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This reader’s introduction to DS George Cross, in this, number four in the series featuring the detective, and his partner, DS Josie Ottey.

A great new find, DS Cross is a detective unlike any other encountered. Neurodiverse (in this case, on the spectrum), Cross is detail-oriented, methodical, and totally unconcerned with many of the social niceties, idioms or conventions we humans tend to surround ourselves with. So much so that DS Ottey, Cross’s long-suffering but affectionate partner, must work to keep him on the straight and narrow, while at the same time benefitting from his enormous contributions to the duo’s criminal solve-rate.

In this story, as Cross and Ottey investigate the murder of an agony-aunt, who is also a former policitian, suspects from both professions (not to mention a home life that leaves a great deal to be desired), find themselves rendering a multitude of murderous possibilities.

DS Cross, (Great Britain’s contribution to a sort of drier and much more pedantic Lieutenant Columbo) has his work cut out for him when a deeply personal crisis requiring resolution also finds itself on the list of the many puzzles set out for him.

A clever plot follows, layered with police procedure, clues, and several subplots, as the reader is led on a winding and somewhat intricate tour, before settling down into a satisfying multi-faceted solution that works splendidly on all counts.

A fun and thoroughly entertaining read, DS Cross is a detective this reader has absolutely fallen for — I look forward to catching up on this terrific series by this new (to me) and very talented author.

A great big thank you to Netgalley, the author and the publisher for an ARC of this book. All thoughts presented are my own.