Infinite Books

“The Teacher” by Tim Sullivan is the sixth book in the DS George Cross series. I already read four other books featuring Cross, and it’s easy to say that he is one of my favorite detectives. He’s on the spectrum, and while he has problems with interpreting people’s social niceties, he has the highest ratio in his unit for solving crimes.  

This time, the victim is an eighty-year-old former teacher, a person who ruined the lives of his pupils, and whom, it seems, everybody hated.  Cross, with his typical persistence and attention to facts, is partnered with another detective – not his usual partner Josie Ottey – a misogynistic, obnoxious DI Bobby Warner.  There are many clues, many suspects, and … a few dogs that may usually play catch, but in this mystery, they also play an important role in solving the puzzle.

I thoroughly enjoy following DS Cross on his journey as a detective and as a person throughout the books. He has, so to speak, interesting relationships with people who often consider him rude, but many eventually come to realize how intelligent and unbiased he is in his perfect profession.  We also get a good glimpse into his private life, learning about his parents, especially his father, who is very important to Cross. There is a touching side to Cross’s artistic abilities: he plays organ and befriends a local priest.

With all its light humor, this book is definitely not a light read mystery. There is physical and psychological abuse, attempted rape, and addressing issues of sexual harassment at work, as well as child abuse at school. It has dark moments, but ultimately, the author leaves us with hope, delivering a satisfying ending. I also loved the pace of the story, moving without rushing but taking many turns as the new suspects emerge.

I’m certainly looking forward to the next book in the series.

THE TEACHER by Tim Sullivan, Grove Atlantic, 2026