Monday, July 14, 2014

The Competition-Marcia Clark

The Competition
Marcia Clark
Mulholland Books/Little, Brown, Jul 8 2014, $26.00
ISBN: 9780316220972

During a pep rally at Fairmont High School in the San Fernando Valley, two figures begin a shooting rampage leaving twenty-nine confirmed dead and counting; many others maimed and injured fighting for their lives.  The two suspects apparently committed suicide in the library. 

LAPD Robbery-Homicide Division Detective Bailey Keller leads the investigation.  Los Angeles District Attorney Office Special Trials Prosecutor Rachel Knight (see Blind Ambition) joins her friend on the inquiry though she assumes she has no role since the perps are dead.  However, evidence surfaces that imply the mass murderers survived their brutal assault and escaped, which frightens Bailey and Rachel as this violent pair most likely plans another bloodbath.

This is a terrific twisting thriller that combines plenty of action with the harrowing reaction of those about to die and the survivors, and the shock of first responders to the bloody rampage.  Although an international headline case like this mass school killings would have much greater higher level intrusive participation, readers will relish this adrenaline-pumping tale; as we anticipate a High Noon showdown between the two heroines and the two cold-blooded killers.

Harriet Klausner

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