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The DS Cross Mysteries #6
The Teacher
The victim's worst enemy was himself.
When an elderly man is found dead in his home, the angle of his neck says he fell down the stairs. The stab wound on his body tells a different story.
In the weeks before his murder, Alistair Moreton changed. A recluse by nature, neighbours swear someone was living with him, someone he didn't want them to see.
Moreton spent a lifetime making enemies and now DS George Cross needs to uncover which one finally struck back. Because in all of Alistair's years, there was something important he never learned.
If you go through life hurting people, don't be surprised when they teach you a lesson.
When an elderly man is found dead in his home, the angle of his neck says he fell down the stairs. The stab wound on his body tells a different story.
In the weeks before his murder, Alistair Moreton changed. A recluse by nature, neighbours swear someone was living with him, someone he didn't want them to see.
Moreton spent a lifetime making enemies and now DS George Cross needs to uncover which one finally struck back. Because in all of Alistair's years, there was something important he never learned.
If you go through life hurting people, don't be surprised when they teach you a lesson.
376 pages, Paperback
First published January 18, 2024
About the author
Tim Sullivan
16 books765 followersTim 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
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
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 501 reviews
May 26, 2026
EXCERPT: Neither Sandy Moreton nor Cross had blinked in their war of silence. Carson then appeared.
'Mr Moreton, I'm so sorry for your loss,' he began with.
'Thank you.'
'Rest assured we are doing everything in our power to get to the bottom of this awful tragedy and bring the culprit to justice.'
'Well, I'm not,' replied Moreton.
'I'm sorry?' replied Carson.
'Assured. Far from it. Having spoken to this imbecile who is, I believe, a detective on this case, I think I have more chance of becoming prime minister than you solving this case.'
ABOUT 'THE TEACHER': An eighty-year-old man is found murdered in his home. His age and standing in the community makes finding his killer difficult – why would anyone harm an elderly man? What threat could he possibly be to anyone?
With no apparent motive, DS George Cross canvases the community for potential suspects but the man was known as generous, charitable, community-minded. Each interview about who the man is muddies the picture further. So Cross decides to look for who he was – revealing a past that is far less honourable than his present . . .
MY THOUGHTS: First off, I received only the first 19 chapters of The Teacher, the excerpt, having been declined for the entire ARC. But the first 19 chapters are dynamite, and I will definitely be reading the full book as soon as I can get my hands on it. I have read and loved some of the previous books in the series, and the entire series is on my list to read from the beginning. I have to admit to being rather fond of George Cross, difficult though he may be.
Cross is on the autism spectrum. He has the highest rate of solving crimes in the force. He has trouble understanding and communicating with people, but his analytical and observational skills are honed to perfection. He usually has DS Josie Ottey to take care of the aspects of a case where he may be required to use some people skills, but she is on leave and DI Bobby Warner is seconded in her place.
Cross and Warner are like chalk and cheese. Neither understands the other. While Cross may have the highest solve rate, Warner has a reputation for the fastest arrests, which don't always stick. Warner is a man who largely relies on intuition and gut feelings. Cross likes facts and proof.
Their boss, Carson, has an aversion to dead bodies, which is a bit of a problem for a senior member of a Major Crime Unit. He has an enormous amount of respect for Cross who is also a thorn in his side - but a very successful thorn - and he frequently finds himself having to pour oil on the troubled waters these two create.
The dead man is a complex character. He's very private, almost to the point of being a recluse. He's very set in his ways and dogmatic in his opinions. Although he doesn't play much of a part in village life he is always objecting to and protesting against anything and everything in the community. He also faced accusations in the past when a young girl whom he had been tutoring went missing. Although it was proved he had nothing to do with her disappearance, mud tends to stick.
There is no shortage of suspects in the murder case - Alistair Moreton was not a popular man. His neighbors detested him, there was a FB group of his ex-pupils who hated him, he was unpopular with most of the village.
There is also a secondary storyline woven through The Teacher, that of bullying and sexual harassment in the workplace.
The Teacher by Tim Sullivan has, if the first 19 chapters are anything to go by, all the makings of a five star read. I have pre-ordered my copy and can't wait for it to appear on my Kindle. I received my own personal copy of The Teacher and immediately dropped everything else I was reading to finish it. I was not disappointed.
The Teacher by Tim Sullivan is due for publication 18 January 2024.
⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
#TheTeacher #NetGalley
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. After a stellar career in directing, writing and producing, he has now embarked on a series of crime novels featuring the eccentric and socially-awkward, but brilliantly persistent DS George Cross set in Bristol in the south west of England.
Tim lives in North London with his wife Rachel.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Aria & Aries, Head of Zeus via NetGalley for providing a digital ARC sample of The Teacher by Tim Sullivan for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
'Mr Moreton, I'm so sorry for your loss,' he began with.
'Thank you.'
'Rest assured we are doing everything in our power to get to the bottom of this awful tragedy and bring the culprit to justice.'
'Well, I'm not,' replied Moreton.
'I'm sorry?' replied Carson.
'Assured. Far from it. Having spoken to this imbecile who is, I believe, a detective on this case, I think I have more chance of becoming prime minister than you solving this case.'
ABOUT 'THE TEACHER': An eighty-year-old man is found murdered in his home. His age and standing in the community makes finding his killer difficult – why would anyone harm an elderly man? What threat could he possibly be to anyone?
With no apparent motive, DS George Cross canvases the community for potential suspects but the man was known as generous, charitable, community-minded. Each interview about who the man is muddies the picture further. So Cross decides to look for who he was – revealing a past that is far less honourable than his present . . .
MY THOUGHTS: First off, I received only the first 19 chapters of The Teacher, the excerpt, having been declined for the entire ARC. But the first 19 chapters are dynamite, and I will definitely be reading the full book as soon as I can get my hands on it. I have read and loved some of the previous books in the series, and the entire series is on my list to read from the beginning. I have to admit to being rather fond of George Cross, difficult though he may be.
Cross is on the autism spectrum. He has the highest rate of solving crimes in the force. He has trouble understanding and communicating with people, but his analytical and observational skills are honed to perfection. He usually has DS Josie Ottey to take care of the aspects of a case where he may be required to use some people skills, but she is on leave and DI Bobby Warner is seconded in her place.
Cross and Warner are like chalk and cheese. Neither understands the other. While Cross may have the highest solve rate, Warner has a reputation for the fastest arrests, which don't always stick. Warner is a man who largely relies on intuition and gut feelings. Cross likes facts and proof.
Their boss, Carson, has an aversion to dead bodies, which is a bit of a problem for a senior member of a Major Crime Unit. He has an enormous amount of respect for Cross who is also a thorn in his side - but a very successful thorn - and he frequently finds himself having to pour oil on the troubled waters these two create.
The dead man is a complex character. He's very private, almost to the point of being a recluse. He's very set in his ways and dogmatic in his opinions. Although he doesn't play much of a part in village life he is always objecting to and protesting against anything and everything in the community. He also faced accusations in the past when a young girl whom he had been tutoring went missing. Although it was proved he had nothing to do with her disappearance, mud tends to stick.
There is no shortage of suspects in the murder case - Alistair Moreton was not a popular man. His neighbors detested him, there was a FB group of his ex-pupils who hated him, he was unpopular with most of the village.
There is also a secondary storyline woven through The Teacher, that of bullying and sexual harassment in the workplace.
The Teacher by Tim Sullivan has, if the first 19 chapters are anything to go by, all the makings of a five star read. I have pre-ordered my copy and can't wait for it to appear on my Kindle. I received my own personal copy of The Teacher and immediately dropped everything else I was reading to finish it. I was not disappointed.
The Teacher by Tim Sullivan is due for publication 18 January 2024.
⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
#TheTeacher #NetGalley
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. After a stellar career in directing, writing and producing, he has now embarked on a series of crime novels featuring the eccentric and socially-awkward, but brilliantly persistent DS George Cross set in Bristol in the south west of England.
