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Alexandra Cooper #18
Killer Look
New York Times bestselling author Linda Fairstein delivers a heart-pounding thriller that explores the dark secrets of New York City's Garment District—and centering on its infamous Fashion Week—in her eighteenth Alexandra Cooper novel.
New York City is known for its glamour, and nowhere is this more apparent than in its fashion scene. Sharing the pedestal with Paris, Milan, and London as fashion capital of the world, New York continually astounds with its creativity, daring, and innovations in the name of beauty. Yet high fashion means high stakes, as Alex Cooper quickly discovers when a murder rocks New York City's Fashion Week. Along with Detectives Mike Chapman and Mercer Wallace, Alex must reveal the grime beneath the glitz to expose the culprit—unless a wolf in model's clothing gets to them first.
Linda Fairstein was chief of the Sex Crimes Unit of the district attorney’s office in Manhattan for more than two decades and is America’s foremost legal expert on sexual assault and domestic violence. Her Alexandra Cooper novels are international bestsellers and have been translated into more than a dozen languages. She lives in Manhattan and on Martha’s Vineyard.
New York City is known for its glamour, and nowhere is this more apparent than in its fashion scene. Sharing the pedestal with Paris, Milan, and London as fashion capital of the world, New York continually astounds with its creativity, daring, and innovations in the name of beauty. Yet high fashion means high stakes, as Alex Cooper quickly discovers when a murder rocks New York City's Fashion Week. Along with Detectives Mike Chapman and Mercer Wallace, Alex must reveal the grime beneath the glitz to expose the culprit—unless a wolf in model's clothing gets to them first.
Linda Fairstein was chief of the Sex Crimes Unit of the district attorney’s office in Manhattan for more than two decades and is America’s foremost legal expert on sexual assault and domestic violence. Her Alexandra Cooper novels are international bestsellers and have been translated into more than a dozen languages. She lives in Manhattan and on Martha’s Vineyard.
400 pages, Hardcover
First published July 26, 2016
288 people are currently reading
2203 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 420 reviews
February 9, 2017
2,5 stars
This has been one of my favourite series since I read the first book years ago.
Killer Look, the 18th novel featuring ADA heading the Sex Crimes division of the DA’s office, Alexandra “Coop” Cooper, in Linda Fairstein's Alexandra Cooper Series was an uninspiring and disappointment for me.
Alex, traumatized by her kidnapping at the end of the previous book, Devil’s Bridge, she is struggling to deal with her ordeal - every noise makes her nervous, shut out by her co-workers and friends and using alcohol as a means of overcoming her fears.
This story is set in NYC 's fashion industry. The apparent suicide of a
high-fashion couturier Wolf Savage soon begins to look more like murder. When Savage's daughter, Lily Savitsky, Alex's old high school swimming teammate contacts her about her father's death, Alex is reluctantly allowed to assist Mike Chapman with the investigation.
I found the plot interesting...all the shenanigans of fashion industry and the cutthroat world that those people live in......what I didn't enjoy was the way Mike Chapman dealt with Alex's problems. He was such a dolt most of the times that I wanted Alex to give his ass a huge kick!!!!
There was hardly any romance between these two!!
I also became bored after a while with all those personal traumas that Alex had and how she dealt with them. I somehow expected her to be a bit less needy!!!
Hell, the way this book ended.............never expected that...but still did not make it more than a very average read.
This has been one of my favourite series since I read the first book years ago.
Killer Look, the 18th novel featuring ADA heading the Sex Crimes division of the DA’s office, Alexandra “Coop” Cooper, in Linda Fairstein's Alexandra Cooper Series was an uninspiring and disappointment for me.
Alex, traumatized by her kidnapping at the end of the previous book, Devil’s Bridge, she is struggling to deal with her ordeal - every noise makes her nervous, shut out by her co-workers and friends and using alcohol as a means of overcoming her fears.
This story is set in NYC 's fashion industry. The apparent suicide of a
high-fashion couturier Wolf Savage soon begins to look more like murder. When Savage's daughter, Lily Savitsky, Alex's old high school swimming teammate contacts her about her father's death, Alex is reluctantly allowed to assist Mike Chapman with the investigation.
I found the plot interesting...all the shenanigans of fashion industry and the cutthroat world that those people live in......what I didn't enjoy was the way Mike Chapman dealt with Alex's problems. He was such a dolt most of the times that I wanted Alex to give his ass a huge kick!!!!
There was hardly any romance between these two!!
I also became bored after a while with all those personal traumas that Alex had and how she dealt with them. I somehow expected her to be a bit less needy!!!
Hell, the way this book ended.............never expected that...but still did not make it more than a very average read.
June 16, 2016
Killer Look is good, but ultimately forgettable. I wasn't too fond of our heroine and the excessive use of dialogue was tiring. Literally the whole book is dialogue. I don't think I saw one page that wasn't. Plus--it's a small thing, but it annoyed me--EVERYONE says everyone else's name all the time.
"You probably shouldn't go in there, Brenda."
"Brenda we should go talk to that guy."
"Brenda you need to stop complaining so much."
"It's in your best interest to stop this example, Brenda."
You get the idea.
"You probably shouldn't go in there, Brenda."
"Brenda we should go talk to that guy."
"Brenda you need to stop complaining so much."
"It's in your best interest to stop this example, Brenda."
You get the idea.
February 28, 2017
I have to admit that I was unsure that I would like this story because of the fashion angle. I have read two books previous in this series and have enjoyed them both so I hoped it would turn out to be just as good as they had been. And, yes, despite my lack of fashion interest did this book work out for me. But, then again, a killer in the fashion world doesn't seem that far-fetched when you think about it. All those egoistic, megalomaniacs that only care about earning more money would probably kill without any problems if that meant earning more money. I mean some of them already do that with poor working conditions, buildings collapsing and minimum wagers. Sorry, I got off the track...
