Cold Justice

by Leigh Russell

The stakes have never been higher for Geraldine Steel.

When Alice Lewis is found murdered, the case becomes personal for DI Steel, as Alice was the niece of her childminder, Lisa. Despite Lisa's earlier pleas for help, Geraldine hadn't acted in time to save Alice.

Now, driven by guilt and a thirst for justice, Geraldine dives headfirst into the case. But the deeper she digs, the more layers of secrets and lies she uncovers about Alice's life, forcing her to question everything she thought she knew. With an elusive killer watching her every move, Geraldine finds herself caught in a dangerous game of cat and mouse.

Leigh Russell delivers a masterful tale of suspense, keeping readers on edge until the final shocking twist.

320 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 8, 2025

About the author

Leigh Russell has sold over a million books in her Geraldine Steel series of crime novels. Published in English and in translation throughout Europe and in China, the Geraldine Steel titles have appeared on many bestseller lists, including #1 on kindle. Leigh's work has been nominated for several major awards, including the CWA New Blood Dagger and CWA Dagger in the Library.
Leigh has also written a trilogy featuring Lucy Hall, set in the Seychelles, Paris and Rome, and two standalone psychological thrillers.
Leigh serves on the board of the Crime Writers Association and chairs the judges for the prestigious CWA Debut Dagger Award.
She is represented by Bill Goodall.

Reviews

[Helen Frost · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good and easy to read style which means you can cover quite a lot of ground in a short time. The characters are easy to follow and keep track of so you can equally read a few chapters, leave it and easily slide back into where you left off. Despite some difficult and sensitive topics being covered, notably domestic abuse and self harm, the book still feels suitably cushioned and cosy crime esque and despite the violence portrayed it never made me feel deeply uncomfortable or scared. A good safe read for those who want some gentle twists, a dash of gore (but not too much) and some well rounded characters. The only bit I personally didn’t like was a scattering of rarely used words, a little like the author had overused a dictionary or was trying to educate us which I found a bit patronising or creative writing group in style. Not really necessary and detracted rather than added to the experience. Overall not a bad read, however and probably a 3.5 star rating from me.

[Mark · Rating 1 out of 5]

The most pedestrian murder mystery I have ever read - two killings and the unmasking of the culprit eked out over 315 pages. It felt as if Leigh Russell was going through the motions and not bothering to engage the reader. A lot of time was wasted interviewing two suspects, who we knew from the chapters written from the perspective of the killer, couldn’t be the murderer. Naomi gets fed up with Geraldine prying into her affairs and you can see why - she does it 10 times throughout the novel and ultimately that plot thread peters out to nothing. The author seems to have forgotten her obligation to engage and entertain.

[Nicola Richardson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this series and Leigh Russell's writing style. Geraldine Steel is a fascinating and complex character and it's great to see her juggling motherhood with her career. Having said all that, something felt a bit off with this one and there wasn't the same sense of urgency and suspense as usual. It was still a great story, where the childminder's niece was in danger because of domestic violence, then killed before any investigation could begin. There are some good twists and an interesting ending. Look forward to the next one.
Thanks NetGalley for the ARC.

[Martha Brindley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really like this series featuring DI Geraldine Steel. It's easy to read with good characterisation. Geraldine is investigating the disappearance of a young woman, whilst juggling motherhood and home life. There are some nice twists and a couple of red herrings, with a nice twist at the end. More cosy crime than dark thriller but it is a good addition to the series which I am sure readers will enjoy. Thanks to Net Galley for my ARC.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great addition to the DI Geraldine Steel crime series. A colleague is hiding something, but what? Ca Geraldine help her? Will the colleague in question talk about it?. When two women are murdered it looks like the prime suspect is their boyfriend as he has known to be violent . But is it not that simple, or is it?
Great police procedural. I can't wait for the next one. What's next for DI Geraldine Steel????

[Barbara Deeprose · Rating 5 out of 5]

I Didn't See The End Coming!

Two young women are found dead within days of each other. Both seemed to have had violent boyfriends in the past but DI Geraldine Steele and her team are struggling to find any other connection between them. Could it just be coincidence? Even though this book is number23, it is as good as the first and I didn't see the end coming. I have already started number 24.

[Barbara Pritchard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story as usual. Love the series.

[Neville Townsend · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fine addition to the Geraldine Steel series. Lisa, Geraldine's childminder asks her for help and Grealdine does not follow up, then Lisa's niece is murdered and Geraldine feels guilty as she investigates the Killing. Plenty of twist and turns in this gripping thriller. You also see more of Geraldine's private life. I could not put this book down. Thanks to Bedford Square Publshers and Netgalley for this review ARC.