Always the best bookstore in town. I've been shopping there for over twenty years and never disappointed.

Great store! Helpful friendly people there! Great to browse, rest, chat. They will order books for you.

I very nice bookstore that specializes in mysteries that I have been visiting since the previous owners. Today they had in an author that I read to talk about, read from, and discuss his latest book. One of the great things about independent bookstores is that they sometimes bring in authors for events like this. It's always nice to hear directly from the writer to hear about their creative process especially since they all seem to have different ways of doing things. Inside the store is well lit with shelves stocked with new, used, and signed editions of different mysteries and thrillers. Now don't expect to find stacks of the latest Grisham or Patterson but you will find the latest from people like Child, Connelly, and Sandford. Now unlike a big chain which has its place in the market this store will also introduce you to new and smaller names that you may not have heard of. Definitely worth a look if you love bookstores as much as I do. read more

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Book Carnival does what Barnes & Noble nor Amazon can do... It makes mysteries come to life. The secret behind the magic is Anne. Not only is she the owner - she's a longtime customer who truly treasures what she does. I stumbled in here by chance... I'll be returning frequently by choice. If you love mysteries - this is the place to go! (If that's not enough - Anne brings in all of the BIG name and emerging authors) read more

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It's a cozy bookstore, I love the atmosphere of it and the antiques on the book shelves. Anne is such a sweet and wonderful person and made my first visit here lovely. The books are affordable in my opinion. I bought three books for $11 and one was even free! I'll definitely be coming back! read more

A very wide selection of crime and detective related books as well as prompt service by the owner and good value for books, which are heavily discounted, but hardly used it all read more

It was rainy and I had just finished having breakfast with a friend and had some time to kill before meeting up with another friend. I decided to go in this used book store thinking of some books my mom might like. I was greeted by the friendly store manager, Ann. She talked about the various kind of mystery books she had on stock. She had popular and obscure authors in her store as well. After perusing her store she handed me a newsletter and invited me to a reading that was coming up by a sci-fi author. I regretfully had to decline as I wasn't local but was intrigued by one of the books. After talking for awhile about this particular author I requested to purchase the book. Since she no longer had that book on stock she ended up giving me her copy, which was kind of her. I'd definitely go back to check this place out. There's a lot of interesting little events and that keep the store busy. She also supports independent writers who come out to do readings. read more

Ann is such a humble wonderful person. I am grateful in talking about books an advice she had for the promotion of my children's book "Speedboat Race". I'm so happy things are picking up again following the pandemic and she can have events. read more

Met another fabulous author... ...at Book Carnival's regularly scheduled author book signings. This time it I met and chatted with the personable Karin Slaughter. She's written 18 novels - sold more than 35 million copies - and I'm excited cause she's a new author for me to explore. Karin's next book, The Last Widow, is due out in August 2019, and she still came to Book Carnival to discuss that book as well as her previous books. She was VERY candid and funny and delightful. I found out her most recent novel, Pieces of Her, that was published in 2018, is being adapted into an 8-part television series being released by Netflix. Thank you Anne for being the premier murder mystery book store with hard back 1st editions signed by the author. How do you do it? Each month you have up to a dozen famous authors that sit down and chat with fans and sign books and create a fabulous afternoon or evening. There are still millions of readers out there that love to read and turn an honest-to-goodness page of a book. read more

Book Carnival - The very candid, funny, and delightful Karin Slaughter with Michael Varma at a book signing at Book Carnival in Tustin, CA. - Bookstores Near Me - Orange, California

If you're a mystery reader in Orange County, Book Carnival should be your bookstore, clubhouse, your second home. It's a small neighborhood bookstore packed wall to wall with mysteries, many of them signed first editions. The selection of signed books alone is almost overwhelming. The owner Anne is passionate about the store. Like many independent booksellers, she isn't in it for the money, but for the love of books and the maintenance of a mystery-minded community. Book Carnival holds a lot of book club meetings and events. I did a reading in September and had a wonderful time. (It helped that there was a book club that night and all the ladies stayed for my reading and bought books.) Anne was lovely, and I was glad to have time to browse after my event. I picked up signed first editions of Dear Daughter by Elizabeth Little and Night Film by Marisha Pessl. I looked at a signed first edition of Michael Connelly's first novel--a bit out of budget, but cool to see. If I lived closer to Book Carnival, I'd visit all the time. It's a friendly place, great for readers and writers, with an awesome inventory of mystery, mystery, mystery. I'm grateful to Anne for having me in, and hope to come back again soon, read more

I had a great experience with Anne today. Though she did not have everything I was looking for, she still helped me find what I could and gave me some recommendations. She was very pleasant to spent a few minutes talking to. She was very knowledgeable about what she did and didn't have, and also said she would be able to order some books for me if I could not find them. I will be returning! read more

Nice store overall, with quality clean books but limited in genre. They also have a very high opinion of what their books are worth. If you are looking for bargains, this is not your store. However, if you are looking for a specific issue of a mystery book, you may find it here where other stores will not have the same inventory available. I stop in every now and then but rarely buy due to pricing. read more

A wonderful little "mom & pop" type of bookstore located in a small strip mall in the city of Orange. This bookstore specializes in mysteries with a good selection of signed books as well. Anne the owner, is passionate about her store & the scheduled events she brings to her patrons. She has numerous author speakers/signings held at the bookstore. At times, due to her relationships with authors is even able to set up conference calls with the author & her in-store book club members! Anne is always "in the know" of the various author events being held around town; I've learned about many events through her which I've thoroughly enjoyed. Her enthusiasm & energy for the literary world is contagious. My very favorite bookstore! read more

