One of the absolute best independent bookstores I've ever been to!! Superb recommendations and attention to detail have always been received from staff. My wife and I had an uber, all-time great experience at the Michael Connelly signing last night, Nov 8 2022. Highly professional and inquisitive questions from the staff for Michael as well as great questions from fans in the audience. Met some great people and had some awesome conversations. Hats off to the staff!! I had a book signed for a 2nd time that my sister, who has since passed, had done for me 20 years ago in this very store while I was away in the Navy, knowing I loved reading Michael's books. The staff allowed me to pass my story to Michael and he even signed the photo my sister took back them. It made for a very memorable experience. This is without a doubt, your murder/mystery bookstore of choice!!! Highly recommended!! Support your local bookstore!!

Great little independent bookstore. They focus on crime, mystery, and espionage titles with author appearances and signings a pretty regular thing judging by the event calendar and author pictures everywhere. Books are organized by region of the world where the story takes place (UK, US, and elsewhere) rather than by title or author. The staff were very friendly, and I found the spot overall to be quite charming with a wonderful layout and decor. I'm more of a nonfiction reader, but still ended up buying a children's book about a mystery at the Houston Astros' stadium, Minute Maid Park (As a good Houstonian and Astros fan should). I do like to support independent bookstores, and this one definitely warrants it with the quality of its selections and operations. When I'm in the market for a crime novel, this will be my first stop.

Amazing selection of murder related book grouped by location/theme. The YA section was a treasure trove and saved me, both books got a "looks ok" from my teen. That high praise! Staff is helpful, adorable and sweet The book signing was well organized with plentiful seating. (Looked like 60-ish chairs) folks arriving "on time" had to stand but could still see the author, hear the reading and participate in the Q&A. PPRe purchased books were assigned numbers so we just chatted while waiting our turn. It was really fun to meet super fans and regulars. Assigned parking is modest, but there is street parking in the neighborhood. Less than a 1/4 mile walk on level streets. There lots of restaurants and shops in the neighborhood. Shop local, support a bookstore, and enjoy!

Lady with short white hair wearing a mask made me feel very uncomfortable quite frankly she was rude. We showed up 15 minutes to close got the evil eye as soon as I walked in the door and then was told I needed to choose a book because they close their registers 10 minutes before. I said maybe you should change your hours then. I would have spent money there but was so upset at the attitude I chose not to. This is a cute place and the young gentleman who works there is wonderful she is horrid. There are too many places to go to buy books and you should never rush a customer we had time. Thing that makes me so mad is we live in Fulshear and made a point to drive in to go specifically there and to do dinner and it was a bust for me.

This is a specialty local independent book store with staff that knows the product. They've helped me find gifts for my mom and dad that surprised and delighted them based on what I know of what my parents like to read. So far they've beaten the Amazon algorithms by a lot. They've got author signings that are fun to attend and a great way to get your book signed. Believe it or not they've also got a decent YA section (with a mystery and espionage focus of course). And they've got a decent amount of Rick Riordan's Percy Jackson books. Finally, it's my favorite place to take friends when they come to town. So far I've made 2 out of 3 converts... Update 11/18/23: still my favorite local bookstore. Also, jigsaw puzzles.

If you are a murder mystery fan you should make a trip here because they have all sorts of mystery and crime novels, true crime books. They even have used books and bargain books for$1. All the books are organized into sub-categories which helps to find your favorite type, and the staff are voracious readers and put post-its on the books telling you their personal favorites. It's a one of a kind mom and pop style store...the kind that have almost completely vanished thanks to the big dealers and Amazon. It's worth paying a little more to have this kind of fun place to go and just grab a book on a whim.

You know that feeling you get when you go in a place and you're the only "minority" there and you see the white customers getting the best customer service with a smile and friendly walk around the store bc it wasn't busy and then when you are there the workers barely acknowledge you not one smile and when you leave not one goodbye even though you were literally at that point the only person in the store and BOTH workers were at the counter doing nothing. So yeah this is a WHITES ONLY place which sucks because there are mystery lovers of all shades. I will just leave my business to Amazon.

One of the best bookstores imaginable. They truly know their stuff here. Every time my mom visits they have a huge stack of books waiting based on her likes and dislikes. They also have various parefenalia relating to the theme of the store, like murder mystery games, book themed candles, and wonderfully painted matchboxes that look like the covers of classic mysteries. Besides mysteries the store also has some sci-fi and fantasy. They carry new works and classics. It would be impossible not to recommend this store, with its quirky facade of a book shaped roof and its marvelous selection.

Okay, I've only physically visited the bookstore once and was blown away by the knowledgeable staff and the breadth of their mystery book stock. However, I've been buying books from them via email for over 10 years. I live in California and any time I see something of interest in their wonderful newsletter, I email them. I always get a response back and the item is sent immediately after ordering (or after signing) usually having a protective cover over the dust jacket. If it weren't for the weather here, I'd move to Houston just for this bookstore.

Great little independent mystery bookstore. The owner is friendly and knows her subject. There is an extremely wide variety of mysteries. My brother and son were with me. They like contemporary mysteries and found a wide selection. I tend to like older noir novels and was found a large selection for that. My wife like's cozy mysteries, especially cozy English mysteries, and there was plenty of that. It's a very enjoyable place. I would recommend it to anyone with an interest in mysteries.

I love THIS cozy little place more than any bookstore i have ever visited. The staff knows their stuff. If they don't have the book you want, they will order it, or perhaps send you a block down the street to another cozy place that has your book in stock! Author's respect this place because they got a part or all of their start here. You will never see the array of famous people MBTB has at their signings in any Barnes & Noble! Support independent bookstores!

If you wanna be insulted by an old crabby lady petting her dog, you’ve come to the right place. All I wanted to do was buy a book. Because I touched her precious knick-knacks on top of the book shelf, she scorned me like a 5 year-old. The place is cluttered with junk that’s not for sale. No where does it say, do not touch or not for sale. Thank god I did yoga just minutes earlier. I miss Half Price Books.

I have been to this location multiple times and this time was by far the roughest. Had my baby with me to see one of my favorite authors and get a book signed. We stepped outside because she was getting fussy and the woman behind the counter was very rude about it. She came and told us to go to the front of the line so we can go home. She in no way made me feel wanted in the store.

One of the best bookstores I've ever patronized. Just outstanding. Every member of the staff has an astounding knowledge of their inventory, along with knowledge of authors and even plots of certain books. A great selection of used books and new. My wife and I stop here every time we're in Houston. Be prepared to be overwhelmed by how bookselling should be.

Whenever I visit Houston, I try to swing by Murder By The Book. It has a great personality and feels so much nicer than the generic, corporate bookstores. The staff really knows they stuff and can find you something great to read in no time flat. And let's not forget the frequent signings from all kinds of authors. Do yourself a favor and stop by today!

This place is awesome! I was just visiting Houston and stumbled upon this place when looking for cool shops to check out. I am so glad I went! They had an amazing selection and hand-written reviews by the staff. I ended up getting The Final Girl, by Riley Sager, based on the staff picks wall. It was a great read! I finished it in 24 hours!

Stopped by to browse because intrigued by the name of the store. There was an appealing selection of titles. There happened to be the end of a performance of live music for the holidays when walked in so that was a nice surprise and it's neat they have special events. Parking could be hard but was able to find a spot in front of the store.

The bookstore is awesome. It is well organized and clean. The staff is friendly and can make helpful suggestions and recommendations for new book ideas and/or variety. The frequent book signings are awesome and insightful. This is a must see bookstore. Highly recommend visiting the store and attending a book signing if you get a chance.

Mystery magic. As cozy and diverse of thrillers as you can imagine, Sherlock and Poirot would be proud. A culture clash of whodunnits and murder novels from all over, with great memorabilia too. Robert Crais on the last image, one of the best to do it in today's market. Another trip worth the drive (40 minutes) but it's so good.

What can I say - this has been my favorite place since I lived near Houston in the 1990s. It's a must stop every time I'm in the area. Everyone has a great knowledge of books and they never fail to recommend yet another good author. Check out their event list as they always bring quality authors in for talks and book signings.

Came for a signing by Brandon Sanderson. The staff was nice and helpful and the signing went well even though 200 people is a bit much for a store this small they made it work. If coming for a signing my suggestion is buy your book early from them to get a good number and get to the signing early if a seat is important to you.

