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snoopydoo77's review against another edition
This is the second book in the Rachel Knight series. I have not read the first book but it seemed to be a good standalone form what I can tell. I didn’t feel like I’m missing some or felt confused, so that is a plus.
You can find my full review here:
http://myreads.booklikes.com/post/921893/guilt-by-degrees-rachel-knight-2-by-marcia-clark
You can find my full review here:
http://myreads.booklikes.com/post/921893/guilt-by-degrees-rachel-knight-2-by-marcia-clark
kathydavie's review against another edition
5.0
Second in the Rachel Knight legal thriller mystery series and revolving around an L.A. prosecutor. And if you're reading this series at all, you have to read this one if only because of how it affects future stories!
My thanks to NetGalley and Mulholland Books for providing this ARC for my enjoyment.
My Take
Whoa, Clark got me twisted up right from the start with this mysterious murder in full view of a crowded sidewalk that appears to relate to a brutal murder from the past. I just didn't know it until I got further into the story. After that, well, I was so confused about "poor" Zack. The further in I read, the more and more complex it got before it started to connect. A very satisfying read even if there was such sadness in it.
It's a lot of beating the sidewalk and online research along with interviews now and in the past. One thread leads to another. It also proves how essential it is to gather up as much information as possible about a person, for you never know what thread will lead where. And there were some fairly innocuous clues in this, that, when put together, told a much fuller story.
Crack me up. Rachel gets so irritated with a fellow prosecutor's incompetence that she jumps to take his case on. Which only irritates the idiot. It's a convoluted case where no one can figure out how there was a crime and who might be guilty. The more they dig, the more questions come up, and this is what will drag you in.
I do adore Eric. A boss who goes to bat for those under him. Such a rarity. That pair of jerks — Averill and Hemet — are on the warpath, and Rachel picking up a non-case like this provides too much ammunition against her for those who hate her. And that includes Vanderhorn. But no pressure.
Oh, wow, oh, wow, I want Meyer's house!!
Whoa, Rachel's reaction to Graden's curiosity is so far out of line! I think Graden's assessment is right on the money, that Rachel is suffering from Toni-syndrome. Rache obviously needs to spend a lot more time with Carla. Especially when we find out what she's not telling her besties. It does lead to more in-depth information on what happened when Romy disappeared. And why Rachel is carrying all this guilt. Worse, I want to yell at Rachel for how she behaves at the time, even as I know no 7-year-old can be expected to know how to react.
It's kind of a life of Reilly with the three friends. They spend a lot of time eating out and drinking at night. They make good use of Rachel's very convenient hotel room, and ooh baby, that room service! Yet, they feel real. The dialogue is good with a sense of reality to it as well. You can't help but like these ladies, and not least because they're smart!
I do like Luis. He's ambitious, and Clark does a beautiful job of writing his dialog.
Ya tend to think of being a lawyer as a desk job, but reading about Rachel's adventures will reassure you about that. She and Bailey are out in the field like partners, only she's the only one getting beaten, which will result in her being assigned bodyguards. Which makes you wonder where Rachel's head is at that she sets up this trap without their help.
Jesus, what is it with it never being the bad guy's fault? All these awful things that happen in their lives, and it's never, ever their fault? I wanna smack 'em for that alone…!
The Story
The crappy attitude of an ill-prepared prosecutor goads Rachel into doing the re-file on the death of a homeless man. It also boomerangs on her when that prosecutor, Brandon Averill, does such a lousy job preparing his case.
It's an iffy case, and it'll take a lot of work to prove it was a murder. And with an innocent defendant.
Complicating matters is what Rachel sees as a gross invasion of privacy — and Graden is out on his ass.
The Characters
Rachel Knight is one of the best prosecutors in Special Trials, but she's not without her faults: she's chronically on the verge of being late, she has a potty mouth, and others say she's confrontational. Rachel says she's being direct. Romy is the sister who vanished twenty-seven years. Carla the Crone became Rachel's lifelong shrink. Daniel Rose is the former love of Rachel's life, and he's back in town.
