DS George Cross, a memorable name and brilliant detective but he's a man on the spectrum which gives Tim Sullivan plenty to write about. A monk goes missing and his body is later discovered in a ditch, strapped to a chair. How he died was quickly deduced, he had taken a sever beating, tortured you might say, then dispatched by an implement causing skull and limb fractures. This is a case for George to solve and it takes him down many paths. Along the way he discovers that some aspects of the monastic life are definitely suited to him. In fact a lot of the novel centres around the monastery. I really liked this angle and especially George's predeliction for all things organ. Yes, he gets to restore a rather lovely old organ that has seen better days. Furthermore, he witnesses the full working of a monastery from the tending of the vegetable plot, to the manicure of lawned perfection, bee keeping and book binding. His favourite time is spent savouring the simple delights of freshly cooked soup and baked bread, eaten in silence and contemplation. I think George has found his spiritual retreat at last.
The Monk does have a funny side too because of George's bluntness and Spock type logic, although most would prefer to laugh with him, not at him, for fear of one of his tirades. (Actually I am uncertain if George is capable of laughing.) Tim Sullivan has certainly found his forte with the character of the DS and also his supporters or should I say handlers? They are very protective of him for sure. However, I think I found a faux pas which wouldn't have passed the DS's lips, here I refer to him saying the news media are quicker than blowflies in finding a corpse, for clearly George had just witnessed the maggots on the victim's body!
It has to be a deserved five stars from me, for plot, wit and pace.

I love DI George Cross, he is a wonderful character and like most people who have read Tim Sullivans books about George, I do think these stories would work wonderfully as a new TV detective series and although I was really looking forward to reading this latest installment The Monk, I found the story has become a bit repetitive when it comes to George's ways and his being on the Autistic spectrum and how he is with people and although at times I did laugh out loud with his interview techniques and how he speaks to people, I do feel it would be nice to focus on his partner Jossie Ottey a little more, she just seems to be kept in the background and is there to throw in the odd comment and drive George about.

The Monk is a good story but it isn't one of my favourites of the series

As we go into the fifth book in the DS Cross Thriller series, it wouldn't be unreasonable to wonder how much mileage there is left in a series featuring a police detective on the spectrum; a series that to some extent adopts some of the same characteristics. DS George Cross likes order and procedure to a far greater degree than even the most assiduous detective. He is not governed by gut feelings or intuition, has a habit of speaking his mind, sometimes in the most inappropriate manner considering the circumstances, with little sense of apparent sensitivity for the families of the victims. Well, the answer is there in the fact that each book so far has shown that DS Cross actually has more reserves of human empathy than you might think, while on the other hand the irrational, instinctive and adherence to social niceties can - certainly to DS Cross - appear even stranger and more disconcerting.

Tim Sullivan, with characteristic skill, lays that out clearly in the critical but customary opening scene of a murder site, setting the tone for what lies ahead. A Benedictine monk, Dominic Augustus, reported missing two days previously, has been found dead, bound to a chair in a ditch, having been brutally beaten before being killed. Cross finds the idea of a holy man being subjected to such an ordeal baffling, but not so much from the view of who would do such a thing to a monk, as why. He isn't impressed either by a constable of the Somerset and Avon police force making a joke at the scene. It really does show how the behaviour of people and their reactions can sometimes be bewildering.

So even though Cross delivers the news to the abbot of the St Eustace monastery with customary bluntness, the response of Father Anselm to the news is unexpected, as is the behaviour of his brotherhood. If the actions and motivations of people in response to a criminal investigation can be difficult to fathom, it's going to be even more difficult to find out why anyone would kill a monk, and even more so trying to conduct an investigation with a group of men close to the victim who are accustomed to silent reflection and inexpressiveness. There is also the fact that Brother Dominic also seemed to be concerned about keeping a low profile, saying little about his previous life as a top city banker.

