What do you think?
Rate this book
Alexandra Cooper #20
Blood Oath
Alex Cooper takes on the case of a young woman who testified years earlier at a landmark Federal trial - and now reveals that she was sexually assaulted by a prominent law enforcement official during that time. As the case grows more complex, Alex, along with NYPD detectives Mike Chapman and Mercer Wallace, find themselves in uncharted territory within Manhattan's Rockefeller University, a research institute born of tragedy that has evolved into a premier scientific facility, hospital, and cornerstone of higher learning.
But when dark secrets of the century-old institution intersect with life-threatening events, the experience may just help determine whether Alex will keep her job, or throw her hat in the ring to become the next district attorney of New York County . . . if she can survive that long.
350 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 26, 2019
701 people are currently reading
2731 people want to read
About the author
Linda Fairstein
100 books1,608 followersLinda Fairstein (born 1947) is one of America's foremost legal experts on crimes of violence against women and children. She served as head of the sex crimes unit of the Manhattan District Attorney's office from 1976 until 2002 and is the author of a series of novels featuring Manhattan prosecutor Alexandra Cooper.
Like Fairstein, Alex ('Coop') Cooper is in charge of the Special Victims Unit of the Office. She works closely with NYPD detectives Mike Chapman and Mercer Wallace. The 17th book in her best-selling series - DEVIL'S BRIDGE - launches in paperback in June, 2016. The 18th novel - KILLER LOOK - debuts on July 26th.
This year, Fairstein will debut a new series for Middle Grade readers - 8-12 years old. Her kid sleuth, Devlin Quick, appears in INTO THE LION'S DEN in November, 2016. The series is an homage to Nancy Drew, whose books inspired Linda's two careers - in crime fiction and in the law.
Ms. Fairstein is an honors graduate of Vassar College (1969) and the University of Virginia School of Law (1972). She joined the Manhattan District Attorney's office in 1972 as an Assistant District Attorney. She was promoted to the head of the sex crimes unit in 1976. During her tenure, she prosecuted several highly publicized cases, including the "Preppy Murder" case against Robert Chambers in 1986.
Linda Fairstein left the District Attorney's office in 2002, and has continued to consult, write, lecture and serve as a sex crimes expert for a wide variety of print and television media outlets, including the major networks, CNN, MSNBC among others. Ms. Fairstein is often called to provide her opinion on high profile prosecutions including: Michael Jackson's molestation charges in 2004, Kobe Bryant's sexual assault charges, and Scott Peterson's trial. She is also a frequent speaker on issues surrounding domestic abuse.
Ms. Fairstein lives in Manhattan and on Martha's Vineyard with her husband, Michael Goldberg. Her novels draw on Ms. Fairstein's legal expertise as well as her knowledge of and affection for the rich history of the city of New York.
Series:
* Alexandra Cooper Mystery
Like Fairstein, Alex ('Coop') Cooper is in charge of the Special Victims Unit of the Office. She works closely with NYPD detectives Mike Chapman and Mercer Wallace. The 17th book in her best-selling series - DEVIL'S BRIDGE - launches in paperback in June, 2016. The 18th novel - KILLER LOOK - debuts on July 26th.
This year, Fairstein will debut a new series for Middle Grade readers - 8-12 years old. Her kid sleuth, Devlin Quick, appears in INTO THE LION'S DEN in November, 2016. The series is an homage to Nancy Drew, whose books inspired Linda's two careers - in crime fiction and in the law.
Ms. Fairstein is an honors graduate of Vassar College (1969) and the University of Virginia School of Law (1972). She joined the Manhattan District Attorney's office in 1972 as an Assistant District Attorney. She was promoted to the head of the sex crimes unit in 1976. During her tenure, she prosecuted several highly publicized cases, including the "Preppy Murder" case against Robert Chambers in 1986.
Linda Fairstein left the District Attorney's office in 2002, and has continued to consult, write, lecture and serve as a sex crimes expert for a wide variety of print and television media outlets, including the major networks, CNN, MSNBC among others. Ms. Fairstein is often called to provide her opinion on high profile prosecutions including: Michael Jackson's molestation charges in 2004, Kobe Bryant's sexual assault charges, and Scott Peterson's trial. She is also a frequent speaker on issues surrounding domestic abuse.
Ms. Fairstein lives in Manhattan and on Martha's Vineyard with her husband, Michael Goldberg. Her novels draw on Ms. Fairstein's legal expertise as well as her knowledge of and affection for the rich history of the city of New York.
Series:
* Alexandra Cooper Mystery
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 346 reviews
May 8, 2019
Blood oath: Definition- "A solemn promise to keep an agreement using each party's sense of
honor or reputation to uphold the deal. In the past, a blood oath required that each party make
a small cut in the right hand and actually mix blood as they shook hands."
I have been reading and enjoying the Alexandra Cooper mystery series by Linda Fairstein for years. The latest installment (the 20th) in the series, 'Blood Oath', picks up several months after the last book ('Deadfall') ends. Alex Cooper, who is a Manhattan Assistant District Attorney in the Sex Crimes Unit, is finally returning to work after a rough few months.. rough personally and professionally. Feeling rested and anxious to get back to work, Alex is immediately thrown into a difficult and high profile case, on that of course, has political implications. Waiting in her office is a 24-year-old woman names Lucy Jenner, who, after a great deal of encouragement and prodding from Alex, shares a shocking story.... one of sexual abuse and assault dating back to when she was a teenager nearly ten years before. The person Lucy accused of perpetrating these crimes is someone Alex knows well... a collegaue and prominent attorney with political aspirations. And adding to the credibility of her story, Lucy displays a scar on the palm of her right hand which she explains is the result of a 'blood oath' her rapist cajoled her into entering with him. Although Lucy had a troubled background and Alex had been warned that she could be manipulative and less-than-truthful, Alex believed Lucy's story of sexual abuse and assault and was determined to prosecute the case. But she also knew she would have to proceed with caution to build a case against the politically well-connected sexual predator.
