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January 2024 by John R.
Best Bookstore in town. Incredible selection for very reasonable prices. Tom and the staff may at times be a bit on the gruff side, but I find that is fairly typical for used book shop owners. Just don't be a jerk and you will be able to nestle into this bibliophile's haven and community fairly easily. Tom and Cathy are active in acquiring new stock, I have been coming in for nearly 40 years, and can always find something new, needed or fascinating. A true Twin Cities gem. One of the few legacy hold-outs from the golden ages of Twin Cites used book stores.
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December 2023 by Jason G.
Really surprised by the somewhat mixed reviews. This is the kind of gem you hope to find when you visit a new city for the first time. Lots of antique books as well as just a good selection in all topic areas What makes this place stand out though is the number of old pulp novels and magazines that's one of the best I've seen They also have an outstanding comic book selection that has a lot of depth. Lots of back issues though you have to jump through some hoops to go through them Prices seemed more than reasonable for every book I picked up! This is a place I would spend hours in if I had the time A grand discovery of you love books!
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July 2023 by Steven K.
A real non-chain old-school (i.e., you won't find only bestsellers that were read once and appropriately discarded) used book store. Well organized by subject and author over three floors (bargains in the basement are not junk but all $2.50). I think the prices are quite modest, especially compared to some used bookstore chains. One important note: They do not open until 11 am, not 10 am as on Yelp. They do have a parking lot in the back: Going north on Snelling from 94, pass the light at University and turn into the alley just before the liquor store. Regarding selling books, remember used bookstores have a very (italicize that) narrow profit margin and will know what they are able to sell...
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July 2023 by Russell H.
Ordered a moderately esoteric book via a well-known third party seller but listed by Midway Used & Rare books. Within minutes of placing the order I received an email advising me the shipping label had been created. I received the book in about three days and was thrilled by how quickly it arrived and the excellent protective packaging Midway used. Highly recommend for this means of commerce!!!
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February 2023 by K G.
Love it. If you're a book person, you have to check it out. It's probably the best used book store I've visited in terms of selection and breadth of subjects. I could easily spend hundreds and hundreds of $$ every time I walk through the door. I don't know anything about comics but there are a ton of those too. In business since 1965, this is a neighborhood stalwart. I'm aware that some folks have had negative experiences here, and while I haven't had any problems I'm also not surprised others have.
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October 2022 by Samizdat Mhm
One of a kind book seller and has impeccable taste. Product arrived on time and in exact condition as detailed. Will be ordering again!
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May 2022 by Mike J.
I really wanted to like this place. But after hearing the man working behind the counter go on an extremely racist rant I can't support this place. A (black) man came in and asked if he could have a tissue, the old white man behind the counter gave him a napkin and the black man left. It was a pretty innocuous interaction, but after he left the man working there went off on a racist rant to no one in general, but loud enough for most of the store to here. Saying things like "those people are so rude, it must be something in their DNA." And "They're all so ungrateful, they just want some thing for nothing" and "damn morons". I was shocked. I don't remember if the black guy said please or thank you but he definitely asked in a polite tone and was in no way rude. And all he was asking for was a tissue! It sounded like something that would come out of a 1930's southern lunch counter, not a Saint Paul book store in 2022. The man working there was in his 70s, fairly short, and balding. Not sure if he was the owner or just worked there. There are a handful of really cool books in there that I wanted to buy but I just took photos of the covers and I'll be buying them online or at another book store.
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June 2021 by Elizabeth D.
We loved this book store. A huge variety of books at great prices. The Bargain Basement was full of hidden gems for $2.50 or less and the regular sections were well stocked with newer publications as well as some older "classics." I particularly love their extensive collection of paperback mysteries (all we're about $4 or less). Staff was helpful (not overly friendly, but I don't mind as when I go to bookstores I mostly like to walk through the aisles alone). Huge comic book and graphic novel selections as well!
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October 2020 by Ted Dunn
The Rare Book Sleuth is a first rate bookseller, knowledgeable and prompt and courteous with his response to any request I may have. Books are securely packed and shipped immediately, arriving before schedule. Highly recommended.
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October 2020 by Sarah Hudock
Incomplete address online.No phone number listed
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June 2020 by Maury Feinsilber
A first rate seller! I've been collecting books for decades and am hard pressed to think of many other sellers whose kindness and expertise are on a par with The Rare Book Sleuth. His expertly curated, superb selections are constantly making my jaw drop (I'm a follower on Instagram) and the prices the books are offered at are, frankly, quite excellent. It's a joy to recommend this fine bookseller.
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April 2020 by Shon K.
I do dig this book store, man they have a ton of books to peruse and the staff is pretty laid back yet helpful. Not having had much time to spend here, I moved fairly quickly in search of a gem I have been in the hunt for then headed out. Enjoying the smell of old books and seeing the classic art on some of the covers as I browsed, almost like stepping into the past and enjoying part of my youth through a different lens. I am looking forward to returning to this location when I am in town next and spending an afternoon browsing around.
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April 2020 by Sean Lynch
Kevin is super professional and extremely knowledgeable. Prices are fair, shipping is fast and very secure and the merch is top notch. My copy of Blood Meridian still blows my mind. Also got a great Signed copy of Garp that is in perfect condition. I will buy more books from the Sleuth. A+ - Books-4-Ewe
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January 2020 by Justin T.
Epic collection, tons of great trade paperbacks, pulp novels, comics and magazines. Most definitely need some assistance from staff to navigate the labyrinth. Worth making the trip every time.
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May 2019 by Amy Chouanard
The building looked vacant or abandoned, address didn't match and no sign to help direct me,so I just left.