Mysterious Book Shop — Local services in New York

This bookshop is truly a one-of-a-kind gem. And for two large reasons: (1) it contains a significant collection of rare books, as well as a large selection, all while providing the sort of small-intimate bookstore you dream of visiting. (2) I had the pleasure of meeting the manager, Thomas Wickersham. He was knowledgeable, friendly, kind & encouraged even us "small time/beginning authors" to consider coming in for our own book signing (there are stipulations involved, but if you want the "experience" it would be well worth it).

On this particular night, after attending the midtown INTERNATIONAL THRILLER WRITERS conference, I faced the pouring rain, sweltering humidity, and crowded subways (bc a cab would take 3 times the time and 10 times the fare), to attend a very special event.

I had the unique opportunity to hear Adrian McKinty talk with author legend Don Winslow about Adrian's new book THE CHAIN. They were both engaging, funny, insightful, inspiring and all-around entertaining. The vibe was sweet (minus one drunk in the audience who loudly whispered 80% of the time), and the questions were thoughtful.

All in all, it was a truly delightful experience. Thanks Adrian, Don and thanks, Thomas. I'll be sure to visit again the next time...

I do feel like a horrible person for not giving 5 stars for an independent bookstore. So just as a disclaimer, I’ve spent money here to express my support and justify my expression of disgruntlement 🙏 The attitude of this bookshop’s staff has been so consistently bad. I’ve paid 3 visits in the past 3 years - quite strictly once a year - to this small, nominally quirky spot, and every single time however much I smile and behave nicely, the staff appear annoyed, irritated, and generally unhappy. The amount of frowning, subtle eye-rolling, and blatant, inexplicable passive aggression makes me question a lot of things. The pricing of books, of course, is high. The selection also isn’t great, if I’m being honest. Lots of very old books in not superb conditions, rows of reprints of detective books from the past century that rank a lonely 2.9 out of 5 on goodreads. Niche, sure, but that doesn’t justify the unhappiness. I’ve lost my appreciation and won’t return to this...

After much travel and anticipation, I got to the Mysterious bookstore and made my selection of books only to be told by an employee of the bookstore that they are “closed” for a private event. They also kicked out another couple. There were people mingling but since the doors to the bookstore were (literally) wide open to the public I thought all was well. She then proceeded to mention that her colleague does not know operate the cash register..The bookshop is closed Sundays and you would think they would be open the following day on a major holidav (Labor Day), but they were “closed.” A huge disappointment coming from out of state. I love to support local bookshops but their business model and customer service is lacking. Or maybe the private event paid enough to close down the store to out of town bookworms? Either way, it reminds me why I stick to chain bookstores for the consistency and having confidence in the competence of the staff to operate a...