Title: Haunted Ontario 4
Author: Terry Boyle
Genre: Non-Fiction, True Haunting, Ghosts & Hauntings
Age Group: Adult
Rating: 3,5 stars
Purchase: Amazon
Review copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Terry Boyle returns with a new book of spine-tingling paranormal adventures. Part the dimensional veil and follow Terry into the world of spirits, beyond time and space. Meet the forever-beautiful spectre of Marilyn Monroe, who came to the French River seeking sanctuary from fame and fans, and decided to stay forever. Search Canoe Lake for the ghost of Tom Thomson. Visit the Ottawa Carleton County Gaol, where hundreds of lost souls wander the corridors and still occupy their cells. Enter the secret underground tunnels beneath Scarborough’s Guild Inn, and relive the heart-stopping moment the elevator door seals shut! Journey to the remarkable Victorian Beild House Inn in Collingwood, sleep in the bed of King Edward VIII of England, and wait for the deceased doctor to make a room call. Whether you believe in ghosts or not, get ready for a chilling experience — and keep the lights on!
I previously read and reviewed Haunted Ontario 3, which focused on Black Creek Pioneer Village, and I enjoyed it, so looked forward to reading Haunted Ontario 4. I’m not that familiar with Ontario – I’m here for the ghost stories – but if I were to visit it, then these books would prove excellent guides for which spots I’d need to visit. The fourth book has a wider area of interest, focusing on places in Toronto, Burlington, Straftford, Gravenhurt, French River, and even a random chapter on Time Travellers. For that, I found it more interesting than the previous book, which focused on one area only.
The author went to visit all of the places he describes, which is an excellent bonus. He didn’t always induct investigations, but did so most of the time, and if not, he at least took the time to interrogate staff members, home owners, visitors and the likes. The writing is a bit on the dull side though, and I sometimes had to take breaks while reading to keep myself interested. I expect that if I’d seen the places myself, I might be more intrigued and eager to read on, but since I haven’t and had to rely on the storytelling ability of the author, some of the history was a little lengthy (I like history, but keep it interesting, not a dry run down of events) and the writing was a bit wonky here and there.
All in all, a good read for fans of true haunting stories, and a definite must if you live in Ontario or plan to visit, so you know which museums, B&Bs and hotels to visit.
I have always had a love for ghost stories from a young age! Especially the old urban legends that have been passed down for generations, and that seems like what this book is about. All of the old legends told by children at campfires throughout the years! Great review Majanka!