Should you be daunted, or bored even, by the Booker Prize long list, this series may refresh your enthusiasm for reading.

I am on the seventh book of currently eight in Tim Sullivan’s George Cross investigations. They are each self standing crime novels but I recommend reading them in order. They have a sub text. Each book adds another layer. A parallel might be Colin Dexter’s Morse. A TV series beckons but as yet is surprisingly uncommissioned. Martin Clunes might be a good George Cross. Stephen Fry even. For those of a certain generation Perry Mason might approve the cross examinations.

It is tricky reviewing the run of books without giving much of the enjoyment away. The format is rigid – there is a murder, a funeral, one or two decisive interviews, a twist or two, a last question from George as he leaves the room. DCI Ben Carson is always ready to move on and charge the next suspect. George needs more time.

A west country drawl adds some humour. There is history. Either George or his father Raymond just happens to be an expert on incidental things like old church organs, Brunel and Concorde. Or because it is set and about Bristol itself. And the sub themes are topical – mental health, gambling, euthanasia, bullying. Each component is given consideration, even the villains. Even those who are revealed to not be villains get respect. Sullivan has a sure hand. The plotting is slick. The crimes are twisted and dastardly without dwelling on the unduly gory or violent.

The first two books are probably primers. The later books arguably are full blown novels pulling together the relationships. Josie, a black single mother, is George’s detective partner, and sometimes emotional translator because George is not so good with the social side of things, the trainee Alice has parents who disapprove of the police, the forensic investigator Michael is a closet goth, the local priest Stephen bakes for his parishoners. The repartee jingles. Suspects quake. Or not. Clues fall like confetti. Or not. Red herrings shoal. Hints are parsimonious. The quest is on.

It is a Who-Dunnit but in this case every every Who gets their moment before Mr Dunnit (or Ms) confesses in the last pages. Investigations bring in people from different spectrums which in turn makes for a rich canvas. The inverse of the locked room, Cluedo scenario. It is open season in the west country from taxidermist to holy orders to the scurrilous tricks of the book trade. A jigsaw with each piece carefully laid in before the big reveal.

You may be surprised to know that one of Sullivan’s other screen credits for Netflix is My Little Pony. And Coronation Street…and Sherlock Holmes.