Deadfall

Alexandra Cooper #19

by Linda Fairstein

Hunting a killer within New York's urban jungle becomes the biggest case of Alexandra Cooper's career in New York Times bestselling author Linda Fairstein's latest riveting thriller.

A wild heart beats within New York City. Amid concrete and skyscrapers, the Wildlife Conservation Society works to preserve and protect the animal kingdom both within and beyond the borders of the five boroughs. But dangerous creatures don't always have claws and fangs, as Assistant DA Alexandra Cooper and NYPD detectives Mike Chapman and Mercer Wallace know all too well. Predators lurk close to home, and in the aftermath of the shocking assassination of an iconic public figure--someone Alex has worked with for years--the trio must unravel the motive behind the shooting to discover who is the bigger snake: the killer or the victim.

The murder investigation provides more questions than answers, as a tangled mess of secrets slowly comes to light. From street gangs to secret societies, from big-game hunting to the illegal animal trade, from New York City zoos to the highest offices in city government, Alex has her work cut out for her--especially since the task force handling the investigation, led by the US Attorney, seems to be more against her than with her. As tensions rise between Alex and the feds, she must determine just how far she is willing to go to uncover the truth--and uphold the integrity of the office she has so proudly served.

Deadfall proves once again why Linda Fairstein is hailed as "a champion teller of detective tales" (USA Today).

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Thriller, Crime, Mystery Thriller, Suspense, Audiobook

385 pages, Hardcover

First published July 25, 2017

About the author

Linda 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

Reviews

[Maureen Carden · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am always fascinated by the information that has become such an integral part of Linda Fairstein’s Alex Cooper books. The information and histories she shares about New York City almost becomes more interesting than the story. Almost, but not quite, because Fairstein manages to pull the reader back into her always exciting story.
The book opens with Alexandra in the morgue staring at the body of Paul Battaglia, her long time boss, mentor, and until recently her friend. Just a short time ago he had been assassinated on the steps of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, falling and dying in Alexandra’s arms.
Alex shortly becomes part of a federal investigation, but she is not sure if she is a witness, or a suspect. One thing is certain; she will not remain a passive bystander. She decides to be pro-active and to investigate with the help of long time friends NYPD detectives Mike Chapman and Mercer Wallace. Alex has been confined-for her safety-to a mental hospital in the wilds of the Bronx. Alexandra decides to finally reclaim her true self. After being kidnapped and held hostage in the book “Devil’s Bridge” Alex seems to have lost her way. Now again becoming feisty and fearless, Alex and her cohorts seeks the truth about secret hunting societies, the history of Chinese gangs and their control of large swaths of the city, and hunters who claim to be the biggest conservationists.
Fairstein manages to weave in information about the death of Supreme Court Justice Scalia on a very private hunting ranch. From his possible membership in a very secretive hunting society to the extremely bungled death investigation- non-existing in other words- Fairstein manages to raise some very important questions about Scalia’s death. Questions that no one seems interested in answering. Talk about a perfect storm of cover-up, neglect, and bad luck. No wonder there are conspiracy theories out the wahoo. The reaction to this could be interesting. Fairstein has added really thought-provoking information.
Fairstein is such an accomplished writer. Smooth as the scotch that Alex likes for self-medication. Her characters have grown and changed over time, but there is no problem picking this one up as a standalone.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.

[Linda Strong · Rating 5 out of 5]

The 19th book in this amazing series opens with the shooting death of Alex's boss, the District Attorney, Paul Battaglia.

Alex finds herself being treated more as a suspect than a witness when the FBI steps in. The US Attorney seems to have a problem with Alex, but they've never met, so what could he have against her?

NYPD Mike Chapman and Mercer Wallace are trying to investigate the case even though they've been ordered to stand down. That has never stopped them before ... it certainly won't stop them now.

The more answers they find, the more questions they need to ask. Who would want the DA dead? Why had he seemed to be angry with Alex for months before his death? Who would have anything to gain?

DEADFALL takes the reader on an astonishing journey from the the steps of the Metropolitan Museum of Art to an animal sanctuary in Montana to a stint in a mental hospital to the Bronx Zoo. They meet good people and lots of bad people.

With each and every book in this series, I have learned more about the history of New York City than I would never have known otherwise. And of course, there is always Final Jeopardy to count on.

