I’ve said it before but DS George Cross is just a fantastic character and one of my all time favourite detectives. Diagnosed with Autistic Spectrum Disorder he can be blunt and socially awkward but he solves cases and sees things that others don’t.
DS Ottey is his partner and facilitates this ability whilst also trying to help him negotiate his social faux pas. Their relationship is the glue to this fantastic series:

‘How long have you been here in this community, Father?’ Ottey asked. ‘At St Eustace’s? Gosh, over sixty years now. Before that I was at Prinknash Abbey.’
‘Near Gloucester,’ Cross monksplained, needlessly, to Ottey. ‘You must have seen a lot of change in that time,’ Ottey continued, ignoring her partner.’

As the title suggests, the titular monk is our victim. Brother Dominic reported missing and then found murdered quite brutally in a wood near to the monastery. But who would kill a monk?

‘Cross couldn’t imagine why such a fate would befall a man who had made the decision to withdraw himself from everyday life and devote himself to one of contemplation and prayer. What could possibly provoke someone to do this to a monk?’

Cross is tenacious in his investigation and dots all the i’s and crosses all the t’s. I love his attention to detail. The plot appears to meander much in the way a real investigation must do and I love the pace of this but it is complex, as facts come to light we follow this pair on their journey to unmask a killer.

‘An emotional reaction to a crime scene was an unnecessary distraction.’

It’s a tightly woven plot with plenty of twists and turns. I spotted one or two but not all which is the genius of Sullivan. I think this series of books would be TV Gold personally, let’s hope it gets made!

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I really enjoyed this book; this is my second book in this series and is another first-rate detective story with the most unlikely of heroes. DS Cross is not your typical detective but that’s what makes him so good.
The story focuses on the brutal death of Brother Dominic, a monk at the local monastery who went missing and whose body was later found in some woodland. The superb writing of this book really puts us in with the monks and we get a clear understanding of the life they live which makes the murder of one the more incomprehensible.
The characters throughout this book were all really well written, I feel as if we are starting to get to know them all a little more and the introduction of Cross’ mum is a great addition.
The story moves at a good pace, there are lots of twists and turns and just when I think I have decided I know who did it they find evidence to prove me wrong. The author does an excellent job of bringing to life the unique perspective and strengths of a detective with autism, and in doing so, challenges the commonly held misconceptions about those, he also tackles the themes of tolerance and understanding, as Cross’ colleagues must learn to work with him and respect his abilities.
All in all it is a book that kept me gripped right until the end, I can’t wait for the next one

George Cross is an inspired choice for a central character. his thought process is very literal and over the series of books he has amassed a group of friends (although his condition does not allow him to identify them as such. They are all very protective of him. His dogged determination to follow every lead no matter how obscure and not take the easy route of accepting the most obvious solution means that his success rate is far greater than other members of the force. I have read the entire series and the books are getting better all the time. There is always a twist at the end where he feels that although the case seems solved something is not quite right.

I love this series.
DS Cross is very much on the spectrum which gives the stories some humorous moments.
The detective work is excellent with the usual twist at the end.
Well worth reading.

Another excellent book in the George Cross series. A monk is found brutally murdered, and the police procedural aspect of the book is excellent. George’s autism provides an insight into this condition, and some moments of humour. I definitely recommend this book, and am looking forward to the next one.

Another brilliant story in the George Cross series. A monk is found beaten to death, and the investigation involves his past and his colleagues and visitors to the monastery.
There are a lot of lovely moments where George finds connections and enjoyment. It's lovely how the book progresses in the lives of George and his colleagues, especially Josie, Mackenzie and Swift.
Highly recommended.

D S Cross investigates the murder of a monk, who, in addition to being found dead, was badly beaten.
Cross is my favourite character, and this novel does not disappoint. I really enjoyed the book and would recommend it highly both for the character of Cross, which is well drawn, and the plot. A fabulous read. Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for giving me a copy of the book.

Thoroughly enjoyed thia book as I thought that the two detectives were a nive refreshing change to the usual DCI'S. A detective with autism must be quite unusual, seeing things differently to others makes it quite a challenge but he and his partner work so well together they are almost like an old married couple. The monastry has some very interesting characters. The background to the murder tells a lot about the people involved and keeps you guessing until the end

I have a number of favourite crime and espionage series including the Cormoran Strike series by Robert Galbraith; the Jake Brigance series by John Grisham; the Thursday Murder Club series by Richard Osman; the Slow Horses series by Mick Herron; and the Jonas Merrick series by Gerald Seymour. Following my first encounter with Tim Sullivan’s masterful creation, I have now added to that esteemed list the DS George Cross series which I will now obtain and no doubt devour as avidly as I did “The Monk”. To label this book “police procedural” or “whodunnit” would fall far short of doing it justice. It is an intelligent, intriguing and character-driven murder mystery with a pair of wonderful central characters in DS George Cross, diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, and DS Josie Ottey. Their relationship is the beating heart of the book and they are surrounded by a rich cast of supporting characters who add depth and texture to the story. Highly recommended.

