What do you think?
Rate this book
Is Your House Haunted?: Poltergeists, Ghosts or Bad Wiring
A door slams shut by itself. The scent of pipe tobacco drifts through an empty room. You hear your name being called, even though you know you're home alone. It seems as if your house is being visited―or invaded―by someone or something, and you're terrified. Is there a logical explanation, or do you have a real-life ghost on your hands? There's no reason to live in fear. This friendly beginner's guide offers reassurance and practical advice on identifying, and putting a stop to, any paranormal activity that's creeping you out. Discover how to rule out any earthly explanations for strange phenomena. A comprehensive overview of all kinds of hauntings and ghosts-from harmless family spirits to aggressive poltergeists to malevolent demons-will help you understand and identify your unearthly houseguest. If you still want to banish your ghost, you'll find plenty of simple, effective techniques to get the job done, and guidance on when it might be necessary to call in paranormal experts. Is Your House Haunted? also includes a paranormal FAQ and advice on how to talk to children about ghosts.
240 pages, Paperback
First published August 8, 2011
6 people are currently reading
75 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
January 7, 2018
The title for this book is self-explanatory, and the book is perfect for those who really think there's something to the noises and bumps in the night. Now, for the record, I don't think our house is haunted, but these books interest me!
The author, Debi Chestnut, is a medium who shares some of her experiences with the paranormal. She describes a few spirits she's encountered in her personal life as well as through her professional paranormal research. I wished to hear more of these experiences, but the book is really designed to help diagnose hauntings instead of entertain with ghost stories.
Chestnut encourages readers to look first (and primarily) for logical reasons for noises and suspicious occurrences. I appreciated that common-sense approach. She also makes it clear that certain events demand to be examined more closely, especially when a person is being hurt or when children are involved. Her book takes direct note at the way parents can help children through sightings and other experiences.
I really liked this book and would recommend it to those who want an informal, informative book about the supernatural. It explains basic theories in layman's terms.
The author, Debi Chestnut, is a medium who shares some of her experiences with the paranormal. She describes a few spirits she's encountered in her personal life as well as through her professional paranormal research. I wished to hear more of these experiences, but the book is really designed to help diagnose hauntings instead of entertain with ghost stories.
Chestnut encourages readers to look first (and primarily) for logical reasons for noises and suspicious occurrences. I appreciated that common-sense approach. She also makes it clear that certain events demand to be examined more closely, especially when a person is being hurt or when children are involved. Her book takes direct note at the way parents can help children through sightings and other experiences.
I really liked this book and would recommend it to those who want an informal, informative book about the supernatural. It explains basic theories in layman's terms.
June 25, 2021
A lot of great information and detail regarding the paranormal world! Very interesting. From someone who believes in the paranormal and currently experiencing paranormal activity in my home, I found a great deal of value in this book.
That being said...my OCD tendencies regarding spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors drove me CRAZY reading this book! Although the content is written so that it's easy to absorb, the errors were obvious. Some sentences were very repetitive as well, almost verbatim of previous sentences. It seems like she wrote it in one sitting, almost like as a journal, and there was no editing. I don't feel like this makes her information in any way less credible, but I took off a star for that.
Despite errors, I'd highly recommend it for those interested in learning more about the paranormal or investigating the creepy activity they're experiencing first-hand. I'll definitely be using the advice on researching the history of my house more thoroughly.
That being said...my OCD tendencies regarding spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors drove me CRAZY reading this book! Although the content is written so that it's easy to absorb, the errors were obvious. Some sentences were very repetitive as well, almost verbatim of previous sentences. It seems like she wrote it in one sitting, almost like as a journal, and there was no editing. I don't feel like this makes her information in any way less credible, but I took off a star for that.
Despite errors, I'd highly recommend it for those interested in learning more about the paranormal or investigating the creepy activity they're experiencing first-hand. I'll definitely be using the advice on researching the history of my house more thoroughly.
Read
October 18, 2017Picked this up one year on sale at Barnes and Nobles. I bought it as I was hoping it would be good for research as well as reference. Much of it I knew and at the same time much of it I do not stand by.
I will say there is a section on how to help your child, FAQs When and where to get help and how to know if you should hire that group or not.
Some information I did highlight on the blog page as I more or less knew most of it already. Besides we can't have people playing with Ouija boards and holding seances this time (october) of year
I used some of the information for reference on my Halloween Ghost page...
https://zodiacimmortal.wordpress.com/...
I will say there is a section on how to help your child, FAQs When and where to get help and how to know if you should hire that group or not.
Some information I did highlight on the blog page as I more or less knew most of it already. Besides we can't have people playing with Ouija boards and holding seances this time (october) of year
I used some of the information for reference on my Halloween Ghost page...
https://zodiacimmortal.wordpress.com/...