Special Trials Unit
The Special Trials lawyers get a lot of heat for getting hot cases, and they're always the "most complex, high-profile cases". Eric Northrup is Rachel's boss and the head deputy of the unit. Melia is the unit secretary working for Eric. Toni LaCollier is one of the lawyers with Special Trials, one of Rachel's best friends, and currently on with J.D.; theirs is an on-again, off-again relationship depending on who's feeling too committed. Sandi Runyon is head of Media Relations.
District Attorney William Vanderhorn is an idiot, but even he could see how bad Hemet was. Fred Summers is Vanderhorn's second-in-command — and the real boss. Rosario is one of the filers down at the clerk's office. Arturo is a mail room clerk.
The judges
Judge Foster is the first judge to appear; Manny is his clerk. Deputy Stevenson is his bailiff. Judge J.D. Morgan is a respected judge.
The lawyers
Walter Schoenfeld is a seasoned public defender. Sam Zucker is another public defender.
Brandon Averill is a jerk of a prosecutor; Judge Foster sure doesn't like him. Averill is great friends with Phil Hemet, a "world-class brownnoser…who lost the only case he ever tried". Rosa is Hemet's secretary and about to give birth; she's not planning on coming back, and she's got the dirt the girls want.
The LAPD
Detective Bailey Keller is a brilliant cop over at Robbery-Homicide and another of Rachel's best friends. Lieutenant Graden Hales is in charge at Robbery-Homicide; Rachel met him in Guilt by Association, 1. He's also gorgeous, filthy rich, and dating Rachel. Devon is his brother.
The DA investigators are the assigned bodyguards
Gary Schrader is the team leader and senior investigator. Stephen, James, and Mario make up the rest of the team.
SCI
Scott Ferrier, a coroner's investigator, is a friend of Rachel's who's willing to slide information her way. Dr. Sparks is the pathologist. Steve Diamond is a criminalist for the L.A. County Coroner, and Rachel considers him an everything man. He's also compiled a database of blunt and sharp force injuries. Dr. Bruno Spagnotti is Rachel's favorite forensic psychologist.
The Yamaguchi case
Ronald Yamaguchi is the accused; he's a masseur with a black belt in tae kwon do. The arresting officer is Hank Aronofsky. Detective Stoner is investigating until he tangles with Averill. It does make Stoner popular with everyone else. Charlie Fern is an unreliable witness. Andy Kim is the Wells Fargo bank manager. Patrolman Harley Sahagan is the alibi. Wendy is a fellow masseuse.
The murder of Zack Bayer
Zack is a cop in love with his wife, and he has a healthy, productive hobby: woodworking. His lawyer wife, Lilah Rossmoyne, was acquitted, and Simon Bayer is his angry artist brother. Angie was Simon's girlfriend who really tried to help. Claire and Fred are the devastated parents. Larry Gladstein had been the prosecutor on the case, and he's still furious. Mark Steiner is a buddy of Rachel's who'd worked with Larry. Rick Meyer had been the investigating officer. Mike Howell represented Lilah during the trial. Tracy Chernoff was Zack's childhood neighbor with some truths for Rachel and Bailey. Lilah's mother, Pam, was a nightmare, a good reason for requiring parents to pass psychological tests before being allowed to have a child. Her father, Gary, was too lenient and blind to his daughter's behavior. Lyle Monahan is one of the senior partners at the law firm; Audrey Wagner is the paralegal in charge of Human Resources; Phyllis Blankmeyer has the dirt on her; Joel Carstone was a junior associate then; and, Teddy Janeway is Carstone's secretary with dirt on her as well. Sergeant Paul Tegagian was a co-worker of Zack's down at the Glendale PD with some useful insight on Lilah. Chris is a waiter at La Poubelle. Conrad Bagram owns a used car dealership, Conrad's Auto Body and Repair, with his own little scam going on. Alicia Morris had her car stolen back then. Tran Lee, a waiter at Josie's, was identified as the thief. Duncan Friedkin was a co-worker and friend. Venice Community Housing is run by Teresa Solis; she fills them in on Diane Nguyen, who provides the smoking gun. Mrs. Kluffman was Simon's landlord for a while. Dr. Aigler was a baby doctor.
Sabrina McCullough is a freelance operative gathering information for whoever has the money to pay for it. Chase Erling is the only other operative she trusts, and he's a whiz at research and with computers. Maxwell Chevorin is one of her regular clients.
