What do you think?
Rate this book
The DS Cross Mysteries #2
The Cyclist
To solve any murder, you must first know your victim . . .
THE DETECTIVE
DS George Cross has unique and unmatchable talents. He uses a combination of logic, determination and, often, pedantry to get answers where others have failed for families who have long given up hope.
So when a ravaged body is found in a local demolition site, it's up to Cross to piece together the truth from whatever fragments he can find.
THE VICTIM
Cross has little to go on, but from the faint tan lines on the ravaged body, and strange scars on his forearms, an identity gradually a male amateur cyclist; a reliance on performance-enhancing drugs. But what happened that led to this man's death? How did he end up here? And, most importantly, who is he?
THE FAMILY
In the face of ever-mounting challenges, including budget cuts and unreliable witnesses, Cross must first work out who the man is to have any chance of solving the murder. But in searching for this man's identity, Cross will come up against a lot that he is unfamiliar with – jealousy, ambition and a family tearing itself apart . . .
THE DETECTIVE
DS George Cross has unique and unmatchable talents. He uses a combination of logic, determination and, often, pedantry to get answers where others have failed for families who have long given up hope.
So when a ravaged body is found in a local demolition site, it's up to Cross to piece together the truth from whatever fragments he can find.
THE VICTIM
Cross has little to go on, but from the faint tan lines on the ravaged body, and strange scars on his forearms, an identity gradually a male amateur cyclist; a reliance on performance-enhancing drugs. But what happened that led to this man's death? How did he end up here? And, most importantly, who is he?
THE FAMILY
In the face of ever-mounting challenges, including budget cuts and unreliable witnesses, Cross must first work out who the man is to have any chance of solving the murder. But in searching for this man's identity, Cross will come up against a lot that he is unfamiliar with – jealousy, ambition and a family tearing itself apart . . .
268 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 2, 2020
About the author
Tim Sullivan
8 books353 followersTim Sullivan is an acclaimed screenwriter. He originally read English and Law at university - the latter forced on him by his Dad - but instead he wriggled free of those parental ambitions and pursued his own, to make films. His writing credits include A HANDFUL OF DUST, starring Kristen Scott Thomas, WHERE ANGELS FEAR TO TREAD, starring Helen Mirren and Helena Bonham Carter, JACK AND SARAH (which he also directed) starring Richard E Grant, Judi Dench and Ian McKellen and LETTERS TO JULIET, with Amanda Seyfried. He is also a Television director whose credits include SHERLOCK HOLMES and COLD FEET and CORONATIONS STREET. He has written extensively in Hollywood in both live action and animation, working with Ron Howard, Scott Rudin and with Jeffrey Katzenberg on the fourth SHREK movie.
He has now embarked on a series of crime novels featuring the eccentric and socially-awkward, but brilliantly persistent DS George Cross.
He self-published the first two books and once they'd achieved over 200,000 downloads he came to the attention of Head of Zeus publishers. So thanks to all his readers for this success and their shared love of George.
The novels are set in Bristol in the south west of England, Cross’ methods often infuriate his colleagues and superiors “not so much a thorn in my side as a pain in my arse,” according to his boss DCI Carson. But his conviction rate, thanks to his dogged persistence and attention to detail, is the best in the force. Tim has now written the first four in the series with The Patient being published on March 3rd 2022.
Tim feels confident in his claim that he is the only crime writer around who has also co-produced and written a My Little Pony movie for Hasbro. MY LITTLE PONY - A NEW GENERATION is now available on Netflix.
Tim lives in North London with his wife Rachel, the Emmy award-winning producer of THE BAREFOOT CONTESSA and PIONEER WOMAN. Their daughters live near by.
For more stuff about Tim visit his website www.timsullivan.co.uk
He has now embarked on a series of crime novels featuring the eccentric and socially-awkward, but brilliantly persistent DS George Cross.
He self-published the first two books and once they'd achieved over 200,000 downloads he came to the attention of Head of Zeus publishers. So thanks to all his readers for this success and their shared love of George.
The novels are set in Bristol in the south west of England, Cross’ methods often infuriate his colleagues and superiors “not so much a thorn in my side as a pain in my arse,” according to his boss DCI Carson. But his conviction rate, thanks to his dogged persistence and attention to detail, is the best in the force. Tim has now written the first four in the series with The Patient being published on March 3rd 2022.
