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DI Geraldine Steel #3
Dead End
When the corpse of Abigail Kirby is discovered, police are shocked to learn that the victim's tongue was cut out while she lay dying. Then, shortly after coming forward, a witness is blinded and murdered.soon enough to save Geraldine Steel from a similar dreadful fate?
387 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2011
About the author
Leigh Russell
49 books308 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 75 reviews
February 6, 2017
I would like to thank the author for writing this book. I've read the previous 2 in the series quite a while ago and I've had this and the next in the series on my Amazon library since December 2011.
When I started reading this, I automatically guessed who the murderer was, but carried on with the book as it was interesting to see how DI Geraldine Steel & DS Ian Peterson would catch the killer. Who is murdering a teacher for her tongue and who would want to kill a 17 year old boy. What did DS Peterson find that could put DI Steel into harm's way. All will be revealed in this brilliant installment of Dead End.
When I started reading this, I automatically guessed who the murderer was, but carried on with the book as it was interesting to see how DI Geraldine Steel & DS Ian Peterson would catch the killer. Who is murdering a teacher for her tongue and who would want to kill a 17 year old boy. What did DS Peterson find that could put DI Steel into harm's way. All will be revealed in this brilliant installment of Dead End.
January 18, 2019
This was great. After the hugely disappointing second edition in this series, I wasn’t sure what to expect, but it turned out to be everything I want in a police thriller. Hints and clues were thrown in throughout the novel - just enough to get me thinking and keep me guessing. I ended up reading almost the entire book in one sitting!
May 7, 2018
This is the third of the DI Geraldine Steel novels set in Kent and finds the Di and Sgt Peterson called to the waste area near a recreation area were a woman's body has been found. This all leads her to a disastrous relationship and more killings.
The book has a good fast pace and I found myself flying through the pages. However there always seem to be a large team of officers lead by a Detective Chief Inspector but not many of them seem to achieve very much, leaving the uniformed branch to clear up the mess.
A good but not memorable crime novel.3 stars for me.
The book has a good fast pace and I found myself flying through the pages. However there always seem to be a large team of officers lead by a Detective Chief Inspector but not many of them seem to achieve very much, leaving the uniformed branch to clear up the mess.
A good but not memorable crime novel.3 stars for me.
November 25, 2019
"Slick, well-written story"
This series continues to deliver good value if you love dastardly crimes and police procedurals. The devil is always in the detail. I can't say I like the lead character as much as some in other series but Geraldine Steel has her individual style and if that isn't tinkered with it will win through.
This series continues to deliver good value if you love dastardly crimes and police procedurals. The devil is always in the detail. I can't say I like the lead character as much as some in other series but Geraldine Steel has her individual style and if that isn't tinkered with it will win through.
November 29, 2020
I absolutely love a book that has the amazing effect of not being able to be put down 😻
Definatley a day to spend in your pj's and immerse yourself in the life of Geraldine!
This is Book 3 so I need to be reading all her others. Thank you for keeping me rivoted.
Favourite quote...
'Does anyone on the staff drink?'
The secretary laughed unexpectedly. 'They all do. All the young ones, that is. And most of the older ones too, I daresay. They're teachers.'
Made me 😂
Definatley a day to spend in your pj's and immerse yourself in the life of Geraldine!
This is Book 3 so I need to be reading all her others. Thank you for keeping me rivoted.
Favourite quote...
'Does anyone on the staff drink?'
The secretary laughed unexpectedly. 'They all do. All the young ones, that is. And most of the older ones too, I daresay. They're teachers.'
Made me 😂
June 19, 2012
In Leigh Russell's third installment of 'DI Geraldine Steel' Series we once again see Geralding thrown into a messy and disturbing case. In this particular book, headmistress Abigail Kirby is found dead in a park, but in this instance it seems that her tongue has been cut out. DI Geraldine Steel, along with her colleague Ian Peterson are put on the case, and when a potential witness is blinded and murdered, the case seems to get out of control.
I admit that I am a sucker when it comes to 'series' featuring the same people. In particular I liked Leifh Russell as I have read each of her books from her debut novel 'Road Closed'. This time around the writing is so much better as the story flows so easily. LeighRussell is a writer that is going from strength to strength with every book she writes.
