I have been an avid reader of Linda Fairstein’s Alex Cooper series since it debuted in the late 1990s. In recent years, though, I’ve felt that Fairstein had run out of gas, producing books with plots that felt more and more contrived and somehow losing the ability to write natural-sounding dialogue. Although Deadfall isn’t as good as the early books in the series, it’s more than good enough to draw me back in and ensure that I’ll keep reading when the next entry comes out in early 2019.

Fairstein’s decision to kill off New York District Attorney Paul Battaglia at the end of Killer Look has turned the series upside-down and reinvigorated things in a way that Alex’s kidnapping two books back (Devil’s Bridge) did not. Deadfall is first and foremost about solving Battaglia’s murder—which, no surprise, Alex and her colleagues Mike Chapman and Mercer Wallace manage to do before the final page. I didn’t entirely buy the reason for the D.A.’s death; over many books, Fairstein has given readers plenty of enemies for Battaglia, but the killer here comes out of left field. (view spoiler)

The real achievement of Deadfall, though, is that it completely shakes up the status quo at the District Attorney’s office and could set Alex on a new professional course. After 19 books in a series that has at times felt like it was in a rut, Fairstein needed to find a way to keep readers engaged. Killing off Battaglia opens up new possibilities for Alex and finally makes things interesting again.

The Bronx Zoological Park is Background for a Murder Investigation

Paul Battaglia, New York DA and Alexandria Cooper’s mentor, is dead. He was murdered on the steps of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. In fact, he fell onto Alex, knocking her down. Alex is not in top form. She’s still suffering from the ordeal of being kidnapped and held hostage. She’s drinking too much and isn’t her usual feisty self.

Her position regrading Battaglia’s death is unclear. Is she a witness or a suspect? When she finds herself taken into protective custody and stashed in a mental hospital in the Bronx, it feels more like she’s being treated as a suspect. However, the ordeal yanks her back into her old self and with Mike Chapman and Mercer Wallace, she sets off to solve the mystery.

The background information about New York, particularly the Bronx Zoological Park is fascinating, as is the information about exotic animals captured in other countries and smuggled into the US to serve as sport for avid hunters. I was particularly intrigued by Fairstein including information about Justice Scalia’s death at a hunting ranch suggesting foul play.

I was disappointed in Alex in the beginning of the book. She was more passive than usual. However, she recovered and the ending was up to her usual standard. Mike Chapman is a very understanding partner. In spite of Alex’s scratchiness, he took care of her. It wasn’t the best Alex Cooper novel, but it’s a good read with interesting bits of history.

I received this book from Dutton for this review.

It had been awhile since I read a Linda Fairstein, but was able to understand, follow and enjoy this book. I love the main characters Alex and Mike and really love when you learn something from a book. In this one there are many tidbits about the Bronx zoo and NYC

Deadfall
by Linda Fairstein
PENGUIN GROUP Dutton
Dutton
Mystery & Thrillers
Pub Date 25 Jul 2017
I am reviewing a copy of Deadfall through Dutton and Netgalley:

Working amongst the wild animals in the Wildlife Conservation Society, which serves to protect the wildlife in the five Burroughs and beyond reminds those on the case that not all dangerous creatures have claws and fangs. The team including D.A Alexandra Copper and NYPD detectives Mike Chapman and Mercer Wallace know that predators lurk close to where they live.



The murder investigation is full of questions, with very few answers. A tangled mess of secrets that are slowly coming to light. Street gangs, to New York Zoo's leave Alex with a hard job ahead of her. Soon tensions rise between Alex and the feds, will she, will they be able to put their differences aside in order to solve this complex case?


I give Deadfall five out of five stars!


Happy Reading!

