05 September 2022

I am new to Leigh Russell and the DI Geraldine Steel Series, so I was concerned that I might have missed too much to enjoy this book. The good news, while there are some references to past events, this book manages to hold its own and can easily be read as a standalone novel. It’s worth knowing that you do not need to work through the previous seventeen books before reaching for this one.

This crime mystery is a relaxing read that seems to focus more on the police officers and their struggles than the crime itself. Fake Alibi is an easy, chilled read that will leave you enjoying a little drama thrown into the mix, while the characters are well-balanced and interesting.

Young Eddy lives in a fantasy world. At twenty-six he is still staying with his wheelchair bound mom. Doreen Lewis won’t allow her son to lie around at home expecting her to look after him. So when Eddy walks out on his job, Doreen is not happy with him. Yet, Eddy believes he has finally met the woman of his dreams and she deserves his time a lot more than his job does.

When a nosy neighbour finds Doreen murdered in her living room, she is quick to cast suspicion on Eddy. He is strange, so he must be guilty. DI Geraldine Steel is called to investigate and she quickly has her hands full. DCI Eileen Duncan, Geraldine’s boss is quick to believe Eddy is guilty and wants the case closed. Eileen wants Geraldine to get a confession and quickly. However, Geraldine is not convinced that Eddy is capable of murder. When Eddy’s alibi falls apart, Geraldine is forced to question Eddy again. There does not seem to be any leads until some DNA is found on the victim that leads to the husband of a colleague being under suspicion. With two suspects in custody, Geraldine finds herself torn. She does not believe Eddy is capable and the idea of a friend’s life being torn apart if her husband is guilty forces her to use all her skills to get to the truth.

 This book leaves you focusing on the detectives and the dramas in their lives. The lead character is a well-balanced woman who seems to have achieved a healthy balance between work and her private life. This is a refreshing change from the typical tortured police detective. I enjoyed Eileen, this character was an interesting addition that left me with a smile on my face.

Fake Alibi is an intriguing crime mystery that will appeal to fans new and old. You will find yourself drawn to Geraldine and keen to read more about her.