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The Politician

The intricate mystery that only this unforgettable detective can solve in 2025
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( 7,715 ratings, 322 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The Politician by Tim Sullivan delves into a gripping crime and thriller narrative featuring Detective Sergeant George Cross. Set against a political backdrop, the investigation begins with the brutal murder of a prominent political figure, leading Cross into a tangled web of deceit, ambition, and power. The plot unfolds with suspenseful twists as the detective faces challenges that test his resolve and unravels hidden truths beneath the polished veneer of politics.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This crime and thriller novel may captivate you if you enjoy stories filled with intrigue and political machinations. The narrative weaves a tale of suspense and complexity, perfect for readers who relish uncovering dark secrets and navigating the treacherous waters of political landscapes.

Book Hero thinking about your next read

Bristol detective DS George Cross investigates a murdered politician in the new police procedural from Tim Sullivan.

Bristol detective DS George Cross investigates a murdered politician in the new police procedural from Tim Sullivan.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Don't miss The Bookseller, the latest George Cross Mystery – available now.

A burglary gone wrong – or a staged murder?

George Cross loves puzzles, and the crime scene at the home of Bristol’s former mayor is full of them. To most, it looks like a burglary gone wrong, but George can see this was murder.

There’s no shortage of potential killers: the online trolls the victim fought in her new life as a controversial blogger, her bitter political rivals, even her own family.

With suspects everywhere and pressure mounting, George finds his usually impeccable logic challenged just when he needs it most.

Because politics can be a dangerous game – especially for people who don't know the rules…

Perfect for fans of MW Craven, Ann Cleeves and Joy Ellis, The Politician is part of the million-copy-bestselling George Cross Mystery series, which can be read in any order, by the 2025 Crime Writers' Association Dagger in the Library Award longlistee.

ALSO IN THIS MILLION-COPY-BESTSELLING SERIES

#1 The Dentist
#2 The Cyclist
#3 The Patient
#4 The Politician
#5 The Monk
#6 The Teacher
#7 The Bookseller
#8 The Tailor (Coming 2026)

CROSS CHRONICLE SHORT STORIES

The Lost Boys
The Ex-Wife
The Hunter
The Basket Case

Why readers love George Cross . . .

'A clever mystery full of tension but also humour and compassion. George Cross is becoming one of my favourite detectives.' Elly Griffiths

'In DS George Cross, Tim Sullivan has created a character who is as endearing as any I’ve ever come across in this genre. His quirks are his gift, and with Sullivan’s tremendous plotting and superb writing, this series is a gift to readers.' Liz Nugent

'Compelling, full of twists and turns, I couldn’t put this down. Sullivan has created a truly original and endearing detective in George Cross.' Simon McCleave

'Really satisfying... With compelling characters and an ending I didn't guess.' Faith Martin

'True characters, a fresh setting, and a good mystery – this one's got the lot.' The Morning Star

'We've had sleuths on the autistic spectrum before but Sullivan's copper is among the most distinctive characterisations.' Financial Times

'DS George Cross is as arresting as the cases he solves.' Richard E Grant

Why readers love George Cross . . .

'The fact that Cross has been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder makes him just as intriguing as the murder mystery' The Times

'A British detective for the 21st century who will be hard to forget' Daily Mail

'A compelling, suspenseful police procedural with an intimate, positive insight into living on the autistic spectrum' Woman

