Manhattan Assistant D.A. Alexandra Cooper is having a tough time preventing her latest "he said, she said" rape case from being thrown out. Due to victim Paige Vallis’ own reluctance to come clean about certain facts and lack of any major evidence, Alex’s only hope is a witness who is also the rapist’s abused young son and to whom Alex is refused access. A battery of high-powered lawyers working for the defendant as well as a severe judge have Alex struggling to find some other proof.

That’s when NYPD officer Mercer Wallace and detective Mike Chapman set another intriguing case in front of her, that of the murder of an elderly woman with an intriguing past living in Harlem. Further investigation brings to light secrets from the past, stolen gold coins, an exiled Egyptian king and tragedies galore. In a bizarre twist, all this is somehow connected to Alex’s rape case. As she races to put the pieces of the puzzle together, little does Alex realize that she herself may be running out of time.

Linda Fairstein’s Alexandra Cooper novels have kept her readers intrigued and entertained for some time now. Reading The Kills is more than sufficient evidence of the reason why these novels consistently end up in the bestseller lists. The devious plotting, together with a slick pace and polished writing, ensure a breathless suspense and a mystery that’s so convoluted as to perplex readers until the end. The complexity of the characters, the mysterious ways in which their lives both past and present combine, together with the ongoing roller-coaster dynamics of Alex Cooper’s personal and professional life ensure the story never lacks for drama. Interesting details about New York city and authentic events from history attach genuineness and glamour to the tale. An absolute joy to read, The Kills is guaranteed to please the fans and gain Fairstein’s books a host of new addicts.