The seventh book in the wonderful DS George Cross series. These books are so well written. The combination of the character driven narrative and the tightly controlled plot are excellent. This book revolves around the death of a bookseller in an independent bookshop on Bristol. Full of twists and surprises, it is complusive reading.
Highly recommended as always.

I adore Tim Sullivan's DS Cross character and love the pairing of him and Ottey. Here they investigate the murder of a man found in a Book shop. The writing is very good and I was pulled into the story right from the start. The plot line is well thought out, I felt I was unwrapping layer upon layer of lies and deceit that made this such a very entertaining and absorbing read, and one that held my attention and interest to the end. Cross has to deal with family issues and work changes that lead him to make a drastic decision - is it the right one for him though? I guessed who the murderer was, and was on the right track but still wrong. This is the kind of book I really enjoy, one with so many separate threads where I'm constantly changing my mind as to who done it. All in all, an excellent addition to this series and if you're a fan of police procedurals I'm sure you'd love this book - if you're new to Tim Sullivan though I'd read the books in order to get to know the characters right from the start.

4 stars

The Bookseller is the seventh book in the DS Cross series by author Tim Sullivan. I really enjoy this series that features DS George Cross, a detective working in Bristol. George Cross is a compelling character with a very unique approach to police life mainly due to his Asperger’s. Cross is far from your typical detective and because of his manner is often interpreted as rude, difficult and very awkward. It is this manner that adds another dimension to the series which can at times be quite amusing as well as intriguing.

A bookseller is found lifeless in his Bristolian bookshop, blood pooling around him in a space that would seem to defy such violence. Detective Sergeant Cross is called to investigate but faces a personal crisis that makes it harder for him to focus on the case.

DS Cross is dealing with booksellers where a rare edition might be worth more than money and jealousy. Due to the personal crisis facing Cross he is suddenly more human and fallible. This adds to the suspense as he tries to cope with his own issues as well as solving an intriguing case.

This is a mystery set in the usual peaceful surroundings of a bookstore with the ferocity of a savage murder, resulting in an intriguing mystery novel.

I would like to thank both Netgalley and Aria and Aries for supplying this novel in exchange for an honest review.

The Bookseller (A DS Cross Thriller) book 7 of 7 by Tim Sullivan was absolutely amazing.

DS George Cross not only has to focus on the murder of a bookseller but the well being of his own Father, Raymond who has been hospitilised suffering from cancer.

Unbeknown to Cross, Ottey his partner has been made Detective Inspector as she was reluctant to disclose this to him until DCI Carson had announced her promotion to everyone in case she upset him.

DS George Cross and DI Ottey have many suspects including a feud between a family of booksellers and the Russian maffia.

DS George Cross is absolutely amazing as he reveals the murderer by his excellent attention to the small details which is his forte.

DS George Cross always brings a smile to my face as his autisim brings out childlike qualities in his mannerisms amongst his colleagues in a charming way.

I do hope this is not to be DS George Cross's last case as the ending inferred.

One of my favourite detectives. A great character,well described who is improving socially with the help of his partner and boss. Another tricky murder for George to solve.

Hands up if you are part of the George Cross fan club!!! 🤚

George has to be one of my all time favourite detectives without a doubt. i absolutely love his little idiosyncrasies, his mannerisms, and the way his brain works. As a mum to a son with autism, i see so many of my sons mannerisms portrayed within George's character and the beautiful way Tim Sullivan puts the autistic traits across with George's character is just an absolute joy to read.

This is now book #7 in the series, and they just keep getting better. I've devoured each previous installment and loved every one, BUT out of them all, this has got to be the one that really had me scratching my head at times and second-guessing myself. It was a really complex plot with lots of layers that were peeled back slowly, teasing the reader with the 'whodunnit' the whole way through.

Squires Rare Books is owned by 90 year old Torquil Squire and now run by his son Ed, with assistants Sam and Persephone (Percy). Torquil returns fom a day trip to London to find his son murdered on the first floor of the shop, and Percy locked away on the top floor.