'The enigmatic DS Cross is a joy to get to know' Reader Review

'One hell of a detective' Reader review

Series: George Cross Mysteries

View all
  • The Bookseller
    SOMEONE'S ABOUT TO TURN THEIR LAST PAGE... 'One of the most iconic British fictional detectives of the 21st century.' DAILY MAIL ‘These are must-read detective novels.’ MARK BILLINGHAM 'One of my favourite detectives.' ELLY GRIFFITHS Beware a well-read murderer... A bookseller is found dead in his shop on a quiet square in Bristol, surrounded by rare books, first editions, and...
    Hardback
    $4899
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • The Monk
    Don't miss THE BOOKSELLER, the latest George Cross Mystery - available now. 'George Cross is becoming one of my favourite detectives.’ Elly Griffiths A victim with no enemies. A murder with no motive. When the body of a monk is found savagely beaten in woodland near Bristol, nothing is known about this man’s past. How can George unpick a crime...
    Paperback
    $2499
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • The Patient
    Don't miss The Bookseller, the latest George Cross Mystery - available now. No fingerprints. No weapon. No witnesses. For days, George Cross notices the same woman sitting patiently in the reception of the Bristol Crime Unit. Eventually, he asks her why. She wants to talk about her daughter’s death, officially ruled a suicide after a long history of drug abuse....
    Paperback
    $2899
    (1)
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • The Teacher
    Don't miss THE BOOKSELLER, the latest George Cross Mystery - available now. 'Every generation has its iconic detective — Holmes, Poirot and Morse — but Cross is emerging as the one for now. Treasure him.' DAILY MAIL 'George Cross is becoming one of my favourite detectives.' ELLY GRIFFITHS The victim’s worst enemy was himself. When an elderly man is found...
    Paperback
    $2499
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • The Cyclist
    Don't miss THE BOOKSELLER, the latest George Cross Mystery - available now. To solve a murder, you need to know your victim. When a ravaged body is discovered on a building site in Bristol, the first job is to identify who the person is. Luckily, DS George Cross is famous for spotting clues that others overlook.George needs a name to...
    Paperback
    $2499
    Backorder
    Ships mid August
  • The Monk
    Don't miss THE BOOKSELLER, the latest George Cross Mystery - available now.'George Cross is becoming one of my favourite detectives.’ ELLY GRIFFITHSA victim with no enemies. A murder with no motive. When the body of a monk is found savagely beaten in woodland near Bristol, DS George Cross discovers that nothing is known about the man’s past.How can he unpick...
    Paperback
    $2499
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • The Dentist
    Don't miss THE BOOKSELLER, the latest George Cross Mystery - available now.Good detectives notice details. Great detectives connect them. When a weather-beaten body is found on Clifton Downs, the police are quick to dismiss it as a quarrel among the unhoused community.DS George Cross knows how it feels to be overlooked. Unwilling to do the same to others, he sets...
    Paperback
    $2499
    Backorder
    Ships mid August
  • The Patient
    Don't miss THE BOOKSELLER, the latest George Cross Mystery - available now. No fingerprints. No weapon. No witnesses.For days, George Cross notices the same woman sitting patiently in the reception of the Bristol Crime Unit. Eventually, he asks her why.She wants to talk about her daughter’s death, officially ruled a suicide after a long history of drug abuse. But the...
    Paperback
    $2499
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • The Politician
    Don't miss THE BOOKSELLER, the latest George Cross Mystery - available now.A burglary gone wrong – or a staged murder? George Cross loves puzzles, and the crime scene at the home of Bristol’s former mayor is a complicated one. To most, it looks like a burglary gone wrong, but George can see this was murder.There’s no shortage of potential killers:...
    Paperback
    $2499
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • The Teacher
    Don't miss THE BOOKSELLER, the latest George Cross Mystery - available now. 'Every generation has its iconic detective — Holmes, Poirot and Morse — but Cross is emerging as the one for now. Treasure him.' DAILY MAIL'George Cross is becoming one of my favourite detectives.' ELLY GRIFFITHSThe victim’s worst enemy was himself. When an elderly man is found dead in...
    Paperback
    $2499
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • The Bookseller
    SOMEONE'S ABOUT TO TURN THEIR LAST PAGE... One of the most iconic British fictional detectives of the 21st century. DAILY MAIL ‘These are must-read detective novels.’ MARK BILLINGHAM 'One of my favourite detectives.' ELLY GRIFFITHS Beware a well-read murderer... A bookseller is found dead in his shop on a quiet square in Bristol, surrounded by rare books, first editions, and...
    Paperback
    $2699
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • The Politician
    Don't miss The Bookseller, the latest George Cross Mystery – available now. A burglary gone wrong – or a staged murder? George Cross loves puzzles, and the crime scene at the home of Bristol’s former mayor is full of them. To most, it looks like a burglary gone wrong, but George can see this was murder. There’s no shortage of...
    Paperback
    Sold Out

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

The Politician by Tim Sullivan receives praise for its distinctive characterisation and engaging narrative. The novel's setting and well-crafted mystery, combined with the compelling protagonist, DS George Cross, are highlighted. Reviews commend Sullivan’s ability to depict an original detective, particularly in his portrayal of Cross, who is on the autistic spectrum, making both the character and the mystery intriguing. The book's clever twists and solid investigation hold the reader's attention, ensuring a satisfying read.

Book Hero reading reviews

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781801107792

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 02 March 2023

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Head of Zeus -- an Aries Book

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 22.0mm

Width: 128.0mm

Height: 194.0mm

Weight: 294g

Pages: 416

About the Author

Tim Sullivan is a crime writer, screenwriter and director, whose film credits include Shrek, Flushed Away and Jack and Sarah. His crime series featuring the brilliantly persistent DS George Cross has topped the book charts and been widely acclaimed. Tim lives in North London with his wife Rachel, the Emmy Award-winning producer of The Barefoot Contessa and Pioneer Woman. To find out more about the author, please visit timsullivan.co.uk.

