Reviews with content warning for Stalking - Death of a Bookseller

Reviews tagging 'Stalking'

Death of a Bookseller by Alice Slater

76 reviews

libhollywood's review

dark emotional tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

Busted out the notes app for this one!! Such an interesting read: so bouncy, bright and readable but also BEYOND tense and emotional. I loved the beginning a bit more than the ending (

when Roach as a more sinister character was still unfurling/still more sympathetic, though I think the transition to full villain was well done

) but the whole thing was fascinating. Raised heaps of interesting discussion about the ethics of true crime, including thoughts I’ve considered many times before and ideas that were completely new. Especially fun to reflect on my years as a bookseller/the industry as a whole. Feels like I could read this book and follow these characters forever. 🌟

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ailsa_r's review against another edition

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challenging dark mysterious tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Fantastic audio book couldn't stop listening to find out what happened next

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ieemee's review against another edition

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challenging dark mysterious reflective tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

Dual P.O.V. Laura & Roach
FMC Roach - Norman Bates Vibe & True Crime Fanatic
Laura- Daughter of a Serial killer victim & Poet

Set in a Bookshop filled with book enthusiasts. The story weaves between the feeling of being watched and being the one who is watching.

Roach quote- “I travelled the world with serial killers … imagined washing my skin with the soap of women”

This read was perfect for spooky season- The book looks at True Crime as a genre and how different people interact with it. I personally think Roach is one of the characters that gives me the biggest - Ick!!! Alarm Bells ! I’ve never been as repulsed by a character & the times you view the world from her perspective is truly unsettling. The novel is thoughtful constructed and has strong character development for each of the characters followed.

The book reminds me of You by Caroline Kepnes but with a female mc instead of a male one. If you enjoyed Netflix season of You with Love Quinn season 3 you will most likely enjoy this book.

Content warnings:
Stalking ; Home invasion ; Alcholism ; Assault ; Serial Killer praise

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plampertz's review against another edition

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3.0

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amystainton's review

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dark tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

I’m struggling to actually pick what to rate this book.

On one hand I loved the different views of the true crime genre from the main characters. Their perspectives felt quite unique and genuine. Before I really grasped the idea of the book I wasn’t so enthralled.

On the other hand, in my copy the end showed some deleted chapters that I think added real depth to the characters and their stories. I think there was a bit of a lack of character depth through the book as a whole. Roach and Laura alike quite often felt one dimensional and stubborn, quite unnatural and a tad boring. I don’t think much need to be added to make them more interesting and multidimensional. It’s a shame that wasn’t the case.

The book was an enjoyable read tho so 3.5⭐️

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