A mystery when a book seller is killed in his store resulting in his family and friends, who all give the outwardly appearance of pillars of society are investigated by experienced detectives with a proven record of successfully resolved cases .if somewhat by unusual methods. The strength of the authors successful ability to spin a yarn is the relationship between the two lead detectives: one following the tried and tested method of investigating and interviewing whilst her colleague, operating under the appearance of (although never stated) a high performing individual on the autism scale. In the past this has lead to an amazing track record of successful conclusions from a somewhat unusual modus operandi. As answers lead to unearthed secrets , possibly illegal business transactions and involvement of Russian strongmen the investigation moves into uncharted territories. Relationships become fraught, family difficulties disrupt events, and a blurring of the truth weaves a tangled web of deceit, deception and cunning guile with the two main protagonists struggling to stay on track made more stressful by pressure from their superior anxious for a speedy arrest. An unexpected conclusion to both the murder case and family issues concludes a rewarding mystery strengthened by three dimensional characters with well carried out research on the difficulties and rewards of operating in the world of booksellers for the high end market place. Many thanks to author, publisher and Netgalley for this ARC.

I read and enjoyed several books in this series but this sevenths isntallment didn’t captivate me as much as the previous ones. Whilst I enjoyed reading about the familiar characters from the first books and following their ongoing personal stories, I found that the murder plot a little dull and even predictable in places. I don’t think this book would work well as a stand alone as the as the recurring character storylines might be confusing for the new readers. That said, it’s still a decent read and I plan to read the book 8 as I like the author’s writing style and the characters are great and well developed.

Book number seven in the DS Cross series and they just keep on getting better and better.
If you haven't read any of the previous six books, you could in theory read this as a standalone publication but I do rather feel you'd miss out on some of the background of George Cross and his family and colleagues.
I'm fortunate in that I got to read the first book in this series right at the outset and certainly hope for many more to come in the next few years as Mr Sullivan certainly tells a cracking yarn.
Don't wish to spoil the enjoyment of others by giving away clues to the story, so give it a go, sure you'll enjoy it and even more so enjoy the twists along the way.
Thanks to publishers and NetGalley for the ARC in return for an unbiased review.

The buying and selling of antiquarian books can clearly be a more cut-throat world than you might expect. In this rarefied world of collectors of rare books, the obsession to obtain a highly desired book can can lead to incidences of fraud, theft and conspiracy.

Semi-retired 90 year old Bristol bookseller Torquil Squire, of Squires Rare Books, has arrived home from a trip to an auction in London to find his son and manager, Ed brutally murdered in the shop. Also locked in the bathroom id Torquil’s niece, Percy who heard shouting but didn’t see the killer.

Bristol detective, DS George Cross of the Avon and Somerset Major Crime Unit, is called in to investigate. An exemplary detective with a razor-sharp mind, he has closed many cases. However, his Asperger’s makes him socially awkward, speaking his mind without a filter and often appearing rude and abrupt, something that has not endeared him to his colleagues.
His current partner, Josie Ottey has done much to help him recognise social cues and even humour, to become more self-aware, However, Josie has just been promoted to a DI and George is terrified she will be transferred.

Many red herrings and false turns will stand in George’s way before he figures out the truth, including fraud, theft, an angry Russian oligarch, other booksellers with their own agendas and family members with secrets they’ve kept from Torquil. It doesn’t help that George’s is distracted with his father’s serious illness and worrying about whether he should resign to look after him. It’s a clever plot that lovers of this series will enjoy, as well as those reading it as a stand-alone. This underworld of booksellers and their customers is a brilliant choice of setting for a murder mystery and there is plenty of suspense and intrigue to be had.

This is the seventh book in the engaging DS George Cross series - thanks to NetGalley for my review copy.

'The Bookseller' takes us into the (who knew?!) murky world of antiquarian bookshops. When a bookseller is discovered dead in his store, it seems unlikely that brutal murder would strike at the heart of the sleepy, bookish community in Bristol. However, DS George Cross soon discovers that the book world is packed with shifting allegiances, hidden secrets and bitter rivalries - all he has to do is work out who has the motive to kill, picking from a pretty packed field. Add in the multi-generational nature of the family-run bookstores and there's plenty of simmering resentments for him to examine...

I've read a few of the other George Cross books, but they work well as standalones - don't be put off if you haven't met George before. All you really need to know is that he brings his own idiosyncratic policing methods and extreme logic to his cases. He's a brilliant detective, even if he isn't the best at building personal relationships.

Here, the mystery unfolds as George Cross scrutinises the family and business relationships surrounding the murder victim. This is solid police procedural territory, with lots of checking and cross-checking, which is interesting but quite slow paced. There's even a few times when George hits a dead end and reflects on the fact that investigations often have calms before the storm of the final denouement. It feels authentic, but perhaps not as pacy as some of the other crime novels in this space.

What it lacks in speed, it makes up for in characterisation. Our lead, DS Cross, is quirky and likeable, struggling to operate in his usual efficient, calculated way as he grapples with events in his personal life. There's even a gentle humour in the way that George has to adjust his personal relationships and navigate tricky interviews. Additionally, DS Cross' parents, his policing partner and the various booksellers are all vividly presented and interesting in their own ways.

I'd definitely read more books in this series - this one has a a decent mystery, lots of well-drawn characters and an interesting protagonist who I'd be happy to read more about. If police procedurals are your thing, Tim Sullivan is worth investigating.

EXCERPT: 'It's remarkable how much crime there is in the book world,' Cross began.
'What do you mean?' asked Sam.
'Well, the impression it gives, or maybe we as the general public infer, is of a polite, rarefied, well mannered, possibly old-fashioned, world. But look a little more closely, under the surface, and it's far from the truth. Fakes and forgeries have been going on for centuries. In modern times you only have to look back at Book Row in New York, theft was rife,' Cross began.
'That's absolutely true,' Sam agreed.
'Do you know . . .' said Cross, turning to Ottey. This always prefaced a small lecture from him about something which she knew nothing and suspected, at times, that he had only very recently become expert in. ' . . . that in 1920s Manhattan, Book Row was an enormous concern? Dozens upon dozens of second-hand bookstores were situated almost on top of each other. Cinema was in its infancy, no television, no internet. Books were the main cultural currency of the time. There was nothing else. Books had a virtual monopoly on the exchange of ideas. The market for rare books was developing, like the art market. And, as with all markets that have a financial value, the criminal element found a way to exploit it. The thieves of Book Row made a killing stealing from one store and selling to another. Booksellers were also at it. Prowling each other's stores looking for unidentified rare books they knew they could sell at a profit. Or a book they already had a client for. But of course, they became well known to each other and a close eye was kept on them. They could no longer steal from each other for themselves. So, they invented a system where they would walk around a bookstore and pull any books they were interested in slightly out from the shelf, or tilt them at an angle. Shortly after, a professional thief in their employ would follow them and steal the designated books for them.'
'Again, absolutely true', said Sam, who was enjoying Cross's knowledge.
'And then there were the forgers. The most famous of all was Thomas James Wise, a well-known collector and businessman, later discovered to have been one of the biggest forgers of literary works of all time.'
'Indeed,' agreed Sam.
'It's fascinating stuff,' continued Cross, warming to his theme. 'He was exposed in 1939. He'd sold a volume of Elizabeth Barrett Browning's sonnets, claiming it was a first edition from 1847. Two men called Carter and Pollard became suspicious and began an investigation. A forensic analysis of the paper, even back then, revealed that it was composed of chemical wood with a trace of rag, which could not have been manufactured before 1874. Also, the text was printed in a typeface of which certain letters weren't cut till 1880.' Cross delighted in this literary trivia. 'Then there were thefts from university libraries before security was tightened and technology improved.'
'That still occurs,' said Sam.
'Was Ed, to your knowledge, an honest bookseller?' Cross asked, changing the tone of the interview in an instant.
'I'm sorry?' Sam replied in shock.
'Did he ever indulge in any, shall we say, shady practices in the rare book world, Sam?' asked Cross.
'Whatever leads you to make such a suggestion?' asked Sam.
'His murder . . . .'

