Linda Fairstein

Linda Fairstein is an accomplished American author, renowned for her crime fiction and police procedural novels. Born in New York State on May 5, 1947, Fairstein's passion for narrative literature and writing was ignited during her childhood. Despite her father's initial opposition, this interest in intrigues and plots eventually became a central theme in her life and career. Fairstein pursued her undergraduate degree at Vassar College and earned her law degree from the University of Virginia in 1972.

Fairstein became a prosecuting attorney for the State of New York and worked on violent crime cases, particularly those affecting women, for 25 years. Her expertise in sex crimes made her a highly authoritative figure in the field, gaining recognition at the national level. In 1976, Fairstein took charge of the sex crimes unit of the Manhattan District Attorney's office, where she remained until 2002. During her tenure, she handled several high-profile cases, including the "Preppy Murder" case against Robert Chambers in 1986. After leaving the District Attorney's office, Fairstein continued to work as a consultant, writer, lecturer, and sex crimes expert for various media outlets. She has provided expert opinions on notable cases such as Michael Jackson's molestation charges in 2004, Kobe Bryant's sexual assault charges, and Scott Peterson's trial.

Fairstein is the author of the Alexandra Cooper Mystery series, featuring Manhattan prosecutor Alex Cooper, who heads the Special Victims Unit of the Office and works closely with NYPD detectives Mike Chapman and Mercer Wallace. The series, which includes the best-selling novel DEVIL'S BRIDGE, is known for its vivid depictions of New York City, drawing on Fairstein's extensive legal expertise and affection for the city's rich history. In addition to her work on adult fiction, Fairstein is set to debut a new series for Middle Grade readers in 2016, featuring a young sleuth named Devlin Quick. This series is an homage to Nancy Drew, whose books inspired Fairstein's dual careers in crime fiction and the law.