Tim feels confident in his claim that he is the only crime writer around who has also co-produced and written a My Little Pony movie for Hasbro. MY LITTLE PONY - A NEW GENERATION is now available on Netflix.
Tim lives in North London with his wife Rachel, the Emmy award-winning producer of THE BAREFOOT CONTESSA and PIONEER WOMAN. Their daughters live near by.
For more stuff about Tim visit his website www.timsullivan.co.uk
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 286 reviews
February 15, 2024
An excellent read, perfect for those who like the Washington Poe/Tilly Bradshaw series. A humorous—and well written—police procedural about a detective on the autism spectrum, DS George Cross of the Somerset and Avon police force.
Cross was at best socially awkward, at worst bloody rude. But the fact of the matter was that he was an exceptional detective. So obsessed was he with the minutiae of every case, stuff that others, including herself, would often ignore; such that his rigour about detail and obsession with logic, routines, patterns of behaviour and any anomalies within them, that he had the highest conviction rate in the area.
When the body of a man is found in a deserted garage, part of a set about to be demolished, Cross stops the contractors from proceeding. Wrapped in polythene, the body ’looked like a vacu-packed piece of meat on a supermarket shelf. The man’s eyes had the dull, lifeless look of a fish that had been on ice at a fishmonger's for too long’. (Only on page 2 and I’m hooked already.)
Cross soon determines that the body belonged to a man who was an avid cyclist, and with a few inquiries, the dead man was found to be to Alex Paphides, an amateur cyclist who his family assumed was on a training fortnight. When he wasn’t cycling, Alex ran a Greek restaurant with his brother. Cross has several leads to follow: Alex was doping with performance enhancing drugs, and selling these illegal products on the side; he was looking to expand his restaurant business and had attracted a potential investor who had a shady reputation; he was involved with a 16-year-old girl who was estranged from her family. While investigating these leads, Cross manages to irritate several of his colleagues, especially Alice Mackenzie, a trainee Police Staff Investigator.
He certainly couldn’t be entrusted with leading a team. It had been tried once with catastrophic results which almost led to his resignation…He was best-placed to come up with a plan of action for them all to follow. His partner Josie Ottey, a black single mother of two, would then lead the team and implement his plan.
Alice ’understood that he was on the spectrum…but at times it was easy to forget when he came across as a deliberately rude, objectionable, older white man. She had to remind herself that it wasn’t personal. It wasn’t his intention to be difficult or unpleasant; it just came out that way at times’.
Cross also mystified several of the witnesses that he interviewed. He was attempting to behave politely and normally with this man, along the lines of his partner DS Ottey had been trying to teach him. Cross was incapable of irony and sarcasm.
Of course, Cross eventually solves the case. But it is not the mystery that I’ll remember; it’s the humour. The author has captured the thought processes of those on the autism spectrum and turned what is frequently the irritating process of trying to interact with someone with Asperger’s into an amusing narrative.
Thanks to the Greater Victoria Public Library for providing the copy that I read.
Cross was at best socially awkward, at worst bloody rude. But the fact of the matter was that he was an exceptional detective. So obsessed was he with the minutiae of every case, stuff that others, including herself, would often ignore; such that his rigour about detail and obsession with logic, routines, patterns of behaviour and any anomalies within them, that he had the highest conviction rate in the area.
When the body of a man is found in a deserted garage, part of a set about to be demolished, Cross stops the contractors from proceeding. Wrapped in polythene, the body ’looked like a vacu-packed piece of meat on a supermarket shelf. The man’s eyes had the dull, lifeless look of a fish that had been on ice at a fishmonger's for too long’. (Only on page 2 and I’m hooked already.)
Cross soon determines that the body belonged to a man who was an avid cyclist, and with a few inquiries, the dead man was found to be to Alex Paphides, an amateur cyclist who his family assumed was on a training fortnight. When he wasn’t cycling, Alex ran a Greek restaurant with his brother. Cross has several leads to follow: Alex was doping with performance enhancing drugs, and selling these illegal products on the side; he was looking to expand his restaurant business and had attracted a potential investor who had a shady reputation; he was involved with a 16-year-old girl who was estranged from her family. While investigating these leads, Cross manages to irritate several of his colleagues, especially Alice Mackenzie, a trainee Police Staff Investigator.
