Oh goodness - walking into this place is like walking into a whole different world. Opening the door to this place is akin to pressing pause on the hustle and bustle of life, and ascending into another dimension for an avid suspense reader. The smell of books, the beautiful polished book cases, and the ambience are all worth a visit, if not several visits. The service and hospitality are unsurpassable - the couple running the place are the sweetest and most wonderful people, ever. And there is SO much knowledge of suspense novels coming from these two that it blows your mind. The books are priced reasonably and buying here is a lot of bang for your buck. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this fort all book lovers, but especially SUSPENSE and MYSTERY readers! read more

A unique hidden gem bookstore. Stumbled upon this place while on the Wine Walk in downtown Forest Park. Nice comfortable sitting area where you can enjoy a cup of coffee while reading a book. Look around the bookshelves for some interesting reads. Anywhere from mystery, historical, love stories this is the place to find it. There is a cart where you can find a $5.00 bundle selection of your choice. I highly recommended this place of business. Walk inside and you will feel the great hospitality of the workers. read more

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I was there years ago at the original location. It is one of the best bookstores! Very eclectic selection of hard to find books !

Sadly this lovely bookstore is permanently closed. It was home to great mysteries, book groups, and guest authors. It is sorely missed by many. read more

Local bookstore which specializes in history and mystery,. Who would've guessed it‽ Went here because they were one of two bookstores in the city that carried signed copies of "Arsenic and Adobo" a mystery book by a local author. Will definitely be back for the book club to discuss the mystery series and probably buy some of the other locally authored books I noticed. read more

Centuries & Sleuths Bookstore - Mystery book written by local Chicago author Mia Manansala - The image features a brightly illustrated book cover for 'Arsenic and Adobo' by Mia Manansala, with vibrant colors and culinary-themed artwork. - Bookstores Near Me - Forest Park, Illinois

Stopped by for an Author Discussion & Signing today and was greeted by the wonderful staff! Augie and Tracy both made me feel right at home and were open for discussions on any type of book in their collection, which for me was the classic Nancy Drew stories. There is even a section of Chicago literature. All around a wonderful selection and atmosphere. I'll definitely be returning soon! read more

Centuries & Sleuths Bookstore - A paperback book titled "The Secret of Shadow Ranch" from Nancy Drew Mystery Stories series, held in a person's hand, with a colorful cover illustration of a girl riding a horse. - Bookstores Near Me - Forest Park, Illinois

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Great little bookstore with a wonderful selection of history, mystery, and historical fiction. They helped find something new that I absolutely love. Very unique, top quality selection that would be hard to match. read more

Really unique bookstore with interesting new and nearly new books specializing in history and mystery genres, in case that wasn't clear from the name. Very helpful and friendly owner who is obviously very interested in what he offers. This store is a mainstay of downtown Forest Park and I'm glad for it. read more

A cozy independent bookshop in a fun, walkable neighborhood. The owners are friendly, helpful and knowledgeable. If you love indie bookstores, put this on your list to visit! read more

Well to say myself and my girlfriend were pleasantly surprised. That surprise came due this beautifully put together bookstore with elements from every era of the written word. Mystery and history are the focus so when we saw the confederate flag and other historical items that may too some appear as racist or inappropriate but to others they are apart of the whole story of America. The owner engaged us in a conversation on such matters and asked how I felt. Well i can say without retelling the entire conversation. I will say it was refreshing to have an open dialogue about real issues in an everyday kind of way. It made us believe in humanity and today that's not so easy to find. Great place!! read more

Centuries & Sleuths Bookstore - A hardcover biography of Frederick Douglass titled "Frederick Douglass: Prophet of Freedom" by David W. Blight, placed on a dark, plush fabric surface. - Bookstores Near Me - Forest Park, Illinois

Collectively as friends we decided to check out a new area, Forest Park seemed perfect! We checked out a nearby breakfast place and decided we needed some steps, and found Centuries & Sleuths. Normally, I'm not the biggest reader - but, being with someone who absolutely loves reading, we had to give it a go. Stepping into the door, immediate old bookstore vibes. Of course they had a selection of newer books, but their history and mystery books range from older to newer & all at great costs! Will definitely be back with more friends to explore, and thanks for your kind customer service & your two cents read more

Great store. Excellent selection. Owner is very knowledgeable and helpful. I always find something wonderful to read.