I have followed this author for years and always look forward to a new Alex Cooper book. All these books can be read as stand-alones, but it's so much more entertaining to start at the very beginning.

5 Stars for DEADFALL. 5 Stars for the series.

Many thanks to the author / Penguin Group Dutton / Netgalley for the advanced digital copy of DEADFALL.

[Shannon Robinson · Rating 2 out of 5]

**I received an online ARC from NetGalley at no charge for review.**
Die hard Fairstein fans - I'm sure you will enjoy this book. I enjoy Fairstein's plotlines immensely for the most part - I think she does a great job in creating fresh stories, and I like how this book started just where they last one left off. I love all the factoids of NY history that are a consistent part of the books. I like the Jeopardy trivia.
Up until 4 books ago I was big Alex Cooper fan.
However, I've discovered that Alex has become this horrible, dumbed-down version of herself, clingy and needy (even before the abduction). Mike treats her worse than "one of the guys," his teasing is often mean and bullying. He's worried about her drinking so he treats her like a dog - "be a good girl and I'll LET you have a drink" (obey daddy and get a puppy treat! Bark! Sit! ROLL OVER! Ugh, it's so so horrible). Mike says things like, "One and done," or "you aren't drinking," and does things like "signaled the waiter to put dinner on Cooper's tab." SERIOUSLY? He's a horrible chauvinist pig, leaning heavily to misogyny..
So Alex keeps reaching out to him and he withdraws. He "lets" her drink if she's a good girl or if he feels she's earned a drink.
Alex is so dumb (and a DISTRICT" ATTORNEY!) that she asks the stupidest questions. Apparently she's never been involved in any investigation OR watched any detective/CSI/mystery show and didn't know that breast implants have serial numbers.
The dialogue is one-dimensional and every conversation feels unfinished. It's like SNIPE! DIG! Regular conversation. INSULT! Back down. Loving words. Regular conversation.
No emotion, no spat or argument or fight is ever fleshed out resembling ANYTHING real, and everyone is always over the anger or snappishness by the next sentence and it's forgotten.
During a meeting with a zoo tour guide, at one point for no reason she "snapped at" Alex. ??
It was so confusing! I had a very difficult time staying interested because it was jumbled and nonsensical at some points. The conversations were just so roller-coastery that it was difficult to follow along, especially considering the UNformatted condition of the document. Sometimes I had to guess who said what.
IT IS A SHAME that Mike and Alex have become so very unlikeable, their personalities SUCK, they're just so weak and nasty and weird and misogynistic between the two of them, that I'm considering giving up on this series. I'm so sick of Mike calling women "broads" or talking rudely to them like when he repeatedly called the 911 operator "LADY" in a hateful tone.
*****Not really a spoiler, but maybe TMI until you read it, so continue at your own peril*****

The whole Skyfari tram thing near the end? SO FREAKING BOGUS. SO STUPID. The whole concept of it - and even the fact that the thing could be started and run - was RIDICULOUS. I mean, everyone who's ever ridden one knows how slowly they move. And even trying to get it started and warmed up to lift? A baby could've crawled over and bitten everyone's feet by the time all that happened, and yet no-one could hit anyone else with a gun or even try to disarm the others. SO. RIDIC.
I would NOT recommend this particular book to a new reader, but I know the long time fans will likely enjoy it enough. I will personally not be purchasing any more Fairstein books if they continue in this way - especially in the emotional/political climate of today where women are losing enough of their rights and identity. UGH. NO MORE. Get in the now, Linda Fairstein.

[Magdalena aka A Bookaholic Swede · Rating 3 out of 5]

OBS this review spoilers the ending of the previous book!

Entombed, book seven in the Alexandra Cooper series was the first book I read by Fairstein and I loved it. Since then have I read two other books in the series before I read this one. One of them was the book previous (and the other is the first book in the series) and that one ended with a cliffhanger, which I remembered when I started this book. And, the beginning was very strong, with Alex saying goodbye to Paul Battaglia, her mentor who in her eyes has lately fallen from the pedestal, but he had such a great impact on her life that it's still hard to grasp for her that he has been murdered. It doesn't get better when she starts to be seen as a suspect, despite being the one that was with him as he was shot. The question is, who really shot Battaglia and why?

The Alexandra Cooper series is one of my favorites. I have a couple of unread books waiting to be read at home and I was thrilled to get the chance to read this book. Now, you don't have had to read the previous book to read this book. The events that happened in the last book is mentioned, but it will not make this story confusing, despite the fact that Battaglia was killed in the end of the last book.

