The Poisoned Pen Bookstore

I love this bookstore 😍 When you walk in, nothing beats the smell of all the novels. It's like when you waft the pages in front of your face and it smells...heavenly - but in this store, the entire place smells like divine. If you're in a position to buy locally, then definitely stop in here. <3

The Poisoned Pen Bookstore in Scottsdale, AZ is truly a gem and definitely worth spending time at for a wonderful experience and selection of books. Yes, I order books online, but to be able to actually walk around a Bookstore and take a book off of a shelf before I buy it is a priceless experience. We found the staff extremely knowledgeable and very friendly. I enjoyed looking at the shelves of "staff picks." You can learn a lot about someone by seeing their taste in books. 😁 If you aren't fortunate to live in our AZ area, you can order through their website. Have a question, call them. While my husband and I were there, we heard them assisting several customers on the phone. Help support small businesses- especially a fabulous one like The Poisoned Pen. 😁😁

I've been aware of The Poisoned Pen for a while but I had my first visit recently. It was really a pleasure to get lost in the selection of books there! The size of the store is perfect to get a good look at everything available but not too big to overwhelm you. The clerk, who I unfortunately did not catch their name, was so nice and more than once during my visit, I overheard them giving out recs and suggestions for similar authors to customers. The atmosphere was so welcoming, and I could find myself spending hours there if I could. I was able to find a signed copy from one of my fave authors and I can't wait for my next visit to see what I find next!

Found this awesome independent bookstore via recommendation from Jack Carr’s website. Just received first order from them and couldn’t be happier. Was shipped quickly, books packed and protected better than any books I’ve ever received and a nice touch of adding covers to all sleeves. Great selection of books and signed copies, etc. Will 💯 be my families go to from here on out. Hope to be able to visit physical location someday. Thank you!

Awesome book store. The staff was knowledgeable and very helpful. They feature many fun events and author signings. I can't wait to go back

One of my longest standing favorite author, James Rollins, introduced me to The Poisoned Pen Bookstore when he hosted a signature event for one of his new books (several books/years ago). Since I do not live in AZ, going to his book signing was not an option. However, he shared that the bookstore allows pre-orders for a signed copy and I was thrilled!!! I ordered the book and anxiously awaited my signed book. The delivery did NOT disappoint. It came signed with an insert from the author and covered in a plastic protective wrap to keep the hardbound book's cover in tact. I have since ordered every new release James Rollins has put out and have never been disappointed. Even when there was a shipping issue - the customer service team handled it swiftly and at no expense to me. I strongly recommend anyone use this store! Support local! Even when you aren't local.

I flew into Phoenix from out of state and had ordered my signed book beforehand. The Poisoned Pen was a must see for me and it didn't disappoint. My book was ready for pick up and they even wrapped it for me to protect it since it was raining.

I l9love this bookstore. Everything about it is awesome. They host many famous writers & have a fabulous team of staff members. Go there! It's awesome!!

This is truly one of my favorite bookstores to visit, and they host the best book events! I've had the chance to meet so many of my favorite authors here Diana Gabaldon, Lauren Asher, Catherine Cowles, and more. The staff is always so kind, helpful, and welcoming, and the events are organized so well from start to finish. The only challenge is parking... it's limited given the location. But as long as you plan ahead, it's totally worth it. Between the amazing selection and the unforgettable author events, this bookstore is a gem I'll keep coming back to!

What an awesome book store! My mom and I recently went to the Poisoned Pen for an author's meet and greet (Lisa Scottoline) and it was great! We browsed the selection of books beforehand and there is something for everyone. Books were priced what seems like the normal going rate and I was pleasantly surprised by the variety of signed by the authors books. In the heart of Oldtown Scottsdale, this is a nice stop in!

