No Alibis
Bookstore

No Alibis Bookstore | William Murphy/Flickr
No Alibis, on Botanic Avenue, is a true Belfast landmark. In the autumn months it’s often packed with textbook-seeking students from nearby Queen’s University, but No Alibis is also Northern Ireland’s only specialist crime bookstore. It’s clearly had an impact on Northern Ireland’s mystery aficionados, as Colin Bateman has immortalised the store in his Mystery Man series of novels. Owner David Torrans isn’t sure about the novels’ portrayal of the store, and we agree that it’s infinitely better to experience No Alibis in person than in the printed word. Between the excellent selection, frequent events, and friendly staff, it’s a hard act to beat.