No sønner had Alex begun her investigation into Lucy's claims.. along with her usual partners, Detectives Mike Chapman and Mercer Wallace... when she was pulled into yet another disturbing case, this one far more personal. Colleague and friend, Francie Fain, had collapesed on the street, suffering a seizure and falling into a coma. Shocked by her friend's sudden, unexplainable medical emergency, Alex was even more startled to discover that France's collapse had been brought on by a poison which had recently been classified as a possible 'weapon of mass destruction'. Alex was bewildered ... who would have wanted to kill her friend? And how would the killer have gotten his/her hands on such a poison?
I thoroughly enjoyed this mystery. Linda Fairstein expertly creates layers of secrets in each of the cases in this book. Slowly, as Alex. Mike and Mercer uncover these secrets, what emerges is the clever weaving together of the facts of both cases, creating a link which I had not seen nor predicted. The two seemingly unrelated cases in this book become inextricably linked. Another aspect of this novel that I enjoyed is actually a hallmark of all of the mysteries in Linda Fairstein's series. In each of the novels, she introduces a particular historical or cultural landmark which is part of the New York City landscape and uses this landmark as a backdrop for the story she creates. In 'Blood Oath', Ms Fairstein introduces Rockefeller University, which used to be known as the Rockefeller Institute. The Rockefeller Institute was founded in 1901 by John D. Rockefeller after the death of his grandson from scarlet fever. It was America's first biomedical institute and today is the center for biological and medical scientific research. In this story, Rockefeller Institute is the setting for the suspenseful nd dangerous climax in the novel... it is the place where Alex finally puts the pieces of the puzzle together and comes face-to-face with the killer.
I would read the Alex Cooper series just for the simple enjoyment of the settings that are created but I found this particular installment suspenseful and satisfying. I listened to the audiobook version of this story and the narration was performed by Barbara Rosenblat.
honor or reputation to uphold the deal. In the past, a blood oath required that each party make
a small cut in the right hand and actually mix blood as they shook hands."
I have been reading and enjoying the Alexandra Cooper mystery series by Linda Fairstein for years. The latest installment (the 20th) in the series, 'Blood Oath', picks up several months after the last book ('Deadfall') ends. Alex Cooper, who is a Manhattan Assistant District Attorney in the Sex Crimes Unit, is finally returning to work after a rough few months.. rough personally and professionally. Feeling rested and anxious to get back to work, Alex is immediately thrown into a difficult and high profile case, on that of course, has political implications. Waiting in her office is a 24-year-old woman names Lucy Jenner, who, after a great deal of encouragement and prodding from Alex, shares a shocking story.... one of sexual abuse and assault dating back to when she was a teenager nearly ten years before. The person Lucy accused of perpetrating these crimes is someone Alex knows well... a collegaue and prominent attorney with political aspirations. And adding to the credibility of her story, Lucy displays a scar on the palm of her right hand which she explains is the result of a 'blood oath' her rapist cajoled her into entering with him. Although Lucy had a troubled background and Alex had been warned that she could be manipulative and less-than-truthful, Alex believed Lucy's story of sexual abuse and assault and was determined to prosecute the case. But she also knew she would have to proceed with caution to build a case against the politically well-connected sexual predator.
No sønner had Alex begun her investigation into Lucy's claims.. along with her usual partners, Detectives Mike Chapman and Mercer Wallace... when she was pulled into yet another disturbing case, this one far more personal. Colleague and friend, Francie Fain, had collapesed on the street, suffering a seizure and falling into a coma. Shocked by her friend's sudden, unexplainable medical emergency, Alex was even more startled to discover that France's collapse had been brought on by a poison which had recently been classified as a possible 'weapon of mass destruction'. Alex was bewildered ... who would have wanted to kill her friend? And how would the killer have gotten his/her hands on such a poison?
I thoroughly enjoyed this mystery. Linda Fairstein expertly creates layers of secrets in each of the cases in this book. Slowly, as Alex. Mike and Mercer uncover these secrets, what emerges is the clever weaving together of the facts of both cases, creating a link which I had not seen nor predicted. The two seemingly unrelated cases in this book become inextricably linked. Another aspect of this novel that I enjoyed is actually a hallmark of all of the mysteries in Linda Fairstein's series. In each of the novels, she introduces a particular historical or cultural landmark which is part of the New York City landscape and uses this landmark as a backdrop for the story she creates. In 'Blood Oath', Ms Fairstein introduces Rockefeller University, which used to be known as the Rockefeller Institute. The Rockefeller Institute was founded in 1901 by John D. Rockefeller after the death of his grandson from scarlet fever. It was America's first biomedical institute and today is the center for biological and medical scientific research. In this story, Rockefeller Institute is the setting for the suspenseful nd dangerous climax in the novel... it is the place where Alex finally puts the pieces of the puzzle together and comes face-to-face with the killer.
I would read the Alex Cooper series just for the simple enjoyment of the settings that are created but I found this particular installment suspenseful and satisfying. I listened to the audiobook version of this story and the narration was performed by Barbara Rosenblat.
