Review: The Competition (Rachel Knight #4) by Marcia Clark

Print Length: 416 pages

Publisher: Mulholland Books (July 8, 2014)

From Goodreads.com: In Marcia Clark's most electrifying thriller yet, Los Angeles DA Rachel Knight investigates a diabolical high school massacre.

A Columbine-style massacre at a high school in the San Fernando Valley has left a community shaken to its core. Two students are identified as the killers. Both are dead, believed to have committed a mutual suicide. But in the aftermath of the shooting, as LA Special Trials prosecutor Rachel Knight and Detective Bailey Keller dig deeper, they realize that the pieces don't add up. Could it be that the two "killers" were themselves victims? And if so, does that mean that the real killers are still on the loose? When someone starts dropping clues that another horrific crime is in the works, Rachel and Bailey scramble desperately to profile their suspect and prevent another killing--before it's too late. 

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My Rating: 4 stars out of 5

DISCLAIMER #1: This book may contain "triggers" for certain people. It is definitely not for someone who has lived through this type of experience, nor is it for the "faint of heart". It is, at times, painful to read simply due to the subject matter. 

My Review: Oh my word! This was hands down the best novel in the Rachel Knight series that I've read to date! This was everything that the synopsis promised that it would be - without all the other things that made me not enjoy the first few books in this series. 

For those of you new to my blog, I have recently reviewed the previous three novels ( Guilt by Association , Guilt by Degrees & Killer Ambition), and found a lot to be desired in the majority (although the third book was better than the first two). It was my belief that there was way too much attention paid to frivolous details, and not enough attention paid to the actual crimes, or enough detail to keep me guessing. 

I absolutely loved the twists and turns this story had to offer. Just when I thought I had it figured out, the author would throw in a twist that I never saw coming, and I would be left feeling just as frustrated (but in a better way), than the investigating officers. This novel was definitely more action packed than previous ones, and it more than proved the author's ability to write a story that would draw the reader in and keep them glued to the edge of their seat.

The Competition is the fourth book in this series, however (as with the previous novels), it can be read as a stand alone novel without revealing any overt spoilers from the previous novels. Yes, certain details from them are mentioned (including one detail that may be considered a spoiler to some, however I found that had I not previously read the novel the mention of it would entice me to purchase the original novels); however overall, this can be read by itself and you won't be missing anything. 

Despite my misgivings about the first two novels, the third and fourth have sealed the deal for me. I now know that this author is capable of delivering on a level that I can get into and enjoy, and I am eagerly anticipating more stories featuring Rachel Knight! 

This is one of those novels that will appeal to many readers. Whether you like thrillers, or crime dramas, or even a good courtroom drama, this novel has something for everyone! 

DISCLAIMER #2: I received a complimentary copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own. 

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The Competition (Rachel Knight #4) is available from Amazon.com