Ghosts

Be warned before you buy this book that less than half of the stories included are what the author calls "True Stories." The rest of the book is made up of fictional ghost stories from the pen of this talented author with the exception of one story from Jamie Cherundolo who is an up and coming spinner of tales. I would like to say at the very beginning of this review that Ms. Cherundolo's story was quite good and I think that she can go far as a writer. I also appreciate the thoughtfulness that Mr. Okonowicz has shown by showcasing this young lady's work. The question that really must be asked about this book is whether it is appropriate to mix "True Stories" and fictional ghost tales in the same publication. It is an old adage in broadcasting that the people who read the news should never do commercials because doing so hurts their credibility. I think that the same rule might well apply to this situation and I would hope that this is not the practice in all of this author's books. The fictional stories are excellent and spine chilling but the reader is left to wonder just how much fiction might have found its way into the non-fiction section. As for the real ghost stories found at the front of this book, they were superb. The first story in particular was totally engrossing and the author had included everything that is key in the making of a good ghost book. The basic history of the haunting was covered, as was the history of the location, but not in so much detail that the reader might become bored. Also, the haunts were of a recent nature and involved eyewitness testimony and plenty of it. In fact, Mr. Okonowicz often just got out of the way and let the witness tell most of the story. This is a method that most of the authors in this genre would do well to imitate a little more often. When the author did take over the story he did so in an unobtrusive manner and thus allowed the story to continue it's natural flow. Because of the author's willingness to allow the witnesses to tell of their experiences in their own words there was a much greater depth of feeling in this book than in many others. As a case in point Chapter 5 actually moved me to tears as a lady related the story of her late grandfather's visitations to her home. Ghosts aren't always scary you know. If you like good spooky fiction you will find plenty of it in this book and if you are looking for real ghost stories you will find them here also. The fact that the fiction and non-fiction were mixed together in one book cost it a star but for fans of either type of ghostly tail this book is a winner. Mr. Okonowicz has a very good reputation among ghost fans and I can now attest that his reputation is well deserved.

I have purchased ALL of this author's books! They are easy to read, very creepy and often inject a bit a humor. Being a ghost enthusiast myself, I've read a LOT of 'ghost books' and Mr. Okonowicz's are some of the best! Best when read at Halloween time for a super spooky time. I recommend his entire series of ghost books!

Ed has done it again! I met Ed at a Ghost Conference and bought every one of his books. He has a way of telling a ghost story that makes you read each book cover to cover. I couldn't put this one down!Ed is a expert story teller and every book of his is well written. I wasn't disappointed with this newest release. Buy this book, but a word of warning....don't read it in the dark.....with a storm raging outside....you will be jumping at the creaks and thumps in the night...If you don't believe in ghosts you just might put this book down thinking that "maybe there is more to this world than meets the eye". I HIGHLY recommend that you buy this book.. You will not be sorry that you did!