June 14, 2019
Dont waste your time on this "author" she know what she did... can't believe she made money off writing fictional books while 5 boys lost decades of their life because of a real life fictional story. Smh...
April 4, 2019
Confidently written and utterly engaging, Blood Oath is number twenty in Linda Fairstein’s Alexandra Cooper, legal thriller series, but it is my first book by this author, and can certainly be read as a standalone. An honest-to-goodness page-turner, especially if you, like so many right now, are interested in the procedure involved in bringing a criminal case to trial in the United States, “press pause” on the news, and make Blood Oath your next weekend read!
Blood Oath features Alexandra “Coop” Cooper, a thirty-eight year old, Assistant District Attorney in Manhattan who has run the Special Victims Bureau, overseeing and prosecuting sexual assault, domestic violence, child abuse, and related murder cases for more than ten years. Alex is smart, likable, and filled with moxie; like the author herself, Alexandra Cooper is a strong victim and survivor advocate, and has dedicated her professional life to seeking justice in the courts for victims of intimate violence. When twenty-four year old Lucy Jenner is brought to “Coop’s” office, Lucy doesn’t know, at first, if she can trust Alexandra Cooper. Ten years earlier, when Lucy was a critical witness in a federal murder trial and only fourteen years old, she experienced something at the hands of someone she trusted, and was not taken seriously when she tried to report it. But she hadn’t met Alex Cooper, who is now listening to Lucy. Alex is assisted in her search for the truth about what happened to Lucy all those years ago by her trusted paralegal, Maxine, and legal secretary, Laura, her SVU colleague and friend, detective Mercer Wallace, as well as fan favorite, Mike Chapman, a hard-boiled-talking detective with Manhattan North’s elite Homicide Squad, who also just happens to be Alex’s boyfriend.
From what I’ve read about this series, Ms. Fairstein always includes edifying information about architectural and cultural landmarks in New York. Blood Oath is no exception, and learning about old New York, Italian restaurant, Forlini’s, and its proximity to the courthouse, The Tombs (the city prison), and the “Bridge of Sighs” (pictured on the book cover) that connects the courthouse and the prison gives this novel an intellectually stimulating quality, while never losing its suspense factor! Esteemed New York City, medical research facility, Rockefeller University, becomes part of the story when a defense attorney friend of Alex’s appears to be suddenly struck by a mysterious and severe medical condition. While some readers may find the ultimate reason for this condition to stretch plausibility only a bit, Ms. Fairstein must be commended for managing multiple, interweaving plot lines seamlessly. The dark, narrow, crumbling tunnels underneath the original, historic campus of “Rock U” (which actually exist!) feature in some of the book’s most gripping, breath-holding scenes!
If you’ve been following Mystery in Minutes, you are probably familiar with my most frequently reviewed psychological suspense and police procedural subgenres. Well…….say hello to a new favorite subgenre of mine! There is nothing quite like venturing into a genre or subgenre that you don’t often partake of to “recharge your reader batteries”! Legal thriller, Blood Oath, incorporates timely topics, such as the #MeToo movement, without being preachy or partisan, making it an of-the-moment, yet very entertaining crime fiction read that I dare you to put down, once started! I’m already looking forward to reading about Alexandra Cooper’s next case!
4.75/5 Stars
Blood Oath features Alexandra “Coop” Cooper, a thirty-eight year old, Assistant District Attorney in Manhattan who has run the Special Victims Bureau, overseeing and prosecuting sexual assault, domestic violence, child abuse, and related murder cases for more than ten years. Alex is smart, likable, and filled with moxie; like the author herself, Alexandra Cooper is a strong victim and survivor advocate, and has dedicated her professional life to seeking justice in the courts for victims of intimate violence. When twenty-four year old Lucy Jenner is brought to “Coop’s” office, Lucy doesn’t know, at first, if she can trust Alexandra Cooper. Ten years earlier, when Lucy was a critical witness in a federal murder trial and only fourteen years old, she experienced something at the hands of someone she trusted, and was not taken seriously when she tried to report it. But she hadn’t met Alex Cooper, who is now listening to Lucy. Alex is assisted in her search for the truth about what happened to Lucy all those years ago by her trusted paralegal, Maxine, and legal secretary, Laura, her SVU colleague and friend, detective Mercer Wallace, as well as fan favorite, Mike Chapman, a hard-boiled-talking detective with Manhattan North’s elite Homicide Squad, who also just happens to be Alex’s boyfriend.
From what I’ve read about this series, Ms. Fairstein always includes edifying information about architectural and cultural landmarks in New York. Blood Oath is no exception, and learning about old New York, Italian restaurant, Forlini’s, and its proximity to the courthouse, The Tombs (the city prison), and the “Bridge of Sighs” (pictured on the book cover) that connects the courthouse and the prison gives this novel an intellectually stimulating quality, while never losing its suspense factor! Esteemed New York City, medical research facility, Rockefeller University, becomes part of the story when a defense attorney friend of Alex’s appears to be suddenly struck by a mysterious and severe medical condition. While some readers may find the ultimate reason for this condition to stretch plausibility only a bit, Ms. Fairstein must be commended for managing multiple, interweaving plot lines seamlessly. The dark, narrow, crumbling tunnels underneath the original, historic campus of “Rock U” (which actually exist!) feature in some of the book’s most gripping, breath-holding scenes!
