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DI Geraldine Steel #11
Death Rope
Mark Abbott is dead. His sister refuses to believe it was suicide, but only Detective Sergeant Geraldine Steel will listen.
When other members of Mark’s family disappear, Geraldine’s suspicions are confirmed.
Taking a risk, Geraldine finds herself confronted by an adversary deadlier than any she has faced before… Her boss Ian is close, but will he arrive in time to save her, or is this the end for Geraldine Steel?
321 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 26, 2018
67 people are currently reading
163 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 34 reviews
June 23, 2018
I would like to thank Netgalley and Oldcastle Books for an advance copy of Death Rope, the eleventh novel in the Geraldine Steele series of police procedurals.
Geraldine is slowly settling in at York but chafes at the lack of freedom to act that her demotion from inspector to sergeant entails. So when Amanda Abbott comes to the station and insists that, despite appearances to the contrary, her brother, Mark, did not commit suicide but was murdered Geraldine jumps at the opportunity to work on her own initiative. She doesn't get far but Amanda's disappearance makes the team look again.
I thoroughly enjoyed Death Rope which is a straightforward police procedural with some great twists. It is told mostly from Geraldine's point of view with other points of view inserted on a regular basis. I must admit that I frequently find this approach distracting and annoying but while I was puzzled initially by their relevance I was so caught up in Geraldine's story that it wasn't so much of a problem. I like the fact that there is no subplot to distract the detectives so both they and the reader can concentrate wholly on the case in hand. It is cleverly done with a gradual buildup of clues and the usual misdirection and held my attention throughout.
The novel revolves around Geraldine. She is a solitary figure with not much in her life but her work. She has a couple of sisters who present their own problems but as they live down south she doesn't see them so often. It's a shame that she is so alone, but some of that is of her own making as she is very reserved and doesn't mix well, as she is warm hearted and has much to offer. More annoyingly she is extremely smart and can see to the heart of an investigation instinctively but now that's she's been demoted her thoughts are often not taken seriously. She struggles with this and her growing feelings for her old friend DI Ian Peterson, growing into what neither she nor I are sure of.
Death Rope is a good read which I have no hesitation in recommending.
Geraldine is slowly settling in at York but chafes at the lack of freedom to act that her demotion from inspector to sergeant entails. So when Amanda Abbott comes to the station and insists that, despite appearances to the contrary, her brother, Mark, did not commit suicide but was murdered Geraldine jumps at the opportunity to work on her own initiative. She doesn't get far but Amanda's disappearance makes the team look again.
I thoroughly enjoyed Death Rope which is a straightforward police procedural with some great twists. It is told mostly from Geraldine's point of view with other points of view inserted on a regular basis. I must admit that I frequently find this approach distracting and annoying but while I was puzzled initially by their relevance I was so caught up in Geraldine's story that it wasn't so much of a problem. I like the fact that there is no subplot to distract the detectives so both they and the reader can concentrate wholly on the case in hand. It is cleverly done with a gradual buildup of clues and the usual misdirection and held my attention throughout.
The novel revolves around Geraldine. She is a solitary figure with not much in her life but her work. She has a couple of sisters who present their own problems but as they live down south she doesn't see them so often. It's a shame that she is so alone, but some of that is of her own making as she is very reserved and doesn't mix well, as she is warm hearted and has much to offer. More annoyingly she is extremely smart and can see to the heart of an investigation instinctively but now that's she's been demoted her thoughts are often not taken seriously. She struggles with this and her growing feelings for her old friend DI Ian Peterson, growing into what neither she nor I are sure of.
Death Rope is a good read which I have no hesitation in recommending.
August 7, 2022
I've knocked a point off for having 2 pages of a dog being graphically abused in ch 6 - nobody needs to be reading that. Apart from that it was a reasonable book, although the killer was painfully obvious from about the halfway point. As usual from Russell, this is a quick read with very short chapters - an editor would have been useful at times, as she changes scene with no line-breaks occassionally, leaving the reader wondering how additional characters suddenly arrive in the middle of conversations. I'd recommend skipping ch 6 if you're reading this book, but other than that it's quite enjoyable.
July 20, 2018
I love the Geraldine Steel books by Leigh Russell and I know they will never let me down as they are such great reads and this one has to be up there as one of the best.
