Big Sleep Books

I went to Big Sleep Books last night only to find it is going out of business! All new books are 50% off. Used paperbacks are $ 0.25 and hardbacks $ 1.00.

Super helpful staff. I went in with something in mind and waked out with the at book plus another book similar to what I went in there looking for. Making a book recommendation based on Charles Willeford, not exactly the most well known name, is a very impressive thing to do. I don’t always read/​but crime fiction but when I do, I know where I’ll buy it.

I always come here when I’m in the mood for a good mystery.
The most important thing to focus on for a small business is the customer service, and it could not be better here.
There’s an unparalleled selection, and the owner is flexible in her willingness to buy a book for you if you’ve been looking for a special one. She’s helpful and loves to recommend mysteries– she’ll ask you what you like and willing to spend the time and effort to help you out. She isn’t especially outgoing since she’s usually reading a book herself, but she’s great for questions.
mysteries here range from historical, romance, and fantasy, all the way to trendy «Sex-​and the City-​type» infusions. Give it a shot! This place really got me hooked on wanting one. Also, a group of Sherlock Holmes fans meets every other month (generally the second Thursday of the month) starting in June at 8 PM in the back of the store. You only need to call the store to join.
You should totally come if convenient. And if inconvenient, come anyway.

I love, love, love this book store. I’ve been in about 5 times now, and the same gentleman has assisted me 4/​5, today there was a lady there who helped me. I think between the two of them they have read every author in the store. Both helped recommend new authors to me based off of authors and writing styles I currently like, and every recommendation has been spot on.

Doesn’t everybody want to live in a neighborhood with a mystery bookstore?
Really though, you don’t see specialty businesses of this nature too frequently, and it really adds to the character of the CWE neighborhood. I headed in here out of curiosity a while ago, and was immediately helped by Ed, a man whose knowledge of mystery novels was extensive enough to pick out two books tailored to my literary tastes. After having finished both (Bangkok 8 and Beat the Reaper, if you’re interested!), I can say that he got it totally right. Can’t wait to head back into this little gem of a store and tuck my nose back into another thrilling novel!

Been meaning to write this for a while.
I was getting ready for a very lazy vacation and wanted to try some new mystery authors. So having lived less than a block from this store for nearly three years and never stopping in, I figured it was time.
The guy who worked there, I assume the owner, was wonderfully helpful and it’s clear that he knows his stuff and has probably read nearly everything he sells. He spent nearly half an hour giving me great recommendations. And the books I did end up getting, perfect.

Even if you don’t know what you’re looking for, the staff does. They know every book in the store and can guide you to your new favorite book or author.

It’s great to see a specialty shop like this in such a popular area like the Central West End. The staff here was helpful and ready to divulge into a conversation about the classic detectives. Additionally, they were helpful in hearing what I’ve read and enjoyed in the past, and recommending a book I will enjoy. When you think about it, that’s exactly the qualities you want in a book store staff: knowledgeable, friendly, and able. You’ll find the staff at Big Sleep has those qualities in spades.
Great experience and I couldn’t recommend it more.

Big Sleep Books, where to begin, this is a pure book store and every other should take notes upon entering. If another book store would have a drop of the essence of Big Sleep Book, they would for sure increase a complete star. First of all, I am not a fan of mainstream book sellers such as Barnes & Noble, and one of the MANY reasons include the staff, which I feel is one of the essential components in terms of generating a flow of the expected atmosphere. You won’t find some annoyed high school student checking you out or rushing you along. I met Helen, who seemed very nice, however it was Ed (the other owner) who started talking to me as I walked in. Not sure if many of you readers noticed, but I went with talked, not just greeted. The two owners have enormous experience in the genre they specialize in (detective/​murder/​mystery type). I walked in just to browse and left with over ten different suggestions from Ed, and it wasn’t that he was trying to oversell me, it was through our conversations that we pinpointed exactly what I was interested in. They are very friendly and even if you are not much of a reader, be sure to stop by, say hi, and just talk to them, you will for sure discover something you enjoy. I’m not sure if I am more excited to go back just to visit or to pick up the next book in the Volk series by Brent Ghelfi. This gem has my vote for the best book store in St. Louis. I just wish they had a Facebook page to help spread the word and keep this business flowing.

What a great little bookstore! I actually lucked out; it was supposed to be closed at 6 pm on Sunday, but he happened to be open until after 8.
I was visiting St. Louis and this place was just a couple blocks down from my hotel. There was a lot of great books crammed into this little space. I even like the tag line: «Cops, Spies & Private Eyes». The proprietor was incredibly friendly. I don’t know if I’ve ever read a mystery book, but I’ve wanted to for a while. He was quick to make recommendations when I asked about novels by female authors. I ended up buying five books while I was there. He was welcoming and we chatted a bit while I was checking out, and said to come back and see him next time I’m in St. Louis. And I’ll definitely be back!

I’ve been a lover of mystery books since I was little and read some weird book about a boy who solved crime out of the barn he lived in. They are my way of escaping reality and «disconnecting» from everything else going on. I happily wandered into Big Sleep Books this afternoon and found exactly what I was looking for… a brand new page-​turner. I bought «The Forgotten Garden» by Kate Morton and I can’t wait to start on it tonight!
I was so pleasantly surprised to meet the old woman working behind the counter… I forgot her name, and hopefully she doesn’t read this and get offended that I called her old… but she was very charming and just delightful. She told me about how Big Sleep had been in that very spot for over 20 years, and she also recommended several different books in the store.
Their used book area is currently «out of service» per se because of water damage due to the building being rehabbed, but should be up and running again soon. I was a little sad I didn’t see the little dog that’s usually hanging out in there, but maybe next time. I have 552 pages to go until my next visit!

Big Sleep Books is a pure gem that the city of St. Louis should cherish. The store only carries books about cops, spies and private eyes. Being a mystery book lover, they are right up my alley. Nestled in a small store front in the eclectic Central West End neighborhood, next to a hot dog shop and an Asian café/​nightclub.
The store only has two employees, the owners, Helen and Ed. Helen’s late husband and Ed’s late father opened the store in the late 80’s.
No matter who is working (Helen during the week, Ed on the weekends), you are guaranteed to receive help from a book lover who will no doubt match you up with a book you will enjoy. My wife and I have gone in more times than I can count and asked, «What should we read next?». I have yet to be let down.
They will let you know when the next Michael Connelly book comes out or that they will order the first one for you if they are out of stock, which they seemingly are never out of stock of anything. As another reviewer said, they have a large number of signed books, especially first editions, which are a must have for any book collector.
For being a small, independent store, they also do a great job of bringing in nationally known authors for book signings. They hold several signings throughout the year which are all very accessible and fun.
If you’re looking for the newest Palahniuk book, you won’t find it here. However, if you are looking for the entire Harry Bosch series, or some other cop or private eye series, look no further than Big Sleep, easily the best book store in the City!

Big Sleep is a must for mystery book lovers. It’s a small book store in the CWE and they only carry books of the mystery genre. This isn’t necessarily my first choice to buy a new book, but they also have a used book section where everything cost $ 1. (Or at least they used to, I haven’t been in in awhile) They also have occasional book signings.

Big Sleep Books is a mystery readers dream. Helen, one of the shop keepers is so well versed in mystery novels you only need to describe part of an author’s name, the setting of the story, or some other detail and she’ll point you toward the author/​book you’re looking for and then recommend 20 more writers and series that you’ll grow to love.
Don’t go here looking for anything but mystery novels because they don’t have it. This is a specialty store that deals strictly in mystery and crime novels.
It’s also set in the Central West End of St. Louis so you can stop in and buy a great new book and then stop in at a number of good restaurants or coffee shops.

My mother is a mystery novel junkie, so whenever we are in town Big Sleep Books is a must. According to her, this place is a 4 not a 5 because it’s all about the luck of the draw if someone knowledgeable is working. On those 5 occasions, staff is super at gauging your preferences and recommending new books and authors.

Who writes mysteries set in German-​occupied Paris? Or in Berlin? What’s the name of the writer who writes about the mob in Naples? Do you have any mysteries set in the American West in the 19^th century? Civil war mysteries?
I actually asked all of these questions in Big Sleep yesterday and got the answers to all my questions. Beside that, I found out about some new mystery writers I’d never heard of before. This is a really specialty bookstore, and they know what they’re doing. You won’t get great suggestions and great service like this from some online discounter. Stop in and discover something new you might just love.
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I walked into Big Sleep on a whim one day, only to get barked at by the shop keeper’s (owner’s?) little dog. The shop keeper said that the pup only barks at people she doesn’t trust.
Great. Talk about foreshadowing. I’m sure the dog didn’t trust that I would even buy something, and he was right… I’m no mystery fan.
But if I were, then this would be the place for me. Big Sleep has a large selection of mystery-​only novels in hardback, paperback and trade paper. That’s saying a lot because I’ve had effeciency apartments larger than this tiny storefront in the Central West End.
I did ask if the had any science fiction-​themed mystery, but the closest thing they had were techno-​mystery thrillers.
I’ll go back, eventually. As soon as I walked in, I immediately thought about half a dozen friends that might like what this place has to offer.

My husband and I are book nerds. Going to book stores is always a special treat for us. My husband Loves this shop as he is truly a mystery buff! We come every couple of months to pick up a new book for him and there is always a ton to look at. Make sure you’ve got at least an hour, if not two, slated for your trip to this little gem.
They have a ton of signed first editions to look through, you won’t believe it until you see it! The people here are wonderful, and that includes the customers as well. I make a point to add this because many times the mystery aisle in book shops are filled with strange and cranky people. That is not the case here, so don’t even worry!

Big Sleep Books is the place to go if you are trying to find a mystery book. Here is a store that specializes in that genre. A whole store devoted to nothing but any novel that has intrigue, spies, cops, and yes, mystery.
Big Sleep Books is a great place. The people working there really know their stuff. They should as well since they chose to work in that store. But walking into the store, you are greeted with a friendly smile and someone is always willing to help you find something. Name an author and they will be able to suggest a book or point you in the right direction.

Helen and Ed have the best crime and mystery store anywhere near the Mississippi. New, used, many first editions, signed copies, you name it. Do you love Le Carre? Is Christie not just an auction house? Do you revel in conspiracy? Looking for that modern take of Sherlock Holmes in the Wild West? This place is for you.