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Alexandra Cooper #14
Night Watch
Alexandra Cooper has a strange case to unravel when two bodies are discovered, one in France and one in New York, and the only evidence is a matchbox from her boyfriend Luc's restaurant found on both bodies.
643 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2012
119 people are currently reading
1649 people want to read
About the author
Linda Fairstein
100 books1,608 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 401 reviews
June 11, 2013
I'm a big fan of this series, but as with Kay Scarpetta's, I think the farther we get into these characters lives, the more we hate them. Alex is becoming more sad-sack and whiny and damsel in distress with every outing. We are supposed to believe she is this smart powerful woman, yet she keeps getting involved with criminal losers and needing Mike and Mercer to carry her, literally and figuratively. As for Mike, what once was a quirky sense of humor, is now bordering on snide and mean. I'm never one to suggest main characters hook up, but Fairstein is giving them no life outside each other and therefore they are all turning on each other. Mercer is a huge example. In this last book , at the denouement, mercer was encouraged ( demanded) to abandon a family day he promised to spend at the zoo with his son and drive countless hours to have no real role in the ending. It's frustrating. While I am sure I will continue to read this series, I will give it 1 or 2 more then I will be abandoning it as I did with Scarpetta's as the magic has been lost.
August 27, 2012
The whole Luc thing is getting tiresome, if nothing else this book seems to get rid of him. the Blanca storyline felt rehashed, not one of my favorites of hers.
January 6, 2014
I have read other Fairstein books, and one or two with the Alexandra Cooper character. But this one was so focused on the relationship between Alexandra and her French lover, Luc, who came off as an ass, to be honest, I felt like I was reading a romance rather than a mystery or thriller. Cooper was constantly contemplating her relationship, while at the same time putting up with Luc brushing aside her opinion and concerns, belittling her career, and giving her the cold shoulder when she dared to obey her boss's call to return to New York. Some romance.
It's too bad, because the story this lame romance was obscuring was actually interesting. I kept pushing myself to listen for a few more chapters because I wanted to know what happened. But the characters irritated me too much.
And so did the reader. Yes, I listened to the audiobook. The narrator is one I've heard before and I do not like her style of reading. I hadn't checked the narrator before getting this book, though. She reads so slow, with a couple of seconds between sentences sometimes, it actually kills any momentum a scene might build for suspense or tension. It doesn't sound like much, but when you hear a pause that long you think at least there will be a switch in speaker, and possibly the end of a scene, or some time passing. But no, the same person's talking, with the same thought, in fact. The narrator was just taking another long (and loud) breath (yes, you can hear her breathe, and it's annoying. Sure, you need to breathe, but other narrators clearly manage to do it silently.).
It may seem that the bad narration turned me off the book, but I found enough reasons to stop reading aside from that. The bad narrator was simply the last straw.
It's too bad, because the story this lame romance was obscuring was actually interesting. I kept pushing myself to listen for a few more chapters because I wanted to know what happened. But the characters irritated me too much.
And so did the reader. Yes, I listened to the audiobook. The narrator is one I've heard before and I do not like her style of reading. I hadn't checked the narrator before getting this book, though. She reads so slow, with a couple of seconds between sentences sometimes, it actually kills any momentum a scene might build for suspense or tension. It doesn't sound like much, but when you hear a pause that long you think at least there will be a switch in speaker, and possibly the end of a scene, or some time passing. But no, the same person's talking, with the same thought, in fact. The narrator was just taking another long (and loud) breath (yes, you can hear her breathe, and it's annoying. Sure, you need to breathe, but other narrators clearly manage to do it silently.).
It may seem that the bad narration turned me off the book, but I found enough reasons to stop reading aside from that. The bad narrator was simply the last straw.
October 31, 2012
So disappointed.
I was looking for a gripping police procedural, or at least a crime thriller, and I got a french swamp.
No, I'm not talking about where they found the body. The author seems to think that the French are naturally rude and cryptic while using stilted dialog and a whiny and argumentative first person internal narrative that make reading this book feel like you are taking a stroll in a swamp, with your forward progress getting sucked down, shoes lost, and muck everywhere. Ugh.
One of the reviews on the back talked about Fairstein's strong women characters. Um. No. Any woman who finds piles of bones and skulls while trying to enter her boyfriend's home and lets him call the police while she toddles off to bed? Not strong. When she finds out that he didn't bother, and then interrupts her while she's telling the police and re-routes the conversation? Nope, that's not strength...and it's just more than I can slog through.
There may be a great story after the first few chapters...but I'll never know. I'm calling it quits and am off to find a book that's actually fun to read...and doesn't make me want to bitch-slap the characters.
I was looking for a gripping police procedural, or at least a crime thriller, and I got a french swamp.
No, I'm not talking about where they found the body. The author seems to think that the French are naturally rude and cryptic while using stilted dialog and a whiny and argumentative first person internal narrative that make reading this book feel like you are taking a stroll in a swamp, with your forward progress getting sucked down, shoes lost, and muck everywhere. Ugh.
One of the reviews on the back talked about Fairstein's strong women characters. Um. No. Any woman who finds piles of bones and skulls while trying to enter her boyfriend's home and lets him call the police while she toddles off to bed? Not strong. When she finds out that he didn't bother, and then interrupts her while she's telling the police and re-routes the conversation? Nope, that's not strength...and it's just more than I can slog through.
There may be a great story after the first few chapters...but I'll never know. I'm calling it quits and am off to find a book that's actually fun to read...and doesn't make me want to bitch-slap the characters.
October 23, 2024
Still amazed by the pure gall it takes to name your Italian character “Luigi Calamari”
July 10, 2012
3.5/5
Linda Fairstein's latest release, Night Watch, marks the fourteenth book in her highly successful Alex Cooper series.
This has been one of my favourite crime series over the years. Alex works in the New York P.D. Sex Crimes Unit. Fairstein herself Linda Fairstein was chief of the Sex Crimes Unit of the district attorney’s office in Manhattan for more than two decades and is a legal expert on sexual assault and domestic violence. This gives her novels that unmistakable ring of truth and attention to detail - only one of the things that has kept me coming back to read the newest novel.
In Night Watch, Alex has headed over to France to visit with her latest love - Luc, a Michelin three star restaurant owner. When a young woman is found murdered in the idyllic French village, the local constabulary suspects Luc - there are connections he has neglected to mention that look suspicious. Also suspicious are the old skulls and bones left on his home's doorstep. Alex has plans to stay in France for two weeks, but a desperate plea from her partners Mike and Mercer and a distinct order from her boss have her heading back to New York. A high level diplomatic and world figure is being accused of rape by a hotel maid. (yep, lots of similarities to recent headlines)
Mike and Mercer are another one of the reasons I love this series. Fairstein has created a wonderful group of protagonists - each with their own strengths and weaknesses. Mike is brash, bold and fearless. Mercer is quieter, thoughtful and thinks before he acts or speaks. But the three of them together make for a team that gets results. The camaraderie between these three has grown and solidified over the course of many years. Of the two supporting characters, I prefer Mercer and would like to see him more of a larger storyline.
Luc is also planning to open a high end restaurant in New York. Cleared to travel, he heads to oversee his new enterprise.....but a second body is found.....again, with ties to Luc. Is Luc really the man Alex thought he was? Is he telling the truth or is someone railroading him? Between those worries and the fact that the witness in the high stakes rape case keeps changing her tune, Alex is spreading herself awfully thin. And it shows.
In Night Watch, Alex doesn't seem to have the same forceful personality I've come to love. Yes, she is still on top of her legal game. But, her relationship with Luc seems to have her making excuses and behaving out of character. Maybe part of it is that I really don't like Luc at all. He makes numerous misogynistic and racist comments in the first few opening chapters. They're quite offensive and I can't believe Coop doesn't take umbrage with them. Her mooning about their relationship and Mike's willingness to feed that neediness just plain rubbed me the wrong way.
The third thing I love about Fairstein's novel is the New York history she always weaves into her novels. This time it's about the Prohibition era and the various ways that the ban was circumvented. I found the piece on 21 restaurant fascinating and went crawling the web to read more.
I'm still a big fan of this series and will happily pick up the next book. While I enjoyed Night Watch, it just fell a little flat for this reader. All the right pieces were there - all that was missing was the Alex I know. My advice - dump Luc.
Linda Fairstein's latest release, Night Watch, marks the fourteenth book in her highly successful Alex Cooper series.
This has been one of my favourite crime series over the years. Alex works in the New York P.D. Sex Crimes Unit. Fairstein herself Linda Fairstein was chief of the Sex Crimes Unit of the district attorney’s office in Manhattan for more than two decades and is a legal expert on sexual assault and domestic violence. This gives her novels that unmistakable ring of truth and attention to detail - only one of the things that has kept me coming back to read the newest novel.
In Night Watch, Alex has headed over to France to visit with her latest love - Luc, a Michelin three star restaurant owner. When a young woman is found murdered in the idyllic French village, the local constabulary suspects Luc - there are connections he has neglected to mention that look suspicious. Also suspicious are the old skulls and bones left on his home's doorstep. Alex has plans to stay in France for two weeks, but a desperate plea from her partners Mike and Mercer and a distinct order from her boss have her heading back to New York. A high level diplomatic and world figure is being accused of rape by a hotel maid. (yep, lots of similarities to recent headlines)
Mike and Mercer are another one of the reasons I love this series. Fairstein has created a wonderful group of protagonists - each with their own strengths and weaknesses. Mike is brash, bold and fearless. Mercer is quieter, thoughtful and thinks before he acts or speaks. But the three of them together make for a team that gets results. The camaraderie between these three has grown and solidified over the course of many years. Of the two supporting characters, I prefer Mercer and would like to see him more of a larger storyline.
Luc is also planning to open a high end restaurant in New York. Cleared to travel, he heads to oversee his new enterprise.....but a second body is found.....again, with ties to Luc. Is Luc really the man Alex thought he was? Is he telling the truth or is someone railroading him? Between those worries and the fact that the witness in the high stakes rape case keeps changing her tune, Alex is spreading herself awfully thin. And it shows.
