Close Enemy: DI Geraldine Steel 25

by Leigh Russell

Kindle Edition

Expected publication December 3, 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

[Nicola Richardson]

As I have come to expect in this series, nothing is ever quite as it seems and there are lots of twists and red herrings along the way. Geraldine and her team are dealing with the murder of a young woman, killed while out for a morning run. With no real clues, but a few suspects, the investigation moves slowly. Then a second murder, another young woman in a seemingly random attack takes place. This opens up more suspects, but the team think they already know the killer, they just cannot prove it. In the backdrop, there is more of Geraldine and Ian as they travel the road of parenthood, and Ariadne needs a friend as she has suspicions about her marriage. They are written into the plot as natural background, not taking anything away.
Another great addition to this fantastic series.

[Nerys Roberts]

DI Geraldine Steel and her colleagues are investigating after a young woman was killed while out on an early morning run. With no immediately clear suspects, everyone who came into contact with the victim, Jessica Boulmer, has to be questioned. With her husband suffering from Parkinsons and information received about Jessica having extra-marital affairs, the investigation concentrates on her husband's business partner. However, when another young woman is killed in the same way the team have to start again.

A really good read with plenty of twists and turns throughout. Another great instalment in this series.

Thanks to Netgalley UK, Bedford Square Publishers and Leigh Russell for the ARC of this book in return for an honest review.