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Alexandra Cooper #10
Killer Heat
It’s August in New York, and the only thing that’s hotter than the pavement is Manhattan D.A. Alex Cooper’s professional and personal life. Just as she’s claiming an especially gratifying victory in a rape case, she gets the call: the body of a young woman has been found in an abandoned building. The brutality of the murder is disturbing enough, but when a second body, beaten and disposed of in exactly same manner, is found off the Belt Parkway, the city’s top brass want the killer found fast, before the tabloids can start churning out ghoulish serial killer headlines.
Between dodging the bullets of the gang members who are infuriated by Alex’s most recent courtroom victory and keeping a rendezvous with a charming restaurateur, a serial killer on the loose is the last thing she needs on her plate right now. Then a third victim is found, and it becomes clear to Alex and her team that time is not on their side.
Through Alex’s peerless interrogation skills — and one big break — the search becomes focused on someone who has a twisted obsession with the military, and things grow increasingly dangerous when the chase leads to a chain of small, abandoned islands around New York harbor.
Once again Linda Fairstein brilliantly orchestrates a page-turning mix of cutting-edge legal issues and forensics , New York City history, and spine-tingling suspense. And at the center of it all is Alex Cooper—stunning, single-minded, accomplished, and not to be trifled with whether she’s in or out of a courtroom.
Between dodging the bullets of the gang members who are infuriated by Alex’s most recent courtroom victory and keeping a rendezvous with a charming restaurateur, a serial killer on the loose is the last thing she needs on her plate right now. Then a third victim is found, and it becomes clear to Alex and her team that time is not on their side.
Through Alex’s peerless interrogation skills — and one big break — the search becomes focused on someone who has a twisted obsession with the military, and things grow increasingly dangerous when the chase leads to a chain of small, abandoned islands around New York harbor.
Once again Linda Fairstein brilliantly orchestrates a page-turning mix of cutting-edge legal issues and forensics , New York City history, and spine-tingling suspense. And at the center of it all is Alex Cooper—stunning, single-minded, accomplished, and not to be trifled with whether she’s in or out of a courtroom.
384 pages, Hardcover
First published January 24, 2008
234 people are currently reading
1626 people want to read
About the author
Linda Fairstein
100 books1,607 followersLinda Fairstein (born 1947) is one of America's foremost legal experts on crimes of violence against women and children. She served as head of the sex crimes unit of the Manhattan District Attorney's office from 1976 until 2002 and is the author of a series of novels featuring Manhattan prosecutor Alexandra Cooper.
Like Fairstein, Alex ('Coop') Cooper is in charge of the Special Victims Unit of the Office. She works closely with NYPD detectives Mike Chapman and Mercer Wallace. The 17th book in her best-selling series - DEVIL'S BRIDGE - launches in paperback in June, 2016. The 18th novel - KILLER LOOK - debuts on July 26th.
This year, Fairstein will debut a new series for Middle Grade readers - 8-12 years old. Her kid sleuth, Devlin Quick, appears in INTO THE LION'S DEN in November, 2016. The series is an homage to Nancy Drew, whose books inspired Linda's two careers - in crime fiction and in the law.
Ms. Fairstein is an honors graduate of Vassar College (1969) and the University of Virginia School of Law (1972). She joined the Manhattan District Attorney's office in 1972 as an Assistant District Attorney. She was promoted to the head of the sex crimes unit in 1976. During her tenure, she prosecuted several highly publicized cases, including the "Preppy Murder" case against Robert Chambers in 1986.
Linda Fairstein left the District Attorney's office in 2002, and has continued to consult, write, lecture and serve as a sex crimes expert for a wide variety of print and television media outlets, including the major networks, CNN, MSNBC among others. Ms. Fairstein is often called to provide her opinion on high profile prosecutions including: Michael Jackson's molestation charges in 2004, Kobe Bryant's sexual assault charges, and Scott Peterson's trial. She is also a frequent speaker on issues surrounding domestic abuse.
Ms. Fairstein lives in Manhattan and on Martha's Vineyard with her husband, Michael Goldberg. Her novels draw on Ms. Fairstein's legal expertise as well as her knowledge of and affection for the rich history of the city of New York.
