Cocktails, Crime and Conversations with Marcia Clark

A few days ago I had the honor of meeting Marcia Clark, renowned prosecutor turned successful author, in the fabulous Fairfield Antique & Design Center, in Norwalk. The event was a collaboration between New Canaan based Ladies Who Launch (LWL) and Fairfield County Over 40 Females (O40F), a national networking group for women. 

Marcia Clark talked with Christine Oleynick (O40F), Kathy McShane (LWL) and an audience of over 40 women and a handful of men (who snuck in!) about her new book The Competition. Marcia told us that her latest book was inspired by her desire to uncover the truth behind horrific events such as the Columbine Massacre. She wrote the book, prior to the Newtown shootings and considered not publishing the book, but was urged to do so as there was an even greater need to address the issue of what drives an individual to commit such a heinous crime. 

I was impressed by Marcia Clark's determination to research thoroughly such a delicate and often misinterpreted topic. Marcia told us that her research revealed that these type of crimes were committed by psychopathic personalities, some of whom had been misdiagnosed with autism spectrum or Asperger's. She urged for clinicians to diagnose with more care, mental health services to be improved and for increased education of the public, police and mental health professionals, on the warning signs of psychopathic tendencies. 

I for one can't wait to begin reading The Competition which promises to be a thrilling and fascinating read.