The Bookseller: The Brand New DS Cross Thriller

DS George Cross returns in a case where murder and literature collide.
In a quiet Bristol bookshop, a bookseller is found dead, lying in a pool of blood. It’s a shocking crime in a place usually associated with peace and quiet. The big question for police: how did such a brutal act happen in such a seemingly tranquil setting?
As DS George Cross takes on the case, his legendary ability to cut through red herrings is put to the test. A troubling development in his personal life leaves him distracted and emotionally off-balance. For perhaps the first time in his career, Cross must learn to lean on those around him—something he has always avoided.
The world of rare books may seem unassuming, but beneath the surface is a fiercely competitive environment full of ambition, secrecy, and obsession. These characters aren’t just readers — they’re people who understand how stories work, including how to create the perfect one… even a story that ends in murder.
But can any of them outwit one of Britain’s most meticulous and determined fictional detectives?
Hailed by The Daily Mail as “one of the most iconic British fictional detectives of the 21st century,” DS George Cross returns in the seventh gripping novel of the bestselling series. Perfect for fans of M.W. Craven, Ann Cleeves, and Joy Ellis, each book can be read as a standalone and comes from a 2025 CWA Dagger in the Library Award longlistee.