But then, that's not so different either from the other cases we've seen in the previous DS Cross thrillers. Family continues to be an important line to follow and, as with previous investigations, family tend to close ranks, be protective of each other and try to protect themselves from the trauma of loss. The small community of monks at St Eustace are a kind of family too, just as likely to close ranks to protect their institution. However, Cross knows that statistically that most murders are committed within a family, so nothing can be discounted. The theme might be familiar from previous novels, but Sullivan finds another variation on it here, with the complicating factor that DS Cross is still struggling to come to terms and understand the dynamic in his own personal family life.

As noted before over the course of the series, Sullivan writes much in the manner of his lead character, inevitably adopting some of the conditions of a person with Asperger's Syndrome. He keeps to familiar patterns, in the titles of the books, in the response and method of the police investigation, in the structure of the book and the customs that Cross keeps. It's quiet and methodical, allowing time for information to be absorbed, but just like Cross, he can surprise you by launching into incredible flights of rapid action. Action is perhaps not quite the word, but in the context of one episode here of a police interrogation that takes place on the private plane of a successful businessman, it's an extraordinary change of pace, showing what Cross is capable of, while also laying down in a dramatic manner how the investigation is going to move in a new direction.

Still, while DS Cross's methods are unique and fascinating for a crime detective series, it's his humanity that in the end proves critical to the successful resolution of the case. While his own personal family situation is nothing like those of the high society families he is investigating here, it's the necessity of not just understanding human behaviour and actions, it's feeling them and coming to terms with his position as a son that provides the insight that is needed here. It's not intuition, not just procedure and thorough investigation of evidence, but a willingness - as painful as it might be for him and more difficult to solve than any criminal case - to confront his own humanity. Once again, contrary to appearances, DS Cross seems to have more of it than many others. It's this kind of development that continues to make this an exceptional series.

The latest instalment of Tim Sullivan's DS Cross series sees the enigmatic detective investigating the brutal murder of a Benedictine monk.

Brother Dominic Augustus was responsible for bookbinding, beekeeping and looking after visitors to the monastery and appeared to have no enemies.

George and DI Josie Ottey are initially baffled as to who would want to harm Dominic, but the answers lie in his past life as an investment banker.

As in previous investigations, George's being on the autistic spectrum enables him to see the case in a unique way. Ottey is the perfect foil for him, even though George frustrates her at times.

In another thread to the story, George's mother re-establishes contact with his father, which George initially finds difficult to process. George also has to deal with the victim's connection with the parish priest, Stephen Mount.

This DS Cross investigation is possibly my favourite yet, not least because of how George fits in at the monastery where the silence and simplicity of the way of life enable him to feel relaxed. He also manages to restore the monastery organ, which has fallen into disrepair.

This series would translate wonderfully to television.

I received a digital ARC of this book from Aria and Aries (Head of Zeus), in return for an honest appraisal.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and author for this eARC.

This is my second George Cross read and I have to say George is fast becoming my favourite Detective and I think the pairing of him with Ottey is just brilliant. I absolutely loved this read, I was drawn into the story from the first page and Tim Sullivan grabbed and held my interest all the way through to the end. I love the authors writing style here, his descriptions of Cross, what he is thinking, how others see him, and all the wonderfully humorous moments in the story that made this such a gem of a read. Cross, Ottey and the team investigate a murder of a Monk and have to look into the victims past for clues. This is such a well written book, one I found to be very moreish where I kept thinking I’ll just read a bit more, then a bit more and found myself picking my kindle up again to continue reading at every opportunity. I enjoyed following the team’s investigations and thought I knew who the killer was and was wrong. Cross is such a unique, quirky character who you just can’t help like and root for. I loved the glimpses into his personal life and how he is trying to cope with the reappearance of his mother after a long absence. Overall a brilliant read which I can’t fault because I loved everything about it, I’m still to read the first three books in this series and will do as soon as I can. If you like crime, police procedurals featuring a Detective who is just that little bit different to the norm then look no further although if you’re new to this series I’d recommend you read the books in correct order.

5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Another triumph for Tim Sullivan. These George Cross books would make a brilliant tv series! I'm totally in love with this unique , lovable detective with all his quirks and foibles. Being on the spectrum allows him to say exactly what he thinks, totally uncompromising with the truth and remorseless in seeking out justice. I love his relationship with Father Stephen , at whose church he goes to practice playing the organ. His partner, sergeant Otley is driven to distraction by him but also loves and protects him. This latest outing sees him investigating the brutal murder of a much loved monk Brother Dominic and entails him having to spend a lot of time at the Abbey among the monks, whose lifestyle has great appeal to George.
The author's deep understanding of people in the spectrum shines through his books . His plotlines are intelligent, well researched and thoroughly engaging. There is a freshness and authenticity to his writing that just gets better with each book.
The Monk has it all- brilliant storytelling, engaging characters, humour and humanity. I loved it and cannot wait for the next in the series.

DS George Cross is on the autistic spectrum, he has his foibles and ways of doing things, with a complicated private life involving his father, and a recently returned mother. These books are so well written, there is humour, and understanding throughout.

A body is found taped to an armchair and submerged in water, when the chair is lifted out, people are horrified to find the victim is a Benedictine monk, Father Dominic.

Who was Father Dominic before he took the cloth, how did a monk make enemies?

DS Cross, with DS Ottey, who tries to help with nuances of modern life are forced to look into the life of the monk, and what will they discover.

So original, couldn't put it down. Can't wait until the next one

This is the first book I’ve read in this series by Tim Sullivan and I already love George Cross, a misfit policeman on the autistic spectrum. This has obviously been really well researched, and gives a different view of policing with George’s way of thinking. He is well liked by the few friends he has, as his manner of speaking can so easily be misunderstood. But his thought processes take such a different route to the obvious ones, and being extremely meticulous is an obvious advantage in his chosen career. Loved it. Highly recommended.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.

Another excellent installment from Mr Sullivan involving the strangely likable, certainly quirky detective, George Cross.
I am strangely drawn to this character who has certainly been researched in depth, putting a new dimension to a sometimes overdone genre keeping it fresh all over again.
Tidy, neat plot and a great pace.

After the murder after torture of a monk,brother Dominic, the wheels are set in motion for an investigation by DS George Cross and his partner . George is on the autistic spectrum and although a brilliant investigator can all too easily upset people with his apparent rudeness. After meetings with people at the monastery there is no indication as to why anyone would want to kill a monk. Little is known about his past life but after probing around George finds out he was previously in the banking industry and had made a fortune but had given it up for his faith. Deeper investigation leads to a cottage where the torture took place,which happens to be in the grounds of the banking family who he had worked for. The son of this family had spent time in prison after the collapse of the investment arm of the bank and he blamed brother Dominic for this after he had turned whistleblower after unsustainable losses were discovered.
Alongside this story is the return of Georges mother after she left him as a child and he is unsure how to deal with this..A well written and thought out story with many twists and side stories along the way.

And he does it again!!! Tim Sullivan you have fast become one of my all ti,e favourite authors!

The Monk is the latest installment in the DS George Cross Series and they simply keep getting better and better. As the title suggests, like all previous novels, this installment is based around the murder of a Monk, Brother Dominic Augustus from the Benedictine St Eustaces Monastery.

DS Cross, along with his partner DS Josie Ottey and colleagues from Avon & Somerset police force are tasked with the case of murdered monk. A monk found dumped in a ditch, tied to a chair with obvious signs of torture and beating.

DS Cross attends the monastery to get a feel and understanding of how Brother Dominic lived his life and to speak to his fellow brothers.

George doesn't see things the way others do, his autism helps him see things in a way that others don't, his feelings don't get in the way and he is able to read people from their facial movements and gestures.

The recurring question throughout the book is 'why would anyone want to murder a Monk?', but DS Cross thinks they are asking the right question... in the wrong way!

As always George's personal life is also woven in brilliantly, after the appearance of his mother Christine in the last book, in this novel we see George trying to navigate his relationship which plays havoc with his routine.

