THE TAILOR

Who murdered the elite tailor in Bristol, England? And why so brutally?

DS George Cross’ most intriguing case yet arrives at the worst possible time. He’s almost done reconciling his estranged parents, helping Christine, his mother, move into the flat of Raymond, his father, who’s been ill. But duty calls, and the meticulous, conscientious Cross is nothing if not dutiful in taking on the case of a man whose throat was slashed in a train bathroom, a plastic bag over his head. The victim’s bespoke suit helps identify him as third-generation tailor William Titcomb. Tracking recent clients becomes key to the investigation. Sullivan’s eighth DS Cross mystery again weaves the personal stories of the autistic hero and his co-workers into the investigation at hand. Not every series is successful with this format, but Sullivan’s experience as a screenwriter keeps the scenes crisp and entertaining, his vividly drawn regulars augmenting the mystery plot. For example, Cross’ longtime partner, Josie Ottey, has been promoted to DI, and fulsome DCI Ben Carson has the not-so-inspired idea to pair Cross with cheerful trainee DC Alice Mackenzie. It’s not a promising match, but it’s certainly fun for readers to watch the new odd couple as Ottey, meanwhile, investigates independently. Cross’ implacability and probing questions delightfully unnerve persons of interest, and he expertly connects the clues—asking why, for example, the killer made off with Titcomb’s luggage. A wild midway plot twist strains credibility a bit, but readers will likely be entertained by the internal drama of the precinct and Cross’ Sherlock-ian deductions.

A sharp whodunit with an engaging cast and abundant humor.