Into The Lion’s Den

Recently I sat down for a one-on-one interview with New York Times bestselling author Linda Fairstein at Harbor Books in Sag Harbor to discuses her first children’s book, Into the Lions Den. Linda is best known as the author of the Alex Cooper mystery series for adults. Linda worked at the Manhattan District Attorney’s office as the head of the Special Victims Unit (SVU) from 1976 to 2002. Linda first dreamed of becoming a writer in the sixth grade and drew a lot of her inspiration from the Nancy Drew series as a kid. 

In Into the Lions Den, twelve-year old Devlin Quick and her friend Liza are at the New York Public Library when they witness something strange: a blade falling to the floor of the rare (and expensive) books room, a book left behind with a page meticulously torn out, and a man in a serious hurry to get out of there. Devlin Quick knows she has to bring this man to justice. But who is he? What did he steal from the library – and why. And what could the page – an old map -possibly lead to? These are all questions Devlin will have to face. So along with her friends and with a little help from New York’s City’s finest, she will piece together the clues to uncover a mystery that’s bigger than anyone expected. 

Linda said that as a young girl her father told her she couldn’t be a writer because she would have nothing to write about. So she went to law school and began a career.  She told me that although she “loved” her job as a prosecutor, she never let go of her dream of becoming a writer – and eventually her work in the District Attorney’s office gave her the inspiration for the many mystery novels she’s written.

I particularly love this book because of its great storyline. It took a really fun and exciting mystery and wrapped it around some very interesting facts about the NYC and Brooklyn public libraries.  I also loved that Devlin’s dog, a spaniel terrier mix, was rescued from a shelter – Animal adoption is so important! 

Victoria’s Fun Facts and Tips:

• The hit TV show “Law and Order: SVU” is based on Linda’s 30 year career as a prosecutor in the Manhattan District Attorney’s office.

• Linda lives in NYC where the Devlin Quick series takes place.
 
• The NY Public library serves more than 17 million patrons a year and holds more than 51 million items – from books to renowned research collections used by scholars from around the world.

• You can follow Linda on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and www.LindaFairstein.com

• Linda’s publisher, Penguin Young Readers, donated many copies of Into The Lion’s Den, that I will be delivering to middle schools for their libraries.

• You can watch my full interview with Linda on my YouTube channel, Victoria’s Amazing World.

This book makes a GREAT gift for the holidays!