In Killer Look is Alex Cooper recuperating after being kidnapped in the previous book, and what better way to get back than to help an old school mate to find out the truth about her father's death. Everything points to suicide, but Alex is not so sure and together with detectives Mike Chapman and Mercer Wallace is she investigating the case. Or rather they are and she is unofficially helping. But, perhaps she should have stayed out of this and focused on getting better because there seemed to be danger lurking in the fashion world...
I ended up quite liking the book. I especially like the fact that Alex and Mike are now official a couple, it will be interesting to read the previous books to see how that happened since they have been just friends for years. I liked the case and I liked the tidbit of fashion history that Linda Fairstein includes in the story. That's one of the best things about this series besides the cases. I just love reading books that include interesting tidbits. The case may have started off a bit slow, but it got more interesting as the story progressed and it seems that a lot of the people around Wolf Savage has secrets...
Killer Look is a superb book, although personally, I can't understand why you want to spend so much money on clothes when you can buy books instead...
I want to thank the publisher for providing me with a free copy through NetGalley for an honest review!
Read this review and others on A Bookaholic Swede
In Killer Look is Alex Cooper recuperating after being kidnapped in the previous book, and what better way to get back than to help an old school mate to find out the truth about her father's death. Everything points to suicide, but Alex is not so sure and together with detectives Mike Chapman and Mercer Wallace is she investigating the case. Or rather they are and she is unofficially helping. But, perhaps she should have stayed out of this and focused on getting better because there seemed to be danger lurking in the fashion world...
I ended up quite liking the book. I especially like the fact that Alex and Mike are now official a couple, it will be interesting to read the previous books to see how that happened since they have been just friends for years. I liked the case and I liked the tidbit of fashion history that Linda Fairstein includes in the story. That's one of the best things about this series besides the cases. I just love reading books that include interesting tidbits. The case may have started off a bit slow, but it got more interesting as the story progressed and it seems that a lot of the people around Wolf Savage has secrets...
Killer Look is a superb book, although personally, I can't understand why you want to spend so much money on clothes when you can buy books instead...
I want to thank the publisher for providing me with a free copy through NetGalley for an honest review!
Read this review and others on A Bookaholic Swede
July 26, 2016
With a Linda Fairstein novel you not only get a tantalizing murder mystery, but you also get tidbits of history and a tour of interesting spots throughout New York City. Fairstein’s latest mystery combines murder with the glitz and glamour of the New York fashion district.
Narrator Barbara Rosenblat does an excellent job giving distinct voices to the various characters. Her unique vocals and manners are spot on when highlighting the ups and downs of the characters’ emotions. Her cadence enhances the story.
Fairstein has created realistic characters that are well-developed and likable. The interaction between the characters adds depth to the story. The secondary characters are colorful and add a bit of drama.
The New York setting adds intrigue and is virtually a character in its self. Through Fairstein’s vivid descriptions the garment district comes to life throughout the novel. With an eye for detail, Fairstein pulls readers/listeners into the story with touches of clothing history and New York’s place in all things fashion.
The story has enough twists and turns to have you changing your mind about the killer’s identity as fast as super models change for the runway. Fairstein combines her protagonist’s anxiety from a previous story with current events to show her development. New readers won’t be left in the dark about the problems causing Alexandra’s condition as Fairstein fills in the blanks enough to make this a stand-alone read.
KILLER LOOK is a fast-pace thriller filled with suspense and a shocking surprise ending you won’t see coming.
FTC Full Disclosure – A copy of this audio book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review. The thoughts are completely my own and given honestly and freely.
Narrator Barbara Rosenblat does an excellent job giving distinct voices to the various characters. Her unique vocals and manners are spot on when highlighting the ups and downs of the characters’ emotions. Her cadence enhances the story.
Fairstein has created realistic characters that are well-developed and likable. The interaction between the characters adds depth to the story. The secondary characters are colorful and add a bit of drama.
The New York setting adds intrigue and is virtually a character in its self. Through Fairstein’s vivid descriptions the garment district comes to life throughout the novel. With an eye for detail, Fairstein pulls readers/listeners into the story with touches of clothing history and New York’s place in all things fashion.
The story has enough twists and turns to have you changing your mind about the killer’s identity as fast as super models change for the runway. Fairstein combines her protagonist’s anxiety from a previous story with current events to show her development. New readers won’t be left in the dark about the problems causing Alexandra’s condition as Fairstein fills in the blanks enough to make this a stand-alone read.
KILLER LOOK is a fast-pace thriller filled with suspense and a shocking surprise ending you won’t see coming.
FTC Full Disclosure – A copy of this audio book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review. The thoughts are completely my own and given honestly and freely.
December 23, 2016
I'm normally a fan of Linda Fairstein, so decided to check out Killer Look, the 18th book of her long running series featuring Sex Crimes Prosecutor, Alex Cooper. She's on leave, recuperating from events that occurred in The Devils' Bridge. When Lily Savitsky, an old schoolmate she hadn't seen in years, tells her that her father, billionaire couturier Wolf Savage, has died from inhaling helium in a plastic bag, Alex becomes interested in the case. It helps that the case is being handled by her lover, NYPD detective, Mike Chapman. The reader gets involved in the interesting world of fashion, which turns out to be a hotbed of drugs, backstabbing and infidelity.
This book was such a struggle to read. I have no idea why Fairstein felt it necessary to describe all the in and outs of the fashion industry. As soon as the story would start to rev up, readers would be treated to page after page of fashion industry trivia. I just didn't care. While the relationship between Mike and Alex was longed for by many fans, I I find that's it's really changed the relationship for the worse. I know Alex is recovering but her weakness, flirting with alcoholism, and her bizarre relationship with Mike was so unpleasant. Hopefully the author will get back to the normal elements of the series in her next book. I'm willing to give her another chance.
