Switching Lanes: A DS Gibson Lesfic Thriller

by Natalie Debrabandere

‘BAD WOMEN MUST PAY’

A killer is out there who sees himself as an avenger; odds are, he won’t stop.

Detective-Sergeant Kai Gibson, of the London ‘YardX’ Homicide Squad, knows the dark side of the law—it runs in her blood. Having overcome a loaded heritage to get where she is, nothing now gets in the way of job and duty.

Until her thirteen-year-old niece, Róisín, seeks refuge and protection with her. And when Kai meets the captivating Dr. Elena Blackshaw, a forensic psychologist and guest lecturer at King’s College, her resolve to remain unattached and unfeeling is even more seriously challenged.

As London sweats in a scorching summer, and Kai races to prevent another murder, the killer becomes fixated on Elena. This time it’s personal, and one mistake could lead to the worst ending of all...

‘A warm and gritty tale with stellar characters’

‘This book will keep you on the edge until the last word!’

Genres: Lesbian, LGBT

264 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 9, 2026

About the author

My novels are about strong, grounded women who live, love, and thrive in adventurous worlds.

As Natalie Debrabandere, I write lesbian fiction with a romantic twist.
As N.D. Shar, I dive into edgy sci-fi with kick-ass female leads and non-stop action.

If this is your first experience with my books, I hope you’ll find as much pleasure in reading them as I do in writing them.

The best way to support me? Read, review, and share—share—share!
My books are available worldwide in Kindle and paperback formats on your local Amazon site.

You can contact me through my website: nataliedebrabandere.com

Reviews

[Gill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Personally big fan of the author.

She follows a pattern with strong lead characters, of which one is bit more masc. Usually military, law or emergency services involved. There is past trauma, violence and danger to all her stories. She won't appeal to everyone.

DS Kai and Dr Elena are thrown together investigating a violent killer. They start to develop feelings for each other, then Kai's teenage niece turns up needing help. Its a fast paced thriller with tension. 

Great developed and believable characters. Thought and attention to detail too. Really good quick read.

[Sandy Souder · Rating 4 out of 5]

Always good

I enjoy this author alot. Usually good character development and story line. Nice addition with the rookie and the kid was a nice touch. Keep giving us good detective s!

[Ness Reeve · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great new series

The first story in Natalie's new Detective series, and it's absolutely brilliant.
DS Gibson (Kai) is fierce, fiery, and hot as all hell, and I can't wait for the next book. Im also loving Elena (Dr Blackshaw) & young Roisin, who I feel is going to turn out to be as tough as her aunt.

[Chyrl Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Never a doubt.

Once again you took my breath away. I so thoroughly enjoy your novels. The characters are believable and multidimensional. Strength and ability to be present in all walks of this life. Keep up the excellent work. I have enjoyed every one of your novels. Also, I found no errors of any type. You'd be surprised to know just how many I find. That alone makes me value you as my favorite author.

[Lydia Beskalo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I Hope There Is More

Amazing read. From the romance to the family situation to the murder investigation. This book kept me on my toes the whole time. I hope there is more to come from DS Gibson and company.

[Shannon Luchies · Rating 3 out of 5]

Detective Sargent Kai Gibson meets Dr Elena Blackshaw at a lecture, and catches her eye. However, Kai is all business, even when she gives Elena a ride home, and ignores Elena's attempts to flirt

Kai is on a case involving a torture killer, then he sends a video to Elena, apparently wanting her approval. So Kai puts her under police protection, including her stopping by.

(The romance subplot feels really rushed, honestly. I know the book is only 250 pages, but still.)

Then Kai's teen niece from the bad part of the family shows up. Roisin hasn't seen her in years, as Kai being a cop is frowned upon. Kai takes her in, including to work, to her fellow officers amusement.

Elena and Kai's flirting takes a back seat because of the kid, and the case continues. Kai and her team catch a break and get the guy on video, as well as working out his motive.

Then he grabs Elena.

3 out of 5 stars. Decent, as I said earlier a but rushed. Also some dangling plot bits, but I expect them to be followed up if the series continues.

[Christine E Carcary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Riveting read

Like all books by this author this was a gripping story from beginning to end. Two very strong main characters on the surface but of course much more depth to them underneath. I hope this is a series of DS Gibson detective stories as I feel their must be more crimes to solve. It's gruesome crimes which do require a strong stomach, there's domestic violence of the young nice an evolving character along with several others, which leaves me to believe there will be more, fingers crossed. As a fan of this genre I wasn't disappointed, a few things to resolve in the future.

[Gene · Rating 3 out of 5]

Detective Sergeant Gibson is a fine detective, the story well written, though I tire of the many ways people, men particularly, find to do harm to others. I wish there’d been an epilogue showing them all together in a home Ro could feel safe in as it seems to me that got lost in the shuffle a bit as the mystery ended. Far too many people, not just men, like Vance this world would be a better place without. I hope we Homo sapiens figure that out before we set the world on fire. And am a bit more than a little concerned we won’t. Good read all in all.

[readingismy_happy_place · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this! Could not put it down and read it in 2 sitting. I was gripped from the start Ioved the character which is important to me they were interesting and relatable. I’m really hoping this is going to be a series so I can get to know Kia Elena and the team more.
A gruesome murder, faster paced, sweet moments, great team. Brilliant crime detective book

[Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Natalie Debrabandere's lesfic thriller. She always has great books and I hope she writes more of them about Kai and Elena. This was a quick read but a great one, please don't end this with one DS Gibson book. I could see a series of this storyline... crossing my fingers, eyes and thighs.

[Joyce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good mystery

This book had me on the edge of my seat. The murder mystery was suspenseful. The characters are well written and likable except the murderer. Thanks for a mystery that kept my interest from beginning to end.

[Frances Bell · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good

I so enjoyed this book I wasn't sure what it was about but when I started reading it I got very hooked I couldn't put it down I love the characters the storyline the slow romance I hope there's another book please let there be another book I recommend this book

[Valerie Ryan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Start to finish, no stopping

The storyline was intriguing, thrilling, and suspenseful.
I would recommend this novel to anyone who enjoys suspense with a little love thrown in to keep the story captivating.
Natalie

[Kim Tunney · Rating 5 out of 5]

switching lanes

The police Seargant and the doctor instant attraction but both resisting until they couldn’t , kidnap murder and torturing victims brings them together to find love and happiness 🌈🌹

[Allie Mac · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gripping from the get-go

Fantastic work. Gripping from the start & kept you enthralled throughout. Incredibly well written with great characters & storyline. Definitely recommended!

[Carmen M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the book

It shows how great writer is Natalie DebranDere. Love is more powerful than hate. Lesbian,gay or straight could learn something from it.

[Gorgianna Bird · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it. The dynamic between the main characters, the story line packed with action that was heart pounding. Great job again

[Patricia Livers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nothing to write home about, but I REALLY like Debrabandere.