Death of a Bookseller follows the perspectives of two booksellers -- Roach and Laura. As their worlds collide following Laura's transfer to Roach's bookstore chain location, their lives begin to spiral out of control in different ways. Roach is plagued with an obsession with true crime, which in turn leads to an obsession with Laura. On the other hand, Laura is attempting to deal with her internal demons, coping with alcohol and toxic relationships.

What I found most interesting about this book was the stark differences in the perspectives of the two main characters. The author expertly gives each character a very distinct voice, and I loved seeing how each individual could interpret a particular event in vastly different ways. While Roach may see one interaction she haves with Laura as a positive indication of an undeniable connection, Laura could see the same interaction as uncomfortable and repulsive. It really put into perspective how subjective life can be.

The plot of this book is very keenly focused on the psychological relationships between the characters. The central focus is on the everyday interactions between the characters and their inner monologues as they go through their days. This does make the plot more of a slower pace, though I found it interesting throughout. It could feel a bit repetitive at times, though.

There was an underlying discussion about true crime and how the public's interest in true crime can have unintended (or intended) effects on those who are affected by those crimes. I appreciated the handling of the topic and the various perspectives offered.

Overall, I think I'd give it a 3.5/5. If you're interested in a deep-dive on the psyches of two very different women as well as a true crime interest, I think you'd find this one to be an interesting read!

Thank you to NetGalley and Penzler Publishers - Scarlet for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

Death of a Bookseller IS a horrible little book and is 1000% my fave book of 2023 (and one of my fave books I've read ever).

Following Roach, the human embodiment of letting your intrusive thoughts win. She's gross, she's grim, she's desperately cringey, and unfortunately SO relatable. Id probably hate Laura too tbh (soz Laura) (I wouldn't stalk you though).

This was clever and funny and so dark, and made me viscerally uncomfortable with every page turn. Can't wait to see what Slater does next.

Thank you SO much NetGalley and Scarlet for the e-arc - I didn't expect to love this as much as I did.

Sorry! I didn't get to this in the end, I have however bought a stunning physical copy and its on my upcoming TBR!
Thank you so much for the opportunity!

This book was not exactly to my taste, while it says it is a mystery/suspense it was less suspenseful than anticipated. I thought based on the title is was more of a mystery novel. As a lover of true crime podcasts and documentaries myself, the most interesting part was how it raised questions about the ethics of the true crime genre as a whole.

I wasn't at all sure what to expect with this, but although the title leads you to perhaps assume that there's a death (murder), there isn't. Not physically, at least.

I struggled to get started with this at first, but then I became more invested in our main characters who, really, are both pretty awful. Despite Laura's obvious, and relatable, dislike of Roach, they actually have more in common than she thinks: stalking, (lack of) hygiene, smoking, drinking ... Laura's just a little less honest about it all.

I'm not entirely sure what it was that drew me in eventually, but I really enjoyed it in the end, after a slow start, and whizzed through the rest in a couple of days. A tale of obsession(s).

Not at all what I was expecting and a pleasant surprise!

No, it’s not just another bookstore murder mystery. Equal parts sinister suspense and character study, this is sharp, witty, and vaguely sinister in the best way.

I loved Slater’s writing and her character development, and the way she skewers the true crime fad while also forcing us all to acknowledge why we can’t quite look away from it.

Roach and Laura aren’t exactly likable, but they sure are interesting, and in some ways their unlikability is almost the point. If nothing else, it’s an interesting statement on what we do (or don’t do) to fit in, and on the way obsession (especially when the obsessor is a woman) reads to an outside audience.

In all, an original story and a terrific piece of writing. Eagerly awaiting Slater’s next book.

This was a really enjoyable suspense novel that tackles topics like true crime obsession, what we owe the survivors of trauma, and stalking. Would make a great book club pick since there's a lot to discuss when it comes to the perspectives of the lead characters. I passed on reviewing this for my publication because I review strictly cozy mysteries, and this falls outside that genre.

This isn't the cozy mystery you think you might be getting into.

This was gritty and bizarre, creepy and super unique. Folks who want a traditional mystery may not like what they read, but I found it refreshing and weird!

This book just wasn't for me.
It wasn't bad, but it wasn't really what I expected and, as I chose to read this via audio, I found myself dipping in and out of it and not really following the story, purely because I just did not care.
Ultimately, i didn't care about either of the two main women and the lack of an actual mystery (which I guess is my fault for assuming a book dealing with a true crime enthusiast would have more detective work - maybe I zoned out when that happened?)
For a book described as "funny", there wasn't a single comedic moment for me, but again, I wasn't engaged and possibly glossed over it. This isn't a book that will stick in my memory at all, so at least it wasn't terrible, but sadly not the book I thought I was going to adore

The most addictive book I've read this year! A brilliant horrible little book, perfect for fans of books about books and true crime.

From the moment I started this book I was immediately hooked and lost to the story. The narrative switches between the perspectives of the two main characters and I loved that because you could not find two characters with less in common than these two, they were so different which really added a lot to the story. The settings were done fantastically which is not something I typically say outside of thriller and fantasy but I loved it. There were a few twists thrown in that I didn't see coming and I honestly didn't want this book to end. The ending left me screaming with how crazy it was and I loved it so much.

*Many thanks to Penzler Publishers, Scarlet for the gifted copy for my honest review*

Alice Slater’s Death of a Bookseller is much more than just a story. It encompasses bigger themes such as trauma and relationships. It was set-up well, but a little slow for my liking. If you’re looking for a book beyond just a quick not too much thinking required, this might be the one for you.

Unfortunately this book didn't work for me. It was a really slow burn that just didn't have the characters or twists and turns to pull me in. I typically like a book to keep me on the edge of my seat with non stop action and this one just wasn't for me.

This book on the surface felt like it would hit the mark on many of the things I liked - mystery/thriller, true crime aspect, and flawed characters. What it ended up being was a very slow burn, lots of repetition, and lackluster ending. And, not to be a completely picky, but there was tons of swearing. In my day to day life, I swear as well but it was very distracting. Thanks to NetGalley for providing me with an arc for this title!

Thank you Netgalley for this ARC of Death of a Bookseller by Alice Slater.

Some books have giant stage hooks that grab you the minute the book starts. Instead, Death of a Bookseller grabs on to the hem of your shirt with a little fish hook, and just keeps tugging, until next thing you know, you'll do anything to get to the end of that string. It's not big or flashy, but it was certainly compelling. I loved the obsessive relationship between the two bookshop employees and the constant teaser of what happens. Fun summer read!

Being a gremlin - i got distracted by other things to read and got half way through this one before my access expired and i finished reading it on Libby! This has a dual POV, with the characters diametrically opposed, and touches the line of psychological thriller or suspense. With a mundane bookshop setting, a quaint neighborhood, and dark histories, this novel illustrates obsession in various forms. This one felt a little long winded for me personally. It does delve into the motivations of the characters and full immerses the reader in the narrative from both sides, though I’m not sure I found any of the characters relatable or engaging in a root for them type of way. It felt, at least for me, more like watching a show as third person separate from the narrative. 3.5/5

Thank you Netgalley and W W Norton Company for sending the book for review consideration. All opinions are my own!

#DeathOfABookseller #eReads #eBook

This book was haunted. In turn, I was haunted by this book. Author Alice Slater carefully flips the rock of friendship/frenemies over to reveal the messy, creepy, squirmy undersides that reside beneath it. Bravo Alice!

I lost interest in this book because the character Roach very whiny and too obsessive with serial killers.

Death of a bookseller was not what I was expecting. I am all for a podcasted element in a book. However, this was not what I was expecting in that I wanted to have the podcast aide in the mystery and unfortunately, I don’t feel like it actually did that. I still found the story to be enjoyable, it was a fun and average time.

I am so thankful to Penzler Publishers, Alice Slater, and NetGalley for getting advanced digital and physical copies of his book before publication day. What a seriously twisted and demented tale needing to be told. I am literally living for this book.