This book was such a struggle to read. I have no idea why Fairstein felt it necessary to describe all the in and outs of the fashion industry. As soon as the story would start to rev up, readers would be treated to page after page of fashion industry trivia. I just didn't care. While the relationship between Mike and Alex was longed for by many fans, I I find that's it's really changed the relationship for the worse. I know Alex is recovering but her weakness, flirting with alcoholism, and her bizarre relationship with Mike was so unpleasant. Hopefully the author will get back to the normal elements of the series in her next book. I'm willing to give her another chance.
April 5, 2017
A good story, but for me not enough tense suspense.
September 5, 2016
Killer Look is the 18th book in the Alex Cooper series by Linda Fairstein. Alex is now out of hospital after her kidnapping in the previous book, Devil’s Bridge, but is suffering from PTSD. Overall I found this to be a fairly typical Alex Cooper book with the author’s trademark of focusing on the history of a particular landmark or section of New York City. In this edition of the series, Linda Fairstein unravels the history of the city’s garment district and the fashion industry. While I found the history interesting and enjoyed the fashion design storyline, along with the name-dropping of iconic fashion designers (e.g. Coco Chanel, Giorgio Armani, Michael Kors, Alexander McQueen), there were things that irritated me about this book.
Alex is suffering from PTSD. She readily admits that she is, all of her friends are aware that she is, but yet it isn’t until after page 300 that the issue of therapy is addressed. Alex does not want to attend therapy and believes that hanging around her boyfriend, Mike, (while he is trying to perform his job) will “cure” her. Really???? This character is becoming more whiny and man-dependent with each book. If it wasn’t for the interesting storylines around the historic landmarks in NY City, I would probably give this series up. Only because I enjoyed the fashion storyline does this book get three stars (otherwise it would have been a two star read).
Alex is suffering from PTSD. She readily admits that she is, all of her friends are aware that she is, but yet it isn’t until after page 300 that the issue of therapy is addressed. Alex does not want to attend therapy and believes that hanging around her boyfriend, Mike, (while he is trying to perform his job) will “cure” her. Really???? This character is becoming more whiny and man-dependent with each book. If it wasn’t for the interesting storylines around the historic landmarks in NY City, I would probably give this series up. Only because I enjoyed the fashion storyline does this book get three stars (otherwise it would have been a two star read).
July 7, 2016
This one was a meh for me, in the 'it was ok' category. The plot was good, and I learned a lot about the fashion industry and the history of the garment district in NYC. I should also say that this, the 18th book in the series, was the first one I've read, so fans of the series might love it. What bothered me was that Alex Cooper is in her 30s but her boyfriend calls her 'kid', denigrates her intelligence, and consistently treats her like a child. Perhaps fans would argue that because she's recovering from a trauma that happened in the previous book in the series, is a special victims detective tagging along on her boyfriend's homicide case, and has known him for many years, all of this is okay. Might find him charming and protective, even. But it really prevented me from enjoying the book.
I got a copy of this to review from First to Read.
I got a copy of this to review from First to Read.
July 8, 2024
I recently reread an earlier book in this series featuring NYC District Attorney Alexandra Cabot and that made me want to read some of the newer books I hadn't read yet. I found Killer Look on my first trip back to the library in quite a while and am glad I did.
In this book, readers get a behind-the-scenes look at the fashion industry as Alex investigates a case when she is supposed to be on leave. I don't love all the decisions she makes or the way homicide detective Mike Chapman handles her choices. In the end, I was satisfied with the way the case wrapped up and was also hopeful that Alex and Mike were on the way to getting their working and their personal relationship back on track.
In this book, readers get a behind-the-scenes look at the fashion industry as Alex investigates a case when she is supposed to be on leave. I don't love all the decisions she makes or the way homicide detective Mike Chapman handles her choices. In the end, I was satisfied with the way the case wrapped up and was also hopeful that Alex and Mike were on the way to getting their working and their personal relationship back on track.
August 26, 2016
I enjoy this book series and will continue to read them but this is the 18th book in the series, and twice in the latter half of the book one of the main characters (homicide detective Mike Chapman) says to the lawyer (main character ADA Alex Cooper) "How do you know that?". She replies with different variations of "I went to law school". I mean, really? After years of working cases together, he can't figure out she knows points of law because she is a lawyer? And he's a detective and can't figure that out?
October 16, 2018
I read one of the earlier books in this long-running series many years ago and, although I remember nothing else about it, I do recall enjoying it. So when Killer Look came my way I thought it'd be fun to check in on Fairstein's series character, independently wealthy New York Assistant DA and sex-crimes expert Amanda "Coop" Cooper, to see how she and her pals were getting along. I don't know if I was unlucky in my choice of book or if I simply wasn't in the right frame of mind for Fairstein and Coop, but I had great difficulty becoming involved in this.
Coop was abducted and terrorized in the previous volume, so now she's on leave while she tries to get her PTSD -- and her habit of self-medicating with Dewars -- under control. Even so, through cop boyfriend Mike Chapman, she becomes embroiled in investigating murder and shenanigans in the New York haute couture biz.
Although, despite the best efforts of my Better Half, I'm not exactly a walking clothes horse myself (thank heaven for thrift shops and rummage sales, say I), I thought the background sounded potentially interesting; plus, who cares what the background is when the story's in the hands of a master storyteller?