In Night Watch, Alex doesn't seem to have the same forceful personality I've come to love. Yes, she is still on top of her legal game. But, her relationship with Luc seems to have her making excuses and behaving out of character. Maybe part of it is that I really don't like Luc at all. He makes numerous misogynistic and racist comments in the first few opening chapters. They're quite offensive and I can't believe Coop doesn't take umbrage with them. Her mooning about their relationship and Mike's willingness to feed that neediness just plain rubbed me the wrong way.
The third thing I love about Fairstein's novel is the New York history she always weaves into her novels. This time it's about the Prohibition era and the various ways that the ban was circumvented. I found the piece on 21 restaurant fascinating and went crawling the web to read more.
I'm still a big fan of this series and will happily pick up the next book. While I enjoyed Night Watch, it just fell a little flat for this reader. All the right pieces were there - all that was missing was the Alex I know. My advice - dump Luc.
July 16, 2012
I'm fond of Linda Fairstein. I greatly admire her pioneering work in prosecuting sexual assaults back in the day when we were all "asking for it." I know some people would like to go back to those days, but work like that done by Ms. Fairstein would make that difficult. I also like her Alexandra Cooper series. I especially like that she teaches me something unique and wonderful about New York City's history every single time I read one of her books. Like all series writers some books are better than others, but those bits of history grab me every time.
I've been disappointed in the last couple of her books for one primary reason - at some point she turned Mike Chapman into a raving asshole and that just doesn't feel right to me, even in light of the death of his fiancee. Then there's the fact that Alex puts up with the emotional and verbal abuse - this doesn't ring true either. Despite these shortcomings I continue to enjoy Ms. Fairstein's books, I just wonder where she's going with this particular turn of relationship events.
I'm sorry to say that Night Watch was also a disappointment - a bigger one than the last couple of books. Suddenly all of the men in Alex's life (with the exception of Mercer) have turned into raving assholes you want to smash in the face with a shovel and Alex is still waffling about, putting up with the abuse. I truly hope this thread is going somewhere soon because right now it's just obnoxious. I was also hoping for a lot more history in this, particularly since bits of the novel focus around the restaurant industry, but alas I was disappointed.
Even a disappointing Linda Fairstein book is a fabulously entertaining read, so don't let me discourage you from reading her. Her books are always fun, but like all fans I want particular things from her that she may or may not deliver. Really looking forward to the next book!
I've been disappointed in the last couple of her books for one primary reason - at some point she turned Mike Chapman into a raving asshole and that just doesn't feel right to me, even in light of the death of his fiancee. Then there's the fact that Alex puts up with the emotional and verbal abuse - this doesn't ring true either. Despite these shortcomings I continue to enjoy Ms. Fairstein's books, I just wonder where she's going with this particular turn of relationship events.
I'm sorry to say that Night Watch was also a disappointment - a bigger one than the last couple of books. Suddenly all of the men in Alex's life (with the exception of Mercer) have turned into raving assholes you want to smash in the face with a shovel and Alex is still waffling about, putting up with the abuse. I truly hope this thread is going somewhere soon because right now it's just obnoxious. I was also hoping for a lot more history in this, particularly since bits of the novel focus around the restaurant industry, but alas I was disappointed.
Even a disappointing Linda Fairstein book is a fabulously entertaining read, so don't let me discourage you from reading her. Her books are always fun, but like all fans I want particular things from her that she may or may not deliver. Really looking forward to the next book!
March 16, 2016
In a crime that could have (and probably was) lifted straight from the newspapers, the head of a world financial organization is accused of rape by a hotel maid. It should be straightforward for Alex Cooper and her band of sex crimes investigators but it isn't. First, Alex is in France with Luc Rouget, her boyfriend. Second, Luc knows the alleged perpetrator. Third, the victim is not completely credible. Meanwhile, there have been two murders, one in France, one in New York, that should not be connected but both have matchbooks bearing the name of Luc's new, unopened, Manhattan restaurant. Alex can only hope that Luc is not mixed up in whatever mess police on both sides of the Atlantic are uncovering. Barbara Rosenblatt reads and while she is always marvelous, I didn't find this story particularly compelling. None of the characters, except Alex's team, were appealing and the story never drew me. It's hard to dislike anything that Rosenblatt narrates and this is no exception but it listens very slowly.
February 23, 2014
This book just did not live up to what I have come to expect from Linda Fairstein. Throughout this book, Alex was just plain whiny and very much annoying to me. All of her friends and Luc tried to give her the support she so desperately appears to feel she needs, yet she alienates all of them throughout this book with her constant whining and insecurities. The plot was only partly intriguing and the story did not live up to what I have come to expect. I hope the next book in this series is better. I am begging on all that is holy, please let her eat something in the next book and put the Dewar's to the side. It does not invoke sympathy for her in me at all. It is very old at this point. The name dropping of where she, Mike and Mercer eat has been overdone. It is just too pretentious for words at this point.
August 14, 2017
Another great entry in the Alex Cooper series. This time, Linda Fairstein delves into the worlds of high-end restaurants and drug smuggling. While I'm a little tired of Alex and her boyfriend Luc (French, rich, handsome, wealthy, bleah) I always enjoy the relationships between Alex, Mike and Mercer and the history of New York that Fairstein always provides.
March 3, 2013
In reality I rated this book 4.5 stars.
