BROADWAY BABES AND BAD BOYS

books:


	• Death Dance: A Novel (Alexandra Cooper Mysteries) Linda Fairstein Pocket, 2007 - 512 pages average customer review:based on 40 reviews view larger image
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Multiple cases

Like a real prosecuting attorney, Alexandra Cooper has a case load to deal with. The main case is the death of a ballet dancer. Alex is drawn into the case because the circumstances of the death are unclear, i.e., was it an attempted rape, a crime of passion, or a murder for another reason. Along the way she becomes involved in a case involving use of a date rape drug, a serial criminal attacking women, and a man trying to evade questioning (which reopens another case).

There are issues that keep attorneys employed. Besides the usual crimes, there is a family feud over inheritances, and the question of trusts and possible tax evasion (or maybe just creative tax avoidance). Money is power, and some people are willing to use connections.

You will learn a lot about the New York theater business, and the backstage areas. There are also some historical vignettes that I personally found interesting, but some people may think there is overly much background color.

I would note that there are some interesting discussions of the use of DNA and other forensic science. There are also legal issues about obtaining evidence, and what constitutes invasion of privacy.

The plot of the novel is complex, and requires that you pay attention. It is not a quick read.

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BROADWAY BABES AND BAD BOYS

Fans of Law and Order, SVU (Special Victims Unit) where cutting edge forensic tools are coupled with gritty detective work will definitely relish Death Dance. The book captures the reader's attention with a look into the personal and professional life of a New York criminal prosecutor and two of her colleagues. Her cases are varied and range from indicting a physician involved in drug facilitated sexual assaults to the murder of a prima ballerina at the Metropolitan Opera House.

While I do not want to give away the complete plotline, let me just say that the book treats the reader to a descriptive behind a scenes tour of the Met as well as a couple of other famous New York theaters; gives us a history lesson about the famous and infamous residents of the city, both past and present, supplies lessons in forensics and police procedures and finally allows an exasperating glimpse at the practice of releasing non-citizens on their own recognizance with the naive expectation that they will return for trial and not flee the jurisdiction. (Are we stupid, or what??)

This book captures the readers attention from page one, twists and turns its way through 482 undeniably intriguing pages and deposits us at the end of a devilishly good story, satiated for the moment but definitely looking forward to another delectable helping of Linda Fairstein. Take her along on your next lazy afternoon at the beach or better yet on a long, tedious plane ride. You won't regret allowing her to join you.....she makes flying fun.

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reviews: page 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

New York Times bestselling author Linda Fairstein takes readers behind the scenes of New York City's theater world -- from Lincoln Center to the lights of Broadway -- in a riveting new novel, rich with her trademark blend of cutting-edge legal issues, skillful detective work, and heart-stopping suspense.