Seattle Mystery Bookshop: not just for amateur sleuths

June 26, 9:54 AMSeattle Books ExaminerDanielle Dreger-Babbitt

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Specialty bookshops and bookstores, especially those dedicated to mystery books, are a dying breed.  Fortunately, Seattle still has a vibrant and legendary mystery bookstore.  Seattle Mystery Bookshop, located at the corner of Cherry and 1st Avenue , is located on the edge of Pioneer Square which boasts a number of bookstores.  The bookshop specializes in detective stories, true crime, spy novels, thrillers, suspense (even some romantic suspense), and traditional whodunits.  

The Seattle Mystery Bookshop opened in the summer of 1990 and sells both new and used hardcovers and paperbacks.  What I know them best for is the many lunchtime author signings that they host almost every week.  I can't think of any other bookstore that offers that on a regular basis.  They do have a pretty large stock of signed first editions and some collectibles, which make perfect gifts for people who have read nearly everything and are hard to shop for.  They even have a pretty fantastic blog which has authors who have come in for a signing posting excerpts and information about their books, recommendations, and book tour stories.

Considering the location of the Seattle Mystery Bookshop, the size is pretty accommodating.  It is easy to get overwhelmed in a large bookstore, especially one devoted to a particular genre or subject matter, but bookshop is easy to navigate and well organized.  My favorite part of the story is probably the entire wall of books written by Northwest authors.  I had no idea the Pacific Northwest produced so many mystery writers; perhaps the dreary weather makes for good inspiration.  The store also has a pretty large selection of culinary mysteries (or as I call it "Culinary Crime") including a few by Anthony Bourdain.  It's hard to go into the bookstore and want to buy everything.

I have never understood why some bookstores hire staff who are unfriendly or even ignorant to what books they sell.  Not Seattle Mystery Bookshop.  Their staff is extremely knowledgeable and nice and always willing to give recommendations.  Even if you're not a die-hard mystery lover or a thriller-seeker, they can find you the right book.

Next time you have some free time on your lunch hour or company in town, stroll on over to the Seattle Mystery Bookshop and pick up a thriller or two.  You won't be disappointed.

Insider Tip:  Make sure you sign up for their quarterly newsletter or pick one up in the store.  Not only are their recommendations and new releases, but there is a list of upcoming events and future releases.

Upcoming Events at Seattle Mystery Bookshop:

Saturday, June 27th:  Patricia K. Batta will sign copies of her book Why Did You Die in the Park?  Join her for tea and conversation at 2 p.m.

Thursday, July 2nd:  Mike Lawson will sign his House Secrets at noon

Saturday, July 11th:  R.T. Jordan will sign the latest Polly Pepper mystery, A Talent for Murder at noon.

For More Information:  Seattle Mystery Bookshop is located at 117 Cherry Street in Pioneer Square.  They can be reached at (206) 587-5737 or staff@seattlemystery.com.  Store hours are Monday-Saturday 10-5 and Sunday 12-5

Sound off:  Have you been to Seattle Mystery Bookshop?  What do you think?

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