As may be clear from the book description, this is one action packed story. With not one but two separate but high profile and complicated mysteries to deal with our Alex has a very stressful time ahead of her. And both story-lines are interesting, well plotted and full of twists and turns. But – and since I didn’t rate this book 5 stars you must have been expecting the “but” – both parts of the story also managed to disappoint me a little bit.
As far as the story involving Luc, Alex’s boyfriend, is concerned there were quite a few things that left me dissatisfied but I can only give a detailed reason for one of them without giving away spoilers.
It is always disappointing when a favourite character lets me down, and boy does Miss Alexandra Cooper do so in this book. I get that she is very much in love with her French chef and that she is worried about him and their relationship. But does that really have to mean that she suddenly starts acting like a silly teenager? Would she really forget everything she knows about the law, her job, how the legal system works just because there is some connection between her lover and two murders? Is it realistic that all common sense would disappear? Personally I think not. And yet, that is exactly what happens in this story. I guess the idea was to make the story more emotionally engaging but on me it had the complete opposite effect; it only managed to spoil the rather positive image of Alexandra Cooper I had after the previous 13 books.
As far as the case involving Mohammed Gil-Darsin is concerned; it was too close to the real case involving Dominique Strauss-Kahn for my liking. I felt as if I had read whole set-up with the chambermaid in the hotel, the subsequent international media circus and dismantling of the alleged victim’s reputation before, only not in a fictional setting. And while I get that for a lot of people this might be a bonus rather than a drawback – after all, it does give the reader a good insight into how such an investigation is conducted and why what appears to be straight-forward may turn out to be anything but – for me it turned into a case of been there, done that. It just didn’t read like an original story to me.
Now, having said all that I should probably stress that I did really enjoy reading this book. Linda Fairstein writes a very good mystery-thriller. She is also excellent when it comes to integrating interesting bits of fact into her story without taking the pace out of it or making the reader feel that they are being taught something. I like the interactions between Alex and her two regular partners in crime-solving, Mike Chapman and Mercer Wallace. And I love the Final Jeopardy questions that are such a staple part of these books.
So overall I would have to say that while this was, for me, maybe not the best book in this series, it was still a very enjoyable and easy read. And I know that I will be reading the next book as soon as I can get my hands on it.
As may be clear from the book description, this is one action packed story. With not one but two separate but high profile and complicated mysteries to deal with our Alex has a very stressful time ahead of her. And both story-lines are interesting, well plotted and full of twists and turns. But – and since I didn’t rate this book 5 stars you must have been expecting the “but” – both parts of the story also managed to disappoint me a little bit.
As far as the story involving Luc, Alex’s boyfriend, is concerned there were quite a few things that left me dissatisfied but I can only give a detailed reason for one of them without giving away spoilers.
It is always disappointing when a favourite character lets me down, and boy does Miss Alexandra Cooper do so in this book. I get that she is very much in love with her French chef and that she is worried about him and their relationship. But does that really have to mean that she suddenly starts acting like a silly teenager? Would she really forget everything she knows about the law, her job, how the legal system works just because there is some connection between her lover and two murders? Is it realistic that all common sense would disappear? Personally I think not. And yet, that is exactly what happens in this story. I guess the idea was to make the story more emotionally engaging but on me it had the complete opposite effect; it only managed to spoil the rather positive image of Alexandra Cooper I had after the previous 13 books.
As far as the case involving Mohammed Gil-Darsin is concerned; it was too close to the real case involving Dominique Strauss-Kahn for my liking. I felt as if I had read whole set-up with the chambermaid in the hotel, the subsequent international media circus and dismantling of the alleged victim’s reputation before, only not in a fictional setting. And while I get that for a lot of people this might be a bonus rather than a drawback – after all, it does give the reader a good insight into how such an investigation is conducted and why what appears to be straight-forward may turn out to be anything but – for me it turned into a case of been there, done that. It just didn’t read like an original story to me.
Now, having said all that I should probably stress that I did really enjoy reading this book. Linda Fairstein writes a very good mystery-thriller. She is also excellent when it comes to integrating interesting bits of fact into her story without taking the pace out of it or making the reader feel that they are being taught something. I like the interactions between Alex and her two regular partners in crime-solving, Mike Chapman and Mercer Wallace. And I love the Final Jeopardy questions that are such a staple part of these books.
So overall I would have to say that while this was, for me, maybe not the best book in this series, it was still a very enjoyable and easy read. And I know that I will be reading the next book as soon as I can get my hands on it.
Want to read
November 9, 2012*Genre* Mystery/Thriller
*Rating* 3.0
*Review*
This series has been on my TBR listing for many years now. I haven't missed one book in the series and figure that there are plenty of stories to come that won't be boring or repetitive.
The main reason that I like this series is that Fairstein explores the history in and around the City of New York and she actually has the knowledge of the office of Manhattan's Sex Crimes Unit behind her (20 years). While the story is supposed to be about Alexandra Cooper, the sub characters like Mike Chapman and Mercer Wallace are what makes this series remarkable and enjoyable.
Night Watch is a ripped from the headlines kind of book. The story not only follows Alex's exploits and love life with Luc and her concerns about how far it will truly go, but also the fact that the powerful leader of a major financial institution (think IMF's Dominique Strauss-Kahn) is brought to his knees by charges of rape. If you paid any attention to the news over the last year, you will absolutely remember this fiasco and what happened to the so called accuser.
