The Hunter

by Tim Sullivan

Don't miss THE BOOKSELLER, the brand new DS Cross Thriller - available to pre-order now.

'George Cross is becoming one of my favourite detectives.' ELLY GRIFFITHS

A Christmas short story in the DS Cross thriller series.

When DS George Cross is informed that his mother will be joining him and his father for Christmas this year, he is sent into a tailspin. How on earth is he meant to know what present to get her?

Soon after, one cold winter morning, Cross goes to inspect a dead body found tangled in thick hedgerow on the outskirts of private farmland. It appears the young man was trying to scramble through the hedge when he died, that he was running away from someone...

With frost on the ground obscuring evidence and secretive neighbours not giving anything away, finding the killer won't be easy. But even with the odds stacked against him, DS Cross is more confident in solving this murder than successfully working out what to get his mother for Christmas…

Why readers love this series...
'Every generation has its iconic detective - Holmes, Poirot and Morse - but Cross is emerging as the one for now.' DAILY MAIL
'DS George Cross shot to the top of my favourites when I first encountered him. The Teacher shows him at his best.' MARI HANNAH

Genres: Crime, Fiction, Short Stories, Mystery

46 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 7, 2024

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

[janine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Now, I’m not a real fan of short stories, BUT I am DI George Cross's biggest fan, so it was a no brainer for me to read this one.

For anyone who has read this series, you’ll know George has his little idiosyncrasies, his stubborn ways, and quirks that not many people around him tolerate that easily.

In The Hunter, it is the lead up to Christmas, a time that George actually quite enjoys, because of the routine him and his father Ray have always had, but this year will be different. Ray has invited George’s mother, Christine, which has unsettled him massively.

A man’s body has been found, murdered and stuck in a hedge. Identified as local gardener and part time forager, when George and his partner Ottey start investigating, the subject of foraging and truffle hunting seems to be the main topic.

I won’t ruin it with more detail, but this is a great little addition to the series, but now it’s left me desperately wanting more!

[Sue Thorn · Rating 2 out of 5]

Disappointing - love this series normally but this short story format lost all the nuance not only of the main characters but also lacked suspense and build up in terms of crime solving particularly as the detail is absolutely key to his skills and bizarre charm! Full novels only please for George and his crew! Obviously my fault though for not realising this was short story format when I downloaded it!

[Gary · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Hunter, by Tim Sullivan is a short Christmas story featuring DS George Cross. A police procedural that features one of my favourite characters DS Cross, a detective working in Bristol and his very unique approach to police life mainly due to his Asperger’s make these stories very entertaining. Cross is far from your typical detective and because of his manner is often interpreted as rude, difficult and very awkward. It is this manner that adds another dimension to the series which can at times be quite amusing as well as intriguing. series. Blending sharp procedural detail with understated humour and the social quirks of its uniquely endearing protagonist, this is a satisfying winter crime read with both heart and grit.

As Christmas approaches, DS George Cross, is thrown off balance not by a brutal murder, but by a far more terrifying prospect, buying a gift for his estranged mother, who is re-entering his life after years away. But his holiday dilemma is soon overshadowed by a body discovered in a hedgerow on private farmland. The dead man appears to have died while desperately trying to escape someone, or something. With frosted ground obscuring footprints and the local community proving frustratingly tight-lipped, Cross must dig deep into a mystery wrapped in rural silence and personal secrets.

DS Cross is highly intelligent, methodical, and living with a neurodivergent condition that makes his social interactions difficult but often deeply moving.

A good read but I didn’t enjoy it as much as the full length novels in this series. The short story doesn’t allow the author to provide enough depth to the read.

[Dalyn Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tim Sullivan’s The Hunter: A DS George Cross Short Story for 2025 is a tightly crafted, atmospheric mystery that showcases everything readers love about the DS Cross series sharp intellect, emotional nuance, and a steady unfolding of tension. Sullivan once again delivers a compelling blend of wit and suspense, balancing Cross’s internal anxieties with the meticulous investigative instincts that define him. The winter setting adds an eerie, cinematic quality to the case while the domestic thread Cross panicking over a Christmas gift for his mother brings warmth and humor that deepen his character. Smart, engaging, and perfectly paced, this short story is a standout addition to the series and an enticing promise of what’s ahead.

[Kena · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm a fan of Tim Sullivan's George Cross series, so was excited to read this latest short story.

