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DI Geraldine Steel #19
Final Term
His glove pressed hard against her mouth, filling her nostrils with the stale smell of leather as he pushed her head right back, making her choke.
Panicking she kicked out, but she wasn't strong enough to push him away.
When a young girl is found dead in the woods, all the evidence seems to point to the teacher she has just accused of molesting her. After all, with his career, and marriage, under threat, he appears to have the most to lose.
But for DI Geraldine Steel things aren't adding up, even though her colleagues disagree, she is certain they have accused the wrong man.
Then the girl's best friend is murdered, discovered close to where Cassie's body was found. Could this be because she was able to expose the killer's real identity, or are they now hunting for a serial killer? Are they unwitting pawns, being drawn into a game with rules they don't understand?
With time running out, can Steel uncover the truth before the body count grows even more…
A nail-biting thriller that will have you hooked. If you're a fan of Angela Marsons, Mel Sherratt and Karin Slaughter, you'll love Leigh Russell.
Can be read as a stand-alone.
Panicking she kicked out, but she wasn't strong enough to push him away.
When a young girl is found dead in the woods, all the evidence seems to point to the teacher she has just accused of molesting her. After all, with his career, and marriage, under threat, he appears to have the most to lose.
But for DI Geraldine Steel things aren't adding up, even though her colleagues disagree, she is certain they have accused the wrong man.
Then the girl's best friend is murdered, discovered close to where Cassie's body was found. Could this be because she was able to expose the killer's real identity, or are they now hunting for a serial killer? Are they unwitting pawns, being drawn into a game with rules they don't understand?
With time running out, can Steel uncover the truth before the body count grows even more…
A nail-biting thriller that will have you hooked. If you're a fan of Angela Marsons, Mel Sherratt and Karin Slaughter, you'll love Leigh Russell.
Can be read as a stand-alone.
- GenresCrime
326 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 6, 2023
48 people are currently reading
97 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
May 3, 2023
Possibly the worst book I have ever read.
Reads like it was written by an 8 year old - the sentences weren’t constructed well but had the odd random big word thrown in.
The same thought or dialogue would be repeated over and over again in varying ways.
Speaking of dialogue, it was childish and clumsy. Every character spewing a whole paragraph of inane talk and everyone seemingly confessing all their thoughts in one go. Never answering questions, always replying with a different thought?
There were whole chunks of the story that were boring or irrelevant but then an actual event would happen and it would be instantly glossed over!
The chapters didn’t end with an intense vibe or a twist like a good mystery, it was just like the end of a normal sentence but then the author would go and put whole different scenes next to each other without a normal paragraph pause?
Absolutely none of the characters were in the least likeable and actually the ‘whodunnit’ was very easily predictable from the moment the character entered the book.
There are several inconsistencies running throughout the book such as an iPad turning into a laptop and Cassie’s mother crying that it was just her and her daughter in her life, she had no in else… but Cassie mentions her sister before this and then Geraldine meets the sister and knows instantly who she is! Another inconsistency is asking Cassie’s boyfriend to be interviewed with his parents in attendance and a couple of days later he is interviewed again with no parent escort because it turns out he’s 18!
There’s completely unbelievable points also. For example the way the ‘whodunnit’ just confesses when the police ‘trip him up’ and when Geraldine talks to Cassie’s school about her murder she says ‘killer’ and ‘killed’ about 7 times in her speech but that just wouldn’t be the way you would speak to children about these things!
In the blurb it mentions that Geraldine does not believe their suspect is the right man but she actually only changes her mind about 50 pages from the end of the book. Being curious, I’ve read a couple of the other blurbs in the series and that’s the one consistent plot point - Geraldine always thinks they’ve got the wrong guy!
Geraldine even thought someone had left a house in a hurry because… wait for it…. The curtains were open! Oh my gosh, quick send a search and rescue team. Everyone must close their curtains otherwise they will be presumed missing!
As you can see, I didn’t like the book AT ALL.
I have absolutely no idea why the ratings are so high. There is no reason any regular and sensible book reader would not want to throw this in their fire.
Reads like it was written by an 8 year old - the sentences weren’t constructed well but had the odd random big word thrown in.
The same thought or dialogue would be repeated over and over again in varying ways.
Speaking of dialogue, it was childish and clumsy. Every character spewing a whole paragraph of inane talk and everyone seemingly confessing all their thoughts in one go. Never answering questions, always replying with a different thought?
There were whole chunks of the story that were boring or irrelevant but then an actual event would happen and it would be instantly glossed over!
The chapters didn’t end with an intense vibe or a twist like a good mystery, it was just like the end of a normal sentence but then the author would go and put whole different scenes next to each other without a normal paragraph pause?
Absolutely none of the characters were in the least likeable and actually the ‘whodunnit’ was very easily predictable from the moment the character entered the book.
There are several inconsistencies running throughout the book such as an iPad turning into a laptop and Cassie’s mother crying that it was just her and her daughter in her life, she had no in else… but Cassie mentions her sister before this and then Geraldine meets the sister and knows instantly who she is! Another inconsistency is asking Cassie’s boyfriend to be interviewed with his parents in attendance and a couple of days later he is interviewed again with no parent escort because it turns out he’s 18!
