Another case for George Cross and his work partner. This book is about the world of antique bookselling. At the start, a 90 year old bookseller finds his son dead in the shop. The plot is quite twisty and involves international criminals as well as the specialist bookselling establishments in the UK. George also has family problems as his father is ill . There are also referrals to a previous book when a police officer was accused of rape.
George is, perhaps , not for everyone, on the autistic spectrum, his thinking and attitudes take some getting used to. His parents feature a lot in this book, his friend Steve, less so.
I did enjoy the book, though it seemed a little too slow paced in places

Thanks to Aria & Aries and NetGalley for ARC.

Sullivan has a phenomenal work rate and it's hard to believe this is already book 7 in this ever-reliable series of police procedurals set in Bristol.
George Cross and his more neurotypical colleagues are called to the rather violent death of an antiquarian bookseller in the family shop. As Cross, his newly promoted partner Ottey (who now outranks him, to the consternation of both) interview interested parties and their forensic colleagues process the scene, it seems incredible that a man in the apparently sedate world of book dealing could attract the hate that must have fuelled the attack on him. Cross is also, unusually, finding it hard to focus solely on his work due to some rapid and unwelcome changes in his personal life that lead him to question his career in the force.

It's clear that Sullivan holds Cross close to his heart and so does Cross's support network of family including found family and his colleagues. Part of the joy in this series is the interpersonal relationships and the pictures Sullivan paints of Bristol and whatever world is being opened up to the reader by the current investigation. I would heartily recommend that readers start at the beginning and move through this series so they can experience this for themselves.

This is the seventh book by the author featuring detective sergeant George Cross who has aspbergers. Based in Bristol, he is partnered by detective sergeant Josie Ottey, a widow with two children. George's parents are separated. He lives with his father and is devastated to find that his father has cancer.
Edward Squires is a bookseller, son of Torquil who originally owned the business, is found murdered. There was a witness, Persephone who is the great niece of Victoria, Edward's wife. She heard arguing and then Edward cry out and a man ran down the stairs.
There are a number of suspects including a second hand bookshop owner who was once Torquil's partner. The owner of a london book publisher who Edward had a long running grievance with.
George is preoccupied both with his father Raymond's impending operation and the completely unexpected news that Josie has been promoted to detective inspector. Their boss chief inspector Carson is desperate for results, but George is not at his best
It was fascinating learning from the author's meticulous research about the intricacies of the book world. I had no idea of the number of specialist bookshops for instance in New York's Manhattan area.
This is the first book I have read by the author. I wasn't sure about the George Cross character at first, preferring Josie Ottey. However I came to appreciate his gifts and will definitely read others in the series. Recommended.

Absolutely devoured this 5 star read. Especially since my favourite character and series is back. Set on the world of books where nothing is as simple and ordinary as it seems. The book used it's location and setting brilliantly. Cross is again well crafted and has another brilliant outing solving the case. It is absolutely gripping and a book I couldn't put down. The setting of a bookstore added to the thrill in my case. Definitely recommend!

Thank you Aria & Aries and NetGalley for this e-arc in exchange of my unbiased review.

Read as a stand-alone not having read any of the previous in the series. Maybe this is why I couldn't get as excited as many others but to me this is nothing out of the ordinary or others in this genre. An OK read.
My thanks to NetGalley and the publishers Aria and Aries for this arc in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

Love the writing of Tim Sullivan and the character of DS George Cross. This book had the added benefit for me of being based around a bookshop and plenty of business around the selling of books etc. It was verging towards a Jeffrey Archer book with its plot at points which from me is a compliment having read virtually every Jeffrey Archer book. I am sure George Cross fans know what to expect and will love this book. Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the chance to ARC this book.

When the body of a bookseller is found in his office above his bookshop, there initially seems to be no reason anyone would want to kill this quiet, unassuming man.
But DS George Cross isn’t fooled by outward appearances, and as he and his colleague DS Josie Ottey begin to dig, they discover more suspects than they thought possible. How can a man who runs a bookshop have so many enemies?
The case isn’t all that is on his mind though. Events closer to home have are causing worry for George. Will the distractions at home derail the usually meticulous George Cross or will he once again look at things in a way hat only he can and solve the murder.
This latest outing for DS George Cross is my favourite so far. Not only do you have the case but you also get more insight into George himself.
I was hooked from the first page to the last.

Another George Cross murder mystery and once again it doesn’t let the reader down. The discovery of a murdered bookseller gives George the opportunity to use his remarkable sleuthing skills again. His personal life is again skilfully woven into the plot. The interview scenes are brilliantly described especially when a Russian oligarch is a prime suspect but the list of suspects could be any of them. It all builds to a clever denouement with a hint of career change to come perhaps. The gentle world of books will never seem the same again, watch yourself in Waterstones!

A most interesting and complex story with an insight into the world of ancient documents and rare first editions of authors books. Very much like the trade in famous paintings and all the skullduggery that goes on. When a prominent dealer is found murdered with no suspect DS Cross slowly unearths leads that on investigation seem to be red herrings with many more to follow before he cracks the case. Meanwhile in his private life things happens until it causes irreversible changes to his fixed routine set in concrete over decades. It leaves him at a crossroads wondering which way to go.

I always feel so comfortable and cossetted in the company of DS George Cross. You know you are in for a good story, great characters - well observed and a brilliant English narrative. I did feel this one confused me slightly with who was actually related to whom but the sub-plot with George and his family is lovely. I recommend this entire series of Tim Sullivan's work.

I'm always immensely grateful when I receive a DS George Cross book from the publisher, and I'm very lucky again this time to probably have enjoyed this one the most so far!

Number 7 in the series, it is a book that can be read on it's own, but to get the full enjoyment I'd recommend the previous instalments. Only just to get the background of the family and work force dynamic. There is such a detailed and well written back story for these characters that it would be a shame not to capitalise on that when reading about George.

I am coming straight out with it, and saying this is my favourite so far. I loved the murder mystery, I loved the side story of George and his Dad and his decision making re whether to continue work. I loved all of it.

Perfect crime caper and one I'd recommend whole heartedly to established and new fans of DS George Cross.

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.