Linda Fairstein Books in Order: Alexandra Cooper Mysteries and Devlin Quick

Linda Fairstein is best known for her Alexandra Cooper series, a long-running collection of legal and crime thrillers centered on a Manhattan prosecutor working with the NYPD on complicated murder and sex-crime investigations.

Fairstein’s professional background strongly shaped these novels. She spent more than two decades in Manhattan’s Sex Crimes Unit before retiring from the district attorney’s office in 2002, and her fiction frequently draws on legal procedure, forensic investigation, New York City institutions, and the realities of prosecuting serious crimes. Simon & Schuster describes the Alexandra Cooper novels as international bestsellers translated into more than a dozen languages.

For readers searching for the Linda Fairstein books in order, the most important thing to know is that there are two primary fiction series:

• Alexandra Cooper — 20 adult legal thrillers
• Devlin Quick Mysteries — 3 middle-grade mysteries

There is also Fairstein’s nonfiction book Sexual Violence: Our War Against Rape, along with short fiction and contributions to crime-fiction anthologies.

The Alexandra Cooper books are the main reason most readers come to Fairstein, and reading them in publication order is the simplest way to follow Alex Cooper’s career, relationships, and recurring characters.

Linda Fairstein Books in Order: The Complete List

Here is the main Linda Fairstein reading order by publication date:

The Alexandra Cooper series contains 20 novels, ending with Blood Oath in 2019. The Devlin Quick series contains three books published between 2016 and 2018.

Because the two series overlap chronologically, the numbered list above is organized primarily as a series reading guide, while the complete chronological order appears later in this article.

Alexandra Cooper Books in Order

The Alexandra Cooper series is Linda Fairstein’s principal body of fiction. It follows Alexandra “Alex” Cooper, a Manhattan prosecutor whose work brings her into some of New York City’s most disturbing murder and sex-crime cases.

The series contains 20 novels, beginning with Final Jeopardy and currently ending with Blood Oath.

1. Final Jeopardy (1996)

Final Jeopardy introduces Alexandra Cooper, a Manhattan prosecutor specializing in sex crimes.

The novel begins when Alex learns that a woman has been murdered at her Martha’s Vineyard property. The victim is Isabella Lascar, a Hollywood actress, and the shocking circumstances immediately make Alex wonder whether the killer intended to target her instead.

Alex’s investigation introduces readers to two of the recurring characters who become important throughout the series: NYPD detective Mike Chapman and investigator Mercer Wallace.

As the case develops, Fairstein combines police investigation with courtroom and prosecutorial elements, establishing the legal-thriller formula that defines the Alexandra Cooper novels.

Final Jeopardy is also Linda Fairstein’s first novel. Simon & Schuster’s boxed-set description confirms that the book introduced Alexandra Cooper and was based in part on Fairstein’s own professional experience as a sex-crimes prosecutor.

Alexandra Cooper series: Book 1

2. Likely to Die (1997)

In Likely to Die, Alex Cooper investigates the brutal attack of a prominent neurosurgeon at a Manhattan hospital.

The case becomes a high-profile murder investigation involving the medical community, professional rivalries, and questions surrounding the victim’s personal and professional life.

Alex soon discovers that investigating the crime may put her own life in danger.

The second book expands the world established in Final Jeopardy while giving readers another detailed look at the intersection of law enforcement, medicine, and Manhattan’s professional elite.

Alexandra Cooper series: Book 2

3. Cold Hit (1999)

Cold Hit centers on the discovery of a woman’s body in Manhattan.

The investigation turns toward DNA evidence and the possibility of obtaining a “cold hit”—a match that can connect biological evidence from a crime scene with an existing law-enforcement database.

Alex becomes involved in a case that leads into Manhattan’s exclusive auction-house world, where wealth, art, and murder intersect.

The book continues Fairstein’s emphasis on forensic evidence and legal procedure while further developing Alex’s working relationship with the detectives around her.

Alexandra Cooper series: Book 3

4. The Deadhouse (2001)

The Deadhouse takes Alex into one of New York City’s most atmospheric settings.