There’s completely unbelievable points also. For example the way the ‘whodunnit’ just confesses when the police ‘trip him up’ and when Geraldine talks to Cassie’s school about her murder she says ‘killer’ and ‘killed’ about 7 times in her speech but that just wouldn’t be the way you would speak to children about these things!
In the blurb it mentions that Geraldine does not believe their suspect is the right man but she actually only changes her mind about 50 pages from the end of the book. Being curious, I’ve read a couple of the other blurbs in the series and that’s the one consistent plot point - Geraldine always thinks they’ve got the wrong guy!
Geraldine even thought someone had left a house in a hurry because… wait for it…. The curtains were open! Oh my gosh, quick send a search and rescue team. Everyone must close their curtains otherwise they will be presumed missing!
As you can see, I didn’t like the book AT ALL.
I have absolutely no idea why the ratings are so high. There is no reason any regular and sensible book reader would not want to throw this in their fire.
January 26, 2023
The story:
Cassie Jackson isn’t well liked at school. She has no real friends, and the teachers think she’s trouble. When she makes a serious accusation against a male teacher, she throws his personal life into chaos and puts his future career in doubt. But no one expects what happens next — the discovery of Cassie’s body in some local woodland… The man she has accused becomes a murder suspect — could he be responsible for her death?
Detective Inspector Geraldine Steel is determined to find out, and bring the killer to justice. But when a second young girl is found killed in the same location, it seems the team have a murderer on their hands who has taken to killing schoolgirls. Will they be able to find out what has driven the killings, before they strike again?
My thoughts:
This is the third Detective Geraldine Steel book I’ve read (see “Deep Cover” and “Fake Alibi”), and amazingly is the 19th book in the series. Author Leigh Russell knows her main character well, and Geraldine is described at points in the book, by her partner and colleagues, as a “workaholic” and “treating her job like a religion”, both of which are accurate!
As in the previous books I’ve read in this series, most of the story is written from Geraldine’s perspective, but we also see things from other’s points point of view, including victim Cassie at the start of the book — we know she is intentionally trying to falsely trap her teacher Mr Moore in a false charge of assault, but why? Is it just for attention, as so many of her classmates and teachers think, or is there more to it? We also get occasional glimpses from the perspective of the killer themselves, giving the reader the chance to try and connect this with what we know about the potential suspects.
Although this is a well-established series, it can easily be picked up as a standalone book, and would be enjoyed by all fans of police procedurals with tightly plotted, fast-paced stories!
Cassie Jackson isn’t well liked at school. She has no real friends, and the teachers think she’s trouble. When she makes a serious accusation against a male teacher, she throws his personal life into chaos and puts his future career in doubt. But no one expects what happens next — the discovery of Cassie’s body in some local woodland… The man she has accused becomes a murder suspect — could he be responsible for her death?
Detective Inspector Geraldine Steel is determined to find out, and bring the killer to justice. But when a second young girl is found killed in the same location, it seems the team have a murderer on their hands who has taken to killing schoolgirls. Will they be able to find out what has driven the killings, before they strike again?
My thoughts:
This is the third Detective Geraldine Steel book I’ve read (see “Deep Cover” and “Fake Alibi”), and amazingly is the 19th book in the series. Author Leigh Russell knows her main character well, and Geraldine is described at points in the book, by her partner and colleagues, as a “workaholic” and “treating her job like a religion”, both of which are accurate!
As in the previous books I’ve read in this series, most of the story is written from Geraldine’s perspective, but we also see things from other’s points point of view, including victim Cassie at the start of the book — we know she is intentionally trying to falsely trap her teacher Mr Moore in a false charge of assault, but why? Is it just for attention, as so many of her classmates and teachers think, or is there more to it? We also get occasional glimpses from the perspective of the killer themselves, giving the reader the chance to try and connect this with what we know about the potential suspects.
Although this is a well-established series, it can easily be picked up as a standalone book, and would be enjoyed by all fans of police procedurals with tightly plotted, fast-paced stories!
May 1, 2023
Can’t decide how I feel yet. It’s a 3 or 3.5* read I think
May 5, 2023
This was the first book my new book club decided on, I had never read anything by Leigh Russell before but after reading this one I’m definitely going to have a look for more.
A great crime drama which starts with the murder of a young girl who has just accused her teacher of being inappropriate with her. It kept me guessing and I changed my mind on who the murderer was several times throughout the book.
The characters were well developed and I was drawn into the world which is always a win. It was definitely a “just one more chapter” book.
My only slight criticism would be that I felt the ending was slightly rushed and a little far fetched. But overall an enjoyable read
A great crime drama which starts with the murder of a young girl who has just accused her teacher of being inappropriate with her. It kept me guessing and I changed my mind on who the murderer was several times throughout the book.
The characters were well developed and I was drawn into the world which is always a win. It was definitely a “just one more chapter” book.
My only slight criticism would be that I felt the ending was slightly rushed and a little far fetched. But overall an enjoyable read
Read
March 31, 2023The opening scene in Final Term is of a young school-going girl, Cassie, getting ready. Her character instantly comes off as wild and rebellious as she is applying make-up in spite of there being a strict appearance code in school. She has a troubling childhood and relationship with men and maybe because of that she is very protective of her sister. When Cassie accuses a teacher of molestation and is later found dead in the woods, everyone wants the evidence to show that the teacher, Paul, did this but something does not line up.
