Centuries & Sleuths Bookstore

Sharon Heath

3 years ago

I know of no other bookstore like this one. It specializes in mysteries and history books. The owner is extremely knowledgeable and friendly! You can find treasures here you are unlikely to find elsewhere. But the space alone is worth a visit. It isn’t a large shop, but it feels like a trip back in time to an era of leather chairs and bookshelves filled with fascinating reads!! It is such a calm, relaxing place. And they frequently have author visits/signings. It is what bookstores used to be.

Joesph Tardiff

2 years ago

They have a great selection of history based children’s coloring books. The proprietor is extremely knowledgeable and friendly, and has organized a ton of reading discussion groups supporting local authors. Great place to spend an hour browsing after brunch on Sunday.

Connor Solms

3 years ago

If you’re looking for history/mystery books this is your home. They have weekly events for a variety of book clubs, $5 three book bundles, and Augie will help you out with any question you have. This is one of my favorite bookstores in the world. Bestsellers? Got em! Local indie authors? Got em! A cool environment to sit and read well before you ever make a purchase? Got it! Seriously, if you like crime, thrillers, horror, historical fiction, military history, or history books you’d be doing yourself a disservice to not poke your head in here. Could not recommend highly enough, this place deserves your business.

Neal Fischer

3 years ago

I've had the pleasure of shopping here for years. It's not only the best mystery bookshop around, but one of the best bookshops bar none. Each time I arrive I'm enthusiastically greeted by the owner and we have wonderful discussions on a subject truly cared about within these walls. I have them to thank for my Agatha Christie obsession adopted during the pandemic and always find my way back to support them by picking up a new book. Not to mention they have discussion groups, signings, and other events throughout the year. Looking forward to being a devoted customer here for years to come!

Julia Cornell

5 years ago

I finally got the chance to visit this bookstore! I've only heard good things. It's located right on the main street in Forest Park. What a lovely place! The owner August greeted us as we came in and asked us if it was our first time there. It's very organized without feeling overstuffed. After pointing out some of the organization features he left us to look around. It was a very peaceful, friendly atmosphere, with soft music and lots of chairs to sit down in. There's a great collection of popular, historic, local, tabletop books - even niche puzzles! There were two tables of $7 hardcover selections and a large table of $5 "grab bag" paperback bundles. Even the full-priced selection is very reasonably priced. August, the owner, was extremely knowledgeable. Walking in here, it definitely feels like a community space. I would highly recommend checking out their selection, as well as their events and reading clubs.

D Goulet

3 years ago

This is a well-stocked and beautifully maintained niche bookstore specializing in history nonfiction and mystery novels. They also have a great selection of history based children’s coloring books. The proprietor is extremely knowledgeable and friendly, and has organized a ton of reading discussion groups supporting local authors. Great place to spend an hour browsing after brunch on Sunday!

Mary Noyszewski

4 years ago

This is a gem of a bookstore. I always fine great gifts here, but this week I went shopping for me. They are ordering some books for me in a series I wanted to follow up on, and I found plenty to read in the meantime. Augie & Tracy are wonderful resources if you need recommendations. A little but mighty bookstore!

Craig Willford

3 years ago

If you like mysteries or histories, or just really sweet and unique bookstores, you should really check this one out. I was in town for a few days and I needed a present for someone described as: "He loves history and anything weird, macabre, violent or gruesome." I asked for exactly that and the guy jumped right up with a recommendation. Nice!

Matt Zurek

2 years ago

Absolutely love this place. Augie is an expert at his stock. I gave him a previous mystery novel I enjoyed, and he gave me four choices for new reads! I also told him about my husband's love for Agatha Christie mysteries and another half dozen options. When I was there, Augie was helping a family pick out story time material for before bed.

Marissa Khan

3 years ago

Today my husband, friend, and I popped into this shop for the first time and I totally fell in love! I love books and even though my bread and butter are romance novels this historical (fiction & nonfiction) and mysteries bookstore is awesome!! The gentleman behind the counter was super nice and gave us a whole run down on the store and what books were along what walls. There is a nice seating area and even a couple of rocking chairs! We only got to look around for 1/2 an hour since they close at 5pm on the weekends but we could've stayed alot longer just to look at the memorabilia they have along the walls! It's a smaller shop but artfully packed with Sherlock Holmes decor, plenty of novels for an afternoon read, a comfortable atmosphere, and good lighting/book pages smells 🤗