The other focal point of this books is the restaurant industry itself and how cutthroat it really is. Having been in the business, briefly, I can honestly say I had no clue about all the expenses and threats involved in running a business...especially in NYC. Throw in smuggling and drugs to the storyline and you have a quick paced book that leaves some mystery as to who the actual villains are.
*Rating* 3.0
*Review*
This series has been on my TBR listing for many years now. I haven't missed one book in the series and figure that there are plenty of stories to come that won't be boring or repetitive.
The main reason that I like this series is that Fairstein explores the history in and around the City of New York and she actually has the knowledge of the office of Manhattan's Sex Crimes Unit behind her (20 years). While the story is supposed to be about Alexandra Cooper, the sub characters like Mike Chapman and Mercer Wallace are what makes this series remarkable and enjoyable.
Night Watch is a ripped from the headlines kind of book. The story not only follows Alex's exploits and love life with Luc and her concerns about how far it will truly go, but also the fact that the powerful leader of a major financial institution (think IMF's Dominique Strauss-Kahn) is brought to his knees by charges of rape. If you paid any attention to the news over the last year, you will absolutely remember this fiasco and what happened to the so called accuser.
The other focal point of this books is the restaurant industry itself and how cutthroat it really is. Having been in the business, briefly, I can honestly say I had no clue about all the expenses and threats involved in running a business...especially in NYC. Throw in smuggling and drugs to the storyline and you have a quick paced book that leaves some mystery as to who the actual villains are.
July 17, 2014
I have read many of Linda Fairstein's Alexandra Cooper series. I enjoyed most of them. In this one, #14 inthe series, she seems to have lost her touch and run out of steam. Her characters are becoming tiresome. She spends much of the novel bitching about her sidekick, Mike. Mercer still comes across as a calm competent insightful investigator. Alexandra's latest love, Luc Rouget, does not seem real. He comes across as a pretentious and deceitful Frenchman unworthy of Alexandra's attention, let alone her love. I find Fairstein's ripoff of the infamous DSK episode deplorable. She uses the story, changing only the names and a few of the particulars to pretend it isn't a direct ripoff. But this summing up of the Dominique Strauss-Kahn allegations from Wikipedia shows how directly she has copied the story from the headlines: "After completing a lengthy investigation, prosecutors filed a motion to drop all charges against Strauss-Kahn, stating that they were not convinced of his culpability beyond a reasonable doubt due to serious issues in the complainant's credibility and inconclusive physical evidence, and therefore could not ask a jury to believe in it." She even copies the outcome word for word. Really, Linda, have you lost your creative touch altogether!
The second plot involving Luc's plan to develop a restaurant in New York, his wife, and his partners in the New York venture, just does not hang together in a convincing manner.
Based on Night Watch, I would recommend that Fairstein retire Alexandra Cooper and try something new.
The second plot involving Luc's plan to develop a restaurant in New York, his wife, and his partners in the New York venture, just does not hang together in a convincing manner.
Based on Night Watch, I would recommend that Fairstein retire Alexandra Cooper and try something new.
November 19, 2014
The first of Linda Fairstein's Alexandra Cooper books I've read for a while - so why did everything seem so familiar?
"...another taut, fascinating foray into the dark side of New York City, this time centred around the city's most glamorous and storied restaurants. With the help of NYPD's Mike Chapman, Alex is set to uncover the shocking secrets that have lurked just beneath the surface of the bustling metropolis for centuries - only to come screaming to light in the present day."
If this had been the first of the series I'd read I probably would have thought it a great story but as I've already said I found it familiar and predictable. These novels are always well written and have a great cast of characters but perhaps the Cooper/Chapman/Mercer team need some new life breathed into them.
I did enjoy the opening chapters that were set in France but once the action moved to New York the story became formulaic and, I reluctantly have to say, a little boring.
"...another taut, fascinating foray into the dark side of New York City, this time centred around the city's most glamorous and storied restaurants. With the help of NYPD's Mike Chapman, Alex is set to uncover the shocking secrets that have lurked just beneath the surface of the bustling metropolis for centuries - only to come screaming to light in the present day."
If this had been the first of the series I'd read I probably would have thought it a great story but as I've already said I found it familiar and predictable. These novels are always well written and have a great cast of characters but perhaps the Cooper/Chapman/Mercer team need some new life breathed into them.
I did enjoy the opening chapters that were set in France but once the action moved to New York the story became formulaic and, I reluctantly have to say, a little boring.
August 3, 2012
alexandra cooper is an ada who handles svu cases in nyc. the story opens while she is visiting a lover, luc in the south of france. a murder occurs and her lover is implicated. an attempt is made on his life. alexandra is drawn back to nyc by her boss to confer on a high profile rape case (world banker alleged to assault a hotel maid...sound familiar?). a 2nd murder there unrelated to the rape case also implicates her lover again. it gets complicated. the rape case falls apart and alex is nearly killed by the murderer. will readf others in this series. loved the main and peripheral characters.
July 19, 2019
The portions around Luc and Alex's jealousy, her realization that maybe neither of them truly respected the life work of the other, was okay. I'd be curious to know if Fairstein's description of the French point of view of sexual assault is accurate or not.
