New York City is both a setting and in a way a character, in Linda Fairstein’s newest, and 12th, tale of Alex Cooper, super investigator and crime solver. The title, “Hell Gate,” refers to a dark, roiling stretch of the East River just behind the Gracie Mansion, the New York mayor’s official residence.

The writer’s description of the water sets a menacing tone the way tense music would in a film. Her skill in painting a picture of the scene and sounds adds a layer of intrigue throughout. What could be more perfect reading for a long winter’s night?

Fairstein, who was chief of the District Attorney’s sex crimes unit, continues after 26 years in the public sector as a practicing lawyer and advocate for victims of violence. She will appear at 7:30 March 15 at the Tattered Cover/ Colfax, 2526 East Colfax Ave., Denver to meet fans and read and sign “Hell Gate.”

Scenarios in this March 2010 title are fresh from the past year’s headlines: political scandals (think Patterson), sex (think Spitzer), human trafficking (some undocumented immigrants), good and rogue cops and more… set in gritty neighborhoods, on the streets and in lovely historic homes in New York City.

Cooper’s associates, each with a distinct personality, seamlessly bring in elements of her carefully crafted story.

Detective Mike Chapman brings a head filled with local history and interesting facts, describing the elegant Federal period Gracie Mansion and several others of similar age that are woven into the multiple story lines Fairstein creates. Mercer Wallace is a brainy, calm African-American family man, who lends a steadying tone. Cooper has a cadre of bright, aggressive female lawyers on her staff who are expert in dealing with crimes against women.

And then there are the sleazy types — some in high places!

While it’s the sort of book that keeps you reading into the wee hours, you need to stay fairly sharp to process all the different people, motives and locations as this expert storyteller leads a chase across the city she knows and loves.