San Antonio’s Curious Twins have spent years sharing ghost stories, strange histories, and local lore. With Dearly Departed Books, Fred and Stephen Garza-Guzman are bringing that storytelling spirit to a new kind of gathering place: an independent bookstore devoted to horror and dark fiction.
The shop is located inside The Little Shops at Wonderland of the Americas in Balcones Heights. Its shelves bring together familiar favorites and new finds for curious readers, including vintage Goosebumps titles and works by Stephen King. The idea is simple: give people room to browse, talk about what they love to read, and leave with a story they’re excited to open.
Known for their San Antonio ghost tours and storytelling projects, the Curious Twins have built their work around the stories attached to people and places. Dearly Departed Books carries that interest into a bookstore setting, giving readers a place to explore horror, dark fiction, and the many ways a good story can stay with you.
The shop welcomes adults and children, making it a spot for longtime horror fans and families introducing younger readers to books like Goosebumps. Its location inside Wonderland of the Americas also makes it one of the mall’s smaller, locally distinctive shops.
Opening day at Dearly Departed Books
Dearly Departed Books will celebrate its grand opening with a free Halloween Book Fair on Saturday, October 31, 2026. The day begins with a ribbon-cutting at 11 a.m., followed by shopping and activities from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Costumes are encouraged, and the celebration will include trick-or-treating, giveaways, and activities for visitors.
The first 35 guests will receive a zine pack with an original Dearly Departed zine, bookmark, and sticker. Shoppers can also enter a drawing for prizes that include Curious Twins ghost tours, tarot decks, books, and games. The event takes place at The Little Shops at Wonderland of the Americas, 4522 Fredericksburg Road, Balcones Heights, TX 78201. Find more information at Dearly Departed Books and Curious Twins.