When Mark Abbot is found hanged by his wife it is assumed he committed suicide but when his sister Amanda goes into the police station to tell them that she is sure it was murder it is DS Steel that she sees. Geraldine doesn't quite sit comfortably with taking the back seat in investigations due to her demotion and even though she and her boss DI Ian Peterson work well together she decides to work on this in her own time. We get an insight of her new home life now she has moved to York and seems to be settling in quite well but true to form Geraldine gets herself in a tricky situation that she hopes her backup will get her out of but will this be the time her recklessness has just gone too far?.I was totally surprised when the culprit was uncovered. This is a great book and can't wait for the next instalment.
Thank you to NetGalley for my copy of the book.
When Mark Abbot is found hanged by his wife it is assumed he committed suicide but when his sister Amanda goes into the police station to tell them that she is sure it was murder it is DS Steel that she sees. Geraldine doesn't quite sit comfortably with taking the back seat in investigations due to her demotion and even though she and her boss DI Ian Peterson work well together she decides to work on this in her own time. We get an insight of her new home life now she has moved to York and seems to be settling in quite well but true to form Geraldine gets herself in a tricky situation that she hopes her backup will get her out of but will this be the time her recklessness has just gone too far?.I was totally surprised when the culprit was uncovered. This is a great book and can't wait for the next instalment.
Thank you to NetGalley for my copy of the book.
July 24, 2020
Awful. If I could rate it zero stars, I would. Poorly written, repetitive phrases over and over....unbelievable scenarios (who confesses to a robbery to avoid being charged with murder that wouldn't hold up in court anyway??). Just a poor quality book. Won't be reading any more of these.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 6, 2021
The eleventh Geraldine Steele novel set in York where Geraldine is now a Detective Sergeant working for Ian Peterson. The presenting case appears to be a suicide but as Geraldine investigates there are disappearances and bodies. Not always in sync with the Inspector or the Chief Inspector she perseveres and eventually brings the case to a conclusion. Unfortunately, not all of the charges are properly explained by evidence and confessions are a rushed conclusion.
The books flow is not always good and the author has a tendency to overuse the fact of Geraldine's demotion and relocation to York. The story is padded out with lots of visits to her sisters that have little major connection to the case.
There are so many really good detective/police procedural novels available that this one is demoted from 3 to 2 stars.
The books flow is not always good and the author has a tendency to overuse the fact of Geraldine's demotion and relocation to York. The story is padded out with lots of visits to her sisters that have little major connection to the case.
There are so many really good detective/police procedural novels available that this one is demoted from 3 to 2 stars.
June 25, 2020
Another police procedural featuring permanently unhappy Geraldine Steel, now in York and demoted to Detective Sergeant. An apparent suicide by hanging leads to suspicion in Steel’s mind.
July 12, 2018
Geraldine's story up to this point has been, shall we just say, interesting. To say that she carries a lot of baggage both personally and professionally is a bit of an understatement! With that in mind, although there is enough catch-up in this book to get the general gist of things, my personal recommendation is that, if you are new to the series, it would be beneficial to go back and start from book one and read in order. If you are planning on doing this, it's also best to stop reading this review as it may contain spoilers from what has gone before.
So, after her demotion and connected move to York to serve as Sergeant under her previous subordinate Ian Peterson, Geraldine is still trying to find her feet. She is mostly struggling with her lack of freedom to investigate things that she feels key but that others dismiss. She seems to be getting there but there is still this hole that she needs to fill. Her interest is piqued when, one day, Amanda Abbott comes into the station, determined for someone to listen to her. She finds an ear in Geraldine and proceeds to regale her with the story that she believes that her brother Mark did not take his own life despite appearances and subsequent ruling. Geraldine literally jumps at the chance to re-open the investigation but resistance comes from the powers that be. Resistance that swiftly falls away when Amanda herself goes missing, forcing them to take another look.
This is, on the face of things, your bulk standard Police Procedural. But this book, along with the rest of the series, is a notch above the best of the rest in the way that it is written and executed. The author manages to write the genre with some really great investigative work, including enough twists and turns but without having to resort to the tricks and gimmicks that other authors tend to find necessary. She also keeps a good balance between Geraldine's professional and personal life (another thing that can sway off course in series books). Yes, she has a bit of an interesting background with one sister who isn't really her sister and another who is actually the twin she never knew she had. The latter being mostly responsible for Geraldine's fall from grace. Both of which placing different demands and expectations on what Geraldine means to them. But all of this speaks both for character definition of Geraldine herself as well as providing some pivotal series plot points so, in this case, their ongoing inclusion is wholly necessary.
