Total absorption!

The Politician (DS Cross Mysteries #4) by Tim Sullivan      

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

It’s a definite! I’m absorbed by DS Cross, a detective who has Asperger’s, his shortcomings in everyday relationships, his lack of social awareness and his dogged pursuit of a case are marvellous.  I’m reminded a tad of Stellan Skarsgard’s performing in the tv production River, although Cross and John River are so different.

A high profile activist and counsellor is found dead in her bedroom. Presumed to have been killed by an intruder, a thief.

Then comes a later discovery that valuable family jewellery is missing. Most see the two connected. Cross doesn’t.

The case becomes more complicated as layers upon layers are uncovered, including a link through two sources to an Albanian crime family.

On the personal side Cross is starting to question why his mother disappeared so long ago.

His partner DS Josie Ottey is both annoyed by Cross and yet pleased to be partnered with him. The whole driving aspect was amusing. Josie finds herself part chauffeur and partner. Cross has no ego that necessitates he takes control, only pursuit of the case to the exclusion of others’ feelings. In fact their feelings actually flummox him.

A quirky character, I was delighted, charmed and amused by Cross. By his total focus, and the response to him by others around him. I was inspired to read previous novels in the series. Loved them! Great!

An Aria & Aries ARC via NetGalley.                                              

Many thanks to the author and publisher.