What do you think?
Rate this book
DI Geraldine Steel #17
Guilt Edged
The killer pressed one knee on his victim's chest to prevent him clambering to his feet. Whipping a scarf from his pocket, he held it over George's face, covering his nose and mouth completely and pushing with all his strength.
Hours seemed to elapse before George finally lay still.
In a shocking act of violence, an apparently unassuming man is ruthlessly murdered with no discernible motive. Detective Inspector Geraldine Steel and her team find themselves stumped, until a breakthrough occurs—the victim's body yields DNA evidence from an unknown individual.
But Geraldine isn't convinced that the suspect they have in custody is truly guilty. When a witness steps forward to offer an alibi for the suspect, she makes a daring decision to release him. However, the course of events takes a sinister turn as a second murder is committed that same night. With all the evidence pointing to the recently freed suspect, has Geraldine made a terrible mistake?
As Steel delves deeper into the suspect's enigmatic past, he goes on the run, leaving behind a trail of uncertainty. Even his own wife seems to cast doubts on his innocence. Amidst the turmoil, Geraldine grapples with her own guilt for potentially releasing a killer. Is she driven by a need to uncover the truth or haunted by her own mistakes?
Geraldine is consumed by self-doubt, struggling to maintain focus on the case at hand. As lies and secrets unravel, the police must unveil the truth before more lives are claimed.
With a race against time, the tension escalates as the story hurtles toward an electrifying twist.
Prepare for a riveting journey as you untangle the web of deceit in this heart-pounding thriller. Guilt Edged will keep you guessing until the final page.
Fans of Angela Marsons, Mel Sherratt, and Karin Slaughter will relish Leigh Russell's masterful storytelling.
Can be enjoyed as a stand-alone novel
Hours seemed to elapse before George finally lay still.
In a shocking act of violence, an apparently unassuming man is ruthlessly murdered with no discernible motive. Detective Inspector Geraldine Steel and her team find themselves stumped, until a breakthrough occurs—the victim's body yields DNA evidence from an unknown individual.
But Geraldine isn't convinced that the suspect they have in custody is truly guilty. When a witness steps forward to offer an alibi for the suspect, she makes a daring decision to release him. However, the course of events takes a sinister turn as a second murder is committed that same night. With all the evidence pointing to the recently freed suspect, has Geraldine made a terrible mistake?
As Steel delves deeper into the suspect's enigmatic past, he goes on the run, leaving behind a trail of uncertainty. Even his own wife seems to cast doubts on his innocence. Amidst the turmoil, Geraldine grapples with her own guilt for potentially releasing a killer. Is she driven by a need to uncover the truth or haunted by her own mistakes?
Geraldine is consumed by self-doubt, struggling to maintain focus on the case at hand. As lies and secrets unravel, the police must unveil the truth before more lives are claimed.
With a race against time, the tension escalates as the story hurtles toward an electrifying twist.
Prepare for a riveting journey as you untangle the web of deceit in this heart-pounding thriller. Guilt Edged will keep you guessing until the final page.
Fans of Angela Marsons, Mel Sherratt, and Karin Slaughter will relish Leigh Russell's masterful storytelling.
Can be enjoyed as a stand-alone novel
- GenresFiction
321 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2022
47 people are currently reading
100 people want to read
About the author
Leigh Russell
70 books335 followersLeigh 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.
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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
August 14, 2023
What a painful book to read. A crime happened, there was a glaringly obvious thing that needed investigating, and only one female detective (the main character) thought it was worth pursuing. All the other police officers in the book teased her for thinking it was relevant. Her female boss had no faith in her. Even her partner, with whom she lives, was repeatedly condescending about it. This made the book hurt, every time she was laughed at by colleagues, she lost her own faith in whether she should investigate the really obvious and strange thing about the case. I came away thinking, I hope the police aren’t that rubbish, and what a frustrating book.
May 19, 2022
It must be me because this is the 17th Geraldine Steel book, so presumably loads of people rate the series highly. For my part I found the prose flat, the lead characters dull, the police procedural detail scant (and as for Steel's persistence in interviewing witnesses and suspects alone ... grrhh) and the plot just about okay. The last four pages are decent, but even then there is a massive plot giveaway earlier in the book. I read it quickly, which is usually a good sign, so it may not be as grim as I'm painting it, but I'm in no rush to read the other 16 books.
