A Detective with Autism

I love a murder mystery book as long as it isn’t to scary that it gives me nightmares just before I go to sleep. This was a great read and I loved Jonathan Roper who is a detective on the Autism Spectrum.

At first I wondered whether the actually story slipped slightly and concentrated on Jonathan’s Autism a little too much but no, looking back after finishing it I think it had a good balance. I may have thought this because I have a knowledge of Autism but for someone reading this it is a very good insight into how the Autistic brain works.

Jonathan's Autism is different from my sons Autism but I think most people will say that as everyone's Autism is quite unique. The character is brought in to help investigate a murder which has taken place and puts his fabulous mind to work on working out a solution to quite a complex situation. I love that he has the support of his colleague Brian Hooley who has the patience and understanding of his condition to allow him to do his job. Others as in life are not always so understanding and he had been previously suspended for misconduct, but he's brought back and he proves himself to do what he feels is important to him and that's to help solve this case. 

He may have problems socially and coping with the day to day life within a big organisation but to be honest I don't think he feels that's his priority, his work is and that's Autism isn't it? It does make me chuckle as he asks Brian about certain situations regarding behaviour such as sarcasm and how he should deal with it which I just feel is a nice honest approach and he honestly is trying to make an effort to fit in. 

It was fascinating to see how he worked out the clues and put it all together making the last few chapters of this book so gripping I couldn't put it down. Brilliantly written by Michael Leese who also has a son with Autism, he states that his son's Autism is also very different to the character he has created but one thing they do share is a powerful sense of determination which I think shines through in a lot of people I know with Autism too.

I think this book would make an great tv series, it reminded a lot of the current series of The Good Doctor on Sky Living. Doctor Shaun Murphy has a similar rapport with his mentor Dr Aaron Glassman, it would be nice to see more characters on tv with Autism and a detective drama would be something to consider maybe? I'd love to watch this on the telly.

It is a great read and can definitely recommend it. This is the first of two books in the Jonathan Roper series, the second being 'I Can See You'. I will pop links (affiliated) for both these books at the end of this post. If you would like more information about the author go to:
www.michael-leese.com 

Thank you for reading today, please join me tomorrow for our first tv chat of the new year on Pass the Remote Sunday.

Take care for now.