Series:
* Alexandra Cooper Mystery
Like Fairstein, Alex ('Coop') Cooper is in charge of the Special Victims Unit of the Office. She works closely with NYPD detectives Mike Chapman and Mercer Wallace. The 17th book in her best-selling series - DEVIL'S BRIDGE - launches in paperback in June, 2016. The 18th novel - KILLER LOOK - debuts on July 26th.
This year, Fairstein will debut a new series for Middle Grade readers - 8-12 years old. Her kid sleuth, Devlin Quick, appears in INTO THE LION'S DEN in November, 2016. The series is an homage to Nancy Drew, whose books inspired Linda's two careers - in crime fiction and in the law.
Ms. Fairstein is an honors graduate of Vassar College (1969) and the University of Virginia School of Law (1972). She joined the Manhattan District Attorney's office in 1972 as an Assistant District Attorney. She was promoted to the head of the sex crimes unit in 1976. During her tenure, she prosecuted several highly publicized cases, including the "Preppy Murder" case against Robert Chambers in 1986.
Linda Fairstein left the District Attorney's office in 2002, and has continued to consult, write, lecture and serve as a sex crimes expert for a wide variety of print and television media outlets, including the major networks, CNN, MSNBC among others. Ms. Fairstein is often called to provide her opinion on high profile prosecutions including: Michael Jackson's molestation charges in 2004, Kobe Bryant's sexual assault charges, and Scott Peterson's trial. She is also a frequent speaker on issues surrounding domestic abuse.
Ms. Fairstein lives in Manhattan and on Martha's Vineyard with her husband, Michael Goldberg. Her novels draw on Ms. Fairstein's legal expertise as well as her knowledge of and affection for the rich history of the city of New York.
Series:
* Alexandra Cooper Mystery
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 372 reviews
June 4, 2019
#whentheyseeus
August 31, 2012
Ordinarily, I don't like reading series books out of turn. I had no choice with this one, it was lent to me and I just picked it up last night and started reading. I was hooked in very early, and by the time I realized that the familiarity of the characters with one another and the lack of background details to this familiarity meant that I was reading one of a series, it was too late to turn back, I was well into the story.
Although the main protagonist is an Assistant District Attorney in Manhattan, the book was light on legal rigmarole and heavy on the police procedure, which I much prefer. The ADA's relationship with the detectives she works with is obviously collaborative, professional and transcends respect into real affection, which made the book even better.
The subject of a sexual predator, more than one actually, was very well dealt with and the trauma and reactions of victims explained with a sensitivity that is admirable. The subject has some meaning for me, and I was not disappointed by anything I read.
Good tension was enhanced by the use of the city of New York as a character in itself. Little known trivia about Manhattan's military history, explorations of islands in the Hudson and East Rivers, seldom mentioned or thought of locales in much of the fiction about Manhattan/New York were very effectively described and used to contribute to the story arc.
All in all, a satisfying read. If I see any more of the novels in this series, I will feel no qualms about picking one up to find out more about these characters, but at the same time, if I never see another one, the book closed well enough that I feel no sense of lacking anything for not knowing the other stories.
Although the main protagonist is an Assistant District Attorney in Manhattan, the book was light on legal rigmarole and heavy on the police procedure, which I much prefer. The ADA's relationship with the detectives she works with is obviously collaborative, professional and transcends respect into real affection, which made the book even better.
The subject of a sexual predator, more than one actually, was very well dealt with and the trauma and reactions of victims explained with a sensitivity that is admirable. The subject has some meaning for me, and I was not disappointed by anything I read.
Good tension was enhanced by the use of the city of New York as a character in itself. Little known trivia about Manhattan's military history, explorations of islands in the Hudson and East Rivers, seldom mentioned or thought of locales in much of the fiction about Manhattan/New York were very effectively described and used to contribute to the story arc.
All in all, a satisfying read. If I see any more of the novels in this series, I will feel no qualms about picking one up to find out more about these characters, but at the same time, if I never see another one, the book closed well enough that I feel no sense of lacking anything for not knowing the other stories.
January 21, 2019
This was my first Alexandra Cooper novel and I really liked the MC. Seems like the last few books I've read have dealt with rape and abuse...so if you're squeamish you might want to stay away. I was glad she caught the bad guy in the end and it had me sitting on the edge of my seat while listening to the story.
December 29, 2014
I was conflicted about this book. It read very easily and had a good storyline. However, I don't think I'll read any more in this series. This is, apparently, the tenth in the series. Yet, I still found the characters to slightly lifeless and undeveloped.
The action and the mystery was well thought out. You could tell a great deal of research went into it. Another annoyance was all the exposition. At times, you felt she just used the characters to lecture you on history, the law, and the state of affairs. It got all a bit tiring, at least the bits without dialogue flowed really nicely.
The action and the mystery was well thought out. You could tell a great deal of research went into it. Another annoyance was all the exposition. At times, you felt she just used the characters to lecture you on history, the law, and the state of affairs. It got all a bit tiring, at least the bits without dialogue flowed really nicely.
April 7, 2019
This is my first Linda Fairstein book to read, it was given to me by a friend. I will be adding her to my list of authors that I look for when I'm out book shopping. This was a fantastic read. A book that has a great plot that is so well written and engaging that you don't want to put down. A definite page-turner with suspense, New York history, great forensics, and legal issues. I'm going to have to read some more Detective Alex Cooper stories, for sure.
November 28, 2008
Another great entry into the Alex Cooper series. And another fascinating bit of New York history. In her 10th outing Alexandra Cooper is trying a 30 year old rape case, and also trying to solve murders committed by what may be a serial killer. Oh, and she’s trying to make time for romance.
This did not disappoint, and Fairstein has kept this series fresh. All the familiar elements are there, the Jeopardy Final Question bet between Alex and Chapman, the police details, the interesting NYC history that becomes a plot point, and a legal sub-plot that explores an issue.
The last 50 pages are a gripping race against time and I stayed up too late racing to finish the book. Very satisfying.
This did not disappoint, and Fairstein has kept this series fresh. All the familiar elements are there, the Jeopardy Final Question bet between Alex and Chapman, the police details, the interesting NYC history that becomes a plot point, and a legal sub-plot that explores an issue.
The last 50 pages are a gripping race against time and I stayed up too late racing to finish the book. Very satisfying.
March 18, 2009
Perfect beach/plane book - it has characters with enough depth and a story line with enough bite to keep you going but nothing too strenuous about this. The nice thing is that the author is a very accomplished professional and the book reflects her experiences. There is also a wealth of historical information woven in concerning military outposts on the islands surrounding NYC. I purchased this book headed for a plane ride with nothing left to read...expected nothing from it and was more than pleasantly surprised by this fun read.
May 10, 2023
3,5 🌟
Dieses Buch hat mir aus der Reihe bisher am besten gefallen. Toll erzählt mit Schauplätzen, die zum Teil echt gruselig sind. Auch schweifte dieses Mal das Ganze gefühlt nicht so ab und es las sich echt angenehm.
Aber... Luc? Wirklich? *seufz*
Dieses Buch hat mir aus der Reihe bisher am besten gefallen. Toll erzählt mit Schauplätzen, die zum Teil echt gruselig sind. Auch schweifte dieses Mal das Ganze gefühlt nicht so ab und es las sich echt angenehm.
Aber... Luc? Wirklich? *seufz*
January 22, 2019
A vicious killer is on the loose and the bodies are piling up leaving ADA Alexandra Cooper and her partners homicide detective Mike Chapman and SVU detective Mercer Wallace to play catch up in order to discover who the killer is during a terrible heat wave that has hit NYC. But the further the three get into the investigation, the more dangerous things become. Will Alex, Mike and Mercer solve the case or will the killer set his sights on Alex?
This is one of my top reads of this series, as this book contains so much detail of various locations around New York where the bodies are found, the dialogue was thrilling and had me loving the plot twists; and the main characters had me loving the dynamics between the pair. Mercer sometimes needs to play referee between Mike and Alex while Mike always feels the need to say whatever is on his mind at times when things are getting a little too close to call for the pair. Really, it's like Alex is a magnet for danger.