What this book, unfortunately, lack that the previous books I have read are an interesting villain and a thrilling plot. Don't take me wrong, the beginning was strong and I liked reading the book. But, the plot ended to be a lot wordier than I liked, the kind of book when one tends to zone out a bit while reading. As much as I like to read Fairstein's usual history lesson about New York, this time Bronx Zoo and its past were there just so much dialog that I found myself a bit bored, to be honest. And, the whom the villain turned out to be, well that was hardly a surprise.

So, Deadfall was not as engrossing as the previous books I have read, it's still a good book, but not the one I would recommend starting with if you want to read the series (go for Entombed, they find a body entombed in a house where Edgar Allan Poe once lived).

I want to thank the publisher for providing me with a free copy through NetGalley for an honest review.

[Darlene · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are a faithful follower of the Alexandra Cooper Series written by Linda Fairstein but you have not yet read the 18th book in the series, Killer Look, you may want to stop reading this review now. In book #19, Deadfall, Linda Fairstein picks up the story where she ended in 'Killer Look'... with the shocking assassination of New York City District Attorney Paul Battaglia, on the steps of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Battaglia, who had been district attorney for many years, was killed by a sharp shooter as he anxiously raced to the museum to urgently discuss a matter with his employee, Assistant District Attorney Alexandra Cooper. 'Deadfall' begins with Alex standing over Battaglia's body in the morgue.. feeling shocked and attempting to comprehend what had happened and who could have wanted to kill her boss.

The murder of a district attorney from a city the size of New York draws national attention and Alex was well aware that the NYPD would not be the only law enforcement agency involved in solving the crime; but what she didn't expect was that SHE would become a suspect in what the NYPD, the U.S. Attorney's Office and the FBI were thinking of as a conspiracy. It was no secret that the previous close relationship between Battaglia and Alex Cooper had soured recently but she was still stunned to realize she was suspected of being part of a plot to murder her boss. Alex, Mike Chapman (NYPD homicide detective AND Alex's love interest) and Mercer Wallace ( also NYPD detective who had worked with Alex for years), decided they needed to investigate the murder quietly on their own and they needed to get to the truth quickly.. before Alex was arrested.

One of the aspects of the Alex Cooper Series that I enjoy most is that, in each book, Linda Fairstein focuses on a particular historical aspect of New York City... often a landmark or institution and through the course of the story, the reader learns a great deal about that landmark. In this book, much of the story centers around the Bronx Zoo.. also known as the Bronx Zoological Park. The Bronx Zoo is the largest metropolitan zoo in the United States. Situated on 265 acres of land, the zoo, which opened in 1899 is run by the Wildlife Conservation Society (which also plays a big role in this mystery) and features 650 species of animals.

This story is not a classic 'whodunit'.. but rather more of a 'why was the crime committed?' What and whom was Paul Battaglia involved with in the months prior to his murder? Was the district attorney investigating something 'big' on his own? Or was it possible that he had become involved with a criminal element? Alex, Mike and Mercer are up against the clock and investigating without their usual law enforcement support. The clues take them on a winding path from the Bronx Zoo and the fundraising activities of the Wildlife Conservation Society to the secret hunting society known as the Order of Saint Hubertus... an exclusive hunting camp in Texas which had been the death scene of Justice Antonin Scalia and where members pay a great deal of money for the privilege of hunting rare animals for 'sport' and finally to an animal sanctuary in Montana where Battaglia had apparently spent time... even though he had never expressed interest in hunting game to anyone and had in fact, helped raise funds for the Wildlife Conservation Society. Alex. Mike and Mercer are led deeper and deeper into the shadowy underworld of the trafficking in rare animals and animal parts.. which although highly illegal was extremely profitable and the criminals involved would do anything to protect their 'product'.. even commit murder.

I found this latest installment in the Alex Cooper Series fascinating, disturbing and heartbreaking. I am an animal lover and hate the idea of not only killing animals for sport but to sell body parts simply because certain human beings look on these parts as valuable. The only aspect of this story I wasn't crazy about was the continuation of the romance between Alex and Mike. Although the two had wonderful chemistry in previous books, that chemistry seems to have evaporated since they have become romantically entangled. Their relationship often seems stilted and awkward. Perhaps Ms. Fairstein has not yet worked out how the change in these characters' relationship should play out.. but I often find their exchanges annoying and even distracting. Hopefully Ms. Fairstein will work this relationship out in future books.