He certainly couldn’t be entrusted with leading a team. It had been tried once with catastrophic results which almost led to his resignation…He was best-placed to come up with a plan of action for them all to follow. His partner Josie Ottey, a black single mother of two, would then lead the team and implement his plan.
Alice ’understood that he was on the spectrum…but at times it was easy to forget when he came across as a deliberately rude, objectionable, older white man. She had to remind herself that it wasn’t personal. It wasn’t his intention to be difficult or unpleasant; it just came out that way at times’.
Cross also mystified several of the witnesses that he interviewed. He was attempting to behave politely and normally with this man, along the lines of his partner DS Ottey had been trying to teach him. Cross was incapable of irony and sarcasm.
Of course, Cross eventually solves the case. But it is not the mystery that I’ll remember; it’s the humour. The author has captured the thought processes of those on the autism spectrum and turned what is frequently the irritating process of trying to interact with someone with Asperger’s into an amusing narrative.
Thanks to the Greater Victoria Public Library for providing the copy that I read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 1, 2024
This is the second book in the DS George Cross series by author Tim Sullivan. DS George Cross is a detective with a difference, a unique set of talents and a commitment to uncovering the truth. DS George Cross works in Bristol and is a compelling character with a very idiosyncratic approach to police life mainly due to his Asperger’s. Far from your typical detective and because of his manner is often interpreted as rude, difficult and very awkward. It is this manner that adds another dimension to the series which can at times be quite amusing as well as intriguing.
When a ravaged body is discovered at a local demolition site, Cross is tasked with piecing together the puzzle of the victim’s identity and unravelling the circumstances surrounding his death.
A police procedural, with DS Cross at the forefront in his determined and methodical way that upsets most of the people he comes across. Cross is an addictive character and his investigations take us on a journey through the intricacies of the case. Cross manages to uncover many things every other detective misses and deals with a web of jealousy and ambition.
I found this another enjoyable read although not as much as the first novel. Still hooked though and already planning to read the third instalment.
When a ravaged body is discovered at a local demolition site, Cross is tasked with piecing together the puzzle of the victim’s identity and unravelling the circumstances surrounding his death.
A police procedural, with DS Cross at the forefront in his determined and methodical way that upsets most of the people he comes across. Cross is an addictive character and his investigations take us on a journey through the intricacies of the case. Cross manages to uncover many things every other detective misses and deals with a web of jealousy and ambition.
I found this another enjoyable read although not as much as the first novel. Still hooked though and already planning to read the third instalment.
July 6, 2024
“The Cyclist” (book 2 of DS Cross series), by Tim Sullivan
4 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Just a brief note, as I have a social engagement coming up.
This was my second book by this author (this week), which I practically read in two sittings (just a nap between).
Once again I was very pleased with the writing and the storytelling, but mostly with the development of the storyline and the interaction between DS Cross and the other characters.
The plot is not that extraordinary but it’s very well executed and there are some good twists.
The main character, DS Cross, is a winner in my opinion, hence my ratings.
I’m looking forward to reading the next book, “The Patient”.
e-book (Kobo): 272 pages (default), 73k words, 29 chapters.
4 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Just a brief note, as I have a social engagement coming up.
This was my second book by this author (this week), which I practically read in two sittings (just a nap between).
Once again I was very pleased with the writing and the storytelling, but mostly with the development of the storyline and the interaction between DS Cross and the other characters.
The plot is not that extraordinary but it’s very well executed and there are some good twists.
The main character, DS Cross, is a winner in my opinion, hence my ratings.
I’m looking forward to reading the next book, “The Patient”.
e-book (Kobo): 272 pages (default), 73k words, 29 chapters.
November 2, 2022
Another great story featuring my new fav. Detective DS Cross
December 9, 2020
Marked a "top pick" at Amazon for this year, the description sounded interesting so I snapped it up. It's the second in the series featuring Detective Sergeant George Cross; I did not read the first, and while I enjoyed this one and will say it stands alone fairly well, I suspect I'd have liked it even more had I read them in order. That said, I liked the character so much that I got the first (The Dentist) as well.
