This is a gem of a bookstore. I always fine great gifts here, but this week I went shopping for me. They are ordering some books for me in a series I wanted to follow up on, and I found plenty to read in the meantime. Augie & Tracy are wonderful resources if you need recommendations. A little but mighty bookstore!

Centuries and Sleuths is a lovely place to be, not just to shop. They have a wealth of any mystery novels you’d want to “sleuth” out and fascinating books about the world, even our own nearby Chicago. I highly recommend this bookstore and the helpful and friendly people there.

I came in because I saw this store specialized in the mystery genre, and was not disappointed. The store has a very comfortable and welcoming environment, with soft music playing. The owner is very knowledgeable and friendly. A good bookstore with a particularly diverse collection of history/mystery books

Local bookstore gem! The owner is very helpful and friendly. So many great books especially if you like mystery and/or history. They also have a kids section with books and historical coloring books!

I finally got the chance to visit this bookstore! Ive only heard good things. Its located right on the main street in Forest Park. What a lovely place! The owner August greeted us as we came in and asked us if it was our first time there. Its very organized without feeling overstuffed. After pointing out some of the organization features he left us to look around. It was a very peaceful, friendly atmosphere, with soft music and lots of chairs to sit down in. Theres a great collection of popular, historic, local, tabletop books - even niche puzzles! There were two tables of $7 hardcover selections and a large table of $5 grab bag paperback bundles. Even the full-priced selection is very reasonably priced. August, the owner, was extremely knowledgeable. Walking in here, it definitely feels like a community space. I would highly recommend checking out their selection, as well as their events and reading clubs.

This is a great store--really interesting and quirky. Lots of diversity within their range of specialty and nice sale tables. The owner was pleasant and clearly has an encyclopedic knowledge of his inventory. Highly recommend!

This place is absolutely wonderful and charming and exactly what you want out of an independent bookstore! Knowledgeable and kind, they will help you find an old favorite or a new love. Also, theyll order any book you need, so a good alternative to Amazon!

I always enjoy stopping in Centuries & Sleuths Bookstore and perusing their shelves full of history and mystery books. The staff is friendly and welcoming, which makes the experience even better.

Great shop, discovered on a rainy summer day in Chicago. Very helpful staff. Great books not found elsewhere. A must visit!

I gladly travel via train or bus (easily an hour one way) from the city to support this treasure of a bookstore. The owner is kind-hearted and as knowledgeable as can be. Many of the books sold therein are authored by locals and signed. By supporting this wonderful place youre making your buy local dollars really count.

Friendly and accommodating staff, perfect atmosphere for reading, and an opportunity to find a lot of hidden gems. I bring all my out of town visitors here and everyone always finds something to walk home with. Definitely visit!

I absolutely LOVE this bookstore! Best local shop in the area. The owner and staff are so friendly and knowledgeable! They will help you find anything you need and will quickly order in books they dont have on the shelf. The ambience and decor are incredible as well and I cant wait for my first book club discussion this month!

Augie and Tracy have a wonderful bookstore. Since 2006 Ive been a regular and this place has become a second home for meeting friends and finding great conversation. And then there are the many books to browse .... Together they have carefully selected each one. Ask them about orders, too.

I ordered a book with Centuries and Sleuths, and couldn’t be happier with the service. Augie let me know that the book was temporarily out of stock with the publisher, but asked me if I still wanted it, although it would not be a first edition. I still wanted it, and I later received a call when it was ready. They have a great selection of books too, so make the trip if you can.

I first came to Centuries and Sleuths to attend their history book club, which I still really love. The proprietor, (we call him Augie), expertly curates the books for sale and is familiar with all books in his store. Its great for browsing, but its also a good idea to talk to Augie about what you like to read. Hell find you the perfect book.

A warm, inviting, independent bookstore with a friendly, knowledgeable bookseller behind the till. He gave wonderful recommendations and generously welcomed me back for future store events. Highly recommend stoping in.

Youll be struck by the ambiance right away. Between the dark finish on the bookshelves, antique cushion chairs, interesting knick knacks along the walls and (best of all) the friendly, enthusiastic store owner, this bookstore is one of a kind. Its hard to find such an animated and erudite shop keeper. August was as helpful as can be while being very welcoming and knowledgeable (to put it mildy).

A place you have to visit! The owners are wonderful and extremely knowledgeable. It’s a cozy little nook of a store - just what you want when you need a place to browse or just want to find something new. If they don’t carry what you want, they’ll order it for you! This place is truly a treasure!

Nice shop! Specializing is Histories and Mysteries. There are some nice kids books in the back. Well worth stopping in and supporting!

This place is Great!! Its like having a bookstore completely dedicated to the subjects I like. They also have a great little section in the back with graphic novels and these paperdoll books I used to get when I was a kid.

