Ghost Files: The Collected Cases from Ghost Hunting and Seeking Spirits

by Jason Hawes, Grant Wilson

An omnibus edition of GHOST HUNTING and SEEKING SPIRITS, the real-life adventures of the paranormal investigators from Syfy's hit show Ghost Hunters.

Genres: Paranormal, Nonfiction, Ghosts, Supernatural, Memoir

First published September 13, 2011

Reviews

[Angelc · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

I really enjoyed this collection of tales from the "Ghost Hunters'" real experiences. This book contains both of their previous non-fiction titles in one volume, so there are a lot of spine-tingling ghost stories to be read!

The stories are told in the same tone of the show, you'll feel like it's a friend sitting down and telling you the stories. This really makes for an enjoyable read. The stories are all very short, only 3-7 pages each, so they're quick, entertaining reads too.

I really liked the stories from the late 90s and early 2000's because they happened before the tv show started, and were all new stories for me. I was also glad to finally read Jason and Grant's personal experiences with the supernatural that got them started with ghost hunting because they never talk about these experiences on the show.

Each of the stories are so intriguing they could each be expanded into a whole book. They range form the super scary-poltergeists, etc; to the strange-ghosts walking through floors; to the sweet-the 1950s teen curious about a new baby.

Overall, a treat for any fan of ghost stories not just the Ghost Hunters tv show.


sent by publisher in exchange for honest review

reviewed for http://inthehammockblog.blogspot.com

[Aymee · Rating 4 out of 5]

So, this is not the kind of book I'd normally buy for myself.  However, a good friend is big fans of theirs and thought I might enjoy this.  So, randomly, one day back in January, I got a package from Hobbes and Marilyn - my friend's cats.  Inside, was this book.

I'm not one hundred percent sure I believe in this kind of thing.  However, in the two and a half years since my husband passed away, my kids and I have had a few, odd experiences, so I'm not one hundred percent sure I don't believe either.  Which is why this book was perfect for me.

The first thing I noticed about these guys, having never seen their shows, is that they go into each investigation with the intent to debunk anything paranormal.  Which honestly took me by surprise because you'd assume they'd want to do the opposite, right?  The second thing that caught my attention is that they're plumbers, which I found to be very random, despite the fact I work for a plumber myself.

Each case is presented in a succinct fashion, hitting the highlights of the case, their thoughts, their findings, and often a bit of a lookback after.  They do a great job of explaining their methods, their equipment, and how they go about doing what they do.  Overall, it was an interesting look at  ghost hunting.  Oh, and let's not forget the creepy pictures that are included.  You can't have a book without some kind of proof, right?  

Whether you believe or not, it's definitely an intriguing read.  

[Autumn Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been ghost hunting since I was somewhere around 10 years old. The house I grew up in had strange things happen regularly and I’ve always loved things that need figuring out (I ended up going to college for crime scene investigation and am currently working as a Paralegal)! Once I started looking into it all, my family members started telling all sorts of stories from their lives of strange happenings as well. It all bloomed from there! I’ve read countless books, I’ve helped out family and friends when they’ve felt uneasy, and my Mom, Dad, Sister, and Brother have travelled the US and stayed in places like the Stanley Hotel, the Myrtles Plantation, the Grove Park Inn, and so many more! We’ve investigated close to home (Lake City, SD) at Sica Hollow State Park and Fort Sisseton State Park. Our next trip is planned to California which will take us to Alcatraz, the Winchester Mystery House, and the Queen Mary! After that, I plan to make a trip to the Northeast US, with Rhode Island and hopefully the Spalding Inn definitely as a stopping point!

I started watching Jason and Grant on the original Ghost Hunters on SciFi (yes, that’s what it used to be! Not SyFy 😬). We actually had to buy the channel because it wasn’t available as a general listing in our rural area. I’ve always loved their down-to-earth approach and their ability to tell people their house isn’t haunted, as they want to help people and not just make good TV (cough, cough, Ghost Adventures anyone? But I digress 😆). I also align with their standards of not making people pay for the investigation, because the goal is to help, not make money. It’s hard to think it has been 15 years since the show started and made me feel like less of a nerd that actual adults were doing what I had a passion for so early in life! And, although Jason and Grant now have two different shows, they are still kicking butt in the paranormal community!

All in all, this book is a great collection of good ghost stories and really sheds light on all the work that goes into each investigation. It also gives great insight into each aspect of hunting - tech, terminology, how boring it can be sometimes 😖, and how exciting it can be at others!

I can still tell after all these years that Jason and Grant truly care and I hope they keep on keepin’ on for many years to come!

[Linda Lipko · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an interesting book written by the two people who have a TV show that focuses on the many spirits they are in contact with. Not too over the top, each story is a separate chapter.

[Haley · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Todd · Rating 4 out of 5]

After being introduced to The Atlantic Paranormal Society (TAPS) via Ghost Trackers, I was interested to see the nonfiction side of Jason and Grant as they traveled across New England and beyond in search of anything paranormal. Consisting of a detailed description of some of their more memorable cases, Jason and Grant have compiled two of their previous books: Ghost Hunting and Seeking Spirits, into one volume, Ghost Files. Additionally, they’ve also added some personal insights into their own experiences with the paranormal, as well as their takes on what it means to research these perceived hauntings.

Both novels are written in a similar format: descriptions of memorable cases interjected periodically with tips and tricks that Grant and Jason use when they’re on a case, or explanations of various technical portions of their occupation. At the end of each book, Jason offers a conclusion that recaps his feelings on various hauntings, as well as predictions on the future of TAPS. At the very end of Ghost Files, Grant and Jason offer a glossary of terms commonly used in the work, as well as a guide to amateur paranormal researchers on the basics of the trade. As a whole, the work is part documentary, part guidebook, mixing the two together in order to show both the entertaining and scientific sides of paranormal research. Jason especially places an emphasis of the scientific method in their research, highlighting its importance in what they do.

Ghost Files was both entertaining and enlightening. It was really interesting to see how much TAPS has grown since its inception, and the length the group will go to find the source of paranormal activity on each case. The care that they treat the individuals with, even in cases where they are being intentionally mislead (as was the case some times), is admirable and shows Grant and Jason’s dedication. I especially enjoyed the parts of the book in which they discuss how they approach each case scientifically. As a scientist myself, I definitely agree that this is the best way to tackle these sorts of phenomena, and it gives them a steady set of data that they can look back on to make observations. Overall, this dedication, coupled with an entertaining set of some of their best cases, makes this book a fun and quick read. For anyone new to TAPS, this is a good primer on their organization and it is definitely worth a look!

Todd (Reflections of a Book Addict)
http://wp.me/p18lIL-G1

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

As the tiny blurb states, this is two books within one! This is stories from the popular show, Ghost Hunters on the Syfy channel. For those that either do not get the show or are unfamiliar with it, this is a group of people headed by Jason Hawes and Grant Wilson who investigate the paranormal. They do it in a way to prove the paranormal not just say everything is paranormal like you usually get on shows like this. They try to debunk claims of activity as much as possible. This is why I enjoy the show so much. They even have episodes where nothing is going on and they debunk everything. Therefore you tend to pay attention when they are left scratching their heads unable to figure out what is going on.

This book entails expanded stories on some of their shows. Not only does it explain what was missing in the episode, but it brings to light what they were thinking at the time. Some of my favorite cases were in this book. Especially the one in CO at the Stanley Hotel where the Shining by Stephen King was written. Even Steven claims to have had a paranormal experience there. (video added at my blog here)


There are also other stories that never made it to the show. Reasons usually were because people didn't want to be on camera. So all identity was hidden for these stories. What I also like about these guys is that they don't take money for it (even before the show started) and they do what they can to help out families just looking for answers. Even if the answers are mundane. In fact they even fixed a pipe for clients (they are Roto Rooter guys in their other life) to stop the banging they thought were ghosts.

I give this book 4 stars. It is a great compilation of their two books into one! Great idea and also a great book for someone who is a fan of the show. Even if you aren't familiar with it, you get a sense of what they do and why. Plus, even if you don't believe in any of it, I think you can read it for the entertainment value. Maybe you'll find something to wonder about. Who knows? Only thing I have left to say is... guys... smile! You are on the cover of your own book!

[Kelsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

THIS is what I want from a ghost story book. I grew up watching Ghost Hunters every Wednesday night with my mom. Even though it gave me the creeps. For me, this book held a lot of nostalgia but what I loved about the book is what I loved about the show: I feel like it's honest. The stories are short and to the point. The TAPS team tries to logically explain things before assuming the paranormal. They look to help people rather than purely sensationalize. They don't go in and attempt to irritate whatever is in the house by yelling and screaming at it. And they fail. Sometimes they can't find the evidence, and sometimes it isn't paranormal at all. The tone of the book is very direct, but in a way where it feels like someone is just telling you exactly what they heard and saw and that's all. I really enjoyed this book and will be passing it along to my mom since the show was something we shared.

Oh. And don't mess with Ouija boards. Why are people still messing around with those things? I felt like every 5th story was something to do with someone playing wtih a Ouija board. Stop it.

[Anna Bergmark · Rating 3 out of 5]

These two ghost hunters sure beat the scientific drum with great fervor. For someone believing in the power of religious exorcisms that is. And in hobgoblins from the woods. And in little green men. And....

Well. I guess you don't really read books like this for the credibility as much as for the overall "ambience" so let's not quibble about it. But it added some unintended humour and made the authors - guys I've seen on television and liked just fine - sound annoyingly buffoonish at times. (And why was so much time wasted on the inadequacies of that poor Brian character? A mystery as dark and unanswerable as the ghostly hauntings themselves.)

An easy read though and far from the worst in the genre - if a little bit too self admiring.

[Alise · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book is actually two books combined "Ghost Hunting" and "Seeking Spirits" one authored mostly by each of the partners. The second half of the book "Seeking Spirits" is much better than the first half. The stories are more detailed and are followed by an information section on a part of the equipment, entity, etc. that was addressed earlier. The first half is short chapters (maybe 2 or 3 pages) that don't really give us enough information for the story to be interesting.

Overall an okay read but obviously goes on very long since it is two books that are pretty similar.

[Andrea Thomas · Rating 2 out of 5]

As much as I enjoyed the book, and reading about the different cases, I just couldn't finish this one. I'm a bit irritated by Jason's need to talk bad about other employees, even if he is the owner of TAPS. I did like the little blurbs that Grant would give at the end, sort of an explanation or his take on the case, but even still, some of them were just one sentence. Man of many words it seems.

Either way, I got about halfway through before deciding to put this one down for good.

[Stefanie Robinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoy this show and the dynamic that all the team members have with each other. I love the approach they have to their investigations. I love learning the history of the places they visit. I have read all of the books they have put out, just to have that added level of personal experience. This was a really interesting read, and I liked it a lot.

[Matthew Hyde · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book was a easy read. The problems I had with the book were the over exaggerations on certain things and there was sort of a cocky feel, as in, "We are doing it right and everyone else is wrong in the way they investigate." Not a bad read.

[Sophie Cimon · Rating 2 out of 5]

To be honest, when I read ghost stories is to be scare. But they want so much to be scientific with their huntings thatnit kills the mood for me. Plus, it is obvious that they are not writers, I didn't like reading this as if it was a conversation. And half of the first book was bitching about one of their collègue, which was a big nuisance for me. It's not a bad book but I wasn't excited either. Though it's interesting to hear about times where there was no ghost but just crazy peoples or fraud, refreshing in some sort.

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was great to read about the various cases of TAPS, some of them even shown on the show Ghost Hunters.

[Written by Ash · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

[Fiona Lawson · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was so dumb and badly written but I did enjoy it lol. I found it really convenient that every story involving coming face to face with a full bodied apparition/demon/alien occurred whenever the TV crew wasn’t around. The second half of the first book is just recaps of the best episodes of seasons 1 and 2 of Ghost Hunters but without any good BTS info aka wtf was actually going on with everyone’s beef with Brian because it was so obviously not about Brian talking on the phone to his girlfriend too much. Either way I was entertained by this one.

[Michelle Greathouse · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ghost Files is a collection of cases from Jason Hawes and Grant Wilson and a novel from Gallery Books.

