Reprint of article from the Oxford Paper

A BOOKSTORE COMES TO OXFORD

To celebrate the 15th anniversary of her Baltimore store Mystery Loves Company, owner Kathy Harig decided to open a second store, this one on the Eastern Shore nearer to her home in Talbot County.  Kathy was a librarian for 25 years and in 1991 founded her Fells Point store which specializes in mysteries. After searching for several months, she was drawn to the century-old bank building at 202 S. Morris Street in Oxford. “It was perfect for our needs, I fell in love with the building, and it didn’t need much work.” Her idea met with enthusiasm from the townsfolk who wanted a small central commercial area. It seemed a “good fit” surrounded by the Oxford Museum, Oxford Greens, a gift shop and Americana Antiques, as well as numerous well-known restaurants and inns. “We also liked the fact that the town’s waterfront park was two doors away with ample benches for reading, picnicking and watching the sunset. I expect Agatha Christie or Jessica Fletcher to stroll past the shop,” says Kathy. Visitors can also come to Oxford via the Bellevue-Oxford ferry.

Although her independent shop in Fells Point in Baltimore only stocks mysteries, it is clear that the shop in Oxford will have a larger scope. “We will continue to provide new and carefully read used mysteries and signed first editions, book gift baskets and book-related gifts, but we will expand our collection to children’s books, and all types of books about the Chesapeake Bay, and books by local authors.

“As an independent bookstore we see ourselves as a community resource and give discounts to book clubs and support the community centers, schools, and libraries. We already are planning events with the Talbot County Library and intend to support our Oxford library in any way we can. We also want to encourage literacy and writing skills among young children. They are our future readers.”

The grand opening will be Sunday July 2nd from 2:00 – 5:00pm with a signing and reception for Oxford author Bill Shepard author of three mysteries and a book about French wine. “Folks can come early for the fireworks and see the store and meet Bill.

Also planned is a signing and reception on Saturday August 12 from 3:00 – 5:00 pm by seven six mystery writers including Ellen Crosby, Donna Andrews, Marcia Talley, Nora Charles, Dana Cameron, and Laura Durham.

Lots more signings are planned for the summer. Information about the store and online ordering is available from the store’s website mysterylovescompany.com where you can also sign up for the monthly email newsletter.

To be placed on the store’s mailing list or receive additional information call the store at 410-226-0010.