The investigation involves a mysterious building and a murder that forces Alex and her colleagues to examine the history hidden beneath one of Manhattan’s institutions.

The novel is notable for its use of New York history alongside the contemporary investigation.

The Deadhouse also received the Nero Wolfe Award for best novel in 2002.

Alexandra Cooper series: Book 4

5. The Bone Vault (2003)

The Bone Vault combines archaeology, museums, human remains, and murder.

Alex investigates a case connected to the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the complicated world surrounding valuable cultural artifacts.

As with many Alexandra Cooper mysteries, the investigation is not simply about identifying a killer. Alex must understand the institutional relationships, historical secrets, and legal questions surrounding the crime.

Alexandra Cooper series: Book 5

6. The Kills (2004)

The Kills takes its title from the waterways and marshland areas associated with New York’s geography.

Alex becomes involved in a murder investigation that takes her away from the more familiar Manhattan settings and into a darker side of the city’s surrounding landscape.

The novel continues to blend police procedure, prosecutorial strategy, forensic evidence, and New York history.

Alexandra Cooper series: Book 6

7. Entombed (2005)

In Entombed, Alex investigates a case involving a body discovered in an unusual and historically significant setting.

The investigation takes her through New York’s past and present as she attempts to determine the identity of the victim and uncover the motive behind the crime.

The book is another example of Fairstein using a recognizable New York location or institution as an important part of the mystery.

Alexandra Cooper series: Book 7

8. Death Dance (2006)

Death Dance moves into New York’s performing-arts world.

Alex investigates a murder connected to the city’s theater and dance communities, where professional ambition, personal relationships, and competition create a complicated pool of suspects.

The case gives Fairstein another opportunity to combine New York culture with the legal and investigative machinery at the heart of the series.

Alexandra Cooper series: Book 8

9. Bad Blood (2007)

Bad Blood centers on a murder investigation involving family, wealth, and longstanding secrets.

Alex must determine how the victim’s relationships connect to the crime while navigating the pressure that comes with a high-profile Manhattan investigation.

The title’s emphasis on “bad blood” reflects the novel’s focus on relationships and conflicts that have been developing beneath the surface.

Alexandra Cooper series: Book 9

10. Killer Heat (2008)

Killer Heat takes place during a sweltering New York summer.

Alex investigates a series of violent events while the city’s oppressive heat intensifies the atmosphere surrounding the case.

As the investigation unfolds, Alex and her colleagues must separate genuine evidence from misleading clues while confronting a dangerous killer.

Alexandra Cooper series: Book 10

11. Lethal Legacy (2009)

Lethal Legacy draws heavily on New York’s cultural and institutional history.

Alex investigates a murder that leads into the world of rare books, libraries, historical collections, and valuable artifacts.

The case demonstrates one of Fairstein’s recurring strengths: using a specialized New York institution as more than simply a backdrop.

Alexandra Cooper series: Book 11

12. Hell Gate (2010)

Hell Gate takes its title from the dangerous East River channel known as Hell Gate.

The investigation involves a crime connected to the waterfront and New York’s maritime history.

Alex and her colleagues must unravel a case that reaches backward through historical events while dealing with an immediate threat in the present.

Alexandra Cooper series: Book 12

13. Silent Mercy (2011)

Silent Mercy places Alex in a case involving questions of faith, institutional power, and violence.

The investigation forces her to navigate complicated relationships and competing loyalties while trying to establish what really happened.

As the series progresses, Fairstein increasingly uses the Alexandra Cooper mysteries to explore not only crimes but also the institutions surrounding them.

Alexandra Cooper series: Book 13

14. Night Watch (2012)

Night Watch begins with a murder that draws Alex into another dangerous investigation.

The story uses New York’s nighttime environment to create an atmosphere of uncertainty and vulnerability as Alex attempts to identify the person responsible.

The book continues the established series formula of police investigation, forensic evidence, legal strategy, and Manhattan settings.

Alexandra Cooper series: Book 14

15. Death Angel (2013)

In Death Angel, Alex investigates a case that brings her into contact with New York’s wealthy and powerful communities.

The investigation becomes increasingly complicated as personal motives and hidden relationships begin to emerge.