George and his partner DS Josie Ottey are called in to investigate, with the help of Forensic Investigator and George's number ones fan Dr Michael Swift. Trying to get answers proves to be difficult, with his family not being at all forthcoming, secrets being held tight to their chest and nobody seeming to believe there is any reason Ed would have come to harm...until DS Cross starts digging.

On a more personal note, as his work life once again takes over, George's father suffers a stroke during cancer surgery, causing him to reevaluate his work life balance and he takes the 'drastic' decision to hand in his notice. Will his colleagues manage to change the mind of the most informed and decisive man on the planet?

There is SO much more to this story, but i dont want to ruin it for anybody *NO SPOILERS*

Whilst I think new readers could easily jmpo right in and read this, I would HIGHLY recommend starting at the beginning of the series to fully undertand not only DS George Cross but also the dynamics of the team and family - you wont regret it!

Huge thanks to Netgalley and Aria & Aries for the ARC.

George Cross is fast becoming one of my favourite detectives and this is a fantastic continuation in the series, it’s fine to read as a standalone but the rest of the series is well worth investigating. This features a murder victim who initially seems as though no one would wish him harm but it’s interesting to see just how many suspects are uncovered during the investigation, this is well balanced out with fresh drama in George’s private life involving his own father. There’s some fascinating characters in this, an engrossing investigation and plenty of gentle humour too, George has a remarkable brain but it’s interesting to see the continued influence Ottey has on him. This is a really gentle detective story but not short of detail and action and great for fans of police procedurals.

The Bookseller by Tim Sullivan is book 7 in the DS George Cross series. It is published on 16 January. Thank you to Aries/Head of Zeus Fiction, Netgalley and the author for an advance copy to read and review. Torquil Squire is a 90-year old, who lives in an attic above Squire’s Rare Books in Bristol. The shop is now run by his son, Ed Squire. Dr Michael Swift, the forensic investigator and a fan of George’s, is called to a murder at the bookshop. George is on the spectrum, so he has his own way of doing most things, what most people would think of as everyday things. With what is happening in his personal life, he is a bit distracted too. What terrific characters. DS Josie Ottey is George’s partner, and she also helps him fit into the world with tips on ways to behave or interact with people. It is fascinating reading about George’s thought processes as he goes through things to say in different circumstances. He does put some people off, but those close to him understand him. George’s father, Raymond, plays an important part in this book. Who would have thought there would be so much deviousness, conspiracy and intrigue in the rare book world. Not only that, but theft, forgery, fraud and, of course, murder. This is such a brilliant series, and this book is no exception. It’s a series I would definitely recommend.

I thoroughly enjoyed this latest outing for George Cross. There are many things that make this series a delight and they are all present in this novel.

The character of George himself continues to delight with his mix of doggedness, naivety, brilliance and social awkwardness, it is especially endearing that he keeps a notebook of acceptable phrases to use in different situations, often with mixed success. His character and relationships, especially with his mother and father, are developed further and he and the readers begin to understand more about his past.

But most of all there is a cracking mystery to solve after a seller of antique books is found dead. The plot doesn't take second place to the ongoing relationships in the slightest, and as ever it is well-written - I had no idea who dun it until very close to the end.

New readers could start with this book, but I think those who are already familiar with the characters will get more out of it. Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for a review copy.

Another brilliant George Cross book. The writing is so good and well-researched. It was really interesting reading about the bookselling business. George and his team investigate the murder of Ed Squire who has done a lot of bad things, with plenty of people who have reason to dislike him.
Alongside this, Raymond, George's father is recovering from surgery, which makes George question his life and future. Their relationship is beautifully written, as is the love and friendship of Josie.
Highly recommended.

This is the 7th book in the popular DS Cross series. Cross must be one of the most original characters in crime fiction. In this book Cross and his newly-promoted colleague Josie Ossey are investigating the murder of a bookseller in Bristol. The plot is pacy and engaging, involving dishonest book deals and family secrets. There are several red herrings along the way before the murderer is brought to justice.
There are further developments in Cross's personal life after his father suffers a stroke. Although part of a series, the book can be read as a standalone.