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Alexandra Cooper #17
Devil's Bridge
In her seventeenth Alexandra Cooper novel, New York Times bestselling author Linda Fairstein delivers an edge-of-your-seat thriller that explores the secrets—and terrible danger—of New York City’s waterfront.
The Manhattan waterfront is one of New York City’s most beautiful vistas, boasting both the noble Statue of Liberty and the George Washington Bridge, the world’s busiest for motor vehicles. But in Devil’s Bridge, Assistant DA Alex Cooper will discover the menace that lurks in this seemingly benign corner of New York City as she and Detective Mike Chapman, in the midst of their own growing relationship, take on a case that forces them into their most vulnerable positions yet—apart from each other, as a killer’s twisted plan draws ever closer to home.
The Manhattan waterfront is one of New York City’s most beautiful vistas, boasting both the noble Statue of Liberty and the George Washington Bridge, the world’s busiest for motor vehicles. But in Devil’s Bridge, Assistant DA Alex Cooper will discover the menace that lurks in this seemingly benign corner of New York City as she and Detective Mike Chapman, in the midst of their own growing relationship, take on a case that forces them into their most vulnerable positions yet—apart from each other, as a killer’s twisted plan draws ever closer to home.
384 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2015
208 people are currently reading
2118 people want to read
About the author
Linda Fairstein
101 books1,605 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 534 reviews
November 7, 2021
In this 17th book in the 'Alexandra Cooper' series, the lawyer is in serious trouble. The book can be read as a standalone, but knowledge of the series is advantageous.
*****
Assistant District Attorney Alexandra Cooper (Coop), who specializes in sex crimes, is prosecuting a violent predator when the trial is postponed.
Coop discovers that a mole in her department - who just married the defendant - pilfered confidential files about this case and others. In addition, the defendant has ties to a well-known shady preacher who donates large sums to politicians - including Coop's boss.
On the up side, Coop just learned that a thug named Raymond Tanner, who's been stalking and threatening her for months, has been arrested and put in jail. With no current trial and something to celebrate, Coop goes out to dinner with friends, then calls an Uber to take her home.....and disappears.
Coop's long-time colleague, and now boyfriend, Detective Mike Chapman is investigating an unrelated murder when he realizes that Coop has been incommunicado for too long.
Chapman fears Coop was abducted by a nefarious criminal (or criminal enterprise), and embarks on a mission to find her.....hopefully still alive. For assistance, Mike enlists fellow detectives to help with data mining, witness interviews, site searches, and so on.
Chapman's quest takes him all over the city, including Washington Heights and the George Washington Bridge;
The Statue of Liberty;
The Manhattan waterfront, and more.
Mike is frantic to find Coop, and not above using threats, force, and chicanery.
There's a bit of dissonance however, because Mike, whose hobby is military history, takes the time to expound - in detail - about ALL the historical sites he passes. This kind of thing is a hallmark of Fairstein's books, which always include a big dollop of New York City heritage. In this case, however, it doesn't fit with Mike's frantic search for his new love. (I mean, who would stop to expatiate about a hobbyhorse when their partner is in mortal danger? 😏)
Eventually a mysterious clue points Mike in the right direction, and a complex scheme is uncovered.
The story is standard Linda Fairstein, and fans of her writing would enjoy this book.
You can follow my reviews at https://reviewsbybarbsaffer.blogspot....
August 18, 2015
The 17th book in Linda Fairstein’s Alexandra Cooper Series and still going strong.
I have always liked Alexandra Cooper but in this story, she plays a smaller role….and for the first time we get Mike Chapman’s POV…..it’s no secret that
I am total enamored with this guy!!! And at last he and Alexandra are finally together…why the hell it took them so long to discover that they were so good together is beyond me!!!
The opening chapters that feature Alex in court are absolutely thrilling…who knew that things like that happened in court??
Cut to….Alex disappears ….totally gone…and Mike is beside himself.
We are taken on yet another marvelous journey through the city of New York…this time…Manhattan waterfront, Statue of Liberty, George Washington Bridge….i just love the history of this incredible city part of the stories….not only is it exciting but it’s like going on an historical tour of the city.
Racing against time, who are the bad guys…why and who has kidnapped Alex? Mike frantically working with colleagues…Mercer…yes he’s here….trying to find Alex before time runs out….and whilst doing that, he discovers how deep his feelings are for Alex.
Another great addition to the series….and yes, I never get tired of Alex & Mike……
If you’re a fan of this series…you will enjoy it. I certainly recommend it.
I have always liked Alexandra Cooper but in this story, she plays a smaller role….and for the first time we get Mike Chapman’s POV…..it’s no secret that
I am total enamored with this guy!!! And at last he and Alexandra are finally together…why the hell it took them so long to discover that they were so good together is beyond me!!!
The opening chapters that feature Alex in court are absolutely thrilling…who knew that things like that happened in court??
Cut to….Alex disappears ….totally gone…and Mike is beside himself.
We are taken on yet another marvelous journey through the city of New York…this time…Manhattan waterfront, Statue of Liberty, George Washington Bridge….i just love the history of this incredible city part of the stories….not only is it exciting but it’s like going on an historical tour of the city.
Racing against time, who are the bad guys…why and who has kidnapped Alex? Mike frantically working with colleagues…Mercer…yes he’s here….trying to find Alex before time runs out….and whilst doing that, he discovers how deep his feelings are for Alex.
Another great addition to the series….and yes, I never get tired of Alex & Mike……
If you’re a fan of this series…you will enjoy it. I certainly recommend it.
July 18, 2015
While this is, so far, my favorite plot line of the Alex Cooper series, unfortunately it is my least favorite book.
Much of the dialogue is jumbled and confusing - although in large part that may be due to the crappy formatting for the Kindle iPad app.
There is no flow to this story, there's no natural stream to it. It seems frazzled and it's distracting, which makes the story hard to get into.
I really really really disliked the fact that Alex was portrayed as a weak, tantrummy crybaby by her lover. I disliked the fact that Alex's BFF Vickee *and* her boyfriend Chapman, when events started to heat up, never stopped for two minutes to give Alex the benefit of the doubt. They were both ready to assume the worst of her character, making her to be a lying, cheating slut who couldn't be trusted. Seriously? Who does that to their best friend/lover when they know her character so well?
And Vickee pretty much threw Alex under the bus, giving out personal (and confidential BFF) information regarding the day Alex "took off" without checking in - and it wasn't even a full 24 hours - AND telling it to a room full of male co-workers and superiors. I'm pretty sure I wouldn't be so forgiving of either Vickee or Chapman if I knew they'd assumed I'd gone off to sleep with an old ex boyfriend and spend the night with him, just on the basis of hearing about him coming to town and meeting for a drink in a public place.
The detectives appeared to be disorganized and lame. At one point Chapman said "homicide spoils you" and makes you not want to do the grunt work. REALLY? Your lover has been kidnapped and you're supposedly going out of your mind, and you pass on the opportunity to follow up on a lead, no matter how small it might be? I'm no detective, but if I were in love with a kidnapped someone, you better believe I'd want to attack and follow up the thinnest thread of hope.
Poor Alex - it's hard for me now to have respect for her and see her as a strong, courageous woman, because she is portrayed so poorly in this book. I'm not sure I want to read any more of this series, which is a shame since I've been a fan since the beginning. (Although one thing bothers me throughout the series - all the men calling women "broads" all the time. Really? Is this 1950? In this day and age, who even uses that term anymore? Sometimes I think Linda Fairstein is a pen name for a somewhat misogynistic man)
I'm sad that this book was such a disappointment, since the basic plot was such a good one. I kept waiting for it to develop into something more - get fleshed out somehow. This seems more like a (very) rough first draft. And I keep hoping, in every book, that Chapman and Alex's relationship will show itself to be deeper and mature...right now it always seems as surface and shallow as a schoolyard crush. Maybe before the publish date, a good hard edit will make this book more palatable - it's just so weak compared to previous books. As it stands right now though, I cannot recommend it to anyone who isn't already "involved" in Alex Cooper's life. Sorry.
(this ebook was provided at no charge by Netgalley)
Much of the dialogue is jumbled and confusing - although in large part that may be due to the crappy formatting for the Kindle iPad app.
There is no flow to this story, there's no natural stream to it. It seems frazzled and it's distracting, which makes the story hard to get into.
I really really really disliked the fact that Alex was portrayed as a weak, tantrummy crybaby by her lover. I disliked the fact that Alex's BFF Vickee *and* her boyfriend Chapman, when events started to heat up, never stopped for two minutes to give Alex the benefit of the doubt. They were both ready to assume the worst of her character, making her to be a lying, cheating slut who couldn't be trusted. Seriously? Who does that to their best friend/lover when they know her character so well?
And Vickee pretty much threw Alex under the bus, giving out personal (and confidential BFF) information regarding the day Alex "took off" without checking in - and it wasn't even a full 24 hours - AND telling it to a room full of male co-workers and superiors. I'm pretty sure I wouldn't be so forgiving of either Vickee or Chapman if I knew they'd assumed I'd gone off to sleep with an old ex boyfriend and spend the night with him, just on the basis of hearing about him coming to town and meeting for a drink in a public place.
The detectives appeared to be disorganized and lame. At one point Chapman said "homicide spoils you" and makes you not want to do the grunt work. REALLY? Your lover has been kidnapped and you're supposedly going out of your mind, and you pass on the opportunity to follow up on a lead, no matter how small it might be? I'm no detective, but if I were in love with a kidnapped someone, you better believe I'd want to attack and follow up the thinnest thread of hope.
Poor Alex - it's hard for me now to have respect for her and see her as a strong, courageous woman, because she is portrayed so poorly in this book. I'm not sure I want to read any more of this series, which is a shame since I've been a fan since the beginning. (Although one thing bothers me throughout the series - all the men calling women "broads" all the time. Really? Is this 1950? In this day and age, who even uses that term anymore? Sometimes I think Linda Fairstein is a pen name for a somewhat misogynistic man)
I'm sad that this book was such a disappointment, since the basic plot was such a good one. I kept waiting for it to develop into something more - get fleshed out somehow. This seems more like a (very) rough first draft. And I keep hoping, in every book, that Chapman and Alex's relationship will show itself to be deeper and mature...right now it always seems as surface and shallow as a schoolyard crush. Maybe before the publish date, a good hard edit will make this book more palatable - it's just so weak compared to previous books. As it stands right now though, I cannot recommend it to anyone who isn't already "involved" in Alex Cooper's life. Sorry.
