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.
The characters throughout this book were all really well written, they developed throughout the story and although you don’t know too much about their background you did still feel as if you knew them.
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, it certainly kept me guessing. There were moments where I laughed out loud and others where I was getting so angry with some of the characters.
All in all it is a book that kept me gripped right until the end, I can’t wait for the next one
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. Ably assisted by his team he explores the circumstances of her death and investigates the key individuals who could have accessed her flat and injected her.
I enjoyed DS Cross’ interactions with his immediate team and the wider Unit - his partner, Ottey, tries to teach him how to behave in a ‘socially acceptable’ way in various situations with differing levels of success. His difference is portrayed positively and those around him accept and recognise his differences and his strengths.
The plot is well thought out, the case takes directions I did not predict and ends very satisfactorily!
I read this overnight and quickly became absorbed in this thriller. It is one I will be recommending and I think I now need to read the first two!
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. A great story to get involved in and I look forward to reading all of the other books in this series.
I couldn't put it down. The best crime novel I have read for years with a brilliant set of characters.
This is the best crime novel I have read for a very long time and I cannot recommend it highly enough. George Cross is the lead policeman investigating the death of a young ex drug addict, Flick. It has been assumed that she committed suicide but her mother persuades Cross to take another look at the case. At first Cross is somewhat reluctant to do so. He is himself an unusual character. Rude, difficult and awkward have been used to describe him but he is also organised and analytical - and very engaging for the reader. All the characters are developed in depth and they fit together as a group so that understanding their different viewpoints and actions help the plot develop and certainly engage the reader. Their back stories are presented in depth. A lot happens in the book but everything is presented clearly and straightforwardly so there is no chance of not following each development. Extremely readable with a plot that holds up, and with an ending difficult to guess but doesn't disappoint the reader, is quite an achievement in my view. So it has a decent plot that covers a lot of ground, but is also an easy read that covers a lot of ground about modern society. I couldn't put it down and am now reading all his previous books.
Along with his personal relationship with his elderly dad recovering from a fall and his organ playing at the local church, we see a remarkable character that I fell in love with instantly. I definitely want to read the first two in this thrilling series and recommend crime readers to look up DS George Cross without hesitation.
Tim Sullivan’s “THE PATIENT” is the third in the DS Cross series, following “The Dentist” and “The Cyclist”. Any of these can be read as a standalone, which I did with this book.
George Cross has Autistic Spectrum Disorder which means his social interactions and communications isn’t the norm for a Detective Sergeant but his skill at solving crime and making deductions is second to none. Even though he irritates some of his colleagues with this talent, his boss cannot dismiss his conviction rate and admits, although unconventional, his record speaks for itself.
He’s an adorable character with his regular and fastidious routines. His one liner retorts, which while they can come across as rude (but never intentionally) can sometimes be well placed.
The storyline in itself is simple and these are the best cases for George. “The Patient” features an open and shut but unexplained case of a suicidal overdose, which the mother of the victim is convinced is murder. It takes someone like George to look at the case from his unusual angle and start discovering clues that she maybe could be right. There is also a sensitive subject running throughout that would certainly keep book groups debating all night.
Along with his personal relationship with his elderly dad recovering from a fall and his organ playing at the local church, we see a remarkable character that I fell in love with instantly. I definitely want to read the first two in this thrilling series and recommend crime readers to look up DS George Cross without hesitation.
I really couldn’t fault this book, I enjoyed it from start to finish - which reminds me the final paragraph really caught my breath and I hope this develops further in a future story. A truly wonderful all round book, with well developed characters and an absolute star in George Cross!
#ThePatient - 5 stars
https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/35740838-miriam-smith-a-mother-s-musings
A thoroughly thrilling novel that really kept me hooked to the end. I absolutely love the fact the main character is autistic and how this adds to his skills as a detective.
I have never read this author before and this is the third book in a series about DS George Cross. He has the best solved crime rate on the force, partly aided by the fact he is on the autistic spectrum. Because he sees, hears and feels things differently he is naturally drawn to cases of those who struggle to make themselves understood.
In this story a young woman has died of an apparent overdose. With a history of drug dependency, no fingerprints or weapon it is a simple open and shut case. But the woman’s mother is convinced it is murder. She had been sober for two years and has a young toddler. She sees no reason for her to end her life.
DS Cross is intrigued and takes on the case, discovering lots of interesting characters along the way.
I loved this novel.
I thought the portrayal of DS Cross was spot on and it was fabulous to see autism written about in such a positive way in a mainstream crime novel. DS Cross is able to analyse things in different ways to others and thinks along paths that may not appear open to all.
He is a wonderful character and I have actually fallen in love with him so much I have bought the first two novels in the series.
Thank you Mr Sullivan for such brilliant writing and for being George Cross into my life.
If you haven’t read any of these, you must.
Interesting Police procedural that will keep you turning the pages. It works as a stand alone but is actually the third book in a series
The book was easy to read and I found it to be a good police procedural with some quite good characters. The main character George Cross is on the autistic spectrum. He becomes involved in a "closed" case deemed a suicide when he meets a woman sitting in the covered bike sheds at the back of the Police Station. He brings the woman into the station and after talking to her he realises that the case may have been closed prematurely.
Cross and Ottey begin to look into the case. This enrages the DI who accepted that the victim Felicity Wilson had taken an overdose after "falling ofF the wagon" despite being drug free for nearly two years following the birth of her daughter.
What follows is an intelligent journey through the life of Flick Wilson and her passing. There are enough twists, turns and blind endings to keep you interested until the final reveal. This is the third book in the George Cross series. It does work as a stand alone but I was drawn in by the likeable, interesting characters and plot to purchase the first two books, The Dentist and The Cyclist. It is always interesting to follow the development of the characters as you read the different books. I am currently reading the Cyclist.