Found this place on Yelp and have been meaning to visit. Had the day off & decided to check it out! Their emphasis is on the thriller/mystery genre and it did not disappoint. Enormous selection, friendly staff and a lot of amazing staff picks which I had not heard of before. Lots of parking places adjacent to the shop and it's hot such quaint, cozy decor. In addition to the mystery / thriller genre, you'll find a lot of signed editions & 1st editions, too. Pricing is on par with most any other local book store. In a world full of Barnes & Nobles, we need more Poisoned Pens. If you're an avid reader, you owe it to yourself to check this place out.

I pass this charming little independent, local bookstore, Poisoned Pen Bookstore, in Old Town Scottsdale on my way to work. I took the time to stop in a few weeks ago to pick out something for my daughter's birthday. The staff is delightful and incredibly helpful. They specialize in mystery, crime, thrillers, fantasy, & fiction, with several autographed first editions (including a hardcover copy of Twilight I noticed behind the glass doors of a small bookcase). There's a featured Diana Gabaldon section with everything Outlander-related you can think of including Scottish cocktail and cookbooks. They have a few very cool book clubs, including the Hardboiled book club, Croak and Dagger book club, and Sci-Fi book club. They also have author readings and signings often. You can attend these events by Zoom if you don't want to come in person. Their website has an extensive calendar and list of all activities and events. You can also join their mailing list and receive emails which I did at the counter. My first trip in I got several classic books and some ACOTAR books for my daughter that she had on her list. I also got a few fun ones from a special Jane Austen table set up near the front entrance. My daughter wanted to return to check out the selection a few weeks later and ended up getting additional classics, including Dostoevsky, and an anime tarot card pack. There's also a small selection of journals, literary themed merchandise and socks, and a small beverage case for drinks. Restroom for customers inside.

I love that this cute little store puts on live author interviews and focuses on crime series. I can't wait to go to one that's based on a true crime! I definitely recommend popping in here and signing up for their event calendar! Really nice people and great experience each time :-)

I wanted to order a copy of Jeneva Rose's Collector's Edition of The Perfect Marriage, and I chose this independent bookstore so I could get my stickers. I learned that Scott does not approve of her books, so like I said- I had to get my hands on a copy. I have known of this bookstore for a long time, but I had never been because I don't tend to go to this side of town. I took a lap inside the bookstore before I ended up at the desk to pick up my advance purchase. There is so much to look at, books, bookish things, tote bags, etc. I took a few pictures- I thought they were included with my review, but I am not seeing them. I was asked if I wanted my book protected before I left- I was dumbfounded. They ended up putting a protective cover over my book, you know the kind that you see on library books & they did it for free. They might have an event with the author next year, so you know I will keep checking back with them!

Such a delight, it is exactly what you would want a bookstore to be. Has a great selection (of more then just mystery) and the staff are wonderful and helpful. Will make this a regular stop for sure.

I'm a huge fan of Poisoned Pen Bookstore in Scottsdale. It's the most charming indie bookstore, and I really enjoy going to their events. This time I attended an author signing with the amazing Catherine Cowles and Rebecca Jenshak. The staff is incredibly friendly and always willing to help, even going the extra mile to order special edition books for you. If you love reading, you definitely need to pay them a visit--there are some fantastic deals to be found!

A great indie bookstore for the fiction lovers with some options for non-fiction readers. I loved the different book groupings the staff had created and they were friendly in helping me locate a book. Just stating this because not all bookstores have them, but this one does have a restroom for customers. I will be back next time I'm in Scottsdale! This visit was in June 2024.

Just a comment to the high prices: I had asked the same. Gladys the co-owner explained. They use the best ingredients, making sure they are all Gluten Free. They Cost a lot more then other pastries. Healthy and best taste is expensive. Nobody complains when you eat out a Mastros. It's the best because the ingredients are the best made by the best chefs around. Her Head Chef has over 20 plus years from the Cordon bleu. Combined with co-owner Gladys' own vast experience offers the greatest taste plus Gluten free. My advise if you can't afford the best go to fast food. This is the food from the Gods!