(this ebook was provided at no charge by Netgalley)
April 26, 2017
Aprovechando mi reciente visita a Nueva York, he estado leyendo libros y novelas que tuvieran como localización esta magnífica ciudad. Esta es una de ellas, teniendo como protagonistas tanto a la Estatua de La Libertad como al río Hudson, hasta la zona del Washington Bridge.
En este cinematográfico enclave se sitúa la investigación del detective Mike Chapman, en su frenética búsqueda de la asistente del fiscal del distrito Alex Cooper, secuestrada tras tomar unas copas con sus compañeros de trabajo.
Hay que destacar que, normalmente, es Cooper la protagonista de las novelas de Linda Fairstain. Sin embargo, en la presente novela la protagonista deja ese papel a Chapman, que además de detective es el actual compañero sentimental de Alex.
La trama no es nada del otro mundo, pero está bien contada. El suspense se mantiene a un nivel aceptable. Además, la autora adereza el relato con historias y anécdotas de los sitios por donde se mueve el detective en busca de su amada, algunas de ellas poco conocidas y muy interesantes. Por lo tanto su lectura me ha resultado bastante agradable. Esta es la segunda novela que leo de Linda Fairstain, y me he quedado con ganas de más.
En este cinematográfico enclave se sitúa la investigación del detective Mike Chapman, en su frenética búsqueda de la asistente del fiscal del distrito Alex Cooper, secuestrada tras tomar unas copas con sus compañeros de trabajo.
Hay que destacar que, normalmente, es Cooper la protagonista de las novelas de Linda Fairstain. Sin embargo, en la presente novela la protagonista deja ese papel a Chapman, que además de detective es el actual compañero sentimental de Alex.
La trama no es nada del otro mundo, pero está bien contada. El suspense se mantiene a un nivel aceptable. Además, la autora adereza el relato con historias y anécdotas de los sitios por donde se mueve el detective en busca de su amada, algunas de ellas poco conocidas y muy interesantes. Por lo tanto su lectura me ha resultado bastante agradable. Esta es la segunda novela que leo de Linda Fairstain, y me he quedado con ganas de más.
July 5, 2015
If you are a long time follower of Linda Fairstein and her Alex Cooper series, you are in for a treat! It is a bit different from what we come to expect from this author ... but it manages to show us an Alexandra Cooper seen through Mike Chapman's eyes.
This is essentially Mike Chapman's book. Alexandra is kidnapped early on in the book. Naturally, it turns law enforcement inside out trying to find her. As a prosecutor, she has a lot of enemies, old ones and new ones. And Mike is beside himself with worry.
There is plenty of history, which I always enjoy, and lots of action, as people are turning the city upside down.
There are several twists and it's very engaging to see how much Mike really knows about the woman he loves.
I gave it 5 stars. I have loved the series; I love this book; I love the author. Color me happy to have had the opportunity from FIRST TO READ to read this one!
This is essentially Mike Chapman's book. Alexandra is kidnapped early on in the book. Naturally, it turns law enforcement inside out trying to find her. As a prosecutor, she has a lot of enemies, old ones and new ones. And Mike is beside himself with worry.
There is plenty of history, which I always enjoy, and lots of action, as people are turning the city upside down.
There are several twists and it's very engaging to see how much Mike really knows about the woman he loves.
I gave it 5 stars. I have loved the series; I love this book; I love the author. Color me happy to have had the opportunity from FIRST TO READ to read this one!
July 18, 2017
Alex Cooper is a prosecuting attorney working high profile cases. Following a night of celebrating with colleagues and friends, Alex is kidnapped when she mistakes a waiting SUV for the Uber driver. There's no telling who her abductors are with the suspects Alex has as enemies.
Detective Mike Chapman is Alex Cooper's lover and the lead detective working Alex's abduction. Mike draws on the history of New York, the Hudson River and the Statue of Liberty to help him solve Alex's disappearance. Who is the kidnappers? Will Mike rescue Alex before something terrible happens to her? It a race against time to save Alex.
This is my first Alex Cooper novel. The first portion of the book is in Alex's point of view. The rest of the story is told by Mike's POV. We discover what makes Mike vulnerable and what makes him strong. The plot keeps this suspense novel moving forward as we race against time to solve the kidnapping. The history is superb and moves the story forward. The description and setting anchors the reader in the story. I am looking forward to reading the backlist.
Detective Mike Chapman is Alex Cooper's lover and the lead detective working Alex's abduction. Mike draws on the history of New York, the Hudson River and the Statue of Liberty to help him solve Alex's disappearance. Who is the kidnappers? Will Mike rescue Alex before something terrible happens to her? It a race against time to save Alex.
This is my first Alex Cooper novel. The first portion of the book is in Alex's point of view. The rest of the story is told by Mike's POV. We discover what makes Mike vulnerable and what makes him strong. The plot keeps this suspense novel moving forward as we race against time to solve the kidnapping. The history is superb and moves the story forward. The description and setting anchors the reader in the story. I am looking forward to reading the backlist.