If you’ve been following Mystery in Minutes, you are probably familiar with my most frequently reviewed psychological suspense and police procedural subgenres. Well…….say hello to a new favorite subgenre of mine! There is nothing quite like venturing into a genre or subgenre that you don’t often partake of to “recharge your reader batteries”! Legal thriller, Blood Oath, incorporates timely topics, such as the #MeToo movement, without being preachy or partisan, making it an of-the-moment, yet very entertaining crime fiction read that I dare you to put down, once started! I’m already looking forward to reading about Alexandra Cooper’s next case!
4.75/5 Stars
March 26, 2019
This is one of my favorite authors and one of my favorite series. I've been following her and reading her since 1996 with the arrival of the very first Alexandra Cooper sighting.
Alexandra is back after taking off several months following the murder of her boss. First day back and she's thrown right in the middle of a case that I could see as headline news today.
A young woman has come forward to claim she was assaulted 10 years ago ... when she was just 14 years old. The name of her attacker comes as a huge surprise to Alex ... and it's going to take some maneuvering to get this case to court.
She's also dealing with one of the court judges .. who has warned Alex that he is divorcing his wife. Alex wants no part of this as she doesn't even like the judge. But a different story is presented when the judge's wife calls Alex with details.
And then there the death of Frannie Fain .. a colleague who sits on the other side of the courtroom, but is a good friend nevertheless. She is found outside on the street, convulsing. There's lot of secrecy involving the way she was killed.
And when these cases collide, Alexandra, along with her lover. NYPD Detectives Mike Chapman, and Mercer Wallace, one of her best friends, find themselves embroiled in secrets and lies .. some of which somebody will kill to keep them from seeing the light of day.
There is so much about this book ...and this series ... that I really enjoy. History trivia is present and accounted for. The three of them love to play JEOPARDY and generally stop wherever they are to watch on TV and make their own wagers. I really like how Alex and Mike's relationship has evolved over the years. I thought they'd never get to this point!
Although 20th in this series it can be read as a stand alone .. but this is one series that would be so worthwhile starting at the very beginning.
Many thanks to the author / PENGUIN GROUP Dutton / Netgalley for the advanced digital copy of this crime fiction. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
Alexandra is back after taking off several months following the murder of her boss. First day back and she's thrown right in the middle of a case that I could see as headline news today.
A young woman has come forward to claim she was assaulted 10 years ago ... when she was just 14 years old. The name of her attacker comes as a huge surprise to Alex ... and it's going to take some maneuvering to get this case to court.
She's also dealing with one of the court judges .. who has warned Alex that he is divorcing his wife. Alex wants no part of this as she doesn't even like the judge. But a different story is presented when the judge's wife calls Alex with details.
And then there the death of Frannie Fain .. a colleague who sits on the other side of the courtroom, but is a good friend nevertheless. She is found outside on the street, convulsing. There's lot of secrecy involving the way she was killed.
And when these cases collide, Alexandra, along with her lover. NYPD Detectives Mike Chapman, and Mercer Wallace, one of her best friends, find themselves embroiled in secrets and lies .. some of which somebody will kill to keep them from seeing the light of day.
There is so much about this book ...and this series ... that I really enjoy. History trivia is present and accounted for. The three of them love to play JEOPARDY and generally stop wherever they are to watch on TV and make their own wagers. I really like how Alex and Mike's relationship has evolved over the years. I thought they'd never get to this point!
Although 20th in this series it can be read as a stand alone .. but this is one series that would be so worthwhile starting at the very beginning.
Many thanks to the author / PENGUIN GROUP Dutton / Netgalley for the advanced digital copy of this crime fiction. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
June 3, 2019
Plot twist ! Linda Fairstein knowingly and willingly jailed 5 kids of color for a crime they did not commit. It took 14 years to fully exonerate the kids, known as the Central Park 5, but DNA proved they were innocent and more importantly, the real perpetrator confessed!
Did that change anything? Nope! She still tried to twist the story to fit her narrative, smh!
Did that change anything? Nope! She still tried to twist the story to fit her narrative, smh!
May 31, 2019
Horrible book by a horrible women that got innocent kids sentenced for a crime they didn’t do!!
March 31, 2019
Assistant DA Alexandra Cooper is faced with trying to bring down a very powerful man in BLOOD OATH, a man that years ago groomed a young witness in a case. Now Lucy, the young woman, wants the man who used her brought to justice. But, how to prove what really happened all those years ago? It's just her word against the man in question. And, Lucy hasn't the best of reputation. Alexandra also has to deal with a personal blow when a friend of her mysteriously collapses on the street seemingly struck by a seizure.
READ THE REST OF THE REVIEW OVER AT FRESH FICTION!
READ THE REST OF THE REVIEW OVER AT FRESH FICTION!
April 17, 2019
I think this series has just about run its course. I realize that fans of the series, myself included, love the recurring characters and the location and the historic facts and nice restaurants and cute Jeopardy segments, but it has been done already. Nineteen times already to be exact. This is a great author, and she knows her stuff, but it just doesn't have the same spark that it used to have. Maybe it is time for Alexandra to retire to Martha's Vineyard with Mike, and they can solve local crimes, or she can focus on one of the underlings and make the books more about them. I will continue to read what she puts out, but it's grown somewhat tiresome instead of being riveting, which is disappointing.
June 4, 2019
Not only does this series suck, I just found out the author was the prosecutor of the Central Park Five who were falsely accused and wrongly convicted of beating and raping a poor woman in the 1990s, and who were later exonerated by DNA evidence and the confession of the real rapist. Not only was she the prosecutor, she may have coerced the confession of at least one of the young men at the time. And even though these men were set free after they were exonerated...just like that POS Trump, she cannot admit she was wrong and still insists they had something to do with the attack...as well as other attacks in Central Park. Even though the real rapist has said he acted alone, that no one was with him or covered up for him later, Fairstein and Trump keep insisting these guys were guilty of something in that attack. This is only to save face and disgusts me on so many levels. I will never read another book by this woman again. She deserves to be in jail herself. But then, so does Trump.
