DS George Cross is back with the seventh book in this series. He's a great character and his relationship with his work partner DS Ottey is lovely.
This book revolves around a bookseller murdered in his shop. There are lots of twists and turns before the big reveal.
A good read but not my favourite in the series. I found it hard to engage at times and it seemed too wordy in places.

This is the seventh in the DS Cross series. They an e read as standalones as I haven't read them all.
Although I did enjoy catching up with George and Ottey, I just felt there was something a little lacking with this one, and I can't quite put my finger on why.
Ed Squires is a bookseller but gets himself killed. There is only one witness, his neice, but she only got a glimpse of the killer.
Cross is his usual self when trying to solve the murder. He also has some personal stuff going on in his life, which has him debating handing in his resignation. Otter has been promoted as Cross is upset that she didn't confide in him first before it was announced.
Alice also features and the continuation of the assault she was subjected to reaches it's climax.
I felt it was a little drawn out towards the end, but nevertheless, Cross's sharp mind puts it all together.
Thanks to Netgalley and Aria and Aries for the ARC in return for an honest review.

Another treat for the growing band of fans of the DS Cross crime fiction series, The Bookseller again treats the reader to the idiosyncratic approach of Detective Sergeant to the classic whodunnit questions: ‘Who killed the victim, and why did they do it?’

Along the way, courtesy of the author’s way of allowing us to share the thinking of DS Cross, we are reminded that the language we use in everyday social encounters or in business allows words and phrases to convey meaning that isn’t necessarily clear to someone who approaches things in a very literal way. It is a gentle and, I hope, not too patronising a way to introduce readers to the concept of neurodiversity.

In case this comes across as altogether too far removed from an engaging police procedural, new readers can be assured that this is not the case. The analytical skills of DS Cross are sharp and focused so that the reader is drawn along as clues and red herrings are given due consideration as the denouement approaches. There is a helpfully well drawn set of supporting characters, and care is taken to give the potential suspects reasonable grounds so that they can be believed capable of doing the deed.

Recommended.

I absolutely loved this latest DS Cross book. His unique character is a joy to read about, and I learned a lot about the world of second hand and rare book sales too. All the characters of this series continue to develop with successive books, and the relationship between Cross’s parents and with him is particularly well done. I can’t wait for the next book!

When a bookseller is found murdered in his shop DS George Cross and his partner Josie Ottley, now a DI, are assigned the case. There seems to be no motive for his murder but it appears that someone had been threatening and intimidating the victim. While conducting the investigation DS Cross also has to come to terms with his father's ill health.

This is the seventh book in the DS George Cross series. I've read each one and thoroughly enjoy them.

Thanks to Netgalley, Aria & Aries and Tim Sullivan for the ARC of this book in return for an honest review.

Old books, family relationships and a murder all set in Bristol .

Well researched and informative if you like the sound of very valuable books. Apart from the odd Russian connection this book had it all PLUS Ottey and Cross who have to track down the killer.. George Cross is a fascinating character who I came to enjoy after a few of his other 'triumphs'.

Enjoyable, with plenty of twists to and excellent ending.

Thanks to Net Galley Aria and Aries/Zeus Books for the chance to read and review.

I absolutely love the DS Cross books and have read them all. The writing is excellent, and the plots believable (if a teeny weeny bit far fetched). I am enjoying how George’s relationship with his mother is developing, and hope that in the next instalment we will see Alice as his new partner. As usual, a great murder mystery read. Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the early copy. I assume this is an uncorrected proof and hope the errors will be addressed before publication date.

Tim Sullivan’s *The Bookseller* is an engaging murder mystery that explores the world of rare books. Set in Bristol (UK) where a bookseller is found murdered, the story follows DS George Cross and colleagues as he tries to solve the crime. George Cross is an intriguing protagonist, notable for his emotionless quirks and methodical approach. His relationships with his colleagues add some lightness to the story, though they might feel a bit too well-crafted at times - I suspect the police workplace may be a little less rosy than it's portrayed in this story. Still, his unique personality keeps the narrative going along.

The is compelling, with the crimes and feuds within the book trade providing a new and intriguing backdrop. Sullivan uses the details of this niche industry effectively, adding depth without slowing the plot's pace. It’s not just about solving the crime; it’s about understanding the characters and their motives, which makes this story satisfying. While the plot twists and turns, it remains clear and easy to follow. The resolution ties things together well, leaving no loose ends. It’s a straightforward but well-executed mystery that keeps you guessing without being overly complex.

The Bookseller is a very enjoyable read for anyone who loves murder mysteries with a unique setting and a slightly unconventional detective. It’s a satisfying story that balances intrigue, character development, and a good dose of insider knowledge about the book world.

I have read all of the George Cross books, so was definitely looking forward to this, and it did not disappoint.
There are a few strands running through the book, the main case is that of the murdered bookshop, or rather his son, so straight away we wonder if it is a case of mistaken identity. Then there is the trial of the police detective accused of various counts of rape and sexual assault, including against Alice who was at the time part of the team. Then George’s father, Raymond, has discovered he has cancer and undergoes an operation, delayed by George’s numerous questions for the surgeon. However, it does not go to plan.
Everything hangs together well and as usual there are unexpected twists. Well written and a joy to read.

I'd read two of Tim Sullivan's series starring DC George Cross, and enjoyed them both immensely. The problem is, in my mind, is that once you've read one, you have, effectively, read them all - as I discovered halfway through my third Cross book, 'The Bookseller'. Same story, same premise, same structure, just different victims and suspects. Each one I've read seems to give more space to George's private life and his relationship with his father - which I'm never bothered about. Nearly every detective novel we read, or watch on TV, the author feels obliged to delve into the main character's private life because, I suppose,. they feel an obligation to 'fill out' their main character and make them more relatable to us. Frankly, it's a trend I'm not keen on. Agatha Christie never did it!

So, yes, another fine novel by Tim Sullivan. How can it not be, when, really, it's just a carbon copy of his previous ones?

Very good crime story set in the world of books. Engaging characters, good plot line. I enjoyed the story and didn’t guess the perpetrator.
Recommended.

George Cross is a wonderful detective, but his world collapses when his father has a CVA and is taken to hospital.
George sees things as black or white, and he tries to over compensate for his failings as a dutiful son by trying to give up the one thing that makes him a good detective, he tries to hand in his notice. Luckily, his boss refuses to accept this resignation, and gives George a murder to solve, set in the rarified world of booksellers. George finds out just how cut throat the world of rare books can be. Family relationships are the key to solving the mystery of who killed the bookseller and why, but also shows George that not every family lives happily ever after, George realises that some family truths have to be acknowledged in order to make sense of the murder and his own complicated family relationship.
George is a character who keeps developing book by book. He is loved by his father, but has been noticeably lukewarm towards his mother, but she has been gradually reintroduced to his life.
I liked this novel. George seems more fallible as he deals with personal issues and his many shortcomings as being on the Autistic spectrum.
George is improving socially and becomes more aware of his behaviour towards others. He remains dogged, determined and full of social awkwardness, but his work colleagues accept that this is what makes him such a good detective.
I love George, he makes me laugh, whilst I shudder at his misguided attempts at humour and trying to fit in with his work mates. George is George, and what more do we need ?
Book number 7, and I am looking forward to the next book. George is portrayed as a very sympathetic character and I love the approach to inclusivity within these novels. A five star read.
My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers Aria and Aries for my ARC, freely given in exchange for my honest review. I will leeave copies to Goodreads and Amazon UK upon publication.

I am always pleased when a new DS Cross police procedural is published. George Cross is one of my favourite detectives and this series is almost as much about his life as it is about the mysteries he and his team are working on. This new case involves the murder of a seller of rare books found dead after hours by his father in the shop, and Cross uncovers a series of other crimes associated with characters in the rare book trade. Whilst he is following the investigation, there are serious developments in his family life which George, who is most likely autistic, has to navigate.

This is a great read with a gripping plot, and interesting character development, even of minor characters.

You should get a prize if you guess the ending! This is a compelling read. A family owned bookstore in Bristol, specialising in old and very valuable books gets involved in conflict with other booksellers as they compete to get the most profitable deals. This results in vicious attempts to exclude competitors. So when the son, Ed, of the owner is found murdered in the shop, attention obviously concentrates on the rivals, in particular a rich Russian oligarch. The pursuit of the killer is complicated by family squabbles as well. The main detectives are known from previous books. Ottey has just been promoted which doesn’t please her partner George Cross whose surname describes his permanent attitude to life. Several suspects are considered and dropped then the whole focus shifts and surprises the reader. This is a very good read-murder with a difference! I strongly recommend it.

The Bookseller - Tim Sullivan published 16 Jan 2025

Torquil Squire is a 90 year old, who owns Squire’s Rare Books in Bristol. His son Ed runs the shop helped by his niece Persephone. George is called to the shop following a murder. and proceeds in his usual way to confound everyone in eliminating all the possible suspects to get to the real murderer. George being on the spectrum has his very own way of solving each case alongside his colleagues. George also has to deal with issues in his personal life surrounding his father Raymond's health and his developing relationship with his mother who has not been back in George's life very long.

I love these books George is such an interesting complex character and how he manages to navigate the world, form and hold onto relationships is funny and fabulous to read. The characters of Josey, Stephen, Raymond, Christine, Dr Swift and Mackenzie are well drawn and add to the richness of the plot.

I could not work out who the murderer was in this one again. A thoroughly enjoyable read, can't wait for the next installment.

Thank you to Netgalley for an advanced copy.

Once again, George Cross and his team had me hooked. I couldn't get my nose out of this book.
It's helpful but not essential to have read the other books in the series.
George Cross is trying to negotiate the changes to his home life while solving the murder of a local bookseller. Not everything at the murder scene is as it seems and George Cross, as usual, keeps investigating until everything meets with his satisfaction.
I cannot wait for the next installment.

I love George Cross and he is fast becoming one of my favourite detectives.

This is the 7th book in the series and it's just as well paced as the previous books. I live in Bristol where the books take place, which is why I picked up book 1, and I'm so glad I did!

This book was a good police procedural novel with an intriguing crime at the centre of the story, but I also enjoyed the lighthearted (and often quite heartwarming) moments like Raymond's birthday party.

Would definitely recommend if you enjoyed the other Cross books!

Another superb read in the George Cross series, one of the best in the detective genre! What is not to love from George, with his individual style and endearing ways in this cleverly plotted thriller. I love the character development within the team and the relationship George has with his father, albeit rather strained at times. The plot is filled with twists which kept me interested right until the last page and I highly recommend the series. I wonder what is next in store for George! Thanks to Net Galley for my ARC.

The seventh in the DS Cross series sees George and his partner DI Josie Ottey, both part of Bristol’s Major Crimes Unit, investigating the death of bookseller Ed Squire. Squires father Torquil returned from a trip to London to find his son murdered, and bookshop assistant Persephone (Percy) locked in a cupboard. For anyone who hasn’t read any of the previous books George is on the spectrum. He does things his way and the team have come to understand his foibles and help him when needed, particularly Josie. He is also an exceptionally good police officer and has earned their respect.

Briefly, Percy was only able to give a brief description of the intruder and whilst it appears that the murder is to do with a stolen manuscript all may be not as it seems. The list of suspects grows including a Russian Oligarth and another bookshop owner but George is distracted with personal matters and his usual instincts are not in peak form.

Books, Bristol (my home), crime and an unusual lead character ticks all my boxes so this was a perfect read for me. I love George, his idiosyncraties and his brilliantly agile brain are so well crafted on the page I feel like I know him. Could be read as a stand-alone but I really feel reading the whole series in order will make this so much more satisfying. Great character, fabulous storyline with great twists and turns and a surprise conclusion. Enjoyable and entertaining read.

This is the seventh book in the DS George Cross series and I have thoroughly enjoyed it. This book revolves around the death of a bookseller in a bookshop in Bristol, with lots of twists and turns

I was so excited to get the latest copy of Tim Sullivans DS Cross series. He is one of my favourite fictional detectives who has the best record of solving cases - the best !

Highly recommended. Can’t wait for the next book

Thank you to Netgalley