Plot Twist: A Brand-New Mystery & Romance Bookshop Just Opened in North Center
By Socialhood News · Il/Chicago/North Center ·
North Center's literary scene just got a delightfully intriguing new chapter. Partners in Crime Bookshop, a one-of-a-kind genre mashup store dedicated to mystery and romance titles, has officially opened its doors in the neighborhood — and it's already turning heads across Chicago.
Behind the shop are husband-and-wife duo Amanda and Jeff Morse, who relocated from Dallas to Chicago in 2020 and fell deep into reading during the pandemic years. When Amanda was laid off in 2024 and faced a tough job market, the couple decided to turn a longtime dream into reality. Rather than open yet another general bookstore, they zeroed in on a niche: blending the beloved mystery and romance genres under one roof. The store is stocked with curated titles alongside book-lover extras like stickers, postcards, candles, and notebooks, and features welcoming seating in the back designed so every customer feels at home. Early reception has been warm, with Jeff noting that business has been encouraging enough to keep the lights on and the pages turning.
And the fun is just getting started — a book club and additional community events are already in the works. North Center is no stranger to indie bookshops; The Last Chapter Book Shop, a romance-focused store, opened here back in 2023. Now, with Partners in Crime joining the block, the neighborhood is quietly cementing its reputation as a North Side destination for book lovers. Stop in, browse a shelf, and stay for the community — and keep an eye on their upcoming events for your next great read!
Sources:
1. https://www.wbez.org/books/2026/04/07/mystery-romance-bookshop-opens-in-north-center-chicago-partners-in-crime
2. https://chicago.suntimes.com/small-business/2026/04/07/mystery-romance-bookshop-opens-in-north-center-chicago-partners-in-crime