Elizabeth Kostova Book Launch at A-B Tech's Ferguson Auditorium

Asheville author Elizabeth Kostova launches her new novel, Mystery Play, Tuesday night at A-B Tech's Ferguson Auditorium, presented by Malaprop's. She'll be in conversation with fellow novelist Terry Roberts, followed by a book signing.

Tickets start at $38 and include a hardcover copy of the book. Malaprop's will have extra copies and Kostova's backlist on hand if you want to fill out the shelf.

Doors open at 5:30 and the talk starts at 6. Free parking is right next to the building, so get there early, grab a good seat, and bring your copy home signed.

Malaprop's Bookstore/Cafe is an independent bookstore at 55 Haywood Street, at the corner of Walnut Street in downtown Asheville, serving readers since 1982. It carries a hand-picked mix of books, gifts and local goods, with staff recommendations on every table, and hosts author readings, book clubs and events most weeks. The cafe serves espresso drinks, tea and pastries from area bakeries, with a walk-up window that opens before the store. The bookstore is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Asheville regulars grab a coffee at the cafe window and browse the staff picks, and locals send visiting friends here first.

Malaprop's Bookstore/ Cafe

Looking for shopping in Asheville? These local stores, galleries and boutiques are worth the trip, downtown and across town. Instant Karma sells hippie gifts at two shops, one on Lexington Avenue downtown and one on Haywood Road in West Asheville. Downtown, Static Age Records sells records and hosts shows on Lexington, Blue Spiral 1 fills three floors with contemporary art on Biltmore Avenue, and VaVaVooom is a woman-owned lingerie boutique on Broadway. In Biltmore Village, New Morning Gallery shows more than 500 American craft artists. North Asheville's Merrimon Avenue has Jus' Running, Asheville Raven & Crone and Asheville Pet Supply. Orbit DVD is an independent movie and game store in West Asheville. Out east, the Antique Tobacco Barn packs more than 75 vendors into 77,000 square feet, and the Southern Highland Craft Guild sells Appalachian handcraft at its Blue Ridge Parkway shop. South of town, Boutique Royale carries lingerie and gifts on Sweeten Creek Road, and Signs for Hope Marketplace in Fairview gives every dollar to a local nonprofit. Black Mountain's Old Town District is a walkable afternoon of shops and galleries. Every shop below has hours, photos and directions.

Elizabeth Kostova Book Launch at A-B Tech's Ferguson Auditorium

The Scoop