book wasn’t really what I expected.
We have a nicely written story about Two women DAs trying to navigate through a murder case.
The First one is Charlotte (Lauren) who is If I may say so a mess. Tragic past which she is desperately trying to get away from is causing a lot of stress to her and therefore she has a tendency to drown her sorrows in an alcohol. So it’s pretty clear that a reader may not be her biggest fan right from the beginning of the book. She’s quite chaotic. Doesn’t want to be shown by media and yet she decided to actively pursue a career as a DA which I don’t consider much of a private, publicly unfollowed profession. Is scared for her life and yet spends her evenings/nights in a creepy bars in a dark alleys getting drunk. It’s no surprise then when she is being given a big case followed by media.
She is supposed to work on this case with Erica who is one of the most succesful DAs in the country. Erica has her own flies to say the least. She is very arogant in her belief that while Charlotte is going to mess the case up she is going to take care of everything on her own. During reading a reader finds out that Ericas past is no sunshine and rainbows either. While trying to navigate the case in the direction she wishes it to go (any way possible) she is also trying to take care of her younger brother who has a few of his own mental problems.
While reading a reader also comes to a conclusion that there is a connection between the case they are currently working on and a case that has been the last Ericas media followed win. This book was entertaining. There’s a lot of intricately woven connections you may Or may not expect.
I have to say that explaining the plot without spoiling it is definitely a hard work. Is the book worth your while? I definitely do believe so. Is there a Twist? There are so many twists that my mind is still spinning an hour after finishing the book.
The book is written from 2 POVs. Ericas and Charlottes. There were some moments in the book that I did not apreciate the dual POV. While the story is as mysterious as it can be one POV would give it a tiny little bit more mysterious theme. What I mean is that when Charlotte starts to have doubts about Erica a reader comes to the conclusion that there is something fishy with her. But it totally gets lost when right in the next chapter we get Ericas POV which removes all the doubts about her. So the only person in suspense is Charlotte… I’d rather it be the reader reading the book.
I also have some reservations considering the MCs backstories but that’s a spoiler so be aware SPOLIERS ARE COMING. READ ON YOUR OWN LIABILITY.
——————————————————————————————-—————————————————————————
First of - Roman
I have no idea what was going on whit this character. Most of the book I was sure Roman doesn’t exist. There were quite a few holes when it comes to him.
First of all he is a murderer. Everyone knows it. But it wasn’t ever proven? But that doesn’t seem to be a problem in this book about criminal proceedings?
At First he killed some college student If I remember correctly who he not only killed but also raped. Then he killed Charlottes cousin… because she broke up with him… after she cleared his name in the First murder… am i missing something? Not to say that the cousin hasn’t even shown up in any of her flashbacks. It would make much more sense for him to kill her younger sister Hannah who Charlotte has been always Raving about. Also the cousin hasn’t been raped so the murders weren’t even supposed to be connected to each other? And after the murder of her cousin he for some unknown reason decides to spend years hunting Charlotte even after she changes her name? Like Why? Why doesn’t he just kill somebody else? What’s missing? A real damn motive. A real proof of him being the murderer?
Also throughout the book Charlotte is always so sure Roman is stalking her everywhere and yet there is also no proof Or clue of it being him. So let’s say that Charlotte is an Oracle. There’s no other explanation. Also the scene where he suddenly out of nowhere shows up just to strangle her? That was just overkill. It would make the story so much more interesting If Charlotte turned out to be schizofrenic Or at least paranoid and no real Roman showed up. This Part of plot just felt terribly forced.
The second - Danny
The second most annoying thing in the plot was Ericas brother. Also the story evolving around him made no sense. So he turns out to be a stalker. And that’s it. Nothing more, nothing less. He pretty much doesn’t do anything to anyone. Just stalks some girl (that has also no real reason to be in this book because she doesn’t do anything) and doesn’t even harm her. But Erica is all crazy about him being stalker so all we get is him being mad for her pretty much stalking him… well… Why does this need to be in the book?
Both of these sideplots didn’t move the main plot in any way. If you just don’t read them you’re not missing on anything.
The third - the conclusion
The third and last thing that i find utterly pointless in this book… Erica realizes by the end of the book that she’s been a horrible DA throughout the book. That she has done some unethical sh*t and should leave the profession. The outcome? Nothing. Even when she confesses nothing frea*ing happens!! It’s your typical american end of a story: and they lived happily ever after…
All in all I decided to give this book 4/5*.
Even though I believe that the plot could have make much more sense I really did enjoy listening to this book. At First it was terribly slow but once you get to the main case in question it gets pretty interesting. And even though a kept rolling my eyes over the 3 points above it didn’t really make me want to dnf. I guess I hoped the sideplots would make a sense in the end of the book.
This book is not really the thrilling kind of story. If you want to have a cold sweat running down your back while reading I’s advice you to read Sebastian Fitzek. If you want to read about good old cop work (Or DA work because there weren’t actually cops running around… more like one) Marcia Clarke is what you’re looking for.
We have a nicely written story about Two women DAs trying to navigate through a murder case.
The First one is Charlotte (Lauren) who is If I may say so a mess. Tragic past which she is desperately trying to get away from is causing a lot of stress to her and therefore she has a tendency to drown her sorrows in an alcohol. So it’s pretty clear that a reader may not be her biggest fan right from the beginning of the book. She’s quite chaotic. Doesn’t want to be shown by media and yet she decided to actively pursue a career as a DA which I don’t consider much of a private, publicly unfollowed profession. Is scared for her life and yet spends her evenings/nights in a creepy bars in a dark alleys getting drunk. It’s no surprise then when she is being given a big case followed by media.
She is supposed to work on this case with Erica who is one of the most succesful DAs in the country. Erica has her own flies to say the least. She is very arogant in her belief that while Charlotte is going to mess the case up she is going to take care of everything on her own. During reading a reader finds out that Ericas past is no sunshine and rainbows either. While trying to navigate the case in the direction she wishes it to go (any way possible) she is also trying to take care of her younger brother who has a few of his own mental problems.
While reading a reader also comes to a conclusion that there is a connection between the case they are currently working on and a case that has been the last Ericas media followed win. This book was entertaining. There’s a lot of intricately woven connections you may Or may not expect.
I have to say that explaining the plot without spoiling it is definitely a hard work. Is the book worth your while? I definitely do believe so. Is there a Twist? There are so many twists that my mind is still spinning an hour after finishing the book.
The book is written from 2 POVs. Ericas and Charlottes. There were some moments in the book that I did not apreciate the dual POV. While the story is as mysterious as it can be one POV would give it a tiny little bit more mysterious theme. What I mean is that when Charlotte starts to have doubts about Erica a reader comes to the conclusion that there is something fishy with her. But it totally gets lost when right in the next chapter we get Ericas POV which removes all the doubts about her. So the only person in suspense is Charlotte… I’d rather it be the reader reading the book.
I also have some reservations considering the MCs backstories but that’s a spoiler so be aware SPOLIERS ARE COMING. READ ON YOUR OWN LIABILITY.
——————————————————————————————-—————————————————————————
First of - Roman
I have no idea what was going on whit this character. Most of the book I was sure Roman doesn’t exist. There were quite a few holes when it comes to him.
First of all he is a murderer. Everyone knows it. But it wasn’t ever proven? But that doesn’t seem to be a problem in this book about criminal proceedings?
At First he killed some college student If I remember correctly who he not only killed but also raped. Then he killed Charlottes cousin… because she broke up with him… after she cleared his name in the First murder… am i missing something? Not to say that the cousin hasn’t even shown up in any of her flashbacks. It would make much more sense for him to kill her younger sister Hannah who Charlotte has been always Raving about. Also the cousin hasn’t been raped so the murders weren’t even supposed to be connected to each other? And after the murder of her cousin he for some unknown reason decides to spend years hunting Charlotte even after she changes her name? Like Why? Why doesn’t he just kill somebody else? What’s missing? A real damn motive. A real proof of him being the murderer?
Also throughout the book Charlotte is always so sure Roman is stalking her everywhere and yet there is also no proof Or clue of it being him. So let’s say that Charlotte is an Oracle. There’s no other explanation. Also the scene where he suddenly out of nowhere shows up just to strangle her? That was just overkill. It would make the story so much more interesting If Charlotte turned out to be schizofrenic Or at least paranoid and no real Roman showed up. This Part of plot just felt terribly forced.
The second - Danny
The second most annoying thing in the plot was Ericas brother. Also the story evolving around him made no sense. So he turns out to be a stalker. And that’s it. Nothing more, nothing less. He pretty much doesn’t do anything to anyone. Just stalks some girl (that has also no real reason to be in this book because she doesn’t do anything) and doesn’t even harm her. But Erica is all crazy about him being stalker so all we get is him being mad for her pretty much stalking him… well… Why does this need to be in the book?
Both of these sideplots didn’t move the main plot in any way. If you just don’t read them you’re not missing on anything.
The third - the conclusion
The third and last thing that i find utterly pointless in this book… Erica realizes by the end of the book that she’s been a horrible DA throughout the book. That she has done some unethical sh*t and should leave the profession. The outcome? Nothing. Even when she confesses nothing frea*ing happens!! It’s your typical american end of a story: and they lived happily ever after…
All in all I decided to give this book 4/5*.
Even though I believe that the plot could have make much more sense I really did enjoy listening to this book. At First it was terribly slow but once you get to the main case in question it gets pretty interesting. And even though a kept rolling my eyes over the 3 points above it didn’t really make me want to dnf. I guess I hoped the sideplots would make a sense in the end of the book.
This book is not really the thrilling kind of story. If you want to have a cold sweat running down your back while reading I’s advice you to read Sebastian Fitzek. If you want to read about good old cop work (Or DA work because there weren’t actually cops running around… more like one) Marcia Clarke is what you’re looking for.
December 19, 2022
I absolutely love Marcia Clark as a writer. Not only do her books have some amazing strong female main characters but twisty mystery that follows always keeps me guess. This story is no different. I tried so hard to get a copy of it from NetGalley and was approved but it was the day before it archived. Not to worry, good ole Marcia is always on my MUST BUY list so I snapped this one up. She has 2 series going and I picked this one up not realizing this was a new set of characters. PLEASE Lady Marcia, make this another series and WRITE FAST!!! I can't wait to see more!
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