Darn, darn, darn. Now that we’re caught up with the British publications of Tim Sullivan’s DS George Cross mysteries, I have to wait a year for the next one. The Tailor is just what readers expect in this fabulous series. It has an impossible-seeming murder, the great police team, including ones that have become important in George’s life, and, of course, the supporting cast of George’s parents and Father Stephen. Sullivan continues to expertly combine George’s personal and professional lives in this absorbing series.
People are shocked at the bloody scene in the train lavatory where a man is found murdered with a plastic bag over his head. He has no luggage, but George suspects someone killed the man to get his luggage off the train. He does admire the man’s suit, though. That’s no surprise because he’s identified as William Titcomb, a third generation tailor in his family’s firm. Why would someone kill a tailor?
Of course, George has questions. He’s supported in his investigation by DI Josie Ottey, and the new member of the team. Alice Mackenzie, a trainee, is back as a Detective Constable, determined to prove her worth to George in her new role. There’s some one upmanship involved as some of the team, even Alice’s boyfriend, Dr. Michael Swift, compete for George’s attention. George has no idea that’s happening. He’s focused on the victim’s widow, a chemist who is Chinese, and seems to have unusual reactions to George’s questions. He’s interested in the suicide of another Chinese scientist, a man who works for the same firm where Titcomb’s widow works. And, why does an old acquaintance from MI6 show up at Titcomb’s funeral? George has suspicions with the Chinese, a couple South Koreans and MI6 hanging around. But, when George is involved in a crisis situation, Ottey is amazed at how the police unit respond with understanding and affection, making an all-out effort to help.
The Tailor is another absorbing police procedural in the series that focuses on George Cross. George has learned a few skills in coping with his parents, ones that were not evident in the first book. However, someone close to the action makes a mistake they can never recover from. What happens when George Cross no longer trusts someone? It’s going to be interesting to see what happens in future books.
NOTE: The author, Tim Sullivan, will be appearing live at The Poisoned Pen Bookstore on Tuesday, Aug. 25 at 7 PM MST. Poisoned Pen’s events are broadcast live on YouTube and Facebook. However, since I’m the blogger for the bookstore, I will also post the YouTube link here on my blog after the event, so you can watch it when you have a chance.
Tim Sullivan’s website is https://timsullivanusa.com/
The Tailor by Tim Sullivan. Atlantic Crime, 2026. 368p.
FTC Full Disclosure – The publisher provided a galley through NetGalley, with no expectation of a positive review. However, I also bought a copy of the book. Release date is Aug. 11.