February 22, 2016
When Alexandra Cooper, a Manhattan prosecutor, turns up missing, Mike Chapman, a seasoned detective and Cooper’s current lover, frantically leads the search. Two-thirds into the novel and the investigation continuing to stall, Fairstein attempts to ramp-up a dragging plot with, albeit interesting, similarly exhausting historical insight regarding The Statue of Liberty, Bedloe Island, and Fort Wood. Somewhat of a history buff myself; even I was gritting my teeth following a nearly two-and-a-half page dissertation involving The Black Tom Explosion.
Regarding character treatment, while Chapman isn’t your run-of-the-mill hero, tall in the saddle on his feathery-white stallion, posed ready and willing to gallop to rescue, Fairstein allows him enough charm and brutish swagger to quicken a girl’s pulse. Unfortunately, the machismo isn’t consistent, as Mike’s response to this attack on his ladylove is spineless apathy: “She always seemed like an Afghan to me—the dog, not the tribesmen. Long and lean, a fine, shiny coat of hair. Nice to walk out with, show dog and all that, but not so much brainpower as she’s cracked up to have.”
Fairstein is an experienced, talented writer, and this work will surely appeal to diehard fans. But those seeking an edge-of-your-seat suspense novel and a charismatic protagonist may be disappointed. For those unfamiliar with her titles, DEVIL'S BRIDGE is #17 of her Alexandra Cooper series.
Regarding character treatment, while Chapman isn’t your run-of-the-mill hero, tall in the saddle on his feathery-white stallion, posed ready and willing to gallop to rescue, Fairstein allows him enough charm and brutish swagger to quicken a girl’s pulse. Unfortunately, the machismo isn’t consistent, as Mike’s response to this attack on his ladylove is spineless apathy: “She always seemed like an Afghan to me—the dog, not the tribesmen. Long and lean, a fine, shiny coat of hair. Nice to walk out with, show dog and all that, but not so much brainpower as she’s cracked up to have.”
Fairstein is an experienced, talented writer, and this work will surely appeal to diehard fans. But those seeking an edge-of-your-seat suspense novel and a charismatic protagonist may be disappointed. For those unfamiliar with her titles, DEVIL'S BRIDGE is #17 of her Alexandra Cooper series.
August 26, 2015
This was a wonderful addition to the Alexandra Cooper Series, maybe my favorite installment to date. It was harrowing, and I worried terribly about Alex, as well as her new relationship with Mike. I felt so badly for him and what he was going through at times during this book, not to mention poor Alex! The book kept me captivated and I absolutely couldn't quit reading. I'm already so ready for more!
Mike Chapman is stunned by the disappearance of Alex Cooper. Even though her friends tell him they believe she may have left purposefully, he is afraid something horrible has happened to her and he works diligently to find her and bring her back.
Alex disappearing and having no one realize until the next day was rough! After that, when her friends tried to convince Mike that she probably went off on her own, I was so sad that they weren't more concerned for her. I was very glad that Mike took her absence more seriously and worked so hard to find her. It was odd to have Alex so silent in this one, but I really enjoyed having so much from Mike's perspective. I enjoyed the suspense and really like the direction the relationship between Mike and Alex is going. Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing an ARC in return for an honest review.
Mike Chapman is stunned by the disappearance of Alex Cooper. Even though her friends tell him they believe she may have left purposefully, he is afraid something horrible has happened to her and he works diligently to find her and bring her back.
Alex disappearing and having no one realize until the next day was rough! After that, when her friends tried to convince Mike that she probably went off on her own, I was so sad that they weren't more concerned for her. I was very glad that Mike took her absence more seriously and worked so hard to find her. It was odd to have Alex so silent in this one, but I really enjoyed having so much from Mike's perspective. I enjoyed the suspense and really like the direction the relationship between Mike and Alex is going. Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing an ARC in return for an honest review.
Want to read
June 14, 2015I used to love this series and the chance to learn very specific information about public places in NYC but since the addition of the romantic entanglement between the two main characters all I can think when I read is that they should both be fired and she should be disbarred for putting all the cases at risk. It really detracts from the enjoyment of the book.
Read
July 14, 2019DNF @ 19 %.
She's written 16 more of these? Even I know that this couldn't happen in a US court and the characters are plenty and totally bland, I have no idea how to separate them. Oh, and all they do is bicker and try to come up with the most sarcastic remark. Avoid at all costs, in favor of pretty much anything.
She's written 16 more of these? Even I know that this couldn't happen in a US court and the characters are plenty and totally bland, I have no idea how to separate them. Oh, and all they do is bicker and try to come up with the most sarcastic remark. Avoid at all costs, in favor of pretty much anything.
June 22, 2015
This is the seventeenth book in this series which follows sex crimes prosecutor Alexandra Cooper and two detectives Mike Chapman and Mercer Wallace. In this story the trio are investigating a murder when Alex suddenly disappears. It is quickly obvious she has become a victim of foul play and the two men pull out all the stops to get her back alive.
This story is unique in that is the first one that is told from Mike's point of view. All of the previous books in the series have had Alexandra as the storyteller. I thought this change worked well and I had no problem with the switch. As usual with this series the author incorporates a history of New York City's landmarks as the story is told. This is one of my favorite things about this series and was pleased to see it still a part of the plotline.
Overall though the book was just average to me. I have been reading this series for over 10 years now and in the past have anxiously awaited each new release. The previous two installments were just ok for me and I had hoped the change in narration would add some spice back to the series. It did not. The plot seemed drawn out and long and I really wasn't that interested in it. Who the bad guys were seemed pretty far fetched in my opinion and I didn't buy in to their motivation. If you're a fan of the series you may enjoy it but if you're new to this author I would recommend you try one of the earlier books in the series first.
