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Death Dance: A Novel (Alexandra Cooper Mysteries) |
Author: Linda Fairstein
Published: 2007-01-23 |
List price: $9.99
Our price: $9.99
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As of: December 01st, 2008 04:30:46 PM
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Customer comments on this selection.
 This is what a 3 star book is all about.
This is the first book I've read by Linda Fairstein and it will certainly not be the last. 'DEATH DANCE' was enjoyable and moved at a good pace. There were no points at all where I thought the story was dragging. There were some really obnoxious characters and in some cases I was wondering if anyone would actually talk to a police detective that way. There seemed to be lots of people with virtually no respect for the investigators. The detectives, however, were very likable and none of them seemed to be wrapped up in their own problems. Okay, there was the mourning for a deceased wife, Val, but this was never an issue when on duty. Good detectives. And of course, there was Alex Cooper, the prosecuting attorney in the special victims unit. It was nice to have a main character who was not being tortured by the ghosts of the past. You have to like her. The wrap up to the 3 crimes that were on Alex Cooper's caseload all came at once and 2 of them just out of no where. I guess once the main subject of the investigation was done, the author just had to close out the other two. One thing I did have a problem with though was the way the District Attorney just handed a homicde case to a prosecutor in another division. There was a big point made of how the head of the homicide prosecution unit would react to this but then nothing was even mentioned. Not a word. What happened to the guy whose territory was being invaded? Oh well. Anyway, I've read other reviews of other books by Linda Fairstein. It seems that maybe this is not her best effort. This is a good, quick read that won't make you feel cheated, but probably won't be one you will count as one of your all time favorites. 'DEATH DANCE' is what a 3 star book is all about. I would say that if this is her worst effort, then Linda Fairstein is a very good writer. I am anxious to read more in this Alex Cooper series.
 The plot didn't pick up until 4/5 through the novel
I read this book because a friend highly recommended it, and as such, it was my first introduction to Linda Fairstein and the Alexandria Cooper series. I had difficulty getting involved in the storyline, and often the book sat for weeks before I picked it up again to continue reading. I do think Ms. Farstein was accurate when she dicussed the law and rules of evidence, and also was impressed by her research into the history of theater in NYC. I do not think the story became interesting until about 4/5 of the way through the book and I only stuck with it that long because I was determined to read the whole book and give a fair opinion. The storyline did not draw me in enough to even care who the criminal was or how the crime happened. Some of the situations Ms. Cooper found herself in seem far-fetched. I do think I got a good idea of the characters from reading this book, and for that reason, I think I would be willing to try another one from the series. The relationships between Ms. Cooper and the cops she works with intrigued me.
 Started strong and then flat-lined
I could go on and on about how bad I found this book to be, but I always feel guilty when I write a bad review. Because, hey, at least this woman has the discipline to finish a manuscript and someone thinks her work is good enough to publish. So, does that change my mind about giving this book two thumbs down? Nah.
A less promising beginning might have prepared me for the truly awful and unbelievably anti-climactic and waaaaay drawn out ending that lead nowhere. Tied up while her captors argue about....well, she never said what they were arguing about....the heroine says, "Two hours later I was even more tired." Nothing compared to the stupor your readers are in by that point, Ms. Fairstein.
 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.
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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