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The Bookseller

The must-read twisty mystery featuring the unforgettable DS George Cross for 2026

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The Bookseller

By: Tim Sullivan
Narrated by: Finlay Robertson
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Bloomsbury presents The Bookseller by Tim Sullivan, read by Finlay Robertson.

SOMEONE'S ABOUT TO TURN THEIR LAST PAGE...

'One of my favourite detectives.' ELLY GRIFFITHS

THE SETTING
The body of a bookseller is discovered, lying in a pool of blood in his Bristol bookshop. Police have one question: how did the man meet such a violent, murderous end in this peaceful place?

THE CONFLICT
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.

THE MURDER PLOT
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.

But is that enough to fool the tenacious DS George Cross?

Perfect for fans of MW Craven, Peter James and Joy Ellis, this is the seventh book in the bestselling series, which can be read in any order.

ALSO IN THE DS CROSS THRILLER SERIES
#1 THE DENTIST
#2 THE CYCLIST
#3 THE PATIENT
#4 THE POLITICIAN
#5 THE MONK
#6 THE TEACHER
#7 THE BOOKSELLER
#8 THE TAILOR

CROSS CHRONICLE SHORT STORIES
THE LOST BOYS
THE EX-WIFE
THE HUNTER

Readers love George Cross . . .

'George Cross is an absolute one-off... the detective's detective.' JEREMY VINE
'Every generation has its iconic detective — Holmes, Poirot and Morse — but Cross is emerging as the one for now. Treasure him.' DAILY MAIL
'DS George Cross shot to the top of my favourites when I first encountered him.' MARI HANNAH
'A must-read series.' THE TIMES
'George Cross is in a class of his own.' SIMON TOYNE
'I am insanely in love with George Cross.' STEPHEN FRY
'George Cross is a superb creation.' DOM NOLAN
‘A compelling, suspenseful police procedural with an intimate, positive insight into living on the autistic spectrum' WOMAN
'George Cross is a highly readable creation whose adherence to the rules throws a bright light on the often murky world of policing.' SARAH HILARY
‘I love George Cross a little more with every case. Deftly plotted, with characters that leap off the page.’ RACHEL WOLF©2025 Tim Sullivan (P)2025 Bloomsbury Publishing PLC Cosy Crime Fiction Mystery Police Procedurals Suspense Thriller & Suspense Crime Murder
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Continue the series
The Tailor cover art
The Tailor By: Tim Sullivan

Critic reviews

'I love George Cross a little more with every case. Deftly plotted, with characters that leap off the page, this outing into the world of the bookseller is one of my favourites.'
'George Cross is an absolute one-off... the detective's detective. Tim Sullivan is a class act.'
‘These are must-read detective novels. George Cross is a great creation.’
One of the most iconic British fictional detectives of the 21st century... Packed with detail, and Cross’s ability to sense a lie, it is a delight
Old-fashioned in a good way, proceeding at an unhurried pace and reaching a thoroughly satisfying conclusion
I'm completely hooked on the intriguing cases of Bristol's autistic detective DS George Cross... Terrific
Sullivan’s entertaining and popular series of murder mysteries proves no profession is safe from murderous impulses. His latest, The Bookseller' certainly lives up to previous entries
Compelling
This is a brilliant crime series… Honestly, if you like crime books, if you like crime fiction and you like a new series, this is one to get into. I can’t recommend this enough
It's the combination of excellent plotting, meticulous attention to detail and a wonderfully unique and unconventionally irresistible detective protagonist that makes Tim Sullivan such a brilliant and exciting talent. One of the best series to emerge in recent years (Sophie Hannah)
All stars
Most relevant
Another great book, well read. Bring on the next please. Hopefully there is more to come.

Another great book, well read.

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The plots in this series are always twisty, but what I most enjoy is the journey you take with the characters.
At times DS Cross makes me laugh out loud. It’s also given me valuable insight into the ‘spectrum’. Helping me understand myself and those closest to me a little more. 10/10

This series just keeps getting better!

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really 3njoyed this as I really like the voice that reads it. it dies not get on my nerves. really good plot.

easy listening

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I’ve loved listening to all of this series of books. I’ve read them in order, (even though you don’t have to).

I love how the writer describes George’s awkwardness with social niceties and his relationship with his colleagues (especially his work partner Josie). Getting to know all the people who pass in and out of both their lives makes the story so much more interesting too.

Always A Pleasure

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Another gripping listen from Tim Sullivan, can't wait for the next one to come out.

Excellent series

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