Really enjoyed this one, especially the new characters 

The Politician (The DS Cross Mysteries #4)
By Tim Sullivan, narrated by Finlay Robertson

For the most enjoyment and to best way get to know the characters and their backgrounds, I suggest reading/hearing this series from the beginning. But each book gives you enough necessary input about the recurring characters that you can pick up a book in the middle of the series. It's just that I enjoy these characters so much, with their growth as they learn to adapt to DS Cross and as DS Cross gets schooled in how to best get along with people (or at least communicate with them) that starting from the beginning is the most rewarding for me. 

The story drops us right into the crime, a well known, well respected woman, murdered in her own home. It looks like it could be a burglary gone wrong except things don't add up. And although Peggy Frampton had a lot of friends and admirers, she also had a lot of enemies. She was a very vocal and bullheaded activist but she also wrote agony column and some of her advice to women had garnered threats from the men connected to them, surely lame threats, but threats, just the same. 

Because the murder victim is so famous, the big guns are called in for the investigation. CS Heather Matthews heads this investigation and she's heard enough about how DS Cross works to know that he needs to be allowed to proceed in the best manner for him. Afterall, he has the best of solve rates, no need to hamper a man who knows how to get the job done. 

I'm a big fan of Cross's partner, DS Josie Ottey, who has been working with Cross for the last two years, because she's one of the few who can/will work with Cross. She has his number by now, she knows exactly how to work with him but has also learned to throw his own medicine back at him. Treating him with the same indifference and rudeness he treats her can feel so good. What is nice is that it takes Chief Superintendent Heather Matthews no time to realize what an asset the department has in DS Ottey, someone who is just as good and important to the team as DS Cross. It's nice to see Ottey get the recognition and to see her appreciated. 

This story dives into some dark places, the trail is a tangled mess and there are many crimes committed among this family and friends that must be untangled before a murderer can be found. Finlay Robertson is really good with the narration, his voice fits these characters and this world so well. And there is the usual humor among the characters which is one of the reasons I enjoy this series so much.

Thank you to my library and Libby for this audiobook.