August 19, 2020
This continues Fairstein's successful, NYC-based series featuring Alexandra Cooper. Fairstein, a former sex crimes prosecutor, knows her subject and knows New York and makes readers care about both.
I really liked the interwoven plots in Blood Oath. I'll say that the Jeopardy gambit has gotten old and in a few places, it felt like I was reading information dumps. (As an author, I appreciate the temptation to convey lots of details quickly, but it is easy to cram together too much backstory.)
This is a great book for those are fans of Fairstein's series, for those who love NYC and NYC noir, and for those who appreciate authors willing to dive into current, difficult issues.
I really liked the interwoven plots in Blood Oath. I'll say that the Jeopardy gambit has gotten old and in a few places, it felt like I was reading information dumps. (As an author, I appreciate the temptation to convey lots of details quickly, but it is easy to cram together too much backstory.)
This is a great book for those are fans of Fairstein's series, for those who love NYC and NYC noir, and for those who appreciate authors willing to dive into current, difficult issues.
June 3, 2019
Central Park Five
March 26, 2019
Right before I cracked this one open I realized it was the twentieth book in a series, yes the TWENTIETH and my initial reaction was, ugh no way I’ll be ok starting here! Against my first instinct I went ahead and gave it a try anyway, I mean that blurb got me, and I’m really glad I did because this was fantastic and oddly enough, starting this far into the series didn’t turn out to be a huge deal for me at all.
I could easily see how the protagonist, Alexandra Cooper, can carry a series so far, she’s extremely likable and intriguing and had me won over within a few chapters. She’s just coming back to work at the start of the book and is thrust straight back into the thick of things with a complicated new case. It focuses on a historic sexual assault case and was so timely in the era of the Me Too movement. Besides that case, one of Alex’s colleagues (and a friend) is attacked for no apparent reason, so there was a ton going on here. Not too much though, everything was relevant to the story and all of the various threads kept things moving along at a fast pace.
One that thing was a pleasant surprise for me here was that the author used the setting of NYC as a platform to share some seriously fascinating history lessons. That sounds like it could be boring or unnecessary but it was really cool and the tidbits she interspersed throughout the story both made sense to the plot and taught me something new, a win/win. Even though I’m way late to the game on this series I’ll be following it from here on out, a super engaging and entertaining read.
Blood Oath in three words: Timely, Sharp and Engrossing
I could easily see how the protagonist, Alexandra Cooper, can carry a series so far, she’s extremely likable and intriguing and had me won over within a few chapters. She’s just coming back to work at the start of the book and is thrust straight back into the thick of things with a complicated new case. It focuses on a historic sexual assault case and was so timely in the era of the Me Too movement. Besides that case, one of Alex’s colleagues (and a friend) is attacked for no apparent reason, so there was a ton going on here. Not too much though, everything was relevant to the story and all of the various threads kept things moving along at a fast pace.
One that thing was a pleasant surprise for me here was that the author used the setting of NYC as a platform to share some seriously fascinating history lessons. That sounds like it could be boring or unnecessary but it was really cool and the tidbits she interspersed throughout the story both made sense to the plot and taught me something new, a win/win. Even though I’m way late to the game on this series I’ll be following it from here on out, a super engaging and entertaining read.
Blood Oath in three words: Timely, Sharp and Engrossing
March 28, 2019
Blood Oath has a plot ripped from both the #metoo and the mysterious UK poisonings headlines.
NYC head prosecutor Alexandra Cooper and her police detective boyfriend Mike are investigating Lucy’s claim of being sexual assaulted at fourteen. Lucy states while she was serving as witness, the prosecutor, Zach, took advantage of her naivete. Concurrently to Lucy’s case, defense attorney and Alexandra’s friend, Francie, takes ill on the street.
This is the twentieth book in the series but the first I’ve read. It works well as a standalone read.
There are many twists and coincidences in the bumpy ride to the conclusion of Blood Oath. Though the plot dragged a bit in the middle, the slam-bam conclusion was well worth it. My one complaint was there was no courtroom drama but it still is highly recommended for fans of the series. 4 stars!
Thanks to Dutton Books and NetGalley for a copy in exchange for an honest review.
NYC head prosecutor Alexandra Cooper and her police detective boyfriend Mike are investigating Lucy’s claim of being sexual assaulted at fourteen. Lucy states while she was serving as witness, the prosecutor, Zach, took advantage of her naivete. Concurrently to Lucy’s case, defense attorney and Alexandra’s friend, Francie, takes ill on the street.
This is the twentieth book in the series but the first I’ve read. It works well as a standalone read.
There are many twists and coincidences in the bumpy ride to the conclusion of Blood Oath. Though the plot dragged a bit in the middle, the slam-bam conclusion was well worth it. My one complaint was there was no courtroom drama but it still is highly recommended for fans of the series. 4 stars!
Thanks to Dutton Books and NetGalley for a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Want to read
May 4, 2019Blood Oath is the first book I've read by Linda Fairstein. This story is a bit more intense than what I usually read, but it's a good read. The plot is complex, sharp and filled with tension. I was not able to predict what would happen. This one is a psychological thriller. The characters are clever and intuitive. I found the story original and intriguing. I enjoyed it overall.
