Life has thrown Detective Sergeant George Cross a curveball in his personal life, so when the body of a bookseller is found lying in a pool of blood in his own bookshop, George must do something he's never actually had to do before: rely on his team for help.
Can the world of books really be all that cutthroat?
~
If it seems as though I've spent most of my time this year praising Tim Sullivan's George Cross mysteries, you're probably right. I've almost caught up with the series, so those of you who wish I'd dial it back will be happy.
Tim Sullivan has created a rich world of characters and mysteries that will keep readers on their toes. In The Bookseller, we see how George reacts to a family crisis, and it's every bit as funny and touching as fans would expect.
One of the things that makes George Cross so special is that he's always learning something new about himself. These characters are not static. His partner, Josie Ottey, hesitates to share some news with him, and there's a new police staff officer, Prianka Patel, who's replaced Alice MacKenzie. (Don't worry, Alice has news of her own.) I have to keep reading these books just to keep up with the characters!
But the mysteries are every bit as good as Sullivan's cast. This time around, readers will learn about the bookselling business while sorting through the list of suspects. Although there is sadness and worry in The Bookseller, readers will also get to laugh while watching DCI Carson marshal the troops to apprehend a suspect.
Strong mysteries, wonderful characters, humor, and poignancy-- if you have yet to make the acquaintance of George and his team, what on earth are you waiting for?
The Bookseller by Tim Sullivan
eISBN: 9780802167705
Atlantic Crime © 2026
eBook, 384 pages
Police Procedural, #7 George Cross
Rating: A
Source: Net Galley
I, for one, am grateful that you have highlighted the Cross books this year because I probably would not have otherwise ever found them. I’ve only read the first in the series so far, but I’ve already acquired the other seven that are available now. I’m going to limit myself to one a month so that I don’t get burned out on them (not that I really think that is very likely to happen).
ReplyDeleteIt's been a decade or two since I've read series books so quickly. I don't want to burn out on them either, but I certainly haven't tired of George and his team.
DeleteI'm not as far along in the series as you are, Cathy, but you're so right about George Cross. He's a terrific character and I'm glad to know him. This one sounds like an interesting mystery (and I've noticed Sullivan doesn't skimp on the mystery just to talk about Cross). Yup, ears pricked, note to self made...
ReplyDeleteGood! :-)
DeleteYou are not the only one singing the praises of this series, Cathy! It has been on my radar and I am glad to hear your thoughts as well. I hope to get to it soon!
ReplyDeleteI hope you do, Gretchen!
DeleteI just checked out the first book in this series and am looking forward to meeting Detective Sergeant George Cross. :D
ReplyDeleteI'm looking forward to your thoughts, Lark. :-)
DeleteThis series is on my list and has been for a bit. Maybe later this year. :-)
ReplyDeleteMaybe? ;-)
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