Pacientė

The DS Cross Mysteries #3

by Tim Sullivan, Ieva Albertavičienė (Translator)

Nei pirštų atspaudų. Nei ginklo. Nei liudininkų. Ar detektyvui seržantui Krosui pavyks įrodyti, kad buvo įvykdyta žmogžudystė?

DETEKTYVAS
Detektyvas seržantas Krosas nepasikliauja spėlionėmis ir neturi laiko klaidingoms prielaidoms. Tai detektyvas, besiremiantis tik aiškiais įrodymais, ne nuojautomis ir ne instinktais. Jis tiesiog nežino, kas tai yra.

BAIGTA BYLA
Kai randama negyva jauna moteris, dėl jos ilgos piktnaudžiavimo narkotikais istorijos Bristolio nusikaltimų skyrius greitai paskelbia išvadą, jog tai savižudybė. Tačiau jos motina įsitikinusi, kad dukra buvo nužudyta. Ji tvirtina, esą dukra jau keletą metų nevartojo kvaišalų ir darė didžiulę pažangą naujoje terapijos programoje.

ATSAKYMAS
Detektyvą seržantą Krosą, kuris ir pats jaučiasi nepritapėlis, traukia bylos, susijusios su atstumtais bebalsiais žmonėmis, ir šiuo atveju visi požymiai liudija, kad moteris buvo nužudyta, — Krosui tereikia įrodyti. Tačiau jo viršininkas spaudžia bylą nutraukti, galimų įtariamųjų skaičius didelis, o laikas senka, reikia kuo skubiau rasti atsakymus, kurių nusipelnė sielvartaujanti šeima.
 

Genres: Mystery, Crime, Fiction, Audiobook, Procedural, Thriller, Detective

384 pages, Hardcover

First published March 3, 2022

About the author

Tim Sullivan is an acclaimed screenwriter. He originally read English and Law at university - the latter forced on him by his Dad - but instead he wriggled free of those parental ambitions and pursued his own, to make films. His writing credits include A HANDFUL OF DUST, starring Kristen Scott Thomas, WHERE ANGELS FEAR TO TREAD, starring Helen Mirren and Helena Bonham Carter, JACK AND SARAH (which he also directed) starring Richard E Grant, Judi Dench and Ian McKellen and LETTERS TO JULIET, with Amanda Seyfried. He is also a Television director whose credits include SHERLOCK HOLMES and COLD FEET and CORONATIONS STREET. He has written extensively in Hollywood in both live action and animation, working with Ron Howard, Scott Rudin and with Jeffrey Katzenberg on the fourth SHREK movie.

He has now embarked on a series of crime novels featuring the eccentric and socially-awkward, but brilliantly persistent DS George Cross.

He self-published the first two books and once they'd achieved over 200,000 downloads he came to the attention of Head of Zeus publishers. So thanks to all his readers for this success and their shared love of George.

The novels are set in Bristol in the south west of England, Cross’ methods often infuriate his colleagues and superiors “not so much a thorn in my side as a pain in my arse,” according to his boss DCI Carson. But his conviction rate, thanks to his dogged persistence and attention to detail, is the best in the force. Tim has now written the first four in the series with The Patient being published on March 3rd 2022.

Tim feels confident in his claim that he is the only crime writer around who has also co-produced and written a My Little Pony movie for Hasbro. MY LITTLE PONY - A NEW GENERATION is now available on Netflix.

Tim lives in North London with his wife Rachel, the Emmy award-winning producer of THE BAREFOOT CONTESSA and PIONEER WOMAN. Their daughters live near by.

For more stuff about Tim visit his website www.timsullivan.co.uk

Reviews

[Paromjit · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series featuring Avon and Somerset's on the spectrum DS George Cross by Tim Sullivan is one that I have come to love. I listened to this addition on audio, 12 hours long and ably narrated by the wonderful Finlay Robertson, it's a terrific and suspenseful joy, one I can definitely recommend. Cross has an enviable record in the police force for solving cases with his relentless logic and unswerving determination, but his interactions with people can be problematic, to address this DS Josie Ottey works on improving his skills and Alice Mackenzie smooths his path. While both can find him infuriating, they have developed an affection for Cross, Alice, for example, goes over and beyond as can be seen when she pulls together a diverse group of her friends to help clear and deep clean the home of his hoarder father, Raymond, as he recovers from a fall in a care home.

A care home in which Cross meets retired former DCI Esther Moffat who is interested in his latest case. A young recovering addict mother, Felicity 'Flick' Wilson death has been ruled a suicide by the coroner, but her mother, Sandra, does not believe this, she is convinced she was murdered. A dignified Sandra has tried to convince the police of this, but has been turned away, dismissed as a grieving mother who cannot accept what her daughter did. That is until she bumps into Cross, who takes the time and trouble to listen to her, and upon visiting Flick's home, becomes convinced there are questions that need answers. So begins a complex investigation that initially his superiors are far from happy about, but this is Cross, he is not a man to be put off, as he looks into a wide cast of suspects, including the son of a owner of a drycleaners that Flick had worked for.