Where I hadn't expected to have difficulties was with the characters. Oh, to be sure, I'd anticipated that some of the fashionistas might be the kind of loathsome divas it's fun to chuckle about, or even to abhor. If that anticipation had been satisfied I might have enjoyed the novel more. Instead I found myself just sort of resentfully disliking practically everyone in the book -- and, alarmingly, this included both Amanda Cooper and her heartthrob Mike Chapman. Just about the only characters I warmed to at all were an ambitious hotel maid (in a tiny role) and someone who turned out, through what seemed somewhat dubious plotting -- as if this twist had been thought of rather late in the proceedings -- to be one of the bad guys. Had the mystery itself been a bit more engrossing I might have been able to ignore my dislike of the characters, but it never caught my imagination and the truth, when finally revealed, didn't come as much of a surprise.
As I say, if I'd picked this up on a different day or in a different week, I might now be writing a glowing report of it. As it is, though, Killer Look just didn't grab me. But don't take that to mean I've abandoned Fairstein: as Jim Steinman almost sang, one out of two ain't bad.
Coop was abducted and terrorized in the previous volume, so now she's on leave while she tries to get her PTSD -- and her habit of self-medicating with Dewars -- under control. Even so, through cop boyfriend Mike Chapman, she becomes embroiled in investigating murder and shenanigans in the New York haute couture biz.
Although, despite the best efforts of my Better Half, I'm not exactly a walking clothes horse myself (thank heaven for thrift shops and rummage sales, say I), I thought the background sounded potentially interesting; plus, who cares what the background is when the story's in the hands of a master storyteller?
Where I hadn't expected to have difficulties was with the characters. Oh, to be sure, I'd anticipated that some of the fashionistas might be the kind of loathsome divas it's fun to chuckle about, or even to abhor. If that anticipation had been satisfied I might have enjoyed the novel more. Instead I found myself just sort of resentfully disliking practically everyone in the book -- and, alarmingly, this included both Amanda Cooper and her heartthrob Mike Chapman. Just about the only characters I warmed to at all were an ambitious hotel maid (in a tiny role) and someone who turned out, through what seemed somewhat dubious plotting -- as if this twist had been thought of rather late in the proceedings -- to be one of the bad guys. Had the mystery itself been a bit more engrossing I might have been able to ignore my dislike of the characters, but it never caught my imagination and the truth, when finally revealed, didn't come as much of a surprise.
As I say, if I'd picked this up on a different day or in a different week, I might now be writing a glowing report of it. As it is, though, Killer Look just didn't grab me. But don't take that to mean I've abandoned Fairstein: as Jim Steinman almost sang, one out of two ain't bad.
August 8, 2016
“Just when I thought I was out ... they pull me back in.”
I’ve been reading Linda Fairstein’s Alexandra Cooper books since picking up Final Jeopardy in a bookstore on vacation in 1997. I loved it immediately and have gone back to re-read that first book at least a dozen times. Every year since, I’ve carefully noted the release date for the latest entry in the series and made sure to get my hands on it as soon as possible. I enjoyed the character of Alex and learning more about important places in New York; I was willing to overlook some weaknesses in dialogue (it’s grown more stilted in recent years) and Fairstein’s penchant for name-dropping luxury brands (to a somewhat ridiculous extent).
Even with nearly 20 years of loyalty to Alex, though, I’ve been increasingly disappointed by this series in the last couple of years, and halfway into my first read through Killer Look I had convinced myself that this should be it. I should stop investing myself in this series. I have too much else to read to spend my time on bad books, and Killer Look, I thought, was pretty bad. In last summer’s volume, Devil’s Bridge, Fairstein decided to flip the script and make Mike Chapman the narrator as he searched for Alex, who had been abducted. Killer Look brings Alex back to the narrator’s role, but we learn surprisingly little about what happened during her abduction—she frequently mentions the flashbacks she’s experiencing, but doesn’t say anything about their content. What happened to her during the days she was being held? Fairstein provides no answers.
Plot-wise, Killer Look is a predictable Fairstein offering: murder in a notable New York location, giving Alex and her detective colleagues Mike and Mercer plenty of opportunities to exposit on the area’s history and awkwardly drop trivia factoids into casual conversation. Fine, I guess. But I just wasn’t drawn in—not by the murder victim, his family, or the reasons he wound up dead.
I might have stuck by my decision to make Killer Look my farewell to Alex and friends if not for the very last page. Because just when I thought I was done, Fairstein dropped a major game-changer in the final scene of the book, and there’s no way I can forgo finding out how this plays out. I’ve come too far. So despite my previous instincts, I’ll be back for more in summer 2017. Dammit.
I received a promotional copy of this book via NetGalley.
I’ve been reading Linda Fairstein’s Alexandra Cooper books since picking up Final Jeopardy in a bookstore on vacation in 1997. I loved it immediately and have gone back to re-read that first book at least a dozen times. Every year since, I’ve carefully noted the release date for the latest entry in the series and made sure to get my hands on it as soon as possible. I enjoyed the character of Alex and learning more about important places in New York; I was willing to overlook some weaknesses in dialogue (it’s grown more stilted in recent years) and Fairstein’s penchant for name-dropping luxury brands (to a somewhat ridiculous extent).
Even with nearly 20 years of loyalty to Alex, though, I’ve been increasingly disappointed by this series in the last couple of years, and halfway into my first read through Killer Look I had convinced myself that this should be it. I should stop investing myself in this series. I have too much else to read to spend my time on bad books, and Killer Look, I thought, was pretty bad. In last summer’s volume, Devil’s Bridge, Fairstein decided to flip the script and make Mike Chapman the narrator as he searched for Alex, who had been abducted. Killer Look brings Alex back to the narrator’s role, but we learn surprisingly little about what happened during her abduction—she frequently mentions the flashbacks she’s experiencing, but doesn’t say anything about their content. What happened to her during the days she was being held? Fairstein provides no answers.
Plot-wise, Killer Look is a predictable Fairstein offering: murder in a notable New York location, giving Alex and her detective colleagues Mike and Mercer plenty of opportunities to exposit on the area’s history and awkwardly drop trivia factoids into casual conversation. Fine, I guess. But I just wasn’t drawn in—not by the murder victim, his family, or the reasons he wound up dead.
