Book Lovers Gain New Destination In Downtown Smithfield

SMITHFIELD — Book lovers will soon have a new place to browse for their next page-turner as Once Upon A Crime prepares to open its doors in Downtown Smithfield.

The independent bookstore, located at 230 E. Market Street, will celebrate its grand opening on Saturday, June 27. While the shop specializes in thriller, suspense, mystery and crime fiction, customers will find books across a variety of genres.

Owners Danielle and Aaron Hilton recently relocated to North Carolina from Gloucester, Virginia, where they owned and operated an independent bookstore. After searching for a new location, the couple chose Smithfield to continue their business and their passion for connecting people through books.

The Hiltons say they hope the bookstore becomes more than just a place to shop.

At their previous store, Danielle organized a book club that grew into a close-knit community of nearly 40 women who developed lasting friendships through a shared love of reading.

“Many of these women didn’t necessarily have a place to meet other like-minded people,” Danielle said. “The book club created a sense of belonging and friendship that has continued long after we left Gloucester.”

The relationships formed through that bookstore remain strong. Several members of the Virginia-based book club are expected to travel to Smithfield to attend the grand opening celebration.

The store’s name reflects its specialty in mystery and crime fiction, but the Hiltons say readers of all interests will find something on the shelves.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony is scheduled for 1 p.m. on June 25. The public grand opening celebration will take place from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. on June 27.

Once Upon A Crime will be open Tuesday through Friday from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m.