‘Revenge Killing’ by Leigh Russell

Published by No Exit Press,
28 March 2024. 
ISBN: 978-1-83501045-7 (PB)

This is the latest police thriller from Leigh Russell.  A man is found dead, lying at the bottom of the stairs to his flat and it soon becomes clear that this is not an accident.  The dead man's landlord seeks advice from Detective Inspector Ariadne Moralis who is married to his friend.  Ariadne is not convinced she is getting the true picture either from the landlord or the elderly witness who overhears the tumble down the stairs. 

Identifying the killer is the raison d'etre of the entire novel and it is a really great plot which keeps you guessing right to the end.  Lots of references to Police procedure give the story a reliable basis and it is a well written and well plotted crime novel. 

Ariadne is covering the maternity leave of her friend Geraldine Steel.  Geraldine is struggling with coming to terms with her role as a new mother and her desire to be back in the front line of solving crimes.  A very relatable position for many new mothers.  She is delighted to be involved with the solving of her friend's case even on the periphery and gives some sound advice which helps solve what eventually turns out to be two murders. 

I really enjoyed this well-crafted story and particularly appreciated the believable characters that Leigh Russell presents to her readers.  Can't wait for Geraldine to get back to work after her maternity leave!
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Reviewer: Toni Russell

Leigh Russell studied at the University of Kent gaining a Master’s degree in English and American literature. Formerly a secondary school English teacher, with the success of her Geraldine Steel series, Leigh now writes full-time. Her debut novel, Cut Short, was published in 2009 by No Exit Press in the UK, there are now 22 books in the series  featuring detective Geraldine Steel.  Leigh also has a  series featuring Lucy Hall. Her most recent series features Poppy the dog. Leigh Russell is married with two daughters and lives in Middlesex.

 leighrussell.co.uk/

Toni Russell is a retired teacher who has lived in London all her life and loves the city.  She says, ‘I enjoy museums, galleries and the theatre but probably my favourite pastime is reading.  I found myself reading detective fiction almost for the first time during lockdown and have particularly enjoyed old fashioned detective fiction rather than the nordic noir variety.  I am a member of a book club at the local library and have previously attended literature classes at our local Adult Education Centre.  I am married with three children and five grandchildren.