The Mysterious Bookshop, a renowned literary haven nestled behind a candy-striped awning in Tribeca, has been named the best indie bookstore in the U.S. by the 2025 USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards.
Founded in 1979 by Otto Penzler, a prominent figure in publishing and the mastermind behind The Mysterious Press, the store specializes in crime, noir, and detective fiction. It holds the title of the oldest bookstore in the U.S. focused solely on the mystery genre. Inside, visitors are greeted by towering shelves filled with everything from Agatha Christie’s timeless classics to collectible first editions of James Ellroy’s works. There is also a vast collection of Sherlockiana, appealing to both die-hard fans and casual readers alike.
The bookstore’s standout feature is its Bibliomystery series, a unique collection of novellas that intertwine books, bookstores, and collectors with thrilling tales of murder. Notable authors like Michael Connelly and Joyce Carol Oates have contributed to the series, and one of the stories even won an Edgar Award.
In this year’s rankings, The Mysterious Bookshop surpassed popular establishments such as Nashville’s Parnassus Books and Loudmouth Books in Indianapolis to secure the top spot. Another local favorite, Brooklyn’s romance-only bookstore The Ripped Bodice, rounded out the list at No. 10.
With its cozy atmosphere, rare book collections, and knowledgeable staff, The Mysterious Bookshop stands as a true shrine to the mystery genre, cementing its place at the pinnacle of independent bookstores. Whether a seasoned mystery reader or a newcomer intrigued by crime fiction, this is the ultimate destination for your next literary adventure.
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