Paul and his wife, Laura, are happily married and on their way to starting a family when the molestation charges against Paul change everything. The investigation eventually leads them further apart rather than being each other’s unconditional support. The tension of living with a tarnished image in the neighbourhood, being on the receipt of vandalism due to an unproven allegation… There is a lot of stress in Paul and Laura’s life. I liked the questions they pondered separately – what it meant for Paul’s career to have a molestation charge, even if it is false, can they trust each other, would they need to move, etc.
Geraldine had a lot of leads to follow and I liked the way in which people like the girls’ parents and boyfriend were interrogated to get a full picture. It was heartbreaking to see how little Cassie’s peers and teachers seemed to care about her. Geraldine, through her compassion, pondered the value of life. Cassie’s friend’s subsequent murder made things worse because a life had been lost for knowing something that would have helped the case. I enjoyed watching Geraldine follow her gut and through many interactions with colleagues, I got a glimpse of how she has developed in the course of the other novels.
Final Term was a good story and it resolved the mystery of the murders effectively, with Geraldine being the officer to solve it with her instincts and thoroughness. She is not perfect and as is typical in many investigative novels I have read, she does find herself in danger. She is brave and I loved her for that. There were some loose ends that I would have liked resolved but from a police investigation point of view, it makes sense to not go further into them as they do not add any further value to the truth itself.
Reading Experience for Final Term
World building - Small town, done well
Plot - fast-paced and easy to follow
Cast - Well thought out, some relationships were done better than others
Storytelling - just enough details to keep me guessing, good vocabulary
Immersion - Did not want to stop reading
Emotional response - Engaging
Thought provoking - Yes
Cover - Compliments the story well
I like Final Term! The writing is easy to read and I read this book in two sittings. I loved the sneaky ways in which the author revealed the murderer. I expected more of the spotlight to be on Geraldine and I was pleasantly surprised with how much I enjoyed the characters that the book followed.
Many thanks to Random Things Tours for giving me a chance to highlight this book on my blog in exchange for an honest review.
Review & Author interview on Armed with A Book | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram
Paul and his wife, Laura, are happily married and on their way to starting a family when the molestation charges against Paul change everything. The investigation eventually leads them further apart rather than being each other’s unconditional support. The tension of living with a tarnished image in the neighbourhood, being on the receipt of vandalism due to an unproven allegation… There is a lot of stress in Paul and Laura’s life. I liked the questions they pondered separately – what it meant for Paul’s career to have a molestation charge, even if it is false, can they trust each other, would they need to move, etc.
Geraldine had a lot of leads to follow and I liked the way in which people like the girls’ parents and boyfriend were interrogated to get a full picture. It was heartbreaking to see how little Cassie’s peers and teachers seemed to care about her. Geraldine, through her compassion, pondered the value of life. Cassie’s friend’s subsequent murder made things worse because a life had been lost for knowing something that would have helped the case. I enjoyed watching Geraldine follow her gut and through many interactions with colleagues, I got a glimpse of how she has developed in the course of the other novels.
Final Term was a good story and it resolved the mystery of the murders effectively, with Geraldine being the officer to solve it with her instincts and thoroughness. She is not perfect and as is typical in many investigative novels I have read, she does find herself in danger. She is brave and I loved her for that. There were some loose ends that I would have liked resolved but from a police investigation point of view, it makes sense to not go further into them as they do not add any further value to the truth itself.
Reading Experience for Final Term
World building - Small town, done well
Plot - fast-paced and easy to follow
Cast - Well thought out, some relationships were done better than others
Storytelling - just enough details to keep me guessing, good vocabulary
Immersion - Did not want to stop reading
Emotional response - Engaging
Thought provoking - Yes
Cover - Compliments the story well
I like Final Term! The writing is easy to read and I read this book in two sittings. I loved the sneaky ways in which the author revealed the murderer. I expected more of the spotlight to be on Geraldine and I was pleasantly surprised with how much I enjoyed the characters that the book followed.
Many thanks to Random Things Tours for giving me a chance to highlight this book on my blog in exchange for an honest review.
Review & Author interview on Armed with A Book | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram
January 25, 2023
Oh, Blimey, yet another long running series to which I am a stranger. Better late than never, even if I am starting with the nineteenth of the series featuring York copper Geraldine Steel. As a former school teacher (just the forty years at the chalk-face) I can report that in modern schools, a peculiar kind of justice prevails. At the first complaint of serious misbehaviour by a member of staff, said teacher is out on his or her ear - "suspended, pending investigation". Despite the mealy-mouthed rider that "suspension is not an indication of wrong-doing", it is plain for all to see that the teacher is guilty until proven innocent. And that is precisely what happens to teacher Paul Moore in Final Term when he falls foul of a rather unpleasant teenager called Cassie Jackson. She claims he has molested her, and he is immediately shown the door, while Cassie's claim is examined.
Sadly, there is not much time for a thorough investigation, as Cassie's dead body is found in nearby woodland. The post mortem reveals that she died from a severe blow to the head, she was full of alcohol. There is no sign of recent sexual trauma, but she had undergone an abortion in the last twelve months or so. DI Steel and her team swing into action, but clues are scarce. Cassie's 18 year-old boyfriend is initially suspected, but his anger at her death seems genuine. The, with the case going nowhere, another girl from the same school is found naked and dead, and the fears deepen that a serial killer may be at large.