It's a small shop but has a huge reach! Located in Old Town Scottsdale, the @poisonedpenbookstore has so much to offer. Between author signings, virtual events, and book discussions, their calendar is booked almost every day. You can even join one of their many book clubs, and you'll be charged and shipped the monthly book automatically. There are hundreds of signed copies to peruse, or find a new book by an author who is coming soon to the store. This is also the place to pick up any book by famed local author Diana Gabaldon, writer of the Outlander series. I walked away with a few books on my first visit (and kicking myself for never visiting before). They have a book case with each shelf dedicated to a different employee so that they can share their favorite books. I found the stack that seemed to be my style of books and picked one to buy. I also grabbed a couple of free books that they set out as they can't sell them due to being early reads sent by the authors. "Your local bookstore, no matter where you live." It's a great tagline, and it really fits. Check out their website or, even better, stop in!

Nice store but didn't have anything I was interested in. Not much non fiction, mostly mystery stuff. Still nice inside and my wife found some stuff

Poisoned Pen is a famous, independent book store specializing in detective/murder mystery/whodunit authors and genres. My favorite part about this bookstore is the staff recommendations- each staff member gets an entire shelf! I love that there's not only options but themes and clear favorites! They have a vast selection of 1st edition books as well. Their embossed and branded bookmarks are lovely (and free!)

An absolute treasure! Amazing bookstore specializing in mysteries with a variety of sub-genres well-represented. While the cozy atmosphere and selection was impressive, the highlight is the knowledgeable staff. I asked for a recommendation based on some of the authors I like and ended up with a stack of new titles curated to my tastes!

Staff is extremely helpful and knowledgeable. Unbelievably awesome selection and the author events the are hosted here are a welcome treat. I used to buy from them via mail order but now that I live in the area I'll be visiting (and buying) much more often

Poisoned Pen does a ton of author events and they do them well. The staff is friendly and helpful. It's easy to purchase books before hand or at the event. It's fun to browse the book selections while waiting- there's tons of thrillers/mystery/some horror and a little bit of everything else. I'm looking forward to my next visit!

Pretty cool independent bookstore. They carry mostly fiction and young adult titles. Located a couple of streets off of Scottsdale Road. Very limited selection of other genres of books. No history or religious section, very small selection of biography. Overall I would recommend.

The Poisoned Pen is a great source for SIGNED Books. They have a wide selection and I find the latest releases always have a couple I've hoped for. Living in NorCal, I buy online only; the books always are delivered within 2-4 days. Their customer service is excellent. I highly recommend The Poisoned Pen... THE BEST OF THE BEST!

Great independent bookstore! Terrific selection, great employees, and the owner is a nice guy. I love small local bookstores and this place is exactly why. They need to build a graphic novel section but... go and go right now!

I love reading and finding local book stores as a hobby of mine! This place had a great ambiance, it was quiet but lively like every book store should be. I was also provided excellent service by Pat, he was incredibly knowledgeable about the different types of genres and gave great recommendations! They also have great books to check out some so unique I'd never seen before! The books are affordable and have great value as they do their best to take care of them. The only wish I had for the store was more cozy reading areas so I could read the amazing books they had!

Great selection of books. Including a section of signed copies. The staff was super helpful. Great little place. Definitely recommend!

My son and I are always on the lookout for bookstores to check out and we saw Poisoned Pen and had to check them out. Although the Poisoned Pen is a mystery bookstore you honestly can find whatever book you are looking for. The Poisoned Pen has a large selection of books, even a nice size selection of children's books if that's what you are seeking. The Poisoned Pen is also where local author Diana Gabaldon frequents, and if you're a fan of The Outlander you know who she is. The Poisoned Pen is great find and those who love bookstores should give them a try!

Support independent bookstores! I'm not a local but have been familiar with this store because one of my favorite authors Diana Gabaldon supports them and they carry all of hers books and many are signed copies. They have a great selection of authors from Az. and all others. You will find something to love here. Or just come in browse and enjoy a seat and decide what to read next. Staff are helpful and they also ship so you can order online as well. Plenty of parking and lots to do in this area of Scottsdale.

