Guilt by Association

Finished May 28
Guilt by Association by Marcia Clark, read by January LaVoy
This is a first novel for Clark, who co-wrote a nonfiction book about the OJ trial, after being the lead prosecutor on the case. Her character here is a DA in Los Angeles, and Clark's knowledge and expertise in this area show.
Rachel Knight is a dedicated lawyer who is focused on her work. She still has some issues from her past that she hasn't dealt with and that affect her relationships. She works in the Special trials Unit, a group that handles tough, complex cases.
Rachel lives at the Biltmore, close to her office. On her way home one evening after the end of a successful case, she gets sidetracked by a crime scene at a nearby seedy motel. There she finds that another young DA is a victim. She is determined to get to the bottom of what happened to Jake, despite being warned off the case. Jake's caseload is split among the other attorneys, and Rachel ends up with a rape case on a young girl from an influential family. She enlists the help of a detective she is friends with, Bailey, and the two go after the few clues they have on the case. Bailey also helps with Rachel's search for information around the case where Jake died. Rachel works hard and plays hard, has a couple of really good girlfriends and maybe a new boyfriend, but no one really knows what has made her what she is. Her determination and smarts lead her to interesting situations. This book is exciting, funny, and satisfying. Rachel is a great new character and I hope to see more of her.