Stories by Linda Fairstein

I just finished reading Lethal Legacy by Linda Fairstein. She ran the Sex Crimes Unit of the District Attorney's Office in Manhattan, but now writes novels.

She has written a series of stories with Alexandra Cooper as the main character. Alex Cooper is an Assistant District Attorney in NYC. The stories revolve around crimes in various parts of the City, and include some little known history.

In this story, there are two murders and there seems to be a connection with a priceless edition of Alice in Wonderland. Most of the action takes place in the New York Public Library on Fifth Avenue and 42nd St. Before reading this book, I already knew that there used to be a reservoir on the site of Bryant Park just behind the library. But, I never knew or dreamed that there were so many subterranean levels. There is an area where the books and maps are repaired and a crew of artists work.

I also learned that there is an apartment in the building for the chief engineer and his family. One of the characters describes living there as a child.

The story then takes us to an ancient cemetery on 2nd Avenue and 2nd St. called New York Marble Cemetery, Incorporated in 1831. It really exists, I Googled it!

I've read most of Ms. Fairstein's books and have thoroughly enjoyed them. They give the reader an insight into old New York while taking place now. Alex Cooper and her two detective friends, Mike Chapman and Mercer Wallace work together to solve crimes and when time permits try their hands or minds at Final Jeopardy.

If you get a chance, try to read one of her books, Killer Heat, Bad Blood, Entombed, The Deadhouse. They're interesting and informative. I think you'd like them even if you don't come from New York City.