I think this is my favourite in this series, I love the blend of crime and insights into the relationships that revolve around Cross, I have come to adore Alice and Josie, and the insights into his personal life, such as his response to a mother he believes left him and his father when he was a child because she could not cope with him. The high regard that Cross is held in can be seen at the end at the organ recital in the church, the numbers that turn up to hear him play shocks him, and it includes a surprising presence. I can recommend this series, and this addition in particular, to all those who love the crime and mystery genre who have yet to discover the brilliant DS George Cross.

[Ceecee · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

DS George Cross #3

Sandra Wilson is convinced her recovering addict daughter did not die of an overdose as a perfunctory police enquiry and a coroner decide. Luckily for her she attracts the attention of DS George Cross.

First of all, I hadn’t read the previous two books but that in no way detracts from the enjoyment of this well written novel. However, I do think I’ve missed a treat! I love the fascinating central protagonist as he’s autistic, his portrayal is outstanding and it makes a refreshing change to have someone on the spectrum integral to the storytelling. I enjoy his interactions with those around him, some are sympathetic (his partner Ottey, police staff Mackenzie and boss DI Carson) and those who are not. His condition is what makes him such a good detective, he loves puzzles, he’s patient but obviously doesn’t always understand nuances. The characterisation is excellent throughout - a shout out for his father Raymond and Esther Moffatt, a retired police officer. I feel the author shows respect for his characters.

The plot is well thought out, the case goes in surprising directions as George and the team doggedly pursue the truth. It has all the ingredients of a compelling and hard to put down mystery as the case takes unexpected twists and turns and focuses on a controversial topic which is thought provoking. I really like the outcome and the actual ending is wonderful.

This is a gripping read with superbly crafted central character, it added something extra, a different dimension to the usual Police procedurals. This book makes you feel something and kudos to the author for that. Tim Sullivan is a must read author from now on.

With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Head of Zeus for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series about DS George Cross a policeman with autistic spectrum disorder just gets better and better. I loved listening to Finlay Robertson narrate this intriguing story and listened to some of the passages twice over.

My favorite passages come from the very end of the book where DS George Cross provides an organ recital to a group of about a hundred or more people.

"It was as if playing the organ was the only way he could really express himself. Something he found impossible in normal everyday life."

"This man, this eccentric, often infuriating creature with whom she worked on a daily basis and who she hardly knew at all had moved her profoundly and unexpectedly."

[Tracy P. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cannot get enough of DS Cross and co. Love these books.

[Terence M [Quot libros, quam breve tempus!] · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5-Stars ^^ 4.0-Stars … “I liked it - It was good!”
My Review:
Tim Sullivan self-published the first two books in the DS Cross series. In #1, The Dentist, Sullivan's interesting and unusual premise, namely that DS Cross, despite the detective being diagnosed with having "Asperger's Syndrome", can be still an extremely effective police officer, is not fully realised due to the lack of an experienced publisher and/or editor.

I skipped #2, The Cyclist, and listened to #3, The Patient, published by Head of Zeus. The differences between hearing #1 and #3, were remarkable, as my 4.0-Stars rating makes evident.

Reading printed books requires a reader to understand and interpret an author's prose and its intent. In turn, an author needs a publisher and an editor to produce a legible and comprehensible book for the reader.

Unfortunately, my eyesight defects inhibit my ability to read printed books and I must rely on audiobooks to achieve my goal of reading/hearing at least 50 books a year.

When hearing an audiobook, a good deal of an author's intent can be interpreted by the narrator and embellished with accents, vocal characterisations and their reading style. An audiobook definitely requires 'production', not just by a sound engineer, but also by a publisher, producer, or editor to help the narrator properly interpret this intent.

John Heffernan's narration of #1 The Dentist, was a fairly turgid affair, lacking interpretation and effort. Finlay Robertson’s narration of #3 The Patient, was excellent, with a delightfully energetic interpretation totally at odds with Heffernan’s reading.


Extracts from my Listening Activity:
Commenced 21 December, 2024

@14%: "I think I am going to enjoy this audiobook and I am pleased to note that Finlay Robertson's narration appears to be an improvement over my experience listening to his reading of #1, The Dentist."

@43%: "As I hoped, "The Patient" is demonstrating perfectly the benefits of Tim Sullivan's having a "proper" publisher. The writing is tighter and more informative. The narration by Finlay Robertson is more animated, and thus more interesting and enjoyable."

@99%: "Definitely a more enjoyable book the #1 The Dentist, #3 The Patient was a triumph for the publisher, the editor, the producer, the author, and ultimately the listener/reader!
Contemplating rating and review."

[Miriam Smith (A Mother’s Musings) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tim Sullivan’s “THE PATIENT” is the third in the DS Cross series, following “The Dentist” and “The Cyclist”. Any of these can be read as a standalone, which I did with this book.

George Cross has Autistic Spectrum Disorder which means his social interactions and communications isn’t the norm for a Detective Sergeant but his skill at solving crime and making deductions is second to none. Even though he irritates some of his colleagues with this talent, his boss cannot dismiss his conviction rate and admits, although unconventional, his record speaks for itself.
He’s an adorable character with his regular and fastidious routines. His one liner retorts, which while they can come across as rude (but never intentionally) can sometimes be well placed.
The storyline in itself is simple and these are the best cases for George. “The Patient” features an open and shut but unexplained case of a suicidal overdose, which the mother of the victim is convinced is murder. It takes someone like George to look at the case from his unusual angle and start discovering clues that she may well be right. There is also a sensitive subject running throughout that would certainly keep book groups debating all night.
Along with his personal relationship with his elderly dad recovering from a fall and his organ playing at the local church, we see a remarkable character that I fell in love with instantly. I definitely want to read the first two in this thrilling series and recommend crime readers to look up DS George Cross without hesitation.

