I seem to be a bit late to the party as this is the first book I've read by this author and it seems to be the last featuring this detective.I guess I will have to backtrack and read the others as she is a good lead character and the plot and pace of the book were good I would like to read more.I enjoyed this and would like to thank the publishers and Netgalley for an ARC in return for an honest review.

DI Geraldine Steel is attending her birth mother’s funeral when she is called to investigate the murder of a young woman found inside a wheelie bin outside a charity shop.

When Geraldine’s mother died she found out she was adopted. On the death bed of her birth mother she finds out she has a twin sister who is the complete opposite to her.

The story revolves around the murder of the woman found in the wheelie bin and her husband who has no apparent alibi until his girlfriend confirms to Geraldine she was with him on the night of the murder but disappears before she can give a statement.

The story is an interesting one with Geraldine trying to keep an open mind with regard to solving the murder and also dealing with her sister, who is a drug addict, plus the consequences of trying to help her sister, which causes problems for Geraldine’s career. I am interested to see what becomes of Geraldine and where she goes from here.

DI Geraldine Steel is attending her birth mother's cremation when she is called to investigate a body discovered in a wheelie bin at a charity shop. The case seems cut and dried - the husband did it - but Geraldine is not convinced especially when the woman who can give the husband an alibi disappears. While investigating both cases Geraldine is also trying, if somewhat reluctantly, to build a relationship with the twin sister she's only just met. Really enjoyed the book even though I haven't read any of the other books in the series. Will definitely read more by this author.

Thanks to Netgalley, the author and publisher for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.

DI Geraldine Steel is a career woman - stellar track record in the force, single-minded and dedicated. She's pushed to her limits when she's pulled into a murder investigation, at the same time as she discovers she has a twin she never knew about, having been adopted as a baby. What seems an open and shut case, becomes more convoluted when one murder becomes two, and despite her boss being happy they have the right man, Geraldine has her doubts. Her sister's messy life threatens to spill over into hers, and after a while she's battling to save her job, let alone catch a murderer.

First Leigh Russell book I've read and I'm on the fence. Geraldine is an intriguing character, and between her adopted sister, her biological mum dying and her junkie twin sister, she's got a lot going on in her life to keep you interested. The writing feels a little safe/formulaic sometimes, and the plot itself is a little weak in places - won't give any spoilers, but a couple of things that didn't stack up for me, and some of the characters voices didn't come across as authentic - an example is one grieving husband is asked to describe his murdered wife, and his first words are "she was meek and good" - probably me being a little picky, but seems a little out of step with his character.

Doesn't put me off reading more by Leigh, but there'd be others I'd reach for first.

This is an ongoing series but it is the first I've read of it. Despite that I was easily able to follow along and this worked well as a standalone. Geraldine is following two murder cases and while they at first seem open and shut she doesn't think they are. This leads to a creative and interesting investigation. In addition her long, lost twin sister shows up and complicates her life.

This was my first time reading this author and I really enjoyed her work. I will definitely be going back to read the earlier books in this series.

**review copy provided through Netgalley**

Thanks to NetGalley for letting me read this book.

This was the first book I read and I was surprised it is the 9th in a series. Surprised, because the reader isn't bothered with too many details about things happening in the past, while it is very easy to get to know the main character.
What I liked especially in the book is the fact that there are only a handful of main characters, and one of them has to be a killer. But which one? When the truth comes out it's rather a suprise but a good one; there a no loose threads and the puzzle is complete.
The twin sister that suddenly appears and the subsequent problems that arise is something I could have missed. It's just a little too much for me in a thriller to be confronted with a completely different story. What it is leading up to is obvious from the beginning, and thus in stark contrast with the main story.
I liked the book and I hope to read more of this author. Thanks to NetGalley for letting me read this book.

This was the first book I read and I was surprised it is the 9th in a series. Surprised, because the reader isn't bothered with too many details about things happening in the past, while it is very easy to get to know the main character.
What I liked especially in the book is the fact that there are only a handful of main characters, and one of them has to be a killer. But which one? When the truth comes out it's rather a suprise but a good one; there a no loose threads and the puzzle is complete.
The twin sister that suddenly appears and the subsequent problems that arise is something I could have missed. It's just a little too much for me in a thriller to be confronted with a completely different story. What it is leading up to is obvious from the beginning, and thus in stark contrast with the main story.
I liked the book and I hope to read more of this author.

I have read all the books in this series and really like to hear about Geraldine both as a person and a DCI. This book was good both in relation to the crime that she was working to solve and the personal backstory that was playing out alongside it. I thought the reasons for the murders was a bit strange/weak when revealed, but this didn't detract from my overall enjoyment of the book in general. As a result of the ending of the book, I am looking forward to seeing where this takes Geraldine next and if she will be reunited with old friends!

I was disappointed by this book. I had never read any Leigh Russell before but given that it was her 9th book in the series I was quite hopeful. However, I found the first few chapters to be unengaging and did not want to continue with the book. The book may have gotten stronger as the narrative progressed but I found myself uninterested in finding out.

I thought this was a very good read. Gritty and down to earth. Leigh's characters are not holier than though but humans with all the flaws and failings we all carry through life........... Geraldine has plenty heaped on her plate. A double murder, the death of her mother and a reconnection with a sibling. Also throw in the jealousy of her adopted sister's pregnancy and you have an extremely readable and well written tale. Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the ARC.