Geraldine's struggles at the position she is now find herself in at work is also very cleverly handled and executed. Her connection with Peterson throughout the series has waxed and waned as the ongoing story has developed and they remain tight in this book. There has been a shift in this lately, for obvious reasons, and they do sped a fair bit dancing round each other but nothing that feels contrived or out of pace. There's a new balance of power and it needs to find its level.
The plot itself is very intriguing and follows the usual path you would expect from the genre. We have secrets, lies, duplicitous behaviour and the obligatory twists, turns and misdirection that kept me on my toes throughout. All culminating in an ending that I only saw coming just before it was actually revealed. Very refreshing!
All in all, another great addition to an already favourite series, roll on the next one! My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
So, after her demotion and connected move to York to serve as Sergeant under her previous subordinate Ian Peterson, Geraldine is still trying to find her feet. She is mostly struggling with her lack of freedom to investigate things that she feels key but that others dismiss. She seems to be getting there but there is still this hole that she needs to fill. Her interest is piqued when, one day, Amanda Abbott comes into the station, determined for someone to listen to her. She finds an ear in Geraldine and proceeds to regale her with the story that she believes that her brother Mark did not take his own life despite appearances and subsequent ruling. Geraldine literally jumps at the chance to re-open the investigation but resistance comes from the powers that be. Resistance that swiftly falls away when Amanda herself goes missing, forcing them to take another look.
This is, on the face of things, your bulk standard Police Procedural. But this book, along with the rest of the series, is a notch above the best of the rest in the way that it is written and executed. The author manages to write the genre with some really great investigative work, including enough twists and turns but without having to resort to the tricks and gimmicks that other authors tend to find necessary. She also keeps a good balance between Geraldine's professional and personal life (another thing that can sway off course in series books). Yes, she has a bit of an interesting background with one sister who isn't really her sister and another who is actually the twin she never knew she had. The latter being mostly responsible for Geraldine's fall from grace. Both of which placing different demands and expectations on what Geraldine means to them. But all of this speaks both for character definition of Geraldine herself as well as providing some pivotal series plot points so, in this case, their ongoing inclusion is wholly necessary.
Geraldine's struggles at the position she is now find herself in at work is also very cleverly handled and executed. Her connection with Peterson throughout the series has waxed and waned as the ongoing story has developed and they remain tight in this book. There has been a shift in this lately, for obvious reasons, and they do sped a fair bit dancing round each other but nothing that feels contrived or out of pace. There's a new balance of power and it needs to find its level.
The plot itself is very intriguing and follows the usual path you would expect from the genre. We have secrets, lies, duplicitous behaviour and the obligatory twists, turns and misdirection that kept me on my toes throughout. All culminating in an ending that I only saw coming just before it was actually revealed. Very refreshing!
All in all, another great addition to an already favourite series, roll on the next one! My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
May 1, 2019
Three murders, and yet bizarrely dull, repetitive (why keep telling the reader that Celia is her adopted sister who has just had a baby? We heard you the first time!) and plodding. Really nasty animal cruelty, too. Will avoid reading any more of these unless desperate.
August 22, 2025
3.5 Stars
Death Rope is the eleventh 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…
Death Rope is the eleventh 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…
July 26, 2018
An excellent police procedural thriller. This was the first I had read in an ongoing series featuring the recently demoted Geraldine Steel. Having previously been a DI in London and now a DS in York, life has changed dramatically for Geraldine.
Geraldine clearly has a very sharp mind and instinct and it dreadfully woeful to see her being treated with disrespect and ignored when she has something of interest to say (due to her senior officers treating her as the ‘newbie DS’ and forgetting her years of experience as a DI.
Leigh Russell writes so very well keeping up the pace and tempo of this excellent storyline, where what appears to be a straightforward suicide, is investigated by Geraldine (who is the only one who believes the sister of the deceased that there may be more to it than it seems at face value).
There is enough information given about Geraldine’s back story given, mentioned in passing by Leigh, to make the book suitable for a first timer to the series like myself, whilst not overdoing it to make it repetitive for the longstanding fans of this, the 11th book in the series.
