BOOK’em Mysteries, the last mystery and crime bookstore in greater Los Angeles, will close on April 30. Owners Mary Riley and Barry Martin are retiring after 24 years at the South Pasadena location. Beginning April 1 (no fooling) everything in the store will be discounted.
On Sunday April 6 BOOK’em will host its farewell signing at 2:00 pm. Pasadena author Naomi Hirahara and former Long Beach writer Wendy Hornsby, joined by Los Angeles writer Sue Ann Jaffarian will sign Murder on Bamboo Lane, The Color of Light and Ghost of a Gamble respectively.
Over the years, BOOK’em has hosted hundreds of authors including Michael Connelly, Robert Crais, Elmore Leonard, Robert Parker, Jan Burke, Anne Perry, Don Winslow, T. Jefferson Parker as well as numerous first time authors.
As the month progresses discounts will deepen. Fixtures, furniture and electronics will also be offered at reduced rates. Everything must go.
Riley and Martin have enjoyed the loyal support of their customers who have made every day of the last 24 years special. Many have become friends and cherish their contribution to the longevity of the store in a rapidly evolving book market. Longtime volunteer Jean Utley has contributed to the stores longevity as well, monitoring its robust reading and writing groups.
BOOK’em was the first independent mystery bookstore to participate in the LA Times Festival of Books and served on the initial planning committees and was recently named one the best independent bookstores by the LA Weekly.
-Courtesy Photo
