Centuries & Sleuths Bookstore

Centuries & Sleuths Bookstore has been a haven for mystery and history lovers since 1989, building a national reputation from its Forest Park storefront on Madison Street. The store's dual focus on these complementary genres creates a browsing experience where Agatha Christie sits near ancient civilizations and spy novels neighbor diplomatic histories. The mystery section is encyclopedic, spanning cozies to hard-boiled noir, international thrillers to locked-room puzzles, with signed first editions and rare titles available for collectors. The history section is equally comprehensive, covering every era and region with a depth that satisfies both casual readers and serious scholars. Owner Augie Aleksy's passion for both genres is infectious, and his recommendations carry weight with readers who have come to trust his judgment implicitly. The store regularly hosts mystery authors and historians whose events draw enthusiasts from across the Chicago metropolitan area.