I really couldn’t fault this book, I enjoyed it from start to finish - which reminds me the final paragraph really caught my breath and I hope this develops further in a future story. A truly wonderful all round book, with well developed characters and an absolute star in George Cross!

#ThePatient - 5 stars

[Sandysbookaday (on indefinite hiatus) · Rating 5 out of 5]

EXCERPT: 'And who are you, exactly?' she asked.
Cross thought this a perfectly legitimate question. 'I'm DS George Cross of the Major Crime Unit,' he replied.
'Oh good. You're just the person I need to talk to then. My name is Sandra Wilson and my daughter has been murdered,' she said, matter-of-factly.

ABOUT 'THE PATIENT': No fingerprints. No weapon. No witnesses. Can DS Cross prove it was murder?

When a young woman is found dead – with no fingerprints, no weapon, and no witnesses –the Bristol Crime Unit is ready to close the case as suicide, especially after the coroner cites the victim’s long history of drug abuse. But her mother is convinced it was murder, saying that her daughter had been clean and sober for over two years.

DS Cross is determined to defy his bosses and re-open the case, even if it costs him his career. Soon he is mired in a labyrinth of potential suspects – but can he solve the case before his superiors shut it down for good?

MY THOUGHTS: I love George Cross. He is a character that, like his colleagues at the MCU, you will either love or hate. The Patient is classic Cross.

George never follows hunches or gut instinct. In fact, I don't believe he has them. Nor does he afford them any weight in others. He works only with facts and logic. He has the ability to see patterns in behaviors that others miss or dismiss and he never gives up. To others that he works with, he is vexing, irritating and infuriating on a good day. He says what he thinks and doesn't suffer fools, as one of the other detectives in the MCU is about to find out.

He now has two minders/buffers - DS Josie Ottey who is trying to teach George the basic social skills he sees little need for, and Alice McKenzie whose innate kindness he is beginning to appreciate.

As well as trying to solve the puzzling case of a recovering addict's death, George has problems on the home front. His hoarder father is refusing to move in with George until his house is ready for him to inhabit again - what to do with all his stuff! - and George has finally given into Steven's persistent requests that he gives an organ recital for the parishioners.

I love the easy balance that exists between George's private and professional lives which serves to round out his character.

The Patient also delves into the controversial topics of assisted death and euthanasia.

A thought provoking and compelling read. A wonderful addition to a superb series.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

#ThePatient #NetGalley

MEET THE AUTHOR: TIM SULLIVAN made his first short film before graduating from Cambridge University. His ambition to become a screenwriter was formed not so much by this experience but as an attempt to foil his father’s determination to turn him into a lawyer.

Within weeks of leaving university armed with a law degree Tim had met the film maker Derek Jarman and persuaded him to commission an original screenplay from him. A few months later he joined Granada Television as a researcher. Here he was commissioned to write the first of many television scripts and also wrote screenplays for movies.

He has now embarked on a series of crime novels featuring the eccentric and socially awkward, but brilliantly persistent DS George Cross.

Tim lives in North London with his wife Rachel. (source: https://timsullivan.co.uk/about/about... (abridged)

DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Grove Atlantic, Atlantic Crime, via NetGalley for providing DRC of The Patient by Tim Sullivan for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.

[NILTON TEIXEIRA · Rating 4 out of 5]

“The Patient” (book 3 of DS Cross series), by Tim Sullivan

4 brilliant stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Just a brief opinion.

This was my 3rd book by this author and once again I wasn’t disappointed. Another brilliant work with a conclusion that surprised me.

The storyline was very well constructed and developed. The line of inquiry was skilfully written and the main character’s interaction with the other characters was once again very much entertaining.

I really liked the plot in this book.
Did the main victim committed suicide or was that person murdered?

The pacing is slow, but it is an easy and fast read.

I love a good crime story where the author does not use gory scenes, extreme violence or even foul language.

Terrific job!

I’m looking forward to reading the next installment, “The Politician”.

ebook (Kobo): 416 pages (default), 96k words

[Faith · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this police procedural, a mother refuses to believe that her adult daughter committed suicide by drug injection.The police ignore her concerns until DS George Cross agrees to look further. Cross is on the autism spectrum and rubs many of his colleagues the wrong way, including by having the best conviction rate in his department. What I love about him is his attention to detail. There are several suspects in this case, but after honing in on one the next thing Cross does is try to establish an alibi for the suspect. His thoroughness is impressive. The book move swiftly, and the plot and writing do not insult the intelligence of the reader.

I’ve read several of the books in this series and each can be read as a standalone. The only through-line in the books is really the relationships of Cross with his father and his estranged mother. If you care about the progress of these relationships, you should probably read the books in order.

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher.

[Jennifer (Jaye) (trying to catch up, challenging time) · Rating 4 out of 5]

*A Puzzling Case*

This is the third book in the George Cross Mysteries series, and it should have been an easy case to solve. However, George Cross loves a puzzle.

The story begins with a woman who has been turned away from every police station. Her daughter has died, and she can’t believe she took her own life. The DI on the case dismisses her as a time waster, but George wants to understand the situation.

This case is tricky because there are no fingerprints, weapons or witnesses. The victim is Flick, a former drug addict with a young daughter. Her mother is adamant that Flick couldn’t have killed herself.

As I pondered the case, I thought it would be a long and drawn-out investigation. Then I remembered George’s unique perspective. He hates cases that don’t add up and have unanswered questions.

George and his small team, consisting of DS Josie Ottey and trainee police staff investigator Alice Mackenzie, are determined to solve the case. They’re starting to understand George’s Asperger’s, which makes him a unique detective with the highest crime-solving rate in the station.

George takes on a man who thinks he’s too clever for words, a personal assistant who’s like George in her efficiency, an ex-boyfriend who keeps falling off the wagon and many dead ends. Despite the challenges, George remains unfazed by his DCI’s desire for results and others’ impatience.

The way George and his team piece together the clues keeps me rooting for them. The case has one missing piece, and George won’t be satisfied until he finds the answers.

There are also some tender moments, like when George meets an old retired police inspector who’s at the end of her life. Alice drums up support for her send-off, along with the unpleasant side character connected to the case, adds depth to the story.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars ⭐️ This is the third in the series, but the first that I’ve read, and I absolutely adored it . The love of language and wit is very much present. I love all the characters, especially George, of course. I can’t wait to read another, but I personally didn’t like the cliffhanger. The cliffhanger wasn’t about the murder, though those questions were all answered.

[Nigel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Briefly - I can't claim to have "loved" this but I did enjoy it!

In full
This book features Bristol detective DS George Cross. He is a member of the Major Crimes Unit there. He is also on the Autism spectrum which can make him quite difficult to work with. However it gives him some qualities that make for a good detective. He engages with a civilian woman who has been around the MCU offices for three days to find out why she is there. She raises concerns she has with the death of her daughter being considered suicide. While initially sceptical Cross feels that it might be worth another look at the case. However he does need to get his boss to agree to re-opening the case.

The book follows the twists and turns of this case with Cross. Helping him are Ottey, also a DS and Cross's police partner, and Mackenzie who is a police staff member. Both of these seem to have become accustomed to dealing with Cross's autism quite well. I found it a little odd that a staff member would get so involved in the investigation however it worked well enough in the story. These three main characters all came over well enough and were developed too. The remaining characters were possibly a little weaker.

The case itself interesting and the general story line was well worked for me. There were quite a few twists and turns as far as the direction of the case and possible suspects were concerned. I confess that few of them came as a real surprise to me but that didn't affect my enjoyment. I enjoyed getting to know Cross as a character. He felt fairly "valid" most of the time however my experience of autism is somewhat limited.

I enjoyed this read and I will read the previous two books when I get the chance. I think this lacked a little tension for me as a police story. This does seem readable as a standalone book however I think an understanding of the characters would improve by starting at the beginning. I hope there will be further books in this series - I for one will be a reader of them!

Note - I received an advance digital copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a fair review

[Mike · Rating 4 out of 5]

The third of the George Cross mysteries published, The Patient by Tim Sullivan features the curt police detective who follows the facts. When the Bristol Crime Unit rule a young woman’s death suicide, DS Cross cannot stop himself investigating. Showing his persistent curiosity and pursuit for truth, he comes to realise it was murder. Yet, with no real suspects or clear ways to advance the investigation, George’s problem-solving skills will be sorely tested. Despite his lack of interpersonal dynamics, his small team investigates the woman’s life in an attempt to resolve the enigmatic mystery. Having not read the earlier books was no barrier to enjoying this delightful new crime fighter. It was a joy to read such a substantive police procedural with many a twist making for a four-and-a-half-star rating. With thanks to Head of Zeus and the author, for an advanced review copy. As always, the opinions herein are totally my own and freely given, without pressure.

[Shannon Moeser · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE PATIENT is the third book in the DS George Cross series, but it was the first one that I read. In the first chapter it introduces both George and the case to be solved. As he enters his police station, he meets a woman who tells him: ’My name is Sandra Wilson and my daughter has been murdered.’ Wilson had been to several police stations because none of the other officers believed her. So George took the woman to his office and read the report that she gave him.

The coroner had determined that Wilson’s daughter, Flick, a former drug addict, had either accidentally overdosed or committed suicide using drugs, but Wilson refused to believe this and said Flick had been murdered because she ‘knew everything about her daughter’. At first, George believed the coroner’s report, but then decided to investigate because of an incongruity—the daughter overdosed while her two-year-old child was in the apartment with her. ’He found it hard to believe that Flick, either about to relapse or kill herself, would not make arrangements for her child.’

’Cross was never impressed by people’s instinctive convictions about things. He dealt in evidence. Facts.’ Thus, after he decided to further investigate, DCI Carson told Cross to forget the case but knew that ’Cross would never give up, particularly when he was told to. He was like a terrier snapping at your heels; once he’d got hold of your trouser leg, he would stubbornly refuse to let go.’

The pathologist, Clare Hawkins, found nothing wrong with the coroner’s report but noted that Flick had died from an overdose of medical morphine, not a street drug, which raised questions about where she had obtained it. Clare also found through a hair test that Flick had been drug-free for at least eighteen months. So, Cross determined that Flick had been murdered, casting doubt on the lack of diligence by the original investigating officer, DI Johnny Campbell, an officer who disliked Cross.

’George Cross was on the spectrum, which sometimes made him a little challenging to work with. But it was also his gift. It was what made him an extraordinary detective.’ Through diligent investigation, Cross uncovered a serial killer who was using medical morphine to kill patients.

Although THE PATIENT is the Book #3 in the DS George Cross mystery series, it was the first one I read. I bought it on a kindle sale. Because I hadn’t read the earlier novels in the series, I missed some of the references to the changes occurring in ongoing relationships between Cross and his colleagues. For example:

Mackenzie had quietly congratulated herself on being a little more assertive with Cross recently, and proving her value to him. She’d joined the force the year before and, despite her initial qualms, she was loving the job more and more each day.—a big difference from Book #1 when Alice Mackenzie started working with George and his reactions to her attempts to assist him were ignored, greatly upsetting her.

and: Ottey laughed. It was a full twelve months since she’d become his partner and although it had taken some time to get used to him she had come to respect and understand him.—another big difference from Book #1 when Josie Ottey had begged for another partner.

Changes occurred as well in Cross’ personal life. His father, Raymond, had a fall at home and fractured his hip. This resulted in Cross finally starting to put a stop to Raymond’s hoarding, helping him clean up his apartment. And Stephen finally talked Cross into giving an organ recital. As Mackenzie helped turn the pages during the recital, she saw emotion in his face, something she had never seen before. ’She thought that maybe she was seeing the real George Cross for the first time. It was as if playing the organ was the only way he could really express himself. Something he found impossible in normal, everyday life.’

Even though I missed some of the nuances in the ongoing saga of George Cross, I really liked this novel, and so put in a request for our library to acquire the entire series, as I thought that other library patrons would also enjoy this series. As can been seen by my reviews in 2024, this request was accepted.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
My reviews for other books in this series:
The Dentist (DS Cross, #1)
The Cyclist (DS Cross, #2)
The Politician (DS Cross, #4)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

[Jannelies · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this 3rd book in this wonderful series, George Cross is helping Sandra, who’s daughter Felicity (Flick) was found dead. The coroner ruled it a overdose, because Flick was a known drug user, but Sandra doesn’t believe it. Sandra had been clean for over a year and taking good care of her young daughter.

Of course Cross’ superiors don’t want him to delve into this case, but he, stubborn as he is, does it anyway. With the help of Josie and MacKenzie he unravels the rather complicated story behind the death of Flick.
Except for the fact that this is a very good police procedural, I especially liked the fact that we get to know Cross and his father Raymond a lot better. The way Cross handles the cleaning of his father’s house while Raymond is in hospital is very moving – and funny at the same time.
There were some interesting characters in this story, such as an office assistant who apparently behaved just like Cross does – but not in a nice way. And Father Stephen, who with a lot of patience becomes a real friend to Cross.

Thanks to Atlantic Crime and Edelweiss for this review copy.

[Jayne · Rating 4 out of 5]

"The Patient" is #3 in Tim Sullivan's DS George Cross series.

It was my first book in this series and I quickly became a fan of the extraordinary investigative skills and quirks of DS George Cross -- a DS diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder.

In "The Patient", DS Cross investigates the "clear-cut" death of a former single mom drug addict who had been clean and sober for over two years.

Although the book had a slow start, the last portion of the book moved at a rapid pace.

I especially enjoyed the book's stellar police procedurals and character development, as well as the audiobook's outstanding narration by Finlay Robertson.

I will be looking forward to listening to future books in this compelling series.

4.5 stars.



.

[Valerie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m obsessed with DS Cross. This is really an excellent series.

[Linden · Rating 5 out of 5]

George sees a woman outside the station who wants the police to look into her daughter’s death, which has been ruled a suicide by overdose. After reviewing the case and requesting another autopsy, George concurs that her daughter Flick was murdered. The department prefers not to reopen the case, but George persists, interviewing anyone who knew Flick: friends from rehab, her ex, her neighbor, and her therapist. Some of George’s traits from being on the spectrum irritate his colleagues, but the results speak for themselves, since he has the highest conviction rate. We see another side of George as he acquiesces to a request to give an organ concert to raise funds for the church where he practices. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to review this excellent addition to the series.

[Nora|KnyguDama · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jau ne pirmą kartą sakau, bet detektyvas Monkas (toks fainas detektyvinio serialo veikėjas) yra vienas mano mėgstamiausių detektyvinių veikėjų. Vyresnio amžiaus vyras, turintis autizmo spektro sutrikimą + tvarkos maniją, tiria sudėtingiausias bylas ir vis įsivelia į kuriozus.

Tai ši Tim Sullivan serija yra vienas prie vieno. Kone toks pat tyrėjas Krosas - gal su tvarka ne tokį ypatingą ryšį turi, bet autizmo spektro sutrikimas yra. Ir visos socialinės normos jam yra keistenybė, ir bendravimas kalbant apie nieką jam nesuprantamas. Jei tu jam atrodai negraži, taip ir pasakys. Jei mano, kad tu kvaila ir tau nesiseka - tą ir pasakys. Jei verki, nes kažko nemoki - negausi jokio patarimo ar palaikymo, o tik tiesiai šviesiai išrėžtą jo nuomonę, kurią dažnas pasilaikytų sau.

Tai mano antra skaitoma serijos knyga ir keista taip sakyt apie trilerius, bet ji miela. nėra žiaurybių ir vis prajuokina Krosas su savo pasaulio suvokimu. Ir byla visai neblogai susukta - iš lengvesnių, bet skaitės greit ir nebuvo nuobodu. Toks pats tas nemėgstantiems kraujų ir žarnų, pasiilgusiems Christie stiliaus knygų, tik dar ir papildomas cinkelis yra.

[Natalija R. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dar viena puiki knyga apie Dzordza Krosa😍
Labai paini ir susukta istorija- itarinejau visus 😅 bet manau del visu ivykiu kalti buvo daug zmoniu, kurie laiku nesuregavo... Man patinka kaip vystosi Kroso gyvenimas ir kazkokiu nauju savybiu atskleidimas skaitytojui, jo perszonazo santykiai su tevu ir aplinkiniais. Pati istorija apie nuzudyta mergina- atskleide daug daugiau nei tikejausi, uzteko visko po truputi ir tas nenutrukstamas rysis tarp ivykiu ir personazu yra tai kas man labai patinka Sullivano knygose. Nieko per daug, niekas neistesta, O papasakota daug ir dar daugiau❤
Noreciau suzinoti kaip ten bus su jo motina, ar galiausiai jie susitiks, laukiu sekancios knygos😍

[Kate O'Shea · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Patient is the third in the DS George Cross series and these Police procedural/detective novels just get better and better.

When Sandra Wilson asks George to look into the death of her daughter, Flick (Felicity), he sees immediately that there is more to investigate than had originally been thought by DI Johnny Campbell who had deemed the death as suicide and closed it.

George begins to piece together the last hours of Flick's life and soon he, Ottey and Mackenzie find themselves in a much bigger story that leads them to places they were not expecting.

George is relentless in his pursuit of the truth, no matter whose toes he treads on. This novel continues to show us more of George's private life as he continues to care for his father, whose home life has become untenable which leads to a surprising new relationship for George to consider. As Ottey continues to try to help George be more sociable and approachable we see him starting to thaw towards his colleagues.

I love this series. I love George. It certainly gives some insight into how difficult it can be for autistic adults to negotiate the world. The writing is sensitively done and all the characters are immensely likeable. The plots are incredibly tightly plotted and there are several twists throughout that really threw me.

Excellent. Very highly recommended. Looking forward to reading The Politician (#4 in the series).

Thankyou very much to Netgalley and Grove Atlantic for the advance review copy. Very much appreciated.

[Ivana - Diary of Difference · Rating 4 out of 5]

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#1 The Dentist - TBR
#2 The Cyclist - TBR
#3 The Patient - ★★★★
#4 The Politician - ★★★★



I am so happy to be joining a wonderful group of book bloggers on the blog tours for “The Patient” and “The Politician” by Tim Sullivan. Thank you very much to the team at Head of Zeus, for allowing me to be a part of it and introducing me to the amazing work of Tim.



Synopsis:

No fingerprints. No weapon. And no witnesses. Can DS Cross prove it was murder?

THE DETECTIVE

DS George Cross doesn’t rely on guesswork and he has no time for false assumptions. He is a detective who goes off the evidence in front of him, not ‘hunches’ or ‘gut feelings’. He does not know what these are.

THE CLOSED CASE

When a young woman is found dead, the Bristol Crime Unit is quick to rule it a suicide as the woman had a long history of drug abuse. But her mother is convinced it was murder, saying that her daughter had been clean for years and had been making strides in a new therapy programme.

THE ANSWER

As an outsider himself, DS Cross is drawn to cases involving the voiceless and dispossessed and, here, the evidence states that this woman was murdered – Cross just has to prove it. But under pressure from his boss to shut down the case, and with numerous potential suspects, time is rapidly running out to get the answers that this grieving family deserve.

My Thoughts:

I enjoyed “The Patient” very much, and it pleasantly surprised me on numerous occasions. Before I start, I should note that this book can easily be a standalone. I didn’t read the first 2 books of the DS Cross Mysteries series, and didn’t feel like anything was missing.

DS George Cross is a character that I warmed up to instantly. We need more characters on the spectrum in books. His personality shined through the pages and that only serves to prove the amazing writing skills of Tim Sullivan.

For a 400 page book, the pace is quite fast, although I struggled a bit around the middle. The pace at the end was incredible and I couldn’t put the book down. In regards to the investigation, I was intrigued by the unorthodox method of eliminating the suspects. Usually, we have a lot of suspects and near the end, they are still around as possibilities. However, in this book we don’t go by the rules. The suspects were eliminated one by one, which narrowed down the suspect list significantly as we were getting closer to the end of the book. I found this refreshing and welcomed it, although it did make me expect more plot twists.