The novel combines the courtroom perspective that distinguishes Fairstein from many conventional police-procedural writers with the investigative work of Alex’s NYPD colleagues.

Alexandra Cooper series: Book 15

16. Terminal City (2014)

Terminal City takes readers into the world of Grand Central Terminal and the enormous network of people who pass through one of New York City’s most famous landmarks.

A murder investigation places Alex in an environment where thousands of people, hidden spaces, and complicated histories make identifying the killer particularly difficult.

The setting is central to the story and gives the novel the distinctly New York atmosphere associated with Fairstein’s work.

Alexandra Cooper series: Book 16

17. Devil’s Bridge (2015)

Devil’s Bridge brings Alex into another complex Manhattan investigation.

The case forces her to work through layers of evidence while dealing with professional and personal complications.

The novel continues the later-series emphasis on Alex’s position as an experienced prosecutor and the changing pressures of her career.

Alexandra Cooper series: Book 17

18. Killer Look (2016)

Killer Look moves into the fashion world.

A murder connected to New York’s fashion industry brings Alex into an environment dominated by image, wealth, competition, and carefully protected secrets.

The novel uses the fashion business as the backdrop for a legal thriller while retaining the investigative partnership between Alex and her recurring NYPD colleagues.

Alexandra Cooper series: Book 18

19. Deadfall (2017)

Deadfall opens with a dramatic attack on Manhattan District Attorney Paul Battaglia.

After Battaglia is shot outside the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Alex becomes caught up in an investigation in which she must consider both the obvious suspects and the possibility of a much deeper conspiracy.

The case places Alex in an unusually dangerous position as she works with Mike Chapman to uncover who wanted the district attorney dead.

Alexandra Cooper series: Book 19

20. Blood Oath (2019)

Blood Oath is the 20th Alexandra Cooper novel and, currently, the latest book in the series.

The story centers on a young woman who previously testified in a landmark federal case and now reveals that she was sexually assaulted by a prominent law-enforcement official.

Alex’s investigation leads her toward Rockefeller University, where the legal case intersects with the institution’s history and scientific community.

The book also places Alex’s own professional future in question as she considers whether to run for Manhattan district attorney.

Blood Oath was first published in March 2019 and remains the most recent published Alexandra Cooper novel in the available bibliography.

Alexandra Cooper series: Book 20

Alexandra Cooper Books in Order

For readers who want only the main Linda Fairstein legal-thriller series, this is the order to follow:

1. Final Jeopardy — 1996
2. Likely to Die — 1997
3. Cold Hit — 1999
4. The Deadhouse — 2001
5. The Bone Vault — 2003
6. The Kills — 2004
7. Entombed — 2005
8. Death Dance — 2006
9. Bad Blood — 2007
10. Killer Heat — 2008
11. Lethal Legacy — 2009
12. Hell Gate — 2010
13. Silent Mercy — 2011
14. Night Watch — 2012
15. Death Angel — 2013
16. Terminal City — 2014
17. Devil’s Bridge — 2015
18. Killer Look — 2016
19. Deadfall — 2017
20. Blood Oath — 2019

This 20-book order is consistently listed by series bibliographies and is also reflected in publisher and bibliographic records identifying Blood Oath as Alexandra Cooper Book 20.

Devlin Quick Mysteries Books in Order

The Devlin Quick Mysteries are a separate series written for younger readers.

Instead of adult legal thrillers, these books follow twelve-year-old Devlin “Dev” Quick as she investigates mysteries in New York and beyond. The series consists of three novels.

1. Into the Lion’s Den (2016)

Into the Lion’s Den introduces Devlin Quick, a young girl with a strong interest in solving mysteries.

The story sends Dev into an investigation involving a rare book and a suspicious incident connected to New York’s cultural institutions.

The book introduces the characters, family relationships, and investigative style that continue throughout the series.

Devlin Quick Mysteries: Book 1

2. Digging for Trouble (2017)

In Digging for Trouble, Devlin becomes involved in a mystery surrounding a dinosaur dig.

Her investigation takes her away from New York and into the world of fossils, archaeology, and scientific research.

The novel was published in November 2017 by Dial Books.

Devlin Quick Mysteries: Book 2

3. Secrets from the Deep (2018)

Secrets from the Deep is the third and latest Devlin Quick mystery.

The story brings Dev into another investigation involving history, treasure, and New York’s maritime world.

Published in 2018, it is currently the final published entry in the three-book series.

Devlin Quick Mysteries: Book 3

Devlin Quick Reading Order

1. Into the Lion’s Den — 2016
2. Digging for Trouble — 2017
3. Secrets from the Deep — 2018

Reading them in publication order is recommended because the characters and their relationships develop across the books, even though each novel contains its own mystery.

Linda Fairstein Nonfiction Books

Linda Fairstein’s main nonfiction book is Sexual Violence: Our War Against Rape, published in 1993.

Sexual Violence: Our War Against Rape (1993)

Published before Fairstein began the Alexandra Cooper novels, Sexual Violence: Our War Against Rape draws on her professional experience as the head of Manhattan’s Sex Crimes Prosecution Unit.

The book examines the investigation and prosecution of sexual-assault cases, including the legal process, evidence, victims, and criminal justice system.

Bibliographic records identify William Morrow as the original publisher and 1993 as the publication year.

This book is nonfiction rather than an Alexandra Cooper novel, so it does not need to be read as part of the fictional series.

Linda Fairstein Short Stories and Other Fiction

Fairstein has also contributed shorter works to crime-fiction anthologies.

One notable example is “Going Under,” published in the 1997 anthology The Plot Thickens. The anthology brought together short mysteries by several major crime writers, and Fairstein’s contribution features police officer Samantha Atwell.

Another multi-author project is I’d Kill For That (2004), to which Fairstein contributed.

These works are worth knowing about if you want a complete Linda Fairstein bibliography, but they should not be confused with full-length Alexandra Cooper novels.

Other anthology appearances

Fairstein has also been associated with collections including:

• Their World is Law (2002)
• The Best American Crime Reporting 2007 (2007)
• Mystery Writers of America Presents The Prosecution Rests (2009)
• FaceOff (2014)

These are anthology or contribution credits rather than additional Alexandra Cooper novels.

What About “From the Files of Linda Fairstein”?

Some online book databases list a group of short digital works under From the Files of Linda Fairstein, including titles such as:

• Killer Charm: The Double Lives of Psychopaths
• How Serial Rapists Target Their Victims
• The Rape Scandal That Puts You At Risk
• The Five Most Dangerous Places for Women
• The Most Surprising Crime Zone: Your Own Home
• Why Some Women Lie About Rape

There is also a collection titled Killer Charm and Other True Cases.

These should be treated as supplementary nonfiction/digital material rather than a conventional series of full-length books. For a normal “Linda Fairstein books in order” reading list, the Alexandra Cooper and Devlin Quick novels are the essential fiction, while Sexual Violence is the major standalone nonfiction title.

Do You Need to Read Linda Fairstein Books in Order?

Yes, if you want the best overall series experience—but you can technically begin many individual Alexandra Cooper novels on their own.

The Alexandra Cooper books generally focus on a complete investigation in each novel, so a reader can understand the central crime without having read every preceding book.

However, reading the books chronologically has several advantages.

You follow Alexandra Cooper’s career

Alex’s professional life changes throughout the series. Reading from Final Jeopardy onward lets you see those changes develop naturally.

You get the full development of recurring characters

Characters such as Mike Chapman and Mercer Wallace recur throughout the series. Their relationships with Alex make more sense when experienced from the beginning.

You experience the evolution of Fairstein’s writing

The early novels establish the legal-thriller formula, while later books explore increasingly specialized New York institutions and settings.

You avoid missing references to earlier cases

Later novels occasionally refer to Alex’s previous investigations and experiences.

So while the books are mostly case-driven, publication order remains the best Linda Fairstein reading order.

What Is the First Linda Fairstein Book?

The first Linda Fairstein novel is Final Jeopardy, published in 1996.

It introduces Alexandra Cooper and establishes the Manhattan prosecutor’s role that defines the series. Simon & Schuster explicitly describes Final Jeopardy as Fairstein’s first novel and the book that introduced Alexandra Cooper.

