The Dentist - (DS George Cross Mysteries) by Tim Sullivan (Paperback)

About the Book

Book Synopsis

The first book in Tim Sullivan's bestselling series starring the brilliant Detective Sergeant George Cross, with over 1,000,000 copies sold, now published for the first time in the US

George Cross is on the autism spectrum. He struggles with simple daily interactions but his single-mindedness, attention to detail and fierce persistence make him the most successful detective in the Bristol station with a 97% conviction rate.

When the body of an elderly homeless man is discovered on the edge of Clifton Downs, George insists on scrutinizing the smallest details, even after his fellow officers dismiss the murder as an act of random violence. As he delves into the dead man's past, he discovers a connection to a case that has been cold for fifteen years. The same tragedy that led to the victim's homelessness may have also led to his death. Despite skepticism from his colleagues, including his partner Josie who as usual is both exasperated by and protective of George, he is determined to solve both cases - and finally arrest the murderer who has roamed free.

A "perfect detective for our time and for all time" (Stephen Fry), George Cross has been embraced by authors, booksellers, reviewers, and readers across the UK. The Dentist marks the launch of Tim Sullivan's brilliant series in the US, where it is certain to find a wide audience.

Review Quotes

Praise for The Dentist:

One of Kirkus Reviews Best Books of 2025

One of Kirkus Reviews Best Mysteries and Thrillers of 2025

"Sullivan has created a wholly three-dimensional protagonist, equal parts charming and maddening."-Library Journal (starred review)

"Excellent... Sullivan strikes gold his first time out, injecting investigative scenes with a cinematic flair and firmly establishing Cross as a quirky, lovable lead."--Publishers Weekly (starred review)

"Crime-fiction fans will keep guessing until the very end and thoroughly enjoy Sullivan's complex plotline and mosaic of characters that propel the story to its thrilling conclusion."--Booklist (starred review)

"A satisfyingly complex police procedural."--Washington Post

"You'll crave more George Cross once you've finished this meticulously wrought police procedural."--Air Mail

"A multifaceted murder puzzle anchored by a compelling pair of sleuths."--Kirkus Reviews

Praise for Tim Sullivan and the DS George Cross series:

"One of the most iconic British fictional detectives of the 21st century... a delight."--Daily Mail

"Old-fashioned in a good way...satisfying."--Sunday Times

"A gripping, atmospheric police procedural."--The Guardian on The Monk

"The fact that Cross has been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder makes him just as intriguing as the murder mystery."--The Times

"A compelling, suspenseful police procedural with an intimate, positive insight into living on the autistic spectrum."--Woman

"An extremely accomplished, traditional mystery in the PD James mode... an absolute treat."--Irish Times on The Monk

"A popular, must-read series."--The Sun

"George Cross is becoming one of my favourite detectives."--Elly Griffiths

"These are must-read detective novels. George Cross is a great creation."--Mark Billingham

"[This] is becoming a classic series."--Imran Mahmood

"DS George Cross shot to the top of my favourites when I first encountered him."--Mari Hannah

"A perfect detective for our time and for all time."--Stephen Fry

Reader raves

"Thank you for bringing George Cross to life and into our lives; please, please keep going."

"George Cross is now my new favourite literary detective."

"I have Aspergers myself and I'm in the constabulary in the UK. I think people often believe that people with autism can't do these kinds of roles and it's really great to have more media/literature showing autism and other disabilities not as a disadvantage but as something quite positive and in the case of George, a gift."

"I love George Cross and colleagues and family."

"Couldn't put this one down, and can't wait for the next one."

About the Author

Tim Sullivan is an acclaimed screenwriter, whose credits include A Handful of Dust, starring Kristen Scott Thomas, Where Angels Fear to Tread, starring Helen Mirren and Helena Bonham Carter, Jack and Sarah (which he also directed) starring Richard E Grant, Judi Dench and Ian McKellen and Letters to Juliet, with Amanda Seyfried. He is also a Television director whose credits include Sherlock Holmes and Cold Feet. He has written extensively in Hollywood in both live action and animation, working with Ron Howard, Scott Rudin and with Jeffrey Katzenberg on the fourth Shrek movie. He has now embarked on a series of crime novels featuring the autistic, and brilliantly persistent DS George Cross. The Dentist is the first in the series. Tim lives in North London with his wife Rachel, the Emmy award-winning producer of The Barefoot Contessa and Pioneer Woman.