I found that in the first book we didn't learn enough about Geraldine herself, or the people she worked with. In this book Geraldine's personal life seems to run alongside her career and we get to see the more emotional side to her which I loved. We also see a lot more of Ian Peterson and this is a true testemant to how much better this book is than her first.
The characters have developed so much more and as reader you feel like you are taking their life journey with them. Geraldine is far from perfect but is a complete workaholic who has some serious personal issues that can sometimes affect her judgement. It is things like this that add the touch of realism to this book.
The crimes in the book are as ususal gruesome and bloody, and extremely well detailed, without being too over the top. We see the workings of real police who make some huge errors along the way (which is always nice).
I only have one criticism about the book and that is that I had a sneaking suspicion of the killer around halfway through. Having said that, I do that with many of the books I read. Apart from being suspicious (and then being correct in my assumption) this book is absolutely, 100% the best book Leigh Russell has written so far. I am now eagerly awaiting the next installment and there were major parts of Geraldine's life that are unanswered and I realloy need to know more about.
Thoroughly reccommended and I truly think that Leigh Russell has now created a series that can rival other major crime writers out there. I would suggest starting at book one and working your way through as by the time you get to this one you will be itching to read book 4. Can't wait for the next one!
I admit that I am a sucker when it comes to 'series' featuring the same people. In particular I liked Leifh Russell as I have read each of her books from her debut novel 'Road Closed'. This time around the writing is so much better as the story flows so easily. LeighRussell is a writer that is going from strength to strength with every book she writes.
I found that in the first book we didn't learn enough about Geraldine herself, or the people she worked with. In this book Geraldine's personal life seems to run alongside her career and we get to see the more emotional side to her which I loved. We also see a lot more of Ian Peterson and this is a true testemant to how much better this book is than her first.
The characters have developed so much more and as reader you feel like you are taking their life journey with them. Geraldine is far from perfect but is a complete workaholic who has some serious personal issues that can sometimes affect her judgement. It is things like this that add the touch of realism to this book.
The crimes in the book are as ususal gruesome and bloody, and extremely well detailed, without being too over the top. We see the workings of real police who make some huge errors along the way (which is always nice).
I only have one criticism about the book and that is that I had a sneaking suspicion of the killer around halfway through. Having said that, I do that with many of the books I read. Apart from being suspicious (and then being correct in my assumption) this book is absolutely, 100% the best book Leigh Russell has written so far. I am now eagerly awaiting the next installment and there were major parts of Geraldine's life that are unanswered and I realloy need to know more about.
Thoroughly reccommended and I truly think that Leigh Russell has now created a series that can rival other major crime writers out there. I would suggest starting at book one and working your way through as by the time you get to this one you will be itching to read book 4. Can't wait for the next one!
January 13, 2012
Detective Inspector Geraldine Steele again graces the pages of Russell's latest British police procedural. Well plotted with a back story that is relevant for today's day and age, "Dead End" is another grim and gory murder that crosses her path to help Steele gain the eventual promotion to London's Metro force.
Although the story line was well paced, enthralling and the characters feel very real, both cops and victims, I feel like Russell actually missed out on a bigger picture here. True, DI Steele was investigating a murder--or two as it turns out--but I really liked the authenticity and the feel for the bereaved family and the kidnapping of the daughter by her Internet chat partner. This is just another murder mystery until you introduce the kidnapping. It almost makes me want to see the book written about the creepy developments of the abandoned teen and her running away, making the murder the back story. Although the book is fine and stands on its own merit, I was disappointed in the direction Russell took.
Hopefully with the next novel in the series, the London Metro adventure, Steele can have seen a psychiatrist and be over her depression and neurosis, because, although reflecting reality, we need our super-heroine to be back "on her game" and ready to enthrall us with powers of detection. It's okay to have a flawed antagonist, actually more entertaining when they are that way, but not when it gets in the way of the investigation. Save that for the side-kick.
Russell has a nicely developed character in the prime of her career. I'd like to see both of them continue to be successful.
Although the story line was well paced, enthralling and the characters feel very real, both cops and victims, I feel like Russell actually missed out on a bigger picture here. True, DI Steele was investigating a murder--or two as it turns out--but I really liked the authenticity and the feel for the bereaved family and the kidnapping of the daughter by her Internet chat partner. This is just another murder mystery until you introduce the kidnapping. It almost makes me want to see the book written about the creepy developments of the abandoned teen and her running away, making the murder the back story. Although the book is fine and stands on its own merit, I was disappointed in the direction Russell took.
Hopefully with the next novel in the series, the London Metro adventure, Steele can have seen a psychiatrist and be over her depression and neurosis, because, although reflecting reality, we need our super-heroine to be back "on her game" and ready to enthrall us with powers of detection. It's okay to have a flawed antagonist, actually more entertaining when they are that way, but not when it gets in the way of the investigation. Save that for the side-kick.
Russell has a nicely developed character in the prime of her career. I'd like to see both of them continue to be successful.
Read
April 10, 2015Another enjoyable book by Leigh Russell. Amazed that Geraldine has survived as she seems to get almost killed in most of the stories!
November 19, 2019
Whilst flying their kite in the recreation ground, Dave Whittaker and his young son, Zac, they crash it into a small copse. Dave goes of to retrieve the kite and discovers the body of a dead woman. She turns out to be local headmistress Abigail Kirby. Investigating in their third outing DI Geraldine Steel and DS Ian Patterson, soon discover that the Kirby family has hidden secrets of their own. Husband Matthew is having a long standing affair with Charlotte who has helped to move down from York to be near him. 14 year old daughter Lucy is the worst kind of teenager giving the rest of her family pure hell every moment she is awake, whilst 12 year old Ben is just happy with his lot as long as it can include winding Lucy up and getting plenty to eat.
With Matthew Kirby the obvious suspect the investigation focusses in that area but the Police are provided details of an encounter Abigail had on the morning of her demise by a young shop assistant in W. H. Smiths, indicating the killer may lie elsewhere.
The usual developments occur, more killings and plenty of red herrings and twists. Geraldine is helped by the new pathologist with love interest possibilities, Paul Hilliard.
Excellently paced and constantly enticing the reader to change their mind as to who actually done it, this is really a top-notch thriller and is highly recommended.
There is the possibility of the break up of the team for future books with all of the three main characters DCI Gordon, DI Steele and DS Peterson all looking forward to life changing developments at the end of the book.
With Matthew Kirby the obvious suspect the investigation focusses in that area but the Police are provided details of an encounter Abigail had on the morning of her demise by a young shop assistant in W. H. Smiths, indicating the killer may lie elsewhere.
The usual developments occur, more killings and plenty of red herrings and twists. Geraldine is helped by the new pathologist with love interest possibilities, Paul Hilliard.
Excellently paced and constantly enticing the reader to change their mind as to who actually done it, this is really a top-notch thriller and is highly recommended.
There is the possibility of the break up of the team for future books with all of the three main characters DCI Gordon, DI Steele and DS Peterson all looking forward to life changing developments at the end of the book.
January 31, 2023
The third outing for DI Geraldine Steele starts with a brutal discovery of the body of a local school teacher. The immediate thought is that her husband had a hand in it to be able to escape with his mistress, a view shared by his angry teenage daughter. However the more Steele and her team investigate, the more dead ends (hence the title) they come up against as their frustration intensifies.
I actually enjoyed this more than the first two in the series (although both were good) and its fast pace was very welcome as the team search for answers. There's some good side stories with Steele's personal life as well as that of her side kick Peterson that are a decent distraction away from the brutality of the main story.
Some good twists (one of which I got horrendously wrong!) and a highly recommended whodunnit.
I actually enjoyed this more than the first two in the series (although both were good) and its fast pace was very welcome as the team search for answers. There's some good side stories with Steele's personal life as well as that of her side kick Peterson that are a decent distraction away from the brutality of the main story.
Some good twists (one of which I got horrendously wrong!) and a highly recommended whodunnit.
November 7, 2022
Brilliant totally love the Geraldine Steele books from the totally amazing Leigh Russell.
Gripping and tense this had me hooked from start to finish even if I had worked out who the killer was pretty quickly but the nerve jangling tension made it well worth the read or should I say listen as it was on audiobook..
This is not just about the storyline but also the chemistry between the main characters. What a fantastic series this is and I am gripped by each story and cannot wait to see what happens next.
Gripping and tense this had me hooked from start to finish even if I had worked out who the killer was pretty quickly but the nerve jangling tension made it well worth the read or should I say listen as it was on audiobook..
This is not just about the storyline but also the chemistry between the main characters. What a fantastic series this is and I am gripped by each story and cannot wait to see what happens next.
February 8, 2021
This is the first actual murder mystery from Leigh Russell ( the previous 2 being more of a Columbo-style thriller) and I therefore enjoyed this one so much more than the others. The killer is however blatantly obvious from an early stage and there are several continuity mistakes that really should have been picked up on during proof-reading or editing. On the whole, a very good book and I look forward to reading the rest of this set.
April 21, 2021
Now, I've read all 7 in the series and I'm not sure why...and yes, I read #3 last.
Geraldine was somewhat less annoying than in several of the other books, but she is definitely an annoying character who makes me just want to smack her. The plots of these books are fairly good but there's always whimpy, whinny Geraldine carrying on about her life. I'm sure some of you like Geraldine but I don't understand why!
Geraldine was somewhat less annoying than in several of the other books, but she is definitely an annoying character who makes me just want to smack her. The plots of these books are fairly good but there's always whimpy, whinny Geraldine carrying on about her life. I'm sure some of you like Geraldine but I don't understand why!
May 21, 2018
Great book
Really enjoying this series, can not wait to see what is in store for Geraldine, with her transfer will be on to the next book as soon as possible, really recommend this series 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 thank you Leigh Russell for all your time and the hard work that has gone into this series 😊
Really enjoying this series, can not wait to see what is in store for Geraldine, with her transfer will be on to the next book as soon as possible, really recommend this series 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 thank you Leigh Russell for all your time and the hard work that has gone into this series 😊
January 28, 2019
Quite an easy read. I guessed early on who the murderer was. What I found interesting was the grooming part of the story as I have just attended a safeguarding training day about cyber bullying and grooming. As horrible as it is, it was interesting to see how it was put into the story and hopefully readers with younger children may take notice of this.
February 29, 2020
I really enjoyed this easy to read thriller. There were enough clues for the reader to work out who was responsible, and enough red herrings to fool the reader also. The book is full of action and a number of problems requiring solving at the same time. It was great to read while feeling too unwell to do anything else. Can’t wait to read the rest of the series.
July 18, 2021
Trying another in the series, but could only get no 3. The story, dark and vengeful gives more insight into the authors themes, twisted humanity that yet walks amongst us unsuspected. The story twists and turns although the culprit did seem to be telegraphed early, but nevertheless an enjoyabl read. DI Steels own story also keeps on unfolding
April 19, 2018
I quite enjoyed this book. Just like all of this author the seem more realistic than some of the other ones I read as it shows you more of an idea of how police come to arrest the suspect which I liked.
February 16, 2019
I know this is not a new book as I've only just discovered Leigh Russell, but yet another excellent read. This is classic TV police drama stuff and I think would easily rub shoulders against the best of our familiar and regular DI 'x' novels and shows.
July 28, 2019
I did not finish this book. Got to page 121 and thought to myself life's too short.
Will attempt to read book 4 in the series but if that fails to please I will cease reading anything else by the author. She obviously has her fans but I'm not one of them.
Will attempt to read book 4 in the series but if that fails to please I will cease reading anything else by the author. She obviously has her fans but I'm not one of them.
December 9, 2019
Another great read by Leigh Russell..I was gripped from the start and had to keep reading to see how it would end. Loved the development of Geraldine’s character in this one, and Peterson..really starting to get to know them which is lovely! Can’t wait to read no.4!
March 31, 2020
Another thoroughly enjoyable read. It has lost a star because Geraldine just seemed to be so much more needy than I believed in this book. Still it didn’t spoil my enjoyment of the story. It was also the first time that the killer was obvious so early in the story. However, a thoroughly good read.
June 7, 2020
For me, it felt too obvious - I guessed the perpetrator very quickly; clues felt rather clunky, the DI just wasn’t savvy enough, and some plot devices were just “that just wouldn’t happen!”.
Felt a bit like it was written for ITV!
Felt a bit like it was written for ITV!
February 18, 2017
not bad but like the last book the chapters were small and it seemed rushed at the end.
April 3, 2018
This was another great novel about Geraldine Steel. I am loving this series and would highly recommend them.
April 26, 2018
A good read, although I did guess who the murderer was early on
January 27, 2019
A quick and easy read, good plot
February 3, 2019
Another enjoyable book by Leigh Russell.
April 1, 2019
A good book in this series look forward to reading the next.
June 5, 2019
Loved this book from start to finish. Really liked the characters and writing style and looking forward to reading more in the series
Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews