Mystery Pier Books: The Tiny Bookstore Where Oscar Winners Shop

This West Hollywood shop is a favorite of A-list Hollywood clientele, from Johnny Depp to Flea.

Mar. 17, 2026 at 2:00pm

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Mystery Pier Books, a tiny cottage just off Sunset Boulevard in West Hollywood, is a beloved bookstore that caters to an A-list Hollywood clientele. Opened in 1998 by veteran character actor Harvey Jason and his son Louis, the shop specializes in fine first editions and signed screenplays. Over the years, they've built a loyal following among celebrities like Johnny Depp, Flea, Seth MacFarlane, and Diane Keaton, who come to browse their unique collection and take home rare literary treasures.

Why it matters

In an era of corporate bookstores and online retail dominance, Mystery Pier Books has managed to thrive as an independent, community-focused shop that celebrates the love of physical books and provides a welcoming space for both famous and non-famous book lovers alike. The store's success highlights the enduring appeal of brick-and-mortar bookstores, especially those that offer a personalized, knowledgeable, and friendly shopping experience.

The details

Harvey Jason, a veteran character actor, opened Mystery Pier Books in 1998 with his son Louis after finishing work on The Lost World: Jurassic Park. The shop specializes in fine first editions and signed screenplays, catering to an A-list Hollywood clientele. Over the years, they've built relationships with many celebrities, including Johnny Depp, Flea, Seth MacFarlane, and Diane Keaton, who are regular customers. The Jasons also deal in "Hollywoodiana," unique items like signed scripts that they beautifully encase as special gifts. They are both registered authenticators, ensuring the provenance of the rare items they sell.

  • Mystery Pier Books opened in August 1998.
  • The shop has been in its current location for over 27 years.

The players

Harvey Jason

The co-owner of Mystery Pier Books, who is also a veteran character actor with credits including The Lost World: Jurassic Park and Save the Tiger.

Louis Jason

The co-owner of Mystery Pier Books, who previously sold books online and at book fairs before opening the shop with his father.

Johnny Depp

A longtime customer of Mystery Pier Books who is known to wear the store's t-shirt.

Flea

The bassist for the Red Hot Chili Peppers, who has been a customer of Mystery Pier Books since the store's first week of operation.

Seth MacFarlane

A customer of Mystery Pier Books who is known for his intelligence and sense of humor.

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What they’re saying

“We'd both been collectors and readers all our lives. And then we found this space and we've been here for just over 27 years in this shop, and we've been called the number-one first-edition bookstore in America. It's unbelievable. And to come in here every day is such an unbelievable joy. It never gets stale. And you never know who's going to walk in. That's half the joy of it.”

— Harvey Jason, Co-owner, Mystery Pier Books

“Everybody who comes in, especially these A-list actors, has been truly wonderful. All except for one person, and I won't tell you who because you know his name. He came in once, bought a cheap book. I saw him open the cover and saw the price, something like $400. He said, How much is this? I looked at him and said, Well, it's $400 and tax. And he said, I'll pay cash, that way I don't have to pay tax. I said, Why wouldn't you have to pay tax? He said, Well, I'm giving you cash, why would I pay tax? I said, Because it's the right thing to do.”

— Harvey Jason, Co-owner, Mystery Pier Books

“The first time he came in—and I haven't seen him in a while—he bought a Churchill set. We were hanging out. And a friend of mine was in and she whispered to me, Do you think I could ask him a question? So she said, Hi, Mr. MacFarlane—and he was so nice—she said, My best friend is getting married and she's a huge fan of Family Guy. Can I have a picture with you? He said, I don't do pictures, but take out your phone. And he did a three-minute monologue in the voice of Stewie on all the reasons they shouldn't get married. Like, what if you get a divorce, what about the people you were both friends with? And everyone will have wasted money on a gift—it was hilarious.”

— Louis Jason, Co-owner, Mystery Pier Books

What’s next

The Jasons plan to continue operating Mystery Pier Books, providing a unique shopping experience for book lovers and Hollywood's elite alike.

The takeaway

Mystery Pier Books has endured as an independent bookstore in the heart of Hollywood by catering to a loyal community of book enthusiasts, both famous and non-famous, and offering a personalized, knowledgeable, and welcoming shopping environment that celebrates the joy of physical books.