Refund policy
Return & Refund Policy
Every case has a resolution. Here’s how returns work.
At What the Sleuth!?, we carefully select and package every order. As an independent bookstore, we want you to shop with confidence while helping us keep our books in excellent condition and our prices fair.
Please review our return policy before purchasing.
14-Day Return Window
We accept eligible returns requested within 14 days of delivery for online orders, or within 14 days of purchase for in-person sales.
To qualify for a return, merchandise must be:
- Unused, unread, and in its original condition.
- Free of writing, markings, stains, creases, spine damage, and other signs of use.
- In the original packaging, including any protective wrapping, inserts, or accessories supplied with the item.
- Accompanied by an order number or proof of purchase.
Books that have been read, used, damaged after delivery, or are no longer in resalable condition are not eligible for return.
We reserve the right to decline returns that do not meet these conditions.
How to Request a Return
To open a return case, email contactus@whatthesleuth.com within the applicable 14-day window.
Please include your order number, the item you wish to return, and the reason for your request.
Our team will review your request and provide return instructions if your item is eligible.
Returns must be shipped within 14 days of receiving approval. Please do not send merchandise back without contacting us first. Unauthorized returns may be refused.
Return Shipping
For standard returns, including changes of mind or books ordered by mistake, customers are responsible for return shipping costs.
We recommend using a trackable shipping service. Customers are responsible for ensuring returned merchandise reaches us safely and in acceptable condition.
Original shipping charges, if any, are non-refundable for standard returns.
If we shipped the wrong item or your order arrived damaged, we will cover reasonable return shipping costs when a return is necessary.
Damaged or Incorrect Orders
Sometimes a case takes an unexpected turn. If your order arrives damaged, defective, or incorrect, please contact us as soon as possible, preferably within 7 days of delivery.
Include your order number, a description of the issue, and clear photographs when available.
We’ll review the situation and arrange an appropriate resolution, which may include a replacement, refund, or prepaid return label.
You will not be responsible for return shipping costs resulting from our fulfillment error.
Final Sale Items
Certain products are final sale and cannot be returned or exchanged for a change of mind.
These include:
- Signed or autographed books.
- Limited-edition or collectible products identified as final sale.
- Clearance books and other merchandise explicitly marked FINAL SALE at the time of purchase.
- Gift cards, if offered.
Please review product descriptions carefully before purchasing final-sale merchandise.
Final-sale restrictions do not limit remedies required by applicable law for damaged, defective, incorrectly described, or incorrectly shipped items.
Refund Processing
Once an approved return is received, we will inspect the merchandise to confirm that it meets our return conditions.
If accepted, refunds will be issued to the original payment method, generally within 7 business days of acceptance.
The refund will reflect the amount actually paid for the returned item, including any discounts applied at purchase. Original shipping charges are not refundable for standard change-of-mind returns.
Your financial institution may require additional time to post the refund.
Returns that do not meet our eligibility requirements may be rejected. We will contact you to explain the outcome and any available options.
Exchanges
We do not offer direct exchanges for standard purchases.
If you would prefer another book or edition, please return the eligible original item in accordance with this policy and place a new order.
Damaged or incorrect items will be handled separately.
Third-Party Purchases
Orders placed through Amazon or other third-party marketplaces are subject to the applicable marketplace’s return and refund procedures.
For those purchases, please initiate your request through the platform where the order was placed.
Questions? We’re on the Case.
For return questions or assistance with an order, contact:
What the Sleuth LLC
Santa Monica, California
Email: contactus@whatthesleuth.com
Website: whatthesleuth.com
Suspiciously Good Books.
This policy applies to purchases made after its publication. Purchases made before the policy change remain subject to the terms in effect at the time of purchase. Nothing in this policy limits rights or remedies available under applicable law.