At least when I’m reviewing the fourth DS Cross police procedural, The Politician by Tim Sullivan, it’s already available. Just because I couldn’t resist buying the British paperback copies doesn’t mean everyone did. So, I waited a little longer to read this one.
When a former mayor of Bristol, England, is found dead in her bedroom, the first assumption is that the victim interrupted a burglary. But, DS George Cross doesn’t make assumptions. Before her death, she was an influencer, a blogger who acted as an agony aunt. There were people who struck back at her on the Internet. She fought a harbor development. Her husband cheated on her, and her son is a gambler. Even an Albanian crime family might have wanted to remove Peggy Frampton as an obstacle.
While DCI Ben Carson is often an impediment to the cases Cross and his partner DS Josie Ottey investigate, this time the Chief Constable brings in Chief Superintendent Heather Matthews to head up the investigation. Matthews has a team to work the case, but she trusts Cross and Ottey to investigate, and asks them to report only to her. It takes quite a while for them to find any direction, but with the assistance of their staff officer, and an interested forensic scientist/crime scene investigator, they uncover backstories for their suspects. Too many suspects.
Cross plods along in his careful way while also examining a personal issue. Now that George’s mother has shown up after forty years, he’s following the suggestion that he look at his father’s reasons for not telling him why his mother left them all those years earlier. He treats it just like one of his cases as he searches for answers.
Sullivan expands Cross’ universe in this latest book, adding a few new characters to the police team. It was time. Although I admire George, we’ve learned quite a bit about his story. Because the author added additional people, the investigations may be even more interesting. This series depends on character development. I hope we see more of both characters in future books. Police procedurals have never been more satisfying.
Tim Sullivan’s website is https://timsullivan.co.uk/
The Politician by Tim Sullivan. Head of Zeus, 2022. 400p.
FTC Full Disclosure – I bought a copy of the book.
I own The Dentist, and I still haven’t started it. This is a great reminder to do so right away. Thanks!
You’re welcome, Kim. I’m glad you own The Dentist, but you’re missing out.The first one is an introduction; the second a little repetitive. They just get better, though.
Fortunately, I have been able to borrow all of the books to read via Libby (from the library). This was a good one, it seemed simple at the start but wasn’t as obvious as it seemed. And adding the newly complex elements of George’s relationship with his parents is a good one.
I’m up to book six.
You’re right, Jeff. I knew it wasn’t going to be simple because of the size of the book. Normally, George solves the case much sooner than he did. I liked the addition of the new characters, too.
As soon as these started coming out with the new publisher, the Dallas Public Library System pulled them all from the system as they had with Jeffrey Siger stuff. Not cool at all.
This is my current read via NetGalley and the new publisher. Very much enjoying it.
Oh, come on, Dallas. That’s ridiculous. We both know they’re not going to rebuy all the older books. You’re right, Kevin. Not cool at all.
I love the series. Next up for me will be The Teacher. I enjoy the characters and the plotting is very good. I could read them straight through which I never do with series. Hold off though to read other books due back at library. One of my top two series and favorite author,