This novel has been my introduction to the Tim Sullivan series of DS Cross mysteries - the other titles had tempted me (The Dentist, The Cyclist, The Patient, The Politician, The Monk and The Teacher), but this one proved irresistable being set in the world of books. 

The owner of a Bristol bookshop has been found, murdered, his body lying in a pool of blood beneath the bookshelves. It seems such a quiet, respectable, restrained occupation so who could possibly want to kill a bookseller? 

DS Cross has to investigate. He's an unusual man who sees things a little differently to everyone else. 

He discovers that passions run high when collectors will do anything to acquire rare editions and booksellers with expert knowledge want to dominate the marketplace. 

It's a great setting and an intriguing mystery, and DS Cross is an enigmatic and quirky detective. I'll be reading more of these.