Linda Fairstein is one of my top favourite authors. A few days ago, I went to my local library to pick up her latest book, after a fairly long wait for it which is not surprising. I also picked up John Grisham, Jonathan Hayes, Simon Beckett and Simon Lelic but ditched them for now in favour of Linda Fairstein, gender notwithstanding.
Silent Mercy (published 17 March 2011) is the thirteenth book in the Alexandra Cooper novel series. If you had not heard about Fairstein already, the author is known to use the 'hidden treasures of her beloved city (New York)' to start off an idea of a book. This time, it is the history of religious institutions of Manhattan. A useful map printed at the front of this book gives a visual and physical picture of the key locations of the old churches/synagogues cited in the book.
Out of the offspring shoot sprouts other fascinating information about women's controversial roles as priests namely the 'Roman Catholic Womenpriests' website , the opposition from Rome to feminist theology, women's solidarity in the face of religious discrimination, among others. And how many of us know that the largest cathedral in the world is the Church of St John the Divine in New York, set on thirteen acres of land! For those who want to learn more, Fairstein has recommended Rev Dr Serene Jones' Trauma + Grace: Theology in a Ruptured World, and Feminist Theory and Christian Theology, in her acknowledgments.
In outstanding novels, it is not just about the police or the dynamic policing techniques or the modern kooky technology that make it a good read. Fairstein's novels are unique in its evocation of setting and history - not forgetting her Final Jeopardy! questions - thereby making her a writer who does not conform to a commercial audience but a writer who writes what she knows. I tell you, she never fails to deliver. Needless to say, I have read all her books and am looking forward to the next one!
In 2010, Fairstein was presented with the Silver Bullet Award from the International Thriller Writers Association. To find out more about the author and her works, you can keep up to date with her on Facebook or access her website on www.lindafairstein.com
Dustjacket blurb: When the burnt, headless body of a young woman if found on the steps of a Baptist church in Harlem, Assistant DA Alexandra Cooper is one of the first on the shocking scene. Alex has seen some gruesome crimes committed in New York, but the barbarity of this latest discovery leaves her nauseous.
With NYPD cop Mike Chapman, Alex begins to investigate, but before long another woman is slaughtered and found on the steps of a Catholic church in Little Italy - her throat slashed and her tongue cut out.
It becomes clear there is a zealous serial killer on the loose. Now Alex and Mike must keep one step ahead of a religious fanatic bent on silencing the women he believes are bringing shame to his faith - before he kills anyone else.
The author definitely says it better! Watch Fairstein on video introducing her new book and giving us a behind-the-scenes look at one of the old churches cited in her book, St Patrick's Cathedral on Fifth Avenue, Manhattan:
Listen to the first chapter read by Barbara Rosenblat:
A bit of biography on Linda Fairstein, her advocacy and a Lifetime Achievement Award (venue: the Marriot Marquis Hotel in NYC on 7 December 2010):
Rating: 5/5
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