Congressman Rankin is one of her jobs. Brenda Honesdale's destruction was a blast from Sabrina's past, and the reason she was hired on at the law firm. A Nazi Low Rider got some bad info.
Cletus is a homeless guy who used to be a minor-league pitcher to whom Rachel regularly gives Chinese takeout. Johnnie Jasper is a street person with a nice set-up. Luis Revelo is a shot-caller for the Sylmar Seven (see Guilt by Association). Butch Adler, a.k.a., the Glass Man, and he doesn't like PEN1, a white supremacist group. Dominic Rostoni is the head man for PEN1 and a custom motorcycle dealer; Lonnie Wilson is his second.
The media
Miles Rykoff is a reporter for the Times. He can tell Rachel who leaked Simon's story — Averill.
The Biltmore Hotel
Rachel just got upgraded to a two-bedroom suite in her sweetheart deal. Drew is the night bartender, and he and Bailey have been dating for a year. Angel is the doorman. Rafi is the valet. Jason is a bellman.
The Cover
The cover is consistent with the first one in this re-release of the series. A white background with two simple objects as metaphors: lipstick for the femme fatale and handcuffs for all the cops and crooks involved.
I'm confused about the title. My interpretation would be that there are different levels of guilt, and whoa, I think I just figured it out. Those parents on both sides, Rachel's childhood trauma, a victim, a murderer…there's plenty of Guilt by Degrees.
My thanks to NetGalley and Mulholland Books for providing this ARC for my enjoyment.
My Take
Whoa, Clark got me twisted up right from the start with this mysterious murder in full view of a crowded sidewalk that appears to relate to a brutal murder from the past. I just didn't know it until I got further into the story. After that, well, I was so confused about "poor" Zack. The further in I read, the more and more complex it got before it started to connect. A very satisfying read even if there was such sadness in it.
It's a lot of beating the sidewalk and online research along with interviews now and in the past. One thread leads to another. It also proves how essential it is to gather up as much information as possible about a person, for you never know what thread will lead where. And there were some fairly innocuous clues in this, that, when put together, told a much fuller story.
Crack me up. Rachel gets so irritated with a fellow prosecutor's incompetence that she jumps to take his case on. Which only irritates the idiot. It's a convoluted case where no one can figure out how there was a crime and who might be guilty. The more they dig, the more questions come up, and this is what will drag you in.
I do adore Eric. A boss who goes to bat for those under him. Such a rarity. That pair of jerks — Averill and Hemet — are on the warpath, and Rachel picking up a non-case like this provides too much ammunition against her for those who hate her. And that includes Vanderhorn. But no pressure.
Oh, wow, oh, wow, I want Meyer's house!!
Whoa, Rachel's reaction to Graden's curiosity is so far out of line! I think Graden's assessment is right on the money, that Rachel is suffering from Toni-syndrome. Rache obviously needs to spend a lot more time with Carla. Especially when we find out what she's not telling her besties. It does lead to more in-depth information on what happened when Romy disappeared. And why Rachel is carrying all this guilt. Worse, I want to yell at Rachel for how she behaves at the time, even as I know no 7-year-old can be expected to know how to react.
It's kind of a life of Reilly with the three friends. They spend a lot of time eating out and drinking at night. They make good use of Rachel's very convenient hotel room, and ooh baby, that room service! Yet, they feel real. The dialogue is good with a sense of reality to it as well. You can't help but like these ladies, and not least because they're smart!
I do like Luis. He's ambitious, and Clark does a beautiful job of writing his dialog.
Ya tend to think of being a lawyer as a desk job, but reading about Rachel's adventures will reassure you about that. She and Bailey are out in the field like partners, only she's the only one getting beaten, which will result in her being assigned bodyguards. Which makes you wonder where Rachel's head is at that she sets up this trap without their help.
Jesus, what is it with it never being the bad guy's fault? All these awful things that happen in their lives, and it's never, ever their fault? I wanna smack 'em for that alone…!
The Story
The crappy attitude of an ill-prepared prosecutor goads Rachel into doing the re-file on the death of a homeless man. It also boomerangs on her when that prosecutor, Brandon Averill, does such a lousy job preparing his case.
It's an iffy case, and it'll take a lot of work to prove it was a murder. And with an innocent defendant.
