On paper, Mysteryscape is a bookstore, one with a passion for mysteries, thrillers and even a little paranormal fiction.
But co-owners Cheri LeBlond and Acia Morley see themselves as providing a special
service, too: a chance to get away from everyday life and get lost in a book. They refer to themselves as “escapologists.”
“We’re always helping our customers find their next best escape,” said LeBlond, who like, Morley, is a voracious reader of crime fiction. Their shelves are filled with every kind of mystery imaginable—crime stories from Great Britain, novels with a culinary bent, historical thrillers, even mysteries for kids.
In some cases, the shop itself is a getaway.
Mysteryscape opened in downtown Overland Park in May 2012, and Morley and LeBlond, who each have extensive experience in bookstores and libraries, have grown their business by becoming a gathering place for local crime fiction lovers.
“We want our business to be a welcoming part of this thriving community,” said LeBlond. “We also want to be a friendly island of escape for those who love mysteries.”
Event programming is a big part of that. One of the business’s more novel escapes is called the Mysteryscape Chamber Theater, a 30-minute performance where actors use minimal or no props and read scripts while acting. The plays, adapted from short mysteries, are followed by a potluck dinner. The next show is scheduled for next month.
The idea came from a customer. As it happens, some of the store’s regular patrons happen to be experienced actors.
“Some have no acting experience and some do,” said LeBlond. “It’s a fun way to celebrate this great community and the uniqueness of our business.”
Mysteryscape also hosts the monthly meeting of the Kansas City chapter of Sisters in Crime, a national organization that supports women who write crime fiction.
Sisters in Crime offers a lively lineup of speakers including local authors, defense attorneys, forensic pathologists, private investigators and more. Meetings are free and open to the public.
“Speakers often offer a fascinating glimpse into real-world crime detection and publishing,” said LeBlond. “Again, it’s something special happening at Mysteryscape that you won’t find elsewhere.”
Entrepreneurs
Cheri LeBlond and Acia Morley
Company Information
Mysteryscape
7309 W. 80th St.
Overland Park, KS 66204
(913) 649-0000
info@mysteryscape.com
Type of Business
Bookstore specializing in crime fiction and related genres
Year Founded
2012