With the dialogue, it was a wonderful combination of chilling moments and teasing banter that had me loving the danger of the investigation and the other cases Alex is handling for the unit she runs; and had me enjoying the dynamics between the three characters in Alex, Mike and Mercer. Moreover, Alex is strong, brave and I loved how she handles everything she goes through, as the plot thickens and the danger closes in. Will she find herself a target of the killer? Will she win the court case she's got going, considering it's a case that deserves justice after so many years? I also liked the close friendships Alex has not only with Mike and Mercer, but also the ladies in her office. They support each other through the good times and the bad, which is proven time and time again.
Overall, Ms. Fairstein has delivered a spectacularly-gripping and chilling read in this book that enthralled me from start to finish, as Alex, Mike and Mercer work to discover the killer's identity. The way this story ended had me worried for the heroine. Will she come out on top of the terrible encounter she faces relatively unscathed? However, it was final two chapters that wrap this story up nicely, as Mike's teasing banter takes away the horribleness of her encounter and she finds her friends are the best people in her life. They offer the comfort she needs to continue to do the challenging job she has as an assistant district attorney. I would recommend Killer Heat by Linda Fairstein, if you enjoy mystery/thriller novels, romantic suspense or books by authors James Patterson, Harlan Coben, Karin Slaughter and Tess Gerritsen.
March 21, 2010
Another great book by Linda Fairstein. I love the camaraderie between Alex, Mike and Mercer. They really work as a team which is why IMHO they solve so many cases. In real police work, each and every cop (detective/boss whatever) is looking to stroke their own ego and toot their own horn. This makes them hold info back from the rest of the team and puts themselves in the spotlight. In real life, it doesn't seem to be about the crime but more a personal aim to advance their careers.
There are several things going on in this one. Alex is in court trying a rapist case; Alex has a love interest; and all three are involved in the serial rapist case. The serial rapist in this mystery is particularly brutal and devious. He's a diabolical creep but he's careful, leaves no clues and provides some interesting misdirection. There is a lot of military talk as military bases are somehow involved in the mystery as well as military supplies. I found this to be distracting from the mystery itself but necessary in the long run.
There are several things going on in this one. Alex is in court trying a rapist case; Alex has a love interest; and all three are involved in the serial rapist case. The serial rapist in this mystery is particularly brutal and devious. He's a diabolical creep but he's careful, leaves no clues and provides some interesting misdirection. There is a lot of military talk as military bases are somehow involved in the mystery as well as military supplies. I found this to be distracting from the mystery itself but necessary in the long run.
November 16, 2010
Assistant NYC District Attorney Alex Cooper is a smart, gutsy lady who finds her work, helping victims and putting away those who harm them, deeply satisfying. Working with a skilled, equally devoted team of detectives, she finds herself conducting investigations in the hidden places in and around the city, little known locations that provide the perfect settings for enterprising criminals. This time around, Governor's Island, a military bastion that's been used for defensive purposes since America was young, is the scene of a series of horrific rape/murders. In less than ten days, three women have gone missing, and the pressure is mounting to catch the monster behind the abductions. To up the ante, Alex is being stalked and threatened by a group of gang bangers trying to wreak vengeance for her conviction of their illustrious leader.
Once again, Linda Fairstein has expertly constructed a gripping story brimming with legal conundrums, forensics, and local history. Killer Heat is a page turner, with its final 75 pages bristling with suspense. Right up my alley!
Once again, Linda Fairstein has expertly constructed a gripping story brimming with legal conundrums, forensics, and local history. Killer Heat is a page turner, with its final 75 pages bristling with suspense. Right up my alley!
Read
August 2, 2011I first read Fairstein's DEATH DANCE. I found it engaging, and went on to read LIKELY TO DIE, which took some 100 - 150 pages to really get into... NOT a fast read. I appreciate Fairstein's detail, but I like things to move along at a faster clip, with more interjection of character humor. Very little of that in this book, other than a bet on the final question on Jeopardy. I won't neccesarily avoid the rest of the series, but I won't run to it either. KILLER HEAT didn't become can't-put-down until the last 50 pages.
September 1, 2015
correct locations and excellent description s.
