Note: this is a spoiler-free zone!
The Book
The Tailor, by Tim Sullivan, is the eighth novel in the crime series starring Detective Sergeant George Cross.
The book starts with a shocking murder aboard the morning train from Bristol to London. William “Billy” Titcomb, a third-generation bespoke tailor, is found dead in a first-class train toilet before the train even reaches Bath. His throat has been savagely cut and a plastic bag placed over his head.
The British Transport Police call for help, bringing in the local force’s Major Crimes Unit (MCU), which is where George Cross works.
From here on, the investigation proceeds as our hero works to solve the crime. And that’s all I’m going to say about the plot.
The writing is crisp and packed with wisdom and humor. Much of this comes from the lead character, but the supporting cast have their moments. The plot is well put together, though of all the books to date this is the one which requires the most suspension of disbelief. And, as with all good books, I was disappointed on reaching the end as I wanted more.
This novel is a fine piece of crime fiction. I recommend it and the whole series. If you like this sort of thing, don’t start here. Read the books in order. (The first is The Dentist.) If you don’t normally like crime fiction, this might change your mind. Why? George Cross is a great character and that alone makes the books worth reading.
And so, let’s talk about the lead character.
The Character
Previously, I’ve referred to the oft-followed rule that police-based crime stories must feature a defective detective. The hero must be a drunk, a womanizer, a misogynist, a thoroughly unpleasant individual, a murderer, or be potentially fatally flawed in some other way.
George Cross is not the typical detective. He is on the autism spectrum and his neurodiversity is depicted not as a tragic burden or a magic gimmick, but as his primary investigative strength. This makes Cross a compelling and refreshing character. Here’s why.
No Hunches
Unlike standard fictional detectives who rely on hunches or emotional intuition, Cross works strictly through logic, evidence, and pattern recognition. He doesn’t form wild hypotheses. Instead, he systematically tracks patterns in human behavior and timing, seeing the breaks, and following these through.
Nothing But the Truth
Cross is completely unaffected by social status, office politics, or external pressure to close cases quickly. Whether questioning a powerful politician or advocating for a marginalized victim (such as an elderly homeless man in The Dentist), he treats every individual with the exact same literal, unvarnished objectivity. His motivation isn’t ambition. Indeed, he actively declines promotions to avoid managerial overhead. He wants to get to the truth. As he sees it, that’s how to maintain justice and order.
High Conviction Over High Speed
While many fictional policemen boast high arrest rates, Cross boasts a (frankly unbelievable) 97% conviction rate. How does he achieve this? Slowly. His meticulous adherence to protocol, a flawless chain of custody, and immaculate paperwork take time. He maintains a dogged, steady approach. And when a case reaches court, the prosecution’s evidence is practically bulletproof.
Total Social Literalism and Unintentional Wit
Cross does not grasp small talk, sarcasm, or social subtlety. His completely literal responses to everyday statements create natural humor throughout the books. He is never intentionally rude; he simply sees no point in polite dishonesty or beating around the bush.
Rich, Grounded Personal Dynamics
His character shines just as brightly outside the police station. His rigid daily routines (such as cycling to work and playing the organ at a local church) contrast with the messy human element of his personal life. His close bond with his elderly father, Raymond, along with his evolving professional dynamic with his practical partner Josie Ottey — who acts as his social translator and defender — gives the series genuine emotional warmth.
The Conclusion
George Cross is a great character. Don’t miss out!