This story is unique in that is the first one that is told from Mike's point of view. All of the previous books in the series have had Alexandra as the storyteller. I thought this change worked well and I had no problem with the switch. As usual with this series the author incorporates a history of New York City's landmarks as the story is told. This is one of my favorite things about this series and was pleased to see it still a part of the plotline.
Overall though the book was just average to me. I have been reading this series for over 10 years now and in the past have anxiously awaited each new release. The previous two installments were just ok for me and I had hoped the change in narration would add some spice back to the series. It did not. The plot seemed drawn out and long and I really wasn't that interested in it. Who the bad guys were seemed pretty far fetched in my opinion and I didn't buy in to their motivation. If you're a fan of the series you may enjoy it but if you're new to this author I would recommend you try one of the earlier books in the series first.
December 16, 2015
A new approach for Linda Fairstein with this 17th installment of her Alexandra Cooper Series. For the first few chapters, it is Alex in her 1st person POV. A big case of hers has blown up in her face, data from her office computer has been compromised, and her boss has threatened her ever so subtly. Then she's kidnapped while waiting for an Uber driver.
Then Fairstein changes POV. Mike Chapman takes over for the rest of the book. He has a domestic murder that ties into an unholy alliance between the DA himself and the irreverent Reverend Hal Shipley. When he, Alex's team, and her close friends realize that Coop hasn't gone off to be by herself, precious time has elapsed. How much does Mike Chapman know about Alex Cooper? Even though they've been friends and worked together for over a decade, Chapman realizes that he really doesn't know the woman he's in love with, and time is running out for Alex.
A great suspenseful read with the history Fairstein is known for. There aren't the usual light humorous moments that are always associated with the novels in this series. And yet again, Alex is in need of rescuing.
Then Fairstein changes POV. Mike Chapman takes over for the rest of the book. He has a domestic murder that ties into an unholy alliance between the DA himself and the irreverent Reverend Hal Shipley. When he, Alex's team, and her close friends realize that Coop hasn't gone off to be by herself, precious time has elapsed. How much does Mike Chapman know about Alex Cooper? Even though they've been friends and worked together for over a decade, Chapman realizes that he really doesn't know the woman he's in love with, and time is running out for Alex.
A great suspenseful read with the history Fairstein is known for. There aren't the usual light humorous moments that are always associated with the novels in this series. And yet again, Alex is in need of rescuing.
December 23, 2015
I just want a good, convoluted, interesting crime story involving Coop & Chapman & some bad people. This one started out so promising & quickly plummeted into TOO much NY history, too much whining from Chapman ( who deserves much more depth than this story gave him), and an ending that was simultaneously too quick, too unbelievable, & too uninteresting. I'll give the duo one more try but the series has currently lost its punch.
August 16, 2015
My View:
I am a big fan of Linda Fairstein’s Alexandra Cooper series and this latest book in that series did not disappoint. This narrative includes the characters we already know and love – Coop (who in this instance plays a pivotal yet behind the scenes role in this one) and Detective Mike Chapman - it is Chapman’s voice we hear narrating most of this story. The reader gets an opportunity to learn a lot more about Mike’s background – the incidents and places and people that helped shaped his life and we get a fantastic visual of New York’s waterways, history and culture, now and during Mike’s childhood. We are privy to lessons on waterfront gangsters, Hell’s Kitchen’s family feuds, history and the architecture of this famous city; I feel I have already visited this city, I can see the images so clearly in my mind. But more than a reminiscence of life gone by this is a story of families, relationships and revenge with a love story in the mix- and what a great story it is. Some people hold grudges for a long time – what a waste of energy and in this case - of lives.
I look forward to reading this next instalment in this vital series.
I am a big fan of Linda Fairstein’s Alexandra Cooper series and this latest book in that series did not disappoint. This narrative includes the characters we already know and love – Coop (who in this instance plays a pivotal yet behind the scenes role in this one) and Detective Mike Chapman - it is Chapman’s voice we hear narrating most of this story. The reader gets an opportunity to learn a lot more about Mike’s background – the incidents and places and people that helped shaped his life and we get a fantastic visual of New York’s waterways, history and culture, now and during Mike’s childhood. We are privy to lessons on waterfront gangsters, Hell’s Kitchen’s family feuds, history and the architecture of this famous city; I feel I have already visited this city, I can see the images so clearly in my mind. But more than a reminiscence of life gone by this is a story of families, relationships and revenge with a love story in the mix- and what a great story it is. Some people hold grudges for a long time – what a waste of energy and in this case - of lives.
I look forward to reading this next instalment in this vital series.
August 30, 2015
Didn't love it. I have read most if not all of this series and like the Coop character and her legal interactions. This takes her out of the action too early. The voice of Mike Chapman seemed inauthentic and a gimmick. The whole middle of the book is a throwaway plot that went nowhere (maybe a set up for the next book? ). The actual rationale for the kidnapping came totally out of left field. I am tired of the "damsel in distress" plots and agree with other people that the relationship is one that is awkward. Also, I usually like the NYC history in her books but in this book it was like a smart kid who just couldn't stop adding facts.
