I discovered Tim Sullivan’s detective Cross series a few months ago, and since then, I’ve been steadily moving through those books. “The Bookseller” is probably one of my favorites: this time, DS Cross from the Bristol police solves the murder of a bookseller. The man seemed quiet, owning a small independent bookstore specializing in hard-to-get collector’s copies of first editions. It was a family affair, as his father was also a bookseller, even more respected in all circles of book collecting and selling.
DS Cross, a detective I already like, operates in the book world I love. What’s not to like? The story is engaging, as solving the case takes many turns, introduces new characters, and moves in different directions. The bookseller was less likable and amiable than one might expect. Cross also faces personal challenges and deals with serious issues involving his father. Maybe this is the right time for him to leave the police forces?
In the epilogue, Tim Sullivan notes that he still enjoys writing about Cross. While all series balance the familiarity of characters with the risk of becoming predictable or stale, this series always stays fresh for me. I look forward to the next book and to meeting Cross and his friends again. Yes, even though emotions are hard for him to interpret because he’s on the spectrum, he does have friends. I enjoy reading about him and his cases, and I continue to recommend these books so that other mystery lovers can discover a bit weird but mostly very lovable DS Cross, who quietly and effectively fights crime in Bristol.
THE BOOKSELLER by Tim Sullivan, published by Grove Atlantic, 2026
Infinite Books 
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