Celebrities Flock to Mystery Pier Books for Rare Literary Finds

Nestled in a narrow alley off the bustling Sunset Strip, Mystery Pier Books has become a go-to destination for celebrities seeking rare literary treasures. Founded in 1998 by father-and-son duo Harvey and Louis Jason, the bookstore specializes in rare first editions, often signed by their esteemed authors. Recognized by the International League of Antiquarian Booksellers, Mystery Pier stands out as one of the finest stores of its kind globally, alongside the nearby Book Soup, which offers only new titles.

A visit to Mystery Pier is akin to stepping into a literary museum. The shop’s walls are adorned with books that tell stories beyond their pages, and while browsing can be enchanting, purchasing these treasures often comes with a hefty price tag. On a recent visit, the inventory included several individual plays by William Shakespeare, priced between $4,500 and $12,000, an English version of The Communist Manifesto signed by Joseph Stalin for $35,000, and a rare first edition of The Diary of Anne Frank in the original Dutch, one of only 3,000 copies ever printed.

At 85 years old, Harvey Jason reflects on his journey from actor to bookstore owner. He first arrived in Los Angeles in 1968 to star alongside Julie Andrews in the musical Star!. After a successful acting career, he made the leap to bookselling. “When we wrapped The Lost World: Jurassic Park in 1997, I told Steven Spielberg I was starting a book business with my son. He didn’t believe me, but a year later, we opened this shop. I’ve never been happier,” he shares, while stroking the store’s resident cat, Booksy.

The shop has attracted a plethora of celebrity patrons. Photos of famous visitors line the walls, showcasing stars like Flea from the Red Hot Chili Peppers, who was one of the store’s first customers. The late Diane Keaton, a frequent shopper, had a signed shooting script of Annie Hall priced at $8,500, making it the store’s most expensive screenplay. Johnny Depp, who portrayed a rare bookseller in The Ninth Gate, has made a name for himself as a regular customer, often ordering Mystery Pier merchandise in bulk for his home.

While most celebrity encounters have been positive, not all visits have left a good impression. Louis recalls an awkward interaction with Roseanne Barr, who questioned the bookstore’s focus on old books and confused Louis L’Amour with “Louie Laymore.”

Mystery Pier specializes in classic literature, particularly works by Charles Dickens. The store features breathtaking boxed sets of Dickens’ original, illustrated monthly installments, which Harvey describes as the “soap operas of the time.” With Depp recently announced as starring as Ebenezer Scrooge in an upcoming remake of A Christmas Carol, the Jasons have begun sourcing a first edition of this holiday classic.

During the festive season, studios often reach out to the shop for recommendations that align with upcoming film projects. “They ask us what would be a good match based on the film’s theme,” Louis explains.

Mystery Pier Books is not merely a store; it is a cultural landmark where literature meets celebrity. For those fortunate enough to visit, the experience is more than just browsing books; it is a connection to a rich literary history cherished by both the stars and the public alike.