I listened to the audiobook version of this story and as always, the fabulous narration was performed by Barbara Rosenblat!

[Magdalena · Rating 3 out of 5]

Deadfall is the latest instalment in Alexandra Cooper series. It is good. A lot happens. As per usual we get the history of hidden or unknown but fascinating locations in New York. Linda Fairstein writes well. All the main characters are still here. But... It's not as good as it could have been. It feels like the series is getting a bit tired, there's a lack of direction. I just hope that the next book will bring changes much needed to keep Cooper's books strong and interesting. I want the old Alex back. If you're a fan of those books, Deadfall is definitely worth reading, just don't expect too much.

[Michelle · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have read and enjoyed all of the books in this series. However, I am not enjoying Alexandra's increasing whining. What initially drew me to the series was the strength of the main character, the diversity/personalities and camaraderie of those who surround her, the locations and history of New York, and the peaks into other occupations or interests. As the series has progressed what keeps me retuning is everything except Alexandra. I want to shake her and yell, "Where's your moxie? If it's gone for good, retire and leave New York!"

[Dez Nemec · Rating 2 out of 5]

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 happened to the brilliant ADA, but I hope she's back in the next book.

[Sylvia · Rating 2 out of 5]

I've enjoyed many of Linda Fairstein's previous books featuring Alex and Mike as main characters. I can't say the same about this one. Alex is whimpy and whinney and Mike is pushy and unsympathetic and the main story is a jumble of disconnected events and "clues". I also felt as if Fairstein seemed more interested in prosyletizing for endangered species and the horrors of hunting them, a noble cause, but not necessarily in a mystery novel.

[Michele A. · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I have mostly enjoyed this whole series, the last couple of books in it have left me feeling underwhelmed. Alex, again, finds herself at the center of a murder investigation. She is left reeling after the murder and, instead of acting with a logical mind, she starts to touch the victim in the morgue. Everyone knows that is a big no-no and she would have lost her mind if someone did that on one of her cases. She then finds herself subjected to an interrogation and, even though she has used the same techniques on other suspects, she gets snarky and outright rude at points. She really needed to be more on top of her game than she was throughout this whole book. She missed some huge clues and it took almost the whole book for her to realize that she was in danger. I didn't like her attitude for most of the book and her claiming to be back to her old ways wasn't really a good thing in my opinion. She was a bit too full of herself at points and asked just some plain dumb questions at points. I do not really buy that the person in charge of the investigation for the federal government is just going to let her take the lead with a witness. That was just a bit too much. The facts about various illegal activities and the zoos were interesting. The whole incident at the end and getting the tram up and working was a bit too far-fetched for me. Overall a decent read but I am hoping for a more modest, even-keeled Alex in the next book. I do think she has used alcohol as too much of a crutch in the last several books and it bothered me. I don't disagree with Chapman calling her out on it, I just didn't like the way he went about it at times.

[Barbara · Rating 1 out of 5]

I am so done with Alex Cooper.
This book was shoddily constructed and totally unbelievable. The denouement where Mike and Alex start up a long dormant gondola ride in order to escape bad guys is only the most blatant example.
Someone please remind me not to put the next one on reserve.

[Sandra · Rating 2 out of 5]

Meh that was boring and Alex is irritating. I thought for sure one dealing with the murder of Paul Battaglia would be interesting especially given how acrimonious the relationship between him and Alex had become but nope. Dull, dull, dull. At least this time Alex and Mike didn’t spend all their time being hateful to one another. No more for me in this series.

[L.A. Starks · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book also falls into the "reading banned books" category because its noted NYT-bestselling author, Linda Fairstein, underwent a tough round with the cancel culture mob in 2019, ultimately losing her publisher, her agent, and most disheartening to me, her GrandMaster co-award from Mystery Writers of America (they pulled it). She also felt compelled to resign from the board of Vassar College. Ironically, all that public disapproval came for work that was previously embraced: her real-life experience starting the special victims unit in NYC.
https://nypost.com/2019/06/15/in-drop...
https://medium.com/@LindaFairstein/th...
These alone are reasons to read the book.
I didn't give the book 5 stars because there are elements of her formula I don't love: the Jeopardy angle and the info dump on the key NYC location. (I write and I am very sympathetic with authors doing info dumps because it's a default mode, but some things need editing). We also get the standard jabs at non-Democratic politics and politicians.
Fairstein nonetheless engages in real issues worth discussing--here ivory trafficking--another reason I hope she continues this series.
A side note--on urban settings--Michael Connelly on LA is great; Sara Paretsky on Chicago is absolutely the best. I urge readers to pick up their books as well.

