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4.11 AVERAGE
4.11 AVERAGE
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Tim Sullivan’s The Bookseller, the seventh instalment in the DS Cross series, is a masterclass in detail, logic, and the captivating dynamics of human relationships. This engrossing police procedural immerses readers once more into the methodical—and occasionally exasperating—world of DS George Cross, part of the Major Crimes Unit (MCU) at Somerset and Avon Police.
The story begins with the body of a bookseller discovered in his Bristol shop—a peaceful sanctuary shattered by a gruesome murder. While the case appears perplexing at first glance, DS Cross’s distinctive investigative approach quickly takes centre stage. With his unmatched ability to disregard distractions and identify patterns overlooked by others, Cross—supported by his dedicated team—untangles the threads that lead to the truth.
What makes this series truly exceptional is not just its intricately woven mysteries but the thoughtful development of DS Cross’s character and relationships. As a neurodiverse detective, Cross’s Autism Spectrum Disorder is portrayed with subtlety and respect, shaping his interactions with the world and his team in an authentic and enlightening way. Over the course of the series, his relationships with colleagues such as DI Josie Ottey, Alice Mackenzie, and Dr Michael Swift have grown and deepened, adding warmth and humanity to the procedural precision.
DS Cross and his team hold a special place in my heart, and these books are always a pre-order for me. While each instalment stands on its own, the series is infinitely more rewarding when read in order, allowing readers to fully appreciate the evolution of its characters and storylines.
If you enjoy mysteries that challenge your intellect while touching your heart, The Bookseller is not to be missed. DS Cross’s world is one you’ll relish stepping into, and I can’t wait to see what lies ahead.
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
emotional
informative
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
adventurous
emotional
informative
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
The body of a bookseller is discovered, lying in a pool of blood in his Bristol bookshop, leaving the question of how did the man meet such a violent, murderous end in this peaceful place? 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. 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…
How is this the first time I am discovering a Tim Sullivan book?? My first foray into the series and I’m starting at book seven but, despite maybe not being familiar with the characters from the offset, this book works perfectly as a standalone.
It was wonderful to see the world through the character of DS George Cross, I love that in the detective novels that I read, the main people are all so unique in their character, with loveable quirks and identifiers that make them the best person for the job. Sullivan’s writing style ensures that the reader is able to embrace these personalities, becoming fully invested in them and the solving of the case.
A perfect balance executed throughout, between the ongoing case and the accompanying insight into the changes in George’s personal life. The pace of the book is maintained, the elements of mystery and suspense keeping you guessing until the end, leaving a surprise I don’t think many will foresee as the conclusion.
The great thing about only just discovering this series at this stage? I can now go back and read all the others!🙂
How is this the first time I am discovering a Tim Sullivan book?? My first foray into the series and I’m starting at book seven but, despite maybe not being familiar with the characters from the offset, this book works perfectly as a standalone.
It was wonderful to see the world through the character of DS George Cross, I love that in the detective novels that I read, the main people are all so unique in their character, with loveable quirks and identifiers that make them the best person for the job. Sullivan’s writing style ensures that the reader is able to embrace these personalities, becoming fully invested in them and the solving of the case.
A perfect balance executed throughout, between the ongoing case and the accompanying insight into the changes in George’s personal life. The pace of the book is maintained, the elements of mystery and suspense keeping you guessing until the end, leaving a surprise I don’t think many will foresee as the conclusion.
The great thing about only just discovering this series at this stage? I can now go back and read all the others!🙂
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
The Bookseller is a part of the DS George Cross thriller series, which can be read in any order.
‘The Bookseller ’ is the seventh book in the highly enjoyable new detective series by Tim Sullivan. And being set in the world of book-selling is my favourite so far (and as I have loved each of the previous 6 books, that is true praise!)
For those who are new to the series, our protagonist is called ‘DI George Brunel Cross’, a single-minded and determined detective, who struggles to develop his relationship with his colleagues. It quickly becomes evident (is actually stated in the text) that Cross has Asperger’s Syndrome and is on the higher level of the spectrum with an unusual ability to decipher clues and see through the minefield of paperwork, to find the single outstanding piece of data that can point the team in the right direction.
Now, I've said this before but I feel it's important to state that highlighting an illness such as Asperger’s in a key character can often lead to the use of clichés but thankfully Sullivan is an accomplished author/screenwriter and too sensible to fall into this trap. Cross as he is portrayed here is a positive character and is treated, not as someone who is odd or peculiar but as a friend, with quirks like most people.
Cross both acknowledges his struggles and how he attempts to cope with the world around him, while his father and colleagues (Reg, Ottey, Alice, Michael etc), outline their methods of helping him – and indeed, helping each other to cope with Cross.
In previous novels, there has been a focus on some mildly amusing scenes as Cross’s colleagues ponder if “he is pulling their leg” or simply being himself. Now, we see an huge development for Cross as he has learned more about social cues and the reader can see how the support of his "social circle" ( a phrase that Cross himself would probably dislike), is both a realistic and progressive portrayal.
On this outing Cross is investigating the murder of a bookseller - a man who is either a saint or sinner, depending on who Cross speaks with, who is telling the truth.
‘The Bookseller ’ is the seventh book in the highly enjoyable new detective series by Tim Sullivan. And being set in the world of book-selling is my favourite so far (and as I have loved each of the previous 6 books, that is true praise!)
For those who are new to the series, our protagonist is called ‘DI George Brunel Cross’, a single-minded and determined detective, who struggles to develop his relationship with his colleagues. It quickly becomes evident (is actually stated in the text) that Cross has Asperger’s Syndrome and is on the higher level of the spectrum with an unusual ability to decipher clues and see through the minefield of paperwork, to find the single outstanding piece of data that can point the team in the right direction.
Now, I've said this before but I feel it's important to state that highlighting an illness such as Asperger’s in a key character can often lead to the use of clichés but thankfully Sullivan is an accomplished author/screenwriter and too sensible to fall into this trap. Cross as he is portrayed here is a positive character and is treated, not as someone who is odd or peculiar but as a friend, with quirks like most people.
Cross both acknowledges his struggles and how he attempts to cope with the world around him, while his father and colleagues (Reg, Ottey, Alice, Michael etc), outline their methods of helping him – and indeed, helping each other to cope with Cross.
In previous novels, there has been a focus on some mildly amusing scenes as Cross’s colleagues ponder if “he is pulling their leg” or simply being himself. Now, we see an huge development for Cross as he has learned more about social cues and the reader can see how the support of his "social circle" ( a phrase that Cross himself would probably dislike), is both a realistic and progressive portrayal.
On this outing Cross is investigating the murder of a bookseller - a man who is either a saint or sinner, depending on who Cross speaks with, who is telling the truth.
emotional
funny
informative
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Another enjoyable story featuring DS George Cross, this time within the specialist bookselling world.
There is also the sub-plot of Ottey's promotion, the Warner trial and George's dad's ill health.
As ever, Tim writes how George deals with these challenges very sympathetically to the autistic experience.
I am most definitely a George Cross fan after enjoying this and others previously (on Pigeonhole). I just love the Twisty plot, how George goes about solving the murder in his own unique way and how his colleagues manage to support him in doing so, whilst also dealing with the frustration that he often causes. As previously mentioned the characters of George, his team and his family members really such you into the story, so I think this could be read as a standalone (though you'll probably then want to read the back catalogue)
I look forward to the next installment in the series.
There is also the sub-plot of Ottey's promotion, the Warner trial and George's dad's ill health.
As ever, Tim writes how George deals with these challenges very sympathetically to the autistic experience.
I am most definitely a George Cross fan after enjoying this and others previously (on Pigeonhole). I just love the Twisty plot, how George goes about solving the murder in his own unique way and how his colleagues manage to support him in doing so, whilst also dealing with the frustration that he often causes. As previously mentioned the characters of George, his team and his family members really such you into the story, so I think this could be read as a standalone (though you'll probably then want to read the back catalogue)
I look forward to the next installment in the series.
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
When the body of a bookseller is discovered, collapsed in a pool of blood in his Bristolian bookshop, it is immediately clear that he has been murdered. But who would kill him, I mean, he’s a bookseller, why would you? But the world of bookselling is full of passionate and ambitious characters. A rare book can mean a big pay off and extensive readers know the best ways to get away with murder
DS Cross is usually adept at dismissing red herrings but he is distracted by a big development in his personal life and this means a challenge to his usual means of deciphering the evidence.
I just simply love this series. DS Cross is one of my favourite detectives, his neurodiversity is key to his character and I really enjoy how this is used to progress the story. The other characters all work around George and understand him and let him fly. He’s unusual and different and I defy anyone not to read this series and just end up with a huge soft spot for him!
The setting for this book in Bristol and in the bookseller world was great. I loved the familiarity of the setting from my old student days and who knew the bookselling world was so cut throat!
It’s a tense and engaging read and I zipped through it, just so eager to finish.
Meet George Cross, he’ll become a solid favourite, I’m sure!