ABOUT 'THE BOOKSELLER': THE SETTING
The body of a bookseller is discovered, lying in a pool of blood in his Bristol bookshop. Police have one question: how did the man meet such a violent, murderous end in this peaceful place?

THE CONFLICT
DS Cross's ability to dismiss red herrings is challenged by a worrying development in his personal life. Hopelessly distracted, he needs to rely on those around him in a way he has never been comfortable doing before.

THE MURDER PLOT
It may be a quiet profession, but it's full of passionate, ambitious characters who know the value of a rare book. Their extensive reading means they also know how to get away with murder.

But is that enough to fool the tenacious DS George Cross?

MY THOUGHTS: George Cross is one of a kind. Impossible at times, but impossible not to love.

George has no understanding of the social graces, etiquette, or sarcasm. He says what he means and expects others to do the same. He has a razor-sharp mind, and his logic often leads him to places and conclusions that others miss.

The Bookseller has a complex plot involving theft, fraud, death threats and a Russian oligarch as well as complex family relationships. Initially it all seems quite straightforward, but George believes that something is quite rotten in the state of Denmark and veers off on his own tangents, much to the consternation of his publicity-seeking boss, DCI Carson, who just wants the whole thing tied up as quickly as possible with the first likely and most newsworthy suspect.

I had my own suspicions from early on as to who had killed Ed. But as it turned out I had fallen hook line and sinker for one of Tim Sullivan's red herrings, of which there are many. But I was very excited as it seemed for a while that my prophecy was correct!

George's personal life is just as intriguing as his professional one in The Bookseller. He finds himself challenged by illness in the family and is prepared to give up his job, when this case is solved, to help out. Does he? You'll need to read the book to find out.

George makes several personal milestones and learns a lot about himself, becomes more self-aware and is making a greater effort at the behest of his teammate, Josie Ottey, to be more aware of the feelings of others.

I love George. Long may he be written about.

⭐⭐⭐⭐.4

#TheBookseller #NetGalley

MEET THE AUTHOR: Tim Sullivan made his first short film before graduating from Cambridge University. His ambition to become a screenwriter was formed not so much by this experience but as an attempt to foil his father’s determination to turn him into a lawyer.

He has now embarked on a series of crime novels featuring the eccentric and socially awkward, but brilliantly persistent DS George Cross. Set in Bristol in the southwest of England, Cross’ methods often infuriate his colleagues and superiors “not so much a thorn in my side as a pain in my arse,” according to his boss DCI Carson. But his conviction rate, thanks to his dogged persistence and attention to detail, is the best in the force.

He is the only person he knows who has played squash with the playwright Alan Bennett. (source: timsullivan.co.uk - abridged)

DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Aria & Aries, Head of Zeus via NetGalley for providing a digital ARC of The Bookseller by Tim Sullivan for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.

I love reading about George Cross. This time he has to deal with some big changes in his life.
A good murder mystery with a twist.

This is the first George Cross book I have read. It is the seventh book and I have just found a new favourite murder detective. The books can be read in any order and I don’t feel I have missed out on any back story but I want to read the others anyway.

George is autistic and therefore he sees things in black and white and is unemotional, a great personality for a detective! His colleagues understand him - mostly - and know not to be offended by any comments he may make which are not quite socially correct.

