Race to Death Read online

  Second in the new series featuring DI Ian Peterson

  ‘Moments before, he had been enjoying a day out at the races. Now he could be dying…. As he fell a loud wind roared past his ears, indistinguishable from the roar of the crowd. The race was over’ A man plummets to his death during the York Races. Suicide or murder? Newly-promoted DI Ian Peterson is plunged into a complex and high-profile case, and as the body count increases, the pressure mounts for his team to solve the crimes quickly. But the killer is following the investigation far more keenly than Ian realises and time is running out as the case suddenly gets a lot closer to home...

  Leigh Russell studied at the University of Kent, gaining a Masters degree in English. A secondary school English teacher, and guest university lecturer in creative writing, she is married, has two daughters, and lives in North West London. Her first novel, shortlisted for the CWA best first novel award, Cut Short, was published in 2009. This was followed by Road Closed in 2010, Dead End in 2011, Death Bed in 2012, Stop Dead in 2013 and Fatal Act in 2014. Cold Sacrifice saw the start of this new series featuring DI Peterson. Stop Dead has recently been shortlisted for the People's Book Prize 2014.

  CRITICAL ACCLAIM FOR COLD SACRIFICE

  ‘A top-of-the-line crime tale and a five-star must-read’

  - Take A Break Fiction Feast

  ‘A great read with an interesting premise and strong characters’

  - Fiction is Stranger than Fact

  ‘Another great investigation… If you like crime novels and you haven’t tried Leigh Russell’s books yet then give them a go - you just might become addicted’

  - our book reviews online

  ‘A complex mystery rich in characters, this new series promises some interesting times ahead for Ian Peterson’

  - Promoting Crime Fiction

  ‘Ian Peterson as a character could potentially be just as good (if not better than Geraldine Steel)’

  - Kat, Best Crime Books

  ‘Russell’s story telling was strong enough to keep me enticed right to the very end’

  - Lloyd Paige, lloydpaige.com

  CRITICAL ACCLAIM FOR FATAL ACT

  ‘The best yet from Leigh Russell - she keeps you guessing all the way through and leaves you wanting more’

  - Crime Book Club

  ‘If you like crime writing, you’ll enjoy Fatal Act’

  - Charlie Britten

  ‘Highly recommended’

  - Jennifer S Palmer

  CRITICAL ACCLAIM FOR STOP DEAD

  ‘All the things a mystery should be, intriguing, enthralling, tense and utterly absorbing’

  - Best Crime Books

  ‘Stop Dead is taut and compelling, stylishly written with a deeply human voice’

  – Peter James

  ‘A definite must read for crime thriller fans everywhere - 5 stars’

  - Eileen Thornton, Newbooks Magazine

  ‘For lovers of crime fiction this is a brilliant, not to be missed, novel’

  - Helen M Hunt, Fiction is Stranger than Fact

  ‘Geraldine Steel sticks out as a believable copper and Stop Dead flows easily’

  - Nick Triplow, Electric Lullaby

  ‘A well written, a well-researched, and a well-constructed whodunit. Highly recommended’

  - Linda Regan, Mystery People

  ‘A whodunit of the highest order. The tightly written plot kept me guessing all the way’

  - Graham Smith, Crimesquad

  CRITICAL ACCLAIM FOR DEATH BED

  ‘Earlier books have marked her out as one of the most able practitioners in the current field’

  - Barry Forshaw, Crime Time

  ‘Death Bed is a marvellous entry in this highly acclaimed series’

  - Promoting Crime Fiction

  ‘An innovative and refreshing take on the psychological thriller’

  - Books Plus Food

  ‘Russell’s strength as a writer is her ability to portray believable characters’

  - Crimesquad

  ‘A well written, well plotted crime novel with fantastic pace and lots of intrigue’

  - Bookersatz

  ‘Truly a great crime thriller’

  - Nayu’s Reading Corner

  ‘DEATH BED is her most exciting and well-written to date. And, as the others are superb, that is really saying something! 5* ’

  - Euro Crime

  ‘The story itself was as usual a good one, and the descriptive gruesomeness of some scenes was brilliant’

  - Best Crime Books

  CRITICAL ACCLAIM FOR DEAD END

  ‘All the ingredients combine to make a tense, clever police whodunnit’

  - Marcel Berlins, The Times

  ‘I could not put this book down’

  - Newbooks Magazine

  ‘A brilliant talent in the thriller field’

  - Jeffery Deaver

  ‘An encounter that will take readers into the darkest recesses of the human psyche’

  - Barry Forshaw, Crime Time

  ‘Well written and chock full of surprises, this hard-hitting, edge-of-the seat instalment is yet another treat… Geraldine Steel looks set to become a household name. Highly recommended’

  - Euro Crime

  ‘Good, old-fashioned, heart-hammering police thriller… a no-frills delivery of pure excitement’

  - SAGA Magazine

  ‘The critical acclaim heaped on Russell thus far in her literary career is well deserved’

