Review: Lethal Legacy


Lethal Legacy: A Novel, by Linda Fairstein







The Down and Dirty

There's something naughty afoot at the New York Public Library. One of their book conservationists turned up dead and there are some very juicy suspects...all of them associated with the library. It's up to Manhattan Assistant District Attorney Alex Cooper to find out who before more people die and more valuable library property disappears.



The Literary Criticism


Patience (one half of the NYC Library Lions named Patience and Fortitude)


Lethal Legacy is the 11th Alex Cooper novel written by Linda Fairstein. A Reader's Respite has not read any of the previous novels, but that didn't hamper our enjoyment.
Full of library lore and fascinating tidbits regarding book collecting, book restoration and the world of rare books, this novel is a vertible treasure trove of tidbits that bibliophiles would love.
The thriller storyline itself was quite secondary in our view. Adequately written, we had no complaints as Alex Cooper stalked a killer, but it was the fascinating world of book restoration and library politics that kept us rapt with attention.

From learning how antique books are valued to how damaged books are restored, the tidbits of book collecting were a fun ride.
And we'll never again use a sticky note in a book again. Really.


Our Recommendation


Recommended for book fanatics who enjoy a good thriller or for any bibliophile who wants to dip their toes into the thriller genre.







Title: Lethal Legacy: A Novel
Author: Linda Fairstein
ISBN-13: 978-0385523998
384 pages
Publisher: Doubleday
Date: February 10, 2009



Other Opinions in Blogland:

11 comments:

  1. I am quite a fan of Alex Cooper, and although I'm usually a couple of books behind the newest, read them all. I like her and her buddies...they feel like good friends to me at this point. I am especially intrigued with the scene of the crime in this one, the library. The one thing that bugs me, as was the discussion at Melissa's blog a couple of days ago, is that Alex is allowed to poke around in the middle of everything as her role as ADA, and I don't think that is all too realistic. I guess if she weren't allowed to poke, we wouldn't have a series, so I forgive Ms. Fairstein for this!

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  2. I just started this one last night! I have never read any of the series before but, so far, I am liking it.

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  3. I've read one Linda Fairstein book and have another in my stacks. This sounds like another one I need to add.

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  4. This one sounds terrific. I haven't read any Alex Cooper, but I do love the bookish theme of this one. I usually try to read series in order, but I may break my rule for this.

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  5. It's not that obnoxious, Sandy. She does write in scenes where clearly the higher-ups don't want her messing around in certain areas of the library. I think she was relying on a badge clearing the way, you know?

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  6. Caite - hope you enjoy it...it's a pretty quick read.

    Kathy - I just really enjoyed the book-related stuff. It's the first Fairstein book I've read, but I wouldn't hesitate to pick up another.

    Beth - Even I made the exception when it came to reading ten (!) previous books, LOL. Have to draw the line somewhere, I guess. ;)

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  7. Looks like I'm going to have to bump this one up to the top of my TBR pile, it sounds great. I acutually worked in a college library for five years and I loved it. It wasn't a fraction of the size of the historic NYC library but still...

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  8. I'll have to check this one out...I've never read anything about book restoration, sounds cool!

    I've always wanted to work in a library, but I probably wouldn't get a lot done.

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  9. Sounds interesting. I enjoy reading about books, and I'm always looking for a good thriller. I've never heard of this series.

    --Anna
    Diary of an Eccentric

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  10. Oh lucky you - I am a huge Fairstein fan! I love the historical fact she weaves into all her mysteries.

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  11. I'm impressed! It sounds like such a good book! I'll have to check out this series sometime.

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