Book Review: "The Bookseller" by Valerie Keogh

Publication Date March 2025

I am grateful to NetGalley for providing an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

‘The Book Seller’ is a new book by Valerie Keogh. It is the first book I have read from this author and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

The plot surrounds a youngish woman, who has recently been released from prison, as she begin a new life. Much of the book is written from her point of view. Her recollections, thoughts and feelings. We learn about her background; family and upbringing. We also learn about her violent crime, the court case, sentencing and now release on parole.

The author presents the protagonist sympathetically and the reader will most probably identify with her, in particular her ambitions. She has a small inheritance and plans to open a bookshop on the outskirts of Bath, a charming English city. For many people who enjoy the warm and welcoming atmosphere of a bookshop, especially one small and intimate, they will immediately develop fond feelings towards this young woman and her plans to move on from a violent past.

The nature of her crime and what happened is not in doubt. She killed her partner. Manslaughter. The reasons and motives appear relatively straightforward. Her short sentence and parole seem justified.

Nevertheless, this is a troubled woman. Paranoid, thin-skinned and quick to anger. Still, the reader will be patient and if not forgiving, then understanding and hope her new life works out well.

Which of course it doesn’t, at least not initially. It seems that someone is out to disrupt her future, or at the very least create difficult circumstances which may threaten her parole.

This is not one of those quirky British books, based around kindly ‘bookish’ characters, quaint expressions and cups of tea. Although there is a little bit of that in parts. But ultimately it’s not “84 Charing Cross Road”. It’s darker, more modern and involves several complex relationships. Our protagonist has issues with people close to her. Neighbours, family and her parole officer to name a few. She is paranoid, prickly, sensitive and suspicious. She mistakes kindly gestures as insults or criticism. Still, the reader will give her the benefit of the doubt. After all, who doesn’t believe in rehabilitation, especially one involving a cozy bookshop. Even if there are hints that she might again commit a violent crime. But only is absolutely necessary, mind you…

The plot and characters develop nicely as she buys, renovates and opens the bookshop. But also a sense of dread builds as things start to go awry. Our protagonist is unnerved and untrusting of some of the people who come into her life. Her thoughts give hints as to what she has done and what she might do again.

I began to feel a little uneasy about our bookseller. Her past crime seemed relatively clear, but could she, would she do something similar again if it was necessary to safeguard her new life ?

Without giving too much away, there are plot twists and an ending that is breathtaking. Revelations and a resolution of sorts with closure provided. A satisfying ending to a memorable book. Until you think about it a bit more. And then maybe the ending is not so appropriate, not so clear-cut.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. As will anyone who enjoys the atmosphere of a small, intimate bookshop, a tale of struggle, perseverance and redemption. Characters are well portrayed, and believable. Particularly our bookseller, who we come to know well from her thoughts and recollections. The plot and plot twists are feasible, perhaps a little dramatic, but to be expected and indeed enjoyed in a psychological thriller. But, this is a book that stays with you after you have read it. And I can’t help but reflect on the main character and think a darker, perhaps more nuanced or uncertain ending might have been more appropriate, albeit less satisfying.

A small quibble and I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a story of modern life, with elements of crime, punishment and redemption. Or even if you just enjoy visiting your local bookshop. I wish the author and publishers all the very best with the release of this book. I must read more from this author.