Rodney Burger
Contributing Writer
(Photo by Rodney Burger)
The halls of Charlotte’s Old Eaton County Courthouse now echo with more than the whispers of history; they hold a new chapter to be written. On June 14, Dead Time Stories, a family-owned bookstore devoted to true crime and tales of dark history, opened its doors within the courthouse, breathing fresh life into this historic space. Its arrival marks a unique addition to Charlotte’s cultural mosaic, blending the lore of crime with the rich heritage of the courthouse itself.
The historic building, long a sentinel of justice and mystery, now bridges the gap between past and present. Jen Carpenter, a Lansing-based author and podcaster renowned for her explorations of Michigan’s shadowy history, saw this connection clearly.
When Julie Kimmer, the steward of the Courthouse Square Museum, extended an invitation to bring Dead Time Stories to Charlotte, Carpenter knew it was more than serendipity, it was destiny. The courthouse, which once bore witness to trials and truths, now offers a space to uncover stories that delve into the complexities of human nature.
Dead Time Stories invites visitors to peruse a thoughtfully curated collection of books that challenge and captivate. True crime titles, investigative works, and historical accounts line the shelves, offering insights into infamous cases and forgotten events that have shaped Michigan, the United States, and beyond. More than just a bookstore, Dead Time Stories creates an experience, where the courthouse’s exhibits and the written word converge, offering visitors a deeply immersive exploration of the past.
Their grand opening was a testament to Charlotte’s enthusiasm for its latest addition. Community members had walked through the courthouse museum’s doors with curiosity and excitement, eager to explore a space where history and storytelling blend seamlessly. While Carpenter’s flagship store still thrives in Lansing, the Charlotte location offers something uniquely captivating. Here, readers can find themselves immersed in a building steeped in history, connecting the dots between the courtroom drama of bygone eras and the gripping narratives of today’s criminal cases.
Open now for curious readers and history enthusiasts alike, Dead Time Stories is ready to welcome the community into a place where books and history merge and where readers can discover the tales that linger between the lines of justice and truth. Located at 100 W. Lawrence Ave., and open Thursday 5:30-8:00 p.m., Friday 12:00-6:00 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m.-6 p.m., and Sunday 11 a.m.-4 p.m., stop by to get your next reading obsession.
