Stopped by while in the area. The staff was very friendly and helpful. Doesn't have the widest selection but the available space is full of books. I was specifically looking for horror and they had a few but like the name implies they are heavier on the mysteries. Was still able to find a good picks that I'm excited to read on the plane. The notes on some of the books from the staff were endearing and insightful. read more

I'm an author with cerebral palsy. In February my seventh book was released. I asked Mystery To Me to have an author event, but the bookstore manager said, "We don't do author events anymore." However, the store has author events each Wednesday evening with Doug Moe. At the time I didn't question it but later I found out the opposite was true. Larry Watson, Valerie Biel, and Doug Moe wrote stunning reviews of the book. I'm a real author. Doug was willing to do an interview at the store but I was told no. I had a book signing at the Pinney Library with Doug Moe interviewing me with a reader. Local bookstores should support all local authors. I'm a profilic author who deserves to be recognized. read more

I love this small town local bookstore!! So cute and cozy the perfect ambiance for a cool winters day! On many of the books they have little post it notes with owner and librarian recommendations! I love to read these and and get a glimpse of the book... so cute!! Last time we went, my partner and I picked up a puzzle to complete during some cold rainy days! read more

Adorable little book store with a super helpful and friendly team. Lots of great options and highlight local authors.

Absolutely adorable book store! While their biggest selection of books were mysteries, they also had a healthy selection of other types. Very friendly staff, they chatted with my daughters about their selections and upcoming books. We will definitely visit again! read more

Great neighborhood book store specializing in mysteries. Although the book store could be a destination in and of itself, I love it even more for being a little gem you might wander across while enjoying the other businesses Monroe Street has to offer. I always end up adding too many books (is there such thing as too many books?) to my wish list on every visit. In addition to mysteries there's a small selection of cookbooks, journals, current non-mystery best sellers, and a darling children's section. Pro-tip: they'll order just about any book you could want, so if you're craving something outside of their usual fare, just ask! read more

Confined at home during the polar vortex and its -50 below wind chills, I determined Mystery To Me would be my first destination when Mother Nature finally moved on. I park on a side street one block away from Monroe Street and make my way to find the Ian Rankin (Scottish noir) and latest Tana French (Irish) just as I had hoped, envisioned. There is so much going on at Mystery To Me it makes me want to move into the neighborhood just to make it easier to be there every day and night for the book clubs, poetry readings, author talks and book signings. Or just to say hello to Joanne and her smiling, attentive staff. A few cozy armchairs and shelves arranged in sections library-like -- organized, neat -- satisfy and soothe the book lover. There is a children's book section as well. It's a place to stay in touch with the latest or longed-for book, and with the community. read more

Selections are great, definitely has a local bookstore feel. I have a distinct feeling if I were an older woman or a man (of any age) I would be giving this review 5 stars. I'm from the PNW and am a huge fan, supporter and lover of Powells Bookstore. I'm used to the literary passion the shop workers have there. The non judgemental openness of sharing knowledge and suggestions. I was treated as an annoyance; a transaction. I have purchased two books here and will be back, strictly due to my love of local bookstores. However, I know what to expect now and I accept it. read more

The bookstore was literally a dream coming to life, they had amazing books, it was clean and the lady that helped me (I do believe her name was Hannah) was so awesome and sweet, 10/10 would recommend!! Everything about it was wonderful! I had such an phenomenal experience I cannot wait to go back!! read more

Mystery To Me - They had the coolest little stuffed characters and I had to refrain from buying them all! - Bookstores Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

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I love how there is a bookstore close by to where I live! I'm an avid reader, and I'm always looking for a new book to read. Besides mystery books, Mystery To Me has a wonderful sections of poetry, history, and classic books all in hard cover and paperback. They have really great selections of New York BestSellers as well! In addition to books, they have Moleskin notebooks in many different colors! The staff at Mystery To Me are extremely friendly, and they are really willing to help with any questions a customer may have! They always greet people with a nice smile, and a hello. Finally, it is a cute little store that will make you feel like you are at home. Everything about this store is quaint, and I wish I started coming here sooner than just recently. They have every style of books, and the staff is always eager to help. read more

We stumbled upon this amazing little bookstore when we went to Bloom Bake Shop. My daughter was especially interested because she saw a book from her favorite series and wanted to check it out. We enter and were greeted by a kind lady who helped my daughter with her book. It has a great selection for everyone. Kids, adults, etc. New books, classics, and even lovely coffee table books. I could have stayed all day. Would love to come again read more

We were in town for a family baby shower/visit/therapeutic Madison fix (I love this place) and stopped by to check on the odd chance that a specific children's book may possibly be available in some way, as it was part of a planned gift. We had searched and searched with no results in other places. The woman at Mystery to Me was great: she sourced the book through a vendor of used items, expedited the order, and thoughtfully prolinted out a photo of the book's cover so that my sister could present the "en route" item to my daughter..., We found some mystery books we had wanted and chatted about how much people like the new JK Rowling mystery book which was published under a pseudonym. The shop is beautiful with many great items to choose from. We received recommendations and ideas about books to read in the future. I enjoyed discovering one more Madison happy place on Monroe!! read more

Mystery To Me is one of my favorite bookstores. The book selection is great and everyone is always so friendly and welcoming. I always leave with more books than I meant to buy! read more

Say goodbye to big box impersonal bookstores and hello to an enjoyable unique experience! Great selection and if they don't have it they'll try and find it for you. Plus, they have an interesting selection of monthly events. A definite place to stop after my Trader Joe's run across the street and before hitting the local coffee shop for a relaxing read with a cardamom latte. read more

This is a wonderful little bookshop. They honestly don't make ones like this place anymore. I heard about this place through the grapevine and, when I was in Trader Joe's, I decided to stop in. I browsed for a while and Joanne, the owner, was extremely wonderful and asked if I needed help with anything. I definitely will be back here...I could get lost for hours!!! read more

Stopped in to sell Girl Scout cookies and ended up staying for 6 authors as they did a book slam. My girls (6 and 8) were totally enthralled (as was I). The setting is warm, intimate and inviting. Of course my daughter wanted to buy every book in the place!!! read more

Great, fun little bookstore! Nothing like this in San Diego. The staff was super helpful and the books on display were interesting and good draws. read more

On a recent trip to visit family in Wisconsin I made a point of making an inaugural visit to the bookstore. It was a rainy Thursday afternoon and I couldn't have found a better place to spend a couple of hours. The solo store clerk greeted us warmly, went about her business but was attentive in an unobtrusive way making a couple of recommendations as I browsed ... Both of which were spot on. I was especially impressed by the informal system of 'sticky note commentaries' ... Concise (3x3" sticky notes) handwritten synopses, commentaries and advice as to who might like a particular book or series. I found it an informative and effective way to discover new-to-me authors to explore. Every book I purchased was selected based in those sticky notes ... And every one was a winner! If you love books and you love and want to support independent booksellers, I highly recommend visiting this store. (I travel all the way from Florida and plan to make it a regular stop on my twice-a-year trips.) read more

Wonderful bookstore. Very friendly, knowledgeable staff. Excellent selection of mysteries and best seller modern fiction. Also has young reader section. read more

Shop local, read global. This is a sweet little bookstore (specializing in the mystery genre). Friendly, cozy, inviting. Small but very nicely curated kid's section. Staff readily offers opinions/advice/guidance -- without pushing for sales. They made some excellent recommendations for a gift my brother-in-law, who discovered a number of "new-to-him" Scandinavian mystery writers for his birthday present. Stop in after shopping/errands on Monroe Street. Better yet, get some books, then head over to Bloom, Barriques, Crescendo or the Cat Cafe -- or Colectivo down the street -- to enjoy a bit of Madison at its best. read more

I have always found local book store are the best. The people are always friendly but what I really like is that they also have the same love of books you have. You don't find that in chain stores or on the internet where they are only interested in their sales volume. Here they learn what you like and can make excellent suggestions from their own personal experience. I like a good murder mystery when traveling by air and in airports. The name says everything. They love a good mystery. read more

I love this store! Great job, wide selection, very knowledgeable and helpful staff. I'll be going back there again soon!