The story begins with the discovery of the viciously slashed body of Dr. Gemma Dogen, an eminent neurosurgeon at a New York Hospital. She is found in her office, apparently the victim of a sexual assault; Homicide Detective Mike Chapman contacts Alex to lend her expertise in the investigation of the death. An integral part of this team is Mike's partner, Mercer Wallace. Alex's role on the team is to make certain no procedural errors are committed which could be fatal to the prosecution. She is also there to lend the investigative weight of the state through subpoena power.

Immediately, it is obvious that this hospital is not a safe place to be. In the search for suspects, a labyrinth of tunnels housing a number of homeless people is discovered underneath the facility. Next door is a psychiatric care facility with direct access into the building. Because of the incredibly lax security at the hospital, a random attack on Dr. Dogen could have come from anywhere.

Not to be ignored in the search are those who could have a motive. There are many hospital employees, any of whom could be harboring grudges or secret agendas, together with friends and an ex-husband.

There is considerable chemistry between Mike, Mercer and Alex, and their rapport as they work together is that of old friends. Fairstein writes believable dialogue that is neither too cute, nor too sarcastic. The investigation becomes a matter of winnowing the trees from the great forest with few surprises. Likely to Die starts at a fast pace but too quickly becomes mired down with the inner workings of the district attorney's office.

Some readers will find Likely to Die an educational and interesting read. To illustrate Alex's daily work load, Fairstein introduces facts from many unrelated cases. The strength of the book is the accuracy with which sex crimes are investigated and prosecuted. But for a reader who prefers ongoing and constant action, it is also the book's weakness. Still, methodology can sometimes be intriguing if it falls within the scope of one's interest.

--Thea Davis