April 22, 2019
I had a terrible time keeping the characters straight in this story for about the first five chapters. I became a little stressed and thought I was going to have to give it up. Then things began making a little bit of sense. The story has several characters who are not necessary for the story plus quite a bit of history about different parts of the setting. I might try another book by this author in the future. Not sure yet.
July 2, 2015
Security breaches put Alexandra Cooper's life on display for everyone, and then
Not quite as strong as others in the series but you'll get a good dose of New York history, and plenty of trivia. Chapman's suspicious nature continues to be a strength, even though the stress of the operation may be enough to permanently damage some of his working relationships, and much depends on how people react under the increasing pressure.
Disclaimer: I received a free ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Not quite as strong as others in the series but you'll get a good dose of New York history, and plenty of trivia. Chapman's suspicious nature continues to be a strength, even though the stress of the operation may be enough to permanently damage some of his working relationships, and much depends on how people react under the increasing pressure.
Disclaimer: I received a free ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
December 26, 2015
I really love this series, and the Coop/Chapman story is one of the best parts. Devil's Bridge just didn't do their story justice unfortunately. I was so disappointed in the way Linda Fairstein painted Coop as whiny, high-strung, and somewhat mean while Chapman was out-of-control with violent tendencies. Fairstein has spent too much time making me like both Coop and Chapman and so to change their personalities so dramatically in this book felt like a bait and switch.
To make matters worse, the dialogue was stilted and cheesy. I found myself cringing at the way the characters talked to each other because it was so unrealistic. It was the same reaction I had to Terminal City (the book immediately preceding this one), and I am so bummed as Fairstein's dialogue was so good in all of her other books. I really hope that the next book in the series goes back to telling an engaging, intriguing mystery while also letting us get to know Coop and Chapman better. In this series, the formula works!
To make matters worse, the dialogue was stilted and cheesy. I found myself cringing at the way the characters talked to each other because it was so unrealistic. It was the same reaction I had to Terminal City (the book immediately preceding this one), and I am so bummed as Fairstein's dialogue was so good in all of her other books. I really hope that the next book in the series goes back to telling an engaging, intriguing mystery while also letting us get to know Coop and Chapman better. In this series, the formula works!
January 30, 2016
It's sad when that star crossed romance I've been waiting books for finally happens- and completely ruins the series. No seriously, ever since Alex and Mike have gotten together Alex has been portrayed as a total twit. Given, that's not the biggest problem this book has. The plot is incredibly fractured, with the feel of being two books in one. Very little of what happens in the first half matters in the second half. That said, I'm sticking with the series because the book wasn't horrifically awful and there's been some good books in the past.
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September 5, 2015Disappointing. Wordy. Slow going. Not her typical good work.
I had high hopes as I love this series but Alex is MIS for most of the book and there's just a lot of talk, talk, talk and muddy plot. Pass on this one v
I had high hopes as I love this series but Alex is MIS for most of the book and there's just a lot of talk, talk, talk and muddy plot. Pass on this one v
August 27, 2015
Interesting - an Alexandra Cooper tale told in Mike Chapman's voice. I could have done without all the conservative politics, though.
September 19, 2015
Well, I do like these kind of books and found it good. And I've been in New York in december which adds a bit of spice to the tale as well.
June 11, 2019
Linda Fairstein's new mystery 'novel, "Devil's Bridge," was a fantastic and wonderful read.
As they say, "You cannot judge a book by its cover," but I'm embarrassed to say that for this one I did. And it worked out.
The cover of this book has a picture of the George Washington Bridge on it. In the distance on the left side of the bridge are a group of red brick buildings, and the community of "Castle Village," on Cabrini Avenue, where my brother and his wife, and their two daughters lived in the penthouse for twenty years.
It is good that my nieces did not have the opportunity to read this book, when the first sight that they saw from their bedroom window upon waking up and going to sleep were the lights of an of the George Washington Bridge.
Fairstein's novel reads like a police chase. One of the Policewomen, "Alexandra Cooperman," is kidnapped and it takes Police Detective Mark Chapman, and almost the whole Manhattan Police Department to find "Coop" as Chapman calls his partner/lover.
Fairstein's book reads almost like a "police chase." Chapters start and end in various parts of New York City. Did someone see Coop step into a van? Was that van seen on the George Washington Bridge? Was that Coop hanging from the Bridge by her fingers? Who was Coop having dinner with or meeting at a restaurant on 6th Avenue in the 50's? Detective Chapman does not let us forget that he played in Bennet Park in Washington Heights as a child. "I played in Bennet Park," is a constant chorus spoken by Chapman throughout "Devil's Bridge." The chase takes us to The Statue of Liberty and Liberty and Ellis Islands in the off season, Chapman chases those whom he thinks are or were the kidnappers up and down "The Lady" of the Harbor, up and down all those stairs from the base to the tip of the torch. Fairstein's police chase takes up by boat up the Hudson River to The Little Red Lighthouse which stands tall under the George Washington Bridge. Fairstein also takes up though New York City's subway mazes to Brooklyn, and also to Edgewater New Jersey on the western shore of the Hudson River. The cars keep turning around on the piers, in parking lots, etc. One keeps on reading page after page, hopping that Detective Mark Chapman will find Police Woman, Alexandra Cooperman alive and well.