I will certainty be reading more in the series and other books by this author.
Thanks to NetGalley for a Kindle copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Geraldine clearly has a very sharp mind and instinct and it dreadfully woeful to see her being treated with disrespect and ignored when she has something of interest to say (due to her senior officers treating her as the ‘newbie DS’ and forgetting her years of experience as a DI.
Leigh Russell writes so very well keeping up the pace and tempo of this excellent storyline, where what appears to be a straightforward suicide, is investigated by Geraldine (who is the only one who believes the sister of the deceased that there may be more to it than it seems at face value).
There is enough information given about Geraldine’s back story given, mentioned in passing by Leigh, to make the book suitable for a first timer to the series like myself, whilst not overdoing it to make it repetitive for the longstanding fans of this, the 11th book in the series.
I will certainty be reading more in the series and other books by this author.
Thanks to NetGalley for a Kindle copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 22, 2018
I thoroughly enjoyed reading Death Rope, the latest in the Geraldine Steel series. Mark Abbott was found hanging in his home, an apparent suicide, but his sister Amanda thinks not, and suspects he may have been murdered so that Mark's wife Charlotte may benefit. Detective Sergeant Steel has permission from the DCI to unofficially ask a few questions, in her own time, to see if there is any substance to Amanda's suspicions. Thus a very prodigious story unfolds.
I was particularly absorbed by the characterisation of the stepson Eddy and the description of his gambling addiction which put him in the frame as a murder suspect who had something to gain.
Since I have been reading Geraldine Steel from the beginning, (I think this is book 11 in the series), her character is well embedded within me, to the extent my emotions go through a rollercoaster, as I care about what happens to her. At one point in the book, I really feared for her life. I have forgiven Leigh Russell for demoting her hahaha. A writer has to do what a writer has to do. In conclusion, this book has left me waiting for the next one. Long may Geraldine Steel continue.
I was particularly absorbed by the characterisation of the stepson Eddy and the description of his gambling addiction which put him in the frame as a murder suspect who had something to gain.
Since I have been reading Geraldine Steel from the beginning, (I think this is book 11 in the series), her character is well embedded within me, to the extent my emotions go through a rollercoaster, as I care about what happens to her. At one point in the book, I really feared for her life. I have forgiven Leigh Russell for demoting her hahaha. A writer has to do what a writer has to do. In conclusion, this book has left me waiting for the next one. Long may Geraldine Steel continue.
July 5, 2018
This is a really good book and centres around DS Geraldine Steel (formerly DI Steel) and it is set in York. The book starts off with the death of a man and the fact his sister didn't believe his death to be a suicide. There are little scenes going on in the book and they are all neatly pulled together at the end building up to the final conclusion. They all flowed so well. I was totally pulled in from page one to the last page. Although it is a police procedural book , you are not bogged down by great intricate technical explanations and so the story flows really well which is refreshing. . I also like that Leigh puts a list of acronyms at the front of the book for ease of reference , to save you having to flick through the book trying to find its definition (I wish more authors did that) . I am now off to get the rest of the Geraldine Steel series. Overall this book is really well written, excellent gripping story. Brilliant
July 21, 2018
Book eleven in the very popular Geraldine Steel series, and things have not gone well for her. She is now living and working in York as a DS, moved from the Met and demoted from DI after trying to help her newly discovered birth sister escape from her drug dealer. Not only that but one of her former sergeants Ian Peterson is now her boss! She is finding it hard to take orders again after her demotion and still acts at times like she is in charge of the case. Fortunately her senior officers show some faith in her and let her work in her own time. The case only turns into a murder investigation part way through the book but Geraldine has had one of her famous hunches right from the start and pushes the case along to its conclusion with twists and turns along the way. The entire series has been consistently great (one of my favourites) and I am already looking forward to book 12!
June 27, 2018
Oh I do love this series. Like meeting up with old friends it’s nice to be back in Geraldine’s world. Still working in York and still working under Ian, Geraldine seems more comfortable in her new reduced role than when we last met her. She may only be a Sergeant these days but she still acts like an Inspector and a leader. The sub plot continues to develop nicely in both Geraldine’s personal and professional life
Great main plot and I can honestly say I really didn’t see who the culprit was.