At the very end, that last clue that was somewhat crucial to the case – I think it was very coincidentally discovered. And knowing DS Cross, it doesn’t seem like him to not explore that avenue much earlier. But aside from that, I really loved the case, the investigation, the interviews and the resolution. The book touches on some very sensitive topics on drug addiction, suicide, euthanasia, grief and therapy. I learnt a lot whilst reading the book and I always cherish that when it happens. “The Patient” was a clever adventure with a brutal twist and a thriller I enjoyed devouring. This one will keep me tinkering over it for quite some time.

[Dana-Adriana B. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Flick, a young mom and a former drug addict is found dead and the case is ruled like suicide, but her mother is convinced that it is murder.
DS Cross is starting to investigate this case. I like detective Cross, how he sees everything.
Thanks to. Netgalley for this book.

[Nei_dienos_be_knygos · Rating 5 out of 5]

#perskaičiau
Tim Sullivan "Pacientė"

Trečioji serijos knyga su neeiliniu, bet beproto įdomiu detektyvu Džordžu Krosu👌
Yra kriminalinių trilerių, kurie prikausto savo suktu siužetu, o yra kriminalinių trilerių, kurie prikausto savo veikėjais, "Pacientė" yra vienas tų, kada negali nesižavėti pagrindine knygos ašimi - tiriančiuoju detektyvu 🤍
Sullivan sukūrė neįtikėtinai įdomų personažą, Džordžas Krosas tikra paslaptis net jo paties tėvui. Aspergerio sindromu sergantis detektyvas tarsi magnetas traukia versti knygos puslapius, nors byla buvo išties įdomi, eutanazijos tema ar "pagalba išeiti", tikrai puikiai apipinta šiame trileryje, tačiau nemeluosiu, aš Sullivan skaitau būtent dėl Kroso. Taip įdomiai pasakojama apie autizmo spektro sindromo subtilybes suaugusiojo gyvenime, jam metamus iššūkius ir kaip vienam atrodytų silpnybė, kitam gali tampti stiprybe 👌 Labai puiki knygų serija, su nekantrumu lauksiu sekančių serijos knygų, nes Džordžą Krosą pamilau nuo pirmosios knygos "Dantistas" ir neabejoju, kad ši draugystė tęsis visos serijos metu 😍
Labai patiko 🫶
5.0⭐/5

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

His notes often took a diagrammatic form, with arrows and boxes, all drawn with different colored pens. She wondered if it was a pictorial representation of how his mind worked.

As I mentioned elsewhere, in a post for a different entry in this series, I did not start with Book #1. 

Instead, I began with Book #5, continued on, out-of-sequence to Books #4 & 7... then started over from the beginning. Now Books #6 and #8 remain for me. (That is, unless Tim Sullivan is currently writing Book #9, as I strongly suspect he is.) 

Previously, I hadn't given much thought to the difference between reading this series out-vs.-in order. But although, yes, they seem to work quite well as standalone titles, it probably is best to experience DS George Cross' life from the beginning, because of the basic flow and growth of it. 

Ultimately there are two things going on in the series simultaneously. There are the individual stories that George tackles - in and as his job. And then there's George the person - who is handed out to us bit by bit in the specifics, along with the cases handed down to him in each novel.

The series had an auspicious (and full-bodied) start with 'The Dentist'. Sullivan then did something a bit unexpected with Book #2, 'The Cyclist': he pulled back in ambition and scale, giving readers a trim, no frills, just-that-side-of 'novella'. An offering as precise as something written by Simenon. 

A particular package of surprises comes in the full-throttle return in Book #3, 'The Patient'. It's about twice the length of 'The Cyclist', for one thing. And, in it, along with everything else, Sullivan manages three things that seem to be unique so far in the series. 

One of them I can only describe as a kind of gut-punch; to say more would get into 'spoiler' territory. But you would know it for what it is when it arrives.

Another involves a section peripheral to the story's main action - and yet not. Here, Sullivan creates a scene so moving (and so rare for his main character) that I almost cried. I was at least a bit chilled. 

Finally, at the heart of the story sits something that actually shocked me. When a story is a murder mystery, the element of shock may never be all that removed. Nevertheless, I'm referring to a particular kind of shock - the kind that's just about the very last thing I could have expected. 

~ all of which is to say that it would be tempting to call 'The Patient' "among the best" in the series. So, I think I'll not resist that temptation. 

In a way, especially with this series, ranking the entries may be a bit unfair, when the ground is essentially and regularly so solid. Still... 'The Dentist' does seem to stand out for some specific reasons. ~ mainly for getting under my skin the way it did, and for almost making me cry. 

[Simon Langley-Evans · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another outing for neurodivergent detective George Cross. These are well-constructed crime novels with clever plots and satisfying twists, and I’ve read a couple before. I’ve enjoyed them. But…

The Patient follows the familiar pattern: solid mystery, engaging premise, neatly handled investigation. It’s perfectly entertaining. My frustration is that Tim Sullivan still doesn’t quite trust his readers. If you’re this far into the series, you know who George Cross is. You don’t need to be reminded every chapter—sometimes more than once—that he relies on learned conversational responses, or that colleagues find him difficult to work with. Those traits are established. They don’t need continual explanation. George wouldn’t consciously think, “I must respond this way because Ottey told me to.” He would simply respond. We understand the mechanism already.