June 22, 2019
Sorry to see some of our fellow readers bring the folktale "When They See Us" into their review...There is probably truth that lies between that propaganda hit piece and the mistakes of the NYPD and the prosecutor's office...probably more in the line of, kids, 14- and 15-year-olds, except for one who was 16 getting caught up with the mob, hormones raging, and did things they never would have done on their own...not the innocents picnicking in the park, as "When They See Us" portrays...As for the book, a very serviceable 20th Alexandra Cooper...a bit of a #Metoo vibe, as a young witness emerges, years later, to accuse a now, very powerful man of being a sexual predator...Good Stuff
March 20, 2019
Assistant D.A. Alexandra “Coop” Cooper is back on the case in the latest thriller from New York Times bestselling author Linda Fairstein.
When Lucy Jenner, a twenty-something-year-old young woman arrested in Brooklynn, freaks out makes a scene in the precinct after seeing a photo of the man she claims raped her years ago, sex-crimes prosecutor Alexandra Cooper dives into the case, searching for answers. As it turns out, Lucy is a former federal witness and, according to her story, she was sexually abused by a member of Law Enforcement team who was involved in the case a decade prior.
Also returning is NYPD Detective Mike Chapman, Coop’s boyfriend, who assists her when not busy with another case involving an old colleague and friend of Alex’s who had a seizure on the streets of Manhatten and was hospitalized under questionable circumstances. With Mike’s help, Coop learns that Lucy has a history of lying, embellishing, and stretching the truth for personal gain. So, while Coop want’s to believe her in the midst of the #MeToo movement—and help encourage other victims to come forward—she’s not sure she can trust her.
Aside from Lucy’s case, Coop must also continue dealing with the fallout from . . .
Read the rest of this review here: https://therealbookspy.com/2019/03/11...
When Lucy Jenner, a twenty-something-year-old young woman arrested in Brooklynn, freaks out makes a scene in the precinct after seeing a photo of the man she claims raped her years ago, sex-crimes prosecutor Alexandra Cooper dives into the case, searching for answers. As it turns out, Lucy is a former federal witness and, according to her story, she was sexually abused by a member of Law Enforcement team who was involved in the case a decade prior.
Also returning is NYPD Detective Mike Chapman, Coop’s boyfriend, who assists her when not busy with another case involving an old colleague and friend of Alex’s who had a seizure on the streets of Manhatten and was hospitalized under questionable circumstances. With Mike’s help, Coop learns that Lucy has a history of lying, embellishing, and stretching the truth for personal gain. So, while Coop want’s to believe her in the midst of the #MeToo movement—and help encourage other victims to come forward—she’s not sure she can trust her.
Aside from Lucy’s case, Coop must also continue dealing with the fallout from . . .
Read the rest of this review here: https://therealbookspy.com/2019/03/11...
July 28, 2019
Her best one yet, and if you're a fan like me, she needs our help.
Worried we might not see more of Fairstein, as a small, politically motivated group within the mystery writing community have cost Fairstein her New York publishing contract and a lifetime achievement award from a previously-esteemed literary organization. A NYC prosecutor, renowned for changing the way rape victims are treated by police all over the world, the decades-long law enforcement executive was condemned for her professional involvement in a single, infamous case.
Worried we might not see more of Fairstein, as a small, politically motivated group within the mystery writing community have cost Fairstein her New York publishing contract and a lifetime achievement award from a previously-esteemed literary organization. A NYC prosecutor, renowned for changing the way rape victims are treated by police all over the world, the decades-long law enforcement executive was condemned for her professional involvement in a single, infamous case.
April 1, 2019
Alexandra Cooper is back! Thank goodness! I was ready to give up on the series after the last few books. NYC Assistant DA, head of the sex crimes division, is in fine form as she sorts out a pair of complex cases that ultimately intersect. All my favorite elements are here. She's still in a relationship with longtime friend Mike Chapman, and Mercer Wallace continues to work closely with her on cases. And, of course, the three always bet on the Final Jeopardy question; this time there are 3 (or maybe 4?) occasions, and that adds to my pleasure. There are issues involved in these cases, mostly relating to "Me too" but also dealing with the politics of the DA's office and the upcoming election of a new DA. As aways, Fairstein elucidates the history of an NYC landmark--this time the Rockefeller University, a medical research facility. There are legal details too as she prepares to confront a well-known politician with a rape case. Urgent pacing, series characters, strong sense of time and place, compelling story. Probably not the place to start the series (I wonder if the first, Final Jeopardy, is still as good as it is in my memory--may have to reread...). The Deadhouse maybe or other early titles are better starting titles. A series worth knowing with a smart female lead.
September 22, 2019
3.5 stars - it's starting to feel tired, and not up to the normal standard.
June 4, 2019
Surprisingly bad book, one of her worse reads.
March 31, 2019
Linda Fairstein’s Alexandra Cooper has been prosecuting sex crimes since long before the #MeToo movement. This is the twentieth novel in the series, of which I am a fan.
Newly returned to her job after a hiatus to recover from double personal traumas, Alex encounters a case involving a political rival. Fairstein was chief of the sex crimes unit of the Manhattan DAs office, so she knows whereof she writes.
In all of the Cooper series novels, one learns something about predators, the law, ,New York City History, and, of course, those popular Final Jeopardy answers. It was nice to see Alex back in the game at her full capacity. This one didn’t disappoint; it was fast paced, engrossing, and satisfying.
