Best of Boston

Except for the rock tunes that blare from the speakers, this little shop of horrors seems right out of a WGBH Mystery! episode, with its Victorian architecture and hundreds of ceramic black cats peering down from the bookcases. A vast library of thrillers, horror stories, and other books lines the shelves. Kate herself tallies the tabs and helps customers navigate her stock, which runs from the common (Stephen King) to the obscure (the “strong women” category). Acknowledged as the regional hub of the craft, Kate’s hosts monthly meetings of the Mystery Writers of America, and nationally known authors hold book-signings here.