And it really is the character who makes the story so interesting; he has Asperger's Syndrome, which is both a curse and a blessing. On the downside, the condition means he lacks awareness of social skills (such as not recognizing when someone is joking or responding inappropriately - or not at all - to the emotions of others). Conversely, he pays great attention to detail and has an almost uncanny ability to intuit clues that lead to closure of the most difficult cases.
This one is a doozy; a body turns up in a deserted section of garages in Bristol, U.K. After close inspection, Cross notices tan lines on the body, leading him to determine that the man was a cyclist (hence, no doubt, the reason for the book's title). From there, a few other clues he unearths bring relatively quick identification. Cross is assisted by his capable partner, D.S. Josie Ottey, and it's a treat to watch their interactions as she adjusts to his condition and at the same time tries to teach him how to interact more sociably with others, including department trainee Alice Mackenzie.
Eventually, Cross and Ottey learn that the victim, part-owner with his brother of their parents' successful restaurant, has his fingers in a few other pies that aren't quite so legitimate (nor as successful). That knowledge also expands the investigation to several more suspects and a few dead ends before Cross finally ferrets out the truth and a rather surprise ending.
I do admit it took several chapters before I really got into the story - mostly, I guess, because the writing is a little stilted (in truth, it almost seemed as if it were written by someone who has Asperger's). But once I got the rhythm, my interest started to hum along and it was hard to put it down. In short, I'm hooked - and hopefully before long I'll have time to get to the first book before the next one comes out. Good job!
And it really is the character who makes the story so interesting; he has Asperger's Syndrome, which is both a curse and a blessing. On the downside, the condition means he lacks awareness of social skills (such as not recognizing when someone is joking or responding inappropriately - or not at all - to the emotions of others). Conversely, he pays great attention to detail and has an almost uncanny ability to intuit clues that lead to closure of the most difficult cases.
This one is a doozy; a body turns up in a deserted section of garages in Bristol, U.K. After close inspection, Cross notices tan lines on the body, leading him to determine that the man was a cyclist (hence, no doubt, the reason for the book's title). From there, a few other clues he unearths bring relatively quick identification. Cross is assisted by his capable partner, D.S. Josie Ottey, and it's a treat to watch their interactions as she adjusts to his condition and at the same time tries to teach him how to interact more sociably with others, including department trainee Alice Mackenzie.
Eventually, Cross and Ottey learn that the victim, part-owner with his brother of their parents' successful restaurant, has his fingers in a few other pies that aren't quite so legitimate (nor as successful). That knowledge also expands the investigation to several more suspects and a few dead ends before Cross finally ferrets out the truth and a rather surprise ending.
I do admit it took several chapters before I really got into the story - mostly, I guess, because the writing is a little stilted (in truth, it almost seemed as if it were written by someone who has Asperger's). But once I got the rhythm, my interest started to hum along and it was hard to put it down. In short, I'm hooked - and hopefully before long I'll have time to get to the first book before the next one comes out. Good job!
June 1, 2022
A well written meat and potatoes police procedural with a side order of Asperger
"I shouldn't have to ask. I'm your partner. You should share it." -Ottey
Reading about George Cross can be exhausting and frustrating.
Working with George Cross can be impossible at times.
I like the way his partner Ottey deals with him and the relationship with his father is also an interesting arc.
"I shouldn't have to ask. I'm your partner. You should share it." -Ottey
Reading about George Cross can be exhausting and frustrating.
Working with George Cross can be impossible at times.
I like the way his partner Ottey deals with him and the relationship with his father is also an interesting arc.
June 24, 2022
Excellent mystery series set in England. I've read two books now and am thoroughly hooked.
September 6, 2024
Dviratininkas 📖
Detektyvas seržantas Džordžas Krosas turi mažai ką tęsti, tačiau iš silpnų įdegio linijų ant kūno ir keistų randų ant dilbių pamažu atsiranda tapatybė: jaunas vyras; dviratininkas mėgėjas; rezultatyvumą gerinančių medžiagų pasiūla. Bet kas lėmė šį žmogų į jo mirtį? Netrukus Krosas sumontavo tyrimą, kuris atskleis pavydą, ambicijas ir šeimą, kuri išsiskyrė...
Pradžia skaitėsi nuobodžiai, bet paskui įtraukė labai ir pabaiga nustebino.