Sullivan’s weakness, for me, is over-explanation. Nothing is left to inference. Characters’ motivations, emotional reactions and even future intentions are frequently spelled out in accompanying narration. The authorial voice is always present, interpreting events for us. We are told what to think about the care home George’s father moves into—but is that what George thinks? Or is it what the author thinks?

The result is a book that is easy to read and competently plotted, but rarely challenging. It never quite trusts the reader to sit with ambiguity or to interpret behaviour without guidance. The plot runs along slowly towards a predictable ending with very little excitement. The author’s understanding of autism is perhaps questionable. He makes Cross so flat, which overlooks the fact that people on the spectrum do experience profound emotions, but just not in response to the same things that everyone else does. Cross, at most, expresses mild irritation.

I enjoyed The Patient. It’s solid and entertaining. But it didn’t surprise me, unsettle me, or compel me urgently towards the final page—and it could have done, had it stepped back just a little.I received an advance reader copy of this book from Net Galley. All opinions are my own.

[Jacqueline Pawson · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was easy to read if at times quite slow paced. From the start I had guessed who the murderer was so the ending was a little boring for me. I also didn’t feel that attached to any of the characters so wasn’t really engaged with any of them throughout the story. Having worked as a teacher for 9 years,working mainly with individuals who have ASD, I become slightly tired of the stereotype that is portrayed in this book - that individuals with autism have no sense of humour, they take everything literally etc - ASD is far more complex. Though for some individuals those characteristics do ring true, it isn’t the case for all and I found the portrayal of Cross in this way a little basic and obvious.
I also found the book too convenient at times- the mum taking photos of her daughters body - really? Would you do that if you had just found your daughter dead ? And at times I found it a little cheesy - the massive turn out for PC Moffat’s funeral but no one was actually with her when she died ?
Also, spoiler alert, if Cross was as thorough and obsessed with detail as he was made out to be - he would have checked the whole area for CCTV right at the beginning of the story.
Overall, easy to read, but nothing worth recommending.
I read this book at part of Methley book club.

[mnemosineirknygos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jei dar svarstėt ar jums patinka Džordžas Krosas, tai galiu drąsiai teigti, kad po šios dalies jis jums taip patiks, kad lauksit naujų nuotykių su juo. Nors Krosas dažnai atrodydavo šiurkštus, sunkaus charakterio ar tiesiog bukaprotis, tačiau jis nesielgdavo taip tyčia. Džordžas Krosas turėjo autizmo spektro sutrikimą, kuris jį tik padarė dar unikalesniu ir geresniu detektyvu. Jei bandysi pajuokauti, greičiausiai jis nesijuoks, nes nesupras juokelio ir nedirba remdamasis nuojauta, jis mato smulkmenas, kurių kitas nepastebės, nes tai faktai, o jie ir padeda atskleisti tiesą.

"— Juokauju. Tikrai. Aš pamiršau.
— Ką pamiršai? — paklausė Krosas. — Ką?
— Kad tu neturi humoro jausmo, Džordžai.
— Galiu tave užtikrinti, kad turiu. Tačiau humoras turi atitikti vieną reikalavimą, — pareiškė jis.
— Kokį? — paklausė ji ir išsyk ėmė gailėtis, kad įsivėlė į jo keistos logikos samprotavimus.
— Jis turi būti juokingas. "

Ši istorija apie negyvą jauną moterį, kuri pagal pirminius duomenis nusižudė, privers Džordžą suabejoti ir išsiaiškinti tiesą. O tiesa pasirodo visai ne tokia, kokia visi įsivaizdavo, nes bus atskleistas negailestingas serijinis žudikas. Ar atspėsi kas jis? 🤫

🏥5.0🏥

[Lyn Elliott · Rating 4 out of 5]

A couple of things set Tim Sullivan’s apart from many crime novels: his focus on illuminating the victim and the gradual evolution of the personalities and relationships of the detectives and their families.

I’m whizzing through them, once started I have to get to the end, as much for the development of the continuing relationships within the permanent cast as for the resolution of the plot.

Very good.

[Anastasia Kountoura · Rating 1 out of 5]

My expectations were very high for this book considering it only has great reviews but I was left disappointed to say the least.
I was about to give up at 40% as I was having issues with the writting right off the bat.
4 chapters in, I noticed the writting was messy and the dialogue was confusing.
Half the time I had no idea who was even talking and multiple things were getting mentioned more than twice. In addition, I couldn't connect with the characters and half of the story's details as I haven't read the previous books but I needed to see this through maybe everything would be redeemed by a great ending.

That never came though it just got progressively worse.
Τhe order in which the events unfolded began to make no sense, there was a lot of back and forth in the way the police work was conducted and there was literally nothing interesting ever going on. It couldn't grab my attention at such a slow pace and just felt completely draining instead, nothing mysterious or thrilling about it.

Thank you NetGalley & Head of Zeus for the digital ARC.