Adobe Angels: The Ghosts of Santa Fe

I do believe in spooks! I do believe in spooks. Or, I don't. It's one of those, anyway. Just about everyone falls into one or the other category. Some, probably, are in the disbelieve-but-don't-take-a-chance-of-offending middle ground. Believing, however, has never been a requirement for enjoying a good ghost story. The Ghosts of Santa Fe and Taos at its best is a very good ghost story -- at its worst, it's still an unusual and entertaining new slant on regional history and a much-needed record of oral histories. Garcez' Adobe Angels series takes a serious look at the supernatural side of New Mexico. After giving the ready a healthy dose of history about the area, the haunted structures, and the people -- Indian, Mexican, Anglo -- who settled and resettled the state. Few areas of the United States have been as hotly disputed and changed hands so many times. Maybe that's what makes for the tenacious nature of the spirits that reportedly cling to their territory. In conversations with individuals who have recounted their brushes with these ghosts, Garcez offers first-hand accounts of the hauntings. The storytellers in The Ghosts of Santa Fe and Taos share tales of ghosts -- both benevolent and malevolent. Sister George, the big-hearted nun who roams the grounds of her old school, is one of the good Samaritans who linger. In Taos Pueblo, Indian spirits appear to those spending a night sleeping under the stars. The sad cries of an infant haunt the sterile halls of La Residencia hospital. And demons reach out from the other side to terrify and wreak havoc on those foolish enough to call to them. Taken as factual accounts or as imaginative storytelling, the narratives make for almost compulsive reading. Even in the sections where the "ghosts" manifest as little more than a footfall or a feeling of being watched, the background information is enough to carry the reader through to the, shall we say, juicier segments. Okay, not every spirit can be chilling or dangerous or heartrending. If The Ghosts of Santa Fe and Taos catches your attention, you don't have to stop there. Garcez has continued his quest, documenting the ghosts of Albuquerque, Las Cruces and Southern New Mexico, and even extended his search into Arizona. Try one or devour them all. I just might go for the entire series. I could use a course in the history of the Southwest, and this is the most painless path I've discovered. Reviewed by, Lisa DuMond Trexler, SF Site, MEviews

This collection of true, modern, first-hand ghost stories was carefully collected and lavishly supported by photos. Antonio Garcez, in addition to being a fluent and congruent writer, is imminently qualified to write this book. The son of Native American healers, Garcez grew up in Santa Fe and has long been familiar with the presence of the spirit world and its interaction with the physical one. With a sure hand and a gentle voice, Garcez leads us through stories of sorrow and surprise, healing and horror, without embellishment and without judgment. The accurate and seamless interviews ring with a realistic voice - the tellers of their personal tales are believable and sincere. Some of the accounts are intriguing or light-hearted, while others are downright bone-chilling. May the benevolent spirits bless Garcez for giving the witnesses a voice, and protect him from the malevolent ones. Garcez begins with Santa Fe, and includes important historical information, and corroborative evidence. Moving onto Taos, the accounts carry the "feel" of authenticity and the tone of voice of people who have experienced otherworldly contact and accepted it. Garcez concludes where the spiritual essence of New Mexico begins - with the spirit vision of one of her Native peoples. Review by Catt Foy

This a very interesting and eye opening book about the culture, and history of Santa Fe. Every local should read this one.