Although I did purchase an Agatha Christie here, this bookstore sells more than just mystery novels. Its facade is very charming and welcoming. When you walk into this narrow bookstore, you're immediately greeted by the sweet people at the front desk. To your left is a great selection of Fiction and new books. They have something for everyone here. They had a really cute notebooks too. I loved that they offered complimentary bookmarks with your purchase, this was a huge plus for me. They had a great amount of seating throughout the bookstore too. These spots were great for getting to know your next read. Glad I stopped by.

Such a cute bookstore. Not your typical "bookstore". Very quaint and filled with many different types of books. They have visiting authors that do book signings and it seems very popular. Throughout this space are little nooks with the old leather chairs for your comfort. In back a table with a few chairs. All types of books, journals, book bags and various other items. Service excellent and the two women in front were helpful and very friendly. Definitely worth the trip if your looking for a authentic and unique bookstore experience. You'll experience something much more intimate that a big box book store.

What a treasure this place is! An amazing selection of mystery books, but also a wonderful selection of other genres as well. I picked up a couple books--a biography of Tony Hillerman and an autographed(!) copy of Marcie Rendon's latest novel-- for myself and a board book for my daughter. They have a solid kids' section. Staff was friendly and helpful and environment is inviting. Great place to browse and hang out. They also host tons of events, both online and in person! Be sure to sign up for their online newsletter! I will come back the next time I'm in Scottsdale! So grateful for independent bookstores!

The receptionist was unable to find book that I found with smart phone browser. Trip to store was waste of time, not worth effort. Will not return!

When I travel solo I like to visit a local bookstore and Poisoned pen was great stop! Staff were friendly, the selection was great and enjoyed their themed displays. Lots of author signed copies available.

Fantastic selections and very helpful staff, helping us find just the right book for a gift!

Great little bookstore, has everything you would need in a neighborhood book store. Staff was pleasant enough, asked if I needed help and left me alone after that to browse the shelves. Plenty of seating areas to enjoy a book before you buy. Felt no pressure and walked away with a couple good reads. Worth checking out if you enjoy the written word, and even if you don't

Great selection of books that specialize in mystery, fantasy, occult. Nicely appointed shop. They have guest authors who visit when promoting a new book. I was visiting so I can't go there consistently but I will be back- We have to support the smaller business booksellers!

Twice now, I've attended a book signing by authors I recommend with a passion. Back in the 70s I earned my BS in Education and my Masters in English and taught high school for six years. Then I was able to read the books I wanted to read that had not been assigned to me. I have about 25 authors I follow and read. I met Michael Connelly and Thomas Perry. I've never had so much fun getting to listen to a great author discuss characters and the plots. It gives me motivation to finish my first book that was started back in 2015. Yeah, I'll get there, just not today, because I am very busy reading. Barb is the lady who owns the shop and she is easy to talk to and she has a wonderful staff. Every now and then I get to meet a loose dog or two who are searching the shelves for something new or old and classic. Good luck to us all.

This place is so cool! As a lover of mysteries and thrillers, this store had everything you could want. They had a great selection and the people working there were knowledgeable and helpful. It looks like they have tons of cool events as well. I wish I lived closer because I would definitely be regular!

I had an amazing experience! Truly so elated I stopped in. The employees were beyond friendly and helpful!!! Truly an amazing slightly hidden bookstore!!! I walked out with over 15 books and will certainly be back!!!! They even ordered a couple books to the store for me I was interested in that they didn't have in stock. But they truly had an excellent selection and staff!

I had some friends visit from out of town. They are from a small town that does not have a good bookstore, and I had to bring them here. I love mysteries. Mysteries aren't all they have, but they make up a good portion of the bookstore. I picked up two my friends enjoyed the travel books and the children's books. Honestly, you've got to spend some time here.

Cute, warm friendly bookstore in downtown Scottsdale. Didn't have popular titles in stock but they can order anything. Good place for gifts for readers and kids!

Never been in person, but their on-line ordering, customer service, and all around greatness are known! The kind of bookstore that makes me wish I lived in Scottsdale! They've helped me acquire signed copies of several books by one of my favorite authors. Thanks a million!