Here are three books: One Last Breath, The Cheatin' Heart Motel and Play it Again. Initially the price for the bundle was $5.00, but the kind owner marked it down to around $3.50! I definitely recommend this book store. And how he organized everything is very unique compared to any other book store. Loved it here! read more

Centuries & Sleuths Bookstore - Here are three books: One Last Breath, The Cheatin' Heart Motel and Play it Again. - A person holds three books with a highway scene visible through a vehicle window in the background. - Bookstores Near Me - Forest Park, Illinois

I've participated in several author events at Centuries & Sleuths and spent many an hour just browsing. I rarely leave without another book under my arm, and often several. The atmosphere and people are always enjoyable and relaxing. And the selection is first rate. I mean, what better combination can you have than History and Mysteries? Please come to the event on May 27 with myself and Michael Black. I know I speak for Michael as well--not to mention Augie and Tracy--when I say we would love to have you there to discuss our books, and those of many others. read more

Lovely bookstore with an eclectic collection of books owned by a friendly guy who greeted us at the door. The bookstore is curated from genres the owners love and there's a section of $5 bundles (multiple books bundled by size for $5) and $3 (many advanced copies/editing versions). My husband found a Sherlock Holmes book in the mystery section written by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar so we had to read that and get it out of curiosity. Nice to spend an afternoon here and just browse! read more

Centuries & Sleuths Bookstore - Bookstores Near Me - Forest Park, Illinois

Really nice bookstore in a great area. Nicely curated selection and a comfortable, homey vibe. Definitely worth a visit!

If you're ever in Forest Park you have to visit Centuries and Sleuths bookstore. It's definitely an indie bookstore destination. Great selection of mysteries, histories and biographies. Not to mention a spotlight on local authors. Make sure to attend the many author events they host. Tell Augie and Tracy I said hello. read more

A gem of a small bookstore with a curated selection that will surely satisfy any mystery lover. Friendly, personal service, too, which is a nice change from a big box store - let alone the dreaded online corporate bookseller! read more

The atmosphere is as great as the books! There seems to always be some little gem I haven't heard of, and plenty of fantastic Sherlock Holmes book. As soon as I've left, I want to come back. read more

This book store is in my neighborhood , a 2 block walk... I've been lucky enough to see many authors in an impromptu setting... Very comfortable place to be , like sitting in your front room... If your a book person , this is the place to be , many quality books , lot of mystery books , many local writers ... Looking forward to many years of enjoyment in my local bookstore... read more

Walked past this store while we were looking time and insurrection knew it was my kind of book shop. The welcoming atmosphere and cozy interior really made me feel at home while I was browsing. Would recommend this spot to anyone. read more

I would highly recommend this unique bookstore in Forest Park, the store has a great offering of both sleuth/mystery and history books. The owner August is very helpful and the place is decorated in the manner that reflects the books that are sold there. Forest Park has a great Main Street with great shops and lots of restaurants options. Make the the trip and support local business... read more

Quality curated selection and a great roster of in-store events. I couldn't ask for anything more!

