Sly Fox

Set in 1976, this solid first novel from Emmy-winning TV legal analyst Pirro introduces idealistic Westchester ADA Dani Fox. Dani, who’s been relegated to the appeals unit on account of her sex, makes the most of a chance opportunity to work directly with crime victims. When a veteran White Plains cop, Det. Tommy O’Brien, asks Dani for help with a battered bartender, Mary Margaret Hitchins, Dani visits Mary in the hospital, where she’s recovering from her husband’s latest assault. Since at the time New York law didn’t consider spousal violence a matter for criminal court, Dani must use all her ingenuity and political acumen to persuade her sexist bosses to allow her to pursue the case. Pirro’s experiences as a former DA and county court judge as well as the founder of one of the country’s first domestic violence units help distinguish this from the pack. Fans of the autobiographical legal thrillers of Linda Fairstein and Marcia Clark will find a lot to like. Agent: David Vigliano, Vigliano Associates. (July)