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Category: Bookstores [Edit]
Neighborhood: Kearny MesaMon-Thu. 10:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Fri. 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Sat-Sun. 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
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I can't legitimately call myself a huge fan of vampire, cyber-punk and fantasy books, but if I was Mystery Galaxy would be my second home. This niche bookstore has a great selection of the previously mentioned genres and other related varieties with the staff to help guide you to your favorite authors and easily suggest your next read.
I've come here a handful of times, but have only picked up a book twice. Today was my second purchase. After walking up and down the aisles, a book finally caught my eye. I read the back cover, read the first page and thought, "...this actually seems pretty cool, I might buy it". A split second after I had this thought in my head, an employee came up to me and shared his thoughts on the book with me. He described the context of the book and then discussed some moments in the book that were especially memorable to him. I was sold. His commentary was better than than the back cover description.
If you're a fan of sci-fi and the like, bored with the pop NY Times bestsellers or just need to read a book, Mysterious Galaxy is a great place to fulfill your needs.
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I'd heard about the author signings at Mysterious galaxy via some of the earlier Adventures in SciFi Publishing podcasts, so I'd been wanting to make a trip down to San Diego (I live in Los Angeles) and check out this store. In June I got a chance to make the trip and enjoyed the entire experience.
I enjoyed shopping in a book store dedicated to Speculative and Crime Fiction -- easily 3x the selection of these genres than I'm used to in a Barnes & Noble or Borders. The signing was a wonderful experience and I was able to get some signed first editions of my favorite authors. As much character as the store had, it was vaguely strange to find it in a strip mall, but it was a stones throw from a gaming shop, a Starbucks and a McDonalds, so I can't complain too much about the location.
I got to meet Bruce Campbell in person and he signed my copy of his book.
Booyah.
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Mysterious Galaxy is an independent bookstore for science-fiction and mystery books. I personally like it! This is a great place to escape and find a book you may love to hide in. The staff can sometimes be standoffish, giving one plenty of room to explore. But I think they are knowledgeable. I am giving Mysterious Galaxy 4-stars because I want to support local bookstores that specialize in the fantasy realm.
Can't believe I have not reviewed my favorite bookstore. A few years ago I went to a book signing and reading by Michael Connelly. What a treat to meet my favorite author!!! I was star struck. Also the customer service is great. Miss going there as I do not go to Clairemont very much anymore. :(
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This is the best indie bookstore in town!! Beats the chains, especially if you want Sci-Fi, Horror or Mystery genre books!! The staff is the best, with their picks and knowledge of authors. The signed books is the best in the county and their book club and author meetings are special!
Drop in and say hi to Patrick, the manager!
Great bookstore. Carries the types of books that i usually find myself reading. The constant book signings and special events are a great time. Even if you miss the event they usually carry some signed copies if you are into that kind of thing. I always find what i'm looking for when i come in, the staff is always willing to chat it up and recommend a new book to try. Definitely preferable to one of the chain stores. Occasionally you do have to deal with the smelly strange socially starved uber nerd, but great place nonetheless.
Mysterious Galaxy is a great independent bookstore, and my favorite place to buy books, and get book recommendations. They specialize in sci-fi (my favorite genre), fantasy, mystery (which i sometimes read), horror, and kids - but they can also order pretty much any book you want - even imports from outside the country.
One great thing about MG is that they are always getting authors to come and talk and sign books - usually like 8 to 10 a month (though i only go to about 2 or 3 a year). Through them, I've gotten to meet a lot of great sci-fi authors over the years.
The staff are very friendly and knowledgeable about lit - they can help make all sorts of recommendations, and are fun to geek out with.
Their annual birthday bash (in May) and their New Year's Day sale are part of our usual calendar.
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I absolutely love this place! I keep forgetting what it's called, but it's right near my house so sometimes I'll just go in and browse. Great selection, helpful staff, and interesting events.
Plus, as the others have pointed out - isn't it great to see a little guy competing against the bigguns?
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Awesome independent bookstore. If you're into fantasy or sci-fi books, this place is great.
They have a lot of signed first editions, which is cool. You can find lots of books in hardcover or paperback. The staff is helpful, and it's nice to see these small bookstores still competing against the corporate giants. Real comfortable and fun place.
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Mysterious Galaxy will help you get your geek on. If you want science fiction and fantasy, or you're just into mysteries, chances are they have the book for you.
They are also very willing to special order for you. I went in looking for an obscure anthology and when the manager couldn't find it he ordered my copy and ten more because, "it just sounds interesting". In addition to these basics, Mysterious Galaxy hosts many authors for readings and carries shelves full of signed copies if you're into that sort of thing.
There aren't any couches to lounge on and you can't buy a latte from an in-store cafe but if you want to shop local, support independent stores and get personal service, Mysterious Galaxy is there for you.
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This is my favorite bookstore in San Diego. They stock a good amount of science fiction, fantasy and mystery as well as a small selection of horror. The store also has is active in promoting reading with children, from having a corner for juvenile/teen books as well as sponsoring outreach literacy programs to local school. They have a large number of events, from author signings to book club meetings to other special events.
What makes me keep coming back to this store is the staff. They are friendly, helpful and, above all, knowledgeable. If you want to read something and you're not sure what, just ask. If you want to know about when your favorite author is going to be coming out, just ask.
incredibly pretentious staff
only sells fiction sci-fi novels
reminded me of comic book guy from the simpsons
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Not a big science fiction or mystery fan but I will tell you why I like this book store. They get some great authors to do appearances there. So far I have seen Bruce Campbell there twice and Neil Gaiman once. Great if you are into B-movie actors turned authors or weird English writers.
This is also a good bookstore because it is local and independently owned and you have to support the mom and pop businesses.
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Great independent bookstore. They carry sci-fi, fantasy and mystery books, with a small but choice selection of horror (on a black bookshelf labeled something like "Real Horror Novels"). They also have a corner devoted to children's and juvenile fiction. At the front is a double-shelf and a 'table' with latest releases.
The selection is large, well organized and includes many small and independent press titles. The staff is friendly and approachable. The store is well-lit and comfortable.
Mysterious Galaxy has author signings practically every week so check the events on their website (http://www.mysteriousg...).
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Another great, independent bookstore, specializing in science fiction, fantasy, and mysteries. They do great author events and are always helpful--definitely worth a look, whether you're in the area or on the web. Go MG!
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Small book store specializing in mystery, science fiction, and fantasy books. If you are into those genres then its a nice place to check out. My mom is an avid mystery novel fan so that's how I found myself in there. Not really my style though...I prefer more options.
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San Diego, CA
Category: Bookstores
Neighborhood: Kearny Mesa
Category: Bookstores
Neighborhood: Normal Heights
Category: Bookstores
Neighborhood: Hillcrest
Category: Bookstores
Neighborhood: Hillcrest
Category: Bookstores
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