A Conversation with Linda Fairstein: "Lethal Legacy"

Talking with Linda Fairstein might always be a delight (this is my first time to interview her!), but I can't imagine that it gets much more delightful than talking with Linda Fairstein about books and libraries. Fairstein's newest Alex Cooper thriller, Lethal Legacy, is all about the rare book trade -- and involves the New York Public Library. I have to admit that Fairstein had me at "Bay Psalm Book."

In this interview, Fairstein talks about how she transitioned from a career as one of New York's best-known and most successful district attorneys to writing in what she calls "a very crowded genre." She also tells us that she loves books and reading "as much as anything in the world," and explains that so many literary landmarks, "when you scratch beneath the surface, have deep, dark mysteries." Caveat bibliophiles: When you hear about what some residents (yes, residents!) of the New York Public Library once used Shakespeare's First Folio for, you'll be quite shocked.

Fairstein and I also discuss what's happening right now in book publishing, and why it concerns her -- and should concern us all. She's a savvy author who understands a great deal about the entire process a manuscript undergoes from pen to print.

I hope you'll enjoy seeing this exclusive video interview. I hope even more that it will lead you to scratch beneath the surface of one of Fairstein's thrillers. Thanks for watching!