I might have stuck by my decision to make Killer Look my farewell to Alex and friends if not for the very last page. Because just when I thought I was done, Fairstein dropped a major game-changer in the final scene of the book, and there’s no way I can forgo finding out how this plays out. I’ve come too far. So despite my previous instincts, I’ll be back for more in summer 2017. Dammit.
I received a promotional copy of this book via NetGalley.
June 8, 2016
In this exciting new installment of the Alexandra Cooper seriesl the gang is all together again as they try to solve the murder of a model and determine whether a fashion mogul's suicide is as straight forward as it seems.
The story starts shortly after the last book ends. Alex is off work still and is suffering from anxiety related to her abduction. When Mike is called back in to work these cases Alex tries to get back to a sense of normalcy. An old friend of hers has a connection to the case and Alex finds that she can't help but get involved. As she, Mike and Mercer begin asking questions they find things are much more complicated that they first realized.
One of my favorite things about this series is how the author weaves the history and landmarks of New York City in to each book. This one carried on that tradition and in this we learned a lot about the garment district and the community that makes up the fashion industry. There was one historical fact I found really interesting and I ended up reading additional information from other sources on it.
The case itself was interesting and the book started a little slow for me but picked up quickly and then went at a good pace until the end. The end had a surprise twist and I can't wait to see what happens in the next book.
This was a good murder/suspense story and while it is a part of a long running series, it can be read as a standalone.
*ARC received from the publisher through Netgalley in exchange for a honest review*
July 15, 2016
The eighteenth in the Alexandra Cooper series, this story picks up soon after the last one. Alex isn’t her old self as she tries to recover from an abduction that was the the focus of the last book. You don’t have to have read the prior novels, although if you have it’s like visiting old friends which is why Alex’s PTSD behavior was a bit unsettling.
An apparent suicide that is not, an interesting overview of the NYC rag trade and world of designer fashion, and family intrigue that Alex cannot resist makes this a quick and absorbing read.
I always enjoy Fairstein’s use of familiar New York locations, along with some historical perspective and I love the Final Jeopardy questions, a trademark of the Alex Cooper series.
The twist at the end leaves readers hungry for the next in this series.
An apparent suicide that is not, an interesting overview of the NYC rag trade and world of designer fashion, and family intrigue that Alex cannot resist makes this a quick and absorbing read.
I always enjoy Fairstein’s use of familiar New York locations, along with some historical perspective and I love the Final Jeopardy questions, a trademark of the Alex Cooper series.
The twist at the end leaves readers hungry for the next in this series.
June 11, 2017
I feel bad because I'm insanely disappointed with this book. I'll admit, I haven't read the others in the series, so I had to read some quick reviews to catch up.
Mike is an absolute ass. You don't act like he does to someone that has PTSD. You just don't.
Alex is a selfish bitch and whines and cries until she gets her way and she's an alcoholic.
There's a lot of talk in this that doesn't even make sense to the overall plot. It also seemed like the author forgot Alex has PTSD for a majority of the chapters and then randomly shoves it in your face - at times that don't make sense.
Detective books have always drawn my fancy... But there was rarely any investigation in this book that wasn't just talking to people.
Mike is an absolute ass. You don't act like he does to someone that has PTSD. You just don't.
Alex is a selfish bitch and whines and cries until she gets her way and she's an alcoholic.
There's a lot of talk in this that doesn't even make sense to the overall plot. It also seemed like the author forgot Alex has PTSD for a majority of the chapters and then randomly shoves it in your face - at times that don't make sense.
Detective books have always drawn my fancy... But there was rarely any investigation in this book that wasn't just talking to people.
August 10, 2016
My View:
First Rate!
Fast paced, exciting…great character development, locations that you can visualise, a splash of romance; real relationships are portrayed- not light or fluffy or bodice ripping – as in honest and solid. Add a touch of history and a twisty narrative with a hint of something specular happening in the next book. I really enjoyed this read, in fact I really enjoy this series- it is another for you to add to your Must Read Author list.
First Rate!
Fast paced, exciting…great character development, locations that you can visualise, a splash of romance; real relationships are portrayed- not light or fluffy or bodice ripping – as in honest and solid. Add a touch of history and a twisty narrative with a hint of something specular happening in the next book. I really enjoyed this read, in fact I really enjoy this series- it is another for you to add to your Must Read Author list.
August 15, 2018
Fairstein sets the latest crimes among the fashion trade folks, homing in on the garment district and pointing out how many clothes are made cheaply in poor countries while the most expensive clothes are bought solely by Middle Eastern oil rich women. As usual, the killer could have got away with it if they didn't talk so much. I do like this crime aspect.
I can't like the way Alex Cooper, a lawyer at the top of her field, has continually been pushed down by the author. She's had awful taste in men, always picking up men who lived in different countries so as to avoid having a real relationship and to allow her to eat dinner out every night with her two men buddies. She never does anything that doesn't help herself. Never. Not once have we seen her organise anything to help others.
Now she is romantically involved with Mike Chapman, the man whom the author has said is based on her own father. Creepy. At this stage, Cooper is drinking spirits heavily and full of nerves, needy and hanging around murder case investigations so as not to be alone. Chapman puts her down even further by acting in a highly controlling manner, calling her kid and blondie, doubting her legal knowledge and being anything but respectful. He takes away her spirits and brings her wine. I don't see this as helpful.
The book is almost all dialogue and we get a weird scene where Alex is picked up in a car by her boss the DA; she insults him and calls him out as a serial adulterer. I'm sure he is, but is that her business? He hasn't hit on her that we've been told. Does she want to keep her job?