Nice place. Cool people. Great selection. What more can I say? If you need books, here's a solid bookstore.

So vintage, so creative, so very much so my type of place!! My girls and I enjoyed sitting in the children's section and reading and just admiring the cute trinkets. The customer service was very warm and welcoming and the atmosphere was quaint. I should have brought a cup of coffee and made this a day. If you love trendy, cutesy book stores then this is the place for you to visit.

A must stop in greater Phoenix for any reader of any age! While they specialize in mysteries and hard to find mysteries under the eponymous publishing house, the bookstore has romance, kids, fiction, and cute gifts like notebooks and Out of Print t-shirts. I picked up two books, one a new author to me, and another more obscure book not carried by my local library. Don't miss the Poisoned Pen!

Ordered book 9/17. Was charged for book 9/26. No communication for two months. Emailed twice and finally received response 12/22 that book had not shipped and had no ship date. Just received email that it was expected to get here 1/28. Here's some advice: don't sell more books than you can handle. This was unacceptable.

Great little spot with easy access parking. Everything from childrens to cookbooks. I just took my almost-two year old daughter in to pick out a few books for her and we found two that she just loves. I'm 8 months pregnant and the staff was so helpful, holding the door open for me, offering me water, etc. Great experience and worth the trip in lieu of ordering on Amazon. Please keep bookstores alive and give them your business!

Im not sure why this had 4 stars. This was the worst vibe I've ever experienced in a bookstore. The owners were pretentious and stuffy. Do yourself a favor and go somewhere else.

This is a classic bookstore that every town had. Their owners, workers and clientele are serious about what we read. We are all devoted fans of our favorite authors. This is a not to miss visit if you find yourself in Scottsdale. Before you travel check to see what Author they are hosting and order any books you might hope to find signed by Herself.

Poisoned Pen is a relaxing bookstore with a staff that genuinely cares about you and are Staff very knowledgeable and helpful about what you might be seeking. The coolest thing is that they offer autographed books from the authors themselves and not just run of the mill authors but mainstream. The ambiance is enhanced by the friendly dog roaming the store. Definitely a place to check out.

I really like this place! They have every mystery novel you could ever want, and it's easy to find new book recommendations that are actually really great. Super cozy, I could spend hours here!

Stopped by the Poisoned Pen for the first time to purchase a small gift for my work's "white elephant" gift exchange. I was hoping the store was similar to Changing Hands in Tempe, with lots of trinkets, cool house decor, jewelry, gag gifts, etc. While Poisoned Pen has a large selection of books, a clean and organized space, and friendly staff, they are lacking in merchandise. Yes there are lots of books and this is technically a bookstore, but I was disappointed there weren't many gift options. My choices were coffee mugs, notebooks, pens, tshirts and coloring books. That's all nice, but not quite what I was looking for. Ended up buying a book to give to a family member, but left without a gift for the office party. 5 stars for books, 5 stars for staff, 4 stars for variety of merchandise.

I'm a bibliophile. I'll read anything anyone puts in front of me. That said, if I had to pick a favorite genre, crime/mystery wouldn't be at the top of my list. So why does Poisoned Pen get a five-star review? They're local, helpful, and THE place for authors who want to come through the Phoenix area on a book tour. Their local interest section is second-to-none, as is their inventory of signed first editions. Even if mystery isn't your bag, Poisoned Pen has you covered with romance, general fiction, and an impressive selection of books for the kids on your gift list. If you like books (or need a gift ides for someone who does), skip the impersonal big box stores (and the internet) and give the folks at Poisoned Pen a visit.

We walked out of the store having bought three books, so obviously it was not a terrible book store. They had a very nice selection of local authors and mysteries. But the service was not good at all. Two men behind the counter could not muster up a greeting when we entered and we were the only people in the store. When I asked questions, I got the bare minimum of responses. My books were rung up, placed in a bag, and handed to me, without any word of thanks. Interesting store, but with all the digital competition in book sales, I really expected more human interaction.