Silent Ties

by Leigh Russell

Geraldine's judgment is sharp. But this case cuts deeper than most.

When Peter Selby vanishes after reporting a suspicious encounter, few take notice – until a man is found brutally stabbed in a quiet York suburb. Detectives Geraldine Steel and Ariadne Croft begin to investigate, but what looks like a random act of violence soon unravels into a dark and deeply personal mystery. As they dig into the lives of the victims, the emotional landscape grows increasingly fractured.

Peter's wife is guarded, their daughter erratic and angry. The second victim's family are cold, evasive, and seemingly determined to keep the past buried. Then a second disappearance throws everything into chaos. With each revelation, the detectives uncover layers of resentment, betrayal, and psychological trauma lurking behind the neat façades of domestic life.

Under mounting pressure, and with Ariadne in growing danger, Geraldine must navigate a maze of fractured relationships and shifting motives before the killer strikes again. Taut, unsettling, and emotionally charged, this psychological crime thriller exposes the darkness beneath the surface – and the human cost of secrets left to fester.

298 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 26, 2026

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

[Barbara Deeprose · Rating 5 out of 5]

It Kept Me Guessing!

One man is missing and another has been found dead. Could there be a connection? Detective Geraldine Steele and her team are soon on the case, although being a mum of a small child, Geraldine is finding it a bit tough, although she wouldn't want to be a full time stay at home mum. Luckily she has a very supportive partner, who is happy to do all he can to help. I have always found the relationship between Geraldine and Ian slightly odd, not sure if she feels quite the same about him as he feels about her. This book kept me guessing all the way through.

[Martha Brindley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a brilliant addition to the Geraldine Steel series. Leigh Russell never lets you down, with a great piece of plotting and an interesting main character. It is filled with tension and emotions, it's well written and one of the best series in the crime fiction genre. If you haven't discovered Geraldine Steel then you are in for a treat. Thanks to Net Galley for my ARC.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another excellent addition to this brilliant series.
Men going missing, and bodies turn up, with two many suspects and too little evidence to choose from.
A great main plot and the subplot bubbles along nicely in the background too.
Number 24 in the series and as fresh as the first one.

[Mark · Rating 3 out of 5]

Far fetched murder mystery, the motivation of the killer just doesn’t ring true and the characterisation is very superficial. I much prefer better quality crime fiction with realistic characters and at least some semblance of realism.

[david henry muckle · Rating 4 out of 5]

good reads

This is another good writer a gripping story to the end not wanting to put it down hope there will be more Geraldine Steel to come!!!