Tim Sullivan is an author I look forward to reading. Whenever I get the opportunity I grab his books. They keep me guessing and following Detective Sergeant Cross is a task I am not going to get bored with.
An 80 year old man is found murdered. Seemingly living a very quiet life, with a routine that has not changed. He is taciturn but has had severe problems with his neighbours the Cotterells with whom he has had running battles. The local pub has said his behaviour was different over the last two weeks but no one can pinpoint a reason. Cross’s boss brings in a Detective Inspector Warner to work with Cross on the investigation. The two are poles apart in attitudes and work ethics. Warner is brash and seeking accolades- especially since the dead man’s son is a controversial MP. Cross works quietly under the radar seeking no limelight. Warner makes an arrest of Mr Cotterell which Cross disputes, but works behind the scenes to make sure the actual perpetrator of the crime gets caught.
The conflict between the two detectives, the manner in which they approach the same subject is one point of interest. Cross is on the spectrum and works in his own way, understood by his closest colleagues and even by his Superintendent who knows Cross gets results.
This story handled several painful subjects bullying and physical punishment in schools, sexual violence in the workplace, different kinds of autism and the general intolerance to it. All hard subjects.
The story is a winner.
Sent by Grove Atlantic for an unbiased review, courtesy of Netgalley.
I have been a bit late in reviewing books as I was on a short break in Kochi, India.
Impressive church of St George Malabar and Syrian faith. Very ornate and very well maintained.
