A bookseller is found dead in his shop on a quiet square in Bristol, surrounded by rare books, first editions and a shocking amount of blood.

DS George Cross, usually the first to spot holes in a suspect's story, is distracted. His father's recent diagnosis has left him unsettled, relying on others in a way he is not comfortable with. It's impacting the case – and himself – more than he'd like to admit.

The truth only gets murkier as George uncovers tales of lost manuscripts and rival dealers, revealing how dangerous the rarefied world of bookselling can be – especially when the suspects are so familiar with crime novels.

They know exactly how to get away with murder.