Leigh Russell is a highly respected English novelist, known for her contributions to the crime fiction genre. She has gained a reputation for her unique take on the genre, subverting common tropes and cliches to create a distinct and influential style. Russell earned her Master's degree in English and American literature at the University of Kent and went on to work as a secondary school teacher, specializing in Specific Learning Difficulties and teaching English. She is married and has two daughters, and currently resides in Middlesex, England.
With a writing career that is both critically and commercially successful, Russell has sold over a million books in her Geraldine Steel series of crime novels. These titles have been published in English and in translation throughout Europe and in China, reaching the number one spot on kindle bestseller lists. In addition to the Geraldine Steel series, Russell has also written a trilogy featuring Lucy Hall, set in various international locations, as well as several standalone psychological thrillers.
Russell's work has been nominated for several major awards, including the CWA New Blood Dagger and CWA Dagger in the Library. She has also served on the board of the Crime Writers Association and chairs the judges for the prestigious CWA Debut Dagger Award. Russell is represented by Bill Goodall and has had her books optioned by major television production company Avalon Television. In addition to her work in crime fiction, she has also written a dystopian novel and a historical novel for Bloodhound Books. Russell is also a Consultant Royal Literary Fellow.