Trial by Ambush

Murder, Injustice, and the Truth About the Case of Barbara Graham

De: Marcia Clark

Narrado por: Marcia Clark

In this dramatic true account about the power of sensationalized crime, one woman’s case is exposed for its sexism, flagrant disregard for the truth, and, ultimately, the dangers posed by an unbridled prosecution.

Unwanted and neglected from birth, Barbara Graham had to overcome the odds just to survive. Her beauty was both a blessing and a curse—offering her too many options of all the wrong kind. Her innate sensitivity left her vulnerable to the harsh realities of the street, where she was left to fend for herself before she reached double digits. Her record of petty crimes spoke to a life that constantly teetered on the brink of disaster.

But in 1953, a catastrophic twist of fate would catapult her out of obscurity and into the headlines.

When a robbery spiraled out of control and escalated into a brutal murder, Barbara became the centerpiece of a media circus. Her beauty enraptured the press, and they were quick to portray her as a villainous femme fatale despite abundant evidence to the contrary—a fiction the prosecution eagerly promoted.

The frenzy of public interest and willful distortion paved a treacherous path for Barbara Graham. In Trial by Ambush, author and criminal lawyer Marcia Clark investigates the case exposing the fallacies in the demonizing picture they painted and the critical evidence that was never revealed.

©2024 by Marcia Clark. (P)2024 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved.

Reseñas de la Crítica

“Clark (the Samantha Brinkman series), the former lead prosecutor in the O.J. Simpson case, brings new insights to a sensational killing from the 1950s in this standout true crime narrative….Impressive research, combined with breakneck pacing and a trenchant critique of the media circus surrounding Graham’s arrest, bring the verdict down decisively in Clark’s favor. This is masterful.”—Publishers Weekly (starred review)

“Clark uses her expertise to bring fans into a world that wasn’t revealed in the original case. True crime fans, and suspense fans in general, will love her approach. She brings the reader into a world that uncovers how power and biases can ruin lives. Clark was born to write and Trial by Ambush could be her best book yet.”—John Raab, Suspense Magazine

“A must read for those who love courtroom drama.”—Charlene Giannetti, Woman Around Town

Extremely well researched and objectivity throughout

Clarke is awesome all the way around. Excellent narration. Book us well researched and the author stays objective throughout.

Brilliant MRI of a bungled prosecution!

A vile travesty of justice exposed in Marcia Clark’s research, analysis and reasoned conclusion! Brava!

Based on True Events

I listened to this book based on a Pod cast with the Author. The book sounded very interesting so I sought it out. Based on true events of 1 of the first women executed through the court system. I found it interesting the huge difference that have happened in the law from back then until today. I found it very interesting from what happened then to what this lawyer experiences today. The author is very open on what she found and what she couldn't find. I also enjoyed the story telling parts the author shared because I could invision what was happening. Nothing appeared to be over the reader/ listeners head. Easy to follow along. After this book I have sought out other books from this author.

How lies kill

This was a great true story and very sad how lies can kill you! So sad that a prosecutor can lie and keep lying just because he wanted fame.

Just Wow…

This kept me on the edge of my seat until the very end. It was well written and researched. I resisted the urge to google the case to find out how things ended and it was worth hearing the author’s ending as well as her final thoughts.

While flawed, as it always will be, we are quite fortunate to have the justice system that we have today. If nothing else, this book is an in your face reminder of how unfair things once were and how ego can trump fairness with no thought of the human consequences.

Great read

Great summary of the murder trial and good insight by subject matter expert, Marcia Clark.

A Truly Unique Voice

The author’s use of analysis to retell this historic case is a novel approach and a unique voice in the true crime genre. Though decades old, the trial is made relevant through Clark’s enthusiastic defense of both the executed client and the rule of law.

Well-researched account

This book has a lot to say our Criminal Justice system. Unfortunately, it was not a pleasant listen for me. I had long suspected that certain personality characteristics of the prosecutor (e.g., pathological narcissism, enjoyment in bullying others) can interfere with fundamental fairness.

Great Book!

I saw the movie "I Want to Live" about the Barbara Graham case and when I heard about this book, I knew it would be a great read. Very interesting and sad story about Barbara Graham. Between the prosecuting attorney and the press, this woman did not get a fair trial. Marcia Clark did a great job of researching material for the story and reading her book.

Lawyers perspective makes it riveting

Lawyers perspective makes it riveting. I can’t remember the case. I was ten at the time but living in the valley. I do recall the Carol Chessman case a few years later. That was in the early days of the death penalty debates. I have a hard time with the artificiality of courtroom proceedings. I guess it is true that out odd the best way we have of achieving justice. Having Marcia Clark narrated adds to the interest and makes the story real.