Have fun navigating the rivers, parks, roads, avenues, highways trains, restaurants, and the highways and byways of New York City, in the Linda Fairstein's "Devil's Bridge,"the 17th book in the Alexandra Cooper Mystery Series.
Laura Cobrinik,
Boonton Township, NJ
As they say, "You cannot judge a book by its cover," but I'm embarrassed to say that for this one I did. And it worked out.
The cover of this book has a picture of the George Washington Bridge on it. In the distance on the left side of the bridge are a group of red brick buildings, and the community of "Castle Village," on Cabrini Avenue, where my brother and his wife, and their two daughters lived in the penthouse for twenty years.
It is good that my nieces did not have the opportunity to read this book, when the first sight that they saw from their bedroom window upon waking up and going to sleep were the lights of an of the George Washington Bridge.
Fairstein's novel reads like a police chase. One of the Policewomen, "Alexandra Cooperman," is kidnapped and it takes Police Detective Mark Chapman, and almost the whole Manhattan Police Department to find "Coop" as Chapman calls his partner/lover.
Fairstein's book reads almost like a "police chase." Chapters start and end in various parts of New York City. Did someone see Coop step into a van? Was that van seen on the George Washington Bridge? Was that Coop hanging from the Bridge by her fingers? Who was Coop having dinner with or meeting at a restaurant on 6th Avenue in the 50's? Detective Chapman does not let us forget that he played in Bennet Park in Washington Heights as a child. "I played in Bennet Park," is a constant chorus spoken by Chapman throughout "Devil's Bridge." The chase takes us to The Statue of Liberty and Liberty and Ellis Islands in the off season, Chapman chases those whom he thinks are or were the kidnappers up and down "The Lady" of the Harbor, up and down all those stairs from the base to the tip of the torch. Fairstein's police chase takes up by boat up the Hudson River to The Little Red Lighthouse which stands tall under the George Washington Bridge. Fairstein also takes up though New York City's subway mazes to Brooklyn, and also to Edgewater New Jersey on the western shore of the Hudson River. The cars keep turning around on the piers, in parking lots, etc. One keeps on reading page after page, hopping that Detective Mark Chapman will find Police Woman, Alexandra Cooperman alive and well.
Have fun navigating the rivers, parks, roads, avenues, highways trains, restaurants, and the highways and byways of New York City, in the Linda Fairstein's "Devil's Bridge,"the 17th book in the Alexandra Cooper Mystery Series.
Laura Cobrinik,
Boonton Township, NJ
January 14, 2022
I hate to give this book such a low rating, but it was not successful. Instead of telling the story from Alex's POV, this book is mainly from Mike's POV. It felt like Mike's character was not stable. At many times it sounded like Alex was speaking through Mike. I hope the next book returns to the original format.
December 18, 2017
An easy and interesting read, an adventure and not too much mystery, although the plot went in a different direction than I thought it would. If the reader has been following the Alexander Cooper character, the book will probably be more exciting. A 'disappearance' A/K/A kidnapping and the search from there. New York is always a great locale for a story so that helps in this book.
I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway.
I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway.
March 3, 2018
Free at last! 👎🏻
January 4, 2020
Two stars is OK. This was, for me, an odd book. It started out from the POV of Alexandra Cooper, a NYC prosecutor. (Author is long time NYC prosecutor.) Then she is snatched and the rest of the book is in the POV of her police detective squeeze.
It seemed as though large sections were lifted from a tourist guidebook about historical spots -- something of a THINGS YOU MUST SEE IN NEW YORK CITY AND ENVIRONS. Poking around the innards of the Statue of Liberty to find the missing Alexandra, for example, seemed a really unlikely choice although (could it be?) a wonderful scene for a Netflix movie.
I admit I sailed through the last few chapters just to get through it, although I had no doubt Alex would be found safe and sound and ready for the next book in the series.
It seemed as though large sections were lifted from a tourist guidebook about historical spots -- something of a THINGS YOU MUST SEE IN NEW YORK CITY AND ENVIRONS. Poking around the innards of the Statue of Liberty to find the missing Alexandra, for example, seemed a really unlikely choice although (could it be?) a wonderful scene for a Netflix movie.
I admit I sailed through the last few chapters just to get through it, although I had no doubt Alex would be found safe and sound and ready for the next book in the series.
June 4, 2017
Really enjoyed this novel. Like that it's told from Chapman's viewpoint.
February 10, 2023
First time reader and glad I took the chance. Seventeenth in the Alexandra Cooper series. This one features Detective Mike Chapman. Coop is missing and Chapman is determined to find her at any cost. I not a fan of Chapman and I figured abduction long before the ones in charge thought it through. Cooper's job in the District Attorney's office was enough to call fowl. Maybe I watch to much Law and Order. enjoy
August 16, 2016
The Alexandra Cooper series written by Linda Fairstein is yet another series that I have been reading for years… in fact, from the very first book in the series. Alex Cooper is an Assistant District Attorney in the Sex Crimes Unit of the New York City District Attorney's Office. I find this series captivating for two reasons.. the stories are set up in a way that I find similar to the television show 'Law & Order: Special Victims' and I used to watch the show religiously. Alex works closely on her cases with two NYPD detectives, Mercer Wallace and Mike Chapman and the three have terrific chemistry and a long history as colleagues and friends.
