The author is an Assistant DA at the NYC Sex Crimes Division and as one might expect (given this pedigree) her novel shouts of authenticity. This is her fourth book featuring Alexandra Cooper, her fictional counterpart. This time the investigation centres around a woman murdered while under police protection. Her husband has a cast-iron alibi, and Cooper is forced to broaden her enquiries, taking in a university department riddled with intrigue, its research site on an island off Manhattan and the unexplained disappearance of a student addict. Fairstein's novel is fast moving and involving, and one can understand why Patricia Cornwell, for one, rates her talents so highly. Add a fast growing and loyal readership in the UK and this deserves shelf room in any bookshop's crime section.