Thank you so much for the ARC of this book I think I have a new addiction to Tim's books.
As always a great storyline and great read, please keep them coming.
I can highly recommend as these are so well written.

The sixth installment of the DS Cross series, by British bestselling author, Tim Sullivan, The Politician, is a fascinating story with fascinating characters. Those readers who are familiar with the protagonist, DS George Cross will immediately grab this book. Those who aren’t familiar with him will read this book and plan to read all of the previous novels in the series. A prominent politician is found murdered in her home, and Cross, who is tolerated because of his stellar ability to solve murders, is assigned to the highly publicized murder. There are plenty of suspects, including her husband, son, and others in the community who have been shut down by her political advocacy.

Sullivan, who is also a successful screen writer, does an excellent job of telling the story with plenty of ups and downs, as well as plenty of suspects to investigate. Not only is George Cross well-developed, he is one of the most unique characters in modern literature. Anyone who knows someone with Ausberger’s or other maladies on the spectrum will understand why Cross says inappropriate things to those he is investigating (as well as his superiors), and there is plenty of humor in some of these scenarios. Josie Ottey, his patient partner, goes with the flow and nothing surprises her. To most of us, she is a saint, and very good at her job.

While a serious thriller, the humor and characters make it one that is difficult to put down and very enjoyable. Most readers will enjoy the British background of the novel and the British characters. This is one that is recommended, and will insure that readers will want to pick up the other excellent books in the series.

Special thanks to NetGalley for supplying a review copy of this book.

An enjoyable and interesting police procedural. I liked the main character and his interaction with his colleagues.

DS George Cross is fastly becoming one of my most favourite characters out there! I absolutely adore his idiosyncrisites and Tim Sullivan has so brilliantly captured the autism spectrum in such a beautiful way.

This is now #4 in the DS Cross series. I only got into this series through the last book, The Patient, but it doesn't affect the read at all if you haven't read them all previously.

DS George Cross and his extremely understanding partner DS Josie Ottey are tasked with investigating the death of a former politician and ex mayor of Bristol, Peggy Frampton. Peggy was also a huge social media influencer with millions of followers/fans.

Put down as a botched burglary by DCI Ben Carlson , DS Cross does what he does best and challenges this decision. The SIO Chief Superintendent Heather Matthew's, knowing the way DS Cross works leaves him and Josie to investigate.

The case becomes more and more complicated as layer upon layer is peeled away, including connections to an Albanian crime family.

Seeing things differently, due to his autism, George walks around in his own world ith zero social awareness whilst Josie follows behind apologising in his wake. Their relationship is so readable, not only is it relatable and very well portrayed it's also humorous and real.

On a more personal level, George starts to wonder why his Mothervleft when he was a child and finally gets some answers!

*no spoilers* There is SO much about this book that I just want to blurt out but I'm not going to spoil it for anybody... JUST READ THE DARN BOOK!!!! Actually READ THE DAMN SERIES!!!

Huge thanks to netgalley and Head of Zeus, Aria & Aries for the ARC.

This is the fourth novel in this excellent crime thriller series. and the books and storylines continue to keep you page turning. All the books in the DS Cross series involve two great main characters with ever changing and twisting plots, and this novel is no different
It is only recently that I discovered Tim Sullivan but so glad I did
I highly recommend this series and can't wait for the next book

Thanks to Aria and Aries and NetGalley for ARC.

Former mayor Peggy Frampton is found dead in her home, after what appears to be a burglary gone wrong, Peggy had her admirers, as a local agony aunt on social media, and her detractors, who objected to her policies on conservation and sustainability.

DS George Cross isn't jumping to any conclusions, and methodically pieces together all the various threads of this case. Cross is an unusual detective, which can cause difficulties with his work mates but never with his work. His neurodiversity has its advantages and some reasonable adjustments need to be made in the workplace to accommodate his needs.

This is the fourth in the entertaining Bristol-set police procedural series by accomplished screenwriter Tim Sullivan. Although it works very well as a stand-alone, to get to know George and his endlessly patient colleagues and wider circle, it might be better to start at the beginning.

DS George Cross is socially awkward and often has trouble relating to people. But he is a good detective. A very good detective. With the help of his assistant, DS Josie Ottley, who does have interpersonal skills, they investigate the death of a former Bristol mayor and on-line influencer. At first it appears to be a simple burglary gone terribly wrong, but George isn’t convinced it’s that simple.

The Politician is such an enjoyable book. The character-driven story is well-written, the plot is well-conceived, and the meticulous way George approaches the investigation is fascinating. The interactions of the various characters and the way they tolerated George’s shortcomings and appreciate his investigative abilities is refreshing.

I found it difficult to put this book aside. Although it is the fourth book in the DS Cross series by Tim Sullivan, I had no difficulty reading it as a stand-alone. But, I definitely plan to read the previous books.

Thank you, Mr Sullivan, for a great book.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing a copy of this book for review.

I really enjoyed this book. The main characters are likeable and interesting and one of the main characters, Cross, has a very different approach to police investigation which leads to a number of entertaining scenarios.. I could just imagine the conversations happening between the officers. The book has a good finish and I didn’t work out who’d done it until close to the end .. which is always a good thing. Hoping for a series of these books.

I love this series, DS Cross with all his quirks, rational thinking, and the inability of telling lies makes an unforgettable character! He is learning how to relate better with other people but yet he has a lot to look forward to. In The Politician, he works through murder, robbery, and his personal life as his murder shows up on his doorstep and leaves him with many doubts. I hope the following book in the series is published soon!

The Politician by Tim Sullivan
D.S. Cross #4

Concrete, linear, literal, capable, and charming…in his own way…George Cross has won me over and made me a fan. I had no trouble coming into this series on book four and am now curious to read the previous books to find out what has happened before.

What I liked:
* George Cross: police detective sergeant, different, sees the world a bit differently as he is ‘on the spectrum’, never knowingly offends, a bit abrupt, carries a notebook for cases and to track other tidbits he wants to return to, complex and yet simple…really enjoyed getting to know this man.
* Googling to find out more about police who have Asperger’s and/or are ‘on the spectrum’
* Josie Ottey: detective sergeant partnered with George, single parent, has two daughters, has forged her own relationship and understanding of and with George, seems to have had difficulty coping with/understanding George in the past, balances George in some ways
* Raymond: George’s father, learned quite a bit about him and how his past impacted George
* Joseph: a local priest in the church George practices/plays organ in one hour per week
* Chief Superintendent Heather Matthews: brought in by her superior to be in charge of the murder investigation of ex-Mayor Peggy Frampton
* The police procedural aspects of the story and watching George do his thing
* Seeing the dynamics of George and Ottey with the people they work with
* Michael Swift: a bit of a Cross fan, intriguing, intelligent, CSI and forensic scientist, might be developing an interest in Alice MacKenzie
* Alice MacKenzie: staff officer, takes initiative, enjoys working with Swift and Cross, has aspirations
* The plot, pacing, setting, character development, twists, turns, and surprises
* Knowing that there will be another book in the series

What I didn’t like:
* Who and what I was meant not to like
* Having to say goodbye to George and the series

Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I read more in this series? Definitely

Thank you to NetGalley and Aria and Aries for the ARC – This is my honest review.

5 Stars

It's great to have a series with a detective on the autism spectrum plus he's a wonderful character. There were times that his spectrum abilities seemed a little too textbook and not nuanced enough but still a memorable detective has been created. The story is also very readable and I look forward to more from this author.

DS George Cross is just one of those characters that you fall in love with. To me he is unique in fiction, perfect for a police procedural and stickler for routine and following the evidence. Having Asperger’s Syndrome part of Autistic Spectrum Disorder

‘And that is why we put up with him and, if I’m being completely honest, love him – just a little bit, despite ourselves.’  

The Ex mayor of Bristol, Peggy Frampton is found dead at her home in what is intially thought to be a burglary gone wrong. It soon comes to light that this is more complex than first thought and it is in fact premeditated murder. Peggy was an agony aunt and there are soon a plethora suspects for Cross and Ottey to investigate.

What I love about this series is George himself. His lack of social awareness due to his diagnosis but also his attempts to try to rectify this are so so well done. He is a brilliantly endearing character. The supporting cast are wonderful and I just love the dynamic between Cross and Ottey and the buffoonery of Carson the DCI.

There are many twists and turns in what is a really satisfyingly good read. I live the unravelling and we see how George ticks and how his persistence pays off. I also found the side story of the relationship with his father really wonderful too.

Meet George Cross, he’s fabulous!

My thanks to Head of Zeus Aries for an eARC via NetGalley of ‘The Politician’ by Tim Sullivan.

This is Book 4 in Sullivan’s series of police procedurals featuring DS George Cross of the Bristol Major Crime Unit.

Earlier this year I had read and enjoyed ‘The Patient, Book 3 in the series. The author provides enough background on characters and setting that each book works fine as a standalone.

The case involves the death of former mayor Peggy Frampton. It initially looks like a burglary that went horribly wrong. Yet DS George Cross, who is on the spectrum, has a talent for seeing things differently than others and here he quickly spots inconsistencies that point to murder.

Following the end of her political career Peggy had established herself on social media and her forthright opinions had regularly attracted trolls. Added to the suspect pool are members of her highly dysfunctional family and enemies that she had acquired while in office. Lots of folk for DS Cross and his work partner, DS Josie Ottey, to eliminate from the enquiries.

Alongside its tightly plotted case, ‘The Politician’ excels in terms of its characters. The banter between Josie and George was delightful. Then there is Alice Mackenzie, the young police staffer who is quite sensitive to Cross’ quirks and is ever eager to assist.

Two new characters join the ensemble cast: their sympathetic new boss Chief Superintendent Heather Matthews and Forensic Scientist Dr. Michael Swift. The latter quickly endeared himself as he’s clearly a bit eccentric. He is very tall and has been given the office nickname of ‘The Shard’. Like Cross, he has a keen attention to detail. As both he and Mackenzie are big fans of Cross, they team up to assist he and Ottey as much as they can. A possible future couple?

Overall, a great read band it’s easy to see why this series of police procedurals has gained such a strong following.

Total absorption!

It’s a definite! I’m absorbed by DS Cross, a detective who has Asperger’s, his shortcomings in everyday relationships, his lack of social awareness and his dogged pursuit of a case are marvellous. I’m reminded a tad of Stellan Skarsgard’s performing in the tv production River, although Cross and John River are so different.
A high profile activist and counsellor is found dead in her bedroom. Presumed to have been killed by an intruder, a thief.
Then comes a later discovery that valuable family jewellery is missing. Most see the two connected. Cross doesn’t.
The case becomes more complicated as layers upon layers are uncovered, including a link through two sources to an Albanian crime family.
On the personal side Cross is starting to question why his mother disappeared so long ago.
His partner DS Josie Ottey is both annoyed by Cross and yet pleased to be partnered with him. The whole driving aspect was amusing. Josie finds herself part chauffeur and partner. Cross has no ego that necessitates he takes control, only pursuit of the case to the exclusion of others’ feelings. In fact their feelings actually flummox him.
A quirky character, I was delighted, charmed and amused by Cross. By his total focus, and the response to him by others around him. I was inspired to read previous novels in the series. Loved them! Great!

An Aria & Aries ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.

I have read all of the previous books in the DS George Cross series and it’s no brainer that I love them.
Bristol based crime investigation, a very intriguing main character and lots of suspenseful and addictive scenes.  While on the spectrum, Cross is probably one of the best detectives that I have ever read. And with each new book, I love to unveil his personality and so many layers of the complexity of his persona.
This time around, he has to solve a murder that doesn’t really look like one, but more of a burglary as the victim is a former politician and ex mayor. What follows is a series of events that will put Cross in danger at times but also shows how skilled and how intricate his methods work. Some may say that being on the spectrum he is quite straight foreword but I found that actually fascinating and was intrigued to see how his reactions will play out in front of those who he has to investigate. This case is not an easy one as many people attached to the ex politician are trying to hide lots of secrets and addictions.
 
If you’re looking for a suspenseful and addictive read, don’t miss on this book.
 
📖Netgalley arc

The Politician is another very clever, fast-paced read from Tim Sullivan, and DS George Cross has become one of my favourite detectives. His mannerisms are captured brilliantly and I loved his interview techniques in this one.
As in The Patient, it’s been fascinating to see the minds of Cross and Ottey work - their questioning and focus on what is known rather than speculation makes for a superb story. Full of twists and turns the details of the case make for such a gripping read.
The introduction of Matthews and Swift as new characters were the perfect foil for Cross and I hope we’ll meet them again in new stories.
I really enjoyed the subplot of Cross’ family investigation - using all of his detective skills as well as some of the personal advice from Ottey it made me fall that little more for George.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher and all opinions expressed are entirely my own.

The Politician is Book 4 in the DS Cross Mysteries and follows Cross and Ottley as he investigates the death of a politician turned influencer (Peggy) . To add icing to the cake Cross and Ottley have numerous suspects from an unfaithful husband , the son and any one of her readers. I loved that the Character had Asperger Syndrome which was handled quite well. It is a fast paced, whodunit mystery perfect for a night in. Highly recommend.

Enjoyed the unlikely detective George Cross in this Bristol set police procedural with a dead councillor and an organised crime gang

A fantastic novel. Loved the cross and ottey partnership and have downloaded the first book in the series to get to know the characters better

A well done and just twisty enough procedural with a terrific character in DS George Cross. I'd not read the earlier books in the series so I missed a bit, I'm sure, about the team dynamics but one thing is clear- Cross is a clever man who is helped along on social issues by his partner. I liked the Bristol setting. Thanks to netgalley for the ARC. A good read.