
If your bookshelf could use a macabre makeover, The Twisted Spine will gladly recommend a few chilling page-turners.
Joining the ranks of NYC’s specialized indie bookstores like the romance-focused Ripped Bodice in Park Slope and The Mysterious Bookshop in Tribeca, The Twisted Spine will expand its online storefront to a brick-and-mortar outpost at 306 Grand Street in Williamsburg.
The 1,200 square-foot space neighbors Night Owl Video, Twenty Sided, and The Four Horsemen. With this extensive space comes frighteningly good opportunities to indulge in spooky literature.
“We have plenty of space to host events, and we will have a full espresso bar with beer and wine bar in the evenings,” says co-founder and owner Lauren Komer. “With the help of 71 Collective, the designers behind NYC’s Hell-set tiki bar Paradise Lost, we have designed a cozy, gothic, dark academic environment. On nice days and cool nights, horror fans can enjoy a beverage in our backyard graveyard, nestled amongst tombstones.”
She and her business partner, Jason Mellow, have curated a selection of roughly 5,000 books across the genre and will work to spotlight local authors as well as independent book publishers.
“Most bookstores only have one shelf of horror books, and it’s often combined with thrillers, fantasy and sci-fi,” Jason notes. “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.”
A sneak peek at The Twisted Spine
More than just an opportunity to pick up a scary read, The Twisted Spine will truly specialize in all-things scary, welcome horror fanatics, and introduce new readers to the genre.

“Our selection of books will date from as early as the 18th century until today and will hail from all countries, and in some cases we’ll carry them in their original languages,” Jason notes. “We’ll also organize the store in a way that encourages visitors to discover something new, with sections for young readers and those who are just getting into Horror, and we’ll have many types of sub-genres, like slasher, true crime, and even fungal horror.”
On June 9th, the store will launch a Kickstarter campaign, and those interested in assisting have an opportunity to rake in some perks: an exclusive short story written for The Twisted Spine by bestselling author Victor LaValle, merch with artwork from local NYC artists, and an opportunity to get your name immortalized on a tombstone for the back patio graveyard!
The duo behind the shop plans to open the store in September, right in time for Halloween, though a specific date is still TBD.
“The world can feel quite scary these days, but we’re hoping to create a place where New Yorkers can embrace fear and all things horror in a safe, welcoming environment,” Jason adds.
We’ll see you at the shop this fall!
📍 306 Grand St, Brooklyn
🗓️ Opening September 2025