Tim lives in North London with his wife Rachel.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Aria & Aries, Head of Zeus via NetGalley for providing a digital ARC sample of The Teacher by Tim Sullivan for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
June 11, 2026
5-Stars.
Tim Sullivan's The Teacher is an intricate, expertly plotted whodunit that brilliantly pits objective logic against toxic police culture.
When retired headmaster Alistair Finch is found murdered in his own home, DS George Cross is handed the case. The investigation quickly uncovers a dark, decades-old school scandal, revealing a vengeful pool of suspects with deeply buried grudges.
The story's real friction, however, comes from within the station. With his regular partner (DS Josie Ottey) on leave, Cross is paired with DI Bobby Warner—an arrogant, toxic stand-in with a disturbing history of sexual harassment.
Warner is a reckless bully who actively targets female colleagues and completely trashes Cross's need for routine. Driven by lazy "gut feelings," Warner rushes to convict the first person(s) he thinks "looks good for it" just to secure a fast win.
Meanwhile, Cross quietly retreats to a basement storeroom to ignore Warner's noise. Dissecting hidden student records with his usual hyper-focused, methodical precision, Cross beautifully picks apart DI Warner's rushed assumptions. What follows is pure evil unleashed...
The Teacher really resonated with me. It is an exceptional and deeply satisfying procedural where hard, quiet facts won't bend to toxic incompetence and bullying.
Narrator Finlay Robertson delivers another impossible to pause listen. Many, many thanks.
Highly recommend.
Tim Sullivan's The Teacher is an intricate, expertly plotted whodunit that brilliantly pits objective logic against toxic police culture.
When retired headmaster Alistair Finch is found murdered in his own home, DS George Cross is handed the case. The investigation quickly uncovers a dark, decades-old school scandal, revealing a vengeful pool of suspects with deeply buried grudges.
The story's real friction, however, comes from within the station. With his regular partner (DS Josie Ottey) on leave, Cross is paired with DI Bobby Warner—an arrogant, toxic stand-in with a disturbing history of sexual harassment.
Warner is a reckless bully who actively targets female colleagues and completely trashes Cross's need for routine. Driven by lazy "gut feelings," Warner rushes to convict the first person(s) he thinks "looks good for it" just to secure a fast win.
Meanwhile, Cross quietly retreats to a basement storeroom to ignore Warner's noise. Dissecting hidden student records with his usual hyper-focused, methodical precision, Cross beautifully picks apart DI Warner's rushed assumptions. What follows is pure evil unleashed...
The Teacher really resonated with me. It is an exceptional and deeply satisfying procedural where hard, quiet facts won't bend to toxic incompetence and bullying.
Narrator Finlay Robertson delivers another impossible to pause listen. Many, many thanks.
Highly recommend.
September 17, 2023
This is a sample of the latest in the excellent DS George Cross series of the Avon and Somerset Major Crimes Unit.
Retired headteacher. Alistair Morton is found dead in his cottage. George is on the case, unfortunately not with his usual partner DS Josie Ottey who is moving house. He has the “misfortune“ to be working first of all with DCI Ben Carson and then the substantially greater misfortune to be working with DI Bobby Warner, temporarily drafted in from Kent. However, what this does give us readers is some absolutely delicious interplay between the three of them which makes me smile.
Consider me well and truly tantalised with this sample and absolutely all in for the complete copy. I can’t wait to find out if George is right and Warner wrong, I do sincerely hope so! I love George who has become a firm favourite lead character in police procedural mystery thrillers. George has Autism Spectrum Disorder or Condition as he prefers, which makes him a superb officer as this sample attests. There are some excellent interviews with one between George and Alistair‘s neighbours being highly entertaining leading to yet more smiles.
Although this is only a section of the book, the mystery of Alistair‘s death has me gripped especially as he hasn’t been exactly popular with the locals and there could be quite a queue of suspects beyond the obvious.
This is an extremely well written series which has everything you could want in a novel of the genre and I can tell already this is going to be yet another winner.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Aria and Aries for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
Retired headteacher. Alistair Morton is found dead in his cottage. George is on the case, unfortunately not with his usual partner DS Josie Ottey who is moving house. He has the “misfortune“ to be working first of all with DCI Ben Carson and then the substantially greater misfortune to be working with DI Bobby Warner, temporarily drafted in from Kent. However, what this does give us readers is some absolutely delicious interplay between the three of them which makes me smile.
Consider me well and truly tantalised with this sample and absolutely all in for the complete copy. I can’t wait to find out if George is right and Warner wrong, I do sincerely hope so! I love George who has become a firm favourite lead character in police procedural mystery thrillers. George has Autism Spectrum Disorder or Condition as he prefers, which makes him a superb officer as this sample attests. There are some excellent interviews with one between George and Alistair‘s neighbours being highly entertaining leading to yet more smiles.
Although this is only a section of the book, the mystery of Alistair‘s death has me gripped especially as he hasn’t been exactly popular with the locals and there could be quite a queue of suspects beyond the obvious.
This is an extremely well written series which has everything you could want in a novel of the genre and I can tell already this is going to be yet another winner.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Aria and Aries for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
October 30, 2023
Review is for the full book and not the extract.
DS George Cross , Avon and Somerset Major Crimes Unit #6
80-year-old retired headteacher Alistair Morton is found dead at his cottage and George is on the case, unfortunately not with his usual partner DS Josie Ottey, who is on leave. George has the “misfortune“ to be working first with his boss, DCI Ben Carson, and subsequently, the even greater misfortune to be working with DI Bobby Warner, temporarily drafted in from Kent. Who would want Morton dead? The deeper George digs, the more the questionmarks appear. However, what is patently obvious from the start is that Warner and George are on a collision course.
This is another excellent addition to a series, which I really like. I love George who has become a firm favourite in police procedural/mystery/thrillers. He has autism spectrum disorder or condition as he prefers, which makes him an excellent officer as his record substantiates. Such a pity that Warner doesn’t appreciate George in the way he should be appreciated
but what this does do is to create a fascinating storyline. Warner starts off as arrogantly obnoxious and becomes even more odious with time and parts of this storytelling are dark. There’s some excellent interaction between George and Warner, one which is farcically funny but it becomes less funny with every passing offensive insult from Warner. Whilst he is a character to loathe he does bring a gritty edge to the evolving multilayered plot.
The deeper George’s investigation into Morton goes, the more cans of worms are opened with a widening suspect pool. Morton proves to be a man who invokes strong emotions, especially from his time when he was a headteacher. I love that George ploughs his own furrow with a little help from his friends, police staff officer Alice McKenzie, forensic investigator Dr Michael Swift, and of course, Josie Ottey. George is more than capable of getting one over on Warner and as always, I totally root for him.
There is much to praise here. There’s just the right blend of the personal with the investigation. As ever the dynamics between George, his wonderful father Raymond, and his mother, Christine, newly back into his life, are a source of fascination. It’s complex and never dull. There are some terrific scenes, such as in the interview room and in the court room with some scenes that make you gasp in shock.
Overall, this is yet another well written novel which has me gripped throughout. Will George get his “man“ or will Warner beat him to it?
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Aria and Aries for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
DS George Cross , Avon and Somerset Major Crimes Unit #6
80-year-old retired headteacher Alistair Morton is found dead at his cottage and George is on the case, unfortunately not with his usual partner DS Josie Ottey, who is on leave. George has the “misfortune“ to be working first with his boss, DCI Ben Carson, and subsequently, the even greater misfortune to be working with DI Bobby Warner, temporarily drafted in from Kent. Who would want Morton dead? The deeper George digs, the more the questionmarks appear. However, what is patently obvious from the start is that Warner and George are on a collision course.
This is another excellent addition to a series, which I really like. I love George who has become a firm favourite in police procedural/mystery/thrillers. He has autism spectrum disorder or condition as he prefers, which makes him an excellent officer as his record substantiates. Such a pity that Warner doesn’t appreciate George in the way he should be appreciated
but what this does do is to create a fascinating storyline. Warner starts off as arrogantly obnoxious and becomes even more odious with time and parts of this storytelling are dark. There’s some excellent interaction between George and Warner, one which is farcically funny but it becomes less funny with every passing offensive insult from Warner. Whilst he is a character to loathe he does bring a gritty edge to the evolving multilayered plot.
The deeper George’s investigation into Morton goes, the more cans of worms are opened with a widening suspect pool. Morton proves to be a man who invokes strong emotions, especially from his time when he was a headteacher. I love that George ploughs his own furrow with a little help from his friends, police staff officer Alice McKenzie, forensic investigator Dr Michael Swift, and of course, Josie Ottey. George is more than capable of getting one over on Warner and as always, I totally root for him.
There is much to praise here. There’s just the right blend of the personal with the investigation. As ever the dynamics between George, his wonderful father Raymond, and his mother, Christine, newly back into his life, are a source of fascination. It’s complex and never dull. There are some terrific scenes, such as in the interview room and in the court room with some scenes that make you gasp in shock.
Overall, this is yet another well written novel which has me gripped throughout. Will George get his “man“ or will Warner beat him to it?
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Aria and Aries for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
March 17, 2026
Tim Sullivan’s DS Cross series has become a true favorite of mine. And The Teacher lived up to my expectations. There’s just something so fun and satisfying about seeing George put all those pompous douche bags in their place, even when he doesn’t realize he’s doing it. He just has his own very strict measures for how to solve a case and woe to those that doubt his abilities.
An 80 year old man is found murdered in his home. And to all appearances, it would seem his neighbor is to blame. Josie is on vacation, moving into a new home, so, a DI has been shipped in from another precinct. And let’s just say he isn’t willing to put up with George’s idiosyncrasies. Alice Mackenzie has a larger role in this story and is one of several shining stars.
A heads up that this plot takes a darker turn for the team.
Sullivan manages to provide multiple twists and turns. I had my suspicions about the murderer (something George would definitely frown upon as only hard evidence counts) but the real trick was in how George actually puts the case together to prove it all.
I recommend this and the entire series to fans of Peter Grainger and any other series that combines a good chuckle with a smart mystery. While the blurb I read says the series can be read in any order, I recommend having at least read The Dentist (#1 in the series) first.
I listened to this and it’s a great audio experience with Finlay Robertson as the narrator.
An 80 year old man is found murdered in his home. And to all appearances, it would seem his neighbor is to blame. Josie is on vacation, moving into a new home, so, a DI has been shipped in from another precinct. And let’s just say he isn’t willing to put up with George’s idiosyncrasies. Alice Mackenzie has a larger role in this story and is one of several shining stars.
A heads up that this plot takes a darker turn for the team.
Sullivan manages to provide multiple twists and turns. I had my suspicions about the murderer (something George would definitely frown upon as only hard evidence counts) but the real trick was in how George actually puts the case together to prove it all.
I recommend this and the entire series to fans of Peter Grainger and any other series that combines a good chuckle with a smart mystery. While the blurb I read says the series can be read in any order, I recommend having at least read The Dentist (#1 in the series) first.
I listened to this and it’s a great audio experience with Finlay Robertson as the narrator.
January 1, 2024
I was pleased to receive the ARC from NetGalley and the publisher. I had never read the DS Cross mysteries by Tim Sullivan, but I had seen positive reviews and ratings. This was an excerpt from the first nineteen chapters of the book with a fascinating detective, George Cross, featured in six thrillers. He has been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, and this makes him seem blunt and his interactions unusual. He is admired for his thorough investigations, intense observations, and strict adherence to protocol. He has a high success rate for solving crimes.
While his regular partner is on leave, he is assigned a temporary partner. The man has no patience in trying to understand DS Cross or to cooperate with him. In fact, he seems to be trying to upset him, but Cross remains placid and without any show of emotion. A man aged in his eighties has been stabbed to death, and the new partner is rushing to close the case. He believes he has the culprit and the murder weapon. Cross seems sceptical. There are many suspects with reason to dislike the murder victim.
The publication date is set for January 18. I want to read the outcome of this mystery and other books in the series.
While his regular partner is on leave, he is assigned a temporary partner. The man has no patience in trying to understand DS Cross or to cooperate with him. In fact, he seems to be trying to upset him, but Cross remains placid and without any show of emotion. A man aged in his eighties has been stabbed to death, and the new partner is rushing to close the case. He believes he has the culprit and the murder weapon. Cross seems sceptical. There are many suspects with reason to dislike the murder victim.
The publication date is set for January 18. I want to read the outcome of this mystery and other books in the series.
June 16, 2026
I love this series so much, I’m so afraid it will end soon like so many other series do !!! I think I have two more to read that I’ve already been written !! The only thing I didn’t like about this book because there was some child abuse which I skimmed over.
September 2, 2024
4 brilliant stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ !
Terrific writing and storytelling!
Great character’s development.
The development of the storyline was slow but engrossing.
I can hardly wait for the next installment, coming next year.
Terrific writing and storytelling!
Great character’s development.
The development of the storyline was slow but engrossing.
I can hardly wait for the next installment, coming next year.
January 24, 2026
Why would someone want to murder Moreton, a man who seems like a kindly old teacher? Cross and Carson are on the scene, as Ottey is on temporary leave. Her replacement is the obnoxious SIO Warner, who takes a strong dislike to the autistic Cross. Warner wants the case closed, and rushes to arrest someone who has had several disagreements with the victim who, it turns out, was not a very nice man after all. There are no shortage of suspects--the victim was a sadistic bully in his role as headmaster many years ago and neighbors found him querulous and unpleasant. Surprisingly, the case ultimately hinges on some canine evidence. The story is full of entitled people, from a conceited MP to a dirtbag police officer, but George Cross will not stop until he finds the answers. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.
July 20, 2026
We needed an audiobook to listen to on the way back from Lancashire as we'd finished the Joe Pickett one, so I decided to introduce Simon to DS George Cross. I am so very happy to report that Simon loved it as much as I did and found Tim Sullivan's portrayal of DS Cross' autism spectrum disorder diagnosis very accurate.
In this volume Sullivan tackles corporal punishment and rape. He addresses the long term effects on men from the cruel punishment of a teacher who wielded the cane on every boy in the boarding school. The boys were beaten savagely and their parents either didn't believe them or thought they were exaggerating about the beatings when they return home on a break after six-weeks or so away at school. Now in their fifties, these men become emotional when referring to this past cruelty and it's evident that it has left deep psychological scars.
Then, he addresses the vulnerability of young female police officers in a male dominated profession. It's not until six women have been raped or sexually assaulted that they feel empowered to speak up to their superiors and move forward to prosecute the police officer responsible. As individuals, they have not been listened to and have been in fear of putting their careers in jeopardy, but collectively they have power.
Sullivan treats his topics with thoroughness and sensitivity. This is a complex story and Simon and I enjoyed the unravelling of the investigation.
At the beginning, DS Ottey is moving house and her mum is moving in with her. It was interesting to walk with her through this transition.
This story included going through a trial in a court room and I enjoyed listening to the process. When Cross and Ottey finally 'get their man' I thought how much time and money would be saved if people would just confess already! To expand on that thought, I wondered about how many people's lives are turned over in the search for the identity of the killer. There is an enormous cost to many people in the search for the one.
Quotes:
"A lot of metal pipes, corrugated iron, lead tiles leant against the silver metallic caravan, as if the Airstream was a powerful magnet that had been placed in the middle of a pile of metallic detritus which had then flown through the air sticking to its sides."
"He wore brown suede loafers with tassels which made MacKenzie dislike him immediately. She'd known blokes like this at university, the well heeled upper middle class who were on the verge of Hooray Henrydom but had just managed to stay this side of the moat."
"Reynolds paused for a moment as if straightening out the creases of his trodden upon dignity, then ushered them into the hall."
"Is that even a word, 'buttle.' Ottey asked." Cross' response: "Of course it is, I would have thought you'd be aware by now that I'm not in the habit of using words that don't exist."
I found the following exploration of lanyard wearing fascinating:
"The world was often divided into distinct groups of people to Ottey's mind. Take lanyards for example, there was one group where people wore them as designed round their necks and another who stuffed them casually into their pockets."
"Even this group had a sub group, those who put them away so that they couldn't be seen and those who let it be seen hanging from their pocket scruffily, as if to ensure their small gesture of rebellion was visible to everyone."
"Cross and Ottey were both lanyard wearers, Warner was a visible lanyard pocket stuffer, but was it a subversive act against an enforced hegemony or a considered sartorial choice?"
Then there is the topic of how people view their place of work:
"There were two groups essentially: the first group treated the office at work as just that, an office at work, functional serving a purpose, existing solely to accommodate the occupier while at their job with rudimentary accessories to facilitate work."
"The other group in this equation, were nesters, people who added personal touches to their office, from simple things like photographs of their partner or children."
"The next level up in the group though was the person who tried to make their office like an extension of their home. These people inhabited their offices rather than simply occupying them, some brought their own chairs, sofas even, potted plants, framed prints, they might even paint the walls."
*Terms I had to look up – drape cut suit and Penhaligon’s perfume.
In this volume Sullivan tackles corporal punishment and rape. He addresses the long term effects on men from the cruel punishment of a teacher who wielded the cane on every boy in the boarding school. The boys were beaten savagely and their parents either didn't believe them or thought they were exaggerating about the beatings when they return home on a break after six-weeks or so away at school. Now in their fifties, these men become emotional when referring to this past cruelty and it's evident that it has left deep psychological scars.
Then, he addresses the vulnerability of young female police officers in a male dominated profession. It's not until six women have been raped or sexually assaulted that they feel empowered to speak up to their superiors and move forward to prosecute the police officer responsible. As individuals, they have not been listened to and have been in fear of putting their careers in jeopardy, but collectively they have power.
Sullivan treats his topics with thoroughness and sensitivity. This is a complex story and Simon and I enjoyed the unravelling of the investigation.
At the beginning, DS Ottey is moving house and her mum is moving in with her. It was interesting to walk with her through this transition.
This story included going through a trial in a court room and I enjoyed listening to the process. When Cross and Ottey finally 'get their man' I thought how much time and money would be saved if people would just confess already! To expand on that thought, I wondered about how many people's lives are turned over in the search for the identity of the killer. There is an enormous cost to many people in the search for the one.
Quotes:
"A lot of metal pipes, corrugated iron, lead tiles leant against the silver metallic caravan, as if the Airstream was a powerful magnet that had been placed in the middle of a pile of metallic detritus which had then flown through the air sticking to its sides."
"He wore brown suede loafers with tassels which made MacKenzie dislike him immediately. She'd known blokes like this at university, the well heeled upper middle class who were on the verge of Hooray Henrydom but had just managed to stay this side of the moat."
"Reynolds paused for a moment as if straightening out the creases of his trodden upon dignity, then ushered them into the hall."
"Is that even a word, 'buttle.' Ottey asked." Cross' response: "Of course it is, I would have thought you'd be aware by now that I'm not in the habit of using words that don't exist."
I found the following exploration of lanyard wearing fascinating:
"The world was often divided into distinct groups of people to Ottey's mind. Take lanyards for example, there was one group where people wore them as designed round their necks and another who stuffed them casually into their pockets."
"Even this group had a sub group, those who put them away so that they couldn't be seen and those who let it be seen hanging from their pocket scruffily, as if to ensure their small gesture of rebellion was visible to everyone."
"Cross and Ottey were both lanyard wearers, Warner was a visible lanyard pocket stuffer, but was it a subversive act against an enforced hegemony or a considered sartorial choice?"
Then there is the topic of how people view their place of work:
"There were two groups essentially: the first group treated the office at work as just that, an office at work, functional serving a purpose, existing solely to accommodate the occupier while at their job with rudimentary accessories to facilitate work."
"The other group in this equation, were nesters, people who added personal touches to their office, from simple things like photographs of their partner or children."
"The next level up in the group though was the person who tried to make their office like an extension of their home. These people inhabited their offices rather than simply occupying them, some brought their own chairs, sofas even, potted plants, framed prints, they might even paint the walls."
*Terms I had to look up – drape cut suit and Penhaligon’s perfume.
January 15, 2024
Detective novel par excellence!
No wonder Stephen Fry calls DS Cross the “perfect detective.”
When I wasn’t feeling sorry for the school boys in the murder victim’s past, I was laughing out loud.
DC Cross has Autism Spectrum Condition which makes him an interesting partner for DC Josey Ottey. Josey is on leave until her living arrangements drive her back to work.
But it’s DC Cross who stands out, oblivious to those around him. His focus is always the case. Detective inspector Warner has been assigned to this particular case from outside. His sarcasm slides off Cross, with Warner frequently left wondering what just happened.
A seriously humorous Occassion has Cross leading Warner a merry chase between two interview rooms.
“ ‘Where did he go?’ [Warner] asked Ottey. She indicated the interview room. He disappeared into it. Moments later Cross appeared and went back into the other room. Warner appeared and followed him next door. Seconds later Cross reappeared and went back into the adjacent room. It was like something out of a Feydeau farce.
Warner appeared looking quite angry now. He reached for the other door. ‘I’d think very carefully about doing that if I were you, sir,’ she said. ‘Oh yeah? And why’s that?’ ‘Because DS Cross is capable of doing this again and again for the rest of the day and well into the night,’ she said. ‘Well so am I,’ he replied.
‘The difference between you though, is that he genuinely won’t be concerned about how ridiculous it makes him appear. The question is, will you?’”
I was much struck by a sense of the ridiculousness as the picture of this Keystone Cops type routine loomed large in my head.
More seriously is the general behavor of DI Warner. He belittles Cross at every turn. He humiliates and sexually harasses the younger women of the force. He views them as a mix between his servants and his to do with as he willed. They best served in bed—preferably his. The women are frightened and angry. Warner feels untouchable.
Warner jumps the gun on who the killer is, and despite Cross being unsure, brings the case to a resounding, triumphant close—until the court case! Cross meanwhile quietly continues to investigate.
Another triumphant novel centred around DC Cross.
An Aria & Aries ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
Please note: Quotes taken from an advanced reading copy maybe subject to change
(Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.)
No wonder Stephen Fry calls DS Cross the “perfect detective.”
When I wasn’t feeling sorry for the school boys in the murder victim’s past, I was laughing out loud.
DC Cross has Autism Spectrum Condition which makes him an interesting partner for DC Josey Ottey. Josey is on leave until her living arrangements drive her back to work.
But it’s DC Cross who stands out, oblivious to those around him. His focus is always the case. Detective inspector Warner has been assigned to this particular case from outside. His sarcasm slides off Cross, with Warner frequently left wondering what just happened.
A seriously humorous Occassion has Cross leading Warner a merry chase between two interview rooms.
“ ‘Where did he go?’ [Warner] asked Ottey. She indicated the interview room. He disappeared into it. Moments later Cross appeared and went back into the other room. Warner appeared and followed him next door. Seconds later Cross reappeared and went back into the adjacent room. It was like something out of a Feydeau farce.
Warner appeared looking quite angry now. He reached for the other door. ‘I’d think very carefully about doing that if I were you, sir,’ she said. ‘Oh yeah? And why’s that?’ ‘Because DS Cross is capable of doing this again and again for the rest of the day and well into the night,’ she said. ‘Well so am I,’ he replied.
‘The difference between you though, is that he genuinely won’t be concerned about how ridiculous it makes him appear. The question is, will you?’”
I was much struck by a sense of the ridiculousness as the picture of this Keystone Cops type routine loomed large in my head.
More seriously is the general behavor of DI Warner. He belittles Cross at every turn. He humiliates and sexually harasses the younger women of the force. He views them as a mix between his servants and his to do with as he willed. They best served in bed—preferably his. The women are frightened and angry. Warner feels untouchable.
Warner jumps the gun on who the killer is, and despite Cross being unsure, brings the case to a resounding, triumphant close—until the court case! Cross meanwhile quietly continues to investigate.
Another triumphant novel centred around DC Cross.
An Aria & Aries ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
Please note: Quotes taken from an advanced reading copy maybe subject to change
(Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.)
April 10, 2026
This was a good murder mystery,Detective Cross is an interesting character as he has some peculiar quirks but is also very good at solving crimes. His partner takes some time off which leaves him with a Detective that doesn’t get along with him and isn’t going to try.He finds away to solve the murder of a teacher who is disliked by everyone even though his partner arrested a innocent man for the crime and won’t even consider another suspect.If you like mysteries give it a try.
December 11, 2024
THE TEACHER is the sixth book in the DS George Cross series, and the best one yet. The mystery part is excellent and the characterization is still top-notch. The author shook up his formula a bit by having George’s regular partner, DS Josie Ossey, off-stage at the beginning, on leave in order to facilitate the house move that was initiated in Book #5, “The Monk”.
George acquires a new partner, DI Bobby Warner, who is the type of detective that George dislikes—Warner focuses only on a few clues, and then charges the first suspect who meets his criteria, ignoring all other inconsistencies in the case. Furthermore, he belittles George and ignores the allowances that DCI Carson has made to accommodate George’s sensory issues, by moving into George’s office alongside him. Finally, he is a “male chauvinist pig”, hitting on Alice Mackenzie even though she makes it clear that she doesn’t appreciate his sexual advances.
The victim is a former headmaster, 80-year-old Alistair Morton, who was disliked by almost everyone in the village of Crockerne, the small town to which he’d retired. And further investigation found that he was also disliked (actually hated) by pupils he had supervised 40 years earlier. So there are plenty of suspects. But DI Warner honed in on one immediately, on the basis of evidence that Cross and his team collected early in the case. It wasn’t that George thought this person was innocent, but rather that not enough evidence had been collected to justify charging him so early in the inquiry. Thus, George, now accompanied by Josie who has returned from her leave, continues to work on the case secretly even though a suspect has been charged. And there are plenty of twists and turns as more evidence was collected. Dr. Michael Swift, forensic investigator, helps George and Josie collect this evidence, so the team now consists of George Cross, Josie Ossey, Michael Swift, and Alice Mackenzie.
Not only is there a complex mystery in THE TEACHER, but the characterization is strong as well. We gain a deeper understanding of DS Josie Ossey’s family situation and more insight into Alice Mackenzie’s strengths. The greatest surprise is DCI Carson, who comes off as more intelligent and insightful than he has previously been given credit for. He tells Warner that George is ’Sherlock Holmes to your Inspector Clouseau.’ And Josie muses that, ’she had to admit that the one person who had come out of all this surprisingly well was her boss Carson. Someone who generally infuriated her before she’d even got into work and before he’d even opened his mouth to speak.’
Furthermore, George is forced to reevaluate his relationship with his father: ’The truth was he was actually quite concerned about being separated from his father. They had always been together in Bristol and even when he decided to leave home, he at least knew that his father was only a matter of minutes away.’ And George’s mother, Christine, starts to play a larger role in his life. George’s small social circle is enlarging.
And there is still plenty of humour. For example, George cannot gain any understanding of the principle behind the ‘six degrees of separation from Kevin Bacon’ paradigm, as shown by a hilarious conversation between him and Josie. And he plays revolving doors with Warner when there are two people to interview. ’It was like something out of a Feydeau farce.’ As Josie says to Warner: ’The difference between you though, is that he genuinely won’t be concerned about how ridiculous it makes him appear. The question is, will you?’
Finally, it might be noted that this story delves into two social issues, sexual harassment, and the caning of young boys at private schools in the past, and how it affected them in adulthood. When the killer is finally unmasked, the reader almost feels sorry for him, after discovering how Morton, the former teacher, treated his pupils and almost everyone else with whom he came in contact.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
My reviews for other books in this series:
The Dentist (DS Cross, #1)
The Cyclist (DS Cross, #2)
The Patient (DS Cross, #3)
The Politician (DS Cross, #4)
The Monk (DS Cross, #5)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
George acquires a new partner, DI Bobby Warner, who is the type of detective that George dislikes—Warner focuses only on a few clues, and then charges the first suspect who meets his criteria, ignoring all other inconsistencies in the case. Furthermore, he belittles George and ignores the allowances that DCI Carson has made to accommodate George’s sensory issues, by moving into George’s office alongside him. Finally, he is a “male chauvinist pig”, hitting on Alice Mackenzie even though she makes it clear that she doesn’t appreciate his sexual advances.
The victim is a former headmaster, 80-year-old Alistair Morton, who was disliked by almost everyone in the village of Crockerne, the small town to which he’d retired. And further investigation found that he was also disliked (actually hated) by pupils he had supervised 40 years earlier. So there are plenty of suspects. But DI Warner honed in on one immediately, on the basis of evidence that Cross and his team collected early in the case. It wasn’t that George thought this person was innocent, but rather that not enough evidence had been collected to justify charging him so early in the inquiry. Thus, George, now accompanied by Josie who has returned from her leave, continues to work on the case secretly even though a suspect has been charged. And there are plenty of twists and turns as more evidence was collected. Dr. Michael Swift, forensic investigator, helps George and Josie collect this evidence, so the team now consists of George Cross, Josie Ossey, Michael Swift, and Alice Mackenzie.
Not only is there a complex mystery in THE TEACHER, but the characterization is strong as well. We gain a deeper understanding of DS Josie Ossey’s family situation and more insight into Alice Mackenzie’s strengths. The greatest surprise is DCI Carson, who comes off as more intelligent and insightful than he has previously been given credit for. He tells Warner that George is ’Sherlock Holmes to your Inspector Clouseau.’ And Josie muses that, ’she had to admit that the one person who had come out of all this surprisingly well was her boss Carson. Someone who generally infuriated her before she’d even got into work and before he’d even opened his mouth to speak.’
Furthermore, George is forced to reevaluate his relationship with his father: ’The truth was he was actually quite concerned about being separated from his father. They had always been together in Bristol and even when he decided to leave home, he at least knew that his father was only a matter of minutes away.’ And George’s mother, Christine, starts to play a larger role in his life. George’s small social circle is enlarging.
And there is still plenty of humour. For example, George cannot gain any understanding of the principle behind the ‘six degrees of separation from Kevin Bacon’ paradigm, as shown by a hilarious conversation between him and Josie. And he plays revolving doors with Warner when there are two people to interview. ’It was like something out of a Feydeau farce.’ As Josie says to Warner: ’The difference between you though, is that he genuinely won’t be concerned about how ridiculous it makes him appear. The question is, will you?’
Finally, it might be noted that this story delves into two social issues, sexual harassment, and the caning of young boys at private schools in the past, and how it affected them in adulthood. When the killer is finally unmasked, the reader almost feels sorry for him, after discovering how Morton, the former teacher, treated his pupils and almost everyone else with whom he came in contact.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
My reviews for other books in this series:
The Dentist (DS Cross, #1)
The Cyclist (DS Cross, #2)
The Patient (DS Cross, #3)
The Politician (DS Cross, #4)
The Monk (DS Cross, #5)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
February 19, 2024
4.0 / 5.0
Again, a solid book from Sullivan picking up from the events of the last book. I enjoyed each aspect the book delved into and the outcome. We truly see the development of George Cross as he navigates through personal and professional life dealing with adversity. I liked how this book touched on the national issues the police force faced and shed light on the underlying issues unspoken of.
The book is about the murder of an 80 year old headteacher found dead in his cottage with a stab wound and broken neck. For once, George is without his detective partner DS Josie Ottey who is on leave as she is moving house. George is paired up with DI Bobby Warner from Kent who leads and manages the investigation. Soon we see the dynamic between Bobby and George which highlights the discrimination and prejudice of current members of the police force towards those of disabilities. I appreciate that the book has spoken/brought this aspect as it adds to the character development of George and provides a understanding that the police force is not perfect. George begins to uncover truths and leads down a path no one expected - a thrilling read.
I quite like the character development of George in this book as it comes across very natural and not forced, we are able to understand how he processes difficult emotions and communicates to his close peers about the issues he faces. As well as the witty dry humour George has. Overall this is great read, but I have to say that you wont be able to read as a standalone. The development of the cast surrounding George has been built up over the series of books, reading this as a standalone piece would be difficult to understand.
I do want to give a warning out to those that are reading that there are sexual violence and scenes that some may find distressing. I am intriguied in the direction of the series and what happens next. But overall, good book, good series - you wont be disappointed.
Again, a solid book from Sullivan picking up from the events of the last book. I enjoyed each aspect the book delved into and the outcome. We truly see the development of George Cross as he navigates through personal and professional life dealing with adversity. I liked how this book touched on the national issues the police force faced and shed light on the underlying issues unspoken of.
The book is about the murder of an 80 year old headteacher found dead in his cottage with a stab wound and broken neck. For once, George is without his detective partner DS Josie Ottey who is on leave as she is moving house. George is paired up with DI Bobby Warner from Kent who leads and manages the investigation. Soon we see the dynamic between Bobby and George which highlights the discrimination and prejudice of current members of the police force towards those of disabilities. I appreciate that the book has spoken/brought this aspect as it adds to the character development of George and provides a understanding that the police force is not perfect. George begins to uncover truths and leads down a path no one expected - a thrilling read.
I quite like the character development of George in this book as it comes across very natural and not forced, we are able to understand how he processes difficult emotions and communicates to his close peers about the issues he faces. As well as the witty dry humour George has. Overall this is great read, but I have to say that you wont be able to read as a standalone. The development of the cast surrounding George has been built up over the series of books, reading this as a standalone piece would be difficult to understand.
I do want to give a warning out to those that are reading that there are sexual violence and scenes that some may find distressing. I am intriguied in the direction of the series and what happens next. But overall, good book, good series - you wont be disappointed.
April 29, 2026
*Maintaining a Facade*
After a brief break, it was wonderful to reunite with DS George Cross. I’m trying to space out the series because I adore George, and I quickly got back into his world. This is book six of eight, and I wasn’t disappointed.
In this instalment, DS George Cross and DCI Ben Carsen arrive at the scene of a murder. The victim is a former headmaster known for his strict discipline. His treatment of former pupils led many to form a social media support group to vent their suffering. Many of these men are in their 50s but are deeply affected and yearn for his demise. DS Ottey, usually accompanying George, is on leave due to moving house.
As usual, DCI Ben Carsen craves quick answers, even if they’re not entirely accurate. He is always quick to involve the CPS with scant evidence and never learns.
DI Warner from the Kent police force is renowned for solving cases swiftly. He’ll be stepping in to cover while DS Ottey is away.
However, DI Warner is a vile human being who disrespects George’s autism behaviour and refuses to understand him. He views George as someone who is overindulged and believes the case is solved. George protests, but Carsen believes the evidence is damning. George is the master of tying up loose ends, so none of this sits well with him. DI Warner dismisses additional evidence and, with DCI Carsen supporting him, thinks he can lord it over George. But how will he work out at court?
It’s interesting that whenever George’s remarkable record of solving crimes is mentioned, he always adds “by far”.
Despite the case being closed, George continues to investigate it discreetly with the help of civilian investigator Alice.
When DS Ottey returns early from her vacation, she discovers disturbing information about Warner from the force he’s currently working at. There’s a terrible scene involving Alice that was shocking, but I don’t want to give away all the details.
Two main stories unfold. There are a few suspects, but one is shouting the loudest from a position of privilege.
Will this be the first case that overwhelms George?
After a brief break, it was wonderful to reunite with DS George Cross. I’m trying to space out the series because I adore George, and I quickly got back into his world. This is book six of eight, and I wasn’t disappointed.
In this instalment, DS George Cross and DCI Ben Carsen arrive at the scene of a murder. The victim is a former headmaster known for his strict discipline. His treatment of former pupils led many to form a social media support group to vent their suffering. Many of these men are in their 50s but are deeply affected and yearn for his demise. DS Ottey, usually accompanying George, is on leave due to moving house.
As usual, DCI Ben Carsen craves quick answers, even if they’re not entirely accurate. He is always quick to involve the CPS with scant evidence and never learns.
DI Warner from the Kent police force is renowned for solving cases swiftly. He’ll be stepping in to cover while DS Ottey is away.
However, DI Warner is a vile human being who disrespects George’s autism behaviour and refuses to understand him. He views George as someone who is overindulged and believes the case is solved. George protests, but Carsen believes the evidence is damning. George is the master of tying up loose ends, so none of this sits well with him. DI Warner dismisses additional evidence and, with DCI Carsen supporting him, thinks he can lord it over George. But how will he work out at court?
It’s interesting that whenever George’s remarkable record of solving crimes is mentioned, he always adds “by far”.
Despite the case being closed, George continues to investigate it discreetly with the help of civilian investigator Alice.
When DS Ottey returns early from her vacation, she discovers disturbing information about Warner from the force he’s currently working at. There’s a terrible scene involving Alice that was shocking, but I don’t want to give away all the details.
Two main stories unfold. There are a few suspects, but one is shouting the loudest from a position of privilege.
Will this be the first case that overwhelms George?
January 8, 2024
I joined George Cross’s legion of fans when I read the previous book in the series, The Monk. All the things I loved about him then are evident again in The Teacher: his dogged determination, his truthfulness and his amazing observational and deductive skills.
I like how the author, Tim Sullivan, presents a neurodivergent character in a positive way, emphasising his unique abilities as well as his challenges, such as dealing with his father’s unexpected decision to take a foreign holiday. George’s relationship with his father is one of the gentle joys of the book, as is George’s friendship with local priest, Stephen.
I was pleased when DS Josie Ottey’s patience with her mother was exhausted and she returned to work earlier than expected because she and George make a great team. Which is more than can be said for the detective George is initially paired with – DI Ben Warner. Misogynistic dinosaur is the phrase that comes to mind. I hated his prejudiced and dismissive attitude towards George and was glad when he was forced to confront the consequences of his actions. He’s not even a good detective, leaping to conclusions, relying on his supposedly unerring ‘gut instincts’ and ignoring inconvenient facts in his haste to close a case. It’s a good job George is there to fill in the gaps. As DCI Carson says to Warner, ‘When something occurs to George, that things aren’t right, nine out of ten times he’s right’. As it turns out, this is one of those nine times.
The Teacher is another skilfully crafted crime novel but it’s definitely not ‘cosy’. As well as being an intriguing mystery, it deals with serious issues such as ‘county lines’ drug dealing, physical and sexual abuse, organisational corruption and addiction.
I like how the author, Tim Sullivan, presents a neurodivergent character in a positive way, emphasising his unique abilities as well as his challenges, such as dealing with his father’s unexpected decision to take a foreign holiday. George’s relationship with his father is one of the gentle joys of the book, as is George’s friendship with local priest, Stephen.
I was pleased when DS Josie Ottey’s patience with her mother was exhausted and she returned to work earlier than expected because she and George make a great team. Which is more than can be said for the detective George is initially paired with – DI Ben Warner. Misogynistic dinosaur is the phrase that comes to mind. I hated his prejudiced and dismissive attitude towards George and was glad when he was forced to confront the consequences of his actions. He’s not even a good detective, leaping to conclusions, relying on his supposedly unerring ‘gut instincts’ and ignoring inconvenient facts in his haste to close a case. It’s a good job George is there to fill in the gaps. As DCI Carson says to Warner, ‘When something occurs to George, that things aren’t right, nine out of ten times he’s right’. As it turns out, this is one of those nine times.
The Teacher is another skilfully crafted crime novel but it’s definitely not ‘cosy’. As well as being an intriguing mystery, it deals with serious issues such as ‘county lines’ drug dealing, physical and sexual abuse, organisational corruption and addiction.
March 17, 2025
This was a great installment in one of my favorite detective series. I liked the multiple antagonists in this one and I love how the author develops the secondary characters. This turns a basic series into something special and more complex, with familial relationships providing depth. I love how the author handles George’s neurodivergence, and how supportive those whom love him are. I’ll be reading the next book in the series ASAP.
November 16, 2023
I received a copy of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley.
I have not read any of the other books in this series, which feature autistic DS Cross, who has the best conviction rate of any detective in the Avon and Somerset police. I can see how his character would become endearing, but the autism aspect was played for laughs most of the time, and I couldn't quite understand how such an intelligent man wouldn't have learnt that non-autistic people use figures of speech and that his brutal honesty is experienced by others as rude and hostile at times.
The actual plot was pretty good, although it felt long, and consisted of various people being suspected, investigated and dismissed in turn. There was a sub-plot about a sexual predator/rapist in the police force which felt a bit tacked-on, and a lot about DS Cross' parents and his fears about them flying which again seemed entirely extraneous to me, but if you have been with DS Cross from the beginning might have made more sense.
I don't think I will seek these out, but it was a solid read.
I have not read any of the other books in this series, which feature autistic DS Cross, who has the best conviction rate of any detective in the Avon and Somerset police. I can see how his character would become endearing, but the autism aspect was played for laughs most of the time, and I couldn't quite understand how such an intelligent man wouldn't have learnt that non-autistic people use figures of speech and that his brutal honesty is experienced by others as rude and hostile at times.
The actual plot was pretty good, although it felt long, and consisted of various people being suspected, investigated and dismissed in turn. There was a sub-plot about a sexual predator/rapist in the police force which felt a bit tacked-on, and a lot about DS Cross' parents and his fears about them flying which again seemed entirely extraneous to me, but if you have been with DS Cross from the beginning might have made more sense.
I don't think I will seek these out, but it was a solid read.
September 17, 2023
I enjoyed this extract and I’m looking forward to reading the rest of the book. The characters are interesting
March 26, 2026
Alistair Moreton, ex headmaster, is found dead at the foot of his stairs with a stab wound to his chest. Cross begins the case but with Ottey on leave as she moves house, DI Bobby Warner is assigned as Senior Investigating Officer. Unfortunately, he has no respect for George and when he oversteps the mark one too many times, George decides to take matters into his own hands and investigate alone - with help from Mackenzie and Swift.
And he's going to need the help because Moreton has no end of enemies, from the neighbours to the villagers in Crockerne, a whole host of ex-pupils and even a top civil servant. It seems everyone had a reason to kill Alistair Moreton.
But as George investigates, Warner rushes to arrest a suspect knowing he has the right man. Has George finally got it wrong with measured and meticulous approach?
You would think it hard to improve on perfection but Tim Sullivan seems to manage it. These books are funny and touching and clever. George is such a great character with a team who complement his skills while often being baffled by his behaviour. Along with peripheral characters such as Raymond, Stephen and Ottey's family it is a wonderful combination.
Excellent again. Very highly recommended.
Thankyou to Netgalley and Grove Atlantic for the digital review copy. Very much appreciated.
And he's going to need the help because Moreton has no end of enemies, from the neighbours to the villagers in Crockerne, a whole host of ex-pupils and even a top civil servant. It seems everyone had a reason to kill Alistair Moreton.
But as George investigates, Warner rushes to arrest a suspect knowing he has the right man. Has George finally got it wrong with measured and meticulous approach?
You would think it hard to improve on perfection but Tim Sullivan seems to manage it. These books are funny and touching and clever. George is such a great character with a team who complement his skills while often being baffled by his behaviour. Along with peripheral characters such as Raymond, Stephen and Ottey's family it is a wonderful combination.
Excellent again. Very highly recommended.
Thankyou to Netgalley and Grove Atlantic for the digital review copy. Very much appreciated.
January 18, 2024
Intriguing and engaging murder mystery with plenty of leads and red herrings and some excellent well developed characters.
The prose is quite tongue in cheek and there are some real gems of one liners which had me giggling to myself. There are also some very poignant comments on life and death and mourning those who have left us which were exquisitely written and excellently observed. It has a feel of cosy crime and isn’t overly gory so it was a great book to snuggle up with on a bleak winter evening, a bit like Sunday night tv. My copy was an excerpt of an advance reader copy so the ‘ending’ definitely left me wanting to know more.
The prose is quite tongue in cheek and there are some real gems of one liners which had me giggling to myself. There are also some very poignant comments on life and death and mourning those who have left us which were exquisitely written and excellently observed. It has a feel of cosy crime and isn’t overly gory so it was a great book to snuggle up with on a bleak winter evening, a bit like Sunday night tv. My copy was an excerpt of an advance reader copy so the ‘ending’ definitely left me wanting to know more.
August 15, 2025
Friends recommended ™ sullivan's George Cross series to me and it's strong enough to withstand the fact that I started with this, number 6 in the series.
The characters and plots are strong, and laced with humour.
i'm about to binge the series, whatever I can get from our library in whatever order they turn up.
The characters and plots are strong, and laced with humour.
i'm about to binge the series, whatever I can get from our library in whatever order they turn up.
August 10, 2026
'What? Why, George? Why must you always do this?'Another absolute winner - in what appears to me to be a flawless series. I guess we could all find reasons to quibble when we make our way through a series. But a) I'm not particularly 'a series guy', and b) any quibbles I might have are so small that they'd barely register with a microscope. It's just as easy to lean toward feeling the series tends to be flawless.
'Do what? My job?' Cross replied.
One thing that strikes me as unique about Sullivan as a storyteller is that he has two invaluable assets. In his past, Sullivan has been both a screenwriter (adapting other people's work) as well as a film/tv director.
Awareness of and experience with things like pacing, editing, timing, narrative economy - not to mention working closely with actors, seeing up close how they work and think... all of these things seem integral in Sullivan's work.
And to top it all off, he apparently has the DNA of a born storyteller. ~ which is to say, no doubt he goes through drafts, and receives assistance from an editor- but, still, the final outcome always seems to have the ring of familiarity; the undeniable feel and rhythm of a singular artist.
First and foremost, Sullivan's novels hinge inextricably on his protagonist, George Cross. There really isn't a page (or so it seems) that is not completely immersed in George's reality:
He walked over to the window and opened it.As well, as readers, we strongly benefit from the way Sullivan establishes personal growth in his subordinate characters in order to give his protagonist firmer ground:
'Good idea, it is rather stuffy in here, don't you think?' Tamsin asked Cross.
'Not particularly,' answered Cross. 'I've opened the window because I find you and your husband's liberal application of perfume nauseating.'
'Do you know who I've had on the phone this morning, George?' he asked.
'I do not. Do you want me to find out for you?' George replied.
'I think you'll find our ranks are filled with neurodiverse people,' replied Carson.From what I can tell throughout these entries, Sullivan is joined at the hip to the element of surprise, redefining that element from book to book in a way that recalls Fred Astaire's approach to screen-dancing (never repeat the same moves twice).
'Well, that would explain a lot about the current state of the police force,' Moreton responded. Warner laughed st this until he became aware of Carson's glare and he stopped.
'Sorry, not terribly woke of me,' said Moreton.
'No, not at all,' agreed Carson. 'Just terribly offensive.'
In this novel, for instance, Sullivan gives us 'competing' villains, two characters who are equally repugnant. Villains, of course, are de rigueur for mysteries but, here, Sullivan presents them as a particularly explosive double-whammy.
As I've made my held-in-the-grip way through the Cross novels, I've become increasingly conscious of the fact that what's never most important about these books is 'whodunit', though, yes, that is ultimately 'the point'. Rather, Sullivan's sub-obsession rests with 'Why do people lie?'
That question can hinge on many (at times surprising) possibilities - as opposed to an actual crime, which tends to house a finite root (i.e., money / power / revenge / mental aberration). Time and again, a Cross mystery revisits the cavernous reservoir of constructed deception.
In short, a Cross book can be the kind of revelation that, for our time, seems unbeatable.
January 23, 2024
Three stars means I believe the author achieved their aims and it’s a good book but that I personally didn’t fall in love with it.
In this case, there was so much about the investigator, George Cross, that I could not help but critique his presentation. Having worked with many individuals on the autism spectrum I do appreciate they are just that - individuals - and so the fictitious George Cross would be too. However, the one thing every single colleague with autism has had in common has been an awareness of how their behaviour impacts on neurotypical colleagues, friends and family, and it seemed astonishing to me that someone capable of the level of observation Cross brought to the case would be incapable of observing the reactions of those around him.
I also wasn’t keen on the sub-plot of a sexual predator within the police force. I’m not sure if the intention is to pick this up in the next book in the series, but as soon as this came to light I was far, far more interested in what was going to happen to the women who were assaulted that I was in the ongoing murder investigation.
And then the murderer turned out to be the person that police would have investigated most thoroughly when the murder investigation started, and the solution was quite quick to discover once they actually started to look into them.
All in all, it’s fair to say that George Cross and his investigation were not for me. However, they may well be for you - lots of five stars awarded by other readers who love DI Cross.
Three word review: veers into stereotyping
In this case, there was so much about the investigator, George Cross, that I could not help but critique his presentation. Having worked with many individuals on the autism spectrum I do appreciate they are just that - individuals - and so the fictitious George Cross would be too. However, the one thing every single colleague with autism has had in common has been an awareness of how their behaviour impacts on neurotypical colleagues, friends and family, and it seemed astonishing to me that someone capable of the level of observation Cross brought to the case would be incapable of observing the reactions of those around him.
I also wasn’t keen on the sub-plot of a sexual predator within the police force. I’m not sure if the intention is to pick this up in the next book in the series, but as soon as this came to light I was far, far more interested in what was going to happen to the women who were assaulted that I was in the ongoing murder investigation.
And then the murderer turned out to be the person that police would have investigated most thoroughly when the murder investigation started, and the solution was quite quick to discover once they actually started to look into them.
All in all, it’s fair to say that George Cross and his investigation were not for me. However, they may well be for you - lots of five stars awarded by other readers who love DI Cross.
Three word review: veers into stereotyping
January 18, 2024
How wonderful to have a neurodivergent DS in these police procedural/ crime books.
Set in Bristol with the Avon and Somerset Police force, we once again find out how well George Cross solves murders, how well he puts people in their place, and how frustrating he must be to work alongside!
His literal-ness, his need for a guidance book on social skills from partner Josie Ottey, and his minute attention to detail make Cross an unusual hero, but a very loveable one.
The dialogue between him and other officers is funny because you can just imagine how irritated his colleagues can be with him, and yet because George cannot play social games and therefore is not knowingly deceitful, untrustworthy, conniving or status seeking, you just want him to come out in the lead and finish every investigation with a gold medal.
Infinitely readable and hugely enjoyable, the DC George Cross books come highly recommended. This is the second book I have read via Pigeonhole - thanks PH - and I am currently reading the series from the beginning, starting at book 1 The Dentist.
Set in Bristol with the Avon and Somerset Police force, we once again find out how well George Cross solves murders, how well he puts people in their place, and how frustrating he must be to work alongside!
His literal-ness, his need for a guidance book on social skills from partner Josie Ottey, and his minute attention to detail make Cross an unusual hero, but a very loveable one.
The dialogue between him and other officers is funny because you can just imagine how irritated his colleagues can be with him, and yet because George cannot play social games and therefore is not knowingly deceitful, untrustworthy, conniving or status seeking, you just want him to come out in the lead and finish every investigation with a gold medal.
Infinitely readable and hugely enjoyable, the DC George Cross books come highly recommended. This is the second book I have read via Pigeonhole - thanks PH - and I am currently reading the series from the beginning, starting at book 1 The Dentist.
March 16, 2024
Quite gripping. I read the series of six books so far. Each book is generally better than the one before. Contemporary British murder mystery series set in Bristol, the Avon and Somerset Major Crime Unit. This is a solid police procedural series with a good cast of characters, with the main detective DS George Cross similar to television character Monk, but with a focus on Asperger syndrome / autism spectrum. I read and alternatively listened. The audio narration is good, kindle book is free to Unlimited membership.
April 27, 2024
This is a really enjoyable book. I haven't read any of the others in the series, which I now must, but it didn't seem to matter. The characters are so well described that one is drawn into the setting right from the beginning.
The plot is brilliant and beautifully set out, pulling the reader along at a good pace. There is humour and sadness. I found an underlying and very poignant message about people and children who are affected for the rest of their lives when they tell the truth and are not believed. Lives can be ruined and twisted by the refusal of parents or those in authority to listen carefully and not rush to judgement. There's a lesson for everyone here, and the author - who makes it plain in his acknowledgements that he took has been a victim - puts it across plainly and cleverly.
Five stars and highly recommended. Would I read it again? Definitely!
The plot is brilliant and beautifully set out, pulling the reader along at a good pace. There is humour and sadness. I found an underlying and very poignant message about people and children who are affected for the rest of their lives when they tell the truth and are not believed. Lives can be ruined and twisted by the refusal of parents or those in authority to listen carefully and not rush to judgement. There's a lesson for everyone here, and the author - who makes it plain in his acknowledgements that he took has been a victim - puts it across plainly and cleverly.
Five stars and highly recommended. Would I read it again? Definitely!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 22, 2024
This is a unique crime drama featuring Detective George Cross who has autism but is an expert at solving cases. So when once-headmaster, Alistair is found murdered, there are many suspects as he was "famous" for caning his students when they misbehaved. He even went so far as naming his canes and concealing them in an umbrella. His son, Sandy worked with him but was better liked by students and is eager to help Cross with his investigation. There are many suspects and there is an abundance of evidence: dog hairs, neighbors who didn't like him, ex-students who have held grudges, and then the opioids found in Alistair's system. But Cross is determined and relentless; he is meticulous in his investigation and will let nothing and no one get in his way! I look forward to more of his adventures as he's often laugh-out-loud funny in his eccentricity!
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC!
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC!
April 3, 2024
OMG! DS George Cross is the character I never knew I needed and wanted. What a refreshing character! I absolutely adore him. I want to mother him, be his partner, and bathe in his unintentional and sometimes sneakily sarcasm and wit. His dry barbs and one-liners are hilarious at times and even more amusing when you realise it is intentional. I loved all the characters and the way they have to change their ways to accommodate George and his little nuances, yet appreciating just how extraordinary he is, no matter how infuriating. I have never read about a police officer with Aspergers, but this series goes a long way in showing how someone's perceived disability actually gives them the thought processes and ability to see the wood for the trees, someone who leaves no stone unturned and someone who very, very rarely fails to get a conviction because his cases are so watertight.
January 22, 2024
Have you read any of the DS George Cross mysteries?
It’s been great being back in the world of George Cross - he certainly one of my favourite detectives.
George is a great character- adapt at the minute details and with a compulsion for process and following the rules, his personality is wonderful and those that appreciate his eccentricities learn how valuable he is.
On that note his interactions with Warner are hilarious even if Warner is a dinosaur in his attitude to all many things - I loved seeing how George could wind him up with realising.
With the unexplained murder to investigate, George and the team need to work hard at working with eachother as well as solving the mystery.
As with the other DS Cross mysteries, this is not a cosy crime read and deals with some hard hitting topics like County Lines and sexual abuse, but Tim Sullivan is able to weave a clever mystery plot into the brilliant characterisation of George and the others.
It’s been great being back in the world of George Cross - he certainly one of my favourite detectives.
George is a great character- adapt at the minute details and with a compulsion for process and following the rules, his personality is wonderful and those that appreciate his eccentricities learn how valuable he is.
On that note his interactions with Warner are hilarious even if Warner is a dinosaur in his attitude to all many things - I loved seeing how George could wind him up with realising.
With the unexplained murder to investigate, George and the team need to work hard at working with eachother as well as solving the mystery.
As with the other DS Cross mysteries, this is not a cosy crime read and deals with some hard hitting topics like County Lines and sexual abuse, but Tim Sullivan is able to weave a clever mystery plot into the brilliant characterisation of George and the others.
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