Leigh Russell – Deep Cover

‘Deep Cover’ is the sixteenth book in the Geraldine Steel series by Leigh Russell. A series that I have always loved and was so happy to be a part of this tour while at the same time wondering if this book would live up to the standard of the previous ones. Well, I think Leigh has outdone herself this time!

When a sex worker dies in suspicious circumstances in York, Detective Inspector Geraldine Steel struggles to remain focused on the murder investigation: she is distracted by her worries about her colleague and life partner, Ian Peterson, who has disappeared. As Geraldine becomes close to her new DS, Matthew, she is unaware that Ian is working undercover in London, trying to identify a criminal gang who have been targeting her.

As a second victim is discovered in York, and Ian’s life is threatened by a psychopath the tension mounts. If he fails in his mission, both he and Geraldine may die…
This time we have a double whammy! We see Geraldine in York investigating the case of a dead woman while Ian is undercover in London with no one knowing, working with the drugs squad there. We are told the story of both by way of alternating chapters between Geraldine and Ian. Both thinking about each other and their break up while working in different parts of the country.

We see Ian in the gritty, dangerous and corrupted gangster underworld in London working anonymously with a highly dangerous drug gang. Geraldine is handling the death of a prostitute whose body is found in dense woodland. A case that goes cold for Geraldine, until another body is found smothered in the same DNA.
Two cases that Leigh Russell cleverly weaves together as the story unfolds.

An enthralling and as always, addictive read that’s full of drama, almost palpable tension, double-crosses, mystery and danger that could cost lives. What I have always liked about this series is the characters and how brilliantly they have been created and their development throughout. Returning to this series is like catching up with old friends every time.

This book is another riveting read and another worthy chapter in the Geraldine Steel series.

Thanks to Anne Cater of Random Things Tours, No Exit Press and Leigh Russell for my gifted copy of the book.