Visai įdomi antrą serijos dalis. 📔🥰
Detektyvas seržantas Džordžas Krosas turi mažai ką tęsti, tačiau iš silpnų įdegio linijų ant kūno ir keistų randų ant dilbių pamažu atsiranda tapatybė: jaunas vyras; dviratininkas mėgėjas; rezultatyvumą gerinančių medžiagų pasiūla. Bet kas lėmė šį žmogų į jo mirtį? Netrukus Krosas sumontavo tyrimą, kuris atskleis pavydą, ambicijas ir šeimą, kuri išsiskyrė...
Pradžia skaitėsi nuobodžiai, bet paskui įtraukė labai ir pabaiga nustebino.
Visai įdomi antrą serijos dalis. 📔🥰
June 4, 2024
Sehr gute Reihe.
Ungewöhnlicher Ermittlungsstil.
Klassische Ermittlungstätigkeit, sehr schön.
Ungewöhnlicher Ermittlungsstil.
Klassische Ermittlungstätigkeit, sehr schön.
Want to read
November 19, 2022Wishlist | Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Ko-fi
#1 The Dentist - TBR
#2 The Cyclist - TBR
#3 The Patient - ★★★★
#4 The Politician - ★★★★
#1 The Dentist - TBR
#2 The Cyclist - TBR
#3 The Patient - ★★★★
#4 The Politician - ★★★★
August 30, 2024
Very similar to the first in the series in that the storyline is a pretty standard one paced police procedural with the complex character of George Cross, who has Asperger’s Syndrome, very much its redeeming feature.
As with the first book I found it irritating that the author had to constantly explain that George’s anti-social behaviour was because he was on the spectrum. This happens so often that at times it felt like it was happening virtually every time there was a discussion. Give the reader some credit and allow them to work it out for themselves, at least after the tenth explanation in book two!
I’ll probably read the next in the series as I do find the books a little different and I’m sure there will be times when it will match my mood.
As with the first book I found it irritating that the author had to constantly explain that George’s anti-social behaviour was because he was on the spectrum. This happens so often that at times it felt like it was happening virtually every time there was a discussion. Give the reader some credit and allow them to work it out for themselves, at least after the tenth explanation in book two!
I’ll probably read the next in the series as I do find the books a little different and I’m sure there will be times when it will match my mood.
December 24, 2022
George Cross has done it again, not resolved 1 crime but 2. Loving the character of George and his ways 😃
March 4, 2022
3.45 stars. I’ll definitely read the next one whenever the audiobook is released. However, that priest, Ottey (maybe most of all), & Raymond still angered me at times. 😬😤
February 15, 2024
This has everything I liked about the first book in the series minus a crackling narrative drive. I was very ho-hum about the stakes in this one and was tempted to abandon it..
December 30, 2022
Tak jako v případě prvního dílu, je i Cyklista čistokrevnou detektivkou, okořeněnou příjemně nestandardním detektivem.
George Cross, je detektiv, který nedělá věci bezdůvodně, ale o to víc po svém. Bohužel však v případě tohoto dílu, mi přišlo jeho vystupování mírně upozaděné, a ne tak výrazné. Příběh je však i tak příjemně čtivý, a zajímavý. I když z mého pohledu, přeci jen slabší. To však může být dáno i tím, že mi nesedlo prostředí, do kterého, je zasazený. Oblast vrcholové cyklistiky, a s ní souvisejícího dopingu, je pro mě nadmíru nezajímavá a naprosto mimo můj okruh zájmů. A tak jsem si knihu sice přečetla, ale nepodařilo se jí mě více zaujmout, natož pak vtáhnout do děje.
George Cross, je detektiv, který nedělá věci bezdůvodně, ale o to víc po svém. Bohužel však v případě tohoto dílu, mi přišlo jeho vystupování mírně upozaděné, a ne tak výrazné. Příběh je však i tak příjemně čtivý, a zajímavý. I když z mého pohledu, přeci jen slabší. To však může být dáno i tím, že mi nesedlo prostředí, do kterého, je zasazený. Oblast vrcholové cyklistiky, a s ní souvisejícího dopingu, je pro mě nadmíru nezajímavá a naprosto mimo můj okruh zájmů. A tak jsem si knihu sice přečetla, ale nepodařilo se jí mě více zaujmout, natož pak vtáhnout do děje.
April 15, 2022
The second investigation featuring DS George Cross revolves around a young man called Alex Paphides, a keen cyclist who works at his family's Greek restaurant in Bristol.
Alex is found dead and there are no obvious clues, but Cross is determined to find out the truth. Which, of course, he does quite brilliantly and in the way only he can. Performance enhancing drugs, a proposed business expansion, a pregnancy, and paint traces on a door jamb all contribute to the picture that Cross assembles in his mind.
It is fascinating to read the thought processes that Cross goes through whilst searching for the evidence that will hold up in court. As ever, Tim Sullivan allows us to observe the minute detail that his detective insists on, even turning down a search warrant at one point (to the total frustration of his boss) because he wants even more damning evidence - which he gets.
Cross has Asperger's Syndrome, which means he finds social interaction difficult. This leads to him not understanding sometimes when colleagues make jokes or ironic comments, and he doesn't always acknowledge when someone helps him. His partner, DI Josie Ottey, is learning to be patient with Cross's manner and behaviour traits, and helps him remember social niceties that he would otherwise overlook.
I also enjoyed the way Alice Mackenzie is portrayed, as she also becomes more confident around Cross and begins to understand his processes and idiosyncrasies.
When Cross arrives at the explanation, it makes complete sense. Except, of course, it isn't quite as cut and dried as we were being led to believe and there is, in fact, a further revelation to come. It is testament to the author that we are able to see how the truth emerges from layers of obfuscation and deceit, and of course it could only be Cross who makes the connection that enables the full story to come to light.
I look forward to reading more mysteries involving George Cross, who is fast becoming my favourite fictional detective.
Alex is found dead and there are no obvious clues, but Cross is determined to find out the truth. Which, of course, he does quite brilliantly and in the way only he can. Performance enhancing drugs, a proposed business expansion, a pregnancy, and paint traces on a door jamb all contribute to the picture that Cross assembles in his mind.
It is fascinating to read the thought processes that Cross goes through whilst searching for the evidence that will hold up in court. As ever, Tim Sullivan allows us to observe the minute detail that his detective insists on, even turning down a search warrant at one point (to the total frustration of his boss) because he wants even more damning evidence - which he gets.
Cross has Asperger's Syndrome, which means he finds social interaction difficult. This leads to him not understanding sometimes when colleagues make jokes or ironic comments, and he doesn't always acknowledge when someone helps him. His partner, DI Josie Ottey, is learning to be patient with Cross's manner and behaviour traits, and helps him remember social niceties that he would otherwise overlook.
I also enjoyed the way Alice Mackenzie is portrayed, as she also becomes more confident around Cross and begins to understand his processes and idiosyncrasies.
When Cross arrives at the explanation, it makes complete sense. Except, of course, it isn't quite as cut and dried as we were being led to believe and there is, in fact, a further revelation to come. It is testament to the author that we are able to see how the truth emerges from layers of obfuscation and deceit, and of course it could only be Cross who makes the connection that enables the full story to come to light.
I look forward to reading more mysteries involving George Cross, who is fast becoming my favourite fictional detective.
April 16, 2022
First time reading this author very enjoyable mystery.
October 2, 2022
Audio version of this book 📚 Absolutely LOVE this series! George Cross is such a loveable eccentric character! The author manages to create a great storyline with the added bonus of George’s quips that have you smiling to yourself throughout!
The narrator was excellent! Whether George Cross’s character would come across the same in the book I’m not sure 🤔 excellent! Can’t wait for the next one !!
The narrator was excellent! Whether George Cross’s character would come across the same in the book I’m not sure 🤔 excellent! Can’t wait for the next one !!
April 7, 2023
Highly competent and with detective skills second to none, DS Cross is quickly becoming my favourite fictional detective.
In this installment, Cross investigates the death of a cyclist whose body is excavated from a construction site. Showing the same focus and determination as in the first book, Cross uses unorthodox methods to close in on his suspect, even refusing a search warrant at one point to gather more damning evidence.
Of course, reading about Cross slowly uncovering each clue to unravel the mystery was fun, but what I liked most about The Cyclist was Cross' interactions with others. In this book we see his partner, DS Ottey, begin to adjust to their partnership and work to help further develop his social awareness. Collaborating with a new department trainee, Alice Mackenzie, also requires him to adjust the way he works and relates to others. The threat of a shifting schedule and changing traditions with his father also wear on him. And in the face of these stresses, we see Cross develop and change as a character in truly touching ways.