Book Blurb:

In this hair-raising omnibus, Jason Hawes and Grant Wilson, founders of The Atlantic Paranormal Society (T.A.P.S.), reveal the memorable and spine-tingling cases featured in their smash-hit collections, Ghost Hunting and Seeking Spirits. From their never-seen-on-television adventures as budding paranormal investigators to the behind-the-scenes accounts of heart-pounding supernatural encounters featured on their popular show, these fascinating and frightening real life tales will keep you up at night

About the Authors

Jason Hawes and Grant Wilson head up TAPS, The Atlantic Paranormal Society. Built on Jason and Grant's interest in getting to the bottom of everyday, paranormal occurrences, TAPS is an eclectic but unified bunch. Jason and Grant are plumbers by trade, and their TAPS colleagues are in similarly ordinary professions: factory worker, office manager, teacher. TAPS has developed an impressive reputation for helping people with unusual domestic problems. It has been more than a decade since Jason and Grant first met, and since then TAPS has grown in size and scope to become one of the most respected paranormal-investigation groups in America. It now has branches across the United States and affiliates in 12 other countries. Jason, TAPS' founder, is in his mid-30s and the father of three girls and twin sons. He enjoys spending quality time with his children, deep-sea fishing and writing screenplays. Grant, the father of three young boys, enjoys whipping up a mean Italian dish, writing songs on the piano and guitar and penning a series of high-fantasy novels.

My thoughts:

I’ve always been a bit skeptical about the whole ghost hunting business. My husband is a huge fan of Ghost Hunters - so when I received a request to review Ghost Files, I agreed - thinking I would get the book for my husband and have him do a guest review.

My husband is not a reader - unless it is something that interests him - and Ghost Files interested him very much. As a matter of fact, he was so interested, I ended up reading the book myself.

I will be honest and say that Mr. Hawes and Mr. Wilson have won me over with the way they go about their investigations. They are sincerely trying to be as scientific as possible - and rule out paranormal activity as the cause for a disturbance.

But when all else has been ruled out - and the proof is staring them in the face, they will confirm paranormal activity.

Ghost Files is a very interesting read.

The first half is Ghost Hunting and it gives a great deal of background on Jason Hawes and the beginning of T.A.P.S.

We are given an account of several cases: who, what, when, where, why if possible and the resolution.

The second half is Seeking Spirits and we learn more about Grant Wilson and what influenced him to seek out more information on paranormal activity.

As in Ghost Hunting, we are given an account of several cases in Seeking Spirits.

I was truly fascinated by Ghost Files.

I give Ghost Files 5 out of 5 stars.

Product Details
Paperback: 560 pages
Publisher: Gallery Books (9-13-11)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1451633106
ISBN-13: 978-1451633108

[Bea · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love reading fantasy, urban fantasy and fiction books with magic. I adore the. But when it comes to real life, I'm more skeptical, not inclined to believe in things supernatural or paranormal. I've never watched a full episode of the TV show "Ghost Files" in the Sci Fi channel (yes, I know it's now called Sy Fy but that's stupid so I use the better, old name) but I have watched a few minutes here and there while channel surfing. What little I saw didn't impress me. So when I was offered this book, I was uncertain. I'm pretty sure I'm not the target audience. Still, in the end, I decided to do it and I enjoyed it, somewhat to my surprise.

As mentioned in the blurb, the book is an omnibus edition, combining two earlier books. The first book, Ghost Hunting, gives a brief history of the T.A.P.S. the organization that the ghost hunters work for and then we get chats of 42 cases from the early years. Some of the cases are from before they got their television show but most are from the show. The main narrator is Jason, with Grant offering a brief synopsis of his thoughts after each case file. Jason Hawes has a light, clear, friendly writing style, like he's talking with you over a beer or coffee. The written case files recap the episodes but also show us their thought processes and reasons for taking or refusing a case. Hawes stresses repeatedly that when they take a case, they are trying to verify possible supernatural activity, using scientific methods. They don't promise that they will certify a place as haunted and have often come away from a case with negative results. In Hawes' words,

"Grant and I insisted on a more rational approach. Before we would ever say a place was home to a supernatural entity, we needed to have proof. It was a significant departure. And it was on that basis that we founded T.A.P.S.-both of us, because the idea was as much Grant's as mine."

