I’m linking up with Top Ten Tuesday, which was created by The Broke and the Bookish and is now hosted by Jana at That Artsy Reader Girl. Check out upcoming Top Ten themes on Jana’s blog.
Today’s prompt is “Bookish Places I’ve Visited” but I’m changing it to Horror Themed Bookstores I’d Love to Visit! These are located in five different states, and most I’ve come across on Instagram. Let me know if you’ve been to any of these!
1. Butcher Cabin Books, Louisville Kentucky
Butcher Cabin books was founded by horror writer Jenny Kiefer (and I’ve read one of her books!). I have never been to Kentucky but I’d make an exception to check this out! (I couldn’t find any specific information about the store on their website)
2. The Twisted Spine, Brooklyn New York
I have purchased a few books from The Twisted Spine’s website, and they have prompt, friendly service. Here’s more about the store from their website:
“The Twisted Spine is more than just a bookstore — it’s a portal into the macabre, a haven for horror enthusiasts, and a tribute to the chilling art of storytelling. Having launched in Fall 2024 as NYC’s first bookstore dedicated exclusively to horror and dark literature, we pride ourselves on curating a diverse selection of books that span the spectrum of fear and fascination.
The Twisted Spine materialized as a permanent brick and mortar location at 306 Grand Street in Brooklyn, NY in September 2025, not only as a bookstore, but also featuring a full espresso cafe with Devoción coffee & beer and wine bar.
Fueled by a love for all things unsettling, our founders Lauren Komer and Jason Mellow have set out on a journey to create a space where the world of horror can thrive — not just a place to buy books, but a sanctuary for like-minded souls who revel in the darker side of literature, film, theatre, and other artistic forms.
We’re dedicated to showcasing artistic and literary stories from all backgrounds, with a strong commitment to promoting marginalized voices. We celebrate the horror genre in all its complexity and nuance, and believe that horror plays a vital role as a reflection of our deepest fears and darkest imaginings. Through our carefully selected inventory and in-person events, we aim to foster a deeper appreciation for horror and build a community where its fans can thrive.”
3. Thrillerdelphia – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Calling themselves “Philly’s first horror and thriller bookstore,” their website is pretty slick, and they seem to have a great selection and lots of in store events. Here’s more from their website:
“Thrillerdelphia is a love letter to the dark.
Not the hopeless kind. The kind that pulls you closer. Thrillerdelphia is Philadelphia’s first horror, thriller, and true crime bookstore, created for readers who want to feel something when they read. Fear. Tension. Curiosity. Dread. That quiet thrill of being alone with a story that understands exactly what scares you.”
4. Dark Delicacies, Burbank California
I lived in Burbank for many years and it’s a place I’ll always call home, even if I don’t live there anymore. I haven’t been to Dark Delicacies in years, sadly, but it’s such a great bookstore. Here’s more about the store from their website:
“Your genial (g)hosts are Sue and Del Howison, who formed Dark Delicacies in 1994. We started selling at conventions, and opened the store December 3, 1994. We have been featured on the SciFi Channel’s SciFi Buzz, we’ve been written up in the second edition of J. Gordon Melton’s THE VAMPIRE BOOK: THE ENCYCLOPEDIA OF THE DEAD, the Los Angeles Times, the New York Times, the Daily News, Fangoria magazine, and Bookcase magazine. The New Times issue on the “2000 Guide to the Best of Los Angeles” named us “Best Horror/Fantasy Bookstore”. We worked with the Transylvanian Society for Dracula on the Dracula 97 convention, and with Fool’s Progress on a series of Horror Writers Calendars. We also work regularly with the Neva Foundation (a dog rescue charity).”
5. Alice’s Little Haunted Bookshop, Mystic Connecticut
This book store is a little different from your average shop, but wow I want to go! Plus their website is very cool and even has ghosts:-) Here’s more about them from their website:
“Alice’s Haunted Little Bookshop is a small and unique bookshop inspired by the 18th century Victorian library of Lewis Carroll in Oxford England.
A home for special, strange and forgotten books, many of which never had a chance to be on a best seller list or in a traditional bookstore. In fact, you won’t find any current best sellers lurking around, instead a specially curated collection for all ages awaits you on our shelves.
Aside from our fabulous books, you can find Victorian items, gifts and even original 19th century newspapers. When coming to visit us, please beware, things might not always seem to be what they appear as spirits still roam free and Victorian England was not always the safest place to be….”
Taking notes for my wife if we ever travel in any of these directions, ahaha. Hope you get to visit them someday!