DS George Cross is a fascinating detective to read about; his neuro-diversity makes his policing style a unique and sometimes challenging one, especially when it rubs up against more traditional policing methods but Cross's analytical and persistent mind often uncovers clues and insights that may well have been missed by others.

In 'The Teacher', Anthony Moreton, an old-school and sadistic headteacher, is found dead at the bottom of his stairs, with a dog bite in his leg. There's not a lot of love around for Anthony, he has a well-earned reputation as a cruel headmaster who used to cane his pupils at any opportunity; now he has retired he revels in putting a spoke in the wheels of any community initiative, complaining vociferously and at length about anything and everything, His nearest neighbours have borne the brunt of this, losing expensive court cases against Anthony, which has added to their mutual dislike. When the police discover that the neighbours have the motive, the means and most importantly, the correct breed of dog to link to Anthony's death, they are keen to look at the neighbours as suspects.

The investigation is led by Robert Warner, an officer who has been seconded to the team from another force . He does not get on with DS Cross at all, seeing his methods as slow, cumbersome and undermining. Warner is keen to get results and move on. His ambition and eagerness to get ahead is in sharp contrast to Cross who is happy to stay at DS level, solving crimes in his own way and at his own speed. Colleagues are caught in the cross-fire, some siding with Warner, others backing Cross and his methods.

The story is wellpaced and kept me gripped. I particularly enjoyed the tension between Cross and Warner, with the latter being unable to understand that there are different ways of getting to the same outcome.

There are several strands to the story weaving in and out, building a bigger picture of what might have been going on and shedding more light on what might have happened to the victim and the people connected to him. The back-story to Moreton's actions as a headmaster were shocking to read about, and the book's tagline 'He's a victim. But is he innocent?' fitted the book's themes perfectly.

First read by this author and i really liked the writing.

The character build and relationship between Detective cross and the female characters is great within this story. The book involves the death of a teacher in his eighties. He is not well liked within his neighborhood so when he is found dead there are a ton of suspects that are being questioned.

I had not read anything in this series so it was a bit confusing to start with but was a great book and i will read the rest of the series.

Thanks NetGalley for letting me read and review.

Oh, I do like DS George Cross!

When the body of an elderly man is found at the bottom of his stairs, it's look like death from a fall; however, the wound in his chest makes it murder. With his colleague DS Ottey taking time off to move house, DS Cross has to work with a new face at the station being in put in charge of the investigation - and he doesn't like George much. While Cross is all about the evidence, Warren is all about getting a quick arrest . . .

I realise I've read another in this series and so regret not reading them all. The office dynamics are part of this story but the real focus is on solving the crime. DS Cross works methodically, if slowly - and to be quite honest I rather like his modus operandi. As with any workplace, when colleagues work closely together their personalities show and this one is no different. This is a cracking read which kept me hooked all the way through. Packed with interesting characters and full of detail, I relished each and every word. I need to read a 'first' book for a reading challenge and have already downloaded The Dentist for that, having hung on to every word in this one. Thoroughly thrilling, and easily meriting all five sparkling stars!

My thanks to the publisher for my copy via NetGalley; this is - as always - my honest, original and unbiased review.

I hadn't read any of the others from the series. It certainly wasn't necessary, but it did mean it took a little longer to get into the book as the characters weren't really introduced as well as they could have been. I almost had to give up with it, but I decided it was worth persevering. I'm glad I did as it turned out to be an enjoyable read.

A decent, well written mystery but I couldnt warm to the depiction of the main character. I understand that this is a story about a detective with a difference, who is neuro diverse, but I wasn't keen on how it was handled. Just not for me!

In Tim Sullivan's "The Teacher," the discovery of pensioner Alistair Moreton's death turns a seemingly accidental fall down the stairs into a murder investigation when a stab wound is revealed. Alistair, known for his cantankerous nature, had no shortage of potential enemies. DS George Cross, with his autism spectrum condition, takes the lead in solving the case. Sullivan crafts a compelling whodunnit, narrated from George's investigative perspective, providing readers with a broader view while maintaining the mystery.