There is also a huge case bubbling with a famous former foreign leader and his assault of a maid in a hotel. The case grows more complicated by not only the political elements but by the complex nature of the victim's story.
Whether it's right or not, there is a lot of truth in the idea that when a person lies about one part of their story, it casts doubt on whether the rest of their story is true.
There is also a huge case bubbling with a famous former foreign leader and his assault of a maid in a hotel. The case grows more complicated by not only the political elements but by the complex nature of the victim's story.
Whether it's right or not, there is a lot of truth in the idea that when a person lies about one part of their story, it casts doubt on whether the rest of their story is true.
August 7, 2012
I LIKE these books and never fail to snatch them up from the New Books shelf as they come into the library...but then, I get annoyed w/ the drama and angst that goes on between Alex & Mike...and THIS one was compounded by the just a not very appealing French boyfriend. Fairstein fails to convince me why THAT should be an ongoing part of the stories/mysteries. None the less, I do read 'em and will pick up the next w/out fail - although, as w/ Kay Scarpetta, it may be my last for awhile. Sigh..
February 15, 2018
I'm not critical enough of this series.
I agree with other reviewers that Alex needs to stand on her own two feet. She constantly relies on men to save her from the situations she gets into.
Her lover, Luc, is really not suitable for her. He has too many involvements he hasn't told her about.
Mike does not seem able to grow or move on from the death of his lover.
In any case, I liked the story line and I look forward to the next one.
Let's see what that brings to this situation.
I agree with other reviewers that Alex needs to stand on her own two feet. She constantly relies on men to save her from the situations she gets into.
Her lover, Luc, is really not suitable for her. He has too many involvements he hasn't told her about.
Mike does not seem able to grow or move on from the death of his lover.
In any case, I liked the story line and I look forward to the next one.
Let's see what that brings to this situation.
August 1, 2012
I hate to say it, but this series has lost its charm for me. I have the same complaints that I always do, so I won't even go into them. Linda Fairstein really needs to break out of this formulaic writing -- it's like she regurgitates the same book every time, but with a different theme. (This time it's the restaurant business! Whoopee.)
July 20, 2012
Another great read in the Alexandra Cooper series. I really hope we've seen the last of Luc. I've just never liked him.
July 23, 2015
I could be biased, cuz I like the author, the characters & the narrator, Barbara Rosenblat! But I think it was another excellent murder mystery!
May 7, 2021
‘Night Watch’ - Dark Deeds Transpire in the Dark Hours.
Night Watch, named after the morbid patrol period when the really ‘bad stuff’ happens on a cop’s watch.
Human bones at a residence, three skulls left at a successful restaurant, and a dead body found close by. In a sleepy getaway French town, Alexandra Cooper finds herself amidst some mysterious occurrences all linked to her French lover, Luc Rouget – a successful restaurant owner that is about to open another restaurant in New York.
As a prosecutor, she is immediately on high alert that this is no coincidence. Yet, Luc vehemently denies any involvement.
Her occupation and feelings for him creates a mental conflict between what she should do, and what she wants to do.
Linda Fairstein sets the first part of her novel in Mougins, France, where crime simply does not occur.
So, what has driven hard-hitting New York crime to this small village?
As more information is revealed, disturbing facts come to light that cast a rather dark shadow over Alex’s French lover.
Alex is called back home to New York to assist on a rape case when a maid in a hotel accuses a high profile person of sexual assault. All the while she is trying to figure out why someone left old bones and skulls at Luc’s restaurant and home.
The author delves into the inner workings of a high profile rape case, covering the nitty gritty details of bringing this type of case to trial. Complicates arise as the media and defense attorney seek to influence minds. The age-old dilemma of ‘he said, she said’ plays out, and Alex has to sort through the messy details, determining if the story is real, or a plot to discredit a powerful man.
The author does well presenting the characters, lays out motivations, their tendencies, and weaknesses.
Alex is the main character supported by richly developed supportive characters. Mike, the endearing cop that doesn’t mind playing hardball. Mercer, one of the detectives, and a close confidante to Alex. Luc, the charismatic French chef that you get the feeling there is more to his back story that will create further conflict for Alex.
When a second body turns up in Brooklyn, evidence once again points to a connection with Luc. This time it cannot be dismissed as some coincidence. What is lurking in Luc’s background?
Drugs, murder, millionaires, French and Italian connections. What does all this lead to? And is Luc involved? With evidence piling up, Alex has to pull away from Luc, and focus on the rape case with an unsympathetic and manipulative so-called victim. Making life even more difficult for Alex.
I love how the author interweaves local history of the locations. Painting a clear picture of the settings to enable the reader to step into the character’s shoes (so to speak). Easily imagining the class and extravagance of restaurant ’21 in the 1930s.
If you are a foodie, then feast your eyes on a buffet of delicious descriptions of fine cuisine. The life of the rich and famous. All the while an undertone of menace lurks behind simple events.
There does feel at times more emphasis on the restaurants and getting into the restaurant business rather than focusing on the actual cases. I get what the author is doing. Giving insights on the dangerous world of perhaps starting a restaurant in New York where even the mob has a hold over you.
