The Haunted Bookshop
Nestled in the heart of Downtown Mobile, lies The Haunted Book Shop—a place that is more than just somewhere to buy books; it is a living testament to the enduring love of literature and a tribute to a family legacy that spans generations. Angela Trigg, the proud owner of this unique establishment, invites book lovers of all ages to embark on a journey through the enchanting world of literature.
By Caroline Edmondson
The history of The Haunted Book Shop dates back to 1941 when Angela’s grandmother co-founded the original store with Cameron Plummer. For half a century, it graced Downtown Mobile with its literary presence. Some of the most cherished stories are from those early days, such as hosting one of the first book signings for the legendary Harper Lee and being a frequented stomping ground by a young Eugene Walter. These tales serve as a testament to the shop’s enduring connection to the literary community. “When Bienville Books closed, where I also worked as a cashier, I saw an opportunity to fulfill my lifelong dream of owning and operating my own bookstore,” recalls Angela.
In keeping with tradition, the store has relocated once, mirroring the original shop’s history of moving twice. The current location at 9 S. Joachim St., right across from The Saenger Theatre, provides a picturesque setting for book enthusiasts to immerse themselves in their favorite pastime.
At The Haunted Book Shop, the mission is to make shopping for books an unforgettable experience. The shop sees itself as a literary concierge, guiding customers through the vast world of books, whether through events, engaging conversations with knowledgeable staff, or the carefully curated displays designed to spark the joy of discovery.
The shop understands that in an age of online shopping giants like Amazon, bookstores must offer something more—a personal touch, a sense of community, and a passion for storytelling. “And actually, the first threat to indie bookstores like The Haunted Book Shop was actually the emergence of Big Box stores like Borders, B&N, and others,” shares Angela. “But then along came Amazon, which could outdo the Big Box stores in the Large Selection game. And so now, it’s the Big Box stores that are under threat, and stores like mine are having a resurgence, with new stores opening all the time around the country. We’re not in competition with Amazon. We offer something they can’t: an experience. We don’t see books as just widgets to sell like they do.”
Much of the shop’s success is owed to the resurgence of in-person shopping, driven by millennials and Gen Z. These generations understand the importance of supporting local businesses and are passionate advocates for the unique experiences that independent shops provide. “Without them I wouldn’t have the number of staff I have, nor be able to provide the free programs we offer, donate to local non-profits, or have even been able to move to our amazing new location!”
““The name comes from my grandmother’s favorite book, “The Haunted Bookshop””
One of the most rewarding aspects of running The Haunted Book Shop is the symbiotic relationship shared with customers. They play an integral role in shaping the store. Books are stocked based on their recommendations, events they desire are hosted, and the shop grows in response to their support. It’s a testament to the power of community and the impact individuals can have on a small, local business.
Despite the name, The Haunted Book Shop is not just about ghost stories or horror novels. It’s a general new and used bookstore, offering a diverse range of titles, including an enchanting children’s section with a cozy reading tent. “The name comes from my grandmother’s favorite book, “The Haunted Bookshop” by Christopher Morley, in which he talks about how there are certain books you keep hearing about until you break down and read them—books that haunt you. So we try to stock our store with books that might be haunting you,” she tells us. “Though that doesn’t stop us from having a few confused customers looking for a haunted house during Halloween!”
As The Haunted Book Shop moves forward, there are exciting plans on the horizon, including holiday events that promise to add a touch of literary magic to celebrations. The shop is committed to serving as a hub for literary enthusiasts and will continue to foster relationships and partnerships with organizations and businesses in downtown Mobile and beyond.
One thing is for certain; you won’t find someone more dedicated to literature, her staff and her store than Angela Trigg. One of her employees, Jodie Cain Smith, Event Coordinator at shop, has this to say about her boss: “I cannot help but smile when I walk into The Haunted Book Shop because I know I am in the presence of loving people and work for a woman who cares about and props up her staff. That kind of authenticity is rarer than I’d like to admit, but Angela Trigg has it in spades.”
Oh! And don’t forget to say hello to the beloved store cat, Mr. Bingley, who earned the title of the Cutest Cat in Mobile Nappie in 2022. He’s the friendliest feline in town, greeting customers at the door and adding to the warm, welcoming atmosphere of the shop.
The Haunted Book Shop
9 S Joachim St, Mobile, AL 36602
251.348.7668
