Cat Fyson is the Founder and ‘Chief Book Ghoul’ at Nightmare Nook Books, which launched in the Spring. With a monthly horror book club starting in Norwich next month, Cat shares of the story behind the bookshop business
Who are you and what do you do?
Hello! I’m Cat and I am the Chief Book Ghoul aka founder of Nightmare Nook Books. I sell new and second-hand horror, crime and thriller books as well as bookish gifts for those who like their books with bite!
What led you to launching Nightmare Nook Books? What is your background?
After working in corporate tech roles, I found myself burnt out and wishing I could give it up and set up the bookshop of my “nightmares”. After a spell of ill health and rising rent costs, I relocated from Hampshire to Norfolk to live with family and realised it was now or never. I quit my job and used some of my savings to get set up. We are online only for now, but the hope is to one day have a bricks and mortar store ideally in Norwich. Nightmare Nook Books was basically born from the frustration in having to scan bookshop shelves for dark fiction hidden amongst the sci-fi and fantasy and often needing to know exactly what you are looking for which takes out the fun of discovering new authors. Instead, I curate all the books in the shop and have created collections to suit what mood you’re in, as well as recommendations based on what TV shows and movies you enjoy.
When did you launch and how has it been received so far?
I officially launched at the start of April and was blown away with the support both on social media and locally after securing some local press. In month one I had 20 orders. It’s a little quiet at the moment as it’s been too sunny for spooky and scary books, but things will hopefully start to pick up again in the colder, cosier months! I pride myself in the experience customers get – every order gets freebies like stickers and bookmarks, as well as a handwritten note from me to say thank you! I love creating a unique and special experience for people so packing orders is a joy.
What do you love about horror/thriller/crime books? Have you found a real demand for it?
Dark fiction is a unique form of escapism that often gets overlooked. All three genres deal with such a wide range of themes from grief and loss to even stories of hope and joy. With the rise in popularity of horror in particular (Sinners’ Oscar win, and Obsession’s recent cinema performance for example), demand is definitely picking up for these genres but there’s a way to go I think before they hit the lofty heights of genres like romantasy that is really having a moment right now!
Where can people find Nightmare Nook Books at the moment and where will people be able to find you over the coming months?
You can find Nightmare Nook Books on the website nightmarenookbooks.co.uk or on TikTok, Instagram and Facebook (@nightmarenookbooks). At the end of September, we will be at Norwich Market for a week-long pop-up selling books and bookish gifts. To stay up to date on that and any other appearances, make sure to follow on social media or join our mailing list on the website.
You’ve just launched a brand-new monthly horror book club in Norwich named ‘Fears & Fangs Book Club’ – what is the thinking behind that?
Having launched the business in April this year, it’s been fantastic to see such enthusiasm for darker fiction across Norfolk, particularly in Norwich with its rich literary heritage. Running an online bookshop can sometimes feel like you’re talking to people through a screen, so I’m excited to create something that brings readers together in person. The horror community is incredibly welcoming, and I hope the book club becomes a place where people can make friends, discover brilliant books and share their love of the genre.
Where can people find out more in general?
Definitely on nightmarenookbooks.co.uk and the social media channels – and anyone signed up to the mailing list finds out about new titles, sales and other news first.
Nightmare Nook Books will host its first ‘Fears & Fangs Book Club’ on Tuesday 4 August, 2026, from 6pm–7.30pm, with the venue shared with registered attendees ahead of the event. Places at the first meeting are limited. Anyone interested in attending is encouraged to email hello@nightmarenookbooks.co.uk to register their interest by Friday 31 July, 2026. To find out more about Nightmare Nook Books, visit nightmarenookbooks.co.uk or follow on social media @nightmarenookbooks.
Featured image of Cat Fyson (and assistant Dexter) – supplied
Leave a Reply