What’s your store’s name and address and how long have you been in > >> business?
Mysterious Galaxy
7051 Clairemont Mesa Blvd.
#302 San Diego, CA 92111
Mysterious Galaxy has been in business for 16 years. It is simply one of the coolest places in the…well…galaxy. The folks there were nice enough to submit to some questions about the business, the mystery genre and what they like and dislike.
Do you have a specialty?
Mysterious Galaxy is an independent genre bookstore that is passionate about creating and maintaining a community of readers, authors, and booksellers. Mysterious Galaxy specializes in books of Martians, Murder, Magic and Mayhem (with occasional Matchmaking and Munchkins). We are physically a specialty genre store in San Diego with a focus on SF, Fantasy, Mystery and Suspense.
What are YOUR favorite styles in the genre? Who are your favorite authors?
Um, which genre? :: grin:: I read across all of our chosen genres, with an emphasis on sociological fiction. Whether a book involves werewolves, spaceships, faeries, forensics, or all of the above, my main concern is the impact of their world on the characters in it. Favorite authors include Jeffrey J. Mariotte, Sheri Tepper, Elizabeth Bear, Charlaine Harris, Dana Stabenow, David Morrell, T. Jefferson Parker … the list goes on and on.
What do you get tired of in mysteries?
Mysteries with a victim who is so loaded with reasons to be disliked murdered that they are not given any redeeming qualities.
What type of mystery would you like to see get written?
I am thrilled by the range and diversity of mysteries available, from kids’ to cozies to cross-genre to very *noir*.
What do you find boring? exciting?
While I tend to read more contemporary and traditional mysteries than some of the sub-genres, inc. historical, legal and espionage, I wouldn’t say I find the ones I don’t read as much boring, just not as much to my individual taste. That’s why we have a great staff with a wide range of reading tastes.Good compelling storytelling makes the difference for me, in any sub-genre.
This is great book store. Last summer I went down there to catch Robert Crais read of preview of THE FIRST RULE and the people there were just awesome. Their EAT, SLEEP, READ t-shirts are one of the items I wear that always gets attention. Great post for a great indie book store. Thanks, Tom.
In an effort to take everything you post and make it all about me (easier than updating my own blog)…wow this is a cool book store!…and it would be perfect for my first book signing in say 2015 when i actually finish this darn thing. I mean a demon slaying librarian who solves a murder mystery! And SD would probably be way warmer than SF!. Sigh …someday. I wish I could travel around to all these indies and see em…that would be cool too.
FYI. I love to shop in bookstores like this. However, there are no book stores near me any longer! I have to drive 30 miles to get to them and none like this. Only used bookstores or large chains! Wish someone would put a small bookstore in Auburn, NY.
I hear you Cin…a dying breed. Gotta love ’em while we can!
My closest is 2 1/2 hours. And when I can drive that, I have a choice of 3…still waiting for Dave and McKenna to open a branch in Cleveland! I’ve even offered to work for them.