Philadelphia’s First Horror Bookstore Opens in Manayunk

Thrillerdelphia, Philadelphia's first horror bookstore, opened at 4203 Main St. in Manayunk on Halloween. Tina and Anthony Long own the store.

The shop offers a curated mix of psychological thrillers, supernatural suspense, and slasher novels, positioning itself as the darker companion to Cupid's Book Shop, Manayunk's romance-focused store, also founded by the Longs.

Stepping inside the bookshop, customers are greeted by a gothic, dark aesthetic with black walls and dark wood. Its design contrasts with Cupid's Book Shop's pink, romantic decor.

In an interview with The Philadelphia Inquirer, the Longs describe blending romance and horror, while noting overlaps in paranormal romance and darker genres. The bookstore's collection spotlights both well-known horror authors and local writers, prioritizing a curated selection over breadth.

Like its romance-focused sister establishment, Thrillerdelphia will host events and clubs, including a queer-horror book club, and will offer merchandise such as stickers and Kindle charms.

“To be a bookstore in this day and age, you have to grow with your customer,” Tina Long said to The Philadelphia Inquirer. “There are so many people who consume media in different ways.” Regardless of how people consume books, they “still love going to bookstores,” Long added.

Thrillerdelphia is open from noon to 8 p.m. Friday through Sunday and 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday. According to its website, the shop will be closed on Mondays for “plotting.”