May 3, 2023
This would be 1.5 if I could give a half star. As I've said before about Russell's books, I'm sure there's a decent story here just waiting to get out. Unfortunately, book 17 of the set suffers from the same problems as all the others - no editing or proof-reading, as it's littered with mistakes. A woman killed in a car accident was originally said to have died in hospital the day after without regaining consciousness, yet 2 pages later a shard of glass had penetrated her chest and she'd bled out before paramedics could save her. A victim's bike helmet was found in a shed on pg 24, but by pg 32 it had been found in a garage. Pg 64 gives us this bit of nonsense - "With Ben's DNA on the scarf used to kill George, how do you propose to explain it if he wasn't there when Ben was killed.". There are lots more continuity mistakes which should have been picked up before publishing, too. Not recommended, unless you want to see how bad a book can be and still get published.
October 23, 2023
The least successful book of this series - no tension, no momentum against a pretty fluffy personal background
January 20, 2022
Once again Leigh has knocked it out of the park with this outing for Geraldine and co! ‘Guilt Edged’ is the 17th book in the series and it looks at the people left over after a crime takes place and the injustices they may be subjected to or feel. I found the psychology behind this case fascinating although I must say I did know who the main baddie was going to be from quite early on. However, the twist at the end of this one I was certainly not expecting and did not see that one coming at all.
In this book we see the story unfolding from Geraldine’s and the perpetrator viewpoint and it was great to have that balance in the narrative. I also liked the nod to how witnesses ‘truths’ vary depending on how long a period as past. This was something Imran Mahmood brought up at a panel at Bloody Scotland as he has this experience as a barrister. He suggested that the public would be scared if they knew how a witnesses memory can decay to practically being nonexistent by they time trials reach court!
Geraldine is a character I have always felt a connection with and I especially felt that with her moral sense of what's right and wrong in this case. I hope I would be the one pushing for answers even if there is a seemingly simple explanation in front of my face. It was also satisfying to see Geraldine and Ian start to find themselves on a more grounded footing.
I found this one fascinating - the debate of how injustice can lead to the spiralling of circumstances and lead to more injustice.
Let me know if you read this one!
In this book we see the story unfolding from Geraldine’s and the perpetrator viewpoint and it was great to have that balance in the narrative. I also liked the nod to how witnesses ‘truths’ vary depending on how long a period as past. This was something Imran Mahmood brought up at a panel at Bloody Scotland as he has this experience as a barrister. He suggested that the public would be scared if they knew how a witnesses memory can decay to practically being nonexistent by they time trials reach court!
Geraldine is a character I have always felt a connection with and I especially felt that with her moral sense of what's right and wrong in this case. I hope I would be the one pushing for answers even if there is a seemingly simple explanation in front of my face. It was also satisfying to see Geraldine and Ian start to find themselves on a more grounded footing.
I found this one fascinating - the debate of how injustice can lead to the spiralling of circumstances and lead to more injustice.
Let me know if you read this one!
August 27, 2022
This is the seventeenth adventure for DI Geraldine Steel, and as you can imagine, there is quite a bit of history now in this great series. Geraldine's life has been varied, finding out she was adopted and helping her newly discovered birth sister escape the clutches of a drug dealer which led to her getting demoted from the rank of Detective Inspector to Sergeant as a result. She moved to York and found herself working for her former sergeant, Ian Petersen, now a DI and a man she has secretly been in love with for a long time.
The man was ten years old when he witnessed his mother drown to death. Later in life, when memories of his mother bring his nightmares back, he selects a victim and becomes familiar with his routine. As George Gardner takes his final breath, the man takes his revenge on Death and his nightmares abate. It’s not long before DI Geraldine Steel and DI Ian Petersen, finally living together and determined to make a go of things (hurrah!), are called to the murder scene. With no obvious cause of death, they must wait for the post mortem. They discover George was suffocated and DNA on a scarf leads them to a prime suspect, a man who swears he is innocent. Geraldine is unsure when he is arrested – the evidence is tenuous at best – and harbours these doubts until he finally gets an alibi and is released. Was Geraldine right to listen to her gut instinct or has she just put more lives in danger? As the killer scans the newspapers for details of the police investigation, he revels in the fact that he has now made a deal with Death. But how long will it last until he needs to kill again?
With a dazzling array of guilty looking people who all seem to be hiding something and a very clever killer determined to carry out his ruthless plan, it’s not surprising the detectives are baffled by evidence which seems almost too good to be true. There is plenty of action and intrigue for the reader in this great twisty and riveting plot. Geraldine shows herself to be as dogged and tenacious as ever as she tries to convince her colleagues about her theories but is she the only one who should be questioning themselves? Another super addition to one of my favourite series from an author who simply never disappoints. 5*
The man was ten years old when he witnessed his mother drown to death. Later in life, when memories of his mother bring his nightmares back, he selects a victim and becomes familiar with his routine. As George Gardner takes his final breath, the man takes his revenge on Death and his nightmares abate. It’s not long before DI Geraldine Steel and DI Ian Petersen, finally living together and determined to make a go of things (hurrah!), are called to the murder scene. With no obvious cause of death, they must wait for the post mortem. They discover George was suffocated and DNA on a scarf leads them to a prime suspect, a man who swears he is innocent. Geraldine is unsure when he is arrested – the evidence is tenuous at best – and harbours these doubts until he finally gets an alibi and is released. Was Geraldine right to listen to her gut instinct or has she just put more lives in danger? As the killer scans the newspapers for details of the police investigation, he revels in the fact that he has now made a deal with Death. But how long will it last until he needs to kill again?
With a dazzling array of guilty looking people who all seem to be hiding something and a very clever killer determined to carry out his ruthless plan, it’s not surprising the detectives are baffled by evidence which seems almost too good to be true. There is plenty of action and intrigue for the reader in this great twisty and riveting plot. Geraldine shows herself to be as dogged and tenacious as ever as she tries to convince her colleagues about her theories but is she the only one who should be questioning themselves? Another super addition to one of my favourite series from an author who simply never disappoints. 5*
December 19, 2021
I would like to thank Netgalley and Oldcastle Books for an advance copy of Guilt Edged, the seventeenth novel to feature DI Geraldine Steel of the Yorkshire Police.
When a man with no enemies is killed, the police quickly find a suspect although Geraldine isn’t sure. She finds a witness to alibi him and releases him. That same night there is another murder and the same suspect is in the frame. When he goes on the run Geraldine starts to question herself.
When I first started this series it was a must read, but lately I have found it competent but flat and uninspiring. Guilt Edge is no different, so I found it difficult to get absorbed and kept putting it down. I don’t know if this is due to way the series is developing or whether my taste in reading has changed.
The narrative is divided mostly between Geraldine and the unknown killer with Geraldine’s side showing the investigation and her doubts, while the killer explores his motive, managing to keep silent on his identity and why his victims are chosen and maintaining the mystery. The killer has a certain belief in his own cleverness that is tiresome but realistic whereas Geraldine is full of self doubt, which has become a feature of the series and not proven by her past results. As the novel progresses the narrative starts to includes the suspect’s wife’s voice and this is interesting as it sheds light on the collateral damage of a murder investigation. She seems the most credible character in the novel.
The plot is the usual police procedural with the suspect pool wide open until the police narrow it down. In this case they find a suspect almost immediately, so it becomes more psychological as motives are untangled, behaviour is examined and links are established. It’s not particularly realistic, but a couple of good twists towards the end give it a jolt.
Guilt Edged is a solid read.
When a man with no enemies is killed, the police quickly find a suspect although Geraldine isn’t sure. She finds a witness to alibi him and releases him. That same night there is another murder and the same suspect is in the frame. When he goes on the run Geraldine starts to question herself.
When I first started this series it was a must read, but lately I have found it competent but flat and uninspiring. Guilt Edge is no different, so I found it difficult to get absorbed and kept putting it down. I don’t know if this is due to way the series is developing or whether my taste in reading has changed.
The narrative is divided mostly between Geraldine and the unknown killer with Geraldine’s side showing the investigation and her doubts, while the killer explores his motive, managing to keep silent on his identity and why his victims are chosen and maintaining the mystery. The killer has a certain belief in his own cleverness that is tiresome but realistic whereas Geraldine is full of self doubt, which has become a feature of the series and not proven by her past results. As the novel progresses the narrative starts to includes the suspect’s wife’s voice and this is interesting as it sheds light on the collateral damage of a murder investigation. She seems the most credible character in the novel.