When both Paul Moore and his wife Laura are proved to have lied to the police about what they were doing on the night of Cassie's murder, Geraldine's boss senses that Moore ticks at least two of the standard boxes in a murder investigation - he had the motive and the opportunity. Geraldine is, however, uneasy about the arrest, as there is nothing forensically to link Moore to the murders. We, too, guess that he didn't do it, as we meet the real killer about half way through the book. He is, though, rather like those anonymous TV confessions back in the day, merely a silhouette.
With Paul Moore languishing in a police cell, Laura Moore goes missing. Then, Geraldine makes that mistake which is a trope in so many novels and films - she goes off on her own, following a hunch, but telling no-one where she is going. Inevitably, she falls foul of the killer, and with her live-in partner Ian, a fellow copper, heavily involved, the search for the missing women brings Final Term to an exciting conclusion.
Just in case anyone should get sniffy and dismiss this - and other books in the series - as "formulaic", let me ask this. Do you complain about the repetitive structure of the Sherlock Holmes stories? Is it a turn-off that the Nero Wolfe stories always begin with Archie Goodwin presenting a problem to his boss in Wolfe's apartment?. Are the Ed McBain's 87th Precinct novels unreadable because of the ever present Steve Carella, Cotton Hawes, Bert Kling, Meyer Meyer and Pete Byrnes? I think we all know the answer. If the other eighteen books in this series are anywhere near as good as Final Term, then Leigh Russell has earned her place on the CriFi podium.
Sadly, there is not much time for a thorough investigation, as Cassie's dead body is found in nearby woodland. The post mortem reveals that she died from a severe blow to the head, she was full of alcohol. There is no sign of recent sexual trauma, but she had undergone an abortion in the last twelve months or so. DI Steel and her team swing into action, but clues are scarce. Cassie's 18 year-old boyfriend is initially suspected, but his anger at her death seems genuine. The, with the case going nowhere, another girl from the same school is found naked and dead, and the fears deepen that a serial killer may be at large.
When both Paul Moore and his wife Laura are proved to have lied to the police about what they were doing on the night of Cassie's murder, Geraldine's boss senses that Moore ticks at least two of the standard boxes in a murder investigation - he had the motive and the opportunity. Geraldine is, however, uneasy about the arrest, as there is nothing forensically to link Moore to the murders. We, too, guess that he didn't do it, as we meet the real killer about half way through the book. He is, though, rather like those anonymous TV confessions back in the day, merely a silhouette.
With Paul Moore languishing in a police cell, Laura Moore goes missing. Then, Geraldine makes that mistake which is a trope in so many novels and films - she goes off on her own, following a hunch, but telling no-one where she is going. Inevitably, she falls foul of the killer, and with her live-in partner Ian, a fellow copper, heavily involved, the search for the missing women brings Final Term to an exciting conclusion.
Just in case anyone should get sniffy and dismiss this - and other books in the series - as "formulaic", let me ask this. Do you complain about the repetitive structure of the Sherlock Holmes stories? Is it a turn-off that the Nero Wolfe stories always begin with Archie Goodwin presenting a problem to his boss in Wolfe's apartment?. Are the Ed McBain's 87th Precinct novels unreadable because of the ever present Steve Carella, Cotton Hawes, Bert Kling, Meyer Meyer and Pete Byrnes? I think we all know the answer. If the other eighteen books in this series are anywhere near as good as Final Term, then Leigh Russell has earned her place on the CriFi podium.
February 10, 2023
Cassie is a promiscuous sixteen-year-old, a product of childhood abuse by her stepfather and a neglectful mother. The other girls shun her and the only attention she gets is from men when she bleaches her hair and leaves a few buttons undone. Even her best friend doesn’t have a good word to say about her. She sets up and accuses a teacher, Paul Moore, of assaulting her in an empty classroom on a Monday and on the Thursday evening meets her death at the hands of a man who tells her he no longer wants to see her. On the Friday morning her body, strangled and with a head injury, is found by two runners, and DCI Binita Hewitt and her team of DI Geraldine Steel, DS Ariadne Croft and DS Naomi Arnold receive a new murder investigation. Sadly it takes the girl’s mother until Sunday to report her daughter missing, and then Cassie’s body is identified. Soon the detectives have two possible suspects – the teacher who faces losing his job and his wife, and Cassie’s angry jealous boyfriend from school. Either could be the killer in the car but could there be another lover that they have yet to discover? Someone is playing a game, one that only he can win and he’s planned well but there is a witness to his game who must be eliminated before she talks – Ella, Cassie’s best friend. It’s only a week after Cassie’s death that Ella’s body is discovered. The detectives are sure the same killer must be responsible for both and still have the teacher in their sights but Geraldine becomes convinced that Paul Moore is innocent. She just needs to find a better suspect.
