Detectives In The Dock: Today we see, Leigh Russell's DS Geraldine Steel stripped bare as she gets a grilling in The Crime Warp Dock

Today we are extremely lucky to have Leigh Russell's DS Geraldine Steel in The Crime Warp Dock. With such a long running series, I think it's time for us readers to get the down and dirty on Geraldine Steel. I hope you enjoy this as much as I did and a huge thanks to Leigh for putting Geraldine in the dock. 

Background

From an early age, Geraldine Steel wanted to work in serious crime. After studying social sciences at university, she went straight into the police force. Her upbringing was conventional, and she was shocked to discover as an adult that she had been adopted at birth.

Rebellion

Geraldine was never much of a rebel, but for a brief period she did smoke behind the science block at school. She was never caught.

Desert Island

Three items Geraldine would bring to a desert island are: a piano that never goes out of tune, a crate of red wine that is refilled regularly, and the complete works of Shakespeare.

The Nitty Gritty: The Big Reveal

How important is justice to Geraldine?

Geraldine is passionate about seeking justice for the voiceless dead. My own passion for justice is a trait I had not recognised in myself until I created my detective. 

If Geraldine reads crime, which author would she choose?

If Geraldine read crime, she would undoubtedly read my books and correct me on all my deviations from the truth, because she likes every detail to be accurate. That is partly her nature, and also a consequence of her training as a detective.

Has Geraldine got regrets?

Geraldine’s deepest regret is that she did not meet her birth mother earlier. By the time they finally met, her mother was dying, and they never even had a conversation. She wishes she had been allowed the opportunity to at least try to forge a relationship with her mother.

In five words describe…

Geraldine’s office - busy police station, tidy desk

Her physical appearance - slim, black hair and eyes

All of her favourite things …                           

Ice cream flavour - chocolate                               

Drink/beverage - red wine

Song - Here comes the sun (Beatles)

Sport - running

Artist - Van Gogh                                                

                                               

Would your character rather…

Visit a Post Mortem or clean up a drunk’s sick -

Post Mortem - it’s far more interesting

Eat a doughnut or a muffin -

muffin

Find out what Agatha Christie did when she disappeared or discover Jack The Ripper’s true identity -

Jack the Ripper as her objective in life is to track down killers

Car chase or shoot out -

car chase because guns are never a good idea

Save a friend or kill their worst enemy -

save a friend because life is precious

Ad Link to buy

Deathly Affair is the 13th and most recent in the Geraldine Steel series. Here's the blurb 

Blurb

Four bodies... But who is guilty in this deadly web of secrecy and lies?

When two homeless men are strangled to death, Detective Sergeant Geraldine Steel is disturbed by the cold-blooded nature of the crimes. Her suspicions intensify as two more victims are discovered, forcing her to question the motivation behind the murders.

Plagued by red herrings, the investigation drags Geraldine ever deeper into the lives of three people caught in a toxic triangle of love and deception. Are these murders random, or is there more to this than meets the eye? 

Biog for LEIGH RUSSELL

Leigh Russell’s Geraldine Steel series has sold over a million copies and is translated throughout Europe, and China. Shortlisted for the CWA New Blood Dagger Award, and the CWA Dagger in the Library, Leigh has twice been Finalist for the People's Book Prize. With accolades from fellow authors - including Lee Child “Unmissable”, Martina Cole “Brilliant”, and Peter James “Compelling” - she has been described by the Daily Mail as a ‘rare talent’. Keen to support emerging writers, Leigh chairs the CWA Debut Dagger Judges, and is a Royal Literary Fellow.