[Karen Wegman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Was this one of her best? My opinion---No. I like the characters and having been reading since her first book. I like that the main character is strong minded and had a bit of a problem with her meltdown and did not care for some of the interactions between "Coop" and Mike. Mike is a bit bossy and sexist for my liking. For me, the main attraction to her books is the history of NYC that she always blends into her stories. I think Linda Fairstein is a very clever writer and will continue to read all that she writes.

[Erika Daniels · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm so disappointed in the way that Coop and Chapman have developed as characters. Coop used to be so smart, strong, and sassy. Now she is whiny and wavers between judgmental and clueless. And then I really don't understand why Chapman is so patriarchal and patronizing toward her. Also, Coop has always enjoyed a Dewars at the end of a long day, but there was never any hint that she had an alcohol problem so this focus on her drinking (over the last 4 or so books) is a little bizarre. Either she is an alcoholic and needs to stop drinking or Chapman must to get over his need to "allow" her to have a glass of wine here and there--why is this even part of the story line anyway?
I know that some big-time authors start to have others write their books after awhile, and I'm not sure if that what is going on here. Regardless, Linda Fairstein--please bring back your snappy, sharp, fun writing style and give us back our "real" characters! The mysteries themselves are getting lost in the annoying turn that Coop and Chapman have taken.

[retronerd Steinkuehler · Rating 1 out of 5]

Good NYC details which is the only saving grace to this book. However, the details can be overwhelming. And, in fact, there was Too Much Information when it got into possible motives for the crime....

BUT the book is too doormaty again with the Coop character and Mike is AGAIN too chauvinistic. Even 'blondie' is old-school demeaning, as is "the broad," and Mercer is condescending when he pats Coop on the head!! Why??? Lessons my liking this series more and more.... and the introduction of so many cases was too confusing to be enjoyable. It was a MAJOR stretch to bring Scalia into the fray. By the time Montana entered the picture I almost DNF, but because I have followed the series from way back I DID finish, sorry to say. Finally Coop rises to the occasion (LOL) and it's off to the races and the utterly ridiculous conclusion.

Final Jeopardy answer for most sappy (and boring) book? This one, by far.

What happened to Fairstein's flare for good storytelling?

[Lilyane · Rating 1 out of 5]

Sadly, I was disappointed. I've read all the previous books in this series and have enjoyed them immensely; especially the relationships between the main characters and the education I received about NYC landmarks.

Deadfall reminded me of the Robert Parker books that have been written by other authors since he died. They're imitations; they look a bit like Parker and they sound a bit like Parker, but they have no heart. This book had no heart; Alex was snarky to the point where I wanted to smack her, and the rapport between Alex and Mike was.......non existent. Who are these people and what are they doing in Linda Fairstein's book? Is she writing them or are they being written by committee? Is there a new editor involved? Whatever it is, please fix it.

I do give her lots of credit for the book's dedication and the quote that follows.

[Elisabeth · Rating 2 out of 5]

I believe I'm done with Linda Fairstein.

Her protagonist, Alexandra Cooper, is assistant DA in NYC, and supposedly very smart and capable. But to me she seems like a spoiled brat, always breaking rules because she feels like it or demanding (and getting) special treatment. She relies on her boyfriend Mike (a murder cop)and another cop Mercer to run interference fir her and basically abet her in everything. It just doesn't seem plausible to me that things would work that way; nor does Cooper seem an appealing character at all.

The whole plot seemed to have holes in it. And Fairstein insisted in putting in way more detail than required on animal conservation and illegal trafficking of animal parts -- key to her plot, yes, but overwritten.

Anyway, I know she has her fans. But not for me.

[Alisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

This story picks up immediately where the last book finished. The DA had been murdered and Alex witnessed the entire thing. She's struggling with the fallout and her already fragile mental health. As the investigation begins Alex can't stop herself from getting involved as it seems the investigating offices are looking at her for the crime. Of course Mike and Mercer have her back and they all start looking at people who could have wanted Paul dead.

Their questions lead them to a group of people who hunt big game animals in the US and it also leads them into the world of smuggled animals and animal parts. As in all of these books, the author incorporates parts of New York and it's history into the plot. (Honestly it's my favorite thing about this series and the reason that's I'm still reading them all these years later.) In this one we learned about the history of the Bronx and Central Park Zoos. Interesting stuff.

This was a pretty entertaining story and I enjoyed it more than the last book. I'm a bit weary of Alex's personal problems but it seemed by the end that maybe that plotline will be coming to an end soon. Overall this was good and I think fans of the series will like it. If you haven't read any of the other books in the series though I would not recommend starting with this one. Too much of the plot ties in to the last book.

**ARC provided by the publisher through Netgalley**

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

On page one, Alexandra Cooper is in the morgue looking at the body of her boss Paul Battaglia. He was racing up the stairs towards her at the Met when he was shot. He collapsed and died in her arms. Alex is being treated as a suspect in his death. Although she is the primary witness and may be next in line to be killed, she is determined to solve the murder of the man who took her under his wing for many years.

I liked seeing Alex stop using alcohol as a crutch in this story. I know she's still recovering from her kidnapping but that was a couple of books ago and enough is enough of the weakness and whining. I enjoyed the tour of the New York zoo and all the information on endangered species. After the district attorney's shocking death, I'm wondering if Alex has a shot at the top job for the next book.

[Glen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I won this book in a goodreads drawing.

A PC conspiracy thriller. When the DA of New York is gunned down on the street, Alexandra Cooper and Co. has to find the killers to clear her name. By the end of the book, I was thinking they shouldn't have bothered.

It's all the machinations of an order of hunters dating back to the middle ages, so of course, we get a lot of anti-hunting propaganda. Fairstein doesn't seem to actually know much about the sport.

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 19th booth in the Alexandra Cooper series. The book picks up where the previous one left off, with the shooting death of DA Paul Battaglia. Since Alex is a witness and the fact that the DA was coming to see her, puts Alex on a side of the law she has never been on. A suspect. With the help of Mike and Mercer, Alex tries to piece together the events leading to Paul's death and who would have wanted him dead.

In the course of the investigation they discover a group of hunters who hunt game animals and are also smuggling animals. I love how with each book I learn something more about New York City that I didn't know. WE learn about the Bronx and Central Park Zoos. I love they mystery and it is always fun to learn something new. I am glad that Alex is starting to act like her old self again after where the last book had her mental state. I missed the take charge Alex Cooper. I can't wait for the next one. Thank you to penguin's first to read program for the ARC.

[Lisa Reads & Reviews · Rating 2 out of 5]

The one and only interesting takeaway was the description of the world of exotic animal hunting and poaching. Some people really don't deserve to be so rich that they act invincible and operate outside the law. If only we had a government immune from the arrogant and lawless sphere of affluence. So, I ranted during this story against one of the ugliest aspects of humanity. Otherwise, I found the characters, etc, not noteworthy at all. Recommend a pass on this one.

[Jean Jenkins · Rating 3 out of 5]

When the DA is gunned down right in front of her following a charity event, ADA Alex Cooper needs to figure out the "why" to make sense of it all. The cops have little to go on, and as the closest living witness, Alex's role becomes both more important and more deadly. Known for her love of NYC history and for setting her stories around pieces of that history, Deadfall's information about the Bronx Zoo feels forced and fact-laden dialogue forced and awkward. There seems to be too much of Alex and Mike, the duo, so that she's not the strong female as in the past, and not enough of Mercer Wallace, the steadying agent to Coop and Mike's volatility. Still, the series has fans and strong legs even with the occasional miss, so fans should enjoy this one for what it is and expect more next time.

[GILLIAN SILLEM · Rating 1 out of 5]

Very disappointing. I really love all of her previous books. Linda Farstein has gone the way of lots of other fantastic authors. They've obviously lost any good ideas and there are no longer any page turning twists in any of their new books. What a shame. It was difficult to finish the book as it was so boring.