This is now book 19 in this series and as you can imagine, there is quite a bit of history. 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. Now a DI again herself, they are happily living together and for once everything is lovely for the pair. Once again Geraldine is as dogged and tenacious as ever, working well with the team but always listening to her gut feeling and going the extra mile to solve a case. Each clever and absorbing story in this series feels as fresh as the first and I hope there will be many more to come. 5*
This is now book 19 in this series and as you can imagine, there is quite a bit of history. 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. Now a DI again herself, they are happily living together and for once everything is lovely for the pair. Once again Geraldine is as dogged and tenacious as ever, working well with the team but always listening to her gut feeling and going the extra mile to solve a case. Each clever and absorbing story in this series feels as fresh as the first and I hope there will be many more to come. 5*
February 17, 2023
‘Final Term’ is a tightly plotted dive into the world of teaching and what happens when a teacher is accused of being inappropriate with a student. It was an entertaining read which I read in one day! This is the 19th outing for Geraldine Steel but it can easily be read as a standalone with no problem. How are we on book 19th?! This is now an auto read author for me (looking out for a brand new series coming from her!) and I love returning to Geraldine’s life in York with Ian.
Cassie wasn't well-liked at school or outside it, known as trouble wherever she goes and has an attitude to boot. When Cassie accuses her teacher of being inappropriate with her, Mr Moore’s life comes crashing down all around him. Suspended from school, he feels that his girlfriend is doubting him and when a week later Cassie is found dead in local woodland suspicion falls on him! Geraldine and her team are tasked with solving the case but once again her gut doesn't seem to agree with the evidence. Will she be able to crack the case?
I felt so sorry for Cassie by the end of this book. Not one person had a nice word to say about the poor lass. Especially when everyone knew there were reasons behind her obvious sexualisation, even those who were meant to protect her. I did guess who was the bad guy as soon as you they entered the story but I still enjoyed the reveal and the reasons behind it. Part of it I was surprised about though! As always Leigh’s writing did the story a lot of justice and showed great empathy to the context and the reasoning behind the crime being was teased out to a superb resolution.
Let me know if read this one!
Cassie wasn't well-liked at school or outside it, known as trouble wherever she goes and has an attitude to boot. When Cassie accuses her teacher of being inappropriate with her, Mr Moore’s life comes crashing down all around him. Suspended from school, he feels that his girlfriend is doubting him and when a week later Cassie is found dead in local woodland suspicion falls on him! Geraldine and her team are tasked with solving the case but once again her gut doesn't seem to agree with the evidence. Will she be able to crack the case?
I felt so sorry for Cassie by the end of this book. Not one person had a nice word to say about the poor lass. Especially when everyone knew there were reasons behind her obvious sexualisation, even those who were meant to protect her. I did guess who was the bad guy as soon as you they entered the story but I still enjoyed the reveal and the reasons behind it. Part of it I was surprised about though! As always Leigh’s writing did the story a lot of justice and showed great empathy to the context and the reasoning behind the crime being was teased out to a superb resolution.
Let me know if read this one!
May 21, 2023
Final Term might be the nineteenth outing for redoubtable DI Geraldine Steel, but Leigh Russell’s gripping series remains as fresh, addictive and captivating as ever.
When a teacher is accused of molesting a student, the repercussions of this accusation end up putting his entire life in doubt. With his career, marriage and reputation in jeopardy, Paul doesn’t think that things could get any worse for him – until the girl’s corpse is discovered in the woods and he becomes the prime suspect in a murder enquiry. Is Paul innocent? Could there be some truth to the girl’s accusation? And just who could have killed her?
When the victim’s best friend is murdered, the investigating team are more convinced than ever that the teacher is guilty – except for DI Geraldine Steel, who isn’t so sure. Something is telling Geraldine that Paul is innocent. But with the evidence stacked against her, she is going to need more than gut instinct to prove that he is not the one behind the schoolgirls’ murders. Geraldine’s hunches can usually be relied upon, but could she be wrong this time round? Is the right suspect in the frame? Or could a dangerous predator and ruthless serial killer be hiding in plain sight?
Gritty, fast-paced and hard to put down, crime fiction fans will find themselves completely hooked by Leigh Russell’s Final Term. This fabulous writer of hard-hitting thrillers never fails to pen first-rate page-turners that always hit the spot and she has got another winner on her hands with the latest Geraldine Steel crime novel, Final Term.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
When a teacher is accused of molesting a student, the repercussions of this accusation end up putting his entire life in doubt. With his career, marriage and reputation in jeopardy, Paul doesn’t think that things could get any worse for him – until the girl’s corpse is discovered in the woods and he becomes the prime suspect in a murder enquiry. Is Paul innocent? Could there be some truth to the girl’s accusation? And just who could have killed her?
When the victim’s best friend is murdered, the investigating team are more convinced than ever that the teacher is guilty – except for DI Geraldine Steel, who isn’t so sure. Something is telling Geraldine that Paul is innocent. But with the evidence stacked against her, she is going to need more than gut instinct to prove that he is not the one behind the schoolgirls’ murders. Geraldine’s hunches can usually be relied upon, but could she be wrong this time round? Is the right suspect in the frame? Or could a dangerous predator and ruthless serial killer be hiding in plain sight?