George and Ottey are called in to investigate the apparent murder of a gardener and part-time forager. I found the darker side of foraging very interesting - it was something I just wasn't aware of.

As well as working the case, George is navigating Christmas and all the stresses that that brings.

This was a really enjoyable short George Cross Christmas story.

[Andrea Atkinson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was a bit disappointed in this book. Having thoroughly enjoyed the other books in this series, I felt that the storyline was very light. It could have been developed in so many ways. The characters lacked substance this time, too.
Such a shame!

[John Thurlbeck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Though a novella, this was another excellent story from the pen of Tim Sullivan!

The characters are very well-drawn, the settings instantly recognisable, and the ending - well that's for you to discover!

As I was again travelling long distances, I finished it in one sitting!

[Donna McDermott · Rating 5 out of 5]

easy reading

Another short but good book. I do prefer the longer ones as the short ones tend to be solved quickly which can feel a bit odd especially when Cross puts so much work into complicated events.

[mick barnes · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Gem of a read

D.I Cross is a work of art some of his diction ( I have to look up as the words are not in my vocabulary ) .Another enjoyable read thank you.
From an Essex Boy living in Bristol.

[Denise Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great short story

Having read all Tim Sullivan's. Cross & Ottleys book I that roughly enjoyed this
Looking forward to the new book being released as really enjoying all the characters

[Christine Rennie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Hunter by Tim Sullivan

The Hunter by Tim. Sullivan is an excellent short story, the storyline covers truffle hunting and magic mushrooms, dogs and murder to last but not least family Christmas.
Highly recommended

[R E Bayliss · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good story, but too short

Bought as a short story and very enjoyable. The regular characters were easily recognisable, but the fact that it was such a short story gave no room to develop the characters on the edge. Shame.

[Dianne Bremner · Rating 5 out of 5]

George Cross Series

I just love George great character,complimented well with Ottey as his partner his honesty and integrity is very refreshing .
Great story lines .
Excellent series can’t wait for the next one .
Di B

[Linden · Rating 4 out of 5]

This short story finds George investigating the murder of a mushroom hunter. Truffles or magic? The team looks into both high end restaurants and drug dealers. They know that the victim had a beloved dog, so they hope that finding Gino will help them locate the murderer.

[Andy Field · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another good short story

I really enjoyed this George Cross murder mystery. His character shone out and you get real insights into him alongside the murder investigation. Well worth reading.

[Kamila · Rating 4 out of 5]

‘Hunter for Magic Mushroom’ is quite new for me. I like the way the mystery unfolds, especially when they talk about the dog as both companion and co-worker.

And honestly, the Lagotto Romagnolo is way too cute to be involved in a murder case.

[Malvina · Rating 4 out of 5]

DS Cross & DS Ottey on another adventure. Funniest part of this story was the distress caused by the thought Cross had to buy his mother a Christmas present. These short stories are terrific but only teasers. Hard to wait for the longer book!

[Emma-Louise Clements · Rating 3 out of 5]

Drug dealers are very territorial over their areas and aren’t afraid to kill to protect what they believe is theirs. Magic mushrooms was the drug of choice in this book - kinda interesting to read about.

[Douglas Law · Rating 4 out of 5]

A strong 4 for this short story.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love DI Cross, another enjoyable short story in the George Cross series

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

George and Christmas does not disappoint.

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good short story with a Christmas (and murder) theme. Not a good one to start with as continues the struggles Cross has with relationships, which are developing over the series.

[Kevin Richard Vickers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shirt and sweet

Somewhat predictable but loveable story with Cross's character never failing to amuse.
Always too short, but an easy quick read.

[glenn marsh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love DSCross

Although only a short story it was still very enjoyable. Can’t wait for the new book in January - already preordered

[DG · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very good very short story. A nice quick one. I loved the piece of Christmas as its the perfect time for it. Looking forward to the next DS Cross release :)

[Malcolm Hancock · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Hunter - D S Cross - short story

Another look into the remarkable world of this complex detective
A short story but very enjoyable read , around an unusual topic
Excellent

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

More a novella than a real book. Still a good read

[WR · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dear ol’ Cross - so differently brillant!

[Colin Kitchen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good interesting well written short detective story

[Sngsweelian · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't realise this was a novella when I first picked it up. The story wrapped up too quickly so in that sense I was a it disappointed. Waiting for the next full-length novel!