Complicating matters is what Rachel sees as a gross invasion of privacy — and Graden is out on his ass.
The Characters
Rachel Knight is one of the best prosecutors in Special Trials, but she's not without her faults: she's chronically on the verge of being late, she has a potty mouth, and others say she's confrontational. Rachel says she's being direct. Romy is the sister who vanished twenty-seven years. Carla the Crone became Rachel's lifelong shrink. Daniel Rose is the former love of Rachel's life, and he's back in town.
Special Trials Unit
The Special Trials lawyers get a lot of heat for getting hot cases, and they're always the "most complex, high-profile cases". Eric Northrup is Rachel's boss and the head deputy of the unit. Melia is the unit secretary working for Eric. Toni LaCollier is one of the lawyers with Special Trials, one of Rachel's best friends, and currently on with J.D.; theirs is an on-again, off-again relationship depending on who's feeling too committed. Sandi Runyon is head of Media Relations.
District Attorney William Vanderhorn is an idiot, but even he could see how bad Hemet was. Fred Summers is Vanderhorn's second-in-command — and the real boss. Rosario is one of the filers down at the clerk's office. Arturo is a mail room clerk.
The judges
Judge Foster is the first judge to appear; Manny is his clerk. Deputy Stevenson is his bailiff. Judge J.D. Morgan is a respected judge.
The lawyers
Walter Schoenfeld is a seasoned public defender. Sam Zucker is another public defender.
Brandon Averill is a jerk of a prosecutor; Judge Foster sure doesn't like him. Averill is great friends with Phil Hemet, a "world-class brownnoser…who lost the only case he ever tried". Rosa is Hemet's secretary and about to give birth; she's not planning on coming back, and she's got the dirt the girls want.
The LAPD
Detective Bailey Keller is a brilliant cop over at Robbery-Homicide and another of Rachel's best friends. Lieutenant Graden Hales is in charge at Robbery-Homicide; Rachel met him in Guilt by Association, 1. He's also gorgeous, filthy rich, and dating Rachel. Devon is his brother.
The DA investigators are the assigned bodyguards
Gary Schrader is the team leader and senior investigator. Stephen, James, and Mario make up the rest of the team.
SCI
Scott Ferrier, a coroner's investigator, is a friend of Rachel's who's willing to slide information her way. Dr. Sparks is the pathologist. Steve Diamond is a criminalist for the L.A. County Coroner, and Rachel considers him an everything man. He's also compiled a database of blunt and sharp force injuries. Dr. Bruno Spagnotti is Rachel's favorite forensic psychologist.
The Yamaguchi case
Ronald Yamaguchi is the accused; he's a masseur with a black belt in tae kwon do. The arresting officer is Hank Aronofsky. Detective Stoner is investigating until he tangles with Averill. It does make Stoner popular with everyone else. Charlie Fern is an unreliable witness. Andy Kim is the Wells Fargo bank manager. Patrolman Harley Sahagan is the alibi. Wendy is a fellow masseuse.
The murder of Zack Bayer
Zack is a cop in love with his wife, and he has a healthy, productive hobby: woodworking. His lawyer wife, Lilah Rossmoyne, was acquitted, and Simon Bayer is his angry artist brother. Angie was Simon's girlfriend who really tried to help. Claire and Fred are the devastated parents. Larry Gladstein had been the prosecutor on the case, and he's still furious. Mark Steiner is a buddy of Rachel's who'd worked with Larry. Rick Meyer had been the investigating officer. Mike Howell represented Lilah during the trial. Tracy Chernoff was Zack's childhood neighbor with some truths for Rachel and Bailey. Lilah's mother, Pam, was a nightmare, a good reason for requiring parents to pass psychological tests before being allowed to have a child. Her father, Gary, was too lenient and blind to his daughter's behavior. Lyle Monahan is one of the senior partners at the law firm; Audrey Wagner is the paralegal in charge of Human Resources; Phyllis Blankmeyer has the dirt on her; Joel Carstone was a junior associate then; and, Teddy Janeway is Carstone's secretary with dirt on her as well. Sergeant Paul Tegagian was a co-worker of Zack's down at the Glendale PD with some useful insight on Lilah. Chris is a waiter at La Poubelle. Conrad Bagram owns a used car dealership, Conrad's Auto Body and Repair, with his own little scam going on. Alicia Morris had her car stolen back then. Tran Lee, a waiter at Josie's, was identified as the thief. Duncan Friedkin was a co-worker and friend. Venice Community Housing is run by Teresa Solis; she fills them in on Diane Nguyen, who provides the smoking gun. Mrs. Kluffman was Simon's landlord for a while. Dr. Aigler was a baby doctor.
Sabrina McCullough is a freelance operative gathering information for whoever has the money to pay for it. Chase Erling is the only other operative she trusts, and he's a whiz at research and with computers. Maxwell Chevorin is one of her regular clients.
Congressman Rankin is one of her jobs. Brenda Honesdale's destruction was a blast from Sabrina's past, and the reason she was hired on at the law firm. A Nazi Low Rider got some bad info.
Cletus is a homeless guy who used to be a minor-league pitcher to whom Rachel regularly gives Chinese takeout. Johnnie Jasper is a street person with a nice set-up. Luis Revelo is a shot-caller for the Sylmar Seven (see Guilt by Association). Butch Adler, a.k.a., the Glass Man, and he doesn't like PEN1, a white supremacist group. Dominic Rostoni is the head man for PEN1 and a custom motorcycle dealer; Lonnie Wilson is his second.
The media
Miles Rykoff is a reporter for the Times. He can tell Rachel who leaked Simon's story — Averill.
The Biltmore Hotel
Rachel just got upgraded to a two-bedroom suite in her sweetheart deal. Drew is the night bartender, and he and Bailey have been dating for a year. Angel is the doorman. Rafi is the valet. Jason is a bellman.
The Cover
The cover is consistent with the first one in this re-release of the series. A white background with two simple objects as metaphors: lipstick for the femme fatale and handcuffs for all the cops and crooks involved.
I'm confused about the title. My interpretation would be that there are different levels of guilt, and whoa, I think I just figured it out. Those parents on both sides, Rachel's childhood trauma, a victim, a murderer…there's plenty of Guilt by Degrees.
judithdcollins's review against another edition
4.0
A special thank you to Mulholland Books and NetGalley for a complimentary reading copy in exchange for an honest review.
Famous as lead prosecutor in the murder trial of O.J. Simpson, Marcia Clark still works as a lawyer, but she's also an author. First came 1997's "Without a Doubt," a memoir of the case, and more recently, a series of legal thrillers.
Clark's first four novels starred the same main character, Rachel Knight. Like Clark, Knight was a prosecutor in the Los Angeles district attorney's office, an ambitious, hard-charging lawyer who took her job very seriously.
Having read Marcia Clark’s The Competition (Rachel Knight #4) when it came out in 2014, Killer Ambition (Rachel Knight #3), and some of her newer books, the publisher sent me copies of the earlier books in the series to read at that time. They kind of got pushed further down the pile, and failed to write my review at the time, since they were older books, and my blog features only, new and upcoming books.
I do love legal thrillers, so wanted to revisit. When I picked up the audiobooks, read by January LaVoy, (awesome narrator), the first two books in the series, Guilt by Association (Rachel Knight #1) and Guilt by Degrees, (Rachel Knight #2) wanted to write a quick review.
If you missed the first book in the series, Clark catches you up to speed in her second Rachel Knight installment GUILT BY DEGREES.
Wow, she bumps up the intensity with the smart, funny, and fearless Knight in pursuit of justice. A homeless man gets murdered. She has seen him early on and felt for him. She stars digging further and discovers he was the brother of a policeman killed two years earlier.
Clark pulls you into the mystery and suspense, combining crafty legal proceedings. From politics to conspiracy, combined with wit, and suspense- a bold follow up, making this a must read series. Also more intriguing information about Rachel this go around -enjoy the relationship with Bailey.
BTW, Congrats Marcia! Marcia Clark Finally Has a Moment to Savor at the Emmys (2016).
If you have read Blood Defense (#1 May 2016) it centers on defense attorney Samantha Brinkman. Unlike Rachel Knight, she's more than willing to bend the rules to get what she wants. Moral Defense (Nov 2016) will follow up with Samantha Brinkman #2.
