This is the first book in the DS Cross series. George Cross is a detective with Asperger’s Syndrome, who has trouble with empathy and basic social situations, but is brilliant when it comes to logic, details, and patterns. The story uses his condition as a central plot technique in a manner very similar to the Monk TV series (including partnering the detective with a woman who takes care of him). It’s a bit hit or miss, but when it hits, it can be charming and funny. The central mystery is fairly standard fare for a detective series, with a few twists and turns, and a reasonably tidy and logical conclusion.
Overall, it’s a decent read. Nothing spectacular, but just interesting enough to merit checking out the next book in the series.