George's neurodivergent character is a standout element, contributing both to the humor and the unique approach to solving crimes. The plot unfolds methodically as George, partnered with DI Robert Warner during DS Josie Ottey's absence, navigates through a list of suspects. The clash between George's meticulous, evidence-based approach and Warner's reliance on gut instinct adds a layer of tension to the investigation.

"The Teacher" offers a captivating blend of mystery, humor, and character dynamics, holding the reader's attention from start to finish. Sullivan's creation of DS George Cross is particularly commendable, turning neurodivergence into a positive and engaging aspect of the narrative.

I have read more of this series and I like George Cross and the way he goes about solving crime. This book was OK, though perhaps too slow moving . It dragged and although there was a lot of background information which needed exploring, which was too detailed, though building the evidence was methodically done though perhaps in places repetitive.
A couple of extra plots here, The detective from Kent who was pretty obnoxious, but who did add another dimension to the book and the situation with George's parents , which also could have been told in less detail. I do like the way the evidence all comes together .
Thanks to Net Galley for the ARC

Excellent once again. I really like the main detective George Cross and the female officers who support him. I also like how we get to know about the lives of all the main characters.
This novel involves the death of a teacher, well former headteacher, in his eighties. . But he is not liked by anyone and only tolerated in his village by a few. When he is found stabbed at the bottom of his stairs there are plenty of suspects.
And George has to work alongside a new repulsive DI, literally as the DI Bobby moves a desk into George’s office. And this space is sacrosanct for George.
I did guess the ending but there are plenty of possibilities!
This is number 6 in the series and I have read and enjoyed them all so can definitely recommend! I read a copy provided by NetGalley and the publishers.

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

Pensioner Alistair Moreton is found dead at the bottom of his stairs. It looks like a fall until a stab wound is discovered. He was charitably described as cantankerous, so the list of suspects is long. Nevertheless George is determined to get him justice.

I thoroughly enjoyed The Teacher, which is a fun read with a very good whodunnit attached. It is told from the investigative point of view with George being the main voice. I like this approach as it offers a broader perspective on events than just George’s while maintaining the mystery of who and why. It offers an immersive read and allows the reader the opportunity to work it out for themselves. I can honestly say that I didn’t have a clue.

George has an autism spectrum condition (that his new preferred description for what he used to call Asperger’s). It gives him an eye for detail and a corresponding high solve rate, but it also means that he has no social skills. He takes everything literally, has no sense of humour and no idea of small talk. The humour comes from everyone else’s interactions with him as he tends to leave them flummoxed. He is a wonderful creation so kudos are due to the author for making his neurodivergence positive.

The plot held my attention throughout. George’s usual partner DS Josie Ottey is on leave so he has to work with DI Robert Warner on the investigation. It’s a partnership made in hell as there is no common ground in their work with one taking a methodical, evidence based approach while the other believes in his gut instinct for a quick result. It doesn’t turn out well. Meanwhile George ploughs through his list of suspects slowly ruling them in for further investigation or out for various reasons. It’s a slow process but each aspect absorbing in its own way.

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

I was given a copy of Tim Sullivan’s The Patient for World Book Night this year, which I thoroughly enjoyed. So much so, over the course of the year I’ve read all the other books in the DS George Cross series. DS Cross has become my favourite detective! As such, I was really excited to get the opportunity to get an advanced reading copy of The Teacher, the sixth book in the series.

This book centres on the Cross’s investigation of an elderly former Headmaster, Alistair Moreton, in a village outside of Bristol. DS Cross normally works with DS Josie Ottey, with whom he has built up a good working relationship based on a mutual respect and they work together well. Cross is neurodivergent and Ottey is understanding and helps Cross.

Unfortunately, Ottey has taken annual leave to move house and Cross has been partnered with a DI Bobby Warner from Kent Police. Not only does Cross have the investigate Moreton’s murder, he also has to work alongside someone completely new, which isn’t without its challenges for Cross.

As said, I’m a massive fan of this series of books and have grown very fond of the other characters in the book including George’s father Raymond, Stephen the vicar, Ottey, Mackenzie, Swift and Christine. They all respect and care for George, which you makes you care for them even more as the reader.

I loved the twists and turns in the investigation. You always know George is going to the murderer, but the journey is always interesting.

I can’t wait to read the next instalment! Also, when are the TV rights going to be sold?! This would make such a great Sunday night detective TV show!

Huge thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Aria & Aries, for making this book available to me in exchange for a fair and honest review.

This is #6 in the DS George Cross but can easily be read as a standalone and in any order. However, I’ve read all six 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 work 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 an elderly man, Alistair Moreton, is found at the bottom of his stairs. It appears that he fell, until a stab wound is found on the body. Alistair came across as a quiet person who kept himself to himself, but it turns out that he really wasn’t a very nice person, especially in his career as a headteacher. Villagers who had called round to check on Alistair in recent weeks found that he wouldn’t let them in, and they had a feeling that there was someone in his house that he didn’t want anyone to know about.

A very cleverly written book that kept me totally gripped. I’m ready for the next in the series!

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

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 this book: his dogged determination, his truthfulness and his amazing observational and deductive skills.

I like how the author 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.

The Teacher by Tim Sullivan The cases are gripping and intriguing with surprising endings. The characters are well-developed and completely relatable. The story is very well written, easy to read and with a touch of humor. Enjoying this unique and captivating series featuring DS George Cross. Highly recommended.

Thank you to Tim Sullivan , Head of Zeus, Aria & Aries , and Netgalley for the opportunity to preview the book.

The Teacher is a great book and I was engrossed from the first page and that doesn't happen very often. The characters are well rounded, fully fashioned and totally relateable.
George Cross is oviously the star of the show, possibly challenging some people's views on neuro diverse characters especially those with ASD, who of course, just like neuro typicals, are all different individuals who cannot all be put in one box. It was good to see them represented in such a kind soul as George and not in a patronising or mawkish manner either.
I found it a little weird that some of the Bristol areas were real but others were made up names.
The attempted rape scene was so realistic and strong and yet measured that I actually cried.
The Teacher held my interest to the very last page when I was sad to say goodbye to Cross, Ottey et al, a telling sign of a well written book.

I first read an extract of this book via Netgalley, and loved it - when the full book became available, I couldn't resist!

I haven't read any of Tim Sullivan's previous DS Cross novels, but this definitely won't be my last. The Teacher sees the Avon and Somerset police investigating the murder of retired headteacher Alistair Moreton. DS George Cross finds himself working with a different partner to usual, and I found the interaction between them to be very entertaining. A few added sub plots may not have been totally necessary in my opinion, but the main story, and seeing how DS Cross continually questioned others was fascinating. I loved his character, how literal he was, and how others in his department accepted him for who he was.

A great team of supporting characters, and a good plot, leaves me looking out for more of these books!

I love this series and love George Cross. This is the most poignant and emotionally charged novel in this series so far, you cannot help feeling for all the sufference and the victims.
The mystery is solid, full of twists. Ottey is not working in the first part of the book and the new detective is not a very nice guy.
This well done whodunit, full of twists and detailed investigation. Not the right book if you want a fast paced and action packed story.
But you must read this series if you want a well done mystery featuring one fo the most originale detective
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

I received a copy of this novel from Netgalley.

This was my first read in the series.

I quite liked DS Cross as he was thorough although this meant he investigated ALL suspects in painstaking detail. The story was good but I felt it dragged on too long. The sub-plot was not required and I felt it didn’t add to the story.

Maybe I needed to read the racket books in this series. I will more than likely read them and the next in the series.

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.

George Cross is one of my favourite detectives and I love his back-up crew.
A tricky case to solve,a new SIO and no Ottley at the start upsets our lover of routine but dogged determination solved the case.

I think George Corsa may be one of my favourite police protsgonists! What a well written and original character he is. So I've not read the rest of the series, which I'll be looking to remedy ASAP, and wow! I can't believe I've never got stuck in earlier. The writing style is really easy to get lost in, the plot moves forward at a good pace and as I said the MC is such a fascinating and well written character. It's all very human and realistically written, how he acts as well as how people react to him. There were some good twists and turns and everything was laid out well it wad also more than just a thriller/ police procedural with plenty of very human and relatable issues being incorporated and sensitively addressed. Amazing!