‘Poppy’s Plays Fair’ by Leigh Russell

Published by Crime & Mystery,
19 June 2025. 
ISBN: 978-0-85730602-9 (PB)

The quaint village of Aston Mead has welcomed a fair to its village green, and the residents are delighted – until a young lady falls from the top of the big wheel, and our heroine Emily with her dog Poppy had witnessed it.

Emily’s new friend Dana Flack, a former journalist, and former fairground worker had been seen arguing with the dead woman that fell. Tongues wag and next thing, Dana is arrested.

Emily is determined to prove Dana’s innocence, and with the help of her brave and clever four- legged companion, Poppy, they once again save the day.

This is not giving away the plot by writing this, as Poppy, rather like the fifty’s hero film dog, Lassie, always saves the day.

It is how the story is told that will keep those pages turning. And, as with all this series of Poppy and Emily tales (or should that be spelled Tails), I read it in one sitting. I just love that clever dog.

Russell is a top selling crime author with her DI Geraldine Steel series and has more than proved her place in the best sellers list with these. So, we can rely on her to take us on a crime journey that will lead us to a nail-biting finish. Add to that, her descriptive drawing of the fairground characters which are excellent and expertly drawn, her page -turning writing, and her lead character Poppy, who is one hundred percent delightful. All dog lovers will adore her.

Russell is up there with the best in cosy mystery writers. Bring on the next story please.
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Reviewer: Linda Regan
www.Lindareganonline.co.uk

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/  

Linda Regan is the author of nine crime novels. She is also an actor. She holds a Masters degree in critical writing and journalism, and writes a regular column, including book reviews, for three magazines. She also presents the book-club spot on BBC Radio Kent. She is an avid reader and welcomes the chance to read new writers. 

  To read a review of Linda's most recent book
 The Burning Question
click on the title. 

www.lindareganonline.co.uk