Another brilliant addition to this great series
Thanks to Netgalley and Oldcastle books for this advance copy
Great main plot and I can honestly say I really didn’t see who the culprit was.
Another brilliant addition to this great series
Thanks to Netgalley and Oldcastle books for this advance copy
December 11, 2019
The story is interesting because it focuses equally on the criminal activity and the police work, so the reader gets a real sense of what goes into following up leads and trying to figure everything out. Some of the characters seemed a bit too one-dimensional - the main villain, in particular, seemed laughably horrible and I find it hard to believe that nobody would have heard, or presumably smelt, his monstrous dog, kept in the cellar with his remains of rotting meat.
Full review on my blog : https://madhousefamilyreviews.blogspo...
Full review on my blog : https://madhousefamilyreviews.blogspo...
July 3, 2018
Another great book in this brilliant series, the writing as always is superb and the storyline is unique. I'm so pleased that Geraldine seems to have settled in York and I am still hoping for a love interest with her boss Ian Peterson who seems a little preoccupied with personal matters. Geraldine has had a go at him a couple of times but instead of bawling her out he has just let it go. Leigh makes the characters come to life which is something I love when reading.
August 26, 2018
Love Leigh Russell Geraldine Steele....this book just had to be read all at couldnt put it down...some likeable characters and others who just got up your nose and made you want to shake them...a fantastic page turner that made you want to hurry up and find out what was going on...was sad to finish he book, can't wait for the next in the series xx
May 3, 2021
Mark Abbott is dead and DS Geraldine Steel is on the case.
DS Steel understands but resents no longer being Inspector Steel.
This case does not seem to being leading towards closure way too many loose ends until.
I enjoy reading all of Leigh Russell's books and look forward to reading a lot more.
DS Steel understands but resents no longer being Inspector Steel.
This case does not seem to being leading towards closure way too many loose ends until.
I enjoy reading all of Leigh Russell's books and look forward to reading a lot more.
January 4, 2025
The mystery wasn't bad, but the characterizations were cardboard, the writing pedestrian and drawn out for no discernible reason. Too much "romantic" navel-gazing and distracting side plots about her partner's family life and her recently found drug addicted twin.
Don't think I'll follow this series.
Also read in e-pub, but again not listed.
Don't think I'll follow this series.
Also read in e-pub, but again not listed.
August 19, 2018
Death Rope
Great read, you get to like and dislike the characters. I enjoy following Geraldine and Ian's lives too, hope there's another book soon.
Not too complicated plot either.
Great read, you get to like and dislike the characters. I enjoy following Geraldine and Ian's lives too, hope there's another book soon.
Not too complicated plot either.
August 19, 2018
Death Rope
Another gripping instalment in Leigh Russell's Geraldine Steel series, Death Rope is a gripping read from start to finish and does not disappoint. A must for all crime fiction fans. Looking forward to reading the next Geraldine Steel adventure.
Another gripping instalment in Leigh Russell's Geraldine Steel series, Death Rope is a gripping read from start to finish and does not disappoint. A must for all crime fiction fans. Looking forward to reading the next Geraldine Steel adventure.
March 29, 2019
A great read.
I've returned to Leigh Russell's Geraldine Steel series recently and am enjoying them immensely.
I particularly liked the characters in this novel. Kept me guessing and the ending was satisfying.
About to start Rogue Killer
I've returned to Leigh Russell's Geraldine Steel series recently and am enjoying them immensely.
I particularly liked the characters in this novel. Kept me guessing and the ending was satisfying.
About to start Rogue Killer
August 19, 2018
Again pining for Ian who’s clearly not interested............ change the theme Leigh and make Geraldine exciting again. I can’t stand the poor me version
January 5, 2019
Another 5* performance, a great read.
January 9, 2019
Ok read but not as good as others in the series
February 13, 2019
A good cozy crime thriller
October 26, 2019
The 12th I've read in the series (oops read 12 before 11) and always enjoyable. I didn't really get the whole dog thing, nonetheless, a good read.
October 29, 2019
A quick read
September 20, 2020
Brilliant, another crime masterpiece
Brilliant, another crime masterpiece
Leigh writes with such skill
Twists that you don’t see coming and when they do..... wow!
Brilliant, another crime masterpiece
Leigh writes with such skill
Twists that you don’t see coming and when they do..... wow!
January 17, 2023
excellent read love her books
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews