What do you think?
Rate this book
The DS Cross Mysteries #8
The Tailor
Not yet published
Expected 11 Aug 26The unfailingly shrewd and uniquely brilliant DS George Cross is back...
'Every generation has its iconic detective - Holmes, Poirot and Morse - but Cross is emerging as the one for now.' DAILY MAIL
'One of my favourite detectives.' ELLY GRIFFITHS
THE KILLING
A bespoke tailor boards the 9:26 train from Bristol to London. Before it even reaches Bath, his body is found slumped lifeless in the toilet. The police initially assume it’s a robbery.
THE CRIME
But the truth is more complicated than that. Why was the man found with a plastic bag over his head? Why was his throat cut in such a savage way? DS George Cross realises that this was no mugging - it was an organised hit.
THE END
This realisation forces George into a merciless, unfamiliar world – and is it his imagination or is he being followed?
Everyone knows that DS George Cross is tenacious, that he always gets to the truth. It seems, this time, someone will do anything to stop that from happening…
Perfect for fans of MW Craven, Ann Cleeves and Joy Ellis, this is the eighth book in the million-copy-bestselling George Cross Mystery series, which can be read in any order.
'Every generation has its iconic detective - Holmes, Poirot and Morse - but Cross is emerging as the one for now.' DAILY MAIL
'One of my favourite detectives.' ELLY GRIFFITHS
THE KILLING
A bespoke tailor boards the 9:26 train from Bristol to London. Before it even reaches Bath, his body is found slumped lifeless in the toilet. The police initially assume it’s a robbery.
THE CRIME
But the truth is more complicated than that. Why was the man found with a plastic bag over his head? Why was his throat cut in such a savage way? DS George Cross realises that this was no mugging - it was an organised hit.
THE END
This realisation forces George into a merciless, unfamiliar world – and is it his imagination or is he being followed?
Everyone knows that DS George Cross is tenacious, that he always gets to the truth. It seems, this time, someone will do anything to stop that from happening…
Perfect for fans of MW Craven, Ann Cleeves and Joy Ellis, this is the eighth book in the million-copy-bestselling George Cross Mystery series, which can be read in any order.
368 pages, Hardcover
First published July 26, 2026
About the author
Tim Sullivan
16 books746 followersTim Sullivan is an acclaimed screenwriter. He originally read English and Law at university - the latter forced on him by his Dad - but instead he wriggled free of those parental ambitions and pursued his own, to make films. His writing credits include A HANDFUL OF DUST, starring Kristen Scott Thomas, WHERE ANGELS FEAR TO TREAD, starring Helen Mirren and Helena Bonham Carter, JACK AND SARAH (which he also directed) starring Richard E Grant, Judi Dench and Ian McKellen and LETTERS TO JULIET, with Amanda Seyfried. He is also a Television director whose credits include SHERLOCK HOLMES and COLD FEET and CORONATIONS STREET. He has written extensively in Hollywood in both live action and animation, working with Ron Howard, Scott Rudin and with Jeffrey Katzenberg on the fourth SHREK movie.
He has now embarked on a series of crime novels featuring the eccentric and socially-awkward, but brilliantly persistent DS George Cross.
He self-published the first two books and once they'd achieved over 200,000 downloads he came to the attention of Head of Zeus publishers. So thanks to all his readers for this success and their shared love of George.
The novels are set in Bristol in the south west of England, Cross’ methods often infuriate his colleagues and superiors “not so much a thorn in my side as a pain in my arse,” according to his boss DCI Carson. But his conviction rate, thanks to his dogged persistence and attention to detail, is the best in the force. Tim has now written the first four in the series with The Patient being published on March 3rd 2022.
Tim feels confident in his claim that he is the only crime writer around who has also co-produced and written a My Little Pony movie for Hasbro. MY LITTLE PONY - A NEW GENERATION is now available on Netflix.
Tim lives in North London with his wife Rachel, the Emmy award-winning producer of THE BAREFOOT CONTESSA and PIONEER WOMAN. Their daughters live near by.
For more stuff about Tim visit his website www.timsullivan.co.uk
He has now embarked on a series of crime novels featuring the eccentric and socially-awkward, but brilliantly persistent DS George Cross.
He self-published the first two books and once they'd achieved over 200,000 downloads he came to the attention of Head of Zeus publishers. So thanks to all his readers for this success and their shared love of George.
The novels are set in Bristol in the south west of England, Cross’ methods often infuriate his colleagues and superiors “not so much a thorn in my side as a pain in my arse,” according to his boss DCI Carson. But his conviction rate, thanks to his dogged persistence and attention to detail, is the best in the force. Tim has now written the first four in the series with The Patient being published on March 3rd 2022.
Tim feels confident in his claim that he is the only crime writer around who has also co-produced and written a My Little Pony movie for Hasbro. MY LITTLE PONY - A NEW GENERATION is now available on Netflix.
Tim lives in North London with his wife Rachel, the Emmy award-winning producer of THE BAREFOOT CONTESSA and PIONEER WOMAN. Their daughters live near by.
For more stuff about Tim visit his website www.timsullivan.co.uk
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 120 reviews
July 6, 2026
Synopsis
A routine train journey turns into a brutal murder investigation when a bespoke tailor is found dead aboard the 9:26 train from Bristol to London. At first, police suspect a robbery gone wrong, but the disturbing crime scene tells a different story. With a plastic bag over the victim’s head and his throat savagely cut, it quickly becomes clear that this was no random act of violence.
DS George Cross soon realizes he’s dealing with a carefully planned assassination, pulling him into a dangerous world of organized crime where every answer raises new questions. As Cross relentlessly pursues the truth, he begins to suspect that someone is watching his every move—and will stop at nothing to ensure the investigation never reaches its conclusion.
The eighth installment in the George Cross Mystery series delivers a fast-paced police procedural filled with twists, danger, and a determined detective who refuses to back down. Although part of a series it can be read in any order. It can be enjoyed as a standalone, making it an excellent choice for readers who enjoy intricate mysteries and methodical investigations.
Review
As the eighth book in the DS Cross series, the publisher claims the books can be read in any order. After reading this one, I disagree.
DS George Cross is on the autism spectrum, which explains many of his quirks, mannerisms, and difficulty interpreting social situations. This novel focuses heavily on those traits but spends the first 15% of the book presenting them without any context. Until the story finally hints that Cross is autistic, he simply comes across as rude, insensitive, and socially oblivious. Readers familiar with the series will already understand him, but newcomers may find him difficult to connect with.
The novel also references characters and events from previous books with little or no background. While this doesn’t make the mystery itself difficult to follow, it does make it harder to appreciate the relationships between the characters and how they have developed throughout the series. I think readers would get far more out of the book by reading the series in order.
The cast of characters is diverse and interesting, and the short, digestible chapters make for a fast and engaging read. The story is told from multiple points of view, primarily George’s, with the transitions feeling natural and well suited to each scene.
One aspect that detracted from my enjoyment was the author’s frequent use of obscure vocabulary. Words such as concatenate can usually be understood from the surrounding context, but they aren’t part of everyday language. When these words appear in Cross’s dialogue or internal thoughts, they fit his character. However, when they appear in the general narrative, they sometimes feel as though they’re included simply to showcase unusual or “big” words.
This is separate from the British colloquialisms, which I actually enjoyed. As a non-UK reader, I found them interesting, and they were generally easy to understand from context. More frustrating was the author’s tendency to use acronyms without ever explaining what they stand for, which occasionally interrupted the flow of the story.
Overall, the mystery is engaging, and the clues are presented fairly, allowing readers to follow along and piece things together. While I enjoyed the investigation itself, I believe this is one series that is best read in publication order rather than as standalone novels.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher Grove Atlantic/ Atlantic Crime for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
A routine train journey turns into a brutal murder investigation when a bespoke tailor is found dead aboard the 9:26 train from Bristol to London. At first, police suspect a robbery gone wrong, but the disturbing crime scene tells a different story. With a plastic bag over the victim’s head and his throat savagely cut, it quickly becomes clear that this was no random act of violence.
DS George Cross soon realizes he’s dealing with a carefully planned assassination, pulling him into a dangerous world of organized crime where every answer raises new questions. As Cross relentlessly pursues the truth, he begins to suspect that someone is watching his every move—and will stop at nothing to ensure the investigation never reaches its conclusion.
The eighth installment in the George Cross Mystery series delivers a fast-paced police procedural filled with twists, danger, and a determined detective who refuses to back down. Although part of a series it can be read in any order. It can be enjoyed as a standalone, making it an excellent choice for readers who enjoy intricate mysteries and methodical investigations.
Review
As the eighth book in the DS Cross series, the publisher claims the books can be read in any order. After reading this one, I disagree.
DS George Cross is on the autism spectrum, which explains many of his quirks, mannerisms, and difficulty interpreting social situations. This novel focuses heavily on those traits but spends the first 15% of the book presenting them without any context. Until the story finally hints that Cross is autistic, he simply comes across as rude, insensitive, and socially oblivious. Readers familiar with the series will already understand him, but newcomers may find him difficult to connect with.
The novel also references characters and events from previous books with little or no background. While this doesn’t make the mystery itself difficult to follow, it does make it harder to appreciate the relationships between the characters and how they have developed throughout the series. I think readers would get far more out of the book by reading the series in order.
The cast of characters is diverse and interesting, and the short, digestible chapters make for a fast and engaging read. The story is told from multiple points of view, primarily George’s, with the transitions feeling natural and well suited to each scene.
One aspect that detracted from my enjoyment was the author’s frequent use of obscure vocabulary. Words such as concatenate can usually be understood from the surrounding context, but they aren’t part of everyday language. When these words appear in Cross’s dialogue or internal thoughts, they fit his character. However, when they appear in the general narrative, they sometimes feel as though they’re included simply to showcase unusual or “big” words.
This is separate from the British colloquialisms, which I actually enjoyed. As a non-UK reader, I found them interesting, and they were generally easy to understand from context. More frustrating was the author’s tendency to use acronyms without ever explaining what they stand for, which occasionally interrupted the flow of the story.
Overall, the mystery is engaging, and the clues are presented fairly, allowing readers to follow along and piece things together. While I enjoyed the investigation itself, I believe this is one series that is best read in publication order rather than as standalone novels.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher Grove Atlantic/ Atlantic Crime for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Want to Read
July 28, 2026Dear brilliant author, it very cruel of you to not have this book out this year!!!
(finally August 2026 is almost here.)
July 21, 2026
I never cease to enjoy these, and this has been an absolute treat!
Five stars. Would I read it again? Definitely!
Five stars. Would I read it again? Definitely!
July 22, 2026
A tailor is murdered on a train, but the trail it leaves behind is anything but ordinary.
We follow George, a detective with a reputation for solving the most unusual cases, alongside a supporting character who honestly had main-character energy. She was more than capable at her job, if not for the unyielding, pompous lead constantly getting in her way.
The story starts at a brisk pace, surrounding us with bespoke suits, tailoring techniques, and plenty of charm. Somewhere in the middle, though, I found myself losing a bit of interest as the focus shifted towards people, their motives, and endless conversations. Thankfully, the climax pulled me right back in with a rather unexpected and amusing finish.
George is an eccentric detective whose constant observations and deductions make him an oddly fitting person for the job. I also enjoyed the involvement of international agencies and the role they played in the investigation, which gave the mystery a broader scope and a slightly grittier edge.
Overall, this was an enjoyable detective mystery with a memorable lead, even if the pacing dipped a little in the middle.
We follow George, a detective with a reputation for solving the most unusual cases, alongside a supporting character who honestly had main-character energy. She was more than capable at her job, if not for the unyielding, pompous lead constantly getting in her way.
The story starts at a brisk pace, surrounding us with bespoke suits, tailoring techniques, and plenty of charm. Somewhere in the middle, though, I found myself losing a bit of interest as the focus shifted towards people, their motives, and endless conversations. Thankfully, the climax pulled me right back in with a rather unexpected and amusing finish.
George is an eccentric detective whose constant observations and deductions make him an oddly fitting person for the job. I also enjoyed the involvement of international agencies and the role they played in the investigation, which gave the mystery a broader scope and a slightly grittier edge.
Overall, this was an enjoyable detective mystery with a memorable lead, even if the pacing dipped a little in the middle.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
5 stars
★★★★★
This is book 8 in the George Cross Mysteries Series , and I loved every second of it. This series gets better every time and I need 100 more. This is the such a well-crafted, intellectual and heart-felt mystery series that is the best mystery series in the game right now. Nothing compares to this series and I think it deserves more flowers.
The Tailor: A DS George Cross Mystery starts with the dead body of a tailor in the train bathroom. As the best detective in the force, DS George Cross is assigned to the case. He expertly peels back the layers of deceit surrounding the case with his new probationary junior partner. Surprisingly, the death of the tailor is linked to business deals, local gangsters, foreign governments, espionage, data protection and a suspicious suicide.
George is on the autism spectrum, and how he moves through life is different to others. He can annoy and irritate, be inconsiderate and obstinate but above all he is not malicious. He is so loveable I could burst. He is afforded a lot of grace, however I always get emotional and angry when others reaches their limit of patience and grace. George cannot shut it off. He is who he is, but others always expect him to bend and to change. They struggle with his honesty and being honest back. I think through out the series we truly see the love others have for him, and I truly hope his support system (mainly at work) grows.
I think the best books hold a mirror to our ourselves, our relationships and society as a whole. DS Cross Mysteries interrogates how we move through the world, how it is set up for neuro-typical and able-bodied people, and the difficulties faced when we are different. Profound, heart-wrenching and inspiring series that goes beyond the typical murder-mystery. George Cross mysteries are always fun, hilarious and full of love. I adore this series and I implore everyone to read this masterpiece in detective fiction.
My hope for future books:
I think this is the beginning of the end for Carson. I expect the lack of trust in the future will ultimately lead to Carson moving on, going into a more political role upstairs, while Josie will take his old job. I am excited to see how George enters this new dynamic, if he will ever gain a promotion (willing or not) and this new shift in the the workplace, his responsibilities and the respect he is owed for his work-rate and skills.
Thank you to Atlantic Crime for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I also posted my review on my blog ✿
★★★★★
This is book 8 in the George Cross Mysteries Series , and I loved every second of it. This series gets better every time and I need 100 more. This is the such a well-crafted, intellectual and heart-felt mystery series that is the best mystery series in the game right now. Nothing compares to this series and I think it deserves more flowers.
The Tailor: A DS George Cross Mystery starts with the dead body of a tailor in the train bathroom. As the best detective in the force, DS George Cross is assigned to the case. He expertly peels back the layers of deceit surrounding the case with his new probationary junior partner. Surprisingly, the death of the tailor is linked to business deals, local gangsters, foreign governments, espionage, data protection and a suspicious suicide.
George is on the autism spectrum, and how he moves through life is different to others. He can annoy and irritate, be inconsiderate and obstinate but above all he is not malicious. He is so loveable I could burst. He is afforded a lot of grace, however I always get emotional and angry when others reaches their limit of patience and grace. George cannot shut it off. He is who he is, but others always expect him to bend and to change. They struggle with his honesty and being honest back. I think through out the series we truly see the love others have for him, and I truly hope his support system (mainly at work) grows.
I think the best books hold a mirror to our ourselves, our relationships and society as a whole. DS Cross Mysteries interrogates how we move through the world, how it is set up for neuro-typical and able-bodied people, and the difficulties faced when we are different. Profound, heart-wrenching and inspiring series that goes beyond the typical murder-mystery. George Cross mysteries are always fun, hilarious and full of love. I adore this series and I implore everyone to read this masterpiece in detective fiction.
My hope for future books:
I think this is the beginning of the end for Carson. I expect the lack of trust in the future will ultimately lead to Carson moving on, going into a more political role upstairs, while Josie will take his old job. I am excited to see how George enters this new dynamic, if he will ever gain a promotion (willing or not) and this new shift in the the workplace, his responsibilities and the respect he is owed for his work-rate and skills.
Thank you to Atlantic Crime for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I also posted my review on my blog ✿
Blog ✿ Goodreads ✿ TikTok ✿ Twitter ✿ Instagram ✿ Pinterest ✿ StoryGraph ✿ Discovery ✿
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Tailor by Tim Sullivan is a very highly recommended procedural/mystery and the eighth book in the series featuring Detective Sergeant George Cross of the Bristol Major Crimes Unit. It is always a pleasure to follow Cross, who is on the autism spectrum, investigating anything while dealing with the various challenges of life. This is a welcomed addition to the series.
A man is found murdered in the toilet on a train at Bath Spa with his throat cut and a plastic bag over his head. The BTP, British Transport Police, are understaffed so they call in the major crimes unit to take the case. The man is identified as William (Billy) Titcomb, a tailor of bespoke (made to order) suits. He was headed to the airport, traveling to Dubai and then to China, but all his luggage, including a suitcase and two suit carriers, is missing. It quickly becomes clear that this was a planned murder, but who would want to kill a tailor?
Detective Sergeant George Cross along with his new partner, DC Alice Mackenzie, begin to investigate. Cross, who struggles following social cues, uses his unique observational and intuitive skills to notice clues others can miss. They talk to the new widow, Min, who is Chinese and works for SJM Energy Solutions. Cross feels something is off. They begin looking into clients. As the investigation continues, it seems that something more is going on and the clues lead to connections with a local gangster, clients, another death, and two South Korean tourists who seem to start appearing.
All of the novels in this series are compelling, well-written, fast-paced, complex procedurals which follow both the case at hand and Cross's personal life. This series sets itself apart with the uniqueness of the main character and the twisty, complicated, intuitive, and analytical investigations undertaken in the plot. The intelligent investigation logically and instinctively follows the clues making it another enjoyable procedural in the series. Although this can be enjoyed as a standalone novel, reading the previous books in the series and knowing all the characters and their backgrounds makes it a even greater pleasure to read.
In his personal life, Cross wrestles with accepting a new partner while dealing with issues involving his parents. He also becomes interested in a bespoke suit, which, knowing Cross, makes perfect sense considering the meticulousness attention to details involved in a handmade suit. At this point, all the characters in the series are fully realized individuals. This series depends on both the strong characterizations, along with the complicated, well reasoned plot, to propel the action forward. The unique main character also serves to set this series apart from others.
The Tailor is a wonderful choice for those who enjoy procedurals/mysteries and are also following the DS George Cross series. Thanks to Grove/Atlantic for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.
http://www.shetreadssoftly.com/2026/0...
A man is found murdered in the toilet on a train at Bath Spa with his throat cut and a plastic bag over his head. The BTP, British Transport Police, are understaffed so they call in the major crimes unit to take the case. The man is identified as William (Billy) Titcomb, a tailor of bespoke (made to order) suits. He was headed to the airport, traveling to Dubai and then to China, but all his luggage, including a suitcase and two suit carriers, is missing. It quickly becomes clear that this was a planned murder, but who would want to kill a tailor?
Detective Sergeant George Cross along with his new partner, DC Alice Mackenzie, begin to investigate. Cross, who struggles following social cues, uses his unique observational and intuitive skills to notice clues others can miss. They talk to the new widow, Min, who is Chinese and works for SJM Energy Solutions. Cross feels something is off. They begin looking into clients. As the investigation continues, it seems that something more is going on and the clues lead to connections with a local gangster, clients, another death, and two South Korean tourists who seem to start appearing.
All of the novels in this series are compelling, well-written, fast-paced, complex procedurals which follow both the case at hand and Cross's personal life. This series sets itself apart with the uniqueness of the main character and the twisty, complicated, intuitive, and analytical investigations undertaken in the plot. The intelligent investigation logically and instinctively follows the clues making it another enjoyable procedural in the series. Although this can be enjoyed as a standalone novel, reading the previous books in the series and knowing all the characters and their backgrounds makes it a even greater pleasure to read.
In his personal life, Cross wrestles with accepting a new partner while dealing with issues involving his parents. He also becomes interested in a bespoke suit, which, knowing Cross, makes perfect sense considering the meticulousness attention to details involved in a handmade suit. At this point, all the characters in the series are fully realized individuals. This series depends on both the strong characterizations, along with the complicated, well reasoned plot, to propel the action forward. The unique main character also serves to set this series apart from others.
The Tailor is a wonderful choice for those who enjoy procedurals/mysteries and are also following the DS George Cross series. Thanks to Grove/Atlantic for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.
http://www.shetreadssoftly.com/2026/0...
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I would like to thank NetGalley and Grove Atlantic Crime [the publisher] for an eARC of The Tailor by Tim Sullivan, with an expected US publication date of August 2026, in return for an honest review. This is the eighth of the DS George Cross Mysteries and represents the end of the series to date, not that I believe the series is ending; it was first published in Great Britain earlier in 2026. I want to especially thank NetGalley and Grove Atlantic Crime for introducing me to DS George Cross in November 2025 with the publication of the Dentist, book one in the series, for the first time in the US. I had not known about the series before coming across it on NetGalley last year. Now I’ll just have to wait for Tim Sullivan to write the next one.
And now on to The Tailor. If you have followed my reviews, you know that DS Cross is on the spectrum. Sullivan does a wonderful job presenting the benefits and pitfalls of being a detective on the spectrum, although we don’t see as much of his skill in interrogation in this book. The series does a fantastic job of expanding the universe of DS Cross. Each book we get to know a little more about George and his supporting characters: his dad, mother, the priest Stephen, his partner Ottey, forensic scientist Michael Swift, DCI Carson, and Alice Mackenzie, junior member of the team.
GoodReads or Amazon provides an excellent plot summary of the book. That said, there are plot elements in this book worth mentioning. George and Alice are working now as a team, as she has completed her training and has come back to the MCU [Major Crime Unit]. Alice’s new role has her boyfriend Michael Swift [a DS Cross fanboy], jealous, and often becomes a bad look. This book introduces a bit of international intrigue. Also, as difficulty befalls George, he comes to realize that most of the wider team has come to care for him very much. The relationship between George’s father and mother continues to develop, as Raymond convalesces from his cancer treatment.
As with all of the Cross books, there are many twists to solving the crime, in this case, the murder of a tailor. The world of bespoke tailoring is explicated, and provides an interesting “thread” to the novel.
As I’ve noted in reviews of earlier books Tim Sullivan, an accomplished screenwriter and director, decided to try his hand at writing a police series and self published the first two books in the series. After 200,000+ downloads he came to the attention of Head of Zeus publishers. I haven’t seen a difference in quality [the first two were equally of high quality].
I highly recommend this book and have rated it five stars. I strongly encourage a reader to start at the start with The Dentist, and then work your way through the series. Unlike some series, I do not feel that any of the books so far have been less than top notch. Sullivan continues to hit it out of the park.
And now on to The Tailor. If you have followed my reviews, you know that DS Cross is on the spectrum. Sullivan does a wonderful job presenting the benefits and pitfalls of being a detective on the spectrum, although we don’t see as much of his skill in interrogation in this book. The series does a fantastic job of expanding the universe of DS Cross. Each book we get to know a little more about George and his supporting characters: his dad, mother, the priest Stephen, his partner Ottey, forensic scientist Michael Swift, DCI Carson, and Alice Mackenzie, junior member of the team.
GoodReads or Amazon provides an excellent plot summary of the book. That said, there are plot elements in this book worth mentioning. George and Alice are working now as a team, as she has completed her training and has come back to the MCU [Major Crime Unit]. Alice’s new role has her boyfriend Michael Swift [a DS Cross fanboy], jealous, and often becomes a bad look. This book introduces a bit of international intrigue. Also, as difficulty befalls George, he comes to realize that most of the wider team has come to care for him very much. The relationship between George’s father and mother continues to develop, as Raymond convalesces from his cancer treatment.
As with all of the Cross books, there are many twists to solving the crime, in this case, the murder of a tailor. The world of bespoke tailoring is explicated, and provides an interesting “thread” to the novel.
As I’ve noted in reviews of earlier books Tim Sullivan, an accomplished screenwriter and director, decided to try his hand at writing a police series and self published the first two books in the series. After 200,000+ downloads he came to the attention of Head of Zeus publishers. I haven’t seen a difference in quality [the first two were equally of high quality].
I highly recommend this book and have rated it five stars. I strongly encourage a reader to start at the start with The Dentist, and then work your way through the series. Unlike some series, I do not feel that any of the books so far have been less than top notch. Sullivan continues to hit it out of the park.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you NetGalley and Grove Atlantic | Atlantic Crime for this advance ARC In return for an honest review.
The Tailor is the 8th Installment of the highly entertaining DS Cross mystery series. George Cross is
a high functioning Autistic Detective with the highest clearance rating in the UK and is called in to investigate the very strange murder of a man in a train bathroom wearing a bespoke suit. Not only was his throat cut, but he appears to have initially been asphyxiated with a plastic freezer bag still over his head. Cross and his team discover the victim was the owner/tailor of the bespoke suit shop, Titscomb and Titscomb.
As George's former partner, DI Josie Ottey, has been promoted, the ever annoying superior, DSI Carson, decides to surprise Cross with his new partner, probationary DC Alice MacKenzie, with whom Cross worked previously in her prior capacity as police support. Although Ottey tries to keep Cross in line, Mackenzie has a few tricks up her sleeve trying to keep track of Cross so that she can assist him with the awkward social interactions involved in questioning witnesses and suspects.
Meanwhile, his estranged mother, Christine, has sold her home, moved in with his father Raymond and they find that they are unable to cohabitate as hoped by Cross. As such Cross' investigation is somewhat derailed by an unexpected and unwanted house guest.
Just when everyone else in the MCU feels they have reached a dead end, Cross becomes intrigued by the untimely suicide of a Chinese Scientist occurring six months prior, at the widow's place of business. Cross and MacKenzie discover that Chen had just made an amazing breakthrough involving the companies EV batteries that would put them at the forefront of this ever evolving technology. As the victim's widow, is also Chinese, and not being forthright with Cross, he believes there may be a connection, even though his superior, Carson, disagrees and wants him to only focus on the murdered tailor.
Although I figured this mystery out a little early ( just like the Bookseller before it ) Cross manages to defy the odds, not to mention skirting danger, and figure out the murder(s) before the rest of the MCU and despite some suspects escaping, justice was served and the Tailor has a very satisfying conclusion.
I believe that Sullivan is finally hitting his stride both in the witnesses and suspects reaction to the quirky nature of Cross' investigative style as well as the delicate balance between Cross police work and his family life and organ practice.
Highly recommended, although I would suggest to those new to the series that is more satisfying to start at the beginning.
#TheTailor #NetGalley.
The Tailor is the 8th Installment of the highly entertaining DS Cross mystery series. George Cross is
a high functioning Autistic Detective with the highest clearance rating in the UK and is called in to investigate the very strange murder of a man in a train bathroom wearing a bespoke suit. Not only was his throat cut, but he appears to have initially been asphyxiated with a plastic freezer bag still over his head. Cross and his team discover the victim was the owner/tailor of the bespoke suit shop, Titscomb and Titscomb.
As George's former partner, DI Josie Ottey, has been promoted, the ever annoying superior, DSI Carson, decides to surprise Cross with his new partner, probationary DC Alice MacKenzie, with whom Cross worked previously in her prior capacity as police support. Although Ottey tries to keep Cross in line, Mackenzie has a few tricks up her sleeve trying to keep track of Cross so that she can assist him with the awkward social interactions involved in questioning witnesses and suspects.
Meanwhile, his estranged mother, Christine, has sold her home, moved in with his father Raymond and they find that they are unable to cohabitate as hoped by Cross. As such Cross' investigation is somewhat derailed by an unexpected and unwanted house guest.
Just when everyone else in the MCU feels they have reached a dead end, Cross becomes intrigued by the untimely suicide of a Chinese Scientist occurring six months prior, at the widow's place of business. Cross and MacKenzie discover that Chen had just made an amazing breakthrough involving the companies EV batteries that would put them at the forefront of this ever evolving technology. As the victim's widow, is also Chinese, and not being forthright with Cross, he believes there may be a connection, even though his superior, Carson, disagrees and wants him to only focus on the murdered tailor.
Although I figured this mystery out a little early ( just like the Bookseller before it ) Cross manages to defy the odds, not to mention skirting danger, and figure out the murder(s) before the rest of the MCU and despite some suspects escaping, justice was served and the Tailor has a very satisfying conclusion.
I believe that Sullivan is finally hitting his stride both in the witnesses and suspects reaction to the quirky nature of Cross' investigative style as well as the delicate balance between Cross police work and his family life and organ practice.
Highly recommended, although I would suggest to those new to the series that is more satisfying to start at the beginning.
#TheTailor #NetGalley.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A NEW George Cross! Hurray! THE TAILOR is #8 in the George Cross series.
Yes, I read this four months ago, soon after I downloaded it from NetGalley. Mentally I immediately gave it a four-star rating. Not the best George Cross book I have read, but nonetheless a much "better than average" mystery/thriller. The fact that I still remember the important details four months later reinforces my four-star or "very good" rating. I took longer than usual to write my review for personal reasons, and because I wanted to get this review right—what I liked and what I didn't.
The Pros
1. George's work environment is changing, and he's having trouble adjusting to the changes, as people on the spectrum frequently do. Josie, his regular work partner, is promoted, and Alice Mackenzie becomes George's new on-the-job partner. But George still treats Alice like the intern she once was. Well done.
2. George also has to deal with his upset father whose new living arrangements aren't perfect. George's father, Raymond, is a hoarder, and dislikes having his "things" touched, which they must be if he is to have a new house partner (his former wife, George's mother). George is drawn into the middle of this chaos.
3. Finally, during the course of his murder investigation, George becomes fascinated with the idea of owning a "bespoke" suit. (I must admit that I had never previously heard about such a thing as a bespoke suit but I assume these aren't common in Canada.) George's fixation on small details is another well done example of how the autistic mind works.
4. The murder investigation follows a winding path and although George seems to know where it is going, he doesn't share his knowledge with Alice, or even Josie. And the inquiry takes George into hitherto unexplored thriller territory.
The Cons
1. There were a lot of characters in the story, and although I could follow it easily enough, having read all of the George Cross novels, I thought that it might be difficult for someone new to the George Cross saga to unravel all the interconnections among recurring characters.
2. Although the killer received his/her just desserts, I felt that the real villain went unpunished. To say further would require adding a spoiler, but it's the first time a George Cross story has left me feeling unfulfilled. It was that ending, mainly, that led me to knock a star off my rating, because the rest of the story had plenty of thrills as well as the usual mystery.
....
Still a great read overall. And it ends with George in his new suit. He now has "swagger".
Thanks to Grove Atlantic for providing an electronic copy of this book via NetGalley. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinions.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
My reviews for other books in this series:
The Dentist (DS Cross, #1)
The Cyclist (DS Cross, #2)
The Patient (DS Cross, #3)
The Politician (DS Cross, #4)
The Monk (DS Cross, #5)
The Teacher (DS Cross, #6)
The Bookseller (DS Cross, #7)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Yes, I read this four months ago, soon after I downloaded it from NetGalley. Mentally I immediately gave it a four-star rating. Not the best George Cross book I have read, but nonetheless a much "better than average" mystery/thriller. The fact that I still remember the important details four months later reinforces my four-star or "very good" rating. I took longer than usual to write my review for personal reasons, and because I wanted to get this review right—what I liked and what I didn't.
The Pros
1. George's work environment is changing, and he's having trouble adjusting to the changes, as people on the spectrum frequently do. Josie, his regular work partner, is promoted, and Alice Mackenzie becomes George's new on-the-job partner. But George still treats Alice like the intern she once was. Well done.
2. George also has to deal with his upset father whose new living arrangements aren't perfect. George's father, Raymond, is a hoarder, and dislikes having his "things" touched, which they must be if he is to have a new house partner (his former wife, George's mother). George is drawn into the middle of this chaos.
3. Finally, during the course of his murder investigation, George becomes fascinated with the idea of owning a "bespoke" suit. (I must admit that I had never previously heard about such a thing as a bespoke suit but I assume these aren't common in Canada.) George's fixation on small details is another well done example of how the autistic mind works.
4. The murder investigation follows a winding path and although George seems to know where it is going, he doesn't share his knowledge with Alice, or even Josie. And the inquiry takes George into hitherto unexplored thriller territory.
The Cons
1. There were a lot of characters in the story, and although I could follow it easily enough, having read all of the George Cross novels, I thought that it might be difficult for someone new to the George Cross saga to unravel all the interconnections among recurring characters.
2. Although the killer received his/her just desserts, I felt that the real villain went unpunished. To say further would require adding a spoiler, but it's the first time a George Cross story has left me feeling unfulfilled. It was that ending, mainly, that led me to knock a star off my rating, because the rest of the story had plenty of thrills as well as the usual mystery.
....
Still a great read overall. And it ends with George in his new suit. He now has "swagger".
Thanks to Grove Atlantic for providing an electronic copy of this book via NetGalley. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinions.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
My reviews for other books in this series:
The Dentist (DS Cross, #1)
The Cyclist (DS Cross, #2)
The Patient (DS Cross, #3)
The Politician (DS Cross, #4)
The Monk (DS Cross, #5)
The Teacher (DS Cross, #6)
The Bookseller (DS Cross, #7)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Read
March 6, 2026Oh, George, how I've missed you!
I absolutely adore this series and get genuine butterflies when a new installment lands in my inbox. Everything and I mean everything, gets pushed aside so I can while away a few hours with one of my all time favourite characters, George Cross.
DS George Cross is a bit of enigma to the majority of people he comes across. Being on the spectrum makes him come across as abrupt, rude, standoffish and even emotionless but it also makes him tenacious, unstoppable, unflappable and one hell of a detective.
This is book #8 in the DS George Cross series and with each new book my adoration for him grows. The series just gets better and better the further into it we get, each one bringing a fresh, unique plot that feels just as exciting, thrilling and unputdownable as the very first.
In book #8, a bespoke tailor is found murdered aboard a train from Bristol to London. His throat slit and a freezer bag placed over his head. His luggage and suit carriers are missing.
Investigating, Cross deduces that this wasn't simply a murder, someone was after something, something obviously important, but what?
Newly promoted, DI Josie Ottey is still protective of her old partner and trying to navigate training his new partner, someone who has worked with the team previously, probationary DC Alice MacKenzie. Alice is struggling to keep a hold on Cross and his wandering ways but used to his manner, soon figures out a way to keep track of him, which comes in handy later on.
This was a complex, multi layered plot that had many paths to keep track of. A seemingly placid, workaholic, murdered tailor. His scientist chinese wife. Government secrets and the reprisal of a past character Toby Fletcher.
Alongside the main plot we also have the life of George, Raymond and Christine bubbling in the background, which I absolutely love. Without doubt, George's interactions with his parents make me smile every single time.
I must admit, I actually roared with laughter in a particular section of this tale. Without spoilers, at one point George, unsure how to control his emotions decides to just 'chat' to two men, the way he just went off a on a tangent had me properly belly laughing, I still chuckle now just thinking about it.
Lastly, one phrase I never thought I'd see.... George Cross has swagger!
Side note: I'm not in love with the new cover I must admit, I much preferred the previous designs!
Huge thanks to Netgalley and Aria & Aries for the ARC.
I absolutely adore this series and get genuine butterflies when a new installment lands in my inbox. Everything and I mean everything, gets pushed aside so I can while away a few hours with one of my all time favourite characters, George Cross.
DS George Cross is a bit of enigma to the majority of people he comes across. Being on the spectrum makes him come across as abrupt, rude, standoffish and even emotionless but it also makes him tenacious, unstoppable, unflappable and one hell of a detective.
This is book #8 in the DS George Cross series and with each new book my adoration for him grows. The series just gets better and better the further into it we get, each one bringing a fresh, unique plot that feels just as exciting, thrilling and unputdownable as the very first.
In book #8, a bespoke tailor is found murdered aboard a train from Bristol to London. His throat slit and a freezer bag placed over his head. His luggage and suit carriers are missing.
Investigating, Cross deduces that this wasn't simply a murder, someone was after something, something obviously important, but what?
Newly promoted, DI Josie Ottey is still protective of her old partner and trying to navigate training his new partner, someone who has worked with the team previously, probationary DC Alice MacKenzie. Alice is struggling to keep a hold on Cross and his wandering ways but used to his manner, soon figures out a way to keep track of him, which comes in handy later on.
This was a complex, multi layered plot that had many paths to keep track of. A seemingly placid, workaholic, murdered tailor. His scientist chinese wife. Government secrets and the reprisal of a past character Toby Fletcher.
Alongside the main plot we also have the life of George, Raymond and Christine bubbling in the background, which I absolutely love. Without doubt, George's interactions with his parents make me smile every single time.
I must admit, I actually roared with laughter in a particular section of this tale. Without spoilers, at one point George, unsure how to control his emotions decides to just 'chat' to two men, the way he just went off a on a tangent had me properly belly laughing, I still chuckle now just thinking about it.
Lastly, one phrase I never thought I'd see.... George Cross has swagger!
Side note: I'm not in love with the new cover I must admit, I much preferred the previous designs!
Huge thanks to Netgalley and Aria & Aries for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I was instantly drawn to this front cover image - which as you probably know by now, I absolutely love a bright, bold (and simple) cover, especially if there's blood involved.
It just tells me in no uncertain terms, that this is going to be my kind of read.
What I hadn't realised, was that this book forms part of the George Cross Mystery series and that it is in fact the eighth book!!
Now, you know I hate reading books out of order, but also that with this genre, it's often not the end of the world if I'm reading book 8 first.
This case is whole and complete and I absolutely loved the way that the character introduction was written into the first few chapters with the addition to a new member to the team and this helped explain and describe George to a tee!!
All I'm going to say on the matter of plot is that this was a complex case that had a good number of suspects and twists and turns throughout the story.
The pacing was perfect and had me hooked from the start.
In fact I devoured this through the course of only a day because I loved the progression of the storyline and needed to see how all the different elements would link up and form a conclusion.
As much as I love a great storyline that keeps us guessing to the end - and this was really a super clever case - I found that the fact I connected with George on such a deep level, the absolute best thing about this read.
George is quite obviously a neurodiverse character and I loved getting to know him and his foibles throughout the story.
Having some experience with ND (my son and most likely myself), it was absolutely brilliant to see this portrayed in such a manner here.
Obviously there are some downsides to such a condition and these were written with understanding and care and never came across as hugely negative.
When needed, there was always a balance the other way to counteract this.
But, there were a number of times that I not only recognised patterns and behaviours, but found these so endearing and sometimes hilarious to watch play out.
I'm absolutely talking about the kidnap scene here 🤣- absolute genius!
It was nice to see George at work with the team - seeing how he fitted into the routine of police work - but I also loved seeing him at home too and I can't wait to explore this more through the series.
I am obsessed with George and have already added all the previous books to my wishlist - I can't wait to read them all!
It just tells me in no uncertain terms, that this is going to be my kind of read.
What I hadn't realised, was that this book forms part of the George Cross Mystery series and that it is in fact the eighth book!!
Now, you know I hate reading books out of order, but also that with this genre, it's often not the end of the world if I'm reading book 8 first.
This case is whole and complete and I absolutely loved the way that the character introduction was written into the first few chapters with the addition to a new member to the team and this helped explain and describe George to a tee!!
All I'm going to say on the matter of plot is that this was a complex case that had a good number of suspects and twists and turns throughout the story.
The pacing was perfect and had me hooked from the start.
In fact I devoured this through the course of only a day because I loved the progression of the storyline and needed to see how all the different elements would link up and form a conclusion.
As much as I love a great storyline that keeps us guessing to the end - and this was really a super clever case - I found that the fact I connected with George on such a deep level, the absolute best thing about this read.
George is quite obviously a neurodiverse character and I loved getting to know him and his foibles throughout the story.
Having some experience with ND (my son and most likely myself), it was absolutely brilliant to see this portrayed in such a manner here.
Obviously there are some downsides to such a condition and these were written with understanding and care and never came across as hugely negative.
When needed, there was always a balance the other way to counteract this.
But, there were a number of times that I not only recognised patterns and behaviours, but found these so endearing and sometimes hilarious to watch play out.
I'm absolutely talking about the kidnap scene here 🤣- absolute genius!
It was nice to see George at work with the team - seeing how he fitted into the routine of police work - but I also loved seeing him at home too and I can't wait to explore this more through the series.
I am obsessed with George and have already added all the previous books to my wishlist - I can't wait to read them all!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A man boarded a train from Bristol bound for Paddington Station in London. From there he was to catch a plane for China to inspect his tailor shop where his customers suits are sewn together after measurements were taken in Bristol.` On the way to China he would stop in Dubai for two customer fittings and the suits were in carriers. But he didn't get off that train alive.
When George Cross investigated the crime he learned that the man was found in one of the train loos on the floor in a pool of blood. He had a plastic bag pulled over his face and a pen in his neck which aided in slashing his jugular vein. Thorough police work ID'd the body which turned out to be William Titcomb, one of the tailors of the noted family shop Titcomb and Titcomb, bespoke tailors. But his sister couldn't understand where his luggage went and why the suit carriers were missing. Eventually the luggage was found and its contents destroyed. Most disturbing were the basted suits-both were hacked into ribbons. What was so important about Titcomb's belongings that got him murdered and who was the culprit?
Was it William's perfect Chinese wife who set up the shop in China? Was it any of the Chinese employees who were sent to Bristol for training? Or could it have been the two South Korean tourists who's cars turned up on CCTV footage? There might also have been an MI5 British spy connection to the crime-Cross's skills were certainly being challenged in this case.
Of course he also had other worries. He acquired a new partner which greatly disturbed his routine and comfort level. His father was recovering well from his stroke but he and Christine, his ex-wife who came to be his caregiver, were not getting on well. And his new interest in the art of tailoring was taking him in a new direction-he now craved a bespoke suit.
Sullivan's detective, George Cross, is always a joy to follow as he uses fact and logic to solve the crime. The Tailor is the new book in this detective series whose titles have been released slowly in the States for the last year. In my opinion, it's the best of his eight adventures. Can Cross "thread the needle" this time? Read it and find out!
When George Cross investigated the crime he learned that the man was found in one of the train loos on the floor in a pool of blood. He had a plastic bag pulled over his face and a pen in his neck which aided in slashing his jugular vein. Thorough police work ID'd the body which turned out to be William Titcomb, one of the tailors of the noted family shop Titcomb and Titcomb, bespoke tailors. But his sister couldn't understand where his luggage went and why the suit carriers were missing. Eventually the luggage was found and its contents destroyed. Most disturbing were the basted suits-both were hacked into ribbons. What was so important about Titcomb's belongings that got him murdered and who was the culprit?
Was it William's perfect Chinese wife who set up the shop in China? Was it any of the Chinese employees who were sent to Bristol for training? Or could it have been the two South Korean tourists who's cars turned up on CCTV footage? There might also have been an MI5 British spy connection to the crime-Cross's skills were certainly being challenged in this case.
Of course he also had other worries. He acquired a new partner which greatly disturbed his routine and comfort level. His father was recovering well from his stroke but he and Christine, his ex-wife who came to be his caregiver, were not getting on well. And his new interest in the art of tailoring was taking him in a new direction-he now craved a bespoke suit.
Sullivan's detective, George Cross, is always a joy to follow as he uses fact and logic to solve the crime. The Tailor is the new book in this detective series whose titles have been released slowly in the States for the last year. In my opinion, it's the best of his eight adventures. Can Cross "thread the needle" this time? Read it and find out!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
It's funny that within the space of three days I finished two crime novels starting off with a murder that could hardly be more different in any other aspect if they tried. “The Great Game” by Arvid Ethan David is expansive, playful and historical; “The Tailor” by Tim Sullivanther quiet, constrained, beautifully constructed police procedural. Both were absolutely fantastic.
In “The Tailor”, DS George Cross investigates the murder of a bespoke tailor who is found dead on a train travelling from Bristol to London. What initially looks like a possible robbery quickly reveals itself to be linked to far more complex crime, drawing Cross into a case where many people are determined to keep many things hidden.
This was my first DS George Cross novel and I loved it. It works perfectly well as a standalone—I never felt lost—but I could immediately see the appeal of having seven previous books' worth of insight into Cross's personal and professional life. He's a fascinating character, as are many of the people around him, and several times I found myself thinking, right, I'm going to have to go back and read the earlier ones now.
The mystery itself is beautifully crafted. The plot feels meticulously tailored (sorry) and I loved the gradual unfolding and morphing of the case. The twist was intriguing and I particularly enjoyed being introduced to the world of bespoke tailoring. It's not a setting I knew anything about, but Sullivan makes it feel interesting and integral to the story.
The writing is excellent throughout: elegant, intelligent and completely confident. It succeeds through precision and character, giving it a very accomplished feel.
And then there's the audiobook. Finlay Robertson is extraordinary. He captures personalities, attitudes and emotions of this large and diverse cast so naturally that I never once had to stop and remind myself who was speaking.
A brilliant introduction to a series I'm delighted to have discovered. Thoughtful, expertly plotted and wonderfully narrated.
Thank you to Head of Zeus Audiobooks, NetGalley and Tim Sullivan for an advance listening copy of this book.
In “The Tailor”, DS George Cross investigates the murder of a bespoke tailor who is found dead on a train travelling from Bristol to London. What initially looks like a possible robbery quickly reveals itself to be linked to far more complex crime, drawing Cross into a case where many people are determined to keep many things hidden.
This was my first DS George Cross novel and I loved it. It works perfectly well as a standalone—I never felt lost—but I could immediately see the appeal of having seven previous books' worth of insight into Cross's personal and professional life. He's a fascinating character, as are many of the people around him, and several times I found myself thinking, right, I'm going to have to go back and read the earlier ones now.
The mystery itself is beautifully crafted. The plot feels meticulously tailored (sorry) and I loved the gradual unfolding and morphing of the case. The twist was intriguing and I particularly enjoyed being introduced to the world of bespoke tailoring. It's not a setting I knew anything about, but Sullivan makes it feel interesting and integral to the story.
The writing is excellent throughout: elegant, intelligent and completely confident. It succeeds through precision and character, giving it a very accomplished feel.
And then there's the audiobook. Finlay Robertson is extraordinary. He captures personalities, attitudes and emotions of this large and diverse cast so naturally that I never once had to stop and remind myself who was speaking.
A brilliant introduction to a series I'm delighted to have discovered. Thoughtful, expertly plotted and wonderfully narrated.
Thank you to Head of Zeus Audiobooks, NetGalley and Tim Sullivan for an advance listening copy of this book.
July 24, 2026
‘The Tailor’ is the eigth book in the DS George Cross series by Tim Sullivan.
When a bespoke tailor boards the 9:26 train from Bristol to London, no one expects him to be found dead before the train even pulls into Bath. Slumped in the toilet with his throat savagely cut and a plastic bag over his head, initial police assumptions of a simple mugging gone wrong are quickly thrown out the window. Enter DS George Cross, who immediately recognises the crime for what it truly is: an organised hit.
Realising he is dealing with a calculated hit forces George into a merciless, unfamiliar world, leaving him wondering if he’s being followed as the stakes are raised. Everyone in the force knows that George is as tenacious as they come and won’t stop until he gets to the truth, but this time, it seems someone is willing to do whatever it takes to shut him down for good.
This is another brilliant instalment in an excellent series set in Bristol. What really makes these books shine is DS George Cross himself. He is such a compelling protagonist with a truly unique approach to police work, largely shaped by his Asperger’s. Because of how he communicates, George is far from your average detective; his blunt, straightforward manner is often misinterpreted by those around him as rude, difficult, or just plain awkward.
However, it’s precisely this quirkiness that adds such a wonderful dimension to the story. It brings a touch of dry humour to the narrative, providing lovely moments of light relief alongside a genuinely intriguing murder mystery.
I experienced this one as an audiobook narrated by Finlay Robertson. He did a fantastic job bringing the characters to life—it was extremely well-read and made for a really engaging listen, offering a welcome change of pace from my usual physical reading.
Overall, The Tailor is a well-written, clever mystery with a brilliant lead character and just the right amount of wit. A solid 4-star read that I would thoroughly recommend to any crime fiction fan!
I would like to thank both Netgalley and Zeus for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
When a bespoke tailor boards the 9:26 train from Bristol to London, no one expects him to be found dead before the train even pulls into Bath. Slumped in the toilet with his throat savagely cut and a plastic bag over his head, initial police assumptions of a simple mugging gone wrong are quickly thrown out the window. Enter DS George Cross, who immediately recognises the crime for what it truly is: an organised hit.
Realising he is dealing with a calculated hit forces George into a merciless, unfamiliar world, leaving him wondering if he’s being followed as the stakes are raised. Everyone in the force knows that George is as tenacious as they come and won’t stop until he gets to the truth, but this time, it seems someone is willing to do whatever it takes to shut him down for good.
This is another brilliant instalment in an excellent series set in Bristol. What really makes these books shine is DS George Cross himself. He is such a compelling protagonist with a truly unique approach to police work, largely shaped by his Asperger’s. Because of how he communicates, George is far from your average detective; his blunt, straightforward manner is often misinterpreted by those around him as rude, difficult, or just plain awkward.
However, it’s precisely this quirkiness that adds such a wonderful dimension to the story. It brings a touch of dry humour to the narrative, providing lovely moments of light relief alongside a genuinely intriguing murder mystery.
I experienced this one as an audiobook narrated by Finlay Robertson. He did a fantastic job bringing the characters to life—it was extremely well-read and made for a really engaging listen, offering a welcome change of pace from my usual physical reading.
Overall, The Tailor is a well-written, clever mystery with a brilliant lead character and just the right amount of wit. A solid 4-star read that I would thoroughly recommend to any crime fiction fan!
I would like to thank both Netgalley and Zeus for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I love George Cross and this is one of my favourite ever police procedural series. The Tailor is the 8th in the series and it’s a cracking read. If you are a first timer, (lucky you you’ve lots of great books to read), DS George Cross works for Bristol Major Crimes and has Autism Spectrum Condition which makes him extremely literal, with a highly logical, detail-oriented approach to investigating crimes. He also doesn’t understand empathy and carries a notebook with suggested comments to use in certain situations. He also has the best crime solving statistics in the Force. As always, this is a well written story with excellent plotlines guaranteed to keep you on the edge of your seat.
Briefly, a man, is found murdered in a toilet on a train from Bristol to London. All potential identification has been taken alongside his suitcase and two suit carriers. He is soon identified as Billy Titcomb, a bespoke tailor who was travelling to Dubai and China. Billy and his sister have been running their business for many years and managed to keep the business afloat during a difficult period with help from Billy’s China born wife. It’s clear to George that this wasn’t a random killing, Billy was targeted. You wouldn’t think being a tailor was such a dangerous job!
I love how the author shows the benefits of being on the spectrum for a detective but also makes you aware of the pitfalls and this is where his very supportive colleagues come into play. The plot is quite complex and there are some great twists and once again a brilliant reveal, I’ll be amazed if you guessed it. For George, the crime investigation is the easy part, his difficulty is dealing with a new partner as he finds it hard to manage change. Honestly, I know it’s a much misused and overused sentence but I really did have trouble putting this book down! Another fantastic read in a fabulous series. Next please!
Briefly, a man, is found murdered in a toilet on a train from Bristol to London. All potential identification has been taken alongside his suitcase and two suit carriers. He is soon identified as Billy Titcomb, a bespoke tailor who was travelling to Dubai and China. Billy and his sister have been running their business for many years and managed to keep the business afloat during a difficult period with help from Billy’s China born wife. It’s clear to George that this wasn’t a random killing, Billy was targeted. You wouldn’t think being a tailor was such a dangerous job!
I love how the author shows the benefits of being on the spectrum for a detective but also makes you aware of the pitfalls and this is where his very supportive colleagues come into play. The plot is quite complex and there are some great twists and once again a brilliant reveal, I’ll be amazed if you guessed it. For George, the crime investigation is the easy part, his difficulty is dealing with a new partner as he finds it hard to manage change. Honestly, I know it’s a much misused and overused sentence but I really did have trouble putting this book down! Another fantastic read in a fabulous series. Next please!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Tailor certainly centers around an unusual murder! A tailor of bespoke suits is found dead in a train bathroom with his throat cut and a plastic bag over his head. His luggage is missing, including some suits he was going to deliver to a client. This unusual case seems a good assignment for DS George Cross and his team, and as they investigate more and more unusual aspects turn up that thicken the plot significantly. It is a perfect puzzle for Cross, who is on the autistic spectrum. His brain is unusually adept at analyzing data and puzzles and solving them, and he is obsessive. There seem to be several different directions in which the investigation could go. He learns of another death that could possibly be related, but no one agrees with him. Was this a business-related murder or a personal one? And why was the luggage stolen?
The Tailor is really two books in one. This book, as well as others in the series that I have read, certainly has an intriguing police investigation, but it is just as much about George Cross and the people in his life, both in his family and at work. Cross’s autism makes him difficult to get along with, but he is great at his job, and his colleagues appreciate him enough that they generally get along with him reasonably well. In this book, there are some changes to Cross’s team, and such changes can be especially challenging to him. He also has some family situations that make him even more challenged (Personally I did not need so much attention to the family situation and felt it interrupted the main flow of the book).
I would recommend reading at least the first book in the series to get a good introduction to Cross and the other characters so that you can enjoy The Tailor to its fullest, although Tim Sullivan does take care in the first chapter to give a bit of background on Cross’s condition .
I received an advance review copy of this book from Netgalley and Grove Atlantic.
The Tailor is really two books in one. This book, as well as others in the series that I have read, certainly has an intriguing police investigation, but it is just as much about George Cross and the people in his life, both in his family and at work. Cross’s autism makes him difficult to get along with, but he is great at his job, and his colleagues appreciate him enough that they generally get along with him reasonably well. In this book, there are some changes to Cross’s team, and such changes can be especially challenging to him. He also has some family situations that make him even more challenged (Personally I did not need so much attention to the family situation and felt it interrupted the main flow of the book).
I would recommend reading at least the first book in the series to get a good introduction to Cross and the other characters so that you can enjoy The Tailor to its fullest, although Tim Sullivan does take care in the first chapter to give a bit of background on Cross’s condition .
I received an advance review copy of this book from Netgalley and Grove Atlantic.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
DS George Cross is not a fan of change. Therefore, he was disconcerted when his mother, Christine, from whom he and his father, Raymond, had been estranged for decades, reentered his life. Furthermore, George was none too pleased when Christine announced her intention to move into Raymond's flat, as her ex-husband's platonic companion. At work, DC Alice Mackenzie, who is now a trainee in the police force, will be George's new partner. Cross has been comfortable working with DI Josie Ottey, who smooths things over when George, who is autistic, fails to conform to social norms. For example, he usually neglects to start out with, "I'm sorry for your loss," when he interviews a recently bereaved witness.
In Tim Sullivan's "The Tailor," an unidentified perpetrator murders a fellow passenger on a train. A notable fact about the victim was that he was wearing a bespoke suit made at a high-end establishment. It turns out that the dead man is William Titcomb, a third-generation tailor in his family firm. His wife, Min, is the mother of their two children.
This is a complex tale of mendacity, theft, and corruption. Few people whom Cross and Mackenzie interview tell the truth, and for quite a while, George is hard-pressed to figure out why anyone would slash a tailor's throat. Sullivan's plot is intriguing but requires a large suspension of disbelief. The action scenes involving George (who is averse to physical altercations) are amusing, since he desperately chats non-stop in an effort to talk his way out of trouble. As usual, the author uses humor liberally, presents us with a colorful cast of characters, and demonstrates George's slow but steady progress in adjusting to unfamiliar situations. This off-beat novel, unlike others in this series, deals with geopolitical issues that are way above George's pay grade. In spite of his keen insight and excellent investigative skills, DS Cross cannot solve this multi-layered mystery on his own.
In Tim Sullivan's "The Tailor," an unidentified perpetrator murders a fellow passenger on a train. A notable fact about the victim was that he was wearing a bespoke suit made at a high-end establishment. It turns out that the dead man is William Titcomb, a third-generation tailor in his family firm. His wife, Min, is the mother of their two children.
This is a complex tale of mendacity, theft, and corruption. Few people whom Cross and Mackenzie interview tell the truth, and for quite a while, George is hard-pressed to figure out why anyone would slash a tailor's throat. Sullivan's plot is intriguing but requires a large suspension of disbelief. The action scenes involving George (who is averse to physical altercations) are amusing, since he desperately chats non-stop in an effort to talk his way out of trouble. As usual, the author uses humor liberally, presents us with a colorful cast of characters, and demonstrates George's slow but steady progress in adjusting to unfamiliar situations. This off-beat novel, unlike others in this series, deals with geopolitical issues that are way above George's pay grade. In spite of his keen insight and excellent investigative skills, DS Cross cannot solve this multi-layered mystery on his own.
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
Usually I try and publish my reviews shortly before the publication date. Well, this one is expected on July 26 or August 11 (according to GR) but I simply couldn't resist reading it as I just finished The Teacher. This series is addictive!
In earlier books in this series it has become clear that George, when he’s fascinated by as subject, really delves into it. We’ve seen him mentioning names of famous tailors in earlier stories, but this one revolves entirely about a tailor. A murdered tailor. Who would murder a tailor? Well, someone with a complicated motif. How complicated, we read when the story unfolds slowly. As in every other book with George Cross as main character, the author takes us by the hand to paint a picture of George’s thinking process, and in this 8th book in the series we learn – again – more about how George’s mind works. I would love to have such a brilliant mind, though without the complications.
Now Josie Ottey has been promoted and will soon no longer be George’s partner, he needs to be paired with another one. Its Alice of course, and she is very happy, her boyfriend is over the moon (he has a real man-crush on George) and George is baffled. How to work with a young partner? How to try and learn her the ropes? This is a big part of what happens at the office, and the way Alice handles herself, with a little help from Josie, is very interesting, so to say.
Anyway, the murdered tailor. It soon becomes clear that was part of a bigger crime and this time, I was seeing where this would go very early in the book. This did not dampen my pleasure reading it, on the contrary. I – again – laughed out loud several times while reading and admired – again – the way Tim Sullivan made such wonderful characters as George, Josie, Alice, Christine, Raymond and Stephen and all others come alive.
Thanks to Atlantic Crime and Edelweiss for this review copy.
In earlier books in this series it has become clear that George, when he’s fascinated by as subject, really delves into it. We’ve seen him mentioning names of famous tailors in earlier stories, but this one revolves entirely about a tailor. A murdered tailor. Who would murder a tailor? Well, someone with a complicated motif. How complicated, we read when the story unfolds slowly. As in every other book with George Cross as main character, the author takes us by the hand to paint a picture of George’s thinking process, and in this 8th book in the series we learn – again – more about how George’s mind works. I would love to have such a brilliant mind, though without the complications.
Now Josie Ottey has been promoted and will soon no longer be George’s partner, he needs to be paired with another one. Its Alice of course, and she is very happy, her boyfriend is over the moon (he has a real man-crush on George) and George is baffled. How to work with a young partner? How to try and learn her the ropes? This is a big part of what happens at the office, and the way Alice handles herself, with a little help from Josie, is very interesting, so to say.
Anyway, the murdered tailor. It soon becomes clear that was part of a bigger crime and this time, I was seeing where this would go very early in the book. This did not dampen my pleasure reading it, on the contrary. I – again – laughed out loud several times while reading and admired – again – the way Tim Sullivan made such wonderful characters as George, Josie, Alice, Christine, Raymond and Stephen and all others come alive.
Thanks to Atlantic Crime and Edelweiss for this review copy.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
If you follow my reviews, you will know that I am a big fan of Tim Sullivan’s DS George Cross series. When I need a British detective for that comfort read, I turn to Sullivan. This 8th book in the series is entitled, The Tailor, and since Sullivan’s titles tell you who is going to be murdered, you should plan on learning a lot about suit tailoring in this novel. I was fascinated!
George Cross is on the autism spectrum, and he needs a cast of characters to work with his brilliance to get to the solution to the crime without offending everyone involved. I enjoy the continued development of his sidekicks and his family members. Alice and Josie have been promoted; Carson might be on his way out; and George is still just George, being annoying and irritating, but solving the crime with his detail and honesty.
A tailor is murdered on a train, and his luggage has strangely been taken. George is quite taken with the concept of bespoke suits and has one made for himself by the widow of the victim. What possible reason could a murderer have for stealing someone’s clothes? Why is there an element of international intrigue in this murder?
While you could read The Tailor as a stand-alone, I would suggest you start with the beginning of the series, The Dentist, as the characters and the plot move forward in each novel. These books are fun, moving and comforting in this age of hostility. Tim Sullivan is a screenwriter and director and decided to self-publish his first two books in this series. After more than 200,000 downloads, he came to the attention of Head of Zeus Publishers, and the rest is our definite pleasure.
My rating: 5 of 5
This ARC title was provided by Netgalley.com at no cost, and I am providing an unbiased review.
The Tailor will be published on August 11, 2026.
George Cross is on the autism spectrum, and he needs a cast of characters to work with his brilliance to get to the solution to the crime without offending everyone involved. I enjoy the continued development of his sidekicks and his family members. Alice and Josie have been promoted; Carson might be on his way out; and George is still just George, being annoying and irritating, but solving the crime with his detail and honesty.
A tailor is murdered on a train, and his luggage has strangely been taken. George is quite taken with the concept of bespoke suits and has one made for himself by the widow of the victim. What possible reason could a murderer have for stealing someone’s clothes? Why is there an element of international intrigue in this murder?
While you could read The Tailor as a stand-alone, I would suggest you start with the beginning of the series, The Dentist, as the characters and the plot move forward in each novel. These books are fun, moving and comforting in this age of hostility. Tim Sullivan is a screenwriter and director and decided to self-publish his first two books in this series. After more than 200,000 downloads, he came to the attention of Head of Zeus Publishers, and the rest is our definite pleasure.
My rating: 5 of 5
This ARC title was provided by Netgalley.com at no cost, and I am providing an unbiased review.
The Tailor will be published on August 11, 2026.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
The Tailor by Tim Sullivan is the eighth book in the George Cross mystery series, and I’m slightly ashamed to say it’s my first introduction to Sullivan’s work, but it certainly won’t be my last.
From the very first chapter, I was hooked. The opening scene, set on a train, immediately pulled me in with its vivid descriptions and sense of place. It felt especially real to me as it’s a route I’ve travelled on daily, which made the atmosphere even more immersive. Sullivan has a real talent for transporting the reader straight into the moment.
The short chapters work brilliantly to build tension and keep the pace tight. There’s a natural rhythm to the storytelling that makes it easy to keep turning the pages, always wanting just one more chapter.
This was also my first meeting with George Cross, and I found him a fascinating character. He’s observant, deeply curious, and has a rather cold, matter-of-fact outlook on the world, which is balanced by a strong sense of method and precision. His fastidious nature makes him stand out from other detectives I’ve read, and I’m intrigued to see how his character develops across the series.
What really stands out in Sullivan’s writing is his ability to dig beneath the surface of every detail. The questioning, the investigation, and the gradual piecing together of clues all combine to create a plot that feels completely absorbing and difficult to put down.
Overall, The Tailor is a tightly written, atmospheric mystery that builds tension steadily and keeps you fully engaged from start to finish. It’s the kind of book that quietly pulls you in until you suddenly realise you’ve read far more than you intended. A strong introduction to both the series and the author for me, and I’ll definitely be going back to start George Cross’s story from the beginning.
From the very first chapter, I was hooked. The opening scene, set on a train, immediately pulled me in with its vivid descriptions and sense of place. It felt especially real to me as it’s a route I’ve travelled on daily, which made the atmosphere even more immersive. Sullivan has a real talent for transporting the reader straight into the moment.
The short chapters work brilliantly to build tension and keep the pace tight. There’s a natural rhythm to the storytelling that makes it easy to keep turning the pages, always wanting just one more chapter.
This was also my first meeting with George Cross, and I found him a fascinating character. He’s observant, deeply curious, and has a rather cold, matter-of-fact outlook on the world, which is balanced by a strong sense of method and precision. His fastidious nature makes him stand out from other detectives I’ve read, and I’m intrigued to see how his character develops across the series.
What really stands out in Sullivan’s writing is his ability to dig beneath the surface of every detail. The questioning, the investigation, and the gradual piecing together of clues all combine to create a plot that feels completely absorbing and difficult to put down.
Overall, The Tailor is a tightly written, atmospheric mystery that builds tension steadily and keeps you fully engaged from start to finish. It’s the kind of book that quietly pulls you in until you suddenly realise you’ve read far more than you intended. A strong introduction to both the series and the author for me, and I’ll definitely be going back to start George Cross’s story from the beginning.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
As we begin this eighth book in the DS George Cross series, there are changes in George’s life—and he’s a man who doesn’t at all like changes. Since his longtime work partner, Josie Ottey, has been promoted to DI, he’ll be getting a new partner. For some reason, the perpetually clueless DCI Ben Carson thinks it’s a good idea to surprise George with the news that the team’s former civilian employee, now a trainee DC, Alice Mackenzie, will be his new partner. Those who have read the previous books in the series and remember the challenging road George and Josie traveled will likely enjoy reading Alice’s methods to make herself turn into a true partner in George’s eyes.
On the home front, George is challenged by his mother moving in with his father after selling her previous home in Gloucester. Though both thought it was a good idea, the execution is not so easy, and George is dragged into it, much against his will.
It’s almost a relief when a new case arrives for the team. A bespoke tailor is gruesomely murdered on a train, as he is heading to Heathrow for a trip to deliver suits to two clients in Dubai and on to the firm’s satellite workshop in Xiamen, China. Who would murder a tailor—and why did his luggage disappear from the train?
This is a challenging case, with some interesting and entertaining red herrings, and an ending that manages some surprises even if you have figured out the basics of the whodunnit earlier on. There were a couple of elements of the investigation that seemed to be lost along the way, but on the whole I think this is a strong entry in the series. Aside from the investigation, I particularly enjoyed how George becomes completely absorbed in the details of tailoring, to the extent it becomes its own thread in the story.
4.5 stars, rounded up.
On the home front, George is challenged by his mother moving in with his father after selling her previous home in Gloucester. Though both thought it was a good idea, the execution is not so easy, and George is dragged into it, much against his will.
It’s almost a relief when a new case arrives for the team. A bespoke tailor is gruesomely murdered on a train, as he is heading to Heathrow for a trip to deliver suits to two clients in Dubai and on to the firm’s satellite workshop in Xiamen, China. Who would murder a tailor—and why did his luggage disappear from the train?
This is a challenging case, with some interesting and entertaining red herrings, and an ending that manages some surprises even if you have figured out the basics of the whodunnit earlier on. There were a couple of elements of the investigation that seemed to be lost along the way, but on the whole I think this is a strong entry in the series. Aside from the investigation, I particularly enjoyed how George becomes completely absorbed in the details of tailoring, to the extent it becomes its own thread in the story.
4.5 stars, rounded up.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is the eight book in Tim Sullivan's "George Cross Mysteries" series, it can be read as a standalone but I would seriously urge reading the series in sequence to get the most enjoyment.
I do love DS George Cross, he has a brilliant mind for solving puzzles, he is on the autistic spectrum and he has no filters but he is the best detective in the Bristol PD, I love how the team respect him, understand him and cover for his foibles.
Josie Ottie had been Georges partner and she understood him better than anyone and George felt comfortable with her, but Josie had been promoted to DI and George has a new partner, would DC Alice Mackenzie be able to stand up to Georges barbed and sometimes rude remarks ? would she fit in with his quirky routine, Oh yes she would no matter what it took, she could learn a lot from George.
On the 10am Bristol Temple Meade to Paddington train, a body was found in the toilet, lying in a pool of blood, a plastic freezer bag over his head punctured with a ball point pen, the body was eventually identified as bespoke tailor, William Titcombe, why would anyone want to kill a bespoke tailor, a family man with a Chinese wife and two young children.
As this story unfolds the author reveals George's lateral thinking, his outlandish ideas that sometimes make no sense......until they do, this story goes far beyond a simple murder, it involves ingenious industrial espionage on a big scale,George gradually untangles the tightly woven threads until he himself becomes a target.
I love how George's team acknowledge his idiosyncrasies, I love how Alice is determined to be George's shadow no matter what she had to do to make this happen, and I love the background drama of George's father, Raymond and his mother Christine.
A thoroughly enjoyable story.
Thank you Net Gallery for this ARC, my review is totally voluntary.
I do love DS George Cross, he has a brilliant mind for solving puzzles, he is on the autistic spectrum and he has no filters but he is the best detective in the Bristol PD, I love how the team respect him, understand him and cover for his foibles.
Josie Ottie had been Georges partner and she understood him better than anyone and George felt comfortable with her, but Josie had been promoted to DI and George has a new partner, would DC Alice Mackenzie be able to stand up to Georges barbed and sometimes rude remarks ? would she fit in with his quirky routine, Oh yes she would no matter what it took, she could learn a lot from George.
On the 10am Bristol Temple Meade to Paddington train, a body was found in the toilet, lying in a pool of blood, a plastic freezer bag over his head punctured with a ball point pen, the body was eventually identified as bespoke tailor, William Titcombe, why would anyone want to kill a bespoke tailor, a family man with a Chinese wife and two young children.
As this story unfolds the author reveals George's lateral thinking, his outlandish ideas that sometimes make no sense......until they do, this story goes far beyond a simple murder, it involves ingenious industrial espionage on a big scale,George gradually untangles the tightly woven threads until he himself becomes a target.
I love how George's team acknowledge his idiosyncrasies, I love how Alice is determined to be George's shadow no matter what she had to do to make this happen, and I love the background drama of George's father, Raymond and his mother Christine.
A thoroughly enjoyable story.
Thank you Net Gallery for this ARC, my review is totally voluntary.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
It is official - I am in love with DS George Cross! ‘The Tailor’ by Tim Sullivan is the eighth book in this wonderful series, but can easily be read as a stand-alone. However, I would urge you to read the whole series as it is some of the best crime fiction being written at the moment. It is intellectual, without being overbearing, and is full of empathy and love!
When a tailor is found dead in a train toilet, it is clear that it is murder, and George and the team are called in to investigate. The fact that he is a tailor gains George’s attention and, in his usual manner, becomes slightly obsessed with the process of making a bespoke suit. But there doesn’t seem to be a reason why this devoted family man would be targeted. The team are stumped but are soon pulled into a world they had not expected…
George is on the spectrum and has numerous ways in which he annoys his colleagues and family. But they also adore him, as do readers. He may not deal with change well, but he is like a hound dog once he gets a case. He picks up on details others might not, and it is laser-focused when it comes to investigating them.
George may be the attraction, but the mystery aspect of the books is always top-notch, and this was again the case for ‘The Tailor’. It was nuanced and intricate, with a few red herrings and subtle reveals peppered through the narrative. The standard of writing was superb, and it is clear that the author researched the topics.
It is hard to put down these books when you get started, and that was certainly the case here. I really look forward to reading this series, and I promise I am going to savour the experience and end up bingeing it in one sitting! But it was deliciously good. Roll on the next one.
Let me know if you pick this one up!
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
The Tailor by Tim Sullivan
Number 8 in the DS George Cross police procedural mysteries.
When a tailor’s body is found brutally murdered on a train traveling from Bristol to London, the task of solving this violent crime is passed to the MCU at Bath.
The mystery is well plotted, the clues are unobtrusively dispersed, and the motives are credible.
Since this was the first book that I read in this series, however, I was less interested in the plot, than in the protagonist, whose relationship with others is difficult.
DS George Cross is a member of the team to which the investigation is assigned. He is, however, ‘on the spectrum’ of neurodivergency, which in his case means he is very literal-minded. Thus, he lacks a sense of humour, and irony goes ‘right over his head’. Because he does not understand the illogical behaviour of others, moreover, he rarely takes their feelings into account. To avoid giving unintended offense, he has adopted strategies, which he builds into a familiar routine. As a result, he does not welcome change. DI Josie Ottey, his recently promoted former partner, has learned how to handle him; their boss DCI Carson has not.
There are interesting insights here into bespoke tailoring and the high-stakes world of industrial espionage, but the main lesson here is the benefit to society of accommodating the differences among people rather than simply dismissing them as difficult. George’s keen powers of observation and attention to detail make him a formidable detective and an invaluable member of the investigating team, but his colleagues do need to make allowances. Surprises disturb him.
A timely reminder of the value of patience and consideration in our interaction with others.
4.5 stars
Number 8 in the DS George Cross police procedural mysteries.
When a tailor’s body is found brutally murdered on a train traveling from Bristol to London, the task of solving this violent crime is passed to the MCU at Bath.
The mystery is well plotted, the clues are unobtrusively dispersed, and the motives are credible.
Since this was the first book that I read in this series, however, I was less interested in the plot, than in the protagonist, whose relationship with others is difficult.
DS George Cross is a member of the team to which the investigation is assigned. He is, however, ‘on the spectrum’ of neurodivergency, which in his case means he is very literal-minded. Thus, he lacks a sense of humour, and irony goes ‘right over his head’. Because he does not understand the illogical behaviour of others, moreover, he rarely takes their feelings into account. To avoid giving unintended offense, he has adopted strategies, which he builds into a familiar routine. As a result, he does not welcome change. DI Josie Ottey, his recently promoted former partner, has learned how to handle him; their boss DCI Carson has not.
There are interesting insights here into bespoke tailoring and the high-stakes world of industrial espionage, but the main lesson here is the benefit to society of accommodating the differences among people rather than simply dismissing them as difficult. George’s keen powers of observation and attention to detail make him a formidable detective and an invaluable member of the investigating team, but his colleagues do need to make allowances. Surprises disturb him.
A timely reminder of the value of patience and consideration in our interaction with others.
4.5 stars
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
5+
Definitely the best so far. Tim Sullivan has surpassed himself with the complexity of this case.
A body is found in the toilet of a train and, after he is identified as Billy Titcomb, master tailor, Cross and his new partner have to wade through the murky world of corporate espionage to find the answer to who murdered the mild-mannered tailor.
But as one part of the case seems to begin to make sense another death throws the case into more confusion. Just what is the connection between Billy and a scientist who took his own life.
Along with trying to solve his most complex case yet George is also having to cope with a new partner. On the home front he is undergoing further trials as father, Raymond, begins to behave very oddly. And he's not the only one because back at MCU Carson is also being extremely secretive.
Can George and the team solve the case before it claims another life?
George is certainly tested to the limit in this latest book. It is, by far, the twistiest plot and I was utterly baffled up to three quarters of the way through as to who might even be in the frame for the tailor's murder.
There are, as always, some utterly delightful parts - George's new partner's ingenious plan to keep tabs on her new boss; Swift's ongoing adoration of DS Cross; George's close encounter with the criminals and his interactions with the equally intransigent Raymond are all truly funny and charming.
Tim Sullivan has outdone himself this time. I've no idea how he can equal this but I shall wait (impatiently) for George's next outing. Sullivan (and George) just keep get better and better. It has been a joy to read The Tailor.
Thankyou very much to Netgalley and Grove Atlantic for the digital review copy. Very much appreciated.
Definitely the best so far. Tim Sullivan has surpassed himself with the complexity of this case.
A body is found in the toilet of a train and, after he is identified as Billy Titcomb, master tailor, Cross and his new partner have to wade through the murky world of corporate espionage to find the answer to who murdered the mild-mannered tailor.
But as one part of the case seems to begin to make sense another death throws the case into more confusion. Just what is the connection between Billy and a scientist who took his own life.
Along with trying to solve his most complex case yet George is also having to cope with a new partner. On the home front he is undergoing further trials as father, Raymond, begins to behave very oddly. And he's not the only one because back at MCU Carson is also being extremely secretive.
Can George and the team solve the case before it claims another life?
George is certainly tested to the limit in this latest book. It is, by far, the twistiest plot and I was utterly baffled up to three quarters of the way through as to who might even be in the frame for the tailor's murder.
There are, as always, some utterly delightful parts - George's new partner's ingenious plan to keep tabs on her new boss; Swift's ongoing adoration of DS Cross; George's close encounter with the criminals and his interactions with the equally intransigent Raymond are all truly funny and charming.
Tim Sullivan has outdone himself this time. I've no idea how he can equal this but I shall wait (impatiently) for George's next outing. Sullivan (and George) just keep get better and better. It has been a joy to read The Tailor.
Thankyou very much to Netgalley and Grove Atlantic for the digital review copy. Very much appreciated.
Review of advance copy
This is my second George Cross mystery, and once again, Tim Sullivan delivers a detective story that relies more on sharp observation than dramatic action.
The story begins with a chilling locked-setting mystery: a bespoke tailor boards a train from Bristol to London, only to be found murdered in the train’s toilet before reaching Bath. With sign of robbery at first and a plastic bag deliberately left over the victim’s head, DS George Cross immediately recognizes that this is no random killing.
One aspect I continue to enjoy about this series is George Cross himself. He’s methodical, socially unconventional, and notices details that everyone else overlooks. His interactions with DCI Ben Carson, DI Ottey, and the rest of the team create a grounded investigative dynamic without overshadowing the central mystery.
The most fascinating part of the investigation for me was the painstaking police work. Every passenger on the train had their contact details recorded, and the seemingly insignificant clue of the plastic bag became the focus of Cross’s relentless analysis. Watching him piece together the smallest details into a coherent picture is what makes this series so satisfying.
Rather than relying on shocking twists or fast-paced thrills, The Tailor builds tension through logic, persistence, and realistic detective work. The pacing is steady, and the reveal feels earned because every clue has a purpose.
If you enjoy British police procedurals, character-driven investigations, and detectives who solve crimes through intellect instead of theatrics, the George Cross series is definitely worth picking up.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5)
“Measure twice. Cut once.” A fitting tagline for a mystery where every detail matters.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Detective Sergeant George Cross is sent to investigate a gruesome murder on a train. A body had been found in a first class toilet with its throat cut. The scene is awful, but Cross is more intrigued by the suit the victim is wearing, it’s very bespoke and this peaks our detective interest.
The man in question is a tailor of some renowned, with a worldwide clientele.
So the question is, who would want to murder a simple tailor.
Armed with a new partner, DC Alice Mackenzie. George starts his unique way of investigating and it turns out to far from what even could have expected.
He has a couple of South Korean tourists turning up everywhere he investigates, a scientist who has died suspiciously and a widow who is acting very strange.
It’s not too long before the detectives start to discover they are not dealing with a standard homicide.
This appears to be a professional hit, but who and what are the reasons.
The more Cross investigates, the more he starts to realise he has stumbled into the world of spies and espionage. But it seems he can’t trust anyone, even people on his own side. Will the detective pull the right thread in time to discover the truth and catch a killer?
Tim Sullivan has created one of the best characters in crime fiction today with George Cross.
Every time I read a new book in this series I can’t wait for the next.
This particular novel is one of the best in the series, and shows what an accomplished writer Tim Sullivan has become.
If anyone wants to start a crime series, this is the one I always recommend.
George Cross never lets his audience down and The Tailor is one of my favourite books I’ve read this year.
The man in question is a tailor of some renowned, with a worldwide clientele.
So the question is, who would want to murder a simple tailor.
Armed with a new partner, DC Alice Mackenzie. George starts his unique way of investigating and it turns out to far from what even could have expected.
He has a couple of South Korean tourists turning up everywhere he investigates, a scientist who has died suspiciously and a widow who is acting very strange.
It’s not too long before the detectives start to discover they are not dealing with a standard homicide.
This appears to be a professional hit, but who and what are the reasons.
The more Cross investigates, the more he starts to realise he has stumbled into the world of spies and espionage. But it seems he can’t trust anyone, even people on his own side. Will the detective pull the right thread in time to discover the truth and catch a killer?
Tim Sullivan has created one of the best characters in crime fiction today with George Cross.
Every time I read a new book in this series I can’t wait for the next.
This particular novel is one of the best in the series, and shows what an accomplished writer Tim Sullivan has become.
If anyone wants to start a crime series, this is the one I always recommend.
George Cross never lets his audience down and The Tailor is one of my favourite books I’ve read this year.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Tim Sullivan's The Tailor (Atlantic Crime 2026), eighth in the George Cross Mystery series, continues the adventures of the quirky, brilliant, and highly-effective British detective, DS George Cross. He is not your usual hard-charging, drenched-in-clues sort of investigator, rather a do-it-his-way-because-that's-what-works guy. He's on the spectrum so accepts no argument about his methods, especially when he is one of the most effective on the force. In this case, a tailor is killed on a train. His luggage stolen. There is a question of whether it is suicide--was his marriage on the rocks? Was his business struggling?--but George believes at the core is murder. Why, he's not sure. At first. That will come as he digs into the backstory with endless questions, pulling a gazillion threads, connecting so many unrelated dots, many small and scattered, until they start lining up like pins in a bowling alley with a clarity that by the end leaves everyone asking, "How did we miss that?"
This is a good mystery that kept me guessing. It derives its energy from the eccentricities of DS George Cross. We see him at work interacting with fellow professionals as well as in his persona life weaving together those events that for all of us create our days and ultimately our lives. If you like the unexpected reactions of a man who doesn’t react like anything you'd expect, you’ll love this book. Judging by the thousands of positive reviews, he has lots of fans. Together with his obvious high intelligence, it makes for an intriguing and unusual read.
This is a good mystery that kept me guessing. It derives its energy from the eccentricities of DS George Cross. We see him at work interacting with fellow professionals as well as in his persona life weaving together those events that for all of us create our days and ultimately our lives. If you like the unexpected reactions of a man who doesn’t react like anything you'd expect, you’ll love this book. Judging by the thousands of positive reviews, he has lots of fans. Together with his obvious high intelligence, it makes for an intriguing and unusual read.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Tailor is a wonderful ambassador for the series, being solidly constructed and nurturing of engagement throughout. We have a story where the solving of a murder stands almost secondary to its humour and warmth. At various points we have patience, communication, and learning how to make space for those who see the world differently. The beating heart of this book, however, remains its characters, especially its protagonist.
Detective Sergeant George Cross is starchy yet dynamic, curious and adept, blunt while endearing, and terminally human. Through his eyes and interactions with others, we explore the everyday challenges stemming from his autism, in a way that feels respectful without contrivance. So, too, is it natural to grasp what difficulties others experience in understanding him, shedding light on the tension between who George is and who he is expected to be.
Cross untangles this riddle with his realisation of patterns, obsession over small inconsistencies, reflexive refusal of convenient explanations, and what seems to him an elementary comprehension of how murder is not random; rather that this one connects to something much larger. He personifies what other fictional detectives strive for—persistence over drama.
In these ways, The Tailor delivers something increasingly often infused into crime fiction, though seldom this well baked: emotional weight, of a spectrum disorder that reads more like a door than it does a wall.
My thanks to Atlantic Crime and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Detective Sergeant George Cross is starchy yet dynamic, curious and adept, blunt while endearing, and terminally human. Through his eyes and interactions with others, we explore the everyday challenges stemming from his autism, in a way that feels respectful without contrivance. So, too, is it natural to grasp what difficulties others experience in understanding him, shedding light on the tension between who George is and who he is expected to be.
Cross untangles this riddle with his realisation of patterns, obsession over small inconsistencies, reflexive refusal of convenient explanations, and what seems to him an elementary comprehension of how murder is not random; rather that this one connects to something much larger. He personifies what other fictional detectives strive for—persistence over drama.
In these ways, The Tailor delivers something increasingly often infused into crime fiction, though seldom this well baked: emotional weight, of a spectrum disorder that reads more like a door than it does a wall.
My thanks to Atlantic Crime and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Manners maketh the man, but not if his name is George Cross. He is on the Autistic spectrum and has a rather direct and challenging attitude towards the members of the public , his work colleagues and his family. He now possesses a book of useful phrases to help him interact more sympathetically upon these occasions.
A body has been found on a train at Bath Spa in the first class toilet , his throat has been cut. No phone, wallet or identification is to be found, but the man is wearing a very expensive bespoke suit. When the firm of tailors is tracked down, it is discovered that the man was travelling with a suitcase and two suit carriers, he was going to Heathrow, then Dubai and China.
George wonders, where are the suits and carriers, why kill a man and steal the suits?
This is an engaging and complex plot, full of action and many twists and turns, and interesting notes about tailoring. It is emotional, thoughtful and unintentionally hilarious at times with a strong whiff of betrayal.
This material may suit some people more than others. George Cross is a person that you can feel fully invested in, he cares about justice and works tirelessly to produce that to the best of his ability. As a character, he shows that all abilities are recognised and appreciated in the world of crime prevention and detection.
I absolutely love these books, each one has been a delight to read. I never guess the murderer though!
Apparently, it is RTC, not RTA, these days , the definition has been changed as events are deemed to have causes and are not a result of pure chance.
A body has been found on a train at Bath Spa in the first class toilet , his throat has been cut. No phone, wallet or identification is to be found, but the man is wearing a very expensive bespoke suit. When the firm of tailors is tracked down, it is discovered that the man was travelling with a suitcase and two suit carriers, he was going to Heathrow, then Dubai and China.
George wonders, where are the suits and carriers, why kill a man and steal the suits?
This is an engaging and complex plot, full of action and many twists and turns, and interesting notes about tailoring. It is emotional, thoughtful and unintentionally hilarious at times with a strong whiff of betrayal.
This material may suit some people more than others. George Cross is a person that you can feel fully invested in, he cares about justice and works tirelessly to produce that to the best of his ability. As a character, he shows that all abilities are recognised and appreciated in the world of crime prevention and detection.
I absolutely love these books, each one has been a delight to read. I never guess the murderer though!
Apparently, it is RTC, not RTA, these days , the definition has been changed as events are deemed to have causes and are not a result of pure chance.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 120 reviews