In a recent online interview from Clark: “I was a defense attorney before I was a prosecutor, and I'm doing defense work again now. So I wanted to write a character who was a little more wild and woolly than Rachel." LA Times (2016)
Fans of Lis Wiehl will enjoy Clark’s style, and this riveting thriller. With Clark’s background--a former LA, California deputy district attorney, who was the lead prosecutor in the O.J. Simpson murder case and a frequent media commentator and columnist on legal issues—she knows her stuff and is reflective throughout her books.
Clark fans and new readers fond of crime thrillers, cop procedures, and legal thrillers will enjoy the series.
Famous as lead prosecutor in the murder trial of O.J. Simpson, Marcia Clark still works as a lawyer, but she's also an author. First came 1997's "Without a Doubt," a memoir of the case, and more recently, a series of legal thrillers.
Clark's first four novels starred the same main character, Rachel Knight. Like Clark, Knight was a prosecutor in the Los Angeles district attorney's office, an ambitious, hard-charging lawyer who took her job very seriously.
Having read Marcia Clark’s The Competition (Rachel Knight #4) when it came out in 2014, Killer Ambition (Rachel Knight #3), and some of her newer books, the publisher sent me copies of the earlier books in the series to read at that time. They kind of got pushed further down the pile, and failed to write my review at the time, since they were older books, and my blog features only, new and upcoming books.
I do love legal thrillers, so wanted to revisit. When I picked up the audiobooks, read by January LaVoy, (awesome narrator), the first two books in the series, Guilt by Association (Rachel Knight #1) and Guilt by Degrees, (Rachel Knight #2) wanted to write a quick review.
If you missed the first book in the series, Clark catches you up to speed in her second Rachel Knight installment GUILT BY DEGREES.
Wow, she bumps up the intensity with the smart, funny, and fearless Knight in pursuit of justice. A homeless man gets murdered. She has seen him early on and felt for him. She stars digging further and discovers he was the brother of a policeman killed two years earlier.
Clark pulls you into the mystery and suspense, combining crafty legal proceedings. From politics to conspiracy, combined with wit, and suspense- a bold follow up, making this a must read series. Also more intriguing information about Rachel this go around -enjoy the relationship with Bailey.
BTW, Congrats Marcia! Marcia Clark Finally Has a Moment to Savor at the Emmys (2016).
If you have read Blood Defense (#1 May 2016) it centers on defense attorney Samantha Brinkman. Unlike Rachel Knight, she's more than willing to bend the rules to get what she wants. Moral Defense (Nov 2016) will follow up with Samantha Brinkman #2.
In a recent online interview from Clark: “I was a defense attorney before I was a prosecutor, and I'm doing defense work again now. So I wanted to write a character who was a little more wild and woolly than Rachel." LA Times (2016)
Fans of Lis Wiehl will enjoy Clark’s style, and this riveting thriller. With Clark’s background--a former LA, California deputy district attorney, who was the lead prosecutor in the O.J. Simpson murder case and a frequent media commentator and columnist on legal issues—she knows her stuff and is reflective throughout her books.
Clark fans and new readers fond of crime thrillers, cop procedures, and legal thrillers will enjoy the series.
veenaea12's review against another edition
2.0
Couldn't even finish it. WAY too much detail than I care to read about. The last straw came at the end of one chapter where she fell asleep while reading her book. She heard her book fall to the floor. And she left it there...
That was written in the book.
I don't care!?
Anyway, skipped to the end because the plot is still good. Just waaaayyyy too much detail.
That was written in the book.
I don't care!?
Anyway, skipped to the end because the plot is still good. Just waaaayyyy too much detail.
crimyami's review against another edition
3.0
I gave this one a try as I was hoping it got better.. while the plot was a bit better this book had the same problems as book one. We're talking about a lot of food and clothing again and it doesn't help how things roll in my opinion. It makes it hard to focus on the plot and kept jumping around to different things. While we really didn't see Rachel in her office doing work, she was out of the office doing a lot of investigating. Which I can't help but to wonder about since the da's office has investigators so they don't have to get involved that deep or cops for the shoot outs that they had in the book.
Rachel's trying to figure out a murder of a homless person that leads to a cop previously killed. This is an interesting thing because the wife of the cop, is a suspect again and a lawyer who can get her way about anything. So I think that the plot is interesting but the subplot about Rachel's sister isn't exactly knee grabbing or the way the character acts about it. The way she acts seems childish and takes away from the character rather than build her up.
All in all this book is a 3 star, the writing jumps all over the place and focuses too much on clothing/food rather than the actual case and the character doesn't seem to have much development.
Rachel's trying to figure out a murder of a homless person that leads to a cop previously killed. This is an interesting thing because the wife of the cop, is a suspect again and a lawyer who can get her way about anything. So I think that the plot is interesting but the subplot about Rachel's sister isn't exactly knee grabbing or the way the character acts about it. The way she acts seems childish and takes away from the character rather than build her up.
All in all this book is a 3 star, the writing jumps all over the place and focuses too much on clothing/food rather than the actual case and the character doesn't seem to have much development.
jesslroy's review against another edition
4.0
Each book in this series gets a little bit better. Enjoyable.
nixieknox's review against another edition
3.0
I'm giving this three stars because it was very readable and entertaining but it was a cliff-hanger!! This isn't TV, I can't just wait a week to see what happens! I feel cheated. Bah.
The relationship between Rachel & Lilia reminds me of Bobby Goren & Nicole Wallace on L&O Criminal Intent, so I felt a little forgiving.
The relationship between Rachel & Lilia reminds me of Bobby Goren & Nicole Wallace on L&O Criminal Intent, so I felt a little forgiving.
orsayor's review against another edition
5.0
Guilt by Degrees by Marcia Clark is a thrilling journey through the world of LA courts, skillfully woven with suspense and intrigue. D.A. Rachel Knight finds herself entangled in a seemingly impossible case, the murder of a homeless man without any suspects. As she delves deeper into the web of clues, she realizes that someone is watching her every move, and this unknown adversary is just as intelligent but harboring malicious intentions.
With the unwavering support of Detective Bailey Keller, a tough and determined ally, Rachel is determined to seek justice against all odds. However, their investigation takes an unexpected turn when they stumble upon a connection to a brutal LAPD cop murder from the previous year. As the plot thickens, Rachel becomes convinced that someone out there holds the truth, and they are willing to go to any lengths to keep it hidden.
In Guilt by Degrees, Marcia Clark is a master storyteller, offering readers a suspenseful experience. This is a must-read for anyone who enjoys legal thrillers and mysteries, as it showcases the dark underbelly of the justice system and the tenacity of a remarkable protagonist in her pursuit of truth and justice.
With the unwavering support of Detective Bailey Keller, a tough and determined ally, Rachel is determined to seek justice against all odds. However, their investigation takes an unexpected turn when they stumble upon a connection to a brutal LAPD cop murder from the previous year. As the plot thickens, Rachel becomes convinced that someone out there holds the truth, and they are willing to go to any lengths to keep it hidden.
In Guilt by Degrees, Marcia Clark is a master storyteller, offering readers a suspenseful experience. This is a must-read for anyone who enjoys legal thrillers and mysteries, as it showcases the dark underbelly of the justice system and the tenacity of a remarkable protagonist in her pursuit of truth and justice.
novelesque_life's review against another edition
4.0
4 STARS
(I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review).
Rachel Knight finds herself in the middle of another impossible case - a nameless homeless man is found dead and no one seems to care. First his death goes unnoticed by all the walked by the homeless man dressed as Santa Claus. Second, no one knows who he is or the woman whom he is accused of grabbing. As she recruits her best friend and homicide detective, Bailey to help her solve the crime her new relationship is also hanging by a string.
Guilt by Degrees was a rollercoaster of a ride but I am not sure if we were left with a cliffhanger or more to come in the next book. I was happy with ending but wanted more.
(I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review).
Rachel Knight finds herself in the middle of another impossible case - a nameless homeless man is found dead and no one seems to care. First his death goes unnoticed by all the walked by the homeless man dressed as Santa Claus. Second, no one knows who he is or the woman whom he is accused of grabbing. As she recruits her best friend and homicide detective, Bailey to help her solve the crime her new relationship is also hanging by a string.
Guilt by Degrees was a rollercoaster of a ride but I am not sure if we were left with a cliffhanger or more to come in the next book. I was happy with ending but wanted more.
simsarella's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5