Gritty, fast-paced and hard to put down, crime fiction fans will find themselves completely hooked by Leigh Russell’s Final Term. This fabulous writer of hard-hitting thrillers never fails to pen first-rate page-turners that always hit the spot and she has got another winner on her hands with the latest Geraldine Steel crime novel, Final Term.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
August 22, 2025
3.5 - 4 Stars
Final Term is the nineteenth 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…
Final Term is the nineteenth 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 5, 2023
This is the 19th book in the DI Geraldine Steel series and although it always helps to read series books in order this reads well as a stand-alone. Written from multiple POV’s, including Cassie and the killer, but largely from that of Geraldine. Anyone who knows me will know that I’m a big fan of police procedurals and this is one you can always rely on for a good well written plot.
Briefly, Cassie is a 16 year old student in sixth form and is really a troublesome girl.
For some reason she has targeted her teacher Paul Moore. She engineers him pressing against her and immediately screams that he is molesting her causing the school to suspend him whilst they investigate. Before matters can progress further Cassie is found dead. The teacher is obviously the main suspect but the more Geraldine and the team investigate the more secrets come to light. A further murder complicated matters enormously and there is massive pressure to resolve the case.
A tidy crime thriller with a number of twists which I didn’t see coming. Plenty of suspense and the chance to work my little grey cells kept me page turning and I read this in one sitting. A very enjoyable and fast paced read, I love feisty Geraldine.
Briefly, Cassie is a 16 year old student in sixth form and is really a troublesome girl.
For some reason she has targeted her teacher Paul Moore. She engineers him pressing against her and immediately screams that he is molesting her causing the school to suspend him whilst they investigate. Before matters can progress further Cassie is found dead. The teacher is obviously the main suspect but the more Geraldine and the team investigate the more secrets come to light. A further murder complicated matters enormously and there is massive pressure to resolve the case.
A tidy crime thriller with a number of twists which I didn’t see coming. Plenty of suspense and the chance to work my little grey cells kept me page turning and I read this in one sitting. A very enjoyable and fast paced read, I love feisty Geraldine.
February 9, 2023
School student Cassie Jackson makes an allegation about a male member of staff. While he is suspended pending investigation, her body is found in some local woods.
Teacher, Paul Moore, is the obvious suspect. But he adamantly maintains his innocence and denies having anything to do with Cassie.
When Cassies best friend is also found dead, and Moore’s alibi is flimsy, it seems as though this case has been easily solved. But DI Geraldine Steel isn’t completely convinced.
With lots of uncooperative witnesses, it’s possible that mistakes have been made. As Geraldine relies on her instincts, she soon finds herself in danger with a killer still in the loose.
This is a fast-paced thriller with lots of potential suspects to keep the reader guessing.
Some of the chapters are written from the killer’s point of view, giving the reader an insight into the workings of their mind but still withholding the key information.
This is the 19th book in a long-running and popular series, but it definitely works as a standalone. Steel’s working relationships are well established, so the characters work well together.
I’ll definitely pick up more of the past books in the future. Overall, this was a quick, easy read with enough to keep me guessing.
Teacher, Paul Moore, is the obvious suspect. But he adamantly maintains his innocence and denies having anything to do with Cassie.
When Cassies best friend is also found dead, and Moore’s alibi is flimsy, it seems as though this case has been easily solved. But DI Geraldine Steel isn’t completely convinced.
With lots of uncooperative witnesses, it’s possible that mistakes have been made. As Geraldine relies on her instincts, she soon finds herself in danger with a killer still in the loose.
This is a fast-paced thriller with lots of potential suspects to keep the reader guessing.
Some of the chapters are written from the killer’s point of view, giving the reader an insight into the workings of their mind but still withholding the key information.
This is the 19th book in a long-running and popular series, but it definitely works as a standalone. Steel’s working relationships are well established, so the characters work well together.
I’ll definitely pick up more of the past books in the future. Overall, this was a quick, easy read with enough to keep me guessing.
June 30, 2023
This is really difficult for me to review because I have mixed feelings about it. Russell has a string of successful novels under her belt and there's no doubt that they have received a lot of praise, which is fantastic.
😬The negatives- I personally found that the writing style didn't work for me - it felt like the dialogue was rather stilted with a lot of monologues and some repetition. There was some slightly unnecessary / inappropriate use of 'big' words which I found grating. There were some, in my opinion, unrealistic aspects and some bits that were tied up too neatly.
😊The positives: the story was gripping and kept my attention. I did guess who the killer was fairly early on but it didn't detract from my enjoyment and it was interesting to find out the reasons behind the murders. The pacing was moderate with periods of suspense and tension. The characters were well written and there was some good descriptive writing and some chilling scenes. I would have liked to have got into the mind of the killer a bit more. I would recommend this if you like police procedural novels with a mystery to solve and ballsy female protagonists.
😬The negatives- I personally found that the writing style didn't work for me - it felt like the dialogue was rather stilted with a lot of monologues and some repetition. There was some slightly unnecessary / inappropriate use of 'big' words which I found grating. There were some, in my opinion, unrealistic aspects and some bits that were tied up too neatly.
😊The positives: the story was gripping and kept my attention. I did guess who the killer was fairly early on but it didn't detract from my enjoyment and it was interesting to find out the reasons behind the murders. The pacing was moderate with periods of suspense and tension. The characters were well written and there was some good descriptive writing and some chilling scenes. I would have liked to have got into the mind of the killer a bit more. I would recommend this if you like police procedural novels with a mystery to solve and ballsy female protagonists.
February 9, 2023
Final Term is a brilliantly curated, suspense filled thriller. Fast paced, with short, punchy chapters, twists and turns galore, and the story told from multiple POV allowing you great insight into the minds of the main characters. It's one that should be on any thriller fan's tbr.
I really enjoyed the well researched and excellently implemented police procedural aspects of the story, which make it all the more action packed, intense and full of suspense. Keeping you hooked and guessing, until the end.
It's clear that Leigh has a real connection and love for the characters she writes about. They are well developed, with really relatable personalities and realistic storylines. Particularly DI Steel, who is very much invested in her job and seeking justice, also has a really down to earth-ness about her and the way in which she struggles with the balance of love, life, work, confidence and relationships.
This is the 19th book in the DI Geraldine Steel stories, and despite having such a back story, it can still be read as a standalone story. However, I think that once you read one, like me, you'll want to read the rest.
I really enjoyed the well researched and excellently implemented police procedural aspects of the story, which make it all the more action packed, intense and full of suspense. Keeping you hooked and guessing, until the end.
It's clear that Leigh has a real connection and love for the characters she writes about. They are well developed, with really relatable personalities and realistic storylines. Particularly DI Steel, who is very much invested in her job and seeking justice, also has a really down to earth-ness about her and the way in which she struggles with the balance of love, life, work, confidence and relationships.
This is the 19th book in the DI Geraldine Steel stories, and despite having such a back story, it can still be read as a standalone story. However, I think that once you read one, like me, you'll want to read the rest.
February 2, 2023
Final Term is the nineteenth book in the DI Geraldine Steel series. I started reading the book at stupid o'clock this morning when the insomnia kicked in and have just finished it, I couldn't put it down, the storyline was so good, compelling, fast paced and hugely immersive.
Narrated from multiple POV Russell takes us on a thrilling, twisty race to catch the killer of schoolgirl Cassie Jackson before he strikes again.
Having read several books from the series, character development has been well rounded and credible throughout.
Why has nobody ever snapped up the rights to this series for television, its perfect!
Russell is police procedural royalty and I can't wait for book twenty to be released!
Many thanks to Random Things Tours for my tour spot.
Rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Narrated from multiple POV Russell takes us on a thrilling, twisty race to catch the killer of schoolgirl Cassie Jackson before he strikes again.
Having read several books from the series, character development has been well rounded and credible throughout.
Why has nobody ever snapped up the rights to this series for television, its perfect!
Russell is police procedural royalty and I can't wait for book twenty to be released!
Many thanks to Random Things Tours for my tour spot.
Rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
February 5, 2023
Although this is the nineteenth book in the DI Geraldine Steel series, this is the first book I have read. I found it worked well as a standalone, as with most series you have a better understanding of the characters if you have read the others. But I still really enjoyed it.
The story is mostly from the POV of Geraldine but we also hear from the killer too which was great, it really added to the suspense and kept me wondering.
This was a great twisty read. I’ll definitely be looking up previous books in the series, I liked the authors writing style. Recommend for those who like police procedurals.
Thank you to Random Things Tours and the publishers for having me on the tour and for my gifted copy of the book.
The story is mostly from the POV of Geraldine but we also hear from the killer too which was great, it really added to the suspense and kept me wondering.
This was a great twisty read. I’ll definitely be looking up previous books in the series, I liked the authors writing style. Recommend for those who like police procedurals.
Thank you to Random Things Tours and the publishers for having me on the tour and for my gifted copy of the book.
March 6, 2023
Worth More Than 5 Stars
This is book 19 in the DI Geraldine Steel series and I am still enjoying the books as much as ever. Cassie Jackson is trouble. She has just accused her teacher of attacking her, and then she is found dead. Everyone but Geraldine is convinced the teacher murdered her, so Geraldine sets out to find out the truth. You would think by now her bosses would listen to her, but they just want to get a conviction as soon as possible. Twice I was convinced I had sussed out the murderer, but I was wrong too! It kept me guessing until the end. I still don't see Geraldine and Ian as a couple though, not sure why not. Looking forward to book 20. Please let there be another book.
This is book 19 in the DI Geraldine Steel series and I am still enjoying the books as much as ever. Cassie Jackson is trouble. She has just accused her teacher of attacking her, and then she is found dead. Everyone but Geraldine is convinced the teacher murdered her, so Geraldine sets out to find out the truth. You would think by now her bosses would listen to her, but they just want to get a conviction as soon as possible. Twice I was convinced I had sussed out the murderer, but I was wrong too! It kept me guessing until the end. I still don't see Geraldine and Ian as a couple though, not sure why not. Looking forward to book 20. Please let there be another book.
January 27, 2023
The latest Geraldine Steel book and her relationship with Ian is finally on a firm footing!
When Cassie Jackson tries to manipulate a situation to accuse a teacher of molesting her people are quick to believe she's telling the truth, despite her 'loose' reputation. When Cassie turns up murdered it seems easy to assume that Paul Moore, the teacher, has taken his revenge.
Geraldine just doesn't feel comfortable with that result, and decides to do some investigation of her own away from the main group, landing herself in a serious situation.
A great twisty thriller, and a great continuation of the DI Steele series.
When Cassie Jackson tries to manipulate a situation to accuse a teacher of molesting her people are quick to believe she's telling the truth, despite her 'loose' reputation. When Cassie turns up murdered it seems easy to assume that Paul Moore, the teacher, has taken his revenge.
Geraldine just doesn't feel comfortable with that result, and decides to do some investigation of her own away from the main group, landing herself in a serious situation.
A great twisty thriller, and a great continuation of the DI Steele series.
February 9, 2023
Having read Deep Cover and Guilt Edged by the author, I couldn't wait to read this one. Final Term is the nineteenth instalment in the DI Geraldine Steel series.
When Cassie, a sixteen year old student, accuses her teacher Paul Moore of molestation, his whole world turns upside down. Before the matter gets further investigated, Cassie's found dead. Paul Moore gets arrested, and the police are happy with the outcome apart from DI Geraldine Steel.
Very well written crime thriller, and with plenty of suspense, it's very gripping. I am really enjoying Geraldine's character and her determination to solve the crime. Definitely recommend this book and this series.
When Cassie, a sixteen year old student, accuses her teacher Paul Moore of molestation, his whole world turns upside down. Before the matter gets further investigated, Cassie's found dead. Paul Moore gets arrested, and the police are happy with the outcome apart from DI Geraldine Steel.
Very well written crime thriller, and with plenty of suspense, it's very gripping. I am really enjoying Geraldine's character and her determination to solve the crime. Definitely recommend this book and this series.
October 8, 2024
I used to really enjoy this series, now I'm wondering if the writing has always been this bad. Small things like saying the girl blew a bubble with her gum, but 3 pages earlier she had spit it in another girl's hair. Or making it sound like a great deal of time had passed when it's been a day or the sentiment is nonsensical. For example "lately he had just lost interest in her". Well, he was suspended from his job the day before, so maybe, just maybe he's preoccupied? I wonder if the author or editor actually read the story? The past few books have been like this (and lots of typos and grammatical errors), so this was my last. I'm rather disappointed I actually paid for this.
January 26, 2023
It is important to mention that I have read none of the other books from this series and decided to join in on the 19th one… thankfully the book felt like a independent story however like with all running series I would have had more of an appreciation for the characters if I had followed them from the start. Overall an enjoyable read this is also my first book from this author and I would read more. I particularly liked that the author wrote the pov from the killer, kept me guessing throughout.
January 9, 2023
Samey
I have DI steel another shot as I had found her adventures very similar inasmuch as her boss always ignored her even though steel was always spot on and just wanted to charge the first suspect that came along and so steel goes it alone and ends up in serious trouble before being rescued at the last minute so with a new DCI I was hoping for something different but sadly not.
I have DI steel another shot as I had found her adventures very similar inasmuch as her boss always ignored her even though steel was always spot on and just wanted to charge the first suspect that came along and so steel goes it alone and ends up in serious trouble before being rescued at the last minute so with a new DCI I was hoping for something different but sadly not.
May 7, 2023
Another great addition to this series. I’ve been reading the Geraldine Steel series since it began and each time it’s like meeting up with old friends.
When a teacher is accused of sexually assaulting one of his pupils it feels like his career is over, but when she turns up dead days later, it feels like his whole life is.
Many twists and another death later we learn the truth, but will it set him free?
A great main play and the subplot hums along gently too .
When a teacher is accused of sexually assaulting one of his pupils it feels like his career is over, but when she turns up dead days later, it feels like his whole life is.
Many twists and another death later we learn the truth, but will it set him free?
A great main play and the subplot hums along gently too .
February 16, 2023
This series seems to be running out of steam and this instalment was poorly written. The teenagers are stereotypically morose and the author’s attempts at ‘youth speak’ when writing dialogue for them are laughable. The villain is an unlikely culprit and I find it hard to see how he could have sexually manipulated a young woman and overpowered 2 police officers when he’s past retirement age!
March 6, 2023
Predictable
I have read all of this series, but of late have not enjoyed the latter books. I have found them predictable and living in York have found some of the areas hard to get my head around. York Council have not had a pest control department for many years. Having read all 19, I doubt I will read anymore.
I have read all of this series, but of late have not enjoyed the latter books. I have found them predictable and living in York have found some of the areas hard to get my head around. York Council have not had a pest control department for many years. Having read all 19, I doubt I will read anymore.
June 14, 2023
Seriously troubled teenager Cassie Jackson is persuaded to accuse a teacher of sexual assault triggering a chain of events that lead to two murder and a complex investigation by DI Steel and her team. Russel handles the emotions and motivation of those involved skilfully. A good read.
February 12, 2024
It was a slow read at the start as was “fake alibi” however once you get past the first few chapters it’s amazing. The twist at the end of the book were amazing and did not see it coming. 4* only because of the slow start
October 31, 2024
Predictable plot, suspect held for days without being charged, individual officers visiting suspects without colleagues - overall pretty disappointing - not intending to read any more in this series which has had some decent stories in the past.
January 9, 2023
Outstanding
Have enjoyed all 19 books excellent writing, keeps you guessing hoping DI Steel to follow maybe a wedding and little baby to keep Ian on his toes.
Have enjoyed all 19 books excellent writing, keeps you guessing hoping DI Steel to follow maybe a wedding and little baby to keep Ian on his toes.
February 4, 2023
Amazing loved it
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