#22in22Challenge The Wild Detectives

Visit #16 Dallas, Texas-Bishop Arts District

“Two birds with one stone.” We had an appointment at The Book Doctor in the Bishop Arts District of Dallas, so decided to visit The Wild Detectives Bookstore in the same trip. This is an independent bookstore with tables & seating for those wanting to read or work using the WiFi, outdoor patio seating in the backyard for cooler weather and author events, and a bar for cocktails or coffee for cozy reading inside. Everything from Fiction & Nonfiction to Poetry & Books in Spanish is available, along with online ordering. Located in the beautiful Bishop Arts district with lots of boutiques on tree lined streets to wander in and out of along with restaurants aplenty!

#22in22Challenge Bookstore Visit #11: Murder by the Book, Houston TX

I visited this wonderful treasure on the way to Galveston to celebrate our 50th wedding anniversary. It was a dreary, rainy day in Houston, but the wide selection and staff brightened our day! The top of the shelves was a museum of memorabilia, framed autographed photos, and treasures from around the world. I could’ve just moved in for a week, or more like a month!

Store History

“Murder By The Book is one of the nation’s oldest and largest mystery specialty bookstores, established in 1980 by Martha Farrington, and purchased by McKenna Jordan in 2009. The store stocks over 25,000 books — new & used, hardbacks & paperbacks, first editions, collectibles, gift items, mystery magazines, and more. We host over 200 of the hottest mystery, crime, and fantasy authors for book signing events every year. We’ve had everyone from Dick Francis to P.D. James, Sue Grafton to Robert Crais, Michael Connelly to Patricia Cornwell, James Lee Burke to Daniel Silva.”

#22in22Challenge-Independent Bookstore Day, April 30, 2022

Bookstore Visit #9-Interabang Books

My favorite local bookstore is INTERABANG in Dallas. This is where I order all my print copies to support authors. I was one of the designated Zibby Books Ambassadors and thoroughly enjoyed my role. The store was busy and everyone was enjoying the snacks and shopping! I was thrilled to see so many guests and loved hearing all the bookish conversations and delightful laughter.

**Interabang Books, Dallas, Texas** http://interabangbooks.com

**Gift from Interabang for being a Zibby Books Ambassador!**

#22in22Challenge

Bookstore Visit #8-Beausoleil Books in Lafayette, Louisiana

**https://www.beausoleilbooks.com/ 302 A Jefferson St, Lafayette, LA 70501**

The Grateful Reader Review by Dorothy Schwab

I travel to south Louisiana many times each year. Lafayette is where I was born and my family and relatives still live in that area. Now that I’ve found Beausoleil Books I have another reason to visit! The bookstore has a wonderfully curated collection of books, a lovely, inviting coffee bar and sitting area, plus adjoining is The Whisper Room for cocktails! This is a heavenly place for book clubs and private events. The Whisper Room was closed for a private event the day I visited but I’ll be back! Alexis, the manager, spent a great deal of time explaining her role and I spent a great deal of time sharing information about Zibby Owens, her new publishing company and quest to support independent book sellers. Of course I told Alexis about the #22in22Challenge for #Zibbybooks and #bookambassadors! Beausoleil Books is perfect for bibliophiles-visit the square in downtown Lafayette!