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(919) 205-1484
Now Open in Downtown Smithfield

Every Page
Holds a Secret

Discover hand-picked mysteries, gripping thrillers, and unforgettable crime fiction — curated for readers who demand more from every turn of the page.

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5,000+
Titles Available
15+
Genres Covered
Local
Since Day One
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Our Collection

Find Your Next
Obsession

From classic whodunits to pulse-pounding psychological thrillers, every shelf is stocked with stories that keep you reading past midnight.

Classic detective mystery novels on shelves
Classic

Classic Mystery

Agatha Christie, Arthur Conan Doyle, and the golden age detectives that defined the genre.

Dark thriller book covers
Gripping

Psychological Thrillers

Mind games, unreliable narrators, and twists that will leave you questioning everything.

True crime books collection
Real

True Crime

Real cases, deep investigations, and the stories behind the headlines that fascinate millions.

Cozy mystery books with tea
Cozy

Cozy Mysteries

Low stakes, high charm — perfect mysteries for a quiet evening with a warm drink.

Police procedural crime novels
Gritty

Police Procedurals

Follow detectives through methodical investigations, evidence rooms, and the pursuit of justice.

Nordic noir dark covers
Dark

Nordic Noir

Frozen landscapes, complex characters, and atmospheric suspense from Scandinavia's finest.

New mystery and thriller book releases
New Arrivals

Fresh Off the Press

We restock weekly with the latest releases from today's hottest crime fiction authors. Be the first to read the books everyone's talking about.

Call to ask about new arrivals
Interior of Once Upon A Crime bookstore with bookshelves
About Us

Born From a Love
of the Unputdownable

Once Upon A Crime started with a simple belief: that the best stories are the ones you can't put down. Located on the vibrant E Market Street in downtown Smithfield, we've built a shop where every shelf is curated with intention.

We're not a warehouse with a reading section. We're a bookstore that lives and breathes mystery, thriller, and crime fiction — and we know the difference between a well-crafted puzzle and a hollow shock. Every title on our shelves earned its place.

Whether you're hunting for your first Stieg Larsson or your fiftieth Ruth Rendell, we're here to help you find exactly what you're looking for — or introduce you to something you didn't know you needed.

Curated Selection
Every title hand-picked
Expert Recommendations
Staff picks every week
Special Orders
We'll find it for you
Community Hub
Events & book clubs
Why Choose Us

The Difference Is
in the Details

A great bookstore isn't just about inventory. It's about the experience — and the relationships built around a shared love of storytelling.

Personalized Finds

Tell us what you loved last time, and we'll track down your next favorite. We keep notes so you never have to start from scratch.

Community First

Book clubs, author events, and reading groups — we're proud to be a gathering place for Smithfield's mystery lovers.

Special Orders

Can't find it anywhere else? We'll order it. Our wholesale relationships mean we can source titles most bookstores can't.

Visit Us

Come Say Hello

Store Information

Address
230 E Market St
Smithfield, NC 27577
Hours
Mon – Thu 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Saturday 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday Closed
Call to Confirm Hours
Get In Touch

Have a Question?
We're Happy to Help

Looking for a specific title? Want to know if we carry a particular author? Have a book club event in mind? Drop us a line and we'll get back to you as soon as we can.

Call Us
(919) 205-1484
Email Us
onceuponacrimenc@gmail.com
Visit Us
230 E Market St, Smithfield, NC 27577

Send Us a Message

We typically respond within one business day.

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