[Judie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Readers of Linda Fairstein’s previous books are well aware of NY assistant DA Alexandra Cooper’s mixed relationship with her boss, Paul Battaglia. What started off as a close one with her regarding him as a mentor, had deteriorated as his ambition and ego increased. The situation definitely changes in the first page of DEADFALL when she is with his body in the autopsy room of the morgue. He was shot as he rushed up the stairs of the Metropolitan Museum of Art to speak to her. As he collapsed, he fell on her and they became entangled.
Because of Alex’s position in the department, Jaxon Stern, a new policeman from a different area, is put in charge of the investigation. Very quickly, Alex realizes that he considers her to be not only a witness but the prime suspect and treats her accordingly. Despite her many years experience, she reacts as many other people do when being questioned by the authorities. Soon, US attorney for the Southern District of New York, James Prescott, takes over the investigation.
There is motive. Alex is supposed to be off-duty while she recuperates from being kidnaped for five days. Battaglia had specifically ordered her to stay away from the investigation into the murder of Wolf Savage, a garment district designer, CEO, and father of one of her friends. The show she was attending at the museum was a fashion show.
Alex, her partner Mike Chapman, and their friend Mercer Wallace realize in order to clear her, they should try to find those responsible for the killing.
First, they decide they should find out why Battaglia was so anxious to speak to Alex that he rushed to the Museum to catch her there. They discover that even though he was honored as a wildlife protector, he also might have been a member of The Order of St. Hubertus, a group that indulges in sport killing of rare animals. One of their hunting spots is Cobolo Creek in Texas. That is where Justice Antonin Scalia died. Fairstein provides the details of his death that raised questions about whether it was natural or murder: The person who signed the death certificate did so over the telephone, never having actually seen the body. (Legal in Texas). There was no autopsy and his family had his body cremated immediately. She wrote that he was found with a pillow over his head. While many reports said that, a witness said it was not over his face but above the top of his head. Battaglia might have been there at the time.
Their investigation leads them into learning about the trafficking of animals, especially animal parts, such as ivory and rhinoceros horns. They learn that many of them are hidden among heroin and shipped by boat from Africa and Asia to other parts of the world.
Fairstein’s books always focus in on one location in New York City and provide a great deal of information about it. After reading her description of the Bronx Zoo, the largest in the US, where the animals run free in areas specific to their natural habitats but are limited by natural barriers (ravines, creeks, walls), I would like to visit it. One negative comment: She mentions Ernie, a silve Readers of Linda Fairstein’s previous books are well aware of NY assistant DA Alexandra Cooper’s mixed relationship with her boss, Paul Battaglia. What started off as a close one with her regarding him as a mentor, had deteriorated as his ambition and ego increased. The situation definitely changes in the first page of DEADFALL when she is with his body in the autopsy room of the morgue. He was shot as he rushed up the stairs of the Metropolitan Museum of Art to speak to her. As he collapsed, he fell on her and they became entangled.
Because of Alex’s position in the department, Jaxon Stern, a new policeman from a different area, is put in charge of the investigation. Very quickly, Alex realizes that he considers her to be not only a witness but the prime suspect and treats her accordingly. Despite her many years experience, she reacts as many other people do when being questioned by the authorities. Soon, US attorney for the Southern District of New York, James Prescott, takes over the investigation.
There is motive. Alex is supposed to be off-duty while she recuperates from being kidnaped for five days. Battaglia had specifically ordered her to stay away from the investigation into the murder of Wolf Savage, a garment district designer, CEO, and father of one of her friends. The show she was attending at the museum was a fashion show.
Alex, her partner Mike Chapman, and their friend Mercer Wallace realize in order to clear her, they should try to find those responsible for the killing.
First, they decide they should find out why Battaglia was so anxious to speak to Alex that he rushed to the Museum to catch her there. They discover that even though he was honored as a wildlife protector, he also might have been a member of The Order of St. Hubertus, a group that indulges in sport killing of rare animals. One of their hunting spots is Cobolo Creek in Texas. That is where Justice Antonin Scalia died. Fairstein provides the details of his death that raised questions about whether it was natural or murder: The person who signed the death certificate did so over the telephone, never having actually seen the body. (Legal in Texas). There was no autopsy and his family had his body cremated immediately. She wrote that he was found with a pillow over his head. While many reports said that, a witness said it was not over his face but above the top of his head. Battaglia might have been there at the time.
Their investigation leads them into learning about the trafficking of animals, especially animal parts, such as ivory and rhinoceros horns. They learn that many of them are hidden among heroin and shipped by boat from Africa and Asia to other parts of the world.
Fairstein’s books always focus in on one location in New York City and provide a great deal of information about it. After reading her description of the Bronx Zoo, the largest in the US, where the animals run free in areas specific to their natural habitats but are limited by natural barriers (ravines, creeks, walls), I would like to visit it. One negative comment: She mentions Ernie, a silver-backed gorilla whose parents were captured in the wild and brought to the Cleveland zoo as part of its animal conservancy program, she wrote “He survived Cleveland.” In actuality, Cleveland rocks! It’s a great place to visit. Lots to do and see and not as expensive to do so than in NYC.
The story is gripping and informative. Unfortunately, she refers back to her kidnaping and the murder of Wolf Savage, both important parts of previous books, far too often. While the DEADFALL can be read and understood without having read the previous books, the references are far too frequent. It was not necessary to keep reminding the reader that Alex was kidnaped or that she was told to stay away from the Savage murder investigation.
In addition, Fairchild shows a disrespect for her reader’s intelligence by using unnecessarily short chapters. A scene with the same characters in the same location during a constant time span and covering the same subject should be contained in one chapter, not two, three, or more. As usual, I drop my rating one star for that. r-backed gorilla whose parents were captured in the wild and brought to the Cleveland zoo as part of its animal conservancy program, she wrote “He survived Cleveland.” In actuality, Cleveland rocks! It’s a great place to visit. Lots to do and see and not as expensive to do so than in NYC.
The story is gripping and informative. Unfortunately, she refers back to her kidnaping and the murder of Wolf Savage, both important parts of previous books, far too often. While the DEADFALL can be read and understood without having read the previous books, the references are far too frequent. It was not necessary to keep reminding the reader that Alex was kidnaped or that she was told to stay away from the Savage murder investigation.
In addition, Fairchild shows a disrespect for her reader’s intelligence by using unnecessarily short chapters. A scene with the same characters in the same location during a constant time span and covering the same subject should be contained in one chapter, not two, three, or more. As usual, I drop my rating one star for that.