I thoroughly enjoyed joining George as he investigated the murder of a bookseller in his father’s bookshop. Just as a normal investigation, there are plenty of lines of investigation to follow although mostly with dead ends. A Russian Oligarch, another bookshop owner and various other leads are thoroughly investigated by a very competent DS Cross.

As the case began to reveal the correct thread, I was so hooked I couldn’t stop reading until the last page.

During this case, George also has to deal with his father’s illness and his mother returning. An emotional rollercoaster for a neurotypical but George gets through it in his no nonsense way.

Brilliant. Loved it. Loved the storyline of the bookshop and all the book related facts. Great characters.

I only discovered this series when I read book five, The Monk, book five but straightaway I fell in love with George Cross thanks to the skill and sensitivity with which the author has developed his character. George may occasionally come out with funny things but you never want to laugh at him because, although he may be pedantic at times, he’s essentially warm-hearted, loyal and has a strong sense of justice. Like a dog with a bone, George won’t let go of a case until he’s uncovered the truth. That may cause frustration for his superiors but his results speak for themselves. And some of them are quite happy to claim the credit for them.

At the end of the last book, The Teacher, George received some distressing news about his father Raymond and its consequences are making him question where his priorities should lie. As followers of the series will know, George doesn’t react well to uncertainty so he responds in the only way he knows, by immersing himself in an in-depth search for any fact he can find on the subject. It’s the same way he approaches investigating a crime.

There’s a potential change in his professional life too. His partner, DS Josie Ottey, has received a well-deserved and overdue promotion. George fears that means getting used to working with someone new. It’s not a prospect he welcomes because Ottey is the only person who really understands the unique way George’s mind works and give him the discreet cues about how to react to others’ emotions, something he finds difficult. It’s one of George’s endearing qualities (and he has many) that he’s tries so hard to work on this. An unprompted ‘thank you’ from George means a lot.

Luckily – although not for the victim – George has a new case to occupy his mind, the murder of Ed Squire, who has taken over the running of the antiquarian bookshop established by his father Torquil. As George and Josie undertake their investigation they discover the world of bookselling can be a rather ruthless business with booksellers competing to acquire rare titles for wealthy clients or to uncover hidden gems that the owners of libraries were unaware of.

But was the murkier side of bookselling, such as forgery and price fixing, or the anger of a disgruntled client, enough of a motive for murder? As George and Josie look more closely at the Squire family they discover a history of quarrels, secrets, relationship breakdown and recrimination. For example, Josie wonders about the oddly reserved reaction of Victoria to the death of her husband. Then there’s Persephone, Ed’s niece by marriage, visibly shaken at the death of a man who took her under his wing during a difficult time in her life and gave her a job in the bookshop. She has dreams, perhaps unrealistic, of making a success of the their recent venture into selling new books, the viability of which shop manager Sam Taylor has serious doubts about.

Modern day policing benefits from the use of technology but it also needs good old-fashioned skills of observation and deduction. This is where George comes in because nothing much escapes his attention. In fact, his observational skills result in a very important detail coming to light, one that pretty much no-one else would have discovered, except perhaps Sherlock Holmes.

Does George crack the case? Oh, of course he does but if you identify the culprit before he does, I’d be surprised. (Having said that, if you’re a student of Greek mythology, one name might give you a clue to an element of the plot.)

The Bookseller is another superbly entertaining and skilfully crafted crime novel. It’s also full of warmth and some quite moving moments. Please, please don’t let this be the last outing for George Cross because as Josie observes, ‘He was impossible at times but also impossible not to love’.

The Bookseller is a captivating blend of mystery and intrigue set against the backdrop of the high-stakes rare book market. The story follows a sharp, logical, and immensely likeable detective who unravels a case steeped in deception, betrayal, and surprising danger.
The author skillfully combines a compelling plot with rich detail about the rare book trade, revealing a world far more cutthroat than one might expect. The prose is polished, and the pacing is just right, with each twist and turn pulling you deeper into the narrative.
What truly stands out is the meticulous research and insight into the book market, which adds an extra layer of authenticity and fascination. It’s a treat for both mystery lovers and bibliophiles alike but the character of George Cross is the main joy in this book.
While the conclusion might not quite pack the punch of a five-star read for me, the journey is undeniably engrossing. The Bookseller is a must-read for anyone who loves their mysteries with a dash of intellectual intrigue and a strong, likeable detective leading the way.

