Mysteries and Legends of New England: True Stories of the Unsolved and Unexplained

by Diana Ross McCain

From vampires to an angel, a ghost rapper to a phantom ship, Mysteries and Legends of New England pulls back the curtain on some of the region’s most fascinating and compelling stories. 

Genres: History, Mystery, Folklore, Nonfiction

192 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2009

About the author

Diana Ross McCain is an independent historian who has been researching, writing, and speaking about Connecticut and New England’s past for more than thirty years. She was on the staff of the Connecticut Historical Society in Hartford for twenty-five years.

Diana is the author of several non-fiction books, including It Happened in Connecticut, New England Myths and Mysteries, and Connecticut Coast, all published by Globe Pequot Press; and the award-winning To All on Equal Terms: the Life and Legacy of Prudence Crandall. She has also written extensively for publications such as Early American Life and Connecticut magazines. Thy Children’s Children is her first novel.

Diana holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in history, and a master’s degree in library science. A native of Ohio, Diana lives in Connecticut.

Reviews

[Paula Theresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book because it had very interesting information about many stories and myths of legends in New England that I never knew about before.

[Garrett DeVoe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mysteries and Legends of New England is a great read for those who reside in the New England area. This book offers detailed takes on urban legends, haunting mysteries, and overall intriguing stories all derived from the New England area. I really didn't want to put the book down because of the way each story was presented. Each story reeled you in from the start and holds your attention throughout. Every story has an eerie feel to them which adds a mood as you read. Although the book isn't very long you will find 13 unique short stories, the most interesting being "The Darn Man and the Leather Man". No story is drawn out which to me is a plus to this book. Everything you read feels fresh and separate from the last short story you read prior. Basically you won't be bored as you read, the book does not go stale.

[Kristin · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was not what I expected. Each chapter was a different 'mystery' or tale, and most of them were lame. I did not care to read about ghost ships, pirates, a tree, or a cat that is native to New England. The only chapter I found interesting was the chapter recounting stories of people being buried alive.

I've been to New England twice, so I didn't understand most of the references mentioned either.

[David Brzezinski · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quite an interesting read for both residents of New England, and newcomers to the state. It covers legends well known (Champ) and not so well known (Leather Man and Darn Man). The book is well grounded, and not prone to flights of fancy.

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a pretty good collection of stories. There's one about "The Leatherman" who was a Frenchman who wandered around Connecticut in the 1800s. Pearl Jam wrote their song Leatherman about him - weird.

[Liza Lovelette · Rating 3 out of 5]

Being a native New Englander, I found this book interesting. Wasn't what I initially thought it would be like, but overall I enjoyed it.

[Ronnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book, It was nice to read about some local places.

[Stephen M. Theriault · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting stories.