[Craig Wakefield · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is perhaps the 19th book written about Alexandra Cooper. Sometimes when I come in on the middle of a book series I say to myself. I need to back to book number one and read all the books in order so that I can get a true feel for the growth of the author, the character and the scenes around the main character. Unfortunately, (or perhaps fortunately since it will save me from reading 18 other books about Alexandra Cooper) I don't feel that need here. When you stop reading a book at page 192 it says something.

[Gloria Feit · Rating 4 out of 5]

Still reeling from her harrowing experience in the preceding novel in the series, Alex Cooper may have reason to be portrayed in “Deadfall” as the weak, wishy-washy female rather than the forceful prosecutor she has been in this long-running story, in which this is the 19th entry. But it doesn’t seem to be in character. Yes, she has always enjoyed a drink. But to almost become an alcoholic? And to be warned and even forced to stop drinking? Sure, there is some justification when her boss and mentor, DA Battaglia, is shot in the head on the steps of the Metropolitan Museum of Art and falls on Alex, pushing her to the ground beneath him. But until now we have been led to believe she is made of stronger stuff. Or perhaps she is changing as the result of her love affair with Mike Chapman, her detective boyfriend.

Be that as it may, the DA’s assassination sets off not only a murder investigation, but a much more complicated look into an international crime based on importation of narcotics and valuable animal parts, like ivory tusks, rhino horns and bones. As part of their investigation, Alex and Detectives Mike and Mercer visit the Bronx Zoological Park, to learn more about the organization running it and the society charged with helping preserve endangered species, as well as giving the author the opportunity to exhibit her deep research into another New York City landmark.

The plot is so complicated that some readers may be put off by the book. While the denouement is not so far fetched, it takes Ms. Fairstein several twists and turns to get there, although the conclusion is pretty much a forgone conclusion almost from the start. Probably a little simplification could have prevented making the reader work through the various machinations Alex and Mike are put through. It’s a tough way to finally get a Dewar’s on ice.

Recommended.

[4cats · Rating 4 out of 5]

Deadfall continues on from where Killer Look left off, I can't say much more owing to spoilers. What I can say is that this isn't overburdened with romance as the previous book had been and Cooper is regaining her bite. Again we are left hanging as to what will happen in the next Cooper novel and I look forward to seeing what Coop will do.