Step into Little Ghosts in Toronto and you'll find hardcovers alongside VHS copies of cult classics like 'Demon Wind,' while the shelves hold titles like 'It Looks Like Dad' and 'I'll Watch Your Baby.' These specialized horror bookstores are experiencing rapid growth, with sales up 33 percent in August alone, according to Circana Book Scan. The market grew from 1.4 million copies sold in 2020 to 3.6 million in 2025. New stores like The Infernal Annex in Olympia, Wash., and Long Dark House in Alexandria, Va., have opened since August, joining established venues like San Francisco's Borderlands Books (since 1997) and NYC's Mysterious Bookshop (since 1979).
Founders like Chris Krawczyk and his husband Jason opened Little Ghosts in 2022, creating a community space with discussion groups, author readings, and their own boutique press. Krawczyk notes these stores provide belonging for 'feral fans and authors' who previously lacked community. Similarly, Portland's Midslumber Media, opened by Michaela Granger, reports unprecedented interest from both horror enthusiasts and newcomers exploring the genre from diverse backgrounds.
Source: New York Times Top Stories · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing