Favorite Bookstores
HOUSTON, TEXAS
Murder By the Book
It’s one of the nation’s oldest & largest mystery specialty bookstores, and it was established in 1980. They sell new and used books and are so cozy inside, it’s like walking into different world.
There are signed photographs of authors dating back over twenty years. There’s a bust of Sherlock Holmes, and the staff picks are always awesome. If you tell them what types of mysteries you like, they’ll always be able to suggest something new for you to try.
MBB frequently hosts author signings (from debut authors to the celebrity set) and some great author luncheons at The Briar Club. I can honestly say that when I walked into Murder By the Book the first time, it was love at first.
Katy Budget Books
KBB is a new favorite, and they’re actually located in Katy, just outside Houston. The store sells new and used books and was founded in October 1983. They have book clubs, signings, a newsletter, a blog, and a presence on FaceBook.
In the spirit of all great independent bookstores, they love readers, authors, and the books that bring them together.
Bookstop
On Shepherd (near the West Alabama intersection). This is an old movie theater that was converted into a bookstore and it’s got a great vibe. I like to write and study at a table where there’s a round portal window that looks out onto Shepherd. (They’re part of Barnes & Noble, so your B&N card will work here)
Barnes & Noble
Holcombe & Buffalo Speedway Location
The first bookstore I visited in Houston. It’s the closest bookstore with a café to the Texas Medical Center. I signed up for a member card for $25 and knew I needed to spend around $250 in order to make it worth my while. At the end of the year, they sent me a statement about how much I saved during the year and, doing the math, I realized I’d spent over a thousand dollars at that B&N alone. Holy cow!
Later, for a brief time, I attended the writing critique group that meets in the store, which is open to the public. And despite all my new favorites, I still drop in at my Holcombe B&N to write in their café and pick up new authors.
Westheimer & Voss Location
This is off the beaten path for me, but some of my critique partners were meeting here when I joined them, so I visited often back around 2000. They’ve got one of the longest-standing open (meaning that anyone can drop in) writing critique circles in the city, and I always loved how writer-friendly the store seemed to be when I visited there.
Borders
Meyerland Plaza Location
I love Borders because they always seem to have the biggest selection on the shelves. They introduced the racier romance titles and often have more debut authors and back titles on hand. I’ve heard that they’re going to cut down on the number of titles that they carry and that’s so sad to me, but I’ll still go to my Meyerland Borders for the Seattle Coffee, friendly faces, and tables of interesting new books.
West Alabama & Kirby Location
I sometimes jokingly refer to this place as The Coliseum because even for a Borders it’s Texas-sized. The stacks go on & on, which I find so attractive in a bookstore. It has a huge café with a friendly staff, and sometimes I go there to be alone with a lot of strangers.
Read It Again & Again’
It has a delightfully cozy atmosphere, and the owner is on the premises along with a beloved pet. How great is that? It also has more historical romance fiction than I’ve ever seen. Since I’m a fan of historicals, I really enjoy that.
COMING SOON…
More pictures and more on my favorite bookstores around the world!