I have read all of Fairstein's Alexandra Cooper books. Alex started out as a strong, savvy prosecutor who would go to any lengths to get the criminal. Since she specializes in sex crimes, a lot her cases were extremely violent. In the last several books, however, Alex has been on a downward slide. She whines and complains, and now has taken to drinking too much. Instead of being someone who gets things done, things are now done to her. She's annoying. It is understandable that Alex is not an island, but she's gone from being strong to being weak, and it is hard to build a book around a weak character. In the last two books, Fairstein made Alex and Mike a couple. This would be great except that their relationship is awful. They are nasty to each other constantly, aren't supportive of each other, and Mike seems to delight in poking every one of Alex's emotional wounds. I don't know if Fairstein was pushed into putting them together, but she needs to either make the relationship palatable or break them up. The best part of this book is that Bataglia is dead and we can stop watching Alex allow him to treat her like a rug to stomp on. I thought it was a stretch to have Alex accused of his murder, but not beyond the pale for commercial mystery. My other comment is that the historical background used for each book needs to be dialed way, way back. Having some of the history is wonderful, but when characters are holding forth on all these historical facts, it gets a bit dull. I think it is time for Alex to have some adventures that do not revolve around a NY fixture.

This is another series that wanders in and out of my radar. I'm several books behind in this series and that definitely affected my reading of this book. It apparently picks up just hours after the previous book ended. I was confused about some things and couldn't remember others and that made for challenging reading at times. I read a review on Goodreads, after I'd finished the book, that recommended reading the previous book before starting this one and I think that's a good idea. And if you're new to the series, this is probably not the best book to start with.

One of the things I enjoy about this series is how Fairstein weaves in New York City history and lore, though sometimes it almost takes over the story. I also enjoy how strong Alexandra is; she's smart, fierce, compassionate, funny, intelligent. Except in this book. Okay, certain events have her in shock but dang, she's whiny, needy, spineless, and drinks too damn much. Her friend and lover, and police detective Mike, is even more overbearing and patronizing than usual. Honestly, they both annoyed me much of the time.

Although the story starts out strong, it quickly turns meandering and wordy, light on action or thrills. The mystery was not compelling and the villain was, well, mild. The motives for the murder that propels the story felt weak and didn't engage me. The secondary characters were boring. Add in some unlikely occurrences and coincidences and this story fell flat. While I'm interested to see what the fallout is from events in this book, I'm not in a rush to pick up the next book.

This is the first book I have read by Linda Fairstein and I enjoyed it. I thought the story line was nicely paced and didn't lag in places or feel rushed towards the end. (It drives me nuts when authors wrap up everything within two paragraphs at the end of the book). I enjoyed Alex Cooper and will be looking up more books in this series soon.

Scheduled to post 8/22/17.

Like my review for DEVIL'S BRIDGE I had the same issues with name usage in DEADFALL. It must just be a writing quirk of Fairstein's but holy crap, is it annoying. People literally do not use each others' names that much when they talk to each other. Ever. Emphasis or not, can the editor get in on that and start striking some of them? Sheesh. Luckily I didn't get yanked out as much by it in this book. I just reduced myself to rolling my eyes every times it happened. And it happened a lot.

Almost totally in Alex's head in DEADFALL so the issues I had with Mike in the last book I read weren't even an issue here. He's present quite a bit but as the reader I'm never in his head. Just Alex's. Luckily it's not a bad place to be. Not the greatest, but not bad. I actually don't really feel all that much for her. Reading back over my review for DEVIL'S BRIDGE I commented that it would probably behoove me to go back to the beginning so I can get some substance on these characters. I'd say that's still true for book 19 as it was for book 17. It's not that I wasn't engaged with the story. I just didn't care all that much about the characters. I wasn't invested. And at least for Alex it didn't have a whole lot to do with her as a character. Just more about the writing. It didn't do a whole lot to endear me to her. I just felt like I was following her around as she traipsed through the pages.

The story itself was interesting. Not a whole lot by way of action until closer to the end and by the time the story starts the DA is already dead so as the reader you miss that too. So it's a lot of cops trying to find out what's going on and people talking, going behind each others' backs, that kind of thing. It was different, what with the animal trafficking angle they went. That helped to make it interesting. But overall I was rather meh about it all.

Again, not a bad book but I'm not going to run out and buy more, certainly. At this point I'm not even sure I'll accept more for review until I can go back and read from the beginning to see if I have the same feelings about the first books as I do this far into the series. Because now it's two books that I don't care all that much about and it doesn't make me inclined to read more.

