This was my third stop on the Indie Bookstore Passport tour. This store is such a delight, as all of the books are exclusively part of the mystery/thriller/crime genre, which is my favorite to read! I've been here before, but this was the first time I checked out the annex portion of the store, which houses used books. If you are seeking a mystery book, this is the place to go as they've got it all. The prices of the used books were higher than I would have expected (nearly $14 for a used hardcover), but the selection makes it worth it. I liked the cute seating area in the annex a lot it looked very comfy. There is street parking near the store, but it's on a very busy street. That busy street made it feel like I was part of the video game Frogger trying to get back into traffic after parking! read more

Once Upon A Crime - Bookstores Near Me - Minneapolis, Minnesota

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Great spot for a Mystery fan. Love love love this store. I've always walked past and seen the sign and decided to stop in today. It's an unassuming looking store from the outside but once inside. You can tell they have a solid selection. It was filled top to bottom with shelves. They also take Apple Pay which is nice! There's another room called the Annex. You can ask to see. They will take you through a door down a hallways and into the room. Here you can find first editions of mystery books. Or even books written as far back as the 40s! Solid store. Decent prices! They also gave a book club which meets on certain days. Check it out read more

Once Upon A Crime - Bookstores Near Me - Minneapolis, Minnesota

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A one stop shop for your mystery needs! Staff are always friendly and have great recommendations. I love the shelf of "first in a series" books to find the next great cozy mystery series! Prices are comparable (or better than) big box stores and they have the newest releases as well as a shelf with used books! read more

Love love love this little bookstore. The location is just perfect. I was lucky enough to attend this spot as one of my favorite authors was there for a book signing and Q&A. It was a bit small and crowded but it was nice cause it very that much more personal. read more

Once Upon A Crime - Myself and Lucinda Berry - Bookstores Near Me - Minneapolis, Minnesota

Once Upon a Crime is probably one of the best and friendliest bookstores I've ever been in. If you can't find what you're looking for they will help you regardless of how busy they are. I love that they support local authors, and their community. You won't go wrong coming in to browse! read more

For people who love mysteries this seems to be perfect place. Unbelievable how many Minnesota authors have books here in that genre. Definitely check it out. read more

THE bookstore for crime fiction lovers! This small space has so many crime fiction books that any crime, murder mystery, and thriller lover will have a wonderful time. Everything is organized in an easy-to-understand way so you can go straight to what you are looking for, ranging from New Mysteries, Cozy Mysteries, Scandinavian Mysteries, and so much more! The new books are priced similarly to other bookstores, but the shopkeeper was much more helpful when it came to recommendations, adding to the value! *Tip: Ask to see the annex. read more

Once Upon A Crime - Bookstores Near Me - Minneapolis, Minnesota

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I have only ordered books online through them, but the have always have been very prompt on sending them out. The last 2 books I ordered they went way above and beyond!! The author was in for a signing event and they had him sign my book, and the other book had a special "signed edition" that I forgot to order, but they sent it anyway!! Always shop local book store!! read more

I'm impressed every time I've visited this store. They have something new for me to try reading, a new author I've not tried but am sure to like. So many books in such a small space. Note they do have a few parking spots on the side of the building. Stairs to get in and it's in the basement. Only wish there was a place to sit and test out a few books... but other wise perfect. Salsas lady was helpful with suggestions. read more

This is such a cute little store just half a mile away from Eat Street. My mom convinced me to stop by after our lunch. She had been to the store previously for a book signing and absolutely LOVES crime books. In the world of COVID, they usually only take walk-ins by appointment but we were lucky and there was no one in when we arrived so we put our masks on and walked around. The building is pretty small but PACKED with books. I mean, totally packed. I absolutely loved the feel of it. So, if crime novels are your thing this is absolutely the place for you. The employee knew every question my mom threw at her (about novels and book series) and we purchased quite a few. Will gladly go back and I am happy to support them. read more

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Mystery lover's paradise. This bookshop is absolutely full of all the thrills and chills you could want. They also have an annex which is full of vintage and collectible mystery novels that you'll find down a long hallway that could be the setting of any number of horror/suspense novels which seems only appropriate for a mystery laden store. I like Uncle Edgar's, but OUaC isn't as overwhelming. Staff was friendly. I would definitely come back. read more

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I'm a mystery buff. Grew up with Sherlock Holmes, Agatha Christie and Nancy Drew. I've graduated to Henning Menkel and Donna Leon and have fond memories of the Prey series among others. Simply put, I love myself a good crime story. For that reason, I can't believe it took me so long to go here as this is a mystery readers dream store. There are sooooo many books out there to choose from that I never knew about that my head is spinning. I need more hours in the day. The best part is that if you pop in during the day you can pick up a novel and head to Bulldog or even CC club and grab a drink and delve into your new adventure. It's a great independent bookstore, so support it!! And if they don't have what you need, they'll get it for you. read more

Once Upon A Crime - Bookstores Near Me - Minneapolis, Minnesota

With the passing of Borders and the like, there are fewer and fewer book stores. But right when you think Amazon.com will take over the book distribution world...you find a little nugget like Once Upon A Crime. What a neat store...totally devoted to the crime genre this little book store in a sub-basement off the beaten path offers a surprisingly wide variety of authors. We got lost the first time we looked for it...going to 26 East instead of 26 West, but once we got straightened out we found it easily. It is located in a nice residential neighborhood a few blocks off Hennepin - the major drag through Minneapolis. It is but a 10 minute drive from downtown to the Lowry Hill district. All in all, this place is worth the drive and well worth finding. They feature mostly new but also some used books...all focused in the crime genre. Just about all of the major authors are represented as well as a nice selection of local authors and self-published items. One of the employees that helped us (Jessie) was an author herself and was very helpful and knowledgeable. She knew her stuff and knew her crime inventory. Crowded but clean the book store is spread over two large rooms. The used inventory they do have is in very nice shape...you won't find junky used books...but you will find some rare stuff. I was able to snag a signed first edition of an author from 2008 at a reasonable price. They have authors speaking and signing books just about every month for those that are interested. If crime is your thing, make your way down to this place and you won't be sorry. read more

Just loaded up for my summer reading 2 weeks ago and have already read 3 of my 9 books! This place finds the best mystery, suspense books. Love browsing and then reading on the beach. read more

I got in one of my obsessive moods yesterday, thinking about a book I've been hunting down for a few months now. This was the second place I called, and was told they didn't have it. 5 minutes later I got a call back saying he found the book in another area. Note I left no information with him. He was also willing to hold the book for a week. I never managed to get over to this bookstore, only to find out it's right around the corner to French Meadow on Lyndale and 26th. Yeah, we all know where I went afterwords, I looked up and there it was. This store is different than any other I've been to, and that's a lot. It's mostly hardcover, I'm not quite ready to commit to that. Extremely rare books in locked rooms. The store is so clean and organized, almost groomed. The group Sisters in Crime meets here monthly, as do many other local authors. It's so great to talk to owners like this. A very different used book store (they also carry new paperbacks). I look forward to more trips here. read more

The Most Influential Bookstore in America. So for years we have been going to OUAC. Pre-kids and now our kids are devotee's. One story, one thought::: Story first. Once there was an author who is popular with Tween Girls. The author was doing a book signing at 1-3 at OUAC. Our daughter was a big fan at 12 years of age. We live 30+ miles away. We had planned in coming in town later for dinner and a stroll. Well our daughter had a full dance rehearsal to attend and couldn't make it to the book signing in time. We did however place a call to OUAC and requested a signed copy be reserved for us. We asked 'how late will you be open? ' 4 PM was the answer. We said, we would swing by about quarter to 4 or a little earlier. The owner of the book store asked 'what is your daughter's name? So author can personalize the signature'. Name given, then hang up the phone. Hours later we swing by at about quarter to 4. On our way to dinner and such. You could have knocked me over with a feather. Not only was the book personally signed, but the owner convinced the author to hang around a little longer. When we entered, the author greeted our daughter by first and last name. And conversed with us till after closing time. Top that big store chain or online books! Thought 2nd. Part of these yelp reviews will ask 'Good place for a date or romantic?' Answer yes! During your early days of a dating relationship, one should take date to this store and observe their reactions. If they say 'I don't read books' or I only do digital...... Make it your last date with them. They are not worth it. read more

What a great independent bookstore. Store owner was very helpful with recommendations for new series, based on my genre tastes. There is a special section that highlights local authors. I don't consider myself a huge mystery fan, yet there were plenty of titles that caught my interest. They host quite a few book signings with authors, local and nationally owned. The shop is going through an ownership transition, I hope Once Upon a Crime is serving up mysteries for readers years to come. read more

Bizarrely, Minneapolis has few bookstores. Once Upon a Time is a little jewel with a very clear mission: mystery novels. We shopped in the small Young Adult section and discovered a Minnesota writer. Staff was very nice. read more

I've only started visiting Once Upon A Crime within the past six months, but this bookstore is my go-to on a rainy day when I need to just sit on the couch and unwind with a great story. I have never come into Once Upon A Crime with a book in mind, but I always come in with an idea of what kind of book I want. I'm serious- tell the woman at the desk what you're interested in reading plot-wise/tonally, and she will give you an amazing recommendation. Every book I've brought home from there I've enjoyed immensely. I've even stopped [seriously] browsing after a recommendation has been made. Additionally, the shopkeeper tends to keep her space and not hover as you take a look around. You can tell that these people have read almost every mystery book under the sun and are great at stocking their shelves. Don't just come for the dark depressing mysteries- Once Upon A Crime has fabulous lighter options as well. It's never crowded (when I've visited) and the space is so welcoming. Bonus: dogs are allowed in! Seriously, take a peek. read more

What a wonderful discovery in Minneapolis. Excellent selection of mysteries, knowledgable staff - more American cities need stores like this one! read more

I stopped into this book store while I was staying with relatives in the neighborhood. It is a real local gem. The friendly woman behind the counter is extremely knowledgeable and clearly passionate about mystery books. The selection of mystery/crime books is far bigger than you'd find in a bigger but more generic book store. read more

I highly recommend this bookstore to everyone that loves crime. I live in Australia and had been searching for a copy of John Connolly's The Reflecting Eye, when I happened to come across this store in my various online searches. I contacted Devin (the manager) and she confirmed the store had a copy and has arranged for the book to be sent to me here in Australia. She has been an absolute delight to deal with, and nothing was too much trouble for her. I will definitely be buying from them again. read more