Williamsburg, Brooklyn – A fresh cultural destination has opened its doors in New York City’s first horror‑focused bookstore. The Twisted Spine, co‑founded by neuroscientist Lauren Komer and entrepreneur Jason Mellow, combines a vast selection of horror and dark‑literature titles with a café and bar, providing a unique gathering place for readers, students, and Halloween enthusiasts.
Specialized selection meets community space
Unlike other specialty shops that devote only a few shelves to the genre, The Twisted Spine dedicates its entire floor to horror, offering “thousands of titles” ranging from classic gothic works to contemporary thrillers. The store also sells genre‑related trinkets and ephemera, creating a fully immersive experience for fans.
“We have wonderful bookstores in the city for mystery and romance, but there was no dedicated horror space,” co‑founder Jason Mellow explained. “I thought it was a great idea to give horror its own home.”
From lab research to spooky stories
Co‑founder Lauren Komer, who studies Alzheimer’s disease, says horror provides a needed respite from the anxieties of scientific work. “I do Alzheimer’s research, which is a unifying fear of losing one’s sense of self,” she said. “Reading horror helps me step away from the lab and confront fear in a controlled, narrative way.”
Meeting a growing demand
Both founders note a resurgence in horror interest, with newcomers and longtime fans alike seeking fresh material. “People come in and say, ‘I don’t read much, but I’d like to start with horror,’” Mellow recalled. “It’s accessible and exciting for many readers who want to dip their toes back into books.”
Showcasing underrepresented voices
The Twisted Spine also aims to uplift underrepresented authors. A permanent, rotating showcase highlights titles such as Erin E. Adams’s horror‑thriller Jackal and the indigenous dark‑fiction anthology Never Whistle at Night. “We want a place where people from all walks of life can find a story that resonates with them,” Komer said.
Community‑driven small business
As an independently owned venture, the store relies heavily on local support. “Any small business survives because the community is there to support it,” Mellow noted. “Seeing regulars and knowing people are rooting for us makes it all worthwhile.”
Beyond books, the café serves coffee, beer, wine, themed pastries, and small bites, encouraging patrons to linger, discuss, and form connections. The owners hope the space will become a hub for book clubs, author events, and seasonal celebrations, especially as Halloween approaches.
Looking ahead
The Twisted Spine plans to host regular events, including reading groups, writer workshops, and themed nights that blend literature with the store’s culinary offerings. By fostering a vibrant community of horror lovers, the founders aim to keep the genre alive and thriving in New York City.
For more information on upcoming events, book clubs, and the store’s rotating selections, visit The Twisted Spine’s website.
Original reporting: Allentown News – 6abc Philadelphia — read the source article.