I love the store but am allergic to dogs so I can't stay there more than 15 minutes. This became apparent when I attended a book signing event -- after I paid for a book in anticipation of having the author sign it. I would love to support the store (buy books) but I can't justify it when I can't breathe inside.

Reasonably good selection although they didn't have the book I was looking for (offered to order it but I was leaving town). They did make alternative suggestions and I bought them both. One was OK, the other quite depressing. I'm not sure the person assisting me understood what I was looking for. Would go back.

Every avid reader should, at sometime in their lives, have a relationship with a book store like Murder By The Book. Mine was many years ago, in my youth. I can still recognize it in the owner, staff and the ambiance of this gem. A culture entire in a few hundred square feet. All joy to the readers.

Was very excited to visit this stunning bookstore with all my favorite authors and their tales of mystery!! loved being surrounded by all the fun references to the genre that lined the top shelves and the tags near the books with a quick nugget of info about the book was exceptionally helpful.

Came for both the Sanderson and Harkness book signings and am consistently impressed - Murder By The Book has passionate ownership, great orginzation, wonderful staff, and a fabulous selection of books while you're waiting. We're a ways away, but will definitely be back.

One of the few remaining independent booksellers that I know of in Houston. If you love mysteries this is the place to be. Selections from all over the world and every subgenre you could hope for. Friendly staff is happy to help or leave you alone to browse the day away!

Fun little bookstore that specializes in mysteries. Well organized by authors' nationality and alphabetized. All the books are brand new and they have excellent editions. There are no used books. I add that caveat in case that is what you are looking for.

I love the coziness of this store. The staff is always helpful and makes great suggestions. Attended an event at the store to hear about favorite books of the staff. Enjoyed hearing about the books and walked away with several books I'm excited to read!

Always a place I try to come to at least twice a year. I'm an avid reader, but $20 for a paperback really hurts my wallet. However, this is a small business I want to help keep around, so I do my best to budget for it. Come by even if just to browse.

IT is exactly how a book store should be. It’s giving you that feeling of a special place, of intimacy, mystery, uniqueness and comfort . It’s something that only the world of books possesses and can give, in a book store stronger than in a library.

An example of what bookstores were about. Just saw 1 employee but he was knowledgeable, cordial & ready to listen & respond to my questions. Store specializes in mysteries & suspense books. Has a steady stream of authors doing book talks there.

My wife has long been an avid reader of this genre and has come here for book signings. This day, she sought first in a series from two different writers and found only one of them. In the end, she bought four paperbacks for a vacation reading.

Very cozy and comfortable little independent book store, with user-friendly displays of all the current and recent novels. Not just murder mysteries, either! Located in the best part of Bissonnet, too, just west of Greenbrier. Check them out!

If im ever in the area, I always find time to stop. This is my favorite bookstore in all of Houston. The staff is courteous, helpful, and SO MUCH FUN. The author signings that they host are well coordinated and are not-to-be-missed events.

I just LOVE this shop. The staff are so knowledgeable and I have found new authors through their suggestions. Highly recommend Iona Whishaw! The shop is full of great reads and also hosts authors’ evenings. It is definitely my happy place!

Great atmosphere. Personal interaction with well known mystery writers like Robert Crais, Michael Connelly, Dennis Lehane, Val McDermott, Craig Johnson, David Baldacci, John Sanford, Brandon Sanderson, and coming soon Walter Mosley.

Heard about this from the Texas Monthly article it was definitely worth checking out. If mysteries are your cup of tea then this is the store for you. I got a mystery for my toddlers, which I hadn't ever considered, very fun.

This is the cutest coziest bookstore. Although the fantasy section is a bit lacking. Please do not sleep on the used section, that's where I found my first 3 books from there. The best $23.50 for 3 books I have ever spent!

From the outside I was confronted with a common appearing storefront and questionable parking. An unremarkably bland and white dive with simple black text to announce, with the slightest of drama, what the place is.

Staff was super helpful and the layout was very spacious. Thought this was a used book store, but only noticed new books and limited titles. If you're looking for something specific, suggest calling first.