The plot is the usual police procedural with the suspect pool wide open until the police narrow it down. In this case they find a suspect almost immediately, so it becomes more psychological as motives are untangled, behaviour is examined and links are established. It’s not particularly realistic, but a couple of good twists towards the end give it a jolt.
Guilt Edged is a solid read.
January 17, 2022
This is book 17 in the Geraldine Series which also features Ian Peterson who briefly had his own series. The pair of them have a rather chequered past, both together and separately so, for full enjoyment, I would recommend reading all those books first. That said, the main story is self-contained but you might not quite appreciate the characters if you just dive straight in.
In this book, Geraldine finds reasons to doubt her ability. Track record notwithstanding she does something that has repercussions which she believes to be her own fault. But I'll start at the beginning. A man is murdered and the police are clueless until they get a DNA hit. A suspect is arrested but released by Geraldine when alibied out. There's another attack and this is where Geraldine starts to worry it's her fault. Instead of getting support, fingers start to point and this really doesn't help her powers of investigation as she starts second guessing everything going forward, impacting on the case.
I have to admit that this book wasn't the strongest in the series. There's a bit too much personal stuff going on - what with Geraldine and Ian and their "relationship". And for most of the book Geraldine is just not herself. That said, the case is interesting enough and although I did guess some things early, I definitely didn't see the half of it coming.
All the rest of what I love about the author is present herein. The story gets on with itself very well, there's no superfluous padding or waffle. Characterisation is good and the plot is tight.
All in all, although not as good as some, a worthy addition to the series nonetheless. My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
In this book, Geraldine finds reasons to doubt her ability. Track record notwithstanding she does something that has repercussions which she believes to be her own fault. But I'll start at the beginning. A man is murdered and the police are clueless until they get a DNA hit. A suspect is arrested but released by Geraldine when alibied out. There's another attack and this is where Geraldine starts to worry it's her fault. Instead of getting support, fingers start to point and this really doesn't help her powers of investigation as she starts second guessing everything going forward, impacting on the case.
I have to admit that this book wasn't the strongest in the series. There's a bit too much personal stuff going on - what with Geraldine and Ian and their "relationship". And for most of the book Geraldine is just not herself. That said, the case is interesting enough and although I did guess some things early, I definitely didn't see the half of it coming.
All the rest of what I love about the author is present herein. The story gets on with itself very well, there's no superfluous padding or waffle. Characterisation is good and the plot is tight.
All in all, although not as good as some, a worthy addition to the series nonetheless. My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
August 22, 2025
3.5 Stars
Guilt Edged is the seventeenth book in the DI Geraldine Steel series by Leigh Russell. This series is a gripping collection of crime fiction novels that masterfully blends crime & investigation, detective/police procedure, suspense, and thought-provoking themes. With dynamic storytelling and intriguing characters, I was hooked from the get-go.
We follow Detective Inspector Geraldine Steel, who is a fiercely intelligent and deeply empathetic investigator. She is a cleverly crafted and fully realised individual with her own unique quirks and flaws. Ms. Russell beautifully balances Geraldine’s professional brilliance with some vulnerability and personal struggles, making her entirely ‘real’ and ‘relatable’. As the series progresses, we are further drawn into her world, where she pursues justice with unwavering determination, even as she grapples with her own burdens.
Each book in the series could be read as a standalone if you wanted, as each instalment presents a new, chilling case, often delving into the darker corners of human nature. But, having said that, I highly recommend reading the entire series from the beginning, as each instalment helps build a bigger picture of Geraldine Steel’s character, development, backstories, etc. And knowing all of that will definitely enhance your overall reading experience.
f you love stories with the perfect blend of psychological depth, thrilling mysteries, and emotional resonance, then this is definitely a series you will want to dive into.
Happy Reading…
Guilt Edged is the seventeenth book in the DI Geraldine Steel series by Leigh Russell. This series is a gripping collection of crime fiction novels that masterfully blends crime & investigation, detective/police procedure, suspense, and thought-provoking themes. With dynamic storytelling and intriguing characters, I was hooked from the get-go.
We follow Detective Inspector Geraldine Steel, who is a fiercely intelligent and deeply empathetic investigator. She is a cleverly crafted and fully realised individual with her own unique quirks and flaws. Ms. Russell beautifully balances Geraldine’s professional brilliance with some vulnerability and personal struggles, making her entirely ‘real’ and ‘relatable’. As the series progresses, we are further drawn into her world, where she pursues justice with unwavering determination, even as she grapples with her own burdens.
Each book in the series could be read as a standalone if you wanted, as each instalment presents a new, chilling case, often delving into the darker corners of human nature. But, having said that, I highly recommend reading the entire series from the beginning, as each instalment helps build a bigger picture of Geraldine Steel’s character, development, backstories, etc. And knowing all of that will definitely enhance your overall reading experience.
f you love stories with the perfect blend of psychological depth, thrilling mysteries, and emotional resonance, then this is definitely a series you will want to dive into.
Happy Reading…
February 2, 2022
The seventeenth book in the Geraldine Steel series and Leigh Russell just keeps on coming with another excellent police procedural. This is a series that you are able to just dip in with one book, but on the other hand, you don't quite appreciate the depth of the characters if you do.
This story is told from Geraldine and the killers' perspectives. I always like it when the reader is allowed to peek in a murderers head, and in this book, it just made me read until I had to tear myself away from the kindle.
The case that Geraldine,Ian, and the team come up against is a baffling one that seems like a murder without a motive. She feels that an innocent man has been arrested for the murder,so, in Geraldine Steel's way, she decides to start digging...alone.
Leigh Russell never disappoints,ever! Whenever I know there is another Geraldine book due out, I always get so excited as I know Leigh is a master storyteller, and the way she crafts a story can almost hypnotise me. Her characters are so well developed that I feel like I am back with friends whenever I start another Geraldine Steel book.
If anyone loves a police procedural with excellently crafted characters and a story that keeps you reading on until late in the night with plenty of twists and turns, Guilt Edged is a book to try.
This story is told from Geraldine and the killers' perspectives. I always like it when the reader is allowed to peek in a murderers head, and in this book, it just made me read until I had to tear myself away from the kindle.
The case that Geraldine,Ian, and the team come up against is a baffling one that seems like a murder without a motive. She feels that an innocent man has been arrested for the murder,so, in Geraldine Steel's way, she decides to start digging...alone.
Leigh Russell never disappoints,ever! Whenever I know there is another Geraldine book due out, I always get so excited as I know Leigh is a master storyteller, and the way she crafts a story can almost hypnotise me. Her characters are so well developed that I feel like I am back with friends whenever I start another Geraldine Steel book.
If anyone loves a police procedural with excellently crafted characters and a story that keeps you reading on until late in the night with plenty of twists and turns, Guilt Edged is a book to try.
January 20, 2022
Guilt edged by Leigh Russell.
A DI Geraldine Steel Thriller Book 17.
An inoffensive man is murdered in a seemingly motiveless attack. Detective Inspector Geraldine Steel and her team are baffled, until DNA from an apparent stranger is discovered on the victim's body.
Geraldine is not convinced the suspect is guilty. When a witness comes forward to offer the suspect an alibi, Geraldine lets him go. That night, a second murder is committed. The evidence points to the suspect who has just been released.
As Geraldine attempts to make sense of the suspect's complex history, he goes on the run. Even his wife appears to condemn him. Only Geraldine still doubts that he is to blame for the murders, but is she prompted by her own guilt for having released him to kill again?
As the story races towards a breathtaking twist, Geraldine is tormented by self-doubt, and struggles to focus all her attention on the case. Someone is lying and the police must uncover the truth before anyone else is killed...
A very good read with good characters. I do love this author. Great story and characters. 4*.
A DI Geraldine Steel Thriller Book 17.
An inoffensive man is murdered in a seemingly motiveless attack. Detective Inspector Geraldine Steel and her team are baffled, until DNA from an apparent stranger is discovered on the victim's body.
Geraldine is not convinced the suspect is guilty. When a witness comes forward to offer the suspect an alibi, Geraldine lets him go. That night, a second murder is committed. The evidence points to the suspect who has just been released.
As Geraldine attempts to make sense of the suspect's complex history, he goes on the run. Even his wife appears to condemn him. Only Geraldine still doubts that he is to blame for the murders, but is she prompted by her own guilt for having released him to kill again?
As the story races towards a breathtaking twist, Geraldine is tormented by self-doubt, and struggles to focus all her attention on the case. Someone is lying and the police must uncover the truth before anyone else is killed...
A very good read with good characters. I do love this author. Great story and characters. 4*.
January 20, 2022
Guilt edged by Leigh Russell.
A DI Geraldine Steel Thriller Book 17.
An inoffensive man is murdered in a seemingly motiveless attack. Detective Inspector Geraldine Steel and her team are baffled, until DNA from an apparent stranger is discovered on the victim's body.
Geraldine is not convinced the suspect is guilty. When a witness comes forward to offer the suspect an alibi, Geraldine lets him go. That night, a second murder is committed. The evidence points to the suspect who has just been released.
As Geraldine attempts to make sense of the suspect's complex history, he goes on the run. Even his wife appears to condemn him. Only Geraldine still doubts that he is to blame for the murders, but is she prompted by her own guilt for having released him to kill again?
As the story races towards a breathtaking twist, Geraldine is tormented by self-doubt, and struggles to focus all her attention on the case. Someone is lying and the police must uncover the truth before anyone else is killed...
A very good read with good characters. I do love this author. Great story and characters. 4*.
A DI Geraldine Steel Thriller Book 17.
An inoffensive man is murdered in a seemingly motiveless attack. Detective Inspector Geraldine Steel and her team are baffled, until DNA from an apparent stranger is discovered on the victim's body.
Geraldine is not convinced the suspect is guilty. When a witness comes forward to offer the suspect an alibi, Geraldine lets him go. That night, a second murder is committed. The evidence points to the suspect who has just been released.
As Geraldine attempts to make sense of the suspect's complex history, he goes on the run. Even his wife appears to condemn him. Only Geraldine still doubts that he is to blame for the murders, but is she prompted by her own guilt for having released him to kill again?
As the story races towards a breathtaking twist, Geraldine is tormented by self-doubt, and struggles to focus all her attention on the case. Someone is lying and the police must uncover the truth before anyone else is killed...
A very good read with good characters. I do love this author. Great story and characters. 4*.
April 6, 2022
This is the seventeenth book in the series featuring Detective Geraldine Steel and her team and it certainly didn’t disappoint. They are called out to the murder of a man in a seemingly motiveless attack but find DNA from an apparent stranger on the body. He is then arrested but released when he is given an alibi but when a second body turns up with his DNA again he is rearrested. Everyone but Geraldine are convinced that he is the murderer so she starts to investigate on her own as she is convinced he is innocent, I am really enjoying this series which is set in and around York, a place I am very familiar with. I found this book a very enjoyable read and I can’t wait for the next one in the series.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.
April 26, 2024
I generally don't like to give poor reviews because each read is a personal view,however having read all previous episodes, number 17 is very average to say the least.The plot is thin,the amount of repetition made for hard reading and apart fr0m the last few pages,there was very little to keep me interested.
In truth had I not read the previous episodes I doubt I would have persevered with No.17.
So much more could have been developed from book 16 but there were no references made to the situation around Geraldine's ongoing troubled relationship with her sister,no follow up on Ian's time undercover in London and I got to wondering if the same author had actually been involved in both books.
I had been very critical of book 15 and sadly I'm doubting I'll bother with the rest of the ongoing series.
In truth had I not read the previous episodes I doubt I would have persevered with No.17.
So much more could have been developed from book 16 but there were no references made to the situation around Geraldine's ongoing troubled relationship with her sister,no follow up on Ian's time undercover in London and I got to wondering if the same author had actually been involved in both books.
I had been very critical of book 15 and sadly I'm doubting I'll bother with the rest of the ongoing series.
November 16, 2021
Guilt Edged by Leigh Russell
An inoffensive man is murdered in a seemingly motiveless attack. Detective Inspector Geraldine Steel and her team are baffled, until DNA from an apparent stranger is discovered on the victim's body.
Geraldine is not convinced the suspect is guilty. When a witness comes forward to offer the suspect an alibi, Geraldine lets him go. That night, a second murder is committed. The evidence points to the suspect who has just been released.
First time read for me by this author , and I thought it was a great read.
I loved reading about DI Geraldine Steel and the brilliant way she solved her cases. Lots of twists to keep you reading right until the very end.
I will definitely be looking out for her other books.
An inoffensive man is murdered in a seemingly motiveless attack. Detective Inspector Geraldine Steel and her team are baffled, until DNA from an apparent stranger is discovered on the victim's body.
Geraldine is not convinced the suspect is guilty. When a witness comes forward to offer the suspect an alibi, Geraldine lets him go. That night, a second murder is committed. The evidence points to the suspect who has just been released.
First time read for me by this author , and I thought it was a great read.
I loved reading about DI Geraldine Steel and the brilliant way she solved her cases. Lots of twists to keep you reading right until the very end.
I will definitely be looking out for her other books.
January 1, 2022
I really enjoy the series of books to feature Geraldine Steel but this one I struggled with slightly. The book opens with the murder of a man and the usual suspects but the plot was just a bit too hard to believe. The story is told between Geraldine and the killer and there were a few good twists in the tale. I liked the character of the suspect's wife, I had a degree of sympathy for her as the story unfolded. This is a well established series which I have always enjoyed but this is not my favourite read. Having said that, I would recommend the series to lovers of the genre. Thanks to Net Galley for my ARC.
May 8, 2023
Not a good book...
Picked up in a Charity Shop because I recognised the authors name as someone I’d read previously - sadly I didn’t remember I hadn’t enjoyed her books.
Padded with pointless twaddle & the same information being repeated time after time (like the reader is too thick to have got it the 1st or 2nd or 3rd or even 4th time) the dialogue is stilted & its a real struggle to find anything you like about the characters.
I stuck it out (because I hate to leave a book unfinished) but could easily have bailed out halfway.
How on earth this author manages to continue to get this series published is beyond me!
Picked up in a Charity Shop because I recognised the authors name as someone I’d read previously - sadly I didn’t remember I hadn’t enjoyed her books.
Padded with pointless twaddle & the same information being repeated time after time (like the reader is too thick to have got it the 1st or 2nd or 3rd or even 4th time) the dialogue is stilted & its a real struggle to find anything you like about the characters.
I stuck it out (because I hate to leave a book unfinished) but could easily have bailed out halfway.
How on earth this author manages to continue to get this series published is beyond me!
December 19, 2021
Geraldine, or should I say Leigh, never disappoints.
Another great addition to this series and I loved the subplot, it’s like meeting up with old friends and catching up on their news. When the body of a harmless man is killed and dna evidence that’s a match to someone on their database is found on the body, everyone but Geraldine is happy that the case has been solved. While I suspected who the villain was early on, the twist totally threw me. Very clever!
Read in less than a day, the perfect way to spend a winters afternoon
Another great addition to this series and I loved the subplot, it’s like meeting up with old friends and catching up on their news. When the body of a harmless man is killed and dna evidence that’s a match to someone on their database is found on the body, everyone but Geraldine is happy that the case has been solved. While I suspected who the villain was early on, the twist totally threw me. Very clever!
Read in less than a day, the perfect way to spend a winters afternoon
January 11, 2022
In this story we are given a rather unexplained murder followed by another however Geraldine is not convinced that they have the right man in custody as the evidence is too obvious. She is now working alongside her partner Ian who is a bit sceptical of her views but at the same time moving in with her. If I am being honest, it is not the best book in the series however Leigh still weaves her plot well and as the reader, you are kept wondering "is he? isn't he...guilty!"
Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC to review.
Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC to review.
February 1, 2022
Think I'm going to start this series from the beginning, this book was unputdownable, gripping, compelling & I think starting with book 17 in the Geraldine Steel series means there are another 16 awesome books crying out to be read!
Throughout the book I had my suspicions who the killer was, but with several carefully placed red herrings that threw me off kilter, turns out I was totally wrong.
The characters are so well developed & with a well written plotline full of suspense, suspicion & suspects I couldn't fault the book.
I found this a fantastic police procedural read & would highly recommend
Throughout the book I had my suspicions who the killer was, but with several carefully placed red herrings that threw me off kilter, turns out I was totally wrong.
The characters are so well developed & with a well written plotline full of suspense, suspicion & suspects I couldn't fault the book.
I found this a fantastic police procedural read & would highly recommend
January 21, 2022
I was lucky enough to read Deep Cover by the author and was absolutely thrilled when I git the opportunity to read Guilt Edged.
In this story Geraldine investigates a murder with no obvious motive and very little to go on. She thinks an innocent man has been arrested and she's determined to uncover the truth on her own.
An absolute brilliant police procedural story. Another Russell's book I've finished in one sitting. I can not wait for the next book now. Highly recommend this series.
In this story Geraldine investigates a murder with no obvious motive and very little to go on. She thinks an innocent man has been arrested and she's determined to uncover the truth on her own.
An absolute brilliant police procedural story. Another Russell's book I've finished in one sitting. I can not wait for the next book now. Highly recommend this series.
February 20, 2022
They say one shouldn't judge a book by its cover but, aside from the fact that the Geraldine Steel books have striking covers (and highly legible on a shelf - good thinking!), this 17th in series is paradoxically about not 'judging a book by its cover', which is the approach GS takes to solving this particular crime. As ever, the book reads very smoothly and focuses very much on providing the reader with a compulsive draw to progress through to the end. Well done again, Leigh!
January 1, 2026
Read this as a stand alone book although later realised it is part of a series which follows the main character detective Geraldine.
I found the writing quite inconsistent and things kept changing for example on one page a woman died in hospital 2 days after being hit by a car then later on in the book it was written she died instantly.
The plot line was a classic ‘who done it’ but ultimately it was poorly written and didn’t keep me very engaged in continuing to want to read.
I found the writing quite inconsistent and things kept changing for example on one page a woman died in hospital 2 days after being hit by a car then later on in the book it was written she died instantly.
The plot line was a classic ‘who done it’ but ultimately it was poorly written and didn’t keep me very engaged in continuing to want to read.
December 11, 2021
I can’t believe this is the 17th Geraldine book!! What a ride it’s been! This is another cracking police procedural with our heroine using her built in bull*$#t detector to get to the bottom of two murders where the clues just don’t add up.
Leigh, thank you for a wonderful book, now crack on with number 18 please 😀
Leigh, thank you for a wonderful book, now crack on with number 18 please 😀
December 11, 2021
I can’t believe this is the 17th Geraldine book!! What a ride it’s been! This is another cracking police procedural with our heroine using her built in bull*$#t detector to get to the bottom of two murders where the clues just don’t add up.
Leigh, thank you for a wonderful book, now crack on with number 18 please 😀
Leigh, thank you for a wonderful book, now crack on with number 18 please 😀
December 15, 2021
A gripping police procedural with plenty of red herrings along the way, kept me engaged from the first to the last page, full of suspense, suspicion and great characters.
This is a well established series and I have not read all of the books in the series but the ones that I have I have always enjoyed. .
This is a well established series and I have not read all of the books in the series but the ones that I have I have always enjoyed. .
April 2, 2022
No doubt, most police investigations involve interviewing unco-operative and rude people before a breakthrough occurs. This book had plenty of unsympathetic characters and the repeated interviews of them bordered on tedium for the reader. A shorter novel with a more crafted plot and fewer pointless interviews with unpleasant people would have improved the reader’s enjoyment.
November 22, 2021
I'm pretty sure I've read every book in this series but don't know why I've just realised how grumpy, serious and dour Geraldine is!!
The team face a particularly bizarre case and only Geraldine believes that an innocent man has been arrested and she alone is determined to uncover the truth.
The team face a particularly bizarre case and only Geraldine believes that an innocent man has been arrested and she alone is determined to uncover the truth.
November 27, 2021
Thanks to netgalley for letting me review the latest geraldine steel. This book had me guessing from the start right to the end......... Can geraldine prove all of her team wrong when she is the only one to believe the main suspect is innocent ?
September 20, 2023
Frustratingly inconsistent. Murderer has blue eyes...then brown eyes. Someone is hit by a car and dies next day....but next page they have died at the scene due to a smashed wine bottle severing an artery. The writing is clunky and rigid. Can't get past page 52...I've tried really hard.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews