She Treads Softly: The Teacher

Wednesday, April 15, 2026

The Teacher

The Teacher by Tim Sullivan
5/5/26; 408 pages
Grove/Atlantic
DS George Cross Mystery #6

The Teacher by Tim Sullivan is a very highly recommended procedural and the sixth book in the series featuring Detective Sergeant George Cross of the Avon and Somerset Major Crimes Unit.

Alistair Moreton, an 80-year-old retired headteacher is found dead at the foot of the stairs, but the stab wound makes it clear it wasn't an accident. By all appearances Moreton could be a taciturn but disagreeable man. The first likely suspects in the investigation are Moreton's neighbors with whom he has had multiple, on-going disputes. Cross's partner, DS Josie Ottey, is on leave, so DS Cross is initially at the scene collecting evidence with his boss, DCI Ben Carson.

Carson brings in DI Bobby Warner from Kent to work with Cross, and Warner immediately tries to antagonize Cross just because he can. He is a thoroughly disagreeable man who also resorts to taunting, name-calling and belittling Cross while simultaneously harassing Alice Mackenzie. Warner immediately decides who is the perpetrator, charges him, and looks no further, operating in a manner in complete antithesis to the manner in which Cross investigates. While Warner charges forward with his brash decision, Cross individually continues his careful, methodical investigation, looking into all clues. Ottey does return to work early, joining Cross in his investigation.

George Cross is neurodivergent. He has autism spectrum disorder or, as he prefers, condition. He is a tenacious, brilliant, and insightful investigator who can also struggle following social cues. On the job his differences make him a formidable investigator who can follow and catch clues others might miss. Cross is known in the department for his high conviction rate. Ottey understands Cross and works well with him. Cross also continues to deal with some personal, family issues in this outing.

The Teacher is a another very well-written addition to the series which sets itself apart with the uniqueness of the main character and the twisty, complicated, intuitive, and analytical investigation. The intelligent investigation which proceeds through logically and instinctively following the clues and putting the puzzle together made it another enjoyable procedural in the series. Although this can be enjoyed as a standalone novel, reading the previous books in the series and knowing all the characters and their backgrounds makes it a even greater pleasure to read.

All the characters are portrayed as a fully realized individuals with strengths and weaknesses. At this point in the series, they are all well-known, unique characters. This series depends on both the strong characterizations, along with the complicated, well reasoned plot, to propel the action forward. The unique main character also serves to set this series apart from others.

The Teacher is a wonderful choice for those who enjoy procedurals and are also following the DS George Cross series. Thanks to Grove/Atlantic for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.

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John Updike's six rules for reviewing:

1. Try to understand what the author wished to do, and do not blame him for not achieving what he did not attempt.

2. Give him enough direct quotation--at least one extended passage--of the book's prose so the review's reader can form his own impression, can get his own taste.

3. Confirm your description of the book with quotation from the book, if only phrase-long, rather than proceeding by fuzzy precis.

4. Go easy on plot summary, and do not give away the ending.

5. If the book is judged deficient, cite a successful example along the same lines, from the author's oeuvre or elsewhere. Try to understand the failure. Sure it's his and not yours?

To these concrete five might be added a vaguer sixth, having to do with maintaining a chemical purity in the reaction between product and appraiser.....Review the book, not the reputation.... Better to praise and share than blame and ban. The communion between reviewer and his public is based upon the presumption of certain possible joys in reading, and all our discriminations should curve toward that end.