Welcome to Ghost Catcher Isles, chronicling the weird, wonderful and eerie of the isles of Great Britain and the Republic of Ireland. Come with me on my adventures into the strange and paranormal
It’s been a while since I last connected with you all, and I wanted to take a moment to share some updates about my journey over the past couple of years. As many of you know, I relaunched my blog just over two years ago, and since then, I’ve faced some significant challenges, including two bereavements that have made it difficult for me to write and share as often as I would like.
However, I’m pleased to say that things are beginning to settle down, and I’m feeling my energy return. I’m excited to announce that I’ll be posting more frequently about topics that truly fascinate me, such as ghosts, folklore, the paranormal, and all things fortean, weird, and wonderful in history.
You can expect updates on events I’ve attended and the occasional review of a paranormal book that’s caught my eye. To keep things interesting, I’ll be mixing my usual longer pieces with some shorter, snappier posts.
I’m also opening myself up more to collaboration such as writing guest posts, podcast interviews, online storytelling events, and livestream interviews, like the ones I did for The Time Between Times with Owen Staton here:
With the East Anglian Folklore Centre as part of their ‘Tales for the Trees’ event, and with GhostÉire last year. Watch here:
If you haven’t had a chance to listen to those, I recommend giving them a go!
Please keep in mind that all of my work is done outside of my day job and voluntarily, so there may be lulls in posting when life gets busy. However, I truly hope to be more frequent with my updates.
A New Podcast on the Horizon
On top of that, I’m thrilled to share that I’m working on a podcast to complement my blog! I hope to have more details on that by the end of this year or early 2026.
Thank you all for your continued support and understanding during this time. I can’t wait to embark on this new chapter with you!
On a mild autumn afternoon, I found myself standing in front of a brand-new gem in Bristol’s literary scene: the Haunted Bookshop. From the moment I saw its name gleaming on the sign above the shop, I knew I was in for something special.
“Step into a world of spine-chilling tales, mystical splendours, and ancient folklore as you explore our carefully curated collection of horror, fantasy, and witchcraft books,” the shop website says; “Whether you’re seeking spine-tingling thrills, fantastical adventures, or a deeper understanding of the occult, our shelves are brimming with stories sure to enchant you.”
As soon as I stepped inside, it was as if I’d been transported to another realm. Dim lighting and wooden bookshelves lined with volumes of witchcraft, folklore, fantasy, and horror greeted me warmly.
I started with the books, of course. Being an unashamed lover of the weird and the wonderful, I couldn’t resist diving into their collection of witchcraft tomes, folklore books, and horror novels. Each shelf seemed to whisper promises of untold stories and ancient wisdom. After some delightful browsing, I settled on two books: one on folklore and another on modern witchcraft. Both felt like treasures in my hands, and I couldn’t wait to dig in and lose myself in their pages.
But the Haunted Bookshop wasn’t just about books. It was a haven for all things witchy and mystical. Scattered throughout the shop were displays of witchcraft supplies: delicate candles in deep purples and blacks, bundles of sage tied with twine, and shelves gleaming with crystals of every color. I was immediately drawn to a striking crow-shaped crystal, charcoal grey and glossy, which seemed to call out to me from across the room. It felt right in my hand, and before I knew it, it was mine. Along with a tote bag (because who can resist a good bookish tote?), and some adorable ghost-themed metal pin badges—perfect little nods to the spooky vibes.
One of the highlights of the visit was chatting with the shop’s owner. Monika had a warm, earthy energy, the kind you’d expect from someone who truly believes in the magic of what they’re doing. We talked about the inspiration behind the shop, her love for esoteric books, and how important it is to create a space where people can explore these topics freely.
In her recent interview with Bristol24/7 Monika said: “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.”
Monika credits her grandmother as being the one to have instilled a passion for books in her, having grown up spending a lot of time in her grandmother’s bookshop. Downstairs, Monika said she plans on opening a comfy seating area ready to start hosting events such as horror book clubs, tarot card readings and more.
As we chatted, she handed me a glass of prosecco to toast the opening. I sipped and soaked it all in; this cozy, mystical bookshop, where like-minded souls could gather and find a little magic of their own.
And just when I thought the experience couldn’t get any better, I was towards a plate of mushroom-shaped biscuits, which felt like a whimsical finishing touch to the whole evening. Slightly sweet, slightly earthy, and deliciously unique; just like the shop itself.
Leaving the Haunted Bookshop felt like stepping back into the real world after a brief, enchanted escape. But as I walked out into the bustle of Stokes Croft, my bag filled with books, a crow crystal, and other witchy goodies, I couldn’t help but feel that I had taken a piece of that magic with me. There’s something comforting about knowing that spaces like this exist, where the curious and the mystical meet in such a beautiful, welcoming way.
The Haunted Bookshop is sure to become one of my favorite haunts (pun intended), and I can’t wait to go back, especially as the colder months draw in. There’s just something about autumn, witchcraft, and folklore that feels so perfectly intertwined. If you’re ever in Bristol and want to indulge in a little magic, mystery, and literary wonder, this is the place to be. And who knows—maybe you’ll even leave with your own bit of enchanted treasure.
Open Tuesday to Saturday, from 12-6pm, you’ll find The Haunted Bookshop at 43 Stokes Croft, Bristol BS1 3PY.
Reference List
Case, C. (2024). A Horror-Themed Bookshop For Ghost Stories, Folk Tales & Witchcraft Has Opened In Bristol. [online] Secret Bristol. Available at: https://secretbristol.com/haunted-bookshop/ [Accessed 11 Oct. 2024].
Online Store. (2024). The Haunted Bookshop – a bookshop and venue in Bristol. [online] Available at: https://thehauntedbookshop.co.uk/ [Accessed 11 Oct. 2024].
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