Review: Silent Mercy (Alexandra Cooper, #13) by Linda Fairstein

Silent Mercy by Linda Fairstein
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Silent Mercy, another riveting crime novel by Linda Fairstein, is the 13th in the Alexandra Cooper Series.
Alexandra Cooper, ADA and prosecutor in the sex crimes division and Detective Mike Chapman are investigating two brutal murders in NYC

A young woman’s mutilated headless body is set on fire and left burning on the steps of Harlem’s Mount Neboh Baptist Church.
When another dead woman’s body is found at the Old St Patrick’s Cathedral in Little Italy, it becomes clear that the two churches, used by the killer as his crime scenes, has religious message.
Tightly written mystery delving into religion, church institutions, teaching church institutions, feminism, views on women in the priesthood,

"Ursula questioned everything. When the word came from Rome that barring women from the priesthood wasn't a human-rights issue, it was Ursula who stood up to the Magisterium. 'Is it because we don't have rights?' she asked. 'Or is it because we're not human?'"

filled with twists, turns and surprises.
Interlaced with sub plots giving us a glimpse of Alexandra in a courtroom, prosecuting a priest of sexual abuse and it was good she is during her cross-examination of a bishop, who may be part of a cover-up in the case.
We also see how she deals with a rape investigation that has proved the young woman to be lying and what she does to resolve the issue. I just love her no-nonsense attitude.
Interesting history of some of NYC”s churches and landmarks, Penikese Island

, where Alexandra finds herself in a very dangerous situation as she battles to save the killer’s next victim…..and Cape Cod

provide a great backdrop to the story.
Alexandra Cooper is a brilliant character that I have come to like a lot- she’s independent, intelligent, a great friend and not afraid to stand up for herself. I just wonder about her choice in men…..Luc Rouget, chef extraordinaire, sexy and French….is an across the ocean relationship….same as her previous newscaster lover……it’s as if she prefers not being totally invested in these men…..
I think that another problem is Mike Chapman……..there is definitely a sexual tension between the two…..but it just seems to keep dragging on and on…and nothing happening. Mike’s frustration is palpable….his snarky remarks to Alex are at times really awful…..he can be a total ass that I begin to think that maybe she should just give him a miss!!!!!
I always enjoy this author’s books and this is another well-written mystery in this series.


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