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The answer is less obvious. Isabella Lascar is a temperamental star whose fan club consists primarily of a stalker. Alex (Alexandra) Cooper, as Chief of the Manhattan D.A.'s Sex Crimes Prosecution Unit, has collected plenty of enemies over the years. As several suspects emerge with motives to dim Isabella's star, Alex ignores the hang-up phone calls that reach her home with increasing frequency. She also ignores her boss's order to leave the detective work to the police.
Author Linda Fairstein, the genuine assistant D.A. in charge of prosecuting Manhattan's sex crimes, shows us what goes on behind the scenes. Fairstein portrays protagonist Alex Cooper as a dedicated yet human professional: tough on criminals, comforting to victims, yearning to be pampered herself at the end of the work day. In addition to the rape victim interviews, police line-ups, and court appearances that fill Alex's chaotic schedule, she meets with her irreverent detective friend Mike Chapman to discuss the Lascar case. Mike and Alex engage in an entertaining exchange of friendly banter and nightly bets on the final "Jeopardy!" question.
When mysterious letters appear, Alex enlists her psychiatrist neighbor, David Mitchell, to interpret them. As plot twists begin to suggest that Alex faces danger, Mitchell and his Weimaraner, Prozac, prove useful friends.
In this first novel, Fairstein clearly uses personal experience to create realistic dialogue and believable characters. Alex acts and feels like a '90s single woman, relying on friendship, humor, and take-out food to cope with a demanding career. Mike Chapman talks and eats like a New York cop. David Mitchell sounds like a well-adjusted shrink. The supporting cast includes an officious FBI agent, a paranoid D.A., and a colleague who wishes Alex had been killed. In the category "Intended Victims" the answer is: Alex, Isabella-or both. Be sure to phrase your response in the form of a question. And don't be surprised if Final Jeopardy begins a series of Alex Cooper novels.
Carol Celeste is a freelance writer in Orange, California.
©1996, ProMotion, inc.