I was torn on how to rate Death of a Bookseller - it started off strong, but by the end, I had mixed feelings. At first, I was invested, but as the story progressed, it took a darker turn - one that felt more unsettling than compelling.

Both main characters are deeply flawed: one shaped by trauma, the other by an unhealthy obsession. Their dynamic is tense and uncomfortable, and certain scenes were vividly disturbing (nauseating). While I understand the intent to explore the ugliness of human nature, some moments felt quite graphic, marking the story’s downward spiral.

That said, Death of a Bookseller is well-written and effectively critiques the dark side of true crime obsession. In a way it also explores how unaddressed trauma can fester. It can be a compelling read, but one that left me more unsettled than satisfied.