I was born and. Raised in Arverne one block away from the beach. I remember the two bridges, fort Tilden ,and visited Breezy Point (wiped out by hurricane Sandy). I traded the Big Apple for the baked Apple - Tucson, AZ. The accuracy of the locations is to admired. luckyloo
I was born and. Raised in Arverne one block away from the beach. I remember the two bridges, fort Tilden ,and visited Breezy Point (wiped out by hurricane Sandy). I traded the Big Apple for the baked Apple - Tucson, AZ. The accuracy of the locations is to admired. luckyloo
February 20, 2019
This is a great series. I read this while sitting in an airport and on a plane. The whole series makes time fly when you're waiting for something to happen. I prefer to read series in the order that they were written, but it is not as critical in this series since the author gives enough character information when needed to fill in any gap.
March 2, 2019
Wow, is all I can think to say!!! When I began this book by Linda Fairstein I wasn’t for sure what I’d experience.
Killer Heat was phenomenal and quite entertaining.
Not only was it a masterful serial killer book, but the history incorporated within it truly added to the depth of the plot.
Loved the detail Ms. Fairstein used to develop such an intense book.
Killer Heat was phenomenal and quite entertaining.
Not only was it a masterful serial killer book, but the history incorporated within it truly added to the depth of the plot.
Loved the detail Ms. Fairstein used to develop such an intense book.
March 25, 2024
I have enjoyed this series so far, but this last book frustrated me! The author really needs to stop making the lead villain a black guy. It's getting old. And how can such a smart lawyer ALWAYS end up getting herself in situations where she comes face to face with the killer and oh what a surprise Alex is now the one in danger.... AGAIN! Yawn
April 7, 2009
Maybe a little too much military history for my taste, but the plot clips along, the characters are enjoyable and sincere and their personal angst doesn't take over the book as they sometimes do in Patricia Cornwell novels.
December 25, 2015
Excellent! A thrilling story with all my favorite elements: Alex in trial, a new case with multiple victims and few clues, and a variety of suspects from which to choose. This is a page-turner that will keep readers up way too late at night because it's almost impossible to put this book down.
February 16, 2020
This was a lot different to my usual style crime thrillers. It was an old style but still very enjoyable to read. I do prefer a twist at the end though
July 4, 2020
Auch diesmal wieder gut geschrieben und lebendig. Allerdings ist es unnötig, dass Alex in jedem Buch selbst in Gefahr gerät. Das ist unglaubwürdig und wird nach einer Weile störend. Ich werde jetzt erst mal wieder andere Sachen lesen.
August 24, 2021
A book not to be put down until finished. This drama is full of twists and turns which have been described brilliantly by the author to include the reader. The culprit is identified from a photo and then it's the hunt to find him or her.
I recommend this book to anyone but with the challenge of 'try putting it down!'
I recommend this book to anyone but with the challenge of 'try putting it down!'
October 15, 2022
I didn’t know that this was a part of a series until I was about to write my review so my judgement may be off.
This book was okay! Good past time, I liked the character of Alexandra Cooper but I was a bit confused about the plot and everyone surrounding it (not surprised though, I jumped into a book series without reading it chronology.) But when I was understanding what was going on I was a little less confused! The story is captivating and the description of the murders and the investigation seems so absurd (not in a bad way) that it keeps you in. I would recommend this to anyone that loves true crime.
But 3 stars because I have to be picky and even then I didn’t like the writing style I kind of just read it cause horray true crime.
This book was okay! Good past time, I liked the character of Alexandra Cooper but I was a bit confused about the plot and everyone surrounding it (not surprised though, I jumped into a book series without reading it chronology.) But when I was understanding what was going on I was a little less confused! The story is captivating and the description of the murders and the investigation seems so absurd (not in a bad way) that it keeps you in. I would recommend this to anyone that loves true crime.
But 3 stars because I have to be picky and even then I didn’t like the writing style I kind of just read it cause horray true crime.
May 11, 2018
Another good, solid mystery by Linda Fairstein. There were a couple of different twists in this book -- pursuing a decades-old rape case thanks to DNA technology and, independently, going after a serial killer -- that made it even more compelling than usual for me. As did the areas around NYC that Alex explored in this book. I'm not sure how Fairstein has been getting ideas for relatively novel settings in/around NYC, but I'm once again crying "brava!" for her ability to find -- and describe -- them. I already have the next book in the series from the library!
