Mysterious Galaxy

Mysterious Galaxy, an independent bookstore specializing in Mystery and Speculative Fiction.


Today was the Grand Opening of Mysterious Galaxy Bookstore in Redondo Beach.

Of course, I had to head over to support a local indie bookstore. It's been years since Los Angeles has had a quality Science Fiction/Fantasy retailer, ever since Dangerous Visions in Sherman Oaks closed down in 2002. Likewise, westside Mystery fans have been left without a good indie option since the Mystery Bookstore in Westwood shut its doors in January of this year. So, this opening is a fantastic event!

Mysterious Galaxy is an expansion from San Diego, where the store has been a vital part of the SF/Fantasy and Mystery community for years. Author signings, book groups, and miscellaneous book events are frequently sponsored by them. It's a huge boon to the fan communities to have an organized and professional independent store in the region.

And they had cake! How can you beat that? ;-)

Yum!!! Cinnamon cake!!!

Considering that the event occurred at 10 am on a weekday, there was a decent crowd that turned out. Hopefully, this is indicative of a strong community that will support the store. As you all may recall, I am not a fan of physical books. Nevertheless, I made sure to make a purchase. It is imperative that those who love reading sustain those special places wherein such habits are developed and cultivated.

The ceremonial ribbon cutting

As regards this store in particular, I like it's location. It's only a few blocks west of the 405. So it should be fairly accessible to anyone on the westside of LA. There is a good selection of SF/Fantasy, Mystery, and Horror. And the facilities are generous for hosting book signings or other social events.

Here are a few photos of the store itself.

The Mystery section

The Horror Section

The Event space

By the way, I can't emphasize how important event space is to a bookstore. I've always hated attending crowded readings, signings, or lectures. It's an unpleasant experience to be cramped up against the shelves as an ADD youngster attempts to find the Harry Potter section. Mysterious Galaxy has thoughtfully set aside a comfortable area. And it's well away from the YA section too. ;-)

Anyways, I'm thinking of adding a "Book Event" page to this blog. Yeah, I'm not a "book blogger" but I want to support this store and the various others that I've visited over the decades in Los Angeles. I still mourn over the loss of Either/Or bookstore in Hermosa Beach.

Here's the book that I bought. Southern Gods by John Hornor Jacobs. With a cover by Rodrigo Luff and published by Nightshade Books, how could I not pick up this novel?

Southern Gods by John Hornor Jacobs (Cover art by Rodrigo Luff)

Hopefully, I'll find time to review it for you all.

Enjoy!!!