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Serial Thrillers bookstore and art gallery brings a love of classic literature to the Johannesburg Botanical Gardens in Emmerentia. This hidden city gem is a must-visit for book lovers, vinyl collectors and comic book enthusiasts. Take your book bags with you, because you will leave with stacks of new reading material to devour beneath the shady trees of the gardens. Don’t say we didn’t warn you!

Serial Thrillers Bookstore & Gallery

If you haven’t paid a visit to the Johannesburg Botanical Gardens in Emmerentia in a while, you may be surprised to find a new feature located just off the entrance to the rose garden. Serial Thrillers bookstore welcomes you into the garden, displaying an array of mini cacti and bargain book deals at its entrance. This is not your average bookstore – in fact, it’s more of a hodge-podge galleria featuring shelf upon shelf of classic literature for all ages.

The Books

Serial Thrillers is a classic book lovers haven. They stock everything from modern classics, to vintage horror and children’s collectors editions. You can pick up classic European, American and South African novels, a few Stephen King must-reads and a pile of Enid Blyton adventure books for the kiddies all in one visit. The store often hosts sales, so if you are looking to go on a book shopping spree, look no further. I visited them in May during their Autumn Hibernation sale and walked away with three books for only R100!

Not a fan of fiction? Not to worry. Serial Thrillers also has a wide range of non-fiction titles to choose from. Whether you are a green thumbed gardener, a whizz in the kitchen or a curious historian, there is a book for you.

Comic Book Classics

Serial Thrillers sets itself apart from other curio-bookstores with their superb collection of classic comic book series. Stop by the store if you are looking for a special gift – there are trinkets and treasures here for children and adults alike. Think Asterix and Obelix, Archie comics, Betty and Veronica, The Adventures of TinTin and much more. Most of these are First English edition Methuens, still in good condition and available at great prices. Dedicated collectors will be delighted by Serial Thrillers TinTin figurines and toy collectibles.

If you are looking for fresh, new works to enjoy, Serial Thrillers also feature up-and-coming comic artist’s work on their shelves. Hand-painted graphic novels are the order of the day here. Plus, their contemporary South African spin on the genre provides a wonderful contrast to the classic comics on display. Whatever your fancy when it comes to picture books, Serial Thrillers is sure to have something great in store just for you.

Music

Sometimes all you really need to get into a good book is the perfect backing soundtrack. Luckily, Serial Thrillers boasts an impressive collection of vinyl records. They offer all the golden oldies. Bowie, The Beatles, Bob Marley and Led Zeppelin, as well as, great South African jazz and soul records. Expand your musical repertoire with a few local records you wouldn’t find anywhere else. Trust me when I say that you will leave Serial Thrillers feeling a lot more enlightened and cultured than before.

Art & Garden goodies

Now that you have your books and vinyl collection sorted, Serial Thrillers invite you to browse through their gallery section. The store supports young, emerging artists, displaying their work right next to the record stands. While some of the works are for display purposes only, others are up for sale at super prices. So, why not invest in local talent and purchase something beautiful to add extra colour to your living space?

Last, but definitely not least, Serial Thrillers offer you the opportunity to spruce up your outdoor space. Just outside the store, miniature cacti await a loving home to grow their needles and flowers in happy abundance. With your arms stacked with books, vinyls and paintings, you may have to make a second trip back for your chosen plant. But let’s be honest, there isn’t a better way to end off a trip to the tranquil rose gardens, than by taking home a few garden treasures for yourself.