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Brooklyn’s already packed with indie bookstores, but Williamsburg is about to welcome one with a deliciously sinister twist. The Twisted Spine, billed as New York’s first bookstore devoted entirely to horror and dark literature, is opening its doors at 306 Grand Street on September 6, just in time to kick off spooky season.
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Founded by horror buffs (and partners in both life and business) Lauren Komer and Jason Mellow, The Twisted Spine began as an online shop and a series of pop-up events. Its cult following was enough to crowdfund more than $40,000 toward the opening of a brick-and-mortar space—proof that New Yorkers are more than ready to feed their darker reading habits.
Inside, the 1,200-square-foot shop promises a vibe somewhere between gothic library and dark academia dreamscape. Think hardwood floors, chandeliers and cozy corners where you can sip a latte (or a glass of wine) while flipping through tales of vampires, slashers or even fungal nightmares. Out back, there’s a cheekily named “graveyard patio,” where guests can lounge with their books among decorative tombstones.
The shelves themselves will hold about 5,000 titles spanning centuries and continents, from 18th-century gothic classics to modern indie horrors. “Most bookstores only have one shelf of horror books, and it’s often combined with thrillers, fantasy and sci-fi,” Mellow told Secret NYC. “As NYC’s first bookstore for horror and dark literature, we’ll have the space and time to devote attention to one of the fastest growing genres in the publishing world.” That includes sections for kids, young adults and readers who are just dipping a toe into the macabre.
Events will be a big part of the store’s lifeblood. Komer and Mellow plan to host author signings, release parties, film screenings, trivia nights and book clubs. And with a full espresso bar by day and beer and wine service in the evenings, it’s shaping up to be as much a hangout as a retail space.
If the whole thing sounds a little over-the-top, that’s the point. Horror is having a moment—one of the fastest-growing categories in publishing—and The Twisted Spine is banking on that momentum. “The world can feel quite scary these days,” Mellow added, “but we’re hoping to create a place where New Yorkers can embrace fear and all things horror in a safe, welcoming environment.”
Whether you’re a lifelong Stephen King devotee or just curious about dipping into something creepier than your usual beach read, consider this your official invitation. Williamsburg’s newest haunt is waiting.