2.5 stars

Though the summary caught my attention, sadly, the story missed the mark for me. I was constantly waiting for the big twist or "Wow!" moment, but it never came. The writing, overall, was solid. However, I never really connected with any of the characters, and the pace was too slow. There were many moments that just seemed too unbelievable, even for fiction. The ending was perhaps the best part of the story. Though I was disappointed by this book, I would consider checking out future books by this author.

The Book Seller by Valerie Keogh is about a woman named Helen who has a dark past. She wants to sell second-hand books in her own shop and move on from her past. This one was a mysterious read. I've never read anything from this author before, but did enjoy the writing style of this book - was a fast easy read. This book made my heart happy to see that things went right for Helen who deserved a second chance.

Thanks to Boldwood Books & NetGalley for allowing me the opportunity to read an ARC of this book!

The Bookseller by Valerie Keogh is an interesting read. The main character, Helen, has recently been released from prison for the manslaughter of her live-in boyfriend, which was a light sentence to me.

Helen has the habit of lying; she spends many hours covering up or tracking her indiscretions. All that stress that would have been avoided if she could only tell the truth. She also suspects everyone around her is out to get her, the main atmosphere of the book was that of dread.

Amazingly, Helen keeps meeting other people who support her, does she quite appreciate them? I do not know. She seems stuck back in childhood where she might have been slighted, but I say get over it and move on. As you can see Helen has some baggage to overcome.

Helen opens a bookstore with support from her family and their friends. Only with all new businesses, she must spend her last dime. She soon maxes out her credit card and dips into her checking account overdraft. Her anxiety is heartbreaking but why must she lie and tell everybody that she has plenty of money?

An unknown person breaks into her business and home more than once. It is somewhat of a mystery; who is out to get Helen? Afterall, she has quite the jaded past, dead boyfriend, and all.

My question to Helen is why can’t she remember to call a security company about the alarm system? Something so simple that will solve the break-in problems. But remember she is out of money. You start to wonder, does she create her own problems?

I loved all the characters around Helen and the way they supported her. They were patient and loving and saw her in a positive light. But then again, they were not in her head for three days like I was.

It is a long read because Helen is difficult to like. I promise you the end is worth the melancholy feeling. Keogh masterfully explains why Helen is the way that she is. I am not sure, I needed to know, but I still recommend you read it. I could tell you why, but then why would you read it?

Although I did not qualify this book for a thriller, I was on the edge all the time, Keogh took us down many plausible endings. I think in the end; I was rooting for lying Helen.

This is my first read from Keogh and even though I did not like all the subject matter, I will read more books from this author. In honor of Helen, perhaps I will pick them up in a second-hand bookstore.

Thank you to Netgalley and Boldwood Books for the copy of the book in exchange for my opinion. All opinions are my own because I have freedom of speech. Gotta love it.

This is the first book that I have read from Valerie Keogh. I graciously received an ARC and absolutely devoured the book. Who doesn't love a good Mystery Thriller and a Bookshop/Bookseller?! I really enjoyed this book and definitely recommend it.

Such a great book. Couldn't stop reading it. Thank you for my advance reader copy. Can't wait to look up other books from this author.

I absolutely love books about books/bookshops. I do tend to read sweet romance reads about them, so when I saw a thriller... Well, I had to read it, and it did not disappoint.

I enjoyed how it all played out. The ending 'chef kiss' was just perfect!

I'm keen to read more by this author

I really enjoyed the slow burn of the mystery. I was rooting for the MC. The title grabs you along with the cover. I will definitely be reading more from this author.

Helen is newly released from prison after killing her partner. Helen purchases a vacant building to make her dream of owning a bookstore come to life but someone isn't happy and they want her punished. This is certainly one of the best from the Queen of physcological thrillers. I was in eager anticipation of how the book would turn out and I was not left disappointed. I felt surprised by the many twists and the plot kept me engaged. The characters are well written and although some were not nice they were great to watch unfold. The ending is summarised leaving you with no unanswered questions. I enjoyed reading the story so much that I flew through it so I will reread it slower to pace myself!

Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for this E-Arc, in exchange for an honest review.

Don't expect a light, cozy read in The Bookseller by Valerie Keogh. This book is thrilling, filled with tension, guilt, and the haunting weight of a past that won’t let go. It’s not the feel-good vibe of a bookstore romance; it’s more about a woman fighting to keep her dark history from catching up with her.

Helen Appleby is no typical book lover. She’s just out of prison after being convicted of manslaughter and hopes to rebuild her life by opening a small bookshop. All she wants is a peaceful life surrounded by books. But things quickly take a turn when a mysterious figure seems intent on ruining her fresh start.

Keogh does a great job of showing Helen’s inner turmoil. One moment she’s filled with anxiety, second-guessing everyone and everything, and the next she’s almost too trusting. This mix of fear and hope is what makes her such an interesting character. She’s not a hardened criminal, just a broken person trying to move forward while struggling to escape the mistakes of her past.

The bookshop itself plays an important role in the story, offering a seemingly safe haven that contrasts sharply with the growing tension. The casual conversations about books give you a sense of normalcy, but that sense of calm is always undercut by the dark things lurking just around the corner.

The Bookseller isn’t a peaceful journey through a quiet town. It’s an intense, heart-pounding story where you can’t help but feel for Helen, hoping she can outsmart her past. Keogh keeps the suspense high, making you turn pages quickly to see if Helen will get the second chance she so desperately wants. This book isn’t just about one woman’s struggle for redemption; it also raises questions about whether someone can ever truly escape their past. You’ll be thinking about it long after you’ve finished reading.
4.25 Stars!
#NetGalley, #BoldwoodBooks, #TheBookSeller, #ValerieKeogh, #Suspense #Thriller

In The Bookseller, we read the story of Helen, who just got released from prison and is currently on probation, and decides to open her own second-hand bookstore. As we read her story, we realized that she is hiding a darker secret which involves the crime for which she was incarcerated for. She encounters many obstacles while in the process of setting up her bookstore, from break-ins at her residence and business to the constant visits from her probation officer.

While reading the first half of the story, I was unsure where the story was going; but I am glad I continued it and finished the book because the secrets that were revealed at the end were very good. Would definitely be reading more from Valerie Keogh.

Thank you Boldwood Books for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own

Another brilliant read from one of my favourite authors. This one did not disappoint and who doesn’t love a book that also involves books and a bookshop although there is far more to this cosy bookseller persona than meets the eye.

I was invested in this story right from the very first page and couldn’t put it down and it was an engaging read with lots of intriguing characters and unexpected twists and turns and also covered the theme of second chances and how every dwarves one no matter where their life has taken them.

I have said this before but this authors books would make great tv dramatisations.

Helen Appleby is ready for a fresh start. She has been released from prison and is haunted by her past mistakes. She killed her former partner.

She finds herself opening a bookshop, but its not off to the best start. There is a break-in but nothing seems to be missing. Other things start to threaten the life her new life.

Will she be able to start over or will her past hurt her future? What is Helen hiding from everyone?

The cast of characters make this one a fun read along with the tension and suspense.

It did not really take me long to finish this book. It was a good story, and I really liked it. Highly recommended!

An excellent book which had a twist at the end that I did not expect. I loved the way the story unfolded and how the bookshop came together, what a job my idea of heaven. Valerie's books always deliver and this one was up there with the others. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.

An enjoyable read with a few unexpected twists thrown in I do enjoy this authors books and look forward to the next book 3.5 stars

Valerie keogh has done it again this book was absolutely amazing I devoured the whole book. I couldnt put the book down it gripped me from the beginning, i did guess some of the plot but loved the twists at the end such a good read.

Helen has been recently released from prison and has decided to start over. Her interest is books, so she finds a great location and opens a book store. Hoping to keep her background secret in this new location, she opens her store and welcomes new customers. Someone knows her past and is determined to put her back in prison.
I really enjoyed this book and so far, have enjoyed all Valerie Keogh's books.Helen has been recently released from prison and has decided to start over. Her interest is books, so she finds a great location and opens a book store. Hoping to keep her background secret in this new location, she opens her store and welcomes new customers. Someone knows her past and is determined to put her back in prison.
I really enjoyed this book and so far, have enjoyed all Valerie Keogh's books.

Thanks to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for the ARC of this book.
Love books by Valerie Keogh and in that respect this was no exception. What was different was that I couldn't love any of the characters in the book. Helen was just a liar and most of the people in her life were too. The suspense in the book was excellent and the actual story itself was good it was just the people for me.

Helen Appleby hust wants a quiet life. Recently released from prison for the manslaughter of her partner, she's trying to forget her past mistakes - all of them - to rebuild her life and move on. When she decides to open a bookshop. she is certain that this is the perfect new start. Here, amongst the quiet shelves of her shop and between the covers of her books, she can hide away from the real world and begin again. The world of books, the perfect place to find happiness - even it's all lies. But the past can never stay hidden,,,,

Filled with twists, this well-written book held my attention throughout. The characters are well- developed but unreliable. Things are not straightforward for Helen after her release. Who was it that was behind Helen's misfortunes? The plot flows along at a steady pace. Helen is keeping a secret about the crime she committed. The ending was satisfactory.

Published 3rd March 2025

I would like to thank #NetGalley #BoldwoodBooks and the author #ValerieKeogh for my ARC of #TheBookseller in exchange for an honest review.

This book was very enjoyable but also kind of repetitive and predictable. It was entertaining and I read it fairly quickly but not necessarily the best.