I just felt it did bog down the story a bit, taking away from the murders and the case Alex is working on. The drug trade seems to be at the forefront. I think the author wanted to display the rich offerings of extravagant restaurants, but gets so bogged down with detail instead of focusing on the actual plot.
There are a few twists and turns; unfortunately, the plot slowly chugs forward. I can’t help but think quite a bit of the story could have been taken out to make the events move quicker.
There is something almost unlikeable about the characters at times. They make digs at one another, talk about personal things in front of others, and get overly defensive, acting almost juvenile at times.
The ending was somewhat predictable. It wasn’t bad; it just wasn’t all that surprising. For those that enjoy a cozy mystery, this would be right up your alley.
An easy read with diverse characters, covering the intricacies of the legal system, the numerous elegant restaurants that have to play a bit dirty to get a successful business up and running, the unscrupulousness within the legal system, and of course one of the most common vices that corrupt and destroy- the drug trade.
No one is above suspicion, desperate people do desperate things, and whoever gets in their way gets hurt.
3/5
Night Watch, named after the morbid patrol period when the really ‘bad stuff’ happens on a cop’s watch.
Human bones at a residence, three skulls left at a successful restaurant, and a dead body found close by. In a sleepy getaway French town, Alexandra Cooper finds herself amidst some mysterious occurrences all linked to her French lover, Luc Rouget – a successful restaurant owner that is about to open another restaurant in New York.
As a prosecutor, she is immediately on high alert that this is no coincidence. Yet, Luc vehemently denies any involvement.
Her occupation and feelings for him creates a mental conflict between what she should do, and what she wants to do.
Linda Fairstein sets the first part of her novel in Mougins, France, where crime simply does not occur.
So, what has driven hard-hitting New York crime to this small village?
As more information is revealed, disturbing facts come to light that cast a rather dark shadow over Alex’s French lover.
Alex is called back home to New York to assist on a rape case when a maid in a hotel accuses a high profile person of sexual assault. All the while she is trying to figure out why someone left old bones and skulls at Luc’s restaurant and home.
The author delves into the inner workings of a high profile rape case, covering the nitty gritty details of bringing this type of case to trial. Complicates arise as the media and defense attorney seek to influence minds. The age-old dilemma of ‘he said, she said’ plays out, and Alex has to sort through the messy details, determining if the story is real, or a plot to discredit a powerful man.
The author does well presenting the characters, lays out motivations, their tendencies, and weaknesses.
Alex is the main character supported by richly developed supportive characters. Mike, the endearing cop that doesn’t mind playing hardball. Mercer, one of the detectives, and a close confidante to Alex. Luc, the charismatic French chef that you get the feeling there is more to his back story that will create further conflict for Alex.
When a second body turns up in Brooklyn, evidence once again points to a connection with Luc. This time it cannot be dismissed as some coincidence. What is lurking in Luc’s background?
Drugs, murder, millionaires, French and Italian connections. What does all this lead to? And is Luc involved? With evidence piling up, Alex has to pull away from Luc, and focus on the rape case with an unsympathetic and manipulative so-called victim. Making life even more difficult for Alex.
I love how the author interweaves local history of the locations. Painting a clear picture of the settings to enable the reader to step into the character’s shoes (so to speak). Easily imagining the class and extravagance of restaurant ’21 in the 1930s.
If you are a foodie, then feast your eyes on a buffet of delicious descriptions of fine cuisine. The life of the rich and famous. All the while an undertone of menace lurks behind simple events.
There does feel at times more emphasis on the restaurants and getting into the restaurant business rather than focusing on the actual cases. I get what the author is doing. Giving insights on the dangerous world of perhaps starting a restaurant in New York where even the mob has a hold over you.
I just felt it did bog down the story a bit, taking away from the murders and the case Alex is working on. The drug trade seems to be at the forefront. I think the author wanted to display the rich offerings of extravagant restaurants, but gets so bogged down with detail instead of focusing on the actual plot.
There are a few twists and turns; unfortunately, the plot slowly chugs forward. I can’t help but think quite a bit of the story could have been taken out to make the events move quicker.
There is something almost unlikeable about the characters at times. They make digs at one another, talk about personal things in front of others, and get overly defensive, acting almost juvenile at times.
The ending was somewhat predictable. It wasn’t bad; it just wasn’t all that surprising. For those that enjoy a cozy mystery, this would be right up your alley.
An easy read with diverse characters, covering the intricacies of the legal system, the numerous elegant restaurants that have to play a bit dirty to get a successful business up and running, the unscrupulousness within the legal system, and of course one of the most common vices that corrupt and destroy- the drug trade.
No one is above suspicion, desperate people do desperate things, and whoever gets in their way gets hurt.
3/5
October 6, 2017
This was a lame installment in the Alex Cooper series. The murders were ho-hum and I didn't care if Luc was in the middle of them or not. Because I don't like him - we're not supposed to, and Fairstein has done nothing to give him more than a cardboard personality.
The book begins with Alex staying with Luc in France and discovers bones in front of his house the same night that a woman is found drowned with a matchbook from Luc's restaurant in her dress. Alex gets a call from Mike the next day, calling her home to request her help in a rape case against a world-famous financier. These two cases (Lisette, a former waitress at Luc's restaurant, and the rape case) make up the book. I guess Fairstein thought that the A-storyline was Lisette's murder; a few days later, a waiter just hired by Luc is found dead with a matchbook from his restaurant in his pocket. The B story is the rape case, but I thought of the two plots it was more interesting. But nothing is really resolved in either situation.
The book begins with Alex staying with Luc in France and discovers bones in front of his house the same night that a woman is found drowned with a matchbook from Luc's restaurant in her dress. Alex gets a call from Mike the next day, calling her home to request her help in a rape case against a world-famous financier. These two cases (Lisette, a former waitress at Luc's restaurant, and the rape case) make up the book. I guess Fairstein thought that the A-storyline was Lisette's murder; a few days later, a waiter just hired by Luc is found dead with a matchbook from his restaurant in his pocket. The B story is the rape case, but I thought of the two plots it was more interesting. But nothing is really resolved in either situation.
October 4, 2020
Another book given to me by my local library and I was super excited after reading the blurb. Unfortunately, I was left pretty unimpressed, maybe it's my fault though. This is a classic example of a detective story, although from the prosecutor office's point of view. We have two interlooping cases, one personal involving Alex's boyfriend, and one at her work. Both are, as detective stories, pretty bog standard and fairly boring to read. The storyline is fairly predictable, to me it didn't offer any surprises and I had a good idea about how it will all turn out from early on. I didn't feel like I had any relationship with any of the characters, Alex is not particularly likable to me, I didn't understand the fascination with Luc, or her friendship with Mike and Mercer. I felt like there was way too many characters and names and I got very confused quite often with who is talking.
As far as recommendations go, if you are used to Tess Gerritsen and other giants of similar genre, give this one a miss.
As far as recommendations go, if you are used to Tess Gerritsen and other giants of similar genre, give this one a miss.
April 26, 2019
One of the things I find so interesting about this series is how the author works the history of New York in the novels. You can tell how much she loves her City. Alex does not get to enjoy her vacation before she is called back to NY on a case. It was no surprise that the murder in France would somehow be connected to another one that happens in New York. Mercer and Mike, her friends and co-workers are also a reason why I love this series. They are a great trio of characters and enhance the enjoyment of reading the novel. We are left wondering where Alexandra and Luc's relationship will go from here. I look forward to book #15!
August 19, 2018
Wow. Just wow. Even though Fairstein gives ADA Alex Cooper some dithering moments that seemed out of character, the complex legal and personal minefields Cooper and her colleagues spend the book exploring were compelling. I think I started reading this on Thursday night and I finished it less than an hour ago. A few years ago this would have been usual, but I haven't read anything this quickly in ages! I'm sure the culinary aspects of the story helped reel me in, but even so, it's hard to imagine another Alex Cooper book being any better. But I'm willing to be proved wrong!
November 2, 2018
Intrigue on both sides of the Atlantic - Alex Cooper visitng her boyfirend ,Luc Rouget, finds a bones and skulls outside his home in southern France. Luc who is a premier chef and restaurateur, is planning on reopen a very fine restaurant in New York City but a murders in France and New York seem to implicate him. As is Fairstein's other books the reader finds out almost more than what it takes to open a restaurant in New York , history of parts of the city and nefarious intent on the part of some character. It is a good page turner.
January 24, 2022
Night Watch (Alexandra Cooper 14
by Linda Fairstein
Can you beleive a woman who is so tough in the court room allows herself to be treated and spoken to like Mike Chapman does and the her boy friend treats her like the little princess he wants her t be and leaves her in the dark and leads her into danger.
also a rape against a maid by a well known womaniser and exile from the Ivory coast take a strange turn during the preparation time
The court side of the story is interesting and pulls you along
by Linda Fairstein
Can you beleive a woman who is so tough in the court room allows herself to be treated and spoken to like Mike Chapman does and the her boy friend treats her like the little princess he wants her t be and leaves her in the dark and leads her into danger.
also a rape against a maid by a well known womaniser and exile from the Ivory coast take a strange turn during the preparation time
The court side of the story is interesting and pulls you along
January 14, 2024
"Night Watch" by Linda Fairstein is a thrilling crime novel that takes you on a suspenseful journey through the streets of New York City. Fairstein's attention to detail and extensive knowledge of the criminal justice system shine through in this book. The plot is intriguing, and the characters are well-developed, adding depth to the story. While I enjoyed the book overall, I felt that some parts could have been paced better. However, if you're a fan of crime fiction and love stories set in the Big Apple, "Night Watch" is definitely worth a read. 📚😊
July 18, 2023
No stars if I could rate it that way. Two plots throughout and neither one was captivating.
First spoiler. We do not need stories where rape victims turn out to be liars. It paints all rape victims in that light when in actuality it is a small number. Need to get rid of this rape trope.
Second spoiler - drugs. Not too creative.
Characters were annoying as well
Needless to say not an enjoyable read at all.
First spoiler. We do not need stories where rape victims turn out to be liars. It paints all rape victims in that light when in actuality it is a small number. Need to get rid of this rape trope.
Second spoiler - drugs. Not too creative.
Characters were annoying as well
Needless to say not an enjoyable read at all.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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