I had already read the following book so I was not surprised by the shock ending; I was just interested in the highly contrived way in which it was set up to occur. Also interested that when a criminal lawyer in NY hears a shot and sees someone fall, she doesn't immediately duck down and get to cover. I thought everyone in America ducked when shooting started. I would.
I was sent an e-ARC through Fresh Fiction. This is an unbiased review.
I can't like the way Alex Cooper, a lawyer at the top of her field, has continually been pushed down by the author. She's had awful taste in men, always picking up men who lived in different countries so as to avoid having a real relationship and to allow her to eat dinner out every night with her two men buddies. She never does anything that doesn't help herself. Never. Not once have we seen her organise anything to help others.
Now she is romantically involved with Mike Chapman, the man whom the author has said is based on her own father. Creepy. At this stage, Cooper is drinking spirits heavily and full of nerves, needy and hanging around murder case investigations so as not to be alone. Chapman puts her down even further by acting in a highly controlling manner, calling her kid and blondie, doubting her legal knowledge and being anything but respectful. He takes away her spirits and brings her wine. I don't see this as helpful.
The book is almost all dialogue and we get a weird scene where Alex is picked up in a car by her boss the DA; she insults him and calls him out as a serial adulterer. I'm sure he is, but is that her business? He hasn't hit on her that we've been told. Does she want to keep her job?
I had already read the following book so I was not surprised by the shock ending; I was just interested in the highly contrived way in which it was set up to occur. Also interested that when a criminal lawyer in NY hears a shot and sees someone fall, she doesn't immediately duck down and get to cover. I thought everyone in America ducked when shooting started. I would.
I was sent an e-ARC through Fresh Fiction. This is an unbiased review.
June 19, 2018
The same "wonderful" formula here that has been working for Fairstein for years...provide and interesting murder mystery...a bit of history, especially the history of NYC & insights into some major NYC enterprise...In this case we have the NYC fashion scene as the backdrop of our exciting mystery...Alexandra & her cohorts are drawn into the investigation of the death of a fashion icon while she's recovering from her ordeal from "Devil's Bridge"...Really good stuff here!!!
June 14, 2017
Good plot, non offensive, nicely developed characters, very well narrated & recommended - thought the end could of been less of a tease for the next in series but it was a definite end.
August 31, 2016
KILLER LOOK
by
Linda Fairstein
SPOILER ALERT: The following may contain revealing information about this book, as well as prior installments in the series.
Killer Look is Linda Fairstein’s latest installment in her Alexandra Cooper series. The focal point for Alex’s latest adventure with Mike Chapman and Mercer Wallace is the death of Wolf Savage, the creative genius behind, and head of, his own fashion empire. As is usual with Fairstein, Wolf Savage’s death is not all it appears to be on the surface. And, as we have come to expect, Alex’s ease in worlds outside of the district attorney’s office is vital to this investigation.
I am not a fashionista. However, I am an aficionado of Fairstein’s Alex Cooper. So, you will understand any ambivalence that may be found in this review.
In Killer Look, Alex is still recovering from her abduction, the focus of the previous book in the series, Devil’s Bridge. This changes her, her relationships with Mike and Mercer, and the usual formula Fairstein uses in many of her Alexandra Cooper novels. I have no doubt that Fairstein is in a better position to accurately portray the aftermaths of Alex’s horrific experience. I simply do not like Mike – particularly his reaction to, and treatment of, Alex – as he is portrayed in much of Killer Look.
I usually love Fairstein’s exposition of some historical point of interest about New York City that permeates each of her novels. But, Killer Look does not include what I have come to think of as the usual history from Fairstein; what is included pertains to the Garment District and the fashion industry, unappealing to this non-fashionista.
In addition, the version of Killer Look that I read was an Advance Uncorrected Proof provided for a review. This proof included a number of errors, mostly grammatical but also a few substantive errors. Although this is to be expected with proofs, as one who does a bit of editing in addition to reviewing, and hence who is hypercritical, the errors were a bit off putting.
Despite these shortcomings, I enjoyed my experience with Killer Look. I love Alexandra Cooper and was excited to be back in her world.
RECOMMENDED
by
Linda Fairstein
SPOILER ALERT: The following may contain revealing information about this book, as well as prior installments in the series.
Killer Look is Linda Fairstein’s latest installment in her Alexandra Cooper series. The focal point for Alex’s latest adventure with Mike Chapman and Mercer Wallace is the death of Wolf Savage, the creative genius behind, and head of, his own fashion empire. As is usual with Fairstein, Wolf Savage’s death is not all it appears to be on the surface. And, as we have come to expect, Alex’s ease in worlds outside of the district attorney’s office is vital to this investigation.
I am not a fashionista. However, I am an aficionado of Fairstein’s Alex Cooper. So, you will understand any ambivalence that may be found in this review.
In Killer Look, Alex is still recovering from her abduction, the focus of the previous book in the series, Devil’s Bridge. This changes her, her relationships with Mike and Mercer, and the usual formula Fairstein uses in many of her Alexandra Cooper novels. I have no doubt that Fairstein is in a better position to accurately portray the aftermaths of Alex’s horrific experience. I simply do not like Mike – particularly his reaction to, and treatment of, Alex – as he is portrayed in much of Killer Look.
I usually love Fairstein’s exposition of some historical point of interest about New York City that permeates each of her novels. But, Killer Look does not include what I have come to think of as the usual history from Fairstein; what is included pertains to the Garment District and the fashion industry, unappealing to this non-fashionista.
In addition, the version of Killer Look that I read was an Advance Uncorrected Proof provided for a review. This proof included a number of errors, mostly grammatical but also a few substantive errors. Although this is to be expected with proofs, as one who does a bit of editing in addition to reviewing, and hence who is hypercritical, the errors were a bit off putting.
Despite these shortcomings, I enjoyed my experience with Killer Look. I love Alexandra Cooper and was excited to be back in her world.