In this, the seventh installment, Detective Sergeant George Cross delves into the world of rare books.

Torquil Squire, the esteemed proprietor of Squire's Rare Books in Bristol, discovers his son, Ed, murdered in their shop upon returning home from an auction. A witness was present, but unfortunately, she was unable to provide a clear description of the assailant, having sought refuge in the bathroom.

Who committed this murder, and what was their motive? The investigation reveals a growing number of individuals with potential reasons to harm Ed. Cross and his partner, Detective Inspector Ottey, must try to solve the case. To add to the challenges faced by Cross, who is autistic and prefers a consistent routine, his father has been diagnosed with cancer and suffered a stroke during surgery. This has led him to reconsider his priorities.

This is another wonderful addition to the series! I love George's character, who is somewhat reminiscent of a modern-day Columbo.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion

it’s easy to see why DS George Cross is such a firm favourite with readers. His autism gives him a clear cut approach to cases, searing analytical skills and focus on the truth as well as a willingness to scour evidence for tiny details that may be the key to cracking the case, however remote the chances.

In ‘The Bookseller’, DS Cross’s 7th outing , renowned bookseller Edward Squire is found murdered in his shop . The case shakes the book-selling community, who would want to kill somebody as mild mannered and peaceful as a bookseller? But the more that DS Cross and his partner Josie Ottey look into it, the murkier the question becomes.

The investigation takes us deep into the rare bookselling world and the obsessive nature of its collectors who will pay any price. There are no end of booksellers who try and meet the demand, trying to outdo the competition in deals and commission.

There’s also a subplot when George’s beloved father has a severe stroke and is hospitalised for a few days. It’s enough to make George rethink his life choices and think whether he should be spending more time caring for his dad. It’s a lovely plot line that brings out George’s more emotional side, rather than the analytical approach he brings to work.

This is another great addition to the DS Cross series and I’m already looking forward to the next one

The Bookseller by Tim Sullivan and this is the 7th book in The DS Cross Mysteries series, this is the second book I have read in this series and I loved it. I love the way the author Tim writes, he always draws you into both books. I have ended purchasing the rest of the books within this series on audio. Roll on the summer when I will be in the garden listening to them.

This book was set in a bookshop in Bristol and a body of a bookseller is discovered, lying in a pool of blood. The local Police are called and they have one question: "How did the man meet such a violent, murderous end in this peaceful place?"
DS Cross's is called to the scene especially for his ability to dismiss red herrings but is challenged by a worrying development in his personal life. Hopelessly distracted, he needs to rely on those around him in a way he has never been comfortable doing before.

So who is the person who was found murdered? and why were they murdered?

But is that enough to fool the tenacious DS George Cross?

This book was full of twists and turns throughout with great red herrings that will catch you out!!!

I highly recommend this book.

Big Thank you to NetGalley and Aria and Aries for my ARC.

One would imagine that being involved in the selling of rare books would be quite a genteel occupation but the murder of one such Bookseller disproves this theory.. Edward Squire is the son of Torquil who founded Squires Rare Books many years ago. When Torquil arrives home from a day in London meeting old colleagues and friends he is shocked to discover his son dead in a pool of blood. DS George Cross and his partner, newly promoted Di Josie Ottey, are tasked with finding whoever carried out this murder and why.

This is the 7th book in the George Cross series and regular readers will know that George is autistic and somewhat unorthodox in his approach to detective work but it certainly works in his favour.. However he's rather distracted as his father Raymond is seriously ill and George is contemplating retiring to look after him, not something Raymond would necessarily want!

This is a very enjoyable read with interesting characters and a well thought out plot. It doesn't matter if you haven't read any of the previous books in the series as it works well as a standalone.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity of reading an advanced copy of this book..

DS George cross is Autistic and has a different way of solving cases and his new partner DS Josie Ottey has to have a lot of patience with him as others find him difficult to work with and they investigate the murder of a local bookseller in his bookshop.
While in George`s personal life his dad has cancer.
Book 7 in the series but can be read alone.
I love George and the start of his new partnership with Josie.
Can`t wait to read the next one.
Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC and I give my honest review.

Another incredible book in the DCI George Cross series. Book 6 brings a couple of hard-hitting storylines - the primary storyiline of the murder and the secondary thread about women taken advantage of by a police officer, an important atoryline that has seen press coverage in UK media in recent years. The Bookseller is so well written and George is an incredible protagonist. He is neurodiverse and as a detective picks up on clues and small snippets that others miss. His relationship with his Co workers is both heartwarming and humorous. His relationship with his father Raymond is special. The make a powerful duo. The plot was fast-paced as we raced to locate the identity of the true killer of the Bookseller. Very well plotted and executed. Highly recommended. #thebookseller #timsullivan

Rare book trade - not as genteel as you might think!

Edward Squire, son of Torquil, founder of Squires Rare Books is the victim in this latest investigation by the fantastic DS George Cross. Once again his forensic analysis of the evidence and dogged persistence eventually solves the case. However on this occasion he has some ‘distractions’ particularly his father’s stroke and the promotion of his partner.

This is the seventh in this brilliant series and on this occasion, of course, we learn a great deal about the rare book market - each of the books have given us a fresh insight into some profession or activity pertinent to the murder and this is yet another dimension to the the DS Cross series, apart from his, to us, quirky character, the result of his autism.

I am such a fan of this series that I have, strongly recommended it to many friends. It is difficult to see how any regular reader of crime procedurals would not like it, and indeed, if you have not read them then you will undoubtedly want to go back and read ‘episodes’ one to six. Surely there must be a TV series on the horizon.

I read this book from a pre-publication copy kindly supplied by the publisher, but this is an honest review with no concession to

5 Star Review on Amazon, Goodreads and Fable:

“THE SETTING
The body of a bookseller is discovered, lying in a pool of blood in his Bristol bookshop. Police have one question: how did the man meet such a violent, murderous end in this peaceful place?

THE CONFLICT
DS Cross's ability to dismiss red herrings is challenged by a worrying development in his personal life. Hopelessly distracted, he needs to rely on those around him in a way he has never been comfortable doing before.

THE MURDER PLOT
It may be a quiet profession, but it's full of passionate, ambitious characters who know the value of a rare book. Their extensive reading means they also know how to get away with murder.”

I read this book on The Pigeonhole app, one stave per day over 10 days, commenting along with other readers, I was also lucky enough to get a copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This is the second DS George Cross book I have read and I am definitely going to work my way through all the other George Cross books. The author is brilliant at giving his characters personalities and George is one of my most favourite of characters! The Bookseller sees George navigate some personal issues at the same time as trying to solve the murder of a bookseller in his unique, quirky way. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book.

Oh George how I love you!

Another fabulously written story featuring one of my most favourite detectives and his team. Although this is number 7 in the series I don't think you necessarily need to have read the previous books as enough information is given about past plots but I can guarantee that if this is your first meeting with George you will go back and read the earlier books when you've finished this one.

I don't want to say too much about the ending but if you think, like me, you've worked it out, you haven't!!

Thank you Tim for this wonderful series.

I love George Cross and Tim Sullivan's novels are amongst my favorites. The author never disappointed me and this is not the one that changed my ideas.
Gripping, highly entertaining, poignant and humorous at the same time
Take my money, give more George Cross,
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine