Books / News
The Haunted Bookshop opens for business
Bristol is blessed with a number of brilliant bookshops – but there has been nothing like this latest before.
Leading up to Halloween, The Haunted Bookshop has opened at the perfect time to get the spooky theme rolling.
Shop owner Monika Killer has thought out every little detail, bringing the mystical energy to Stokes Croft and completely committed to a fantastical aesthetic.
A catalogue of resources for all-level of witches – photo: Yoyi Clark
Everything about the interior design screams supernatural.
In a former barbers, The Haunted Bookshop is beautifully adorned with various spooky objects including candlesticks, ancient portraits in ornamental frames and a mural of golden hand-painted stars, beckoning every witchcraft lover to step inside.
Despite the dedication to scariness, you could not feel more at ease when entering the store as the woody notes of burning sage and incense greet you inside.
The darkly decorated room features a wide variation of books containing elements of occult, folklore, horror and fantasy, from classic literature such as Jane Eyre, to a spooky section of illustrated cartoon books for children, and everything in between.
“We’ve got so many really nice indie bookshops in Bristol already, I wanted to stand out with a different theme,” Monika told Bristol24/7.
“I’ve always read horror and fantasy books and liked spooky things, Halloween is my favourite time of the year, so I just wanted to stand out.”
Crystals of every size can be found within the shop – photo: Yoyi Clark
Growing up having spent a lot of time in her grandmother’s bookshop, Monika credits her grandmother as being the one to have made her love books so much.
Before opening her shop, Monika asked people for recommendations on what mystical books are popular as well as stocking many of her own favourites.
Monika is thrilled to be a part of the life on Stokes Croft: “It’s a lovely area, all the shop owners are really nice, and it’s got a really good sense of community.”
Ready to get Bristol’s mystical community together, Monika is wasting no time in planning events to host in the store, such as a tarot card reading event set to take place in the downstairs area once it is ready to be opened.
The Haunted Bookshop is now open on Stokes Croft – photo: Yoyi Clark
Main photo: Yoyi Clark
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