Reading Order List — Book Series Reading Order Guide

Leigh Russell Reading Order

6 series · 39 books

Leigh Russell is a prolific British author known for her engaging crime fiction, particularly in the detective genre. With a remarkable portfolio of 39 books spread across six series—including the DI Geraldine Steel and DS Ian Peterson mysteries—she captivates readers with her intricate plots and compelling characters. Active from 2009 to 2025, Russell's contributions to the genre also include standalone novels and the Lucy Hall and Poppy Mystery Tale series.

A Poppy Mystery Tale Series

Ongoing

2 books (2024–2025)

Start with Poppy's Christmas Cracker and read in order.

#Title
1
Poppy's Christmas Cracker
2
Poppy Plays Fair

DI Geraldine Steel Series

Ongoing

24 books (2009–2025)

Start with Cut Short, the first of 24 books in the DI Geraldine Steel series.

#Title
1
Cover of Cut Short
Cut Short
2
Road Closed
3
Cover of Dead End
Dead End
4
Cover of Death Bed
Death Bed
5
Cover of Stop Dead
Stop Dead
6
Cover of Fatal Act
Fatal Act
7
Cover of Killer Plan
Killer Plan
8
Cover of Deadly Alibi
Deadly Alibi
9
Cover of Murder Ring
Murder Ring
10
Killer Christmas
11
Cover of Class Murder
Class Murder
12
Death Rope
13
Cover of Rogue Killer
Rogue Killer
14
Cover of Deathly Affair
Deathly Affair
15
Cover of Deadly Revenge
Deadly Revenge
16
Deep Cover
17
Evil Impulse
18
Cover of Fake Alibi
Fake Alibi
19
Guilt Edged
20
Cover of Final Term
Final Term
21
Without Trace
22
Deadly Will
23
Revenge Killing
24
Cold Justice

DS Ian Peterson Series

Complete

3 books (2013–2015)

Start with Cold Sacrifice and read in order.

#Title
1
Cover of Cold Sacrifice
Cold Sacrifice
2
Cover of Race to Death
Race to Death
3
Cover of Blood Axe
Blood Axe

Lucy Hall Series

Complete

3 books (2016–2017)

Start with Girl in Danger and read in order.

#Title
1
Cover of Girl in Danger
Girl in Danger
2
Cover of Journey to Death
Journey to Death
3
Cover of The Wrong Suspect
The Wrong Suspect

Poppy Mystery Tale Series

Likely Complete

3 books (2023–2023)

Start with Barking Mad and read in order.

#Title
1
Barking Mad
2
Barking Up the Right Tree
3
Poppy Takes the Lead

Standalone Novels Series

Likely Complete

4 books (2018–2021)

Start with The Adulterer's Wife, the first of 4 books in the Standalone Novels series.

#Title
1
Cover of The Adulterer's Wife
The Adulterer's Wife
2
Cover of Suspicion
Suspicion
3
Abigail of Venice
4
Rachel's Story

Frequently Asked Questions

How many books has Leigh Russell written?
Leigh Russell has written 39 books across 6 series. Their published works span from 2009 to 2025.
What is the first book in each Leigh Russell series?
Here are the first books in Leigh Russell's series: A Poppy Mystery Tale: Poppy's Christmas Cracker; DI Geraldine Steel: Cut Short; DS Ian Peterson: Cold Sacrifice; Lucy Hall: Girl in Danger; Poppy Mystery Tale: Barking Mad.
What order should I read Leigh Russell's books?
We recommend reading Leigh Russell's series in publication order. Each series can be read independently.
Is Leigh Russell still writing new books?
Yes, Leigh Russell has 2 ongoing series: A Poppy Mystery Tale, DI Geraldine Steel.

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