"At times comical, at times poignant, Ottey and Cross' partnership makes for compelling reading. Highly recommended."
Detective Sergeant George Cross seems to be the only police officer prepared to listen to the mother of a dead drug user when she claims her daughter had been murdered. Cross is intrigued, and decides to look into the claim. The premise - a detective re-investigating the work of a colleague who would prefer his failings are not exposed- is very real and very prescient.
Before turning to writing police procedurals, Tim Sullivan enjoyed a successful career as a screen writer, working with some famous actors on some well known series. 'The Patient' is his third book in what, so far, has been a very popular and enjoyable detective series.
George Cross is a character who reminds me of several detectives I’ve worked with in the past. He is autistic, a quality that may cause some readers to question whether he could become a police officer, let alone a detective. In reality, the sense of focus, the ability to see things others don’t and the attention to detail are qualities I have seen in some very capable real-life detectives who had struggled as a uniform officer but excelled at detective work. Cross does them great credit. His character – at times funny, at times frustrating – is a refreshing change from the maverick, hard-drinking types so often created for a protagonist. His working partner, Josie Ottey, is perfect. Josie is Cross’s anchor, his mentor and his champion. She understands his strengths and appreciates his eccentricities. At times comical, at times poignant, their partnership makes for compelling reading.
Highly recommended.
| Primary Genre | Crime and Mystery |
| Other Genres: | |
| Recommendations: |
A 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.
I really enjoyed this book; I have not read any of the previous books in this series but that didn’t matter as it can definitely be read as a standalone.
This is an intriguing murder mystery, DS Cross is most unlike your typical detective, diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder he can be blunt, direct and unaware of how he comes across to others, he certainly isn’t going to win any popularity contests at work. However, I really warmed to him, when faced with finding the truth into Felicity’s death he wasn’t going to let anyone stand in his way, he was determined and methodical.... Read Full Review
A well crafted thriller centred around DS Cross from the Bristol Major Crimes Unit. Ably assisted by his team he investigates the death of a recovering drug addict who had everything to live for and no reason to commit suicide. He is on the autistic spectrum which gives him a focused fact driven approach to his investigation and a determined to find the truth, however uncomfortable. Absorbing and gripping - a series I will be recommending.
This is the third book centred around DS George Cross, a Bristol detective - a member of the Major Crimes Unit. I have not read the previous two books but that in no way detracts from enjoyment of this well written novel.
I liked the central character who is on the autistic spectrum - his condition makes him an excellent detective - he is focused, concerned with facts not feelings and determined to see his case through.
Sandra Wilson is convinced her recovering addict daughter did not die of an overdose and she persuades DS Cross to relook at the case.... Read Full Review
It was full of suspense and intrigue that kept me on the edge of my seat.
Even though this is book three in the DS Cross thriller series, they can be read as a stand alone but I will be reading the other ones. This one was brilliant and I really enjoyed it. It was full of suspense and intrigue that kept me on the edge of my seat. I didn't know what was going to happen throughout the story and the ending surprised me. I found DS Cross a unique and interesting character who I didn't warm to straight away but can see what a good detective he is.... Read Full Review
Don't miss THE TAILOR, the brand new mystery in the million-copy-bestselling George Cross series - OUT NOW.
No fingerprints. No weapon. No witnesses.
For days, George Cross notices the same woman sitting patiently in the reception of the Bristol Crime Unit. Eventually, he asks her why.
She wants to talk about her daughter's death, officially ruled a suicide after a long history of drug abuse. But the mother insists she was rebuilding her life and had been clean for years. She knows this wasn't suicide - someone did this to her daughter.
George doesn't operate on hunches or gut feelings, he simply follows the evidence wherever that might take him. And the facts of this case tell him this woman was murdered.
He just has to prove it.
Perfect for fans of MW Craven, Ann Cleeves and Joy Ellis, The Patient is part of the million-copy-bestselling George Cross Mystery series, which can be read in any order, by the 2026 winner of the Crime Writers' Association Dagger in the Library Award.
ALSO IN THIS MILLION-COPY-BESTSELLING SERIES
#1 THE DENTIST
#2 THE CYCLIST
#3 THE PATIENT
#4 THE POLITICIAN
#5 THE MONK
#6 THE TEACHER
#7 THE BOOKSELLER
#8 THE TAILOR
CROSS CHRONICLE SHORT STORIES
THE LOST BOYS
THE EX-WIFE
THE HUNTER
THE BASKET CASE
'In DS George Cross, Tim Sullivan has created a character who is as endearing as any I've ever come across in this genre. His quirks are his gift, and with Sullivan's tremendous plotting and superb writing, this series is a gift to readers.' Liz Nugent
Why readers love George Cross . . .
'A clever mystery full of tension but also humour and compassion. George Cross is becoming one of my favourite detectives.' Elly Griffiths
'A British detective for the 21st century who will be hard to forget' Daily Mail
'A compelling, suspenseful police procedural with an intimate, positive insight into living on the autistic spectrum' Woman
'Truly wonderful . . . well-developed characters and an absolute star in George Cross!' Reader Review
'An entirely different type of detective in DS Cross' Reader Review
The Patient features in the following genres: Crime and Mystery, Books of the Month, Thriller and Suspense, Crime and mystery: police procedural, Fiction, Recommendations
The Patient is available in Paperback, Hardback
The Patient was written by Tim Sullivan and published by Head of Zeus an imprint of Bloomsbury Publishing (UK)
The Patient has 407 pages
Yes it is part of A George Cross Mystery series
£8.99