August 6, 2017
I stayed up late to finish this thriller. Serial rapists, murder, and a heart-pounding tour of "ghost" forts in the NYC area. Cooper, Chapman, and Wallace team up to figure out who is kidnapping, raping, torturing, and then murdering young women. There's a connection between them, there must be. The randomness plays a big role in the tension of this installment.
What else does Fairstein have in store for her readers? I guess I'll find out as I indulge in binge reading her books.
What else does Fairstein have in store for her readers? I guess I'll find out as I indulge in binge reading her books.
March 19, 2019
History with your murders.
Coop, Mike and Mercer are my favorite trio of crime solvers. The expertise that Linda Fairstein has in her novels is above reproach. Her research is extensive and accurate. I can't wait for her next book.
If you have never read one of her novels, it is time to start.. You will not regret it.
Coop, Mike and Mercer are my favorite trio of crime solvers. The expertise that Linda Fairstein has in her novels is above reproach. Her research is extensive and accurate. I can't wait for her next book.
If you have never read one of her novels, it is time to start.. You will not regret it.
February 22, 2015
Nice writing about a miserable part of society. I was half way through before I recognized the book as one I have read. The teaching is not woven into the story line and becomes oppressive.
August 28, 2014
I enjoy this series…set in NYC and the main characters play Jeopardy.
October 9, 2018
The ancillary info about the history of New York, especially Governor's Island, was perhaps more interesting than the murder plot. Alex and her cohorts rather easily sort out the suspects, thanks to an essential tip from a state prison bureaucrat (he's a nasty black fellow who figured out how to persuade his jailers that he is a repentant and reformed sex criminal; as soon as they let him out he starts to kidnap, torture, rape and kill women who wear some semblance of a uniform, the maniac). The narrative structure of these is similar to the point of predictability. Alex tells her story, then stops whenever there is some kind of detail to explain at length the detail, whether it be New York history or police procedure or courtroom tactics. Edifying for readers who know nothing, and cannot infer from the rest of the story what is going on.
Read as a recorded book, quite adequately read by Bernadette Dunne. Enough of Alex Cooper and her explanary for a while.
I will remember the vividness of the Governor's Island setting, and the island in the Hudson, and the perp's father's cabin upstate.
Read as a recorded book, quite adequately read by Bernadette Dunne. Enough of Alex Cooper and her explanary for a while.
I will remember the vividness of the Governor's Island setting, and the island in the Hudson, and the perp's father's cabin upstate.
October 19, 2017
While it was a fairly enjoyable read I did find a few things in the book frustrating. The gang members and a few other characters while seemingly necessary for the plot at hte start of the book, seemed to taper into nothing of any particular substance. It felt almost like page filling instead of plot necessary.
Mike was the only character I actually enjoyed though even then the dialogue of history got a tad tedious. I will be keeping an eye out for books earlier in the series though - perhaps this will help me get a better feel for hte dynamics at play as it certainly feels to me that there's more to Alex and Mike's potential for / history of a relationship.
I enjoy a book that I can't put down - this one I abandoned for a few days and came back to just to be able to finish it off.
Mike was the only character I actually enjoyed though even then the dialogue of history got a tad tedious. I will be keeping an eye out for books earlier in the series though - perhaps this will help me get a better feel for hte dynamics at play as it certainly feels to me that there's more to Alex and Mike's potential for / history of a relationship.
I enjoy a book that I can't put down - this one I abandoned for a few days and came back to just to be able to finish it off.
January 20, 2020
It's August in New York, and just as Alexandra Cooper is claiming an especially gratifying victory in a rape case, she gets the call: the body of a young woman has been found in an abandoned building. The brutality of the murder is disturbing enough, but when a second body, beaten and disposed of in exactly same manner, is found off the Belt Parkway, the city's top brass want the killer found fast, before the tabloids can start churning out ghoulish serial killer headlines.
Once again Linda Fairstein writes about cutting-edge legal issues and forensics, New York City history, and spine-tingling suspense. I have read all of this series up to this one and continue to enjoy the development of the characters Alex, Mike and Mercer.
Once again Linda Fairstein writes about cutting-edge legal issues and forensics, New York City history, and spine-tingling suspense. I have read all of this series up to this one and continue to enjoy the development of the characters Alex, Mike and Mercer.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 372 reviews