June 17, 2017
This was a very informative book about ghosts, paranormal activity, and what you can do to rid your home of unwanted spirits. It was well written and researched. I also enjoyed the author's writing style. Very easy to read and keeps you engaged. I would definitely recommend this book for anyone interested in paranormal research or those curious about ghosts.
October 15, 2018
Very interesting and informative
September 23, 2014
Debi Chestnut is no stranger to the paranormal world. Growing up with psychic abilities, she's been actively involved in paranormal investigation and research for 25+ years. Is Your House Haunted is just one of several books on the subject of ghosts and hauntings.
As a paranormal investigator myself, I'm always reading and of course, always looking for additions to my ever-growing paranormal library. I was intrigued by this title's somewhat skeptical connotations--I thought it would be a great resource to share with clients, showing them that not every little bump in the night is necessarily paranormal.
I can't say that I'm disappointed in the book. There were a few times where I felt the author's claimed psychic abilities were discussed a little too much for a book of this nature, and there were one or two times where the author presented seemingly contradictory viewpoints, but overall, it was a nice little introduction. Amazon reviewer, Sheri Newton, summed up my feelings on this book exactly with her quote:
"It doesn't go too much in depth on any certain subject, but that is okay because it wasn't meant to do that."
Anyway, the intended audience of this book is really for the layperson experiencing possible paranormal activity, and even a novice investigator will probably find this book a little simple for their liking. However, the author does a wonderful job of sprinkling in some interesting anecdotes and personal experiences among the much drier, mundane information. Therefore, it is pretty readable and even though there are a few times where it gets repetitive, chapters tend to be short, and to the point. I would definitely recommend adding this one to your own shelf, if only for the purpose of having a tangible reminder to look at ALL possible explanations to gift to a client who is experiencing unexplained phenomena.
As a paranormal investigator myself, I'm always reading and of course, always looking for additions to my ever-growing paranormal library. I was intrigued by this title's somewhat skeptical connotations--I thought it would be a great resource to share with clients, showing them that not every little bump in the night is necessarily paranormal.
I can't say that I'm disappointed in the book. There were a few times where I felt the author's claimed psychic abilities were discussed a little too much for a book of this nature, and there were one or two times where the author presented seemingly contradictory viewpoints, but overall, it was a nice little introduction. Amazon reviewer, Sheri Newton, summed up my feelings on this book exactly with her quote:
"It doesn't go too much in depth on any certain subject, but that is okay because it wasn't meant to do that."
Anyway, the intended audience of this book is really for the layperson experiencing possible paranormal activity, and even a novice investigator will probably find this book a little simple for their liking. However, the author does a wonderful job of sprinkling in some interesting anecdotes and personal experiences among the much drier, mundane information. Therefore, it is pretty readable and even though there are a few times where it gets repetitive, chapters tend to be short, and to the point. I would definitely recommend adding this one to your own shelf, if only for the purpose of having a tangible reminder to look at ALL possible explanations to gift to a client who is experiencing unexplained phenomena.
August 4, 2015
Having recently finished a book about Ed and Lorraine Warren and their seeming obsession with demons and evil spirits, it was refreshing to read Debi Chestnut's views on the paranormal. It's an opinion I agree with, it's probably not a demon and it's more than likely not as dangerous as television and film have lead you to believe. Not to say that there aren't demons out there, but they are fairly rare.
I really enjoyed the way this book is written. First, Chestnut presents the material to those who may be experiencing paranormal activity in the home. She wants to address the paranormal from the perspective of people who might not know anything about ghosts and such.
While this book is written for the layman, Chestnut does an excellent job of covering material that can even be of help to those who actually investigate the paranormal. There are sections on the various types of ghost and spirit, what other, more terrestrial occurrences might explain your unexplained, what to do when children are involved, and even the things to look for when you, the homeowner, are seeking a team of experts to help you with your ghost problem.
Chestnut also covers a list of frequently asked questions that both amateur and professional ghost handlers might like the answers to, as well what to do or what not to do when you are faced with the paranormal.
Also, as with other books in this field, I always look for a list of recommended books for further study, and Chestnut leaves the reader with a collection of books to add to my ever growing collection. I'm glad to add this book to my shelf and to hopefully add some of the advice and techniques to my own paranormal investigations.
I really enjoyed the way this book is written. First, Chestnut presents the material to those who may be experiencing paranormal activity in the home. She wants to address the paranormal from the perspective of people who might not know anything about ghosts and such.
While this book is written for the layman, Chestnut does an excellent job of covering material that can even be of help to those who actually investigate the paranormal. There are sections on the various types of ghost and spirit, what other, more terrestrial occurrences might explain your unexplained, what to do when children are involved, and even the things to look for when you, the homeowner, are seeking a team of experts to help you with your ghost problem.
Chestnut also covers a list of frequently asked questions that both amateur and professional ghost handlers might like the answers to, as well what to do or what not to do when you are faced with the paranormal.
