The closest any of the authors I follow get to California is this bookstore (with the exception of James Rollins who grew up in Sacramento). I really want to know what this place has that bookstores in California don't. Is it something they do?

It's also a great place to find signed and first edition copies of books

Maybe it's because the owners know how to run a bookstore and how to handle booking agents. Plus, they're nice people, which never hurts.

First time i saw a book called 'The Old Buzzard Had it Coming' By Donis Casey loved the book and have read the second in the series and am on the third . i Will go back to the Poisened Pen next chance i get but i will go to the Upstart Crow next time i am in San Diego.

They have several authors weekly and monthly that come and talk about their books, sign them, answer questions and of course sell them. it is very small bookstore and independently owned. The owner is also an editor. GREAT PLACE.