#41/81 LETHAL LEGACY by Linda Fairstein

This book, a further installment in the Alexandra Cooper series, centers around the New York City Public Library. A Conservator of rare books who is possibly sexually assaulted disappears after refusing to cooperate with an investigation. Alex's boss urges her to find the victim, Alex does just that but dead in the park.
The hunt that follows, leads Alex with her police comrades, Mike and Mercer, through the halls of the NY Public Library where a treasure hunt appears to be at the center of the murder. The investigation points to a special map of great historical significance. Anyone interested in in cartography and especially in the theft of maps from archives would be enthralled in this mystery.
Ms Fairstein focuses so much of story around the library and library procedures as well as the history of the NY Public Library. It was extremely enlightening for someone who loves to read but is not a librarian.
It was a delight to have this story with the characters we have grown to understand and care about show that even the quiet halls of the Public Library can turn deadly.

#16/81 FEARLESS FOURTEEN by Janet Evanovich

Stephanie is up to her usual tricks and yet I still laugh uproariously throughout the story. After convincing Loretta Rizzi to turn herself in to be rebonded, Stephanie is forced to babysit Loretta's son because Loretta is unable to be rebonded. These are the least of Loretta's troubles for as soon as she manages to be released she is kidnapped and held for ransom. Stephanie struggles to manage the events that continue to unravel around the Rizzo family members and continuing her security work with Ranger and her romance with Joe. She continually lands in one predicament after another but somehow muddles through in the end. For all the Plum series books, this is one of the better story lines.

#14/81 KILLER HEAT by Linda Fairstein

Killer Heat is the 10th in the series centering around Alexandra Cooper Asst DA for Special Victims in NYC. This book's main story line revolves around a serial rapist/murder and the efforts taken to apprehend the perpetrator. There is a subplot which is cleverly woven in to misdirect the reader and keep the tension throughout.
The characters have been well-developed over the previous 9 novels and interact as expected. The behavior of the central character is beginning to become a bit predictable and therefore, removes some of the suspense that could normally be generated in this type of plot. But all in all, I enjoyed the book.

#10/81 LEAN MEAN THIRTEEN by Janet Evanovich

Lean Mean Thirteen is another Stephanie Plum cozy mystery and so again you laugh out loud at the antics of this incompetent bounty hunter.
Much as Stephanie detests her ex- husband, Dickie Orr, she agrees to plant some listening devices on him for Ranger in the office of his new law firm. Problems develop when after attacking him there, he disappears and she is a prime suspect when he is feared murdered. Mayhem evolves including Stephanie’s arch-enemy, Joyce Barnhardt, pointing the finger of blame at her, who insinuates Stephanie is after his money; an awful lot of money at that.
There are so many typical Stephanie/Lula situations that I nearly peed my pants several times but all is resolve, except of course, her love life.

#9/81 Twelve Sharp by Janet Evanovich

For me, just saying Stephanie Plum's name brings a smile. She is a young woman who wants to seem independent but can't seem to manage her job (a Bond Enforcement Agent) or her love life. The two come together in this book when the daughter of her mentor (Ranger) is kidnapped apparently by Ranger and it sets her on path which is terrorizing and comical at the same. Having both of the men in her life (Joe and Ranger) competing to protect her one minute and seduce her the next, makes me laugh just when I want to cry. Her characters are fully fleshed out, (including Lula) all the details are integral parts of the plots. Stephanie may not be the greatest BEA but she's a hoot!