Also, as with other books in this field, I always look for a list of recommended books for further study, and Chestnut leaves the reader with a collection of books to add to my ever growing collection. I'm glad to add this book to my shelf and to hopefully add some of the advice and techniques to my own paranormal investigations.
December 15, 2015
While I don't actually think my house is haunted, this was a fun book to read. For the first half, she very logically breaks paranormal experiences down into different categories to help someone analyze whether or not their house is in fact haunted. She rationally points out that many events are able to be explained by non-paranormal means, and recommends keeping a very detailed journal to help determine if someone really does have a 'ghost'. She then proceeds to list all the different types of ghosts, including spirit guides, succubus, elementals, angels, & demons. She mentions portals, the potential use of mirrors as gateways, and overly emotional people as methods of fueling paranormal events. She covers all the bases. She also believes herself to be a sensitive, and spends several paragraphs giving suggestions on what to do if you think your child is sensitive to paranormal entities, as well. I skimmed through the second half as it was intended to be a 'how to' guide on what to do if you DO determine that you, your house, or an item is being haunted. She also gave advice on how to choose a paranormal investigator.
I'd say this would be an extremely helpful book to those who believe, and for those who don't, it's fun & well written.
I'd say this would be an extremely helpful book to those who believe, and for those who don't, it's fun & well written.
June 11, 2012
I have always been sort of a skeptic with the paranormal activity out there because of all the liars and frauds claiming to be psychic and of course the attention whores who want to be noticed for something so why not a strange happenings around there home. BUT, I do not deny that there are true hauntings out there or ghosts roaming the occasional home here and there. If you are like me and want to learn more about the truth behind all the bull, this is a good place to start. This is an overall generic view of the different types of hauntings, spirits, and effects they can have on your life. It also covers how to find quality paranormal help and covers all the scientific approaches that she and her team takes to investigate homes. I recommend this book to anyone who just wants to hear more of the truth than the magical hogwash found all over the internet.
March 2, 2015
I was very interested in reading this book because I have always liked scary movies and ghost investigation shows. I thought it would be cool to have a better understanding of the truth about ghosts and hauntings through a professional view point. It was interesting to read this and find out how much of these "hauntings" were all in peoples heads. It was also cool to hear some of the spooky encounters Debi has witnessed as well as all the people she has met that were mistaking a simple loose pipe for a ghost. I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in finding out what things are real about ghosts and what things are just myths.
January 6, 2013
Is Your House Haunted? - Debi Chestnut
Anyone who is interested in the Paranormal and would like to learn more about ghosts/team investigation process/research the history on home or business? This is the book for you!
The author - Debi Chestnut is a pyhsic as well as a paranormal investigator. She has written a detailed book broken down into the many sections regarding the paranormal of ghosts.
This is one book on the paranormal that I would highly recammend. It was an easy read.
Anyone who is interested in the Paranormal and would like to learn more about ghosts/team investigation process/research the history on home or business? This is the book for you!
The author - Debi Chestnut is a pyhsic as well as a paranormal investigator. She has written a detailed book broken down into the many sections regarding the paranormal of ghosts.
This is one book on the paranormal that I would highly recammend. It was an easy read.
April 30, 2015
In Chestnut’s book, readers will discover how to rule out any earthly explanations for strange phenomena. A comprehensive overview of all kinds of hauntings and ghosts—from harmless spirits to aggressive poltergeists to malevolent demons—that will help you understand and identify whatever else might be sharing your house with you.
September 29, 2015
Very down to Earth, which is an amusing thing to say about a paranormal book. Things may not have been approached from a scientific point of view, but they were from a logical point of view with many examples from her life. This would be a great start for someone who may think they live or work in a haunted building.
December 24, 2015
I really enjoyed this book! Debi Chestnut writes as though she is sitting across from you and having a conversation over coffee. Come to this book with an open mind. If you're not a believer in the paranormal, you might be after reading her words. There is a great FAQ chapter that breaks things down in easy to understand terms. Great read!
November 25, 2011
I didn't like this book because it was interesting. It was a library book and someone was proofreading the pages with the pan, made my day.
April 19, 2013
Very helpful book. Would recommend it to anyone experiencing the paranormal, especially those who are extremely frightened by the events going on in their home or business.
April 20, 2014
I like this, since I'm very into the paranormal. Overall a good book and very informative, my biggest qualm with it is the writing. In short, it's not very good and it's quite repetitive.
November 27, 2016
I didn't know much about haunting, and I found the book a covered every part of the subject.
November 29, 2016
I can relate to many things in this book. Many of the experiences she talks about I know to be true.
Not over dramatized. A realistic look at the paranormal
Not over dramatized. A realistic look at the paranormal
June 7, 2018
Debi Chestnut's Is Your House Haunted covers a lot of ground. This woman who sees dead people explains the different kinds of hauntings and how to deal with them and includes her own experiences. The book probably could have been boiled down a little since there is a little repetition, but the information is good.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews