For the past few months I've been getting Book of the Month and ...

Are you tempted by tales with tangled plots and characters with secrets? Does the scent of a whodunit novel incite your inner sleuth? The Independent Mystery Booksellers Association (IMBA) is an emblematic beacon for mystery enthusiasts searching for their next puzzle to solve.

Looking for a Good Mystery? We're Here to Help

At the heart of IMBA lies a community of independent bookstore owners who share a passion for mystery novels. They are not only purveyors of crime fiction but also guardians of a genre that captivates and challenges the mind. With every recommendation, they extend an invitation to journey into stories woven with suspense, intrigue, and surprise.

Membership Directory

Bookshop Santa Cruz | Your Independent Bookseller Since 1966!

The IMBA membership directory is a treasure map for mystery lovers. It guides readers to the independent bookstores that specialize in mystery and crime fiction. These local havens support the literary community and help readers discover both new releases and classic titles that stand the test of time.

About IMBA

The IMBA was founded to support independent booksellers specialized in mystery novels and to celebrate the genre that gives voice to storytelling's most intriguing puzzles. Independent bookstores nourish local economies, foster literary culture, and provide a personal touch often absent in larger retail chains. The IMBA champions these unique institutions and remains pivotal in their advocacy.

The Dilys Award

8 Books on the Complexities of Motherhood

The Dilys Award, bestowed by the IMBA, honors the book that members most enjoyed selling during the year. It's a distinction that sets apart storytellers who master the craft, creating works that resonate so deeply with sellers that they are compelled to share these gems with their customers. It's a testament to the symbiotic relationship between writers, booksellers, and readers.

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On December 5, 1998, IMBA took a bold stand against the potential consolidation of book industry giants by sending a letter to the Federal Trade Commission opposing Barnes & Noble's proposed purchase of Ingram. This action was a robust defense of the diversity and independence crucial to the book-selling industry. The IMBA's commitment to ensuring a flourishing environment for mystery book sales is unwavering.

Unraveling Mysteries, One Destination at a Time

For avid readers, seeking mystery books is an adventure akin to travel. Each story is a new journey, a silent escapade into a world crafted by the imagination. The IMBA offers the map to these worlds through local bookstores that promise experiences as enriching and exciting as any travel destination. These shops are havens where the journey of the mind begins, and the love for mystery becomes a passage to endless discovery.