Also by Tim Sullivan

View all
  • The Bookseller
    SOMEONE'S ABOUT TO TURN THEIR LAST PAGE... 'One of the most iconic British fictional detectives of the 21st century.' DAILY MAIL ‘These are must-read detective novels.’ MARK BILLINGHAM 'One of my favourite detectives.' ELLY GRIFFITHS Beware a well-read murderer... A bookseller is found dead in his shop on a quiet square in Bristol, surrounded by rare books, first editions, and...
    Hardback
    $4899
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • The Monk
    Don't miss THE BOOKSELLER, the latest George Cross Mystery - available now. 'George Cross is becoming one of my favourite detectives.’ Elly Griffiths A victim with no enemies. A murder with no motive. When the body of a monk is found savagely beaten in woodland near Bristol, nothing is known about this man’s past. How can George unpick a crime...
    Paperback
    $2499
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • The Patient
    Don't miss The Bookseller, the latest George Cross Mystery - available now. No fingerprints. No weapon. No witnesses. For days, George Cross notices the same woman sitting patiently in the reception of the Bristol Crime Unit. Eventually, he asks her why. She wants to talk about her daughter’s death, officially ruled a suicide after a long history of drug abuse....
    Paperback
    $2899
    (1)
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • The Teacher
    Don't miss THE BOOKSELLER, the latest George Cross Mystery - available now. 'Every generation has its iconic detective — Holmes, Poirot and Morse — but Cross is emerging as the one for now. Treasure him.' DAILY MAIL 'George Cross is becoming one of my favourite detectives.' ELLY GRIFFITHS The victim’s worst enemy was himself. When an elderly man is found...
    Paperback
    $2499
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • The Cyclist
    Don't miss THE BOOKSELLER, the latest George Cross Mystery - available now. To solve a murder, you need to know your victim. When a ravaged body is discovered on a building site in Bristol, the first job is to identify who the person is. Luckily, DS George Cross is famous for spotting clues that others overlook.George needs a name to...
    Paperback
    $2499
    Backorder
    Ships mid August
  • The Monk
    Don't miss THE BOOKSELLER, the latest George Cross Mystery - available now.'George Cross is becoming one of my favourite detectives.’ ELLY GRIFFITHSA victim with no enemies. A murder with no motive. When the body of a monk is found savagely beaten in woodland near Bristol, DS George Cross discovers that nothing is known about the man’s past.How can he unpick...
    Paperback
    $2499
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • The Dentist
    Don't miss THE BOOKSELLER, the latest George Cross Mystery - available now.Good detectives notice details. Great detectives connect them. When a weather-beaten body is found on Clifton Downs, the police are quick to dismiss it as a quarrel among the unhoused community.DS George Cross knows how it feels to be overlooked. Unwilling to do the same to others, he sets...
    Paperback
    $2499
    Backorder
    Ships mid August
  • The Patient
    Don't miss THE BOOKSELLER, the latest George Cross Mystery - available now. No fingerprints. No weapon. No witnesses.For days, George Cross notices the same woman sitting patiently in the reception of the Bristol Crime Unit. Eventually, he asks her why.She wants to talk about her daughter’s death, officially ruled a suicide after a long history of drug abuse. But the...
    Paperback
    $2499
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • The Politician
    Don't miss THE BOOKSELLER, the latest George Cross Mystery - available now.A burglary gone wrong – or a staged murder? George Cross loves puzzles, and the crime scene at the home of Bristol’s former mayor is a complicated one. To most, it looks like a burglary gone wrong, but George can see this was murder.There’s no shortage of potential killers:...
    Paperback
    $2499
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • The Teacher
    Don't miss THE BOOKSELLER, the latest George Cross Mystery - available now. 'Every generation has its iconic detective — Holmes, Poirot and Morse — but Cross is emerging as the one for now. Treasure him.' DAILY MAIL'George Cross is becoming one of my favourite detectives.' ELLY GRIFFITHSThe victim’s worst enemy was himself. When an elderly man is found dead in...
    Paperback
    $2499
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • The Bookseller
    SOMEONE'S ABOUT TO TURN THEIR LAST PAGE... One of the most iconic British fictional detectives of the 21st century. DAILY MAIL ‘These are must-read detective novels.’ MARK BILLINGHAM 'One of my favourite detectives.' ELLY GRIFFITHS Beware a well-read murderer... A bookseller is found dead in his shop on a quiet square in Bristol, surrounded by rare books, first editions, and...
    Paperback
    $2699
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks

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