3

The Alex Cooper Series is one of my favorites, and I thoroughly enjoyed this new book. It finds Alex's boss Paul, viciously murdered, and Alex not sure how she fits in to the picture. She decides she needs to investigate and enlists Mike and Mercer. As they try to puzzle out what happened, they come upon many secrets. They find connections to secret societies, big game hunting, and the illegal animal trade.

This was a great addition to the series! As always, Alex, Mike, and Mercer were wonderful! I love how they work together. The storyline was very interesting and informative. Fairstein always does her research and I always come away having learned something new pertaining to New York City.

When I was offered the chance to read an advance copy of DEADFALL, the 19th book in the Alexandra Cooper series by Linda Fairstein, I jumped at the chance. A longtime fan, I’ve looked forward to each and every release and this newest book didn’t disappoint. Ms. Fairstein takes the reader to a variety of New York area landmarks in each book and DEADFALL focuses on the zoos, specifically the Bronx Zoological Park. I truly enjoy each location and the bits and pieces of history and facts that are woven into the plot. With the zoo and its conservation efforts towards saving endangered species as the backdrop, the protagonist, Alexander (Alex) Cooper sets out to clear her name in the assassination of her boss, District Attorney Paul Battaglia, and bring the perpetrator to justice. I appreciated the attention brought to a variety of endangered species and reminds us of our responsibilities towards preserving these magnificent creatures, both great and small.

The reader is treated to a variety of settings in this new story, including a Montana wild game hunting ranch, as Alex pieces together conspiracies that touch on the mystery surrounding the death of Supreme Court Justice Scalia. There is a tangled web of intrigue that involve a secretive fraternity of wealthy, influential men who belong to private hunting reserves. Ms. Fairstein skillfully weaves the threads of the story together, building the pieces of evidence together to entice the reader and draw them in until you can’t put the book down. The thrilling conclusion left me breathless and turning pages late into the night to read the final page.

When last we left ADA Alex Cooper her boss had been killed right in front of her. So begins a dangerous game to expose the killer which leads to an amazing climax at the Bronx Zoo. These books always give such a detailed history of a particular location in New York City, and it's always a delight to see where the next book will take the reader. It's also nice to see Alex recovering more from her harrowing ordeal in Devil's Bridge. If you love the series, the characters, or simply New York City, these books are a must.

Linda Fairstein has done it again. An action filled, suspense drama that held my interest so much that I could not put it down.

This time, Linda takes us to yet another New York City landmark, the Bronx Zoological (something I can't remember and it's not on their website, sorry), it can't be called just a zoo anymore. Calling it a zoo would imply it's just a petting zoo. This is an animal habitat, where animals are shown living in their own environments. Frankly, I've never been there, but according to this book, it sounds like a great place to go.

The book opens with Alexandra Cooper's major antagonizer, Paul Batagglia, being killed. While there is a huge list of who would want that to happen, the story deals with his dedication to preserving the animals. Hence, the Bronx Zoo.

Another great book in a long list of great books delivered to us by Linda Fairstein. I, yet again, thoroughly enjoyed this one.

Thanks to Penguin Group/Dutton and Net Galley for providing me with a free e-galley in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.

Alexandra Cooper is beginning to recover from her own experience as a victim when Paul Batlaglia, her mentor and boss, is shot down and he falls literally into her arms. Unable to officially be involved with the assassination investigation because she is a witness, Alex works behind the scenes to get to the bottom of the reason for his death. Mike and Mercer work with Alex as she digs deeper into the people that the DA was investigating on his own..

This newest of Linda Fairstein's mysteries with Alexandra Cooper as the Assistant DA goes deeply into the world of the illegal trafficking of ivory and Rhino horns and various other "big game" animals that are nearing extinction because of hunters that believe they are above the law. The details of how these animals are hunted and why was horrendous.

I love how detailed the research is into the NY city landmark spotlighted in each book.. The special Landmark spotlight is a trademark of Ms. Fairstein's novels and one I have grown to love.

