Detective novel par excellence!
The Teacher (DS Cross Thriller #6) by Tim Sullivan
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When I wasn’t feeling sorry for the school boys in the murder victim’s past, I was laughing out loud.
DC Cross has Autism Spectrum Condition which makes him an interesting partner for DC Josey Ottey. Josey is on leave until her living arrangements drive her back to work.
But it’s DC Cross who stands out, oblivious to those around him. His focus is always the case. Detective inspector Warner has been assigned to this particular case from outside. His sarcasm slides off Cross, with Warner frequently left wondering what just happened.
A seriously humorous Occassion has Cross leading Warner a merry chase between two interview rooms.
“ ‘Where did he go?’ [Warner] asked Ottey. She indicated the interview room. He disappeared into it. Moments later Cross appeared and went back into the other room. Warner appeared and followed him next door. Seconds later Cross reappeared and went back into the adjacent room. It was like something out of a Feydeau farce.
Warner appeared looking quite angry now. He reached for the other door. ‘I’d think very carefully about doing that if I were you, sir,’ she said. ‘Oh yeah? And why’s that?’ ‘Because DS Cross is capable of doing this again and again for the rest of the day and well into the night,’ she said. ‘Well so am I,’ he replied.
‘The difference between you though, is that he genuinely won’t be concerned about how ridiculous it makes him appear. The question is, will you?’”
I was much struck by a sense of the ridiculousness as the picture of this Keystone Cops type routine loomed large in my head.
More seriously is the general behavor of DI Warner. He belittles Cross at every turn. He humiliates and sexually harasses the younger women of the force. He views them as a mix between his servants and his to do with as he willed. They best served in bed—preferably his. The women are frightened and angry. Warner feels untouchable.
Warner jumps the gun on who the killer is, and despite Cross being unsure, brings the case to a resounding, triumphant close—until the court case! Cross meanwhile quietly continues to investigate.
Another triumphant novel centred around DC Cross.
An Aria & Aries ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
Please note: Quotes taken from an advanced reading copy maybe subject to change
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