I loved this installment in the series just as much as the first, if not more. This series has such delightful, strong, and likeable characters and I really enjoyed seeing them all interact, grow closer, and learn from each other.
In this installment, Cross investigates the death of a cyclist whose body is excavated from a construction site. Showing the same focus and determination as in the first book, Cross uses unorthodox methods to close in on his suspect, even refusing a search warrant at one point to gather more damning evidence.
Of course, reading about Cross slowly uncovering each clue to unravel the mystery was fun, but what I liked most about The Cyclist was Cross' interactions with others. In this book we see his partner, DS Ottey, begin to adjust to their partnership and work to help further develop his social awareness. Collaborating with a new department trainee, Alice Mackenzie, also requires him to adjust the way he works and relates to others. The threat of a shifting schedule and changing traditions with his father also wear on him. And in the face of these stresses, we see Cross develop and change as a character in truly touching ways.
I loved this installment in the series just as much as the first, if not more. This series has such delightful, strong, and likeable characters and I really enjoyed seeing them all interact, grow closer, and learn from each other.
January 1, 2024
Book 2
I started this series yesterday and I've just finished this, the 2nd book.
I'm going the character that is D'S Cross. I like when the detective is character with quirks, a very personal way of feeling with things. Cross has Aspergers, this makes him a superb character. I think the author has done superb getting across how people with another deal with things. How perfect blunt they can be and how others may see it as rude.
I started this series yesterday and I've just finished this, the 2nd book.
I'm going the character that is D'S Cross. I like when the detective is character with quirks, a very personal way of feeling with things. Cross has Aspergers, this makes him a superb character. I think the author has done superb getting across how people with another deal with things. How perfect blunt they can be and how others may see it as rude.
Read
June 25, 2024Intriguing, but...
I really liked the first Cross mystery, and would have loved this one except for the increased use of the F-bomb. Such a shame, because the plot and writing are great, and I probably would have given 5 stars if I'd been able to read it all. So just a caution for those who have similar feelings.
I really liked the first Cross mystery, and would have loved this one except for the increased use of the F-bomb. Such a shame, because the plot and writing are great, and I probably would have given 5 stars if I'd been able to read it all. So just a caution for those who have similar feelings.
July 23, 2024
The second book in the DS Cross series and I have now read both books this past week. Once again I throughly enjoyed this book. While I do not feel the story line was as strong as The Dentist (book 1) that doesn’t distract that it was still a good story line. But what I am enjoying more and more is the development of the main character, DS Cross and all his quirks. I am looking forward to see how much more this develops with the next books in the series.
May 21, 2023
An enjoyable and fun read - has all the hallmarks of a good whodunnit. The characters are very “made for ITV” : autistic detective, understanding but sassy partner, a clever up and coming junior and a slightly bungling boss. Everyone likes each other (ish) so the focus is mainly on the plot. Feels like it’s ready for tv adaptation!
The story of this one was clever and interesting but not sure I liked the ending. Still, very enjoyable!
The story of this one was clever and interesting but not sure I liked the ending. Still, very enjoyable!
November 29, 2023
Absolutely love this series so far . Brilliant.
February 23, 2024
I really like this series.
May 14, 2024
A second great outing for DI Cross. What I like about these procedurals is that the reader follows all aspects of the crime right through to the interview and charging. And the perpetrators are caught using sound deduction and field work. Yes, Cross brings an unusual rigour to his work because of who he is but there is no 'magic moment'. Cross, who is on the high functioning spectrum, is presented as a whole character not just as an oddity.
June 21, 2024
The walmart version of a sherlock holmes story. A socially unaware detective who singlehandedly solves riddles with a partner that does nothing but praise him and make him aware of social queues. It’s very predictable but still an enjoyable read.
August 12, 2023
Solid read, good ending.
August 17, 2023
I might have been confused about the timelines, but I wondered how they could make the MRT of the hamstring after the funeral. Or would an exhumation in the UK be so easy to not mention it?
May 30, 2024
The author's intimidatingly deep knowledge of autistic behavior is quite impressive.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 286 reviews