Over the years I've criticized Linda Fairstein a bit for how little things change in this series. There's comfort in that, sure, but as someone who has been reading this series for fourteen years, I would love to see more time pass in Alex's life. Fairstein upped the ante with the ending of Killer Look--the murder of Manhattan District Attorney Paul Battaglia. Battaglia's demise had been coming for a few books, but the surprise at the end of Killer Look was a great one. Deadfall seeks to solve his murder.

As always, one New York City landmark serves as the focus of the book. In Deadfall, it's the Bronx Zoo. Fairstein infuses current issues about illegal animal trade and big game hunting in unexpected and delightful ways. The history of New York City, and its two zoos, is richly detailed and flows with the plot beautifully. I continue to enjoy seeing Alex and Mike together

Favorite passage: "Superstition, I thought. All of these species--and so many others--killed because of human ignorance, for beliefs in magical fixes and supernatural protections."

The verdict: Deadfall was a fun, fascinating mystery. I hope Alex will be emotionally healed and back in the courtroom in Fairstein's next book. I'm really curious where Fairstein will take this series after Battaglia's death.

I thoroughly enjoy Linda Fairstein's Alex Cooper series and eagerly devour her novels as they come out every year.

This year's Deadfall opens with Alex Cooper witnessing and being interrogated for a high profile murder. She's off the case and possibly at risk herself. It's uncertain whether she might have been a target or has become a target because of what she discovers as she continues an unauthorized investigation.

There's plenty of politics -- dealing with a grandstanding, incompetent mayor (who is much like the current mayor of NYC), with the head prosecutor, the FBI and her own allies in the NYPD. Alex is still recovering from the trauma of having been kidnapped and the added uncertainty threatens to take her over the brink.

Linda Fairstein delivers another satisfying NYC thriller.

In the new Alexandra Cooper thriller, the Wildlife Conservation Society is investigated from New York zoos to trading in illegal animals. Alex is also being investigated on another matter. Great mystery, wonderfully written series.

I've read most of the Alexandra Cooper series and have enjoyed them. While the story was interesting and the plot lively, Alex's behavior in this book drove me nuts. At the end of the second chapter, the NYPD officer begins reading Alex her rights. The first week of law school, you are taught that you ALWAYS ask for a lawyer when you are being questioned by the cops. Alex knew better. Instead, it's 4 A.M., she had just caught her boss in her arms as he was killed, and she's sitting in the morgue screwing around with the cops. I wanted to reach into the book and shake her. Then even though her life's in danger, she doesn't figure that out until 75% of the way through the book. "Oh gee, Mike, are you really protecting me and not just hanging out with me for the week?" Oy vey. Then when they finally get her out of the way, she comes back to NYC (and at this point, Chapman is being just as much as an idiot as she is), and makes herself a huge target at the end (sorry, trying not to spoil). I don't know what happen to the brilliant ADA, but I hope she's back in the next book.

If you are intensively interested in animal preservation, you will greatly enjoy this novel. Fairstein gabs you with a mystery thriller and a concern for preservation..
Fairstein is a talented author of a multitude of bestsellers. Her Alexander Cooper protagonist competes with the best on the international scale. This book sits with the balance of her novels in her ability to craft an intriguing story to take the reader to the edge of their seat.

This book was everything I have come to expect from this series! From the beginning of this book I was drawn back into the world of Coop, Mike and Mercer. This author keeps each story engaging and unique. And with Deadfall the unexpected happens very early which really drew me into reading through quickly.
I love this series!! I love catching up with Coop, Mike and Mercer!!
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book provided by NetGalley.

Linda Fairstein has done it again! Alex Cooper, Mike Chapman and Mercer Wallace are once again solving crimes in New York City. Alex Cooper is a prime witness in the murder of her boss, Manhattan District Attorney - and not everyone believes she is simply a witness. Deadfall is the 19th book in the Alexandra Cooper Series and continues where her previous book Killer Looks ended (although it's not necessary to read Killer Looks first). Together with her two partners, Mike and Mercer, Alex is determined to find out exactly why Paul Battaglia had been murdered.