RECOMMENDED
November 3, 2016
Killer Look is Linda Fairstein’s latest installment in her Alexandra Cooper series. The focal point for Alex’s latest adventure with Mike Chapman and Mercer Wallace is the death of Wolf Savage, the creative genius behind, and head of, his own fashion empire. As is usual with Fairstein, Wolf Savage’s death is not all it appears to be on the surface. And, as we have come to expect, Alex’s ease in worlds outside of the district attorney’s office is vital to this investigation.
I am not a fashionista. However, I am an aficionado of Fairstein’s Alex Cooper. So, you will understand any ambivalence that may be found in this review.
In Killer Look, Alex is still recovering from her abduction, the focus of the previous book in the series, Devil’s Bridge. This changes her, her relationships with Mike and Mercer, and the usual formula Fairstein uses in many of her Alexandra Cooper novels. I have no doubt that Fairstein is in a better position to accurately portray the aftermaths of Alex’s horrific experience. I simply do not like Mike – particularly his reaction to, and treatment of, Alex – as he is portrayed in much of Killer Look.
I usually love Fairstein’s exposition of some historical point of interest about New York City that permeates each of her novels. But, Killer Look does not include what I have come to think of as the usual history from Fairstein; what is included pertains to the Garment District and the fashion industry, unappealing to this non-fashionista.
In addition, the version of Killer Look that I read was an Advance Uncorrected Proof provided for a review. This proof included a number of errors, mostly grammatical but also a few substantive errors. Although this is to be expected with proofs, as one who does a bit of editing in addition to reviewing, and hence who is hypercritical, the errors were a bit off putting.
Despite these shortcomings, I enjoyed my experience with Killer Look. I love Alexandra Cooper and was excited to be back in her world.
February 5, 2017
I would like to thank Netgalley and Little, Brown Book Group UK for a review copy of Killer Look, the 18th novel to feature ADA Alex Cooper and her sidekicks Detectives Mike Chapman and Wallace Mercer.
It is a completely different Alex we meet in Killer Look. She is cowed and afraid after her kidnapping so she is on sick leave, twiddling her thumbs and frightened of being alone. This does not stop her from muscling in on Mike investigation of the suicide of famous fashion designer Wolf Savage, especially when his daughter, Lily, an old school acquaintance contacts her to say she is sure he was murdered.
Over the years I have read the first 14 novels in the series and this is the first novel in the series I have read since then but the old favourites are there, small snippets of New York history, the warm friendship between the protagonists, the Jeopardy fixation (which I never get right), Mike's rubbish jokes and a topical theme. The difference is Alex and her PTSD. I much prefer the kickass Alex than this annoying, paranoid, self absorbed shadow. I'm sure her reactions to such a horrific event are realistic but they don't make for empathetic reading.
The plot itself is a bit muddled as it sometimes gets lost in all the fashion industry padding. The fashion stuff is an interesting peek behind the scenes but in this case I think a little less would have been more. Having skipped a few books I am not wholly conversant with the background to the subplot of DA Paul Battaglia's dirty dealings but it rumbles on with nothing really concluded in this novel.
I like the characters, including the city of New York, so I enjoyed the novel. I think 3.5* is a fair rating.
It is a completely different Alex we meet in Killer Look. She is cowed and afraid after her kidnapping so she is on sick leave, twiddling her thumbs and frightened of being alone. This does not stop her from muscling in on Mike investigation of the suicide of famous fashion designer Wolf Savage, especially when his daughter, Lily, an old school acquaintance contacts her to say she is sure he was murdered.
Over the years I have read the first 14 novels in the series and this is the first novel in the series I have read since then but the old favourites are there, small snippets of New York history, the warm friendship between the protagonists, the Jeopardy fixation (which I never get right), Mike's rubbish jokes and a topical theme. The difference is Alex and her PTSD. I much prefer the kickass Alex than this annoying, paranoid, self absorbed shadow. I'm sure her reactions to such a horrific event are realistic but they don't make for empathetic reading.
The plot itself is a bit muddled as it sometimes gets lost in all the fashion industry padding. The fashion stuff is an interesting peek behind the scenes but in this case I think a little less would have been more. Having skipped a few books I am not wholly conversant with the background to the subplot of DA Paul Battaglia's dirty dealings but it rumbles on with nothing really concluded in this novel.
I like the characters, including the city of New York, so I enjoyed the novel. I think 3.5* is a fair rating.
February 7, 2017
B is for broads, which is the trite way Mike refers to women ( I thought that expression died with Frank Sinatra!) and also for boring, which describes this book!! I have read the 17 previous romps thru New York City with Alexandra and enjoyed them all. Why did she turn into the quintessential "dumb blonde"?
September 1, 2016
Alexander Cooper’s kidnapping has left her with a severe drinking problem. It appears her spunk has departed. While readers of this series might be concerned, Alex’s relationship with Mike Chapman may renew her vigor.
February 20, 2017
Alex whines way too much! I used to enjoy this series, but it has been going downhill for the last couple of books - this by far is the worse.
I think the romance with Mike and Alex is a big mistake. It's the same thing that killed Moonlighting!
I think the romance with Mike and Alex is a big mistake. It's the same thing that killed Moonlighting!
August 1, 2016
Not as captivating as the previous novels, but maybe it was the subject matter.....the fashion industry isn't interesting to me.
September 1, 2016
Another enjoyable installment. I loved the fashion industry / NYC garment district details and Alex's investigative role in solving the case, especially the part in the Metropolitan Museum of Art..
August 28, 2020
It's been awhile since I've read a book in this series. Felt good to be back with old friends. This one had an excellent plot and a whole lot of good characters, along with the usual cast of good guys . It did have a very surprise ending, one I did not see coming.
