Murder By the Book...

Shelf Awareness and The Oregonian have reported that Murder By The Book, the mystery bookstore founded 30 years ago in Portland, Oregon, will close in April unless a buyer is found.

The store will operate normally for the next few months but special sales will begin next week. New hardcover rentals and trade-ins will continue through February and gift certificates and special orders will be accepted through March.

A letter to their "loyal readers" is posted on the Website if you want more of the skinny. Book sales of 20-50% off begin January 12. I would suggest that anyone in the Portland area drop by, experience the bookstore while they still can, and help send them off with a bang.  Who knows, maybe one of you will fall in love with the place and want to make it your labor of love.

Folks not in the Portland area can order items via the phone or through email (they don't post their catalog online, but would be happy to help you find what you're looking for):

email:  books@mbtb.com
phone: 503-232-9995 (Portland, Oregon)
Shipping & handling charges: $3.50 for the first two paperbacks or for the first hardcover. Additional paperbacks are 50 cents each. Additional hardcovers are $1 each.

*Just a side note, this is not to be confused with the bookstores located in Houston or Denver that go by the same name:

• Murder By the Book, Houston
• Murder By the Book, Denver