Was a better read that the last one I read though this one I had to really stay focused. ( )

Review: Lethal Legacy by Linda Fairstein.

I was intrigued by this well written book. Fairstein did some researching and filled the novel with plenty of great depth information and facts about legacies, history, rare books, rare maps and book binding done in the New York Public Library. Plus, she added insight of other numerous cultural institutions.

The story starts out with Tina Barr; a conservator of rare books and maps who is attacked in her apartment by someone she thought was a fireman. Neighbors heard the commotion and called the police. However, after the attack she locks herself in her apartment and wouldn’t even allow the police or any other agency to help her. Soon Alexandra Cooper, an assistant district attorney talks her way into the apartment and calls for an ambulance for medical assistance to take Tina to the hospital where she sneaks out and disappears. Alex Cooper is assigned by District Attorney Paul Battaglia to search for Tina Barr and that did not take long, Tina’s dead body is found in Bryant Park.

Then not long after a second murdered body was found in Tina Barr’s apartment. The woman was a staff member of the privileged Hunt family. As Alex and her partner Detective Mike Chapman investigates the two murders they wind up meeting the Hunt family who are major benefactors of New York’s Public Library, other passionate rare book collectors and where Tina Barr once worked.

Fairstein introduces the rare maps that are attached to the Hunt family legacy with secrets of their own and seeking the rare twelve panel atlas which they claim they once owned. This book will not let the reader get bored because there is something interesting always waiting to be read too the very end. There is a new character added to Fairstein’s characters, one who will stand out throughout the story. He is Shalik Samson, a twelve year old boy, street wise and who has an attitude and is very sarcastic but captured my heart… ( )

such fun! loads of book stuff and a bit of a backstage tour of one of my favourite libraries. plus a lovely tribute: For Librarians: guardian angels of the mind and soul (altho not all the librarians in this book are) ( )

Alex is caught up a new mystery with her two buddies Mercer and Mike. This 11th book focuses on the New York Public Library and their wealthy donors. A very rare map, not known to be real is the object of at least two murders. As Alex and team search for the answers the reader gets an wonderful tour of the New York Public library and its history. One of the things this reviewer iikes best about Fairsteins books is her research in to the city and its history. How this history plays into the mystery is always fun. Learn something new overtime I read her stories. The names of the two lions outside the main entrance are Fortitude and Patience. ( )

So this isn't "tagged" friendship, but there is a definite ongoing friendship throughout the entire series between; Prosecutor Alex Cooper, Detective Mike Chapman, and Detective Mercer....so there are the friends.

This book covers the chase for a 12-part rare map and rare books throughout the City of N.Y. and NYPL. Fascinating history of NYPL, the geography beneath it, rare books and maps.

It wasn't as "exciting" as some of her other books, but being a Librarian, I loved the history & information on rarities & collectibles. ( )