Fairstein had already published her nonfiction work Sexual Violence: Our War Against Rape in 1993, so the distinction is:

• First book: Sexual Violence: Our War Against Rape — 1993
• First novel: Final Jeopardy — 1996
• First Alexandra Cooper book: Final Jeopardy — 1996

What Is the Latest Linda Fairstein Book?

The latest published Linda Fairstein book in the main bibliography is Blood Oath, published in 2019.

It is Alexandra Cooper #20 and currently remains the latest published novel in the series. Bibliographic records list its first publication date as March 26, 2019.

There has not been a later Alexandra Cooper novel in the publication lists reviewed for this guide.

Is Blood Oath the Last Alexandra Cooper Book?

Blood Oath is the 20th and most recent published Alexandra Cooper novel, but that does not necessarily mean it was formally announced as the final book of the character’s story.

For reading-order purposes, however, Blood Oath is the current endpoint of the series.

Which Linda Fairstein Book Should You Read First?

For most readers, the best starting point is Final Jeopardy.

It introduces Alexandra Cooper, establishes the legal and investigative structure of the series, and brings together the core elements that make Fairstein’s thrillers distinctive.

Start with Final Jeopardy for the complete series experience

Choose Final Jeopardy if you want to experience Alexandra Cooper’s story from the beginning.

Start with Killer Look for fashion and New York culture

If you enjoy crime stories set in glamorous professional worlds, Killer Look uses New York’s fashion industry as a major part of the mystery.

Start with Terminal City for a strong New York setting

Terminal City is a good choice for readers who particularly enjoy stories built around famous New York locations.

Start with Blood Oath for the latest entry

If you simply want the most recent Alexandra Cooper novel, begin with Blood Oath. However, reading the earlier books first will give you more context for Alex and her recurring relationships.

Start with Into the Lion’s Den for younger readers

For middle-grade readers, Into the Lion’s Den is the natural starting point for the Devlin Quick Mysteries.

Linda Fairstein Books in Chronological Publication Order

If you want to read all of Fairstein’s major book-length works in publication order, including nonfiction and both fiction series, the practical sequence is:

1. Sexual Violence: Our War Against Rape — 1993
2. Final Jeopardy — 1996
3. Likely to Die — 1997
4. Cold Hit — 1999
5. The Deadhouse — 2001
6. The Bone Vault — 2003
7. The Kills — 2004
8. Entombed — 2005
9. Death Dance — 2006
10. Bad Blood — 2007
11. Killer Heat — 2008
12. Lethal Legacy — 2009
13. Hell Gate — 2010
14. Silent Mercy — 2011
15. Night Watch — 2012
16. Death Angel — 2013
17. Terminal City — 2014
18. Devil’s Bridge — 2015
19. Into the Lion’s Den — 2016
20. Killer Look — 2016
21. Deadfall — 2017
22. Digging for Trouble — 2017
23. Secrets from the Deep — 2018
24. Blood Oath — 2019

This chronological list separates Fairstein’s two fiction series while retaining the actual publication sequence. The Alexandra Cooper series itself remains best read as Books 1–20, independent of the Devlin Quick books.

A Note About Sabers in the Wind

Some online databases incorrectly list Sabers in the Wind as an early Linda Fairstein book.

It should not be included in the Linda Fairstein bibliography.

The book is actually associated with Charles M. Schulz, and the Fairstein author information appearing alongside some online listings is clearly a metadata error. A contemporary book record identifies Sabers in the Wind as a 1981 Fawcett publication by Charles M. Schulz, while Fairstein’s own publisher materials identify Final Jeopardy as her first novel.

Therefore, readers looking for the authentic Linda Fairstein books in order should begin with Sexual Violence for nonfiction or Final Jeopardy for fiction—not Sabers in the Wind.

Linda Fairstein Books in Order: FAQs

How many Alexandra Cooper books are there?

There are 20 Alexandra Cooper novels, beginning with Final Jeopardy in 1996 and ending, for now, with Blood Oath in 2019.

What is the order of the Alexandra Cooper books?

The order is:

1. Final Jeopardy
2. Likely to Die
3. Cold Hit
4. The Deadhouse
5. The Bone Vault
6. The Kills
7. Entombed
8. Death Dance
9. Bad Blood
10. Killer Heat
11. Lethal Legacy
12. Hell Gate
13. Silent Mercy
14. Night Watch
15. Death Angel
16. Terminal City
17. Devil’s Bridge
18. Killer Look
19. Deadfall
20. Blood Oath

What is the first Alexandra Cooper book?

Final Jeopardy is the first Alexandra Cooper novel. It was published in 1996 and introduces Alex as a Manhattan prosecutor.

What is the latest Alexandra Cooper book?

Blood Oath, published in 2019, is currently the latest Alexandra Cooper novel and is Book 20 in the series.

How many Devlin Quick books are there?

There are three Devlin Quick Mysteries:

1. Into the Lion’s Den — 2016
2. Digging for Trouble — 2017
3. Secrets from the Deep — 2018

Are the Devlin Quick books connected to Alexandra Cooper?

They are separate series. Both use New York City and Fairstein’s interest in investigation as important elements, but Devlin Quick is written for younger readers and does not require knowledge of the Alexandra Cooper novels.

Do you have to read Alexandra Cooper books in order?

Not strictly. Each book generally contains its own investigation, but publication order is recommended if you want to follow Alex’s career and recurring relationships from the beginning.

What is Linda Fairstein’s first book?

Her first major book-length publication was the nonfiction Sexual Violence: Our War Against Rape, published in 1993. Her first novel was Final Jeopardy, published in 1996.

What is Linda Fairstein’s latest book?

The latest published book in her principal bibliography is Blood Oath (2019), the twentieth Alexandra Cooper novel.

What genre does Linda Fairstein write?

Fairstein is primarily known for legal thrillers, crime fiction, police procedurals, and mysteries. Her Alexandra Cooper books combine prosecutorial work with police investigation and forensic elements.

Is Linda Fairstein’s real career reflected in her novels?

Yes. Fairstein spent more than two decades as chief of Manhattan’s Sex Crimes Unit, and her professional experience informs the legal and prosecutorial details in the Alexandra Cooper novels.

Final Linda Fairstein Reading Order

For most readers, the simplest way to approach Linda Fairstein is to focus first on the Alexandra Cooper novels:

1. Final Jeopardy — 1996
2. Likely to Die — 1997
3. Cold Hit — 1999
4. The Deadhouse — 2001
5. The Bone Vault — 2003
6. The Kills — 2004
7. Entombed — 2005
8. Death Dance — 2006
9. Bad Blood — 2007
10. Killer Heat — 2008
11. Lethal Legacy — 2009
12. Hell Gate — 2010
13. Silent Mercy — 2011
14. Night Watch — 2012
15. Death Angel — 2013
16. Terminal City — 2014
17. Devil’s Bridge — 2015
18. Killer Look — 2016
19. Deadfall — 2017
20. Blood Oath — 2019

Then, if you want Fairstein’s younger-reader fiction, read the Devlin Quick Mysteries:

1. Into the Lion’s Den — 2016
2. Digging for Trouble — 2017
3. Secrets from the Deep — 2018

And for her major nonfiction, read Sexual Violence: Our War Against Rape (1993).

If you’re primarily interested in legal thrillers and crime mysteries, start with Final Jeopardy and continue through Blood Oath in publication order. That gives you the complete Alexandra Cooper reading experience and avoids the confusion caused by some online databases that incorrectly mix in unrelated titles.

Written by

Emon Anam

Hi, I’m Emon. I’m the voice and heart behind Whimsy Read. After nine years in the world of banking, I followed my passion for storytelling into the world of SEO and content strategy. Now, I blend that analytical eye with a deep love for literature to bring you book reviews that are thoughtful, honest, and always focused on the stories that stay with you. When I’m not reading or writing, you’ll find me enjoying joyful chaos with my wife and three kids, getting lost in a new series, or revisiting my old loves: theater, music, and gaming. At the end of the day, I believe great books are meant to be shared, and I’m so glad you’re here to share them with me.