The Bookseller is the 7th book in the DS Cross mystery series by Tim Sullivan.
In short, DS Cross is back on a new case, this time he’s called to investigate after the body of a bookseller is discovered in a Bristol bookshop. This case proves more challenging for Cross with the worrying development in his personal life, making him somewhat distracted and needing to rely on those close to him as he delves into the murky world of booksellers.
I simply love Detective George Cross (I love his name too!) so expected mystery number 7 was going to be goodie…and of course it was. Tim Sullivan is a brilliant storyteller and the autistic Detective Cross is a gem of a character…everything comes together through the wonderful characterisations to tell these intriguing murder mysteries. I’m seriously hoping that book 8 isn’t the last DS Cross book!
Big thanks to Tim Sullivan, Aria & Aries and NetGalley for this eARC which I chose to read in return for my honest review.

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.

The Bookseller is another brilliant story from Tim Sullivan involving DS George Cross.
We’ve more of George as an individual this time alongside his work as a detective- and it makes him more human if that’s possible. I love how his mind works and how he analyses everything in front of him both personally and professionally.
The interactions between George and Alice, Swift and Ottey and their relationships with him are so important in understanding how he works and play such an important role in the stories flowing together.

Wow! Absolutely can't wait for the rest since my favourite character and series is back. This book adds a layer to Cross and it is amazing to see him back in a new setting that adds to the mystery. Loved the concept of an antique bookstore and the world it brings forth. Also loved how the setting has been used. From what I have read so far,this is a serious page turner.

Thank you Head of Zeus, Aries Fiction and NetGalley for this e-arc in exchange of my unbiased review.

Yay, George Cross is back! This seventh installment in the series does not disappoint. Tim Sullivan once again delivers a gripping mystery, this time involving the murder of a bookseller dealing in antique books—a theme that will resonate with avid readers and crime fiction enthusiasts alike.

George Cross continues to be one of my favorite detectives. His quirky, methodical approach, paired with Ottey’s more intuitive style, creates a dynamic partnership that keeps the story engaging. As the series progresses, Sullivan skillfully peels back more layers of Cross’s personality, letting us delve deeper into his personal and professional life. This book is no exception, as we see Cross navigating changes that add depth to his character.

The writing style is sharp, and the pacing of the first seven chapters drew me in immediately. Sullivan’s vivid descriptions of Bristol’s landmarks added authenticity to the setting, making it easy to imagine the unfolding investigation. Even in this brief extract, the characters felt fully developed, and I was thoroughly invested in the case.

If you’re new to the series, I highly recommend starting from the beginning to fully appreciate the growth of George Cross as a character. For long-time fans, this book promises another captivating mystery with plenty of twists and turns. I can’t wait to see how Cross unravels this case and what lies ahead for him.

A definite must-read for crime fiction fans!

The Bookseller sees the return of DS George Cross and his partner Josie Ottey, tasked with solving the murder of an antique bookseller. We also learn that George's father Raymond is unwell - how will George cope with this situation? I

A really enjoyable opening, I will definitely look out for the whole book when it is released. I love the character of George, he's so literal and I love the reactions of other people to him.

I love Tim Sullivan's whodunnit, love George Cross and loved this extract. Go and read it
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

4+ ✨

I hadn't realised when I requested this that it was only a few chapters. When I realised, I thought I'd hold out for publication of the whole book
It sat on my kindle tempting me.... and I couldn't resist.
First seven chapters packs a punch, I'm left wanting to know more, how everything pans out. How everything might change now..
Suleiman became an autobuy author for me after I'd listened to two Cross stories, with each book he just reinforces my desire to get everyone to read these books.
I'm eagerly awaiting publication day.




I've included the link to review of full book

I love this extract from The Bookseller and can't wait to read the whole book! It is one of the best series around and I am in love with George. Thank you for the preview.

Absolutely wonderful with fabulous characters ; everything about this series is fantastic. George is fast becoming my favourite fictional policeman and his relationship with Ottley is so well written that this reader glowed when George realised how much she’d helped him. I can’t wait to read the rest of the book and find out what happened to the bookseller.

Great opening to the latest DS Cross thriller. I want to know more about the case and how George copes with the changes at work. Will definitely be getting myself a copy

Give me more!!!!

Tim Sullivan has the gift of grabbing your attention from the very first chapter and once again, in book #7 of the DS George Cross series, the first few chapters blew me away.

I cannot wait to get into the rest of the book as I now feel like I've been left teetering on the edge!

Huge thank you to Netgalley and Aria & Aries for the ARC.

Yay, George Cross is back. This is a great taster of Tim Sullivans new book The Bookseller. I love his George Cross character. Here he and Ottey investigate the violent murder of a local bookseller.
There is plenty going on in this short extract to lure me into the story quickly and wet my appetite for what is to come in the full book. Cross has quickly become one of my favourite detectives and I love the pairing of him and Ottey. Cross faces changes both in his work and personal life and I for one can't wait to see how he copes and adapts to these changes.

5 stars

The Bookseller - Extract Chapters 1-7 by Tim Sullivan was an excellent taster for the full version of the book which I have yet to read.

George Cross investigates the violent murder of a bookseller and also has personal family problems to cope with at the same time which makes it very hard for George to focul fully on the job ahead but only time will tell how George Cross will solve this crime.

I love this authors books and George Cross is one of my favourite characters. He is such a quirky and endearing man whom I have come to immensely like. As the books in this series have progressed, we have learnt more about him and his past, and this book is no exception, peeling off another layer of his personality and letting us in a little more to his life personally as well as professionally.

This story relates to books and of course that greatly appeals to me being the avid book lover that I am but also, we are presented with a murder of a bookseller who is the business of selling antique books and as a massive crime reader these two themes joined together made this a delight to read.

This is a great series and even though we have only been given a small insight into this book with the first seven chapters, I will be purchasing it to see how George resolves this case.

I suggest that if you have not read this series before I would start at the beginning, as said above the character development grows with each book and I am sure you will enjoy them more if you slowly get to know George.

Thank you to Netgalley, the author and publisher for an advanced copy of the book, all opinions expressed are my own.

I have read all of the George Cross books, so was definitely looking forward to this, and so far it has not disappointed. The case is centred on the death of a Bristol bookshop owner, or rather his son, so straight away we wonder if it is a case of mistaken identity. 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.
I really can’t wait for the book to be released so that I can find out what happens next.
Beautifully written, I only wish this had been the full book rather than just the beginning.

The Bookseller is the seventh installment in the George Cross series and follows the investigation into the murder of a bookseller in Bristol. I really enjoyed Tim Sullivan's writing style and thought that the pacing of this extract was perfect. As someone who loves books and is familiar with Bristol, I was very excited about the premise and setting of this book and I liked that various landmarks in Bristol were mentioned so I could vividly picture where this was taking place. Even in the first seven chapters, I felt that the characters were developed and within this extract I was invested in the plot and characters.

Overall this was extremely engaging to read and I would definitely be interested in reading the book when it comes out.

I have read all the books in this series and DI Cross is one of the best characters in crime fiction at the moment. I've loved watching his character development from book one through to this novel (well, part of it!) and I can't wait to read this full novel when released - or, fingers crossed, before if the publisher grants my wish (not that I'm hinting!).