My favorite bookstore! If they dont have it, they can likely get it for you, and you get personalized service. The special events are great for bibliophiles and history buffs, too. Highly recommend!

As always, Augie is most helpful and courteous when I visit the store. He quickly helped me find what I was looking for. Make sure you stop by if your get a chance - great selection of good books.

Wonderful bookstore in Forest Park. They can order anything you need, and give you very knowledgeable recommendations on all genres! This is your one-stop-shop for new books in and around Forest Park!

An absolutely delightful store! My entire family had a great time browsing the selections and purchasing a nice stack of unique books we wouldnt have discovered otherwise.

Their book selection has both breadth and concision. Those qualities on top of friendly customer service, and experience led recommendations helps ease those like me who struggle with the paralysis of choice.

Phenomenal book shop! Great selection, very friendly/knowledgeable, and interesting design. Highly recommend

They were very helpful to my mom and I when we were there. I will definitely be back.

Best place to find mystery books .

What a wonderful and charming old school bookstore! Absolutely love it!

Great bookstore. Knowledgeable staff

Need a mystery to read ? They have so many to choose from the mystery becomes what to buy first. Myself, Im hoping youll choose The 107th Street Murder, conveniently located on the shelves under Dracula.

Great to find a cool bookstore that specializes in mystery! Ive been in twice and the owner was so helpful finding a book that my daughter had seen the first time we stopped in. They had sold it, but he went out of his way to recommend a few other books. We had a long conversation about many topics, and I look forward to visiting again. It really is an amazing store and they have a lot of events, so check them out!

I highly recommend this store for anyone who loves mystery, crime, and history! I have been visiting this store for years now and it just keeps getting better and better! The people are super nice and they are very knowledgeable in helping you find what you are looking for or even to recommend new reading material based on your preferences. They have a lot of events and things going on, so be sure to check out their website for the monthly schedule. I have been in love with this store since I was 16 and I am so happy to see that they are still going strong! Please do yourself a favor and visit them ASAP!

This place is so cute!

Ive been in this store many times, and each time, Ive not only found the book I want, but Ive met authors, been entranced by new authors, and had the opportunity to get to know the owners, Augie & Tracy. Theyre gems, and so is their store! Ive met some fantastic authors - not only local authors but famous authors whom Ive idolized...This place is a must-see spot if you (a) read; (b) read mysteries; (c) love history; and (d) want to support a fantastic local independent bookstore. A wonderful friend introduced me to this store, and Im beyond thrilled with my experiences here. You need to come here. Youll love it.

Interesting events, knowledgeable friendly staff, great ambience..

This is a great little bookstore specializing in history and mystery (hence the name). Augie, the owner, is very helpful in finding the right book and is interesting to talk to about those and other subjects.In addition to the books themselves, there are signings by authors and various other events of interest to people who read and think. Sign up for the mailing list to keep up!

Augie, the owner, is extremely knowledgeable about his products and friendly. He has events like discussion groups and authors come to speak. Very welcoming environment. Definitely my favorite local business.

The owner always recommends book based on my interests but has great suggestions to expand beyond what I already know. There are monthly special interest meetings for mystery and history buffs. I never leave without a book that I end up enjoying.

Just popped in on a random Sunday with my mom. We just took a stroll around the store which has great decor and ambiance. The owner or whoever was working was very helpful. He suggested novels and also mentiond the various groups that meet in the bookstore. We grabbed a bundle for 5 bucks and enjoyed the rest of our day. Im not local but if I was Id come to this book store much more and probably would even join a club or two.

Great mystery selection, great neighborhood gathering place. Lots of interaction with authors who regularly come to this unique shop. A must visit for bibliophiles.

LOVED it! I l read mysteries all the time and they had authors I never heard of before. The store is very welcoming and accessible!!

I stopped by today in search of a new biography but was too disappointed to purchase a book. The person behind the desk failed to say hello or ask if I needed assistance. He carried on with a pointlessly loud conversation and pretended to not see me. After waiting and attempting to get his attention (while continuously being ignored) I decided it was best to avoid supporting this business. Completely dissatisfied with the lack of customer service displayed today.

Love this place! The owner is very friendly and my wife and I always find something interesting to read.

Best book store in the Chicago area

If you are into history or mystery, this bookstore is for you! Nice ownership.

Went to an author signing. Quaint ambiance..mystery and history lovers hangout

A true bookstore with lots of character. I absolutely love this place.

Wonderful place to go to. The owner is great and incredibly knowledgeable.

Great little cozy bookstore =)

I think that Auggie is very thoughtful and knowledgeable. If he doesnt have what you want, he is willing to order it for you

Nice selection, a monthly schedule of events.

Great Independent bookstore.

Just wonderfulness