  - bookgeeks.co.uk

  ‘A macabre read, full of enthralling characters and gruesome details which kept me glued from first page to last’

  - www.crimesquad.com

  ‘Cleverly thought out, gripping and convincing… I couldn’t put this book down… can’t wait for the next Geraldine Steel story to come out’

  - bookersatz.blogspot.com

  ‘A series that can rival other major crime writers out there… can’t wait for the next one! ’

  - Best Books to Read

  ‘Dead End was selected as a Best Fiction Book of 2012’

  - The Miami Examiner

  CRITICAL ACCLAIM FOR ROAD CLOSED

  ‘A well -written, soundly plotted, psychologically acute story’

  - Marcel Berlins, The Times

  ‘Well-written and absorbing right from the get-go… with an exhilarating climax that you don’t see coming’

  – Euro Crime

  ‘Leigh Russell does a good job of keeping her readers guessing. She also uses a deft hand developing her characters, especially the low-lifes… a good read’

  - San Francisco Book Review

  ‘Perfect character building… cleverly written… can’t wait for the next one’

  - bestbookstoread.co.uk

  ‘New star of crime fiction, Leigh Russell’s chilling psychological thriller is terrific and terrifying! ’

  - Clem Chambers

  ‘Road Closed is a gripping, fast-paced read, pulling you in from the very first tense page and keeping you captivated right to the end with its refreshingly compelling and original narrative’

  - New York Journal of Books

  CRITICAL ACCLAIM FOR CUT SHORT

  ‘Cut Short is a stylish, top-of-the-line crime tale, a seamless blending of psychological sophistication and gritty police procedure. And you’re just plain going to love DI Geraldine Steel’

  - Jeffery Deaver

  ‘Russell paints a careful and intriguing portrait of a small British community while developing a compassionate and complex heroine who’s sure to win fans’

  - Publisher’s Weekly

  ‘An excellent debut’

  - Mark Campbell, Crime Time

  ‘It’s an easy read with the strength of the story at its core… If you want to b
e swept along with the story above all else, Cut Short is certainly a novel for you’

  - crimeficreader, itsacrime.typepad.com

  ‘Simply awesome! This debut novel by Leigh Russell will take your breath away’

  - Euro Crime

  ‘An excellent book…Truly a great start for new mystery author Leigh Russell'

  - New York Journal of Books

  Cut Short is a book I had to read in one sitting… excellent new series’

  - Murder by Type

  ‘A surefire hit - a taut, slick, easy to read thriller ’

  - Watford Observer

  ‘Fine police procedural, with a convincing if disconcerting feel of contemporary Britain’

  - The Compulsive Reader

  ‘Cut Short featured in one of Euro Crime’s reviewers Top Reads for 2009’

  - Euro Crime

  ‘Cut Short is not a comfortable read, but it is a compelling and important one. Highly recommended’

  - Mystery Women

  ‘Well written debut psychological thriller’

  - stopyourekillingme.com

  ‘Gritty and totally addictive debut novel’

  - New York Journal of Books

  ‘If you’re a real fan of police procedurals, you’ll probably enjoy this read’

  - Sacramento Book Review

  ‘I found Cut Short to be a fantastic read, taking me only days to finish. I thought it to be well-written and well-paced, with a fresh batch of intriguing characters to go along with a fresh tight plot’

  - Dance on Fire

  ‘An excellent story, skilfully built and well told’

  - www.thebookbag.co.uk

  ‘Intelligently written, gripping crime fiction’

  - Bookersatz

  ‘I look forward to the second book in the series’

  - Nayu’s Reading Corner

  ‘A very excellent book! ’

  - The Book Buff Blog

  ‘A wonderful series’

  - clarissadraper.blogspot.com

  ‘Difficult to put down’

  - The Secret Writer

  To Michael, Jo, Philippa and Phil

  Acknowledgements

  I would like to thank Dr Leonard Russell for his medical advice, James Brennan, Head of Marketing at York Racecourse, for his invaluable help, Clara Nugent for her expert biological guidance, my contacts on the police force for their generosity with their time, my editor Keshini Naidoo for her unerring judgement, Alan Forster for his superb cover design, Claire Watts at No Exit Press for her unshakable serenity, together with Jem Cook and Frances Teehan who attend to my queries with supreme and cheerful efficiency. Above all I would like to thank my publisher Ion Mills, and my editor at No Exit Press, Annette Crossland, without whom Geraldine would be merely a voice in my head. Producing a book is a team effort, and I am extremely fortunate to have the support of such a wonderful team.

  Finally I would like to thank Michael, who is always with me.

  Glossary of acronyms

  DCI

  –

  Detective Chief Inspector (senior officer on case)

  DI

  –

  Detective Inspector

  DS

  –

  Detective Sergeant

  SOCO

  –

  Scene of Crime Officer (collects forensic evidence at scene)

  PM

  –

  Post Mortem or Autopsy (examination of dead body to establish cause of death)

  CCTV

  –

  Closed Circuit Television (security cameras)

  VIIDO

  –

  Visual Images Identifications and Detections Office

  1

  DOWNING THE DREGS OF his third pint, Adrian fell into conversation with an official in a uniform green jacket and matching tie.

