Tina Barr, a conservator of rare books and maps, endures an attack by a masked fireman in her apartment. When the police arrive, Tina refuses to cooperate. Detectives Chapman and Mercer place a call to their favorite Assistant District Attorney, Alexandra Cooper, to use her legendary eloquence to gain assistance. Tina proves to be impervious to Alex's expertise and pulls a disappearing act. With no victim, Alex concentrates on her current cases, until her boss puts Tina Barr as a priority with no explanation.

When Alex and the detectives arrive at Tina's apartment, they discover a mutilated dead woman. It is not Tina, but the body's identity leads them to the New York Public Library and into the wealthy world of the trustees that oversee the library. Books, maps and treasures are missing with the trustees pointing fingers at one another. Alex unearths numerous secrets as she tries to sort through their jealousies and motives. Time becomes an issue when another murder occurs with obvious ties to the library.

Using the New York City Public Library with its rich history enhances Ms. Fairstein's tale of murder and greed. She delves into the lucrative world of book and map collecting where family devotion is second to valuable historical artifacts. LETHAL LEGACY, the 11th book in the compelling Alexandra Cooper mystery series, maintains the high standards of the previous novels.