In this 17th book in the 'Alexandra Cooper' series, the lawyer is in serious trouble. The book can be read as a standalone, but knowledge of the series is advantageous.
*****
Assistant District Attorney Alexandra Cooper (Coop), who specializes in sex crimes, is prosecuting a violent predator when the trial is postponed.
Coop discovers that a mole in her department - who just married the defendant - pilfered confidential files about this case and others. In addition, the defendant has ties to a well-known shady preacher who donates large sums to politicians - including Coop's boss.
On the up side, Coop just learned that a thug named Raymond Tanner, who's been stalking and threatening her for months, has been arrested and put in jail. With no current trial and something to celebrate, Coop goes out to dinner with friends, then calls an Uber to take her home.....and disappears.
Coop's long-time colleague, and now boyfriend, Detective Mike Chapman is investigating an unrelated murder when he realizes that Coop has been incommunicado for too long.
Chapman fears Coop was abducted by a nefarious criminal (or criminal enterprise), and embarks on a mission to find her.....hopefully still alive. For assistance, Mike enlists fellow detectives to help with data mining, witness interviews, site searches, and so on.
Chapman's quest takes him all over the city, including Washington Heights and the George Washington Bridge;
The Statue of Liberty;
The Manhattan waterfront, and more.
Mike is frantic to find Coop, and not above using threats, force, and chicanery.
There's a bit of dissonance however, because Mike, whose hobby is military history, takes the time to expound - in detail - about ALL the historical sites he passes. This kind of thing is a hallmark of Fairstein's books, which always include a big dollop of New York City heritage. In this case, however, it doesn't fit with Mike's frantic search for his new love. (I mean, who would stop to expatiate about a hobbyhorse when their partner is in mortal danger? 😏)
Eventually a mysterious clue points Mike in the right direction, and a complex scheme is uncovered.
The story is standard Linda Fairstein, and fans of her writing would enjoy this book.
Rating: 3 stars
It sounds like there is a lot going on in this story. I suppose if you're familiar with the series, that would not be the case. I love your pics of recognizable characters from some of my favourite television series. 😂
ReplyDeleteThank you Carla. When I use the pictures of real television characters I always wonder if people will recognize them. I guess it depends on what shows people watch. 😊🌼🌸
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