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    Murder by the Book

    4.2 (86 reviews)
    ModerateBookstores
    Open 10:00 am - 6:00 pm

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    Evelyn L.

    If you're a fan of murder mysteries, this bookstore is a dream come true. From the moment I walked in, I could feel the atmosphere buzzing with suspense and curiosity--themed decor, shelves stacked with thrillers, and a staff that clearly lives and breathes the genre. Everyone was incredibly kind and genuinely passionate about helping customers find a good read. Theres literally something here for every mystery lover. Highly recommend stopping by.

    Thomas S.

    A local bookstore that focuses on crime, mystery, and thriller books. The interior is clean and spacious with a old school bookstore vibe. Books are nicely sectioned for easy found. There is a section for Texas writers and a section for foreign writers and so on. The sole employee was very friendly and helpful. The bookstore is located in a small strip shopping center with very limited parking.

    Interior
    C B.

    I visited this bookstore for a Walter Mosley book signing for his new 2024 book- Farewell Amethystine. A copy of the book was required to get a line number. It's easy to locate the bookstore from the street. There is a small one row parking lot in front of the building....first come first serve. Otherwise, you must locate parking on the side streets. Thankfully, no parking meters were located on the street I parked on and in safe surroundings. Upon entry, the checkout desk is to your right of the aisle in the medium sized bookstore. The friendly staff greet visitors upon entry, in the cozy and comfortably sectioned bookstore. One side of the bookstore is designated for events with ample seating for at least 30. And a small one person restroom is in the rear.

    Elizabeth A. H.

    Independent book store that focuses on mystery books. Pleasant and helpful staff. Support this gem of a book store!

    The Night of the Storm - autographed copies!
    Allison L.

    I have driven by Murder by the Book countless times and finally stopped in to pick up a few books from local authors! Welcomed in and the store associate helped me find two books that I am sure I will enjoy! Check them out online for their events and to read about the authors. They have author signing events and panels.

    Jimmie B.

    This place is more than a simple store: it is the ultimate destination for crime-fiction buffs! Staff recommendations couldn' t be more accurate, and the carefully selected stock is incomparable (I went home with a signed copy of a Tana French novel!). A Walter Mosley event Q&A felt like catching up with old friends. Cozy, chaotic, and just magical. My shelves appreciate me dearly, my bank account not so much.

    Melissa C.

    Sally and Brenda are soo knowledgeable about the books and authors, they read A LOT. Sally said 3 books a week!! This store has a long history of famous authors in the shop; with special events often. Several places to sit and relax. Opened in 1980 it stocks new/used paperbacks, first editions, mystery magazines, etc Spent $155 in 15 minutes! Photos included. The "killers of a certain age" was left at the shop because the author is coming there for a signing that my friend can't make (we live in Galveston Co) so Sally/Brenda will get it signed for her to pick on another day. LOVE it!

    MBTB hosted an evening with the Alley Theater's Todd Waite, who plays Sherlock in Baskerville.

    Easily the best bookstore in town. They have great gifts for the mystery lover in your life too. The staff are all book lovers and make stellar recommendations and they put on the best events. Shop local and support independent businesses- and murder by the book is a great place to start

    Jennifer G.

    A bit pricey and seemingly wary of new people to the store. One cashier stalked us through the book store as if we were about to steal something. If you like mystery novels however, this is a good place to geek out, and support local.

    Front exterior
    Josh S.

    Great little independent bookstore. They focus on crime, mystery, and espionage titles with author appearances and signings a pretty regular thing judging by the event calendar and author pictures everywhere. Books are organized by region of the world where the story takes place (UK, US, and elsewhere) rather than by title or author. The staff were very friendly, and I found the spot overall to be quite charming with a wonderful layout and decor. I'm more of a nonfiction reader, but still ended up buying a children's book about a mystery at the Houston Astros' stadium, Minute Maid Park (As a good Houstonian and Astros fan should). I do like to support independent bookstores, and this one definitely warrants it with the quality of its selections and operations. When I'm in the market for a crime novel, this will be my first stop.

    Great series
    Christine L.

    Love this place, rustic and charming, great selection of books, now puzzles, and gifts for book lovers. If they don't have what you want in stock, they will order for you. Their staff are super helpful with book selections. It's great to be able to feel the book to decide if it's the right one for you. They still have autographed books also. I love to support local business!! Highly recommended!

    Sheri H.

    The owner's mother was less than cordial and I decided to buy the Kindle version of a book instead of the print edition. Full disclosures: I did buy 2 books and my daughter also bought two for me as a gift. Lesson to be learned for bookstore owners: if a customer shares they had read hundreds of books, don't discount them, but ask what they had read and show them around the store. The store was light, bright and welcoming, but she wasn't. I had my iPad with me and could have shown her my Kindle library. And when I mentioned prior series, the other woman had never heard of it. Hadn't heard of Lawrence Block's Burglar series?! Seriously. Excuse the rant.

    Rich V.

    Since the early 90's this little bookstore has been my goto for mysteries and thrillers. Once upon a time, David Thompson ran the place. He knew every customer and read and knew every book on their shelves - no lie. He knew the authors, the publishers, the entire business like the back of his hand. His legacy remains on the shelves in the form of index cards with hand written descriptions of some of his favorite books. His wife McKenna has carried on the vibe of this tiny store. If you are a book lover, or just want to see why independent book stores must remain a part of society, check this groovy dive of a bookstore out. I absolutely love visiting this place. Oh yeah, check out their website for a schedule of visiting authors. Those events are super fun.

    Store front

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    McKenna J.

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    6 years ago

    I wish you guys were in Katy but I love your bookstore so much. I am a true crime & thriller reader! So YES! I'm in love with your store.

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    Page 1 of 3

    Ask the Community - Murder by the Book

    Review Highlights - Murder by the Book

    Can't really comment on mystery, as it's not my normal genre, but they appeared to have a sizable inventory.

    Mentioned in 26 reviews

    Read more highlights

    Kindred Stories - Back of that card + price

    Kindred Stories

    4.6(37 reviews)
    3.0 miThird Ward

    Love this bookstore. I enjoy the feeling of walking through and seeing the various titles, authors,…read moreand feeling the various bookcovers bring through the feeling of mood and design. One day I hope to buy a select book there in edition to reading gifts that make a personal connection with others that could, should, or might read. Writing expressions, Kim A. Hatton (Correct on computer)

    I stopped by Kindred Stories to kill a little time, do some reading, and get a little work done and…read moreended up staying longer than I planned. It was pretty busy when I walked in, but it felt good in there. Not chaotic, just full of life. You had couples talking, kids enjoying books, families hanging out, and people like me sitting with a laptop just minding our business. Now let me say this...Kindred can do no wrong in my book. When I realized they were playing the entire What's the 411? album, I had a whole moment. Like oh yes, y'all knew exactly what you were doing with that. The atmosphere just pulls you in. The music, the conversations, the energy. It makes you want to stay a while. What I really appreciated was how diverse and comfortable the space felt. It felt welcoming without trying too hard. I came in just to pass time, but I left feeling recharged. And that says everything. This is not just a bookstore. It is a place you go when you need to sit down, breathe, and get yourself together for a minute. Yeah... I will absolutely be back.

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    Lots of Options

    Kindred Stories
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    Murder by the Book - bookstores - Updated May 2026

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