November 2, 2024
I'm not going to spend much time on a review of this book since it doesn't warrant much applause. It kept my interest enough to keep reading, but just barely. The story involves an obvious murder and a questionable suicide, which in the beginning aren't known to be connected. The suicide of the famous fashion designer is soon proven to be murder, though how they made that leap wasn't quite clear. The motive to murder him even seemed weak.
Maybe I'm just not that interested in the "world of fashion" or the plot wasn't all that riveting. There were a few interesting facts about buttons and zippers, but I just know I won't be reading any more Linda Fairstein books. Oh well.
Maybe I'm just not that interested in the "world of fashion" or the plot wasn't all that riveting. There were a few interesting facts about buttons and zippers, but I just know I won't be reading any more Linda Fairstein books. Oh well.
August 15, 2016
As New York City District Attorney Alex Cooper was recovering in Martha’s Vineyard from a traumatic experience–she was kidnapped, her significant other, Detective Mike Chapman, got called back to New York after an unidentified woman’s body was found in the East River.
He returned to New York City and she decided she really didn’t want to be left alone. She flew back to NYC and, as expected, could not stay away from the case especially after Wolf Savage, the founder and head of a top design house, was found dead in a Garment District Hotel. The death was ruled a suicide and his son and brother want the body released immediately so they could have the funeral. His daughter, with whom Alex attended high school, called her and insists that her father would not have committed suicide.
Alex was under orders from her boss and nemisis DA Paul Battaglia to avoid any involvement with police business until she returned to active duty. Cooper, of course, must keep up on what’s happening. (Chapman was also trying to keep her away from alcohol abuse.)
The story provided the history of the Garment District. After the sewing machine was patented in the late 1840s, the area became home to textile manufacturers supplying the entire US. It was a circular project. Slaves in the South raised, picked, and baled the cotton to send to the North. The manufacturers produced the uniforms worn in the fields and plantation houses in the South. Once the producer of ninety-five percent of our clothing, it dropped to only three percent. The haute couture market, a very tightly controlled portion of the entire clothing market, only serves about two thousand customers worldwide, about half of them Muslim women.
It currently is home to some of the most highly-skilled, specialized jobs in the industry, passed down through the generations. They included companies for manufacturing, supplying and/or sewing buttons, lace, zippers, etc.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art was the second location detailed in KILLER LOOK. Savage scheduled a major showing at the museum for a week after his death. The book provided a brief tour of parts of the museum.
Interesting comment: “You can contribute twenty-seven hundred to someone in a presidential race. For Manhattan DA? The limit is forty-four thousand.”
A couple items did not ring true: The hotel used a 24-hour loop recording system. That seems much too short for any business in which the importance of some information may not be recognized for more than a day.
There is an important statement “Why the other housekeeper who works that floor thinks there was a guest in Room 1010 who never registered at the front desk.” The basis, the housekeepers observation, is not mentioned previously.
Like all the books in the series, the book was well-written and moved at a quick pace. The plot is somewhat standard. The same characters played their roles as do those specific to this book although Mike seems to be not very caring about Alex’s PTSD. Her relationship with her boss, as well as his activities, is still problematic. The ending promised some very interesting changes in the next one of the series.
A couple chapters directly follow the action with the same characters in the same location. The chapters should have been combined. After every chapter that ended on the right- hand page, there was a blank page so the next chapter would start on a right-hand page. That’s a huge waste of paper and the trees destroyed to make the book.
He returned to New York City and she decided she really didn’t want to be left alone. She flew back to NYC and, as expected, could not stay away from the case especially after Wolf Savage, the founder and head of a top design house, was found dead in a Garment District Hotel. The death was ruled a suicide and his son and brother want the body released immediately so they could have the funeral. His daughter, with whom Alex attended high school, called her and insists that her father would not have committed suicide.
Alex was under orders from her boss and nemisis DA Paul Battaglia to avoid any involvement with police business until she returned to active duty. Cooper, of course, must keep up on what’s happening. (Chapman was also trying to keep her away from alcohol abuse.)
The story provided the history of the Garment District. After the sewing machine was patented in the late 1840s, the area became home to textile manufacturers supplying the entire US. It was a circular project. Slaves in the South raised, picked, and baled the cotton to send to the North. The manufacturers produced the uniforms worn in the fields and plantation houses in the South. Once the producer of ninety-five percent of our clothing, it dropped to only three percent. The haute couture market, a very tightly controlled portion of the entire clothing market, only serves about two thousand customers worldwide, about half of them Muslim women.
It currently is home to some of the most highly-skilled, specialized jobs in the industry, passed down through the generations. They included companies for manufacturing, supplying and/or sewing buttons, lace, zippers, etc.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art was the second location detailed in KILLER LOOK. Savage scheduled a major showing at the museum for a week after his death. The book provided a brief tour of parts of the museum.
Interesting comment: “You can contribute twenty-seven hundred to someone in a presidential race. For Manhattan DA? The limit is forty-four thousand.”
A couple items did not ring true: The hotel used a 24-hour loop recording system. That seems much too short for any business in which the importance of some information may not be recognized for more than a day.
There is an important statement “Why the other housekeeper who works that floor thinks there was a guest in Room 1010 who never registered at the front desk.” The basis, the housekeepers observation, is not mentioned previously.
Like all the books in the series, the book was well-written and moved at a quick pace. The plot is somewhat standard. The same characters played their roles as do those specific to this book although Mike seems to be not very caring about Alex’s PTSD. Her relationship with her boss, as well as his activities, is still problematic. The ending promised some very interesting changes in the next one of the series.
A couple chapters directly follow the action with the same characters in the same location. The chapters should have been combined. After every chapter that ended on the right- hand page, there was a blank page so the next chapter would start on a right-hand page. That’s a huge waste of paper and the trees destroyed to make the book.
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