While all of the books contain the same familiar characters, the cases always remain fresh. If this is your first Alex Cooper read, it is fine as a stand alone and good introduction to the series. Do yourself a favor, though, and go back and read through some of the earlier ones.
Newly returned to her job after a hiatus to recover from double personal traumas, Alex encounters a case involving a political rival. Fairstein was chief of the sex crimes unit of the Manhattan DAs office, so she knows whereof she writes.
In all of the Cooper series novels, one learns something about predators, the law, ,New York City History, and, of course, those popular Final Jeopardy answers. It was nice to see Alex back in the game at her full capacity. This one didn’t disappoint; it was fast paced, engrossing, and satisfying.
While all of the books contain the same familiar characters, the cases always remain fresh. If this is your first Alex Cooper read, it is fine as a stand alone and good introduction to the series. Do yourself a favor, though, and go back and read through some of the earlier ones.
June 16, 2019
Blood Oath is the latest book from Linda Fairstein, and having read all of her previous books, I can without a doubt say that it is time for the series to end. All the books are the same: the characters have shown no growth, the plots have become tedious, and you can see the ending from a mile away. Blood Oath attempts to take on the #MeToo movement, but is rendered silly and pointless by Fairstein's poor attempts at making an interesting story.
June 7, 2019
Assistant Manhattan District Attorney Alexandra Cooper had been next to her boss when he was murdered. She took a leave of absence to recover from the shock and is now back at work.
On her first day, she steps into a courtroom to observe one of her younger colleagues prosecute a rape case. Judge Corliss immediately goes after her, verbally, and demands to speak to her in his office. He then tells her that his wife is going to accuse him of domestic abuse.
Since she has specialized in Special Victims cases, The “Me, too” movement becomes a major driving force in BLOOD OATH.
She eventually was able to return to her office where New York Police Detective Mike Chapman, her long time lover, is waiting for her with twenty-four-year-old Lucy Jenner who had been an important witness is a string of rape cases several years earlier. She now is willing to talk about the sexual abuse she experienced at that time. The abuser was not the man who had been on trial. But Lucy is not an easy person with whom to work. She is afraid to name the person who assaulted her (he made her promise to never divulge the information by making a blood oath with him) and she has a history of petty crimes and lying. Both Alex and Mike are not sure whether to believe her claims.
Soon afterwards, Alex is feted by her colleagues at a welcome back party. On the way there, one of the attendees falls down on the sidewalk, suffering a seizure.
Both stories overlap and, at the end, Alex has to run away from a killer. (The chances of the reader predicting the killer are exceedingly slim.)
One of my favorite features of Linda Fairstein’s books are the descriptions of Manhattan locations. BLOOD OATH writes about Rockefeller University, a hospital, major research hub, and college but in; less detail than she has devoted to the sites in previous books.
Tidbits: Some people lie about being raped “because they figure I’ll think worse of them if I knew everything they did.”
While well written, the book as a lot of repetition and references to previous books. It also has too many short chapters.
Side note: Linda Fairstein was the prosecutor who oversaw the confessions in the Central Park Five case. She and her books are now being boycotted.
On her first day, she steps into a courtroom to observe one of her younger colleagues prosecute a rape case. Judge Corliss immediately goes after her, verbally, and demands to speak to her in his office. He then tells her that his wife is going to accuse him of domestic abuse.
Since she has specialized in Special Victims cases, The “Me, too” movement becomes a major driving force in BLOOD OATH.
She eventually was able to return to her office where New York Police Detective Mike Chapman, her long time lover, is waiting for her with twenty-four-year-old Lucy Jenner who had been an important witness is a string of rape cases several years earlier. She now is willing to talk about the sexual abuse she experienced at that time. The abuser was not the man who had been on trial. But Lucy is not an easy person with whom to work. She is afraid to name the person who assaulted her (he made her promise to never divulge the information by making a blood oath with him) and she has a history of petty crimes and lying. Both Alex and Mike are not sure whether to believe her claims.
Soon afterwards, Alex is feted by her colleagues at a welcome back party. On the way there, one of the attendees falls down on the sidewalk, suffering a seizure.
Both stories overlap and, at the end, Alex has to run away from a killer. (The chances of the reader predicting the killer are exceedingly slim.)
One of my favorite features of Linda Fairstein’s books are the descriptions of Manhattan locations. BLOOD OATH writes about Rockefeller University, a hospital, major research hub, and college but in; less detail than she has devoted to the sites in previous books.
Tidbits: Some people lie about being raped “because they figure I’ll think worse of them if I knew everything they did.”
While well written, the book as a lot of repetition and references to previous books. It also has too many short chapters.
Side note: Linda Fairstein was the prosecutor who oversaw the confessions in the Central Park Five case. She and her books are now being boycotted.
February 17, 2019
After returning from a leave of absence, ADA Alex Cooper is immediately thrown into a cold "Me too" case. Lucy is a young girl with a horrible past and penchant for stretching the truth. She has an all too familiar story to tell. Unfortunately, this story involves a famous federally prosecuted case for which Lucy was a witness at age 14. And her molester was a part of the federal team.
Later that evening, when Alex and Mercer are returning from a surprise party thrown in her honor, they come across a woman having a seizure in the street. The woman is a former colleague and friend of Alex's enroute to the party. Francie Fain is rushed to the hospital under strange circumstances.
We get 2 different cases here: Lucy's rape and Francie's sudden collapse. Lucy's case is rage inducing - the way her rapist cultivated her and created the predatory relationship. It only gets worse when Lucy reveals the identity of her abuser. And poor Francie, walking to her friends party only to end up in the hospital. There is a lot going on in this book but the story is easy to follow and well done. I'm so happy that we have the normal Alex back, after the last book! Bring on the next one!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
Later that evening, when Alex and Mercer are returning from a surprise party thrown in her honor, they come across a woman having a seizure in the street. The woman is a former colleague and friend of Alex's enroute to the party. Francie Fain is rushed to the hospital under strange circumstances.
We get 2 different cases here: Lucy's rape and Francie's sudden collapse. Lucy's case is rage inducing - the way her rapist cultivated her and created the predatory relationship. It only gets worse when Lucy reveals the identity of her abuser. And poor Francie, walking to her friends party only to end up in the hospital. There is a lot going on in this book but the story is easy to follow and well done. I'm so happy that we have the normal Alex back, after the last book! Bring on the next one!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
April 10, 2019
I always enjoy Linda Fairstein's novels. I also usually learn something new about NYC. This time we learn about Rockefeller University, in the middle of New York. Many New Yorkers probably pass this campus each day and do not know the history or current function as the oldest biomedical research institute in the United States. Multiple Nobel winners and significant scientific discoveries are associated with the University. The University guest stars in this novel because a friend of Alexandra's, a legal aid attorney, was poisoned with a substance with no known antidote and the only hope is the researchers at the University. Alexandra also takes on the case of a young homeless woman who claims she was sexually abused since she was fourteen by a major political figure who is one of Alexandra's opponents. The girl is also known to be a liar and manipulator so can she be trusted? The girl's "proof" is a scar across her wrist where she claimed her abuser took a blood oath with her to keep their secret. Alexandra recognizes this as part of a grooming process by child predators, but is true? As usual, it was hard to stop listening. Shout out to the Barbara Rosenblat for her excellent performance of the audio version.
May 23, 2019
Alexandra Cooper , assistant DA in Manhattan has just returned to work following a harrowing experience , where a life...hers, was severely challenged. Trying to get back into the 'feel' of her office, she is greeted by her detective buddy 'Mike Chapman. He has brought in a young woman, Lucy Jenner. Lucy has been living on the street and is still shaken by a situation she was involved in 5 years ago.
It has been a rough five years for Lucy and she is reluctant to reveal her past. But it might involve having witnessed a murder. Alex must use all of her skills to get at the truth.
You often will find two different stories with Fairstein's books and this is no exception. And yet there is something nagging Alex that somehow these two cases may be intertwined . I promise you an exciting ending when she is able to tie up all the loose ends !
Two things you learn from reading Linda Fairstein's books are how the criminal justice system works and all kinds of interesting facts about New York City.
It has been a rough five years for Lucy and she is reluctant to reveal her past. But it might involve having witnessed a murder. Alex must use all of her skills to get at the truth.
You often will find two different stories with Fairstein's books and this is no exception. And yet there is something nagging Alex that somehow these two cases may be intertwined . I promise you an exciting ending when she is able to tie up all the loose ends !
Two things you learn from reading Linda Fairstein's books are how the criminal justice system works and all kinds of interesting facts about New York City.
August 29, 2019
This one wasn’t on my reading list. Wrong Blood Oath. But I decided to read it anyway, Wasn’t my normal fare but I liked the story and the main character. Even if she was a lawyer. IT was well written and even if like book 20 in the series I wasn’t lost or needed too much back information to know what was going. It worked well for a stand-alone story. I grew to respect the main character and wanted to see her bring down the perp. The story was a current it can get in dealing with current media issues.
March 12, 2019
Alexandra Cooper has just come back to work after witnessing the former DA being shot. A young woman is brought to her office who is a possible victim. The woman is caught in several lies, but Alex thinks there is something there. She just has to get the woman to trust her. The alleged perpetrator is a very powerful man and she needs to be very sure before she proceeds.
The book had a good cast of characters and a decent plot with plenty of suspense. There were a couple of twists that I saw coming. This was a fairly fast paced story that held my attention. I have read this author before and will do so again. Thank you to net galley for an advanced readers copy.
The book had a good cast of characters and a decent plot with plenty of suspense. There were a couple of twists that I saw coming. This was a fairly fast paced story that held my attention. I have read this author before and will do so again. Thank you to net galley for an advanced readers copy.
April 9, 2019
Assistant District Attorney Alexandra Cooper takes on the case of a young woman who claims she was raped by a prominent prosecutor 10 years earlier. The young woman took a blood oath to never tell. Also, one of Alexandra's friends, a defense attorney, had a seizure in the street on her way to Alex's back to work party but it soon becomes apparent this is an uncommon medical situation.
I've always liked this series. I thought it got off course with the aftermath of Alexandra's kidnapping several books ago but it's truly back on track with this one. The further I got into this story, the better I liked it.
I've always liked this series. I thought it got off course with the aftermath of Alexandra's kidnapping several books ago but it's truly back on track with this one. The further I got into this story, the better I liked it.
July 9, 2019
Last Alexandra Cooper? According to an op-ed by Richard Cohen in newspaper on 7/3/19, Fairstein has lost publisher, book contract, seats on various boards, and her reputation. All based on a 4-part Netflix series, "When They See Us" about the Central Park 5, accused and prosecuted by Fairstein, in 1989. After a panel of experts looked into this case, Fairstein was found"that police and prosecutors behaved properly and professionally," unlike what Ava DuVernay showed in her film.
Guess we need Alex Cooper to come to her rescue.
Guess we need Alex Cooper to come to her rescue.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 346 reviews