THE SPIRITS OF BOOKS AND CRANNIES
One of Terrell's Haunted Buildings Exist in One of the Best Businesses
In the heart of Terrell's historic downtown lies Books and Crannies, a charming bookstore that has become a sanctuary for avid readers. In stark contrast to the sprawling chain bookstores, this intimate shop is a haven for those who have an insatiable passion for books. The cozy seating areas and carefully curated book displays are designed to entice bookworms to linger and explore. Gayle, the owner, often shares anecdotes of feeling a gentle touch on her hair or hearing faint whispers in the store, but she embraces the presence of the local spirits with a sense of reverence.
OUT WITH YOU! PARANORMAL INVESTIGATORS MUST FOLLOW THE RULES.
Gayle once shared a story about a team of paranormal investigators who were disappointed by the lack of ghostly encounters during their late-night exploration of the bookstore. Despite their efforts, they found no evidence, possibly due to one investigator's arrogance. After a long search, the investigator boldly exclaimed, "If you want us to leave, give us a sign." Shortly after, a book flew off the shelf and hurled itself towards the investigator, leading to an excited flurry of questions directed at the spirits. "You promised to leave if they responded, now you must follow through," Gayle interjected. And so, the team packed up and departed. Gayle, much like other small-business owners on Moore Avenue, serves as a conduit for the spirits that inhabit the bookstore. The paranormal activity in the store is quite active, with books occasionally flying off the shelves unexpectedly, sometimes at a 90° angle down the aisle.
HERE, KITTY, KITTY. GHOSTS OF THE FELINE KIND STILL HAUNT THE BUSINESS TODAY.
A rescue cat is a frequent visitor at Books and Crannies, spending its days exploring the bookcases. The bookstore's former mascot, Satchemo, was a black tortoiseshell cat. Sadly, Satchemo passed away and was succeeded by Maddie, a cat rescued from the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. One day, a young child came to the store with her mother and informed Gayle that she had tried to catch the black cat, but it had dashed into the dark theater while they were playing. Despite their efforts, the black cat was nowhere to be found! The girl was convinced that there were two cats: Maddie and a cat resembling Satchemo, although Gayle clarified that there was no black cat in the store!We recently lost Maddie, which has left me feeling very saddened. This cat was truly unique. She always entertained us with her playful antics, behaving like a kitten. Maddie's eyes would track things that were invisible to us. It was typical for Maddie to suddenly become scared and flee from a place, as if something unseen had spooked her. What was she sensing that we couldn't perceive? During readings or classes held in the theater, Maddie would come and sit at the front of the stage, facing away from the audience and staring at the dark wall of the room, almost as if she were presiding over the spirits of the attendees. Maddie will be greatly missed.
Come see us on the Terrell Ghost Walk and Paranormal Investigation and learn more about the spirits of the city. Perhaps, you may get a chance to experience their presence for yourself!
The Spirits of Books and Crannies and the Iris Theatre