I have been a customer for almost 20 years but have never set foot in the store. I would call and order books over the phone two or three times a year. Mr. Thomas was always so nice and he would chat with me patiently as I asked for the latest Dean Koontz title and checked to see what I still needed for my collection. I was saddened to hear of Mr. Thomas' passing and my prayers still go out to his remaining family. I continue to shop here by phone with the new owner and I am so pleased with the new ownership. Anne has been so helpful and kind. I know Mr. Thomas would be glad that she is at the helm. I am so glad to still be a customer and a FAN! read more

Thank you to Ann, the owner of Book Carnival. I called looking for an autographed copy if Michael Connelly's new book, Two Kinds of Truth. Connelly appeared at Ann's store on his book tour. I just received the book. It was carefully packaged, and she included some book tour bonuses and a note pad as well. Ann even placed the book jacket in a library style protective cover! This is first class customer service, and even though I live almost on the opposite side of the country, I will order from the Book Carnival again. Thank you! read more

I highly recommend this book store. The store is clean and has a cool vibe. The owner, Anne is very friendly and knowledgeable. She has a lot of knowledge about the world of books and is willing and quite able to offer advice if needed. The strip center it's located in is easy to get in and out of and offers ample parking. Give it a visit you'll be glad you did. read more

Wonderful mystery book store! Great selection. Anne is so helpful and nice. I highly recommend checking this store out!

It's a hole-in-the-wall bookstore that specializes in mysteries. I got to meet Robert Crais here several times, woo hoo! (I love you Elvis!!). They do not have a great selection of paperbacks, but if you want ARCs or signed hardbacks this is the place to go. Plus it's next to a gun shop! What else could you ask for? read more

The Book Carnival is a unique experience. The atmosphere is friendly and cozy and the books (primarily mysteries) are abundant. The owner of the store brings in many authors, both local and international, for book signings...a great way to learn the back-stories of the authors and books. The store also hosts a monthly book club that helps to build a sense of community. A great independent bookstore! read more

Attended book reading for "Red Hotel". Really enjoyed the event. Small store, able to interact. We appreciated both authors interaction and the Q & A. Looking forward to the next event. read more

Run forever by Ed Thomas. He was who you went to when you needed to know what to read if Ed told you it was good it was great. They are a mystery bookstore for the collector; they focus on first editions, author events (Dean Koontz got his first signing there) and collectible editions Unfortunately, Ed has passed away. Ed's children sold the store. I haven't been in since the new owner took over. I did read Michael Connolly was going to sign his new book there. read more

Well, I sure do miss Ed and Pat. They treated me like family. Anne is also a wonderful person. She's a bit overworked and sometimes she gets a little behind. I still love the store and her as well. She is friendly, honest, and a pleasure to talk to. Her focus is primarily mysteries but still has some other great books as well. I'm sorry I live so far away (Simi Valley). Otherwise, I'd spend a lot more time there. This store is a must for the collector and the book lover as well. There just aren't the right words to express how wonderful it is. read more

The Book Carnival is awesome. Seems like small individually owned book stores are all but extinct. I've loved every book Ann's (the owner) recommended (even the one's I never would have considered). read more

This little book store tucked away in a strip mall in Orange is a gem. It's an independent that specializes in mysteries. Anne, the proprietor, is wonderful. She books some of the best authors for signings often with Q&A sessions. A must visit!!! read more

If you like mysteries you will LOVE the Book Carnival!! Inviting environment, wide selection of books, knowledgeable staff, book signings by award winning authors and fun book clubs. What more can one want. read more

Anne Saller, Book Carnival owner, hosts signings for many best selling writers and is knowledgeable about several literary genres. What Anne doesn't have on her shelves, she can order for you. She treats her customers (and visiting authors) with a polite warmth that makes you feel welcome. Book Carnival is simply a wonderful bookstore. read more

This is the most relevant and exciting bookstore for mystery writers and readers! It has even been mentioned in crime series. Well-known authors are invited for book signings and add to the ambiance as well as the great selection of books. This is more than a 5-star bookstore! read more

This is one of the best bookstores around. Ann does a great job with this Mystery genre and getting authors in to sign and share their stories with us. She is very knowledgeable about the many authors and is helpful in choosing your next book with you. Her scheduled event far outnumber the larger bookstores and her customers enjoy the bookstore signings amongst the full bookshelves. I thoroughly enjoy all that is provided to us and Anne's love of reading is evident in all she does. This is by far my favorite bookstore. read more

This is a "great" book store. Has every mystery book you can think of. If Anne doesn't have it in stock, she will get it for you. She also has numerous authors come to visit and sign their books. Ex. Robert Crais, Craig Johnson, Sueanne Jafferian, etc. Also the lesser know authors are invited. This year I was also able to go to two launch parties for brand new authors. Very comfortable atmosphere and a great book club which meets once a month with all invited. read more

Apparently current greed outweighs past loyalty. After driving 80 miles to attend a book signing I was told i couldn't get a book i purchased in the past signed unless I purchased the current book (which i had already ordered from another source before I knew of this signing). No notice on the store web site, no written notice, just an identified individual telling me of the "policy". On top of this the author's talk was started early and I couldn't even hear him. I pay more from local brick and mortar stores because of the quality of service and the value they place on customers, this store has lost a customer because they do not value those who have done business with them in the past. read more