A great book store with some interesting conversation piece's. I had fun browsing and speaking with the owner operator, I am looking forward to going back for A book he recommend. read more

This is a great bookstore!! The owner has great suggestions if you are looking for a mystery read. Very comfortable for browsing. Easy parking. I highly recommend! read more

What a wonderful experience! My son and I wandered into this bookstore the other day. We were immediately greeted by Augie, the owner. We browsed and chatted and received wonderful recommendations from him. We had a lovely time and conversation. I highly recommend shopping here! read more

I wandered in and was amazed at the great selection combined with super friendly service. I found a book I was planning on buying on amazon -- and it was cheaper! Thank you so much and I highly recommend this amazing bookstore. read more

History and mystery, what a great combination! I visited this shop twice during my week in Forest Park (and wished it were closer to home for me). The owner is a wealth of information if you have questions and let's you browse at your own pace if you don't. read more

A wonderful selection of mystery & history books at a variety of price points are great. What really sets Centuries & Sleuths apart is the reader's advisory and reading excitement of August as he helps you find just the right book for you. I'm excited to find lots of local authors as well as my favorite series there. read more

Always a great trip for my 10 year old son and I. Always gets his interest in something new. I will be forever grateful for the friendly service that peaked my son's interest in Sherlock Holmes! read more

Not really what I was expecting in this neighborhood... A book store?!? Not saying that people in this area don't read but because there are about 40 bars along this strip of Madison and all I've ever seen in this area are drunks. Then again this has always been at night. Centuries & Sleuths it's not just any book store, it's dedicated to nothing but biographies, histories, and mysteries. That's exactly what you'll find and maybe a few fictions tossed in here and there for good measure. The store book lady was polite and after asking me if I needed anything left me alone to peruse the selections. After my purchase she proceed to tell about the book discussion they have pretty regularly and then sent me off with a smile. Prices can be a little steep but how do you expect Though none of these are particular genres that I get into but I did walk away with an unlikely find (to which even the bookstore clerk was surprised they had it), it was Pride and Prejudice and Zombies in a comic book form. How cool is that!! I'd go back again, you never know what you'll find in some places. read more

Centuries & Sleuths Bookstore - Bookstores Near Me - Forest Park, Illinois

Why am I just finding out about Centuries and Sleuths now? This place is super-cool! Augie, the proprietor is way knowledgeable about books, skilled at hosting discussion groups and if that was not enough, Centuries and Slueths brings in great authors like Erik Larson and John Connelly for signings and discussion. The kids section is not large but it ihas a lot of unique stuff. There is the possibility that this place has just the title you are looking for that may just make the perfect gift for someone. And you never know, you may just find an author-signed copy sitting right on the shelf. Oh and, there are lots of hard bound books specially priced at $7.00 - $10.00 and bundles of paperbacks for $5.00. If you have not stopped here before, do so. It is a great neighborhood place. Lots of character and personality. read more

A fun and unique bookstore specializing in mystery and history books. This local business has book clubs and local authors, really nice to support these kinds of establishments read more

What an awesome book store! It felt like an English reading room - very cozy. The owner was extremely friendly and knowledgeable - very helpful. I love history and I love mysteries and this place was made for me. I could see myself relaxing and reading in this store all day long. I'm so so happy that I found it. Love this place! read more

I live in the neighborhood and absolutely love this book store. The owner is always willing to suggest something great and I love coming here for their history selection. read more

I've been going to this bookstore for 20 years. Great selection of books and lively discussion groups!

This is a wonderful niche book shop. Excellent curated collection of all things history, mystery, and detective. The owners are extremely helpful. Small specialized bookstores like this are a rare breed, and deserve our support! read more

I went into pick up some books and I got to MEET THE AUTHOR! I contacted Augie Aleksy, owner of Centuries & Sleuths to complete a mystery series that I was reading. Augie had a couple in stock and called the author for more. The author brought them in and I got to sit and talk with him about the series! This goes beyond just book selling. This was an experience! read more

I went in to this store for the first time ever and I absolutely fell in love with it. The layout is amazing and they have so many books from underrated authors! The man working behind the counter was so kind and so passionate about books. It was so refreshing to talk to someone who had so much passion for what his business was selling. 1000/10 recommend for any book lovers and just anyone who loves to explore Oak Park! read more

Centuries and Sleuths is my very favorite book store. It is fun to browse but If you need a recommendation for a good read Augie will steer you to the perfect book and/or author. I am so lucky that this store is in my neighborhood, but I definitely recommend going out of your way for a visit! read more