Review: Terminal City by Linda Fairstein

A Mysterious Review of Terminal City by Linda Fairstein. An Alex Cooper Mystery.

Review summary: Typical of many books in this series, there is a lot of historical detail associated with the setting of this story. But all that interesting trivia cannot compensate for a lack of a credible (or even interesting) murder investigation. A more creative link between history and mystery would have made for a better book. (Click here for text of full review.)

Our rating:

Terminal City
Linda Fairstein
An Alex Cooper Mystery
Dutton (June 2014)

Publisher synopsis: From the world's largest Tiffany clock decorating the 42nd Street entrance to its spectacular main concourse, Grand Central has been a symbol of beauty and innovation in New York City for more than one hundred years. But "the world's loveliest station" is hiding more than just an underground train system. When the body of a young woman is found in the tower suite of the Waldorf Astoria — one of the most prestigious hotels in Manhattan — Assistant DA Alex Cooper and Detectives Mike Chapman and Mercer Wallace find themselves hunting for an elusive killer whose only signature is carving a carefully drawn symbol into his victims' bodies, a symbol that bears a striking resemblance to train tracks.

When a second body bearing the same bloody symbol is discovered in a deserted alleyway right next to the terminal building, all attention shifts to the iconic transportation hub, where the potential for a bigger attack weighs heavily on everyone's minds. With the President of the United States set to arrive for a United Nations meeting at the week's end, Alex and Mike must contend with Grand Central's expansive underground tunnels and century-old dark secrets — as well as their own changing relationship — to find a killer who appears to be cutting a deadly path straight to the heart of the city.