Marcia Clark Books In Order

Publication Order of Rachel Knight Books

Publication Order of Samantha Brinkman Books

Publication Order of Standalone Novels

Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books

Publication Order of Anthologies

Previously a famed media personality largely known for her work as a high-profile prosecutor, especially for her role in the O.J. Simpson trial, the now American author has become highly regarded for her novels now as well, which she releases to international acclaim. Along with working as a correspondent, as well as her position as a television personality, she has maintained a strong presence within the American public sphere throughout a large portion of the 1990s right up until today. Turning her hand to fiction now as well, she has proven herself to be adept in the literary world as well, writing her bestselling thriller novels for an international audience.

Early and Personal Life

With her birthday being on the 31st of August, in 1953, Marcia Clark was born and raised in Berkeley, California, in the United States, where she spent a large portion of her upbringing, gaining an interest in law and the legal system from an early age. It was this interest that then led her onto being a prosecutor later on, a professional choice which helped inform her work as the novelist that she has become today. An intelligent and academic woman, she had a gift with her understanding of the legal system, something which would also be later reflected in her work.

Graduating from Susan E. Wagner High School, a Staten Island based public high-school in the Manor Heights section, she went on to attend the University of California in Los Angeles, which she also later graduated from in 1976. Holding a degree in political science she later earned a Juris Doctor degree from the Southwestern University School of Law, and then finally went on to be admitted onto the State Bar of California in 1979. All this would then go towards securing her a position working as prosecutor for the State of California and the County of Los Angeles leading to her more prominent work later on.

It was soon that she was to begin making her name taking on high-profile trials, the first of which came in 1991 when she prosecuted Robert John Bardo, in the case involving the murder of Rebecca Schaeffer the famous television star. After this she then moved on to the now infamous O.J. Simpson trial, which was to be her biggest one yet and one that would go down in history, as it propelled into the public spotlight. Dealing with the pressure of it all became something of a burden for her over the duration of the trial, a hardship that was recently depicted in the first season of ‘American Crime Story’ by the actor Sarah Paulson.

Following this she went on to become a television personality covering a number of high-profile trials in the years to come. Among these were the Casey Anthony trial, along with the George Zimmerman murder trial, both of which she provided media commentary for. These days she works as a columnist for ‘The Daily Beast’, along with writing her novels, which she continues to do to this day.

Writing Career

Releasing her first book ‘Guilt by Association’ in 2011, she started her career as an author with her now highly regarded ‘Rachel Knight’ series. They now total four main books and counting, with some other shorter novella installments surrounding them. Prior to this she had been involved in the 1997 biography titled ‘Without a Doubt’ which she co-wrote with Teresa Carpenter, taking her readers into the story behind the now infamous O.J. trial and her own life story.

With the Rachel Knight series now being optioned for a one hour drama series with the pilot already having been shot, she’s well on her way to becoming a household name once again, this time for her literary talents. She has also recently introduced the character Samantha Brinkman, a Los Angeles based criminal defence attorney. In-between this and her many other achievements over the course of her life, it’s no wonder that she’s fast becoming one of the most respected figures in the industry.

Killer Ambition

Initially published in 2013 on the 18th of June, this was first brought out through the Little, Brown and Company publishing label, as it marked the third in the Rachel Knight series. Continuing in the same vein as to what came before, Marcia Clark provide her audience with more of what they’re looking for, capturing both the essence and the tone of the previous installments. Further developing her characters as well, she’s managed to build upon the style and the tone, giving the characters a more extensive and finely detailed back-story.

After the death of a billionaire Hollywood director’s daughter is discovered, it is up to Rachel Knight to get to the bottom of the case and find the murderer. Then, when it turns out that the prime suspect is a highly respected talent manager and good friend to the father of the victim, it appears that Knight may have her work cut for her. With many in Hollywood not wanting the Knight to get to find the truth, they attempt to hinder her by discrediting her by any means possible, as they wage an all out media war against her. Who could have killed the women and will they strike again? Why have they killed her and what lengths will they go to in holding back Rachel Knight? Just what is lurking behind the killer ambition?

The Competition

This was set to be the fourth in the Rachel Knight series following on directly from the last, it being published in 2015 on the 31st of March, this time through Mulholland Books. With the same character as before, it now provides a sense of familiarity for the reader as they know what they’re getting, with Clark offering them more of what they want. That’s not to say there isn’t any surprises though, as it still provides plenty of twists and turns, keeping the reader guessing all the till the very end of the book.

In this case Rachel Knight finds herself teaming up with LAPD detective Bailey Keller, as they deal with the horrific aftermath of a high-school massacre. With the shooting having previously gone down it is up to them both to find out what happened on that eventful day and who the real culprits are. It appears that those who they originally thought were the instigators could actually have been victims, in which case the real killers could still be on the loose. This means it is now up to them to get to the bottom of the competition before tragedy strikes again.

One Response to “Marcia Clark”

1. Helen Bordush: 2 years ago

   Ms.Clark,
   I have purchased and read all your books featuring. Rachel Knight and Samantha Brinkman.
   Loved reading them.
   Thanks.
   Helen

   Reply