Full Breakdown
Murder by the Book: Houston’s Crime-Fiction Bookstore Thrives After Four Decades
6/12/2026, 9:05:33 PM
Origins and Evolution – From 1980 Founding to Present
Murder by the Book opened on Bissonnet near Rice Village in 1980, founded by Martha Farrington. In 2003, McKenna Jordan, a University of Houston student whose parents were Houston police officers, began working as a bookseller. She rose to manager and bought the store in 2009 when Farrington retired. Over the next 17 years Jordan’s team has weathered hurricanes, the COVID-19 pandemic, competition from big-box chains and Amazon, while preserving the shop’s focus on mystery, true-crime and thriller titles.
People and Scale – Owner, Staff, Authors, and Operations
Jordan leads a nine-member staff who share a passion for suspense genres. The store hosts more than 200 author events annually, featuring over 150 writers such as bestselling author Ashley Winstead, Paul Doiron, Robert Crais, Riley Sager and Michael Connelly. Events account for roughly one-third of the store’s revenue, with typical author evenings selling 400–500 books; a Paula Hawkins launch moved about 800 copies in a single night. The shop’s inventory spans classic detectives from Edgar Allan Poe to contemporary series like Harry Bosch.
Community Impact – A Hub for Readers and Writers
Murder by the Book functions as a cultural anchor in Houston, fostering a community where mystery enthusiasts gather and emerging writers gain exposure. Its proactive outreach and event-driven model demonstrate how a niche retailer can thrive amid digital disruption while contributing to the city’s literary identity.
Official Statements – Jordan’s Vision
Jordan describes the shop as “the Cheers version of a bookstore,” emphasizing personalized recommendations and a welcoming atmosphere. She notes that constant inventory reassessment and proactive author outreach are essential to the business. Jordan also points out that crime fiction’s promise of justice satisfies readers even when real life falls short.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Both my parents were Houston police officers, so crime was kind of all around,” — McKenna Jordan, Owner
- “I always tell people we are the Cheers version of a bookstore,” — McKenna Jordan, Owner
- “The staff is the real reason the biggest authors flock to it,” — Ashley Winstead, Bestselling author
- “The gathering of fans and friends at the store is like a family reunion you actually want to attend,” — Robert Crais, Author
What’s Next – Upcoming Events
The store will host Winstead’s summer launch of *Hot Girl Murder Club* and a reading by Riley Sager for his forthcoming novel *The Unknown*. Jordan says plans are underway to expand the event calendar and deepen author partnerships, ensuring the shop’s continued role in Houston’s literary scene.
