Discover why a self-proclaimed mystery-hater walked away impressed by Murder by the Book, Houston’s charming and thoughtfully curated mystery bookstore.
I didn’t really want to visit this bookstore. Murder and mysteries are not my genre. I have the least amount of mysteries of any bibliophile I know. I struggle with mysteries as they are either too hard, or too easy. Nothing ruins my sleep like a murder scene that’s too well done. Needless to say, a murder mystery bookstore has very little appeal to me.
Near the end of last year’s teaching, I had a chance to meet some of my upcoming students. They lit up at the sight of all my books, then groaned when I told them I don’t read mysteries. I decided that I needed to add to my middle school mystery genre so that I can help encourage reading to my students. A friend recommended this store, and so I planned a quick 30 minute stop to pop in and see if they could help me with my students.
First impressions
Murder by the Book has a lovely outside appearance, and the parking lot is great. I was able to snag a spot right at the front. Luckily I did, since four cars came up behind me for the remaining spots. While the parking area offers plenty of space, it fills up fast. If there is an event going on in Murder by the Book, the parking lot might be too small.
I was pleasantly surprised by the inside as well. It was beautiful and clean. There were a variety of personal touches like apothecary bottles and skulls at the top of the shelves, but it was surprisingly tasteful. I would have thought that the owner would have gone gory, but there was some beautiful art, lovely pictures, and some figurines. Around the store, there were murder mystery posters of famous movies. It was clean, well lit (not dark and dreary), well thought out, and interesting to wander through. Admittedly, it surprised me.
Bookseller
As I was not here to linger or pursue adding a significant amount to my personal collection, I went straight to the bookseller to ask for help. I admitted that I hated the genre but wanted books to help my students. The bookseller really understood me, and walked me back to the children’s area.
I found the bookseller to be well knowledgeable, efficient, and friendly. He didn’t try to strike up a long conversation about what I might like. Knowing I wasn’t his target audience, he introduced me to popular middle school series and described their premises. He was helpful in pointing out which ones sold well for the store, and which ones had series. Then he let me peruse the selection and stayed out of my way until I needed to pay. When I asked questions, he was readily available.
The bookseller was also very efficient and sweet with the other individuals coming in. With regulars, he swapped thoughts on books they’d just read and suggested what they should try next. Newcomers got just as much attention, with helpful guidance toward books they’d enjoy. The bookseller clearly knows this genre and the store like the back of their hand. I was impressed with the service.
Children’s Area
The picture book area was abysmal, but I didn’t really expect much in the way of picture books. The middle school section had two shelves that were sparsely populated. The high school section was also surprisingly small as I know the YA authors have started really hyping up the mysteries.
But let’s be honest, this is a niche store that caters to an adult market. If you are going here, you probably shouldn’t be surprised by the low inventory for these sections. I wouldn’t expect the picture book section to be expansive at a murder mystery store. However, after looking through the small selections, there were some great gems that are worth buying.
I stuck with the middle school section and read the back of each book available. Though I trusted the bookseller’s guidance, I still felt the need to review each book carefully before it landed on a classroom shelf. For some of the books, I also took the time to read the first few pages to see the writing style. There were also some staff picks listed, and I read through them. While there were not many staff picks in the middle school section, the quality of writing and explanation was worth the read.
After reading through, I felt like this store may not have offered quantity with their selections, but they most certainly offered quality. Having listened to the bookseller, I would also say that if you have a kid into mysteries, this would be the place to direct you to an appropriate novel for an interested reader.
Overall Impressions
After finishing up in the middle school sections, I did a quick walk around the store. I stayed over my allotted thirty minutes since the store was intriguing. Since this isn’t my genre, I couldn’t tell you if they only carried bestsellers or if they had gems in their store. What I can say is that they were well stocked, plenty of staff picks throughout the store (with the small exception of the children’s area), and it seemed like they had a good range within their niche. Certainly the store was hopping on a Thursday afternoon.
As I finished up at the store, I couldn’t help but fall in love with all the fantastic personal touches. No matter where I turned, there was visual interest. This store doesn’t come with a coffee shop, so they have to rely on their understanding of good mystery and murder books. Given the amount of people I saw come through, and the list of events, they seem to be doing well with sticking to their niche and making it as a business.
I also appreciated all the gifts for book lovers. There were some lovely wooden bookmarks that I wished I had picked up for myself, as well as an array of other items. The gifts weren’t gaudy or gory, so they would work for a universal booklover, not just someone in this niche. Honestly whoever is running the store has great taste in personal design and gifts.
Final Thoughts
I ended up purchasing eight novels for my students, one recommended novel for myself, and one impulse book buy at the counter. Sadly my impulse buy was a waste of time, but the recommendation from the bookseller might actually make me convert to the murder mystery scene. Frankly, if I lived in this area, I am sure that I would be a convert as this store gives excellent recommendations.
I may not live in Houston, but I have a feeling that I might be calling up or emailing the store for further purchases for my classroom. This store is exceptionally well done. Even though this genre rarely speaks to me, this bookstore managed to win me over. If you love murder mysteries, then this store is where you want to go. If you despise murder mysteries, this store might make you a convert. I encourage you to check it out regardless.
Location: 2342 Bissonnet St, Houston, TX 77005
Website: https://www.murderbooks.com/
