Opened in 1979 by Otto Penzler, The Mysterious Bookshop is the oldest mystery specialist bookstore in America. Previously located in midtown, the bookshop now calls Tribeca its home. The bookshop's double-height ceilings allow for tall bookcases, the upper shelves being reached by library ladders.

The Mysterious Bookshop specializes in mystery fiction and all its sub genres, including detective, crime, thrillers, espionage, and suspense . The store publishes its own series annually, Bibliomysteries, and carries limited editions of books by famous mystery authors. There is a "Crime Club" subscription available, in-store launches and book signings.

The sign on the door notes, "Open: Come in and sleuth around."