The store itself is cute and cozy but for the Brandon Sanderson signing it was definitely not the ideal place to be. More than half the fans were lined up outside because there wasn't enough room inside.

A wonderful indie bookstore with a deep selection of mysteries and thrillers. A knowledgeable and helpful staff can make recommendations for books you'll enjoy based on what you've loved in the past.

Love this store! So many good books, so little time. I do wish they carried more kids' books as my 10 year old has deemed this his favorite store. Thankfully they don't mind offering to order them.

My favorite bookstore ever! I love the author signings they have. The staff is always friendly and they have a passion for not only the books but the store as well. This is my happy place!

Amazing book store, a must visit for mystery lovers when in Houston. Lots of books come with great notes and recommendations from staff! Would spend so much money here if I lived nearby.

Great little book store. Just happened to be in Houston when friend and Memphis author Mark Greaney was doing a signing so thought I would drop by and surprise him. Very nice store

I've been here a few times for book signings. Last time I went was for James Rollins. Lovely book store. Lots of selection. One of the last little guys. Nice to support local!

Recently found this gem online and ordered a few books. We also visited several times this summer. Excellent staff with helpful attitudes and knowledge of the genre and subs.

Went to see Brad Taylor in person. He did not disappoint. The front desk lady could have been nicer, otherwise I will return when any of my favorite authors come to Houston.

I went down to Houston to "Murder By the Book" for an author visit. I found it charming with very pleasant staff. There is something magic about an independent book store.

Friendly, large selection of books & is an independent bookseller. We need to support these stores as everyone has character. Always helpful with terrific author signings.

This place is so cute I love to buy my thrillers here & support this amazing indie bookstore ! I’ve been in a few times & John is always so kind as well the other staff !

Wonderful bookstore that specializes in mysteries. Staff quickly selected reading choices for us based upon our reading wishes. We are really enjoying these reads.

Great mystery specialty bookstore - I always find something interesting that even excellent broader-scope bookstores don't carry. I go every time I visit Houston.

Everyone wore masks and it felt very safe COVID-wise. The staff/owner put recommendations on different shelves for books which I thought was very effective.

Love this book store. There is so much murder mystery books but they sale other kinds too. The book I wanted is out of stock they ordered it for me. …

Just a great store. Very well-read staff who can steer you to new authors. Lots of authors come by for signings. So glad they are in my part of town.

Love this store! I have to stop by every time I am in town. The staff really knows their stuff and are so helpful at recommending great books.

Really cool store, a lot of interesting mysteries with a little bit of other genres where applicable. Friendly staff, and nice atmosphere.

Incredibly chill atmosphere with a strong theme running throughout - great place for fans of murder mysteries and stories about espionage!

An incredibly quaint independent bookstore dedicated to murder mystery books. Very vintage feel but with plenty of modern fare on offer.

Lovely bookstore. Came in on a whim and happened upon an author signing. Great people working here and a great selection of books.

Amazing book shop! The selection is amazing, and the people who run it know absolutely everything about the selection they carry.

Quaint spot specializing in mysteries. Friendly staff. I enjoyed reading their recommendations and how the books are categorized.

Staff is VERY knowledgeable and likes to share about the books. Amazing selection from today's best to those hard to find gems.

Glad this place still exists. It has changed a lot within the past decade but it's still a great place to pick up a thriller!

Cool bookstore. Definitely worth a stop just to view all the memorabilia. They do have areas where you can sit and read.

Beautiful atmosphere, very cozy feeling inside! Even though we were just looking around the staff were very friendly :)

Greeat bookstore with lots of mysteries, some signed. They have a small science fantasy section and some used books.

Love this book store! This afternoon listening to my favorite author Daniel Silva and getting his new book signed.

Great selection of mystery, murder and thriller books. Fantastic staff as well. Can't wait to go back.

A lovely local bookstore, I took my fiance to see Riley Sager and their system was great.

My book club loves their staff recommendations. They often have authors come by too!

Super cute and intimate book store with knowledge staff and a coffee shop alongside.

Seriously my favorite bookstore!! Love the vibes and the people! So friendly

Great book store that specializes in mysteries...

Everyone was so friendly and helpful.

My Favorite Bookstore of all time!

Great store. Excellent staff.