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Mysterious Spirit: The Bell Witch Of Tennessee
Paperback
First published January 1, 1975
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
October 25, 2025
Disclaimer: When we visited The Bell Witch Cave in Adams, TN, we were told that the book was only available at their shop due to copyright reasons. I'm not sure if that's true (it seems like only the cover art is different), but I bought it anyway. My review follows:
My perspective on The Witch, the legend, and the Bell family has changed significantly after reading this book. The book contains second- or third-hand accounts that cannot be verified, and there is no concrete historical evidence linking the journal or diary sources to the Bell family. This legend is highly debated because it involves a paranormal haunting experienced by the family and visitors, ultimately leading to John Bell's death. I believe Betsy was the one who poisoned her father (though this is speculation), as it seems the most logical explanation given the two troubled individuals in the house and the sudden appearance of a vial of dark liquid. I initially wondered about Betsy after visiting the Bell Witch theater during the festival, but I digress.
Regarding this book, I found it ironic that the author (who appears to be a Bell descendant) praises the family's good nature and influence, yet also describes how they treated their slaves during that era. The treatment from the Bell family and the witch towards their slaves raises questions. For the “all-knowing” Witch to be so racist seems to suggest that the legend might have been shaped to uphold the family's "Christian values" and conceal their cruel acts towards slaves. Something happened within the Bell household involving Betsy and the slaves.
There is no concrete evidence linking the Bell Witch Cave to the haunting, other than the house being torn down now. The book states that the witch will visit a descendant rather than haunt the cave. Some believe that taking a rock from there will cause the witch to haunt the person who took it, or that standing in front of a mirror and saying “the bell witch” three times, like Bloody Mary or Candyman, will produce a haunting. I see all this as confirmation bias—people are likely to notice negative events more because they are actively seeking them after taking the rock.
My perspective on The Witch, the legend, and the Bell family has changed significantly after reading this book. The book contains second- or third-hand accounts that cannot be verified, and there is no concrete historical evidence linking the journal or diary sources to the Bell family. This legend is highly debated because it involves a paranormal haunting experienced by the family and visitors, ultimately leading to John Bell's death. I believe Betsy was the one who poisoned her father (though this is speculation), as it seems the most logical explanation given the two troubled individuals in the house and the sudden appearance of a vial of dark liquid. I initially wondered about Betsy after visiting the Bell Witch theater during the festival, but I digress.
Regarding this book, I found it ironic that the author (who appears to be a Bell descendant) praises the family's good nature and influence, yet also describes how they treated their slaves during that era. The treatment from the Bell family and the witch towards their slaves raises questions. For the “all-knowing” Witch to be so racist seems to suggest that the legend might have been shaped to uphold the family's "Christian values" and conceal their cruel acts towards slaves. Something happened within the Bell household involving Betsy and the slaves.
There is no concrete evidence linking the Bell Witch Cave to the haunting, other than the house being torn down now. The book states that the witch will visit a descendant rather than haunt the cave. Some believe that taking a rock from there will cause the witch to haunt the person who took it, or that standing in front of a mirror and saying “the bell witch” three times, like Bloody Mary or Candyman, will produce a haunting. I see all this as confirmation bias—people are likely to notice negative events more because they are actively seeking them after taking the rock.
October 8, 2017
This is another supposedly true account of the Bell Witch. Its a very interesting read if you're into both the supernatural and things historical. This book is very matter of fact and documents actual quotes from the witch that predict the end of the world.
October 22, 2017
Written by one of the descendants. Very good read
July 11, 2022
This story is truly fascinating! I got this book when visiting Adams, TN and doing a tour of the Bell Witch cabin and cave. I had listened to a podcast covering this story before, but never really knew the history of the Bell family, or the predictions of the "Witch,"as accounted in this book. It's interesting to have all of the recollections/diaries, so it's almost like experiencing some of the occurrences as if you ARE a member of the Bell family. My only drawback is it drove me crazy with some of the run-on sentences and typo-like errors. Definitely a good read if you're ever planning on visiting or doing a tour, though! I wish I had this much information when I went on the tour myself, but I guess then the guides wouldn't have much to say, right? Hahaha!
December 3, 2022
Couldn’t get into it…
July 21, 2023
Consider me scared
October 5, 2023
3.5 stars
January 25, 2024
Interesting but a hard read. Lots of typos and older language.
November 7, 2016
This book went over the history of the Bell Witch of Adams, Tennessee, in ways that have never been heard by my ears. This book has detailed accounts by numerous members of the Bell family and describes "the Spirit" in multiple facets that were not previously known.
October 21, 2009
Interesting story. Definitely not the best writing. And why was that ghost so racist?
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews