Alternate ‘Shopaholic’ Titles by Best-Selling Fiction Authors
This collection explores shopping addictions through diverse genres, featuring characters grappling with consumerism's allure and consequences.
Does chick lit make your stomach churn? These books from the Times Best Seller list were not even penned by Sophie Kinsella.
Diamonds are Expensive
By Ian Fleming
1962 / spy fiction / 320 pages
Secret agent James Bond is tasked with infiltrating the world of luxury retail to track down Becky Bloomwood, a seemingly harmless shopaholic who's unknowingly funding international terrorism through her extravagant purchases. As Bond navigates the glittering world of designer boutiques, he must resist both Becky's charm and the lure of retail therapy to complete his mission.
Derek Smeath and the Discussion of the Overdraft
By J. K. Rowling
2001 / young adult fantasy / 584 pages
Young wizard Derek Smeath, formerly a Muggle bank manager, discovers he's inherited a magical credit card with no limit. As he indulges in spellbinding shopping sprees at Diagon Alley, he must learn to control his newfound power before it attracts the attention of dark forces - and his old client, Belinda Growtimbre, who's determined to get her hands on the card.
The Eerie Return of the Irresistible Scarf
By RL Stine
1999 / children’s horror / 112 pages
When Becky Bloomwood receives a mysteriously enticing green scarf as a gift, she can't stop herself from wearing it everywhere. But as her desire for more scarves grows, she realizes the accessory may have a sinister will of its own, slowly taking control of her mind and her already maxed-out credit cards.
Addiction
By Stephen King
1988 / horror / 704 pages
In the small town of Castle Rock, a new mega-mall opens its doors, offering unbelievable deals. As residents fall under its spell, they descend into a terrifying spiral of compulsive shopping. Becky Bymore, visiting her American cousins, must confront her own shopping demons to save the town from the malevolent entity feeding on their consumerist frenzy.
The Oniomanic Declaration
By Robert Ludlum
1981 / mystery thriller / 494 pages
CIA analyst Suze Cleath-Stuart uncovers a global conspiracy involving mind-control through targeted advertising. Racing against time, she must unravel the mystery behind the "Oniomanic Declaration" before the world's population, including her best friend Rebecca Bloomwood, is turned into mindless consuming automatons.
The Eschopper of Fullanham
By William Shakespeare
Early 1600s / comedic play / 158 pages
This comedic play follows the misadventures of Beatrice Blossomwoode, a noblewoman with an insatiable appetite for the latest fashions. Her excessive spending leads to a series of humorous misunderstandings and mistaken identities as she attempts to hide her habits from her disapproving husband, Lord Luke Brandon.
Confissões de um Cliente Obrigatório
By Paulo Coelho
In Portuguese / 1995 / adventure drama / 296 pages
In this introspective tale, Beatriz Flores embarks on a spiritual journey to overcome her compulsive shopping habits while on a press trip to Brazil. Along the way, she encounters various mentors who teach her the true value of experiences over material possessions.
Admission of Guilt
By Agatha Christie
1949 / murder mystery / 213 pages
Detective Hercule Poirot investigates the murder of notorious shopaholic Becky Bloomwood, found dead in a high-end boutique. As he unravels Becky's web of debt and deceit, he discovers that in the world of luxury retail, even the most innocuous purchase can be a motive for murder.
Rebecca and the Spiraling Credit
By Roald Dahl
1966 / children’s fantasy / 93 pages
Young Rebecca Brandon (née Bloomwood) discovers a magical credit card that seems to have no limit. As she indulges in increasingly extravagant purchases, she learns valuable lessons about the true cost of her desires and the importance of financial responsibility, with help from some whimsical characters.
Message from the Bank
By Danielle Steel
1989 / romance / 284 pages
Successful executive Becky Bloomwood receives an alarming call from her bank, forcing her to confront her shopping addiction. As she struggles to regain control of her finances, she finds unexpected support from her husband Luke, learning that true happiness can't be bought.
How Tom Webster Shattered Her Secret Dream-world
By Lewis Carroll
1859 / children’s fantasy / 112 pages
Becky tumbles into a whimsical wonderland of endless boutiques and curious shops, only to find her fantasies challenged by the logical Tom Webster (a banker much like her old nemesis Derek Smeath), who teaches her the value of moderation in a world of excess.
Bloodlust for Bloomfield
By Anne Rice
1988 / horror / 436 pages
Vampire Lestat discovers a new obsession – luxury fashion and rare collectibles. His quest leads him to Rebecca Bloomfield, a mortal with an uncanny knack for acquiring coveted items. As Lestat becomes entangled in Rebecca's world of compulsive shopping and mounting debt, he uncovers a dark secret that threatens vampire society. Lestat must navigate dangerous desires and vampiric politics while resisting the dual temptations of Rebecca's blood and her exquisite collection.
The 500 Bills of Becky Bloomwood!
By Dr. Seuss
1977 / children’s literature / 47 pages
In this rhythmic tale, Becky Bloomwood learns to count and manage her money. She navigates a colorful world of tempting purchases and whimsical creatures. She learns valuable lessons about saving and spending wisely. All this happens while she tries to hide her 500 shopping bills from Luke. ■