The other aspect of this series that I find so alluring is that in each installment , Linda Fairstein incorporates particular aspects of the history of New York City and landmarks as part of the setting of the stories and in many cases, the landmarks even figure into some aspect of the cases. Throughout the series, the stories have been told in Alex's voice but in this book, 'Devil's Bridge', Mike Chapman narrates the story and what could have been somewhat jarring actually works quite well. There has always been an interesting chemistry between Alex Cooper and Mike Chapman… what had always been a teasing, friendly banter which was sometimes laced with sexual tension has, in this book, turned into a full-fledged romance…. a somewhat tentative romance but a romance all the same.
The story begins with an especially hectic day for Alex… she sees one of her cases 'heading south' in a hurry because of the disappearance of a crucial witness and to make maters worse, she becomes aware that her office computer has been hacked. She is looking forward to the weekend so she can hopefully relax and spend some quality time with Mike…. their romance is new but the two are carrying quite a bit of emotional baggage from previous relationships. Relaxing at their favorite restaurant Primola, Mike receives a call regarding a case.. a homicide has occurred. When Alex decides to leave her friends at the restaurant, she places a call to Uber to secure a ride home. Waiting in front of the restaurant for the car service, Alex is distracted by her phone and doesn't notice when an SUV pulls up. She is physically forced into the SUV and she is gone….
By the time Mike is finished at the crime scene, it's the next day and when he can't find Alex and she is unreachable by phone, he isn't concerned; but as the day goes on and nobody has seen or heard from her, he knows something is wrong. Eventually Mike, Mercer and what seems like the totality of the NYPD are involved in trying to find out what happened to Alex. Was she kidnapped? Who kidnapped her and what do the kidnappers want? Alex has made quite a number of enemies in her job as a prosecutor… are the kidnappers tied to an old case?
Mike has few clues but his frantic search leads him through the Manhattan waterfront to the Statue of Liberty and across the George Washington Bridge. Of course, interspersed throughout this fast moving story are tidbits of historical facts about these New York City landmarks which makes the story that much more interesting to me. In the end of course, Mike and Mercer DO discover what happened to Alex.. and why.. but getting to that point was a wild ride which I thoroughly enjoyed!
The only aspect of this story that didn't particular;y work for me was the change in the Mike/Alex relationship. I have always enjoyed the tension and innuendos between the two but since they became a couple, their relationship feels a bit awkward and stilted. Perhaps Ms. Fairstein has simply just not found her 'groove' as far as Mike's and Alex's relationship goes. I'm willing to give that some time but I hope the romance gets resolved soon.
Barbara Rosenblat performed the narration of this book and as ALWAYS, she did a superb job!
The other aspect of this series that I find so alluring is that in each installment , Linda Fairstein incorporates particular aspects of the history of New York City and landmarks as part of the setting of the stories and in many cases, the landmarks even figure into some aspect of the cases. Throughout the series, the stories have been told in Alex's voice but in this book, 'Devil's Bridge', Mike Chapman narrates the story and what could have been somewhat jarring actually works quite well. There has always been an interesting chemistry between Alex Cooper and Mike Chapman… what had always been a teasing, friendly banter which was sometimes laced with sexual tension has, in this book, turned into a full-fledged romance…. a somewhat tentative romance but a romance all the same.
The story begins with an especially hectic day for Alex… she sees one of her cases 'heading south' in a hurry because of the disappearance of a crucial witness and to make maters worse, she becomes aware that her office computer has been hacked. She is looking forward to the weekend so she can hopefully relax and spend some quality time with Mike…. their romance is new but the two are carrying quite a bit of emotional baggage from previous relationships. Relaxing at their favorite restaurant Primola, Mike receives a call regarding a case.. a homicide has occurred. When Alex decides to leave her friends at the restaurant, she places a call to Uber to secure a ride home. Waiting in front of the restaurant for the car service, Alex is distracted by her phone and doesn't notice when an SUV pulls up. She is physically forced into the SUV and she is gone….
By the time Mike is finished at the crime scene, it's the next day and when he can't find Alex and she is unreachable by phone, he isn't concerned; but as the day goes on and nobody has seen or heard from her, he knows something is wrong. Eventually Mike, Mercer and what seems like the totality of the NYPD are involved in trying to find out what happened to Alex. Was she kidnapped? Who kidnapped her and what do the kidnappers want? Alex has made quite a number of enemies in her job as a prosecutor… are the kidnappers tied to an old case?
Mike has few clues but his frantic search leads him through the Manhattan waterfront to the Statue of Liberty and across the George Washington Bridge. Of course, interspersed throughout this fast moving story are tidbits of historical facts about these New York City landmarks which makes the story that much more interesting to me. In the end of course, Mike and Mercer DO discover what happened to Alex.. and why.. but getting to that point was a wild ride which I thoroughly enjoyed!
The only aspect of this story that didn't particular;y work for me was the change in the Mike/Alex relationship. I have always enjoyed the tension and innuendos between the two but since they became a couple, their relationship feels a bit awkward and stilted. Perhaps Ms. Fairstein has simply just not found her 'groove' as far as Mike's and Alex's relationship goes. I'm willing to give that some time but I hope the romance gets resolved soon.
Barbara Rosenblat performed the narration of this book and as ALWAYS, she did a superb job!
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