Anyone who’s spent enough time in the Twin Cities knows that our metro area – and in fact, all of Minnesota – is home to a thriving indie bookstore scene. These shops don’t have the selection of big-box stores or online retailers. But they offer a unique atmosphere, a local feel, and a place to rub elbows with other book lovers – and sometimes even your favorite authors. There are many such stores throughout the Land of 10,000 Lakes, each worth talking about. But there’s one that stands out thanks to its unique niche. Once Upon A Crime is a Minneapolis bookstore with a massive selection of mystery and crime books. If you’re a book-loving sleuth, step inside this fabulous store to snap up your next favorite novel. Here’s what you need to know:

Once Upon A Crime is a wonderful bookstore in Minneapolis, Minnesota. It’s in south Minneapolis, on a street just off of busy Lyndale Avenue. The street parking is limited, but there is parking in the back!
Once Upon A Crime/Facebook
There is a set of stairs down to the store, so it is not wheelchair accessible. But store staff will do everything they can to accommodate customers who cannot make it into the building.
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Inside, you’ll find a vast array of mystery and crime books for your perusal. Shelf after shelf of page-turning reading awaits!
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The variety of mystery books at Once Upon A Time is seemingly endless. You’ll find works from both local and international authors. You could find your next favorite!
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There are not only books from authors all over the world. There are also books from many time periods! You’ll find the latest bestsellers alongside forgotten vintage favorites.
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Once you’ve found your pick, settle in for a bit of reading. There are comfy chairs around the store that will inspire anyone to sit down with a book. If you like the first few pages, take it home!
Kelsey Shay/Google
Of course, Once Upon A Crime isn’t just a place to find great books. It’s also a place to get involved in the literary community. Attend an author event to meet other mystery lovers like you!
Once Upon A Crime/Facebook

All in all, Once Upon A Crime is a fantastic bookstore in Minnesota with a huge variety. They’re open Monday, Friday, and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. The store is closed on Sundays. For more information about happenings at Once Upon A Crime, check their website and follow them on Facebook. For more about Minnesota bookstores, check out our articles on Wild Rumpus, a children’s bookstore in Minneapolis, and Midway Books, the massive used bookstore in St. Paul.

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