The Bookseller by Tim Sullivan

The Bookseller is the seventh book in a series of crime novels featuring the lead character, Detective Inspector George Cross.  This was my introduction to the series, but it did not ruin my enjoyment of the novel; rather, I quickly found myself becoming hooked into the story and, most of all, the characters. Sullivan has created an unforgettable detective in DI Cross, who has autistic spectrum condition; socially awkward and often unintentionally rude, he must rely on logic and his fascination for patterns instead of any gut instinct. His interactions with other characters such as his father, Raymond, and his partner at work, DS Josie Ottey, are particularly engaging and these all feel like fleshed out characters in their own rights and not simply plot devices.

The location of the murder – a sprawling bookshop in Bristol full of rare and collectible tomes – obviously added interest for me as a lifelong bibliophile, and the plot is smart and engaging throughout with just about the right number of red herrings and false leads to deliver a satisfying conclusion. What I liked most about this novel, however, were the characters and it has made me want to go back to read earlier books in this series.

Thoughtful, character-led, and refreshingly original, The Bookseller is crime fiction for readers who value intelligence over theatrics and the perfect recommendation for anyone who enjoys well-written mysteries with a lot of heart.

Richard