Novelist Linda Fairstein talks and signs at Mohegan Sun

Linda Fairstein, bestselling author of the Alexandra Cooper series, became a thriller writer not just because she herself is a huge fan of crime fiction.

As the former chief of the Sex Crimes Unit of the Manhattan district attorney's office, and one of the country's foremost legal experts on sexual assault and domestic violence, Fairstein has seen more than her share of ugliness.

Now, through Cooper's massively popular adventures - the latest of which is "Hell Gate" - Fairstein uses her knowledge and experience to thrill readers but also to serve as a bit of an activist.

"Writing the Alex books is certainly cathartic and not remotely stressful," says Fairstein, who will discuss and sign copies Saturday at the Mohegan Sun Cabaret as part of the casino's Winning Author's Series. "What was stressful was 30 years interacting with people's lives in some fairly ugly situations. It's wonderful to entertain with crime fiction, but it's also important to educate readers gently on some big
issues."

It's certainly fair to suggest Alex, also with the district attorney's office in a similar gig, is Fairstein's alter ego - although, as the writer laughs, "Alex is younger and thinner."

"Hell Gate" is the 12th of the Cooper novels, with the usual hydra-headed plot and plenty of obstacles for Alex and her pals, homicide detective Mike Chapman and special victims detective Mercer Wallace. On one level, a shipwreck in Long Island Sound reveals human cargo destined for trafficking purposes. Also, in a plucked-from-the-headlines tangent, a popular congressman is guilty of infidelity - but is he also the father of an illegitimate child? Or a murderer?

Fairstein admits that the real-life misdeeds of public figures were a big inspiratioin for "Hell Gate."

"I'm a good enough citizen to not want political scandal, so I'm not exactly gleeful when something happens," she laughs. "At the same time, when the situation broke with Elliot Spitzer, who was a colleague of mine, I think for the first time I wanted to address politics. And morons keep coming and keep thinking they can get away with the hubris and arrogance. Like Mark Sanford and John Edwards ..."

Despite the depth and complexity and admittedly dark subject matter of the Cooper novels, it's also great fun to grow along with Alex, Mike and Mercer. Their respective lives and interaction are something Fairstein has to keep an eye on.

"I'd heard years ago that authors would say their characters would develop minds of their own, and I thought it was nonsense," Fairstein says. "But it's absolutely true. Because of Alex's work and her victim advocacy, I thought I'd know her every thought and move. But sometimes I can't control who she goes out with. I can't control Mike at all. And I never expected that Mercer would re-marry his ex-wife and become a father. They surprise me, too."

Linda Fairstein, Saturday, Mohegan Sun;
2 p.m. discussion, Cabaret Theatre, 3 p.m. signing in the Shops of Mohegan Sun; free; (860) 886-0070, mohegansun.com.