Whilst investigating this case, George finds himself immersed in the monastic life, a life that in many ways is perfect for him... quiet, simple and with routine.. if it wasn't for his absolute disbelief in religion! Whilst immersed in this life he comes to find out the church organ is in disrepair, which gives George a task that he takes on with every spare minute he has.

I've really grown to love George Cross with his funny ways and mannerisms and I adore the fact that the author has used someone with autism as such a powerfully minded character. His research on this spectrum is evident in every way and for that I applaud you!

I honestly cannot rate this book or this series highly enough.. if you haven't read it than more fool you!!

I now wait in eager anticipation for the next one!

HUGE thanks to netgalley and Aria & Aries for the ARC.

DS George Cross #5

A horrifying scene confronts DS George Cross and his partner Josie Ottley in Goblin Combe Woodlands with the discovery of a body of a man taped to a chair, face down in a ditch. Further to their shock, this proves to Benedictine monk, Brother Dominic Augustus of St Eustace Monastery fifteen miles away and who has been reported missing two days ago. Who would do such a thing to a person whose life is devoted to prayer? Indeed, this is a question frequently asked throughout .....

What a delight to resume this fantastic series as the more you get to know George the more you love him, which he would be very uncomfortable with! For those unfamiliar with this sequence of novels, George has Autism Spectrum Disorder and his portrayal is superb. You get just the right balance of the personal such as the way George struggles with reappearance of his mother Christine after many years combined with the police investigation he and Josie are conducting. The way George deals with crime is unique and gets results and I love the way that Ottley is the perfect partner often facilitating his seemingly left field thinking which is frequently correct. The other characters are terrific too from his father Raymond to Alice MacKenzie, the police staffer and genius researcher and forensics officer Dr Michael Swift.

I think this is probably the strongest book in a very good series chiefly because the monastery setting is a genius move as the tranquil setting and silent meals are a perfect match for George. You get a strong sense of the Abbey as well as the monks and as we delve deeper into Dominic and his past the plot takes us into some fascinating areas such as the rare books world and the murky waters of the banking crash in 2008. The latter in particular gives more clarity on the character of Dominic and you really get to admire him.

The brisk plot undergoes some well thought out twists and turns, you think you’re all done but no, there are still surprises to come. The interviews George conducts with suspects are especially noteworthy as methinks he should be a political interviewer, there’d be no letting of hooks! There are also some excellent injections of humour.

Overall, this is a terrific series and one I have no hesitation in recommending to fans of the genre. It can be read as a stand-alone but why miss out on the delight of George??!!

With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Aria and Aries for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.

I would like to thank Netgalley and Aria & Aries for an advance copy of The Monk, the fifth novel to feature DS George Cross of Avon and Somerset Police.

The body of a monk is found in rural woodlands. He is quickly identified as Brother Dominic, who was reported missing a few days earlier. Cross wonders why anyone would want to kill a well loved monk and soon finds that the answer my lie in his past.

I thoroughly enjoyed The Monk, which has a plot full of twists and a dash of humour to help the reader along. It is told mostly from Cross and his partner DS Josie Ottey’s points of view, which gives the reader a wider perspective not so much of the investigation but of the way Cross’s quirks are perceived.

The plot is interesting and held my interest throughout, although it has lulls from time to time where it is a bit more plodding. The secret to this novel is victimology as Brother Dominic had a more colourful past than is immediately apparent and some more recent controversy. I didn’t know who to suspect, so I hung on Cross’s every move, much like the rest of the team. Even so, I was still surprised by the final twists.

The novel is all about George Cross, who is on the spectrum. His intemperate speech is amusing, but also highly effective at unsettling witnesses and suspects. It also means that his logic is dissimilar to other people’s so he can make links and see patterns that they can’t. He has no empathy so he can be a bit of a Terminator as he bulldozes his way to the truth, but he’s very endearing. In this novel he’s trying to come to terms with his mother’s reappearance in his life and it’s not going well.

The Monk is a good read that I have no hesitation in recommending.

Another book in the series featuring D.S.George Cross and D.S. Josie Ottey. Very different characters with George Cross an autistic detective with his special "gift" of getting to the root of the problem and upsetting others on the way.
This story is about a murdered Monk found tied to a chair in a ditch and tortured. The Monk , Dominic was resident at the local monastery but no one knows his birth name or his background. George Cross and Josie Ottey embark on a journey to discover exactly who this Monk is . Without that knowledge how can they unearth his killer or why?
A great story,continuing with developing the character George Cross I really hope there is more .The stories have humour and mystery which keeps the reader amused and guessing the outcome all making a great read.

Another brilliant read about DS George Cross, and his partner Ottey. This is an intriguing story, full of twists and turns along the way, with an unusual setting for the crime. The monastery, home to the Benedictine monks, was such an interesting place. As the story progressed, I found myself in the unusual position of wishing I could have met the murder victim, Brother Dominic. The author gives him his own rounded character, and he sounds like a very special human being.
The writing is so clever, the plotting is tight and the narrative never flags. The superb characterisation is what makes the author’s work exceptional in my view.
George’s affinity with the simple and quiet life of the monks is very attractive to George, even though he has no religious belief whatsoever. This is an interesting strand, the premise that this monastic lifestyle could be attractive without the religious aspect. The monastery did offer short ‘retreats’ for those in need of an escape from the world for a few weeks.
George succeeds in embedding himself in the monastic life as he repairs the monastery’s damaged organ, while never losing sight of his hunt for the truth about the murder.
As always, his genius for finding the murderer is unrivalled, though his methods are frequently unorthodox.
I am amused by the way in which George, a very insular and lone individual, due to his Asperger’s, is actually collecting a small circle of friends who really care about him, in spite of his abrasive attitude. I look forward to finding out how this progresses in George’s next story.
My thanks to the author, publisher and Netgalley for my advance copy of this book. I look forward with anticipation to the next in the George Cross series.

Another great story keeping you hooked in to the big question of who done it! Some lovely twists and the characters are as enjoyable as always.

Another excellent book featuring the idiosyncratic, D S Cross. Cross is no less absorbing than the plot as his unique style brings a fresh perspective to crime thrillers. Layers of the story are cleverly revealed by Cross; his approach met with gentle amusement through to increasing frustration in those who know him as much as in those who don’t..

This was a good crime story with the location being out of the ordinary.
A monk had been killed and it was up to Cross and Ottey to get to the bottom of it and along the way Cross, who is on the spectrum, to answer some more personal problems.
As the mother of an autistic daughter I’m pleased to see an ASC character that has a good job where he is able to use his uniqueness to see things that others may not and how his feelings can be seen as wrong or abrupt but that’s just him.
Hopefully people will read this as a really good book but also learn from it.
Going to be looking for other books by this author now.

This is #5 in the DS George Cross but can easily be read as a standalone and in any order. However, I’ve read all five books and highly recommend the whole series.

DS George Cross is based in Bristol’s Major Crimes Unit. He has Asperger’s so is not always socially aware, but his incredible attention to detail makes him the officer with the highest clear-up rate in the Avon and Somerset force. He has a great partner in DS Josie Ottey; they work well together but she also helps him to understand things that his Asperger’s makes difficult.

The body of a monk is found badly beaten and tied to a chair in woodland near Bristol. He turned out to be Brother Dominic from a nearby monastery. Who would want to do this to a monk? He lived a good and quiet life with his fellow monks who were all very fond of him. He had given up his former life for his faith but could his death be connected to his wealthy former life, rather than his current life?

A very cleverly written book that kept me totally gripped.

Thank you to NetGalley and Aria & Aries, Head of Zeus for an advance reader copy in return for an honest review.

This is another book about a talented Detective who has Aspergers. I thought some of the characters were a bit stereotyped. Despite this, the story is another easy read and it's very well crafted with lots of twists and turns leading to a satisfying ending.

I particularly like how the main character develops and how he handles situations that are difficult for him. Looking forward to the next one.