Murder Ring (A DI Geraldine Steel Mystery) Read online

  Table of Contents

  MURDER RING

  About the Author

  Critical Acclaim

  Acknowledgements

  Glossary of acronyms

  Prologue

  1

  2

  3

  4

  5

  6

  7

  8

  9

  10

  11

  12

  13

  14

  15

  16

  17

  18

  19

  20

  21

  22

  23

  24

  25

  26

  27

  28

  29

  30

  31

  32

  33

  34

  35

  36

  37

  38

  39

  40

  41

  42

  43

  44

  45

  46

  47

  48

  49

  50

  51

  52

  53

  54

  55

  56

  57

  58

  59

  60

  61

  62

  63

  64

  65

  66

  67

  68

  69

  70

  71

  Copyright

  MURDER RING

  Cut Short – CWA Dagger shortlist, #1 iTunes, #1 Women Sleuths

  Road Closed – #1 Women Sleuths, Top 20 kindle, Top Read Euro Crime, Top 50 iTunes

  Dead End – #1 Women Sleuths, Top 20 kindle, Top 20 WH Smith’s, Top 10 Miami Examiner

  Death Bed – #1 Women Sleuths, Top 20 WH Smith’s

  Stop Dead – #1 on Amazon Kindle, People’s Book Prize shortlist

  Fatal Act – Top Five on Amazon Kindle

  DI Geraldine Steel is a Lovereading Great Female Sleuth

  Longlisted for the CWA Dagger in the Library

  Hearing footsteps pounding along the street behind him he glanced back, fleetingly worried, then laughed because the street was deserted. All the same, he felt uneasy. Everything looked different in the dark. Then he heard more footsteps approaching, and a hoarse voice called out. Turning his head, he made out a figure hovering in the shadows and as it raised one arm, the barrel of a gun glinted in the moonlight!

  The dead body of unassuming David Lester is discovered in a dark side street, and DI Geraldine Steel is plunged into another murder investigation. The clues mount up along with the suspects, but with the death of another man in inexplicable circumstances, the case becomes increasingly complex. As Geraldine investigates the seemingly unrelated crimes, she makes a shocking discovery about her birth mother.

  About the Author

  Leigh Russell studied at the University of Kent, gaining a Master’s 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, Fatal Act in 2014 and Killer Plan in 2015. Her first title in the new series starring DI Peterson, Cold Sacrifice, was also published in 2013 followed by Race to Death in 2014 and Blood Axe in 2015.

  Critical Acclaim

  CRITICAL ACCLAIM FOR BLOOD AXE

  ‘A great story with some interesting and unexpected twists and turns. It ends with some scenes of high drama and a clever and surprising outcome’ – Fiction Is Stranger Than Fact

  CRITICAL ACCLAIM FOR KILLER PLAN

  ‘Her previous six novels featuring DI Geraldine Steel marked her out as a rare talent, and this seventh underlines it’ – Daily Mail

  ‘I will be looking out for more from this author’ – Nudge

  ‘a fast-paced police procedural and a compelling read’ – Mystery People

  ‘Fans of the series will enjoy reacquainting themselves with Leigh Russell’s work’ – Crime Fiction Lover

  ‘The plot was excellent with plenty of twists and red herrings’ – newbooks

  CRITICAL ACCLAIM FOR RACE TO DEATH

  ‘Unmissable’ – Lee Child

  ‘Leigh Russell has become one of the most impressively dependable purveyors of the English police procedural’ – Marcel Berlins, The Times

  ‘As tense openings go, they don’t come much better than this’ – Bookbag

  ‘If you enjoy a well-written mystery with a well-constructed and thought-out plot line then this is the book for you… it is my BOOK OF THE MONTH’ – Crime Book Club

  ‘the story unfolds at a great pace and grips until the end’ – Fiction Is Stranger Than Fact

  ‘Leigh Russell weaves a fascinating tale that had me completely foxed. Whilst the mystery is tantalising the characters also fascinate, so clearly are they drawn’ – Mystery People

  Fantastic… I can’t wait to read more’ – Book Addict

  CRITICAL ACCLAIM FOR COLD SACRIFICE

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

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

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

  CRITICAL ACCLAIM FOR FATAL ACT

  ‘a most intriguing and well executed mystery and… an engrossing read’ – Shotsmag

  ‘the best yet from Leigh Russell – she keeps you guessing all the way through and leaves you wanting more’ – Crime Book Club

  ‘another fast-paced and complex mystery – a fabulous read.’ – Fiction Is Stranger Than Fact

  ‘a truly great author… enough mystery and drama for the most ardent of mystery fans’ – Bookaholic

  ‘another corker of a book from Leigh Russell… Russell’s talent for writing top-quality crime fiction just keeps on growing…’ – Euro Crime

  ‘the plot is strong and the writing just flows with style and panache.’ – Goodreads

  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’ – Newbooks Magazine

  ‘For lovers of crime fiction this is a brilliant, not to be missed, novel’ – Fiction Is Stranger Than Fact

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

  ‘a well-written, a well-researched, and a well-constructed whodunnit. Highly recommended’ – Mystery People

  ‘a whodunnit of the highest order. The tightly written plot kept me guessing all the way’ – 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’ – 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

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

  ‘Dead End was selected as a Best Fiction Book of 2012’ – 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’ – Best Books to Read

  ‘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’ – Publishers Weekly

  ‘an excellent debut’ – Crime Time

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

  ‘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 sure-fire 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

  ‘gritty and totally addictive debut novel’ – New York Journal of Books

  Also by Leigh Russell

  Geraldine Steel Mysteries

  Cut Short

  Road Closed

  Dead End

  Death Bed

  Stop Dead

  Fatal Act

  Killer Plan

  Ian Peterson Murder Investigations

  Cold Sacrifice

  Race to Death

  Blood Axe

  To Michael, Joanna, Phillipa and Phil

  Acknowledgements

  I would like to thank Dr Leonard Russell for his expert medical advice, and all my contacts in the Metropolitan Police for their invaluable assistance.

  I would also like to thank the inimitable Annette Crossland for her loyal support.

  Producing a book is a team effort. I am fortunate to have the guidance of a brilliant editor, Keshini Naidoo, and I am very grateful to Ion Mills and Claire Watts, along with all the dedicated team at No Exit Press, who transform my words into books.

  My final thanks go to 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

  Prologue

  STAGGERING OUT OF the restaurant, David was up for another drink before catching the train home. One by one his staff made their excuses until he was left alone on the pavement.

  ‘Well, sod you,’ he mumbled, ‘lightweights the lot of you.’

  Still fumbling with the buttons on his new leather jacket, he stopped outside a bar. ‘Here it is then. One for the road.’

  A young woman with pink hair came over to serve him. Coloured glass glittered on her fingers as she put his pint down on the bar.

  ‘Get one for yourself,’ he told her, handing over a tenner. He glanced down at her fingers. ‘You like jewellery?’

  ‘Sure.’

  In a convivial mood, he was ready for a chat.’I had my wife’s engagement ring reset. Just got it back today.’ He leaned against the bar and raised his voice, eager to impress her. ‘It wasn’t cheap. Must take you a year to earn what her ring cost me.’

  ‘Really? Your wife’s lucky.’

  ‘She deserves it,’ he said solemnly. ‘She has a lot to put up with – me!’

  He burst out laughing. Sometimes he forgot how witty he was. The girl behind the bar laughed too, displaying perfect teeth. Her smile gave him a warm feeling.

  ‘This is a nice place,’ he said. ‘And you’re a very nice girl. I can see that. Would you like to see my wife’s ring? I’ve got it right here.’ He patted his trouser pocket. ‘It cost me over twelve grand.’

  ‘You shouldn’t shout about it in public.’

  David was about to speak to her again, but she moved away to serve another customer. Finding a seat at a corner table, he hung his jacket carefully over the back of his chair before sitting down. At the bar the pink-haired girl was talking to someone else. Finishing his pint, he stood up. He felt a little woozy. With a last glance over his shoulder at the girl behind the bar, he staggered out. The night air sobered him slightly, making him shiver. All he wanted was to go home and lie down. The pavement along Oxford Street was crowded. Turning on to a side street he walked more quickly, heading in what he thought was the right direction.

  Hearing footsteps pounding along the street behind him he looked over his shoulder, fleetingly worried, then laughed because the street was deserted. All the same, he felt uneasy. Everything looked different in the dark. He was bursting for a slash, so he turned off Wells Street into a narrow unlit lane. There was no one around to see him stagger over to the wall. Before he could unzip his trousers he heard footsteps approaching, and a hoarse voice called out. Turning his
head, he made out a figure hovering in the shadows.

  ‘Gimme the ring.’

  ‘What?’ Sober enough to understand what was going on, he was drunk enough to be angry. ‘If you think I’m going to hand over my wife’s ring –’

  As the shadowy figure raised one arm, the barrel of a gun glinted in the moonlight.

  1

  GERALDINE WENT TO bed early but she couldn’t sleep. For years she had dedicated herself to her career as a police detective. While her personal life was unfulfilling, her track record on murder investigations was excellent. Nothing had ever interfered with her focus on her work. Until now. With the murder of a close colleague, she had discovered that years spent observing the bereaved had not prepared her to deal with grief of her own. She wondered if she would ever feel ready to investigate another murder, or if every corpse from now on would take her back to that one unbearable death. Rigid with misery, she sat at her kitchen table considering whether she ought to resign. At last she went back to bed.

  She must have fallen into a deep sleep because when her phone rang, she reached out to switch off her alarm. A few seconds later, it rang again and she realised it was her phone. Cursing, she reached out to answer the call. It was ten to nine. Hearing the curt voice on the line, she was instantly awake, automatically registering the details and dressing hurriedly. Passing through the hall she grabbed a waterproof jacket. She had no idea what the weather was like. Her phone rang again as she opened her front door, car keys in hand.

  ‘I’m on my way.’

  A body had been found in Central London, in a narrow cul-de-sac north of Oxford Street, halfway between Oxford Street station and Tottenham Court Road station. Geraldine drove straight to the location. It was not far in terms of distance, but the morning London traffic was heavy. As she drove, she listened to the report that had been sent. It gave only the basics. In a way she was relieved because that made it easier to process the information while she was driving. By the time she arrived at Wells Street she knew that a middle-aged man had been shot, once, in the chest. He had no wallet on him, suggesting he had been mugged. So far they were assuming the victim’s name was David Lester, the owner of the Oyster card found in his pocket, although his identity had yet to be confirmed.