Walk too fast and you’ll miss the narrow corridor that winds deep through the building until it opens up onto the quaint porch of one of West Hollywood’s most storied treasures — Mystery Pier Books.
But there’s no mystery here. The bookshop, which sells some of the rarest collectible books in the world, counts a litany of Hollywood stars among its clientele.
It’s been nearly 25 years since owners Louie and Jason Harvey opened the store, and boy do they have tales to tell.
An entire in Mystery Pier is covered floor to ceiling with photos of celebrities at the book store. Harvey says you they don’t more than a few days without a visit from one of their A-list clients. Johnny Depp (top center) might be their biggest fan; Harvey says he’s constantly ordering Mystery Pier T-shirts (he wears a medium). Harvey takes on the role of host and salesman at the shop, pointing out volumes of Shakespeare signed by Queen Victoria. The average purchase at Mystery Pier is roughly $1,500.Louie and Harvey were some of the first booksellers to offer screenplays as collectibles. Harvey shows me a copy of the Blazing Saddles script signed by director Mel Brooks, along with a photo of the signing. Louis designed the covers for their collection of screenplays.Mystery Pier was among the first to carry the Harry Potter series.Harvey was an actor before he was a bookseller. Here he displays the action figure of his character in Jurassic Park The Lost World. Louis and Harvey would love to get their hands on a first edition of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, of which only three exist. The going rate is in the millions of dollars.Louis is quietly running the show from behind the scenes. It was own his collection that Mystery Pier first began selling. Louis says they love working with City Hall and would never dream of leaving. However, they are not happy with the city’s investment in the Block by Block security ambassadors at the expense of the Sheriff’s Department. “We never see them over here,” Louis said. “What do they do all day?” They are relieved that the Supreme store across the street from them so far has not brought the crowds and crime that plagued the store when it was on Fairfax.
This is a hidden gem. Not for the casual best seller list reader (Go to Book Soup for that). A person could easily set up camp @Mystery Pier; such is the aura of book love, good chat and memorable people. One of West Hollywood’s best secrets. It’s a mystery why more haven’t discovered Louis and Harvey.
The Mystery Pier must not stay a mystery!!!! Especially to Harvey; too long since I was in your shop. I believe we mourned Diana together…so it was that long ago. Perhaps a pop near the coronation to come would be in order? I have opinions as I am sure you and Louis do. Also will schlep a few titles you may find of interest – no pressure. Just thinning (LOL) bazillions of books and some are your genre. WHat do you say? First week in Mayish? You have my email..let me know. And BOOKLOVERS. This is a MUST visit shop.… Read more »
:dpb
1 year ago
Thank you for this. What a wonderful slice of heaven right here in Weho.
Thanks for sharing a local gem, I love this content!
Don Jones
1 year ago
Congratulations to Mystery Pier Books for newly 30 years in business. It’s these unique businesses that make West Hollywood great.
Thanks to WeHoville for bringing to your readers attention.
Utterly delightful!
A gem.
This is a hidden gem. Not for the casual best seller list reader (Go to Book Soup for that). A person could easily set up camp @Mystery Pier; such is the aura of book love, good chat and memorable people. One of West Hollywood’s best secrets. It’s a mystery why more haven’t discovered Louis and Harvey.
The Mystery Pier must not stay a mystery!!!! Especially to Harvey; too long since I was in your shop. I believe we mourned Diana together…so it was that long ago. Perhaps a pop near the coronation to come would be in order? I have opinions as I am sure you and Louis do. Also will schlep a few titles you may find of interest – no pressure. Just thinning (LOL) bazillions of books and some are your genre. WHat do you say? First week in Mayish? You have my email..let me know. And BOOKLOVERS. This is a MUST visit shop.… Read more »
Thank you for this. What a wonderful slice of heaven right here in Weho.
Hopefully they own their building.
You think? That’s a hot property on Sunset$$$
Thanks for sharing a local gem, I love this content!
Congratulations to Mystery Pier Books for newly 30 years in business. It’s these unique businesses that make West Hollywood great.
Thanks to WeHoville for bringing to your readers attention.
Absolutely Right!!!!