  ‘This is our first visit to York Races.’ Adrian waved his free hand in the direction of the Knavesmire Racetrack. ‘I once had a girlfriend who came from York but that’s as close as I’ve been to the place. We’ve been to Kempton Park, but we’ve not been here before.’

  The other man paused in his stride and nodded, apparently paying attention. Adrian tried to size him up. As a local, familiar with the track, he might be able to offer a few useful hints, if Adrian could gain his confidence. It would have been easier to judge the situation if he was sober. He wished Vivien was beside him. With her good looks they might have stood a chance of coaxing a decent tip out of the bloke, but Vivien had gone on ahead with Adrian’s brother.

  ‘I mean,’ Adrian went on expansively, ‘we’re no experts, far from it. We like a bit of a flutter though. My brother just won a tidy little sum. Lucky bastard. So,’ he leaned forward, swaying slightly, ‘you’re in the know. Any tips for a beginner?’

  He winked at the steward who just smiled and wished Adrian luck before turning away.

  Another man came and hovered beside him, wearing the same uniform green jacket. He was studying the crowd up ahead so Adrian couldn’t see much of his face, only a light bushy beard and the frames of his gold-rimmed spectacles.

  ‘Your first visit here?’ the steward asked.

  Adrian said it was.

  ‘You after a tip, sir?’

  Adrian laughed and said it would be nice. The official suggested Adrian check out the view from the Shirley Heights Bar.

  ‘Take the lift up to the fifth floor of the Ebor Stand and look out from the balcony. It’s well worth a visit. You won’t regret it.’

  He knew that wasn’t the kind of tip Adrian was hoping for.

  Disappointed, Adrian hurried off to catch up with his wife. Eventually he found her standing outside one of the champagne bars. He paused to admire her for a moment.

  ‘Where’s Charles?’

  ‘He’s gone to blow some of his winnings on a glass of champagne. You’d better go after him if you want one. He’ll probably get a bottle. He said we should have the best.’

  ‘You’ve got the best right here,’ Adrian replied, thumping his chest with one hand.

  He threw his other arm round her white shoulders, grumbling cheerfully that his brother was showing off again. ‘Him and his money,’ he added a trifle enviously. It was all right for Charles. He didn’t have a wife to support.

  It was no surprise when Vivien refused to accompany him up to the Shirley Heights Bar.

  ‘In these shoes,’ she protested, laughing, ‘you must be joking.’

  She tossed her head, flicking her long blonde hair across her bare shoulder. Adrian could never understand why his wife chose to wear uncomfortable shoes, the heels so high she struggled to walk at all. It was amazing she hadn’t done herself an injury.

  ‘I’ll stay here and wait for Charles. But you go up if you want to. I’d rather keep my feet on the ground, and drink champagne.’

  ‘Suit yourself. I’ll be back before he gets through that queue.’

  Adrian walked past a list of former winners displayed on a glass board beneath a sign in huge chrome letters: ‘Ebor Stand’. He looked back when he reached the entrance of the elegant glass and brick construction that towered above the walkway. He couldn’t see Vivien or his brother in the mêlée. Facing the entrance was a cabinet packed with trophies, photographs and other memorabilia of famous horses. To his right images of jockeys on horseback had been etched onto a glass wall. He crossed a smart hallway. As he made his way round the corner to find the lifts, the sense of luxury continued. The lift had carpeted floor, wooden walls and a large mirror. Vivien would have liked that.

  Shirley Heights Bar was packed. There was a queue of people for the bar itself, which was all wood and chrome and shiny black surfaces, modern and classy. He had drunk too much already, and the day had barely begun. Turning, he made his way out through large glass doors onto a spacious balcony. People were seated at small chrome tables, enjoying the view. It was a cheerful scene, everyone in their Sunday best intent on having a good time. Which was what he sho
uld have been doing, downstairs with Viv and Charles. Still, now he was up here it would be daft not to look at the view. He might catch a glimpse of his wife, far below. He wondered if she was looking up, hoping to see him, high above the ground.

  Leaning on the thick chrome bar that ran around the edge of the balcony, he gazed down at the forecourt. To his left the brick wall of the Ebor building obscured the view towards the racetrack. A few inches in front of him a chest high reinforced glass barrier surrounded the balcony. Below that, pots of flowers masked the view immediately beneath him. He looked up across the car park and the Knavesmire to the city, a mile or so in the distance, where he thought he could make out the Minster rising above the rooftops. Looking to his right he saw a tall clock tower looming over the vista. There was a flurry of movement behind him as everyone on the balcony began making their way inside. In the bar ubiquitous screens displayed the action. The next race was about to begin. Above the cacophony an excited commentator was shouting from the monitors.

  Turning, Adrian found his way blocked by the steward who had recommended the view to him.

  ‘I'm going to the bar,’ he said. ‘If I can just get past you –’