The second book, Seeking Spirits, has more cases from their TV show and a few that didn't make it on the show for one reason or another. Hawes and Wilson take turns discussing the cases. Additionally, interspersed between cases, we get mini chapters, titled Ghost Hunters Manual. The mini chapters discuss various entities such as incubus and methods such as hunting at night. I appreciated those glimpses, and for me, they helped clarify some of the decisions they made during their cases. The back also has a glossary of technical terms.

The overall book is easy to read, enjoyable, and can be read out of order if desired. Hawes and Wilson present the evidence and leave it up to the reader to decide for themselves if it proves supernatural activity. I found it a good introduction to their work and may even check out their show. I think that readers who are already fans will appreciate the insights into the people who ghost hunt and their work.

I received this book from the publisher for review.

[Rie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a combination of Ghost Hunting and Seeking Spirits in one large volume. This is a book that I would never be able to read in one sitting. I’m simply too terrified. Yeah, I’m a scaredy-cat. If you have been reading Mission to Read for any time now you know that those spooky tales such as The Near Witch terrify me.

I like the adrenaline rush occasionally and because I’ve had experiences I couldn’t explain away I do believe in the paranormal (more in the human spirit being something of an unexplored territory than things such as demons) . So I’m highly interested in books and tv shows such as these.

The cases are interesting and explained in a scientific manner, so it makes it bit more believable to skeptics and a little less frightening to those that freak out from the ice machine dropping ice late at night.

This is a book I can see myself reading over a long period of time and coming back to and re-reading passages that intrigue me. There are stories of paranormal that don’t have to do with ghosts within this book. Things that have to do with human emotion causing phenomenon.

The personal stories are what make this book. Being able to identify with the investigators makes this book one I want to read in full no matter how scared it makes me.

[Rita · Rating 4 out of 5]

This books is two volumes in one. The first section is descriptions of paranormal investigations by The Atlantic Paranormal Society that eventually grew into the show "Ghost Hunters." It is interesting to read some of the behind the scenes information and the comments made by Jason Hawes and Grant Wilson.

The second section spends more time on the ins-and-outs of investigating with science and proof as the basis. Again interesting behind the scenes stories of going on hunts without all the "glory" shown on tv. Instead they talk about the hours of sitting in the dark with nothing happening, the hours of going through evidence with no results, and the dangers of being in unknown places dealing with unknown possibilities.

I enjoyed the book and will pass it on to others interested in this field.

[Gabija · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book I've read by Jason and Grant so far, and let me say that they have not let me down. Each case had me hooked, and some even left chills running down my spine. Now I really want to meet them. Can't wait to pick up any other books they've put out! (And by the way, I haven't seen the TV show yet, though I'm planning to (!), so I can't say that there were a lot of repeats) (Though there seemed to be some very similar cases between the books).

[Katie Dively · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good read if your into Ghost Hunters or the paranormal. It's a super quick read, and when it comes to the writing, Grant and Jay should probably stick to their night jobs. I often felt like I was reading a middle schoolers diary. That being said, I'm a total GH fan girl and loved reading about the behind the scenes and never-aired cases!

[Carey Henderson · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first part if this novel, Ghost Hunting, I really enjoyed. It was divided up into short stories about different cases the TAPS team had been involved with; before & after Ghost Hunters on Syfy. The second half, Seeking Spirits, I ended up skipping most chapters. If I had an interest in ghost hunting the second half would've been a great reference tool, so full of investigative tips & ideas.

[Marjanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really appreciate that these guys try to be scientific, though in some cases that takes all the fun out of ghosts. I also appreciate that they were very honest about their sucesses and not-so-sucessful ghost adventures.

[Mel Flowers · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good account of cases from two popular ghost hunters! Each chapter or "case" was short and very interesting. I usually get bored by books with this structure, but Jason and Grant really kept my interest in both of the books included in this single volume.

[Daphelba · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick and easy read from your favorite Ghost guys. You can read a couple of cases at a time when you have a few spare minutes. I don't recommend reading before bed though. :)

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite book read this year! LOVED it! Every fan of the show must read this book.

[Laura K · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very enjoyable book. GH and GHI are among my favorite shows.

[Debye · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love TAPS--Ghost Hunters--plain and simple. It's my guilty pleasure. :-D