Thanks to Tim and NetGalley for allowing me to read The Monk before publication date.
DS George Cross and DS Josie Ottey are assigned to investigate the violent murder of a Benedictine monk,
known as Dominic Augustus.
Dominic responsibilities within the order were as a beekeeper, a bookbinder and maintaining the order’s accounts. But he was also a recognised expert in ancient ecclesiastical books.
With no obvious reason for anyone within the order to murder him, Cross and Ottey must look to his past, of which the order has no knowledge.

The investigation will take Cross and Ottey into the seemingly different worlds of investment banking and betting……..but are they really so different?
Meanwhile, Cross finds that the structure of the Benedictine’s lives and the times of quiet contemplation are very attractive to him.

In the background of the investigation, Cross is puzzled and a bit put out when he realises that is estranged parents, Raymond and Christine, are now on amicable terms.

The Monk is a part of the DS George Cross thriller series, which can be read in any order.

‘The Monk’ is the fourth book in the highly enjoyable new detective series by Tim Sullivan.
Our main protagonist is called ‘DI George Brunel Cross’, a single-minded and determined detective, who struggles to develop his relationship with his colleagues. It quickly becomes evident (is actually stated in the text) that Cross has Asperger’s Syndrome and is on the higher level of the spectrum with an unusual ability to decipher clues and see through the minefield of paperwork, to find the single outstanding piece of data that can point the team in the right direction.

Highlighting an illness such as Asperger’s in a key character can often lead to the use of clichés but thankfully Sullivan is an accomplished author/screenwriter and too sensible to fall into this trap. Cross both acknowledges his struggles and how he attempts to cope with the world around him, while his father and colleagues (Reg, Ottey and Alice), outline their methods of helping him – and indeed, helping each other to cope with Cross. This can lead to some mildly amusing scenes as Cross’s colleagues ponder if “he is pulling their leg” or simply being himself. Cross makes for a pleasant change from the usual maverick police office and is also refreshing to have a character with Autism taking centre stage in a positive manner. So often such characters are sidelined or just used as a caricature.

Since the first book in the series (‘The Dentist’, which I recommend that you read – in fact, read all of the books!), the character of Cross has been developed and we have seen the character make many advances in learning how to work (or ‘deal with’ as Cross may say) with the people around him. Initially, I was concerned that the character would change too much but fortunately, the growth of the character fits with the storyline and also suits him. Indeed there are many comic moments, but also sweet ones as Cross tries to adapt his attitude and I laughed out laugh when he plays a joke on Alice.

On this outing Cross is investigating a particularly odd case concerning the murder of a monk and as with all of Cross’s cases, there is far more going on than anyone initially realises. I particularly enjoyed the scenes where across is interacting with the monks and spending time in the monastery as we are given an insight not just into Cross’s view of the world but also how he copes.

To summarise: My favourite book of the series and wonderful to spend time with Ottley and her family.

Add to your “must read” list.

Such an interesting main character, well done Tim Sullivan.
DS George Cross of Avon and Somerset, with the best crime solving record in the force and living with ASD = Autism Spectrum Disorder, how wicked is that???
The author has clearly done at lot of research into this condition and it shows!
This mystery plot involves a monk and DS George and his team get to solve this well written crime together.
I will without a doubt order the rest of the series from this author as the main character is really well developed and beautifully original.
Really would recommend the book and indeed the whole series....

The fifth book in the superb series featuring DS Cross. This book is just as gripping as the earlier books, fast-paced and well-written. There are plenty of twists that keep the reader guessing, but the best thing about this series is the characters. Highly recommended.

This is the latest in Tim Sullivan's on the spectrum DS George Cross of Avon and Somerset police series, a man with the best crime solving record in the force. This is my favourite so far, it has Cross struggling to accept his mother, Christine, back into his life, even though he was responsible for this. He does not even understand how his father, Raymond, has slipped back into a close relationship with Christine. If you are familiar with this series then you will understand what a relief it is for to find himself back into a murder inquiry as a result. A savagely beaten and tortured wheelchair bound corpse is found in a ditch, it turns out to be a missing monk, Brother Dominic Augustus, of the Benedictine St Eustace's Monastery, his skills there including keeping bee hives, bookbinding, and he is well known for his expertise in book valuations, particularly historical ecclesiastical texts.

The constantly recurring question is who would want to murder a good man and monk? It takes some time to access the monk's personal history, profession and identity before he joined the religious order. It comes as a surprise for Cross to find that he knows a close relative of the monk, posing another mental hurdle for him to learn to handle. As Cross investigates the remaining 9 monks, he discovers that there are so many aspects of the monastic life that chime so well, such as the silence and regular rituals, that it feels like a home, something he has never encountered previously. It becomes a source of respite from his personal issues and a nasty murder inquiry as he stays there to fix the church organ, bringing in a raft of helpers with him, including Raymond, Alice Mackenzie and the goth forensic examiner, Dr Michael Swift, who idolises him.

At this stage of the series, I, like many other readers, feel a strong sense of affection for Cross, as do those who surround him, from DS Josie Ottey, Alice, to Father Stephen, although he can be so frustrating too. Sullivan plays a blinder in coming up with a monk and a monastic life that captivates Cross, filling a void and much else that he is in need of, and not having religious beliefs does not prevent him getting immersed. This is a terrific addition, that touches on greed, the fall of a exclusive 300 year old city bank, and murder, with Cross proving to once again be a dogged and determined pursuer of the truth, pushing even when all matters appears to be resolved. A series I recommend to other crime and mystery fans. Many thanks to the publisher for an ARC.

I did not read the other books in the series. I wish I had because it took me some time to get into this book and figure DS George Cross out. Once I did though, I enjoyed getting to know him better. I think the author put a lot of time into researching ASD = Autism Spectrum Disorder and neurodiversity and avoided a lot of stereotypical traps. But while I enjoyed spending some time with DS Cross, I could not help but feel that his colleague DS Ottey was rather bland and boring. Sorry, Ottey.

I also would have preferred a nunnery as the main setting for the story, because I hated it every time a character asked: 'Who would kill a monk?', presuming that monks are innocent and pious, which in my eyes they simply aren't.

The story is well thought-out and filled with a couple of interesting characters such as brother Thomas, the forensic investigator Swift, Father Stephen, etc.

Thanks to Netgalley and Head of Zeus for the advance copy.

I have loved the previous books, so couldn’t wait to get started on this one. George Cross is an amazingly written character ; very endearing despite his brusque manner and obsessive routines. This mystery did not disappoint in any way. Great mysterious plot and loved the way George is coming to terms with having his mother in his life. Highly recommended.

Another brilliant instalment in the DS Cross series, which is fast becoming my favourite detective series at the moment.

Those familiar with the series so far will know the script. Each novel is titled with the victim, here we have the brutal killing of a monk leading to questions of who would want to kill such a holy, devout man who gave his life to God? But more importantly, how can you find his killer when you know so little about his life before the monastery?

DS Cross, for those not familiar with the series, has Autism Spectrum Disorder which both assists him in his dedication and attention to details but also hinders many of the relationships he has with others in his team, often in a amusing manner.

With Sullivan (and Cross) you know what you are getting. A murder , a dedicated investigation from a brilliant detective and a truly satisfying ending. No massively outlandish twists, no suspension of disbelief, just a genuinely well written detective novel which also dips into the personal lives of those involved. A brilliant series continues.

If you haven't read any of the series before, I would recommend going back and starting them in order. Whilst, like most series, this could easily be read as a standalone, the personal life of Cross, in terms of his parents really develops in this novel and some history would be useful in following this story.

Thanks to Netgalley and Aria & Aries, Head of Zeus for an ARC in exchange for an honest review

I have read the four previous books in this series and absolutely loved them, so I was over the moon when I was able to request this fifth book, The Monk, from NetGalley. I was definitely not disappointed, and although it can be read as a stand-alone I would recommend any new reader to buy the others, just because they are so extremely good. I totally adore DS George Cross! His way of thinking, his quirks and idiosyncrasies, his dogged determination to find the truth, the way he often comes across as very rude … I could go on forever. All the main characters are brilliant, and so well described that I feel I know them now. Ottey, Cross’s partner, is trying hard to make him aware of accepted social behaviour. Alice, the assistant, has grown in confidence and I’m enjoying her relationship with the forensic investigator Dr Michael Swift who idolises Cross because they’re so alike. The addition of Cross’s mother in this episode is a plus, and I’m looking forward to seeing how the relationship between her and George develops. Of course there is a murder and police procedure etc, but it’s the relationships between the characters that endear me to Tim Sullivan’s work. I don’t read or write reviews that repeat the story (why read the book if you’ve been told the story?), I just want to know how it affected the reader. Well, this story had this reader gripped, and as I read the final page I just thought “Oh heck! How long before the next one?!”. Thanks so much to NetGalley and the publishers for the ARC in exchange for an honest review - it’ll be a crime if this series doesn’t appear on TV.