If you’re a fan of “Widow’s Bay,” you’re well aware the power that a mobile bookstore wields. (Patricia, if you’re reading this, we would have no qualms about attending your Sunset Cocktails soiree. We’ll even bring our own crowns.)

So for the September Spellbinding Stories book recommendations, we turned to Spines & Spirits, a unique pop-up bookstore in St. Louis that’s dedicated to serving the “thriller-obsessed and haunted at heart.”

Book recommendations from Spines & Spirits
“Victorian Psycho” by Virginia Feito
Spines & Spirits review: “This novella is about an unhinged nanny, new to a family in Victorian England. This book is a doozy and perfect for spooky season (which is year-round for some of us). If you like unhinged, unlikable main characters you’ll love this book. While there are several trigger warnings I could give, I will give readers a heads up that there are scenes of child harm in this book.”

“Murder Takes a Vacation” by Laura Lippman
Spines & Spirits review: “Mrs. Blossom is one of my favorite characters I’ve read this year. She decides to treat herself to a solo vacation after winning the lottery and chaos ensues. I would categorize this book as a ‘cozy murder’ because there is some amateur sleuthing and art theft.”

“Silent Sister” by Megan Davidhizar (YA)
Spines & Spirits review: “Two sisters go missing and only one returns who has no memory of what happened to them … dun dun dunnnn! This book was twisty and very easy to read. I’m a sucker for a dual timeline and really enjoyed how the author gave each sister a voice. While this is YA, I think the author does a great job showcasing how complicated sibling relationships can be.”

“Sharp Objects” by Gillian Flynn
Spines & Spirits review: “A reporter returns to her Missouri town to cover an unsolved murder and of course reconnects with her distant family. Kansas City native Gillian Flynn does a great job with the atmosphere of this book and making the reader feel uncomfortable.”

Upcoming Events
Looking for your next spooky read? Find Spines & Spirits at Bluewood Brewing from noon to 4 p.m. Sept. 19 and at the Leaves & Local Market in Carondelet Park from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Oct. 4. For a complete list of pop-ups and to learn more about Spines & Spirits, visit the Spines & Spirits website. For more book recommendations and photos of Butterball the Cat Critic, follow Spines & Spirits on Instagram.

Kathryn Deters McDonald is a Missouri native, writer, author and lover of all things spooky, ooky and eerie. Salem, Shmalem. It’s all right here in The Spook-Me State.