Best Bookstores in Houston

Three of several independent stores reflect the city's love of books, including Brazos Bookstore, 33 years young at 2421 Bissonnet. Specializing in literary fiction, art, and architecture, Brazos also stocks children's books and literary journals. The store keeps a sharp eye out for rising Texas authors and schedules author events.

This pillar of literature nearly toppled a few years ago. In 2005, dreadfully in need of a miracle to keep the doors open, its own customers stepped forward.

"Twenty-five regular customers joined together and bought Brazos," Jane says, still brightening up at the mention. "It's now owned by its neighborhood. The story of that sale makes me feel good about the city of Houston."

They Love Mysteries

Just down the street at 2342 Bissonnet, the mystery-lover clientele of Murder by the Book remains similarly devoted. What a great store for a rainy day, with its stories of Russian moles, cloaked London sleuths, and puzzling crimes. Houstonians who crave cryptic twists to plots head to this playfully creepy mainstay.

When she opened the shop in 1980, "Only New York was doing the mystery store," claims Martha Farrington. It feels friendly and a little spooky at the same time. Martha's Cavalier King Charles spaniel, Archie, snoozes in a chair beside the True Crime section. Scattered like clues here and there are ravens, bones, vintage poison bottles, and deerstalker hats.