The Cursed Page Bookstore, specializing in gothic horror and dark academia, has opened for a soft launch at 559 Main St. in Sturbridge, Mass. Housed in a historic former mill, the Cursed Page aims to be more than a retail space; it is a gathering place for readers, writers, makers, and curious minds, according to owner Amy Black. As the bookshop grows, it will host craft workshops, writing events, seminars, author signings, and book clubs. A grand opening celebration will be held later this year.
Black brings more than 30 years of experience in bookselling, store leadership, author programming, and large-scale literary events to the new venture. Her career includes management roles with Wesleyan RJ Julia Bookstore in Middletown, Conn., and Barnes & Noble, alongside work on BookExpo, BookCon, and New York Comic Con. Dedicated to connecting readers with stories and community, Black's goal is to craft an atmospheric haven for those drawn to gothic fiction, dark academia, folklore, and the strange beauty of the unknown.
"The Cursed Page is my love letter to the book industry, which has been my home and shaped my life for more than three decades," she said. "Books have never been just objects on a shelf to me. They are doors and windows into other worlds, other lives, and ourselves. They help us feel seen, think differently, and discover something new. I wanted to create a shop where readers can wander in, follow their curiosity, and find a story that stays with them."
Beyond its collection of gothic and dark fiction, the Cursed Page features curated nonfiction including folklore, science and nature, gardening, cooking, and crafts. The store also offers thematic board games, puzzles, and journals. For those looking to bring the shop's unusual home, "Inner Sanctum" subscription boxes are available through the website.