I'm trying to reread his early crime novels from the 2000s but it's gotten tough to find them new. Are there websites or online used bookstores that regularly stock them? I'd like to have the complete series without paying crazy prices for old editions.
Definitely try specialized used book sites like AbeBooks or Biblio, they often have small publishers and bookstores that sell their old stock, including Thilliez's early works! It's true that Vinted and Le Bon Coin can work, but you really have to get lucky and scroll for hours. Physical bookstores are cool if you've got a good one near you, but honestly calling around everywhere can take forever, whereas on specialized sites you can see right away what's available and at what price. Also check out small French online booksellers that specialize in thrillers and crime fiction, they sometimes keep back-lists permanently in stock!
When I wanted to rebuild a collection of old crime novels, I found that online secondhand marketplaces like Vinted and Le Bon Coin had quite a few decent finds, though you have to be patient and check regularly. Specialized used book sites like AbeBooks or Momox also carry early Thilliez, usually at more reasonable prices than eBay where collectors tend to bid things up. Otherwise, honestly, check out small physical bookstores if you have any near you - they often have stock they don't put online and you can negotiate. And don't forget library book sales, that's where you sometimes find real gems for next to nothing.
Used bookstores are usually your best bet if you don't want to break the bank - call a few near you, they get shipments regularly and can set aside books if you're looking for specific titles. Otherwise try asking the publisher directly or check French crime fiction collector groups on Facebook, plenty of people resell their duplicates at reasonable prices 📚
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