PRIYA SHARMA Author Lawrence Block signs
his latest book as part of a promotion for the opening of the store
on Broxton Avenue, The Mystery Bookstore.
By Leila Mobayen
Daily Bruin Contributor
In recent years, many bookstores have transformed from a haven
for people who love to read into enormous warehouses where one can
buy discount books, movies and compact discs, all while grabbing a
double latte.
The success of the grand opening of The Mystery Bookstore in
Westwood on Saturday serves as a testament to the fact that there
are still people out there who believe in the power of mom-and-pop
type stores.
The Mystery Bookstore, located on Broxton Avenue, directly
across from the Me Gusta Mexican restaurant, is a one-stop shop for
mystery novels. After 18 years at its previous home in West Los
Angeles, near the Beverly Center, the store’s owner decided
to relocate.
The store’s warm and homey atmosphere has gained it a very
loyal following over the years. Owner Shelley McArthur is on a
first name basis with almost all of his customers. The clientele
comes from all different walks of life but one thing they have in
common is a fascination with mystery novels.
The interior of the store is so cozy and personal that it is
hard to believe that the bustling town of Westwood is right
outside. The hard wood shelves and walls ornamented with
advertisements for old mystery books give the store a unique
appeal. On Saturday, it was particularly festive with refreshments
and decorations celebrating the store’s expansion and
relocation.
Many popular mystery book writers stopped by at some point
during the day, including Laurence Block, Ray Bradbury, Jonathan
and Faye Kellerman and William Nolan. Several of the authors were
scheduled for appearances and book signings.
Peter McNichol, star of Fox’s “Ally McBeal,”
was among the attendees.
“I like really old mystery novels,” McNichol said,
describing himself as an avid reader. “(They) have (a feeling
like) your great-grandmother.”
McNichol, a customer of Mystery Books for eight years, left the
store with two enormous handlebags full of newly purchased books.
He spoke fondly of McArthur and his sales prowess.
“He’s wearing suspenders today because his pockets
are full of my money,” McNichol said smiling,
“He’s really great and I wish him well.”
Attorney Jayne Travis, also a long-time customer and close
friend of McArthur’s, said that she feels the store is run by
an expert on mystery books and authors.
The guest of honor at the grand opening was Block, whose book
“The Hit List” was recently released.
“One of the great joys of writing in this field is that
the readers are generally a cut above readers of other forms of
fiction,” Block said.
Saturday’s party gave readers and fans of mystery books a
chance to mingle with well know authors of the genre. Many guests
were extremely excited about meeting the big names in mystery
writing and were pleased to come offer their support of
McArthur’s new store.
Author, screenwriter and owner of his own mystery bookstore, in
Sherman Oaks, Terrill Lee Lankford, came out to show his
appreciation for McArthur.
“I always loved The Mystery Bookstore when it was in West
Los Angeles and the new store is even better,” Lankford
said.
During the party, the revered owner himself was busy playing the
role of the perfect host, selling his books (and promoting his
store) while still managing to socialize with his customers.
“We’ve been more than gratified with the response
our first two weeks in Westwood,” McArthur said. “I
want all of UCLA’s students to know that they are welcome to
come get books. We’re mystery specialists; if we don’t
have something, we can get it within a matter of days.”
BOOKS: The Mystery Bookstore is located at 1036 Broxton Ave. The
store has a parking lot with one hour free parking (two hours with
the store’s validation). For more information, call (310)
209-0415, or call 1 (800) 821-9017.