ghosts and haunting

Book Review: Ghost Soldiers of Gettysburg by Patrick Burke and Jack Roth

October 11, 2014 1 Comment

Title: Ghost Soldiers of Gettysburg
Author: Patrick Burke and Jack Roth
Genre: Non-Fiction, True Haunting, Ghosts and Hauntings
Age Group: Adult
Rating: 4 stars
Purchase: Amazon
Review copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Discover the paranormal legacy of one of America’s most celebrated historical sites. Based on scores of investigations conducted at the battlefield, Ghost Soldiers of Gettysburg presents a wealth of fascinating Civil War history and compelling, first-hand encounters with ghost soldiers. Meticulously researched and respectful, this book reveals the mysteries of the spirit world while bringing the stories of this notorious battle to life.
Follow investigators who listen to the testimonies of soldiers before helping them cross to the other side. Experience personal and thrilling stories, such as the fallen soldier who allows a present-day tourist a glimpse into his last moments on earth. These true encounters, and many more, are found within this amazing collection of the trials and triumphs at the Battle of Gettysburg.
Includes thirty-five photos!

When I started reading Ghost Soldiers of Gettysburg, I didn’t have high expectations. I’m not that familiar with the history of Gettysburg – the American Civil War isn’t compulsory history class material over here besides the absolute basics. But I’m a history and paranormal nut, so I wanted to give this book a shot. Turns out it didn’t dissapoint at all.

It tells the story of the ghosts of Gettysburg from two perspective: we get heaps of historical info, and at the same time, we also learn about the paranormal events going on. We read testimonies from the soldiers, their personal stories about what happened to them.

The paranormal investigations are discussed in great detail, adding to their credibility. The photos are a great bonus too, as they help set the vibe for the entire book.

An interesting mix of history and paranormal, decent writing, and highly entertaining.

Book Review: Stalking Shadows by Debi Chestnut

Title: Stalking Shadows: The Most Chillling Experiences of a Paranormal Investigator

Author: Debi Chestnut

Genre: Non-Fiction, Ghosts and Hauntings, True Haunting

Age Group: Adult

Rating: 3,5 stars

Purchase: Amazon

Review copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

If the world of the paranormal were a house, Stalking Shadows would be its wicked basement. And like a basement full of sinister energy, this collection of true stories is powerful enough to snuff out your flashlight, leaving you alone in the horrible darkness.

Join psychic medium and paranormal investigator Debi Chestnut as she explores twelve terrifying true encounters with ghosts, dark beings, and negative entities. Discover an abandoned house of horrors that becomes more evil with every victim it claims. Follow a tortured spirit trapped in a forsaken mirror. Feel the savage pain of a distraught spirit that screams out in agony. Take a macabre journey through the unhappy realms of the astral plane . . . if you dare.

This is my second review of a book by Debi Chestnut, the first being How To Clear Your Home of Ghosts and Spirits. Whereas that one was a rather general guide about how to deal with ghosts, Stalking Shadows talks about the cases Debi Chestnut encountered over the years as a paranormal investigator.

Some of the stories were interesting, and the author didn’t just focus on the scary things that happened, or the ghostly encounters, but also mentioned the hours waiting and getting no, or almost no, results. Some authors never mentioned that, but it’s the reality of being a paranormal investigator. You spent more hours researching the case beforehand, and waiting for something to happen, then you spend communicating with spirits.

Other cases were not that memorable, and the author didn’t offer more information than could’ve been found online. If there’d been slightly more information, or research, or background story about some of the cases, then I would’ve enjoyed this book more.

An okay read in the true haunting genre. The stories come across as believable, and they’re not over the top. The writing is okay overall, but gets a little sloppy toward the end.