Ichabod's · Literature for the Strange & Unusual
The wait is almost over
Opening
Fall 2026
17 John St. North, Hamilton, ON
Hamilton's new home for all things that go bump in the night — opening this Fall at 17 John St. North.
Now hanging in Hamilton
Where every page opens a doorway.
Curated horror, dark fantasy & gothic curiosities — 17 John St. North, Hamilton, ON.
Our Dark Tale
Ichabod's began as a private collection of the strange, the macabre and the beautifully unsettling — and grew into a shop built for readers who never grew out of being afraid of the dark. Every title on these shelves is chosen, not stocked.
Read the full story →
Welcome to Ichabod's Books & Scares
Where every page opens a doorway to the extraordinary.
More than just a bookstore, Ichabod's is a gathering place for lovers of horror, dark fantasy, gothic fiction, mystery, science fiction, and all things wonderfully strange. It's a place where eerie tales, haunting beauty, and unforgettable adventures come together to spark curiosity, imagination, and connection.
“Visions are worth fighting for. Why spend your life making someone else's dreams?”— Tim Burton
Founded by Lyndsay and Steven, Ichabod's Books & Scares began as a dream fueled by a lifelong love of reading, a passion for learning, and the firm belief that there's absolutely nothing wrong with living as though every day is Halloween.
What started as countless conversations about favourite books, hidden literary gems, and the power of a great story eventually grew into something more: a unique independent bookstore built around community.
We wanted to create a space where readers, dreamers, collectors, and curious minds could feel at home. A place to wander through shelves filled with dark, unusual, and imaginative stories, discover authors you may never have encountered before, and meet others who share a love for the strange and unexpected.
At Ichabod's, you'll find carefully curated books alongside unique gifts and merchandise, book clubs, special events, author appearances, and plenty of opportunities to connect, share ideas, and celebrate the stories that stay with us long after the final page.
Whether you're hunting for a chilling horror novel, rediscovering a gothic classic, getting lost in a gripping mystery, venturing into another world through science fiction, or simply looking for a cozy corner to talk about your latest literary obsession, there's a place for you here.
Our mission is simple: to build a welcoming and inclusive community where stories bring people together, imagination is celebrated, and every visit offers the chance to discover something new.
So come in, explore the shelves, embrace the strange, and stay awhile.
The stories are waiting.
The Haunted Collection
We have gathered artifacts that whisper of realms beyond. Our Haunted Collection is more than a curiosity; it is a sentinel of the strange. We invite you to explore these dark legacies before they find a new home.
Shop the CollectionThe Haunted Collection
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