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Ed & Lorraine Warren #3
The Haunted: One Family's Nightmare
Jack and Janet Smurl and their family have been victims of abuse - both mental and physical - by inhuman entities that threaten their sanity, and even their lives. Over several years, the Smurls together with numerous other people - neighbours, police, priests, researchers - have witnessed scores of supernatural events at the family house: the ripping out of ceiling fixtures, the levitation and beating of the family dog, Janet's strangling by unseen hands, the repeated appearance of a black hooded figure - and more. And they can't escape - the demon even follows them when they leave their house.
Ed and Lorraine Warren, world-famous psychic researchers whose more celebrated cases include the haunting at West Point and the events at a house on Long Island that became known as The Amityville Horror, have been involved with the Smurl case since early in 1986 and have, among many other things, arranged for the exorcisms that have been held at the home. The Warren's vast experience with the paranormal have helped the Smurl family deal with the nightmare that they are going through- and will help you see, and perhaps understand, the existence and possible terrors of the other side.
You will be shocked and disturbed by the story told here; it will remind you of tales you heard in the dark; of books and movies that have kept you awake nights; of nightmares of your own. But at the heart of this story is a real American family who have faced horrors that none of us should even have to imagine- but have survived thanks to their strong moral values, their unshaking religious faith, and their undying love for one another.
Ed and Lorraine Warren, world-famous psychic researchers whose more celebrated cases include the haunting at West Point and the events at a house on Long Island that became known as The Amityville Horror, have been involved with the Smurl case since early in 1986 and have, among many other things, arranged for the exorcisms that have been held at the home. The Warren's vast experience with the paranormal have helped the Smurl family deal with the nightmare that they are going through- and will help you see, and perhaps understand, the existence and possible terrors of the other side.
You will be shocked and disturbed by the story told here; it will remind you of tales you heard in the dark; of books and movies that have kept you awake nights; of nightmares of your own. But at the heart of this story is a real American family who have faced horrors that none of us should even have to imagine- but have survived thanks to their strong moral values, their unshaking religious faith, and their undying love for one another.
260 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1988
357 people are currently reading
7177 people want to read
About the author
Robert Curran
38 books19 followersPsychologist Robert Curran is an well-known expert in folklore and the paranormal, who has written dozens of fascinating books on faeries, vampires,werewolves and stranger things. His most recent book is The Ghost Handbook, a study of ghost fiction and possibly ghost fact.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 340 reviews
March 25, 2015
One of the worst hauntings I have ever read/heard about. Super mean and demonic spirit haunts the Smurl family and follows them everywhere for years. Most spirits are stuck to a specific location, but this demon is drawn to destroying the family, no matter where they go - camping, work, a neighbors - he'll be there. This demon did stuff to this family that you don't even get to see in movies because it's too disturbing. The diocese of their local Catholic church wouldn't even help them out and that was really their best and last chance of trying to get the demon to go back to hell.
The book is a recount of the Smurl's experiences, as well as Lorraine and Ed Warrens. It's not written a way I expected it to be (like a normal, beginning, middle, end book). It jumps all over the place, throwing in an interview here and someone outside the families experience there. But still a must a read for the supernatural fans.
The book is a recount of the Smurl's experiences, as well as Lorraine and Ed Warrens. It's not written a way I expected it to be (like a normal, beginning, middle, end book). It jumps all over the place, throwing in an interview here and someone outside the families experience there. But still a must a read for the supernatural fans.
October 6, 2020
I loved this book. It is a local story known all thru the surrounding towns where they lived. My husband grew up just a few doors away from them and he agrees something was definitely up with that house.I loved the show paranormal state so it was a nice surprise to see the Warrens worked on this case after knowing them from the show.
The book was a fast read with big type and kept my interest. I enjoyed looking at the pictures that were included as well. I was horrified at some of the events that were described in the book. Whether they actually happened or not is not for me to decide but it definitely makes for a good story.
This is the story of what they experienced. If you’re already a skeptic why waste your time reading the book bc you’re going to say its fake and didn't happen. What they experienced was real to them and they suffered a lot of public humiliation and chastising because of it. Lots of people claim to be haunted by ghosts and they all have different experiences. This is just one of many.
The book was a fast read with big type and kept my interest. I enjoyed looking at the pictures that were included as well. I was horrified at some of the events that were described in the book. Whether they actually happened or not is not for me to decide but it definitely makes for a good story.
This is the story of what they experienced. If you’re already a skeptic why waste your time reading the book bc you’re going to say its fake and didn't happen. What they experienced was real to them and they suffered a lot of public humiliation and chastising because of it. Lots of people claim to be haunted by ghosts and they all have different experiences. This is just one of many.
September 2, 2012
Ignoring the question of whether the Smurl case was 100% a hoax (although, since the Warrens were involved, I smell bullshit...), this book commits the cardinal sin of the true haunting sub-genre: it just isn't very scary. Despite a veritable laundry list of paranormal activity featured, the terrible writing and the author's complete lack of objectivity results in a damp squib more than a delicious frisson of fear.
However, there is one textual revelation; as is repeated ad nauseum throughout the book with the subtly of a jackhammer to the face, the Smurls are GOOD CHRISTIAN PEOPLE who are targeted by the forces of darkness due to their strong Catholic faith. A quick glance at the photos in the book - easily the most intriguing aspect - reveals all...
The demons were summoned from the pit by awesomely bad 80s hair. Seriously though, give this book a pass and go rent the made-for-tv movie of the same name instead.
However, there is one textual revelation; as is repeated ad nauseum throughout the book with the subtly of a jackhammer to the face, the Smurls are GOOD CHRISTIAN PEOPLE who are targeted by the forces of darkness due to their strong Catholic faith. A quick glance at the photos in the book - easily the most intriguing aspect - reveals all...
The demons were summoned from the pit by awesomely bad 80s hair. Seriously though, give this book a pass and go rent the made-for-tv movie of the same name instead.
March 18, 2016
A haunting that couldn't be stopped
Ever since I saw the movie The Conjuring and read the Demonologist, I have had a great respect for what the Warrens attempted to do in helping as many families as they could dealing with unfortunate struggles with the supernatural. Prior to reading this book I had no prior knowledge of what the Smurl family endured in the early to mid 1980's.
I enjoyed this book and obviously had chills at many different points, but it also helped deepen my faith as a Catholic. Whenever demons haunt individuals or families prayer and faith always seem to be the best weapon against them.
The main reason I didn't give the book a perfect 5 was because I was not left with a sense of closure. I didn't feel the end provided enough detail as to what happened to the Smurls after the events described in this book.
Ever since I saw the movie The Conjuring and read the Demonologist, I have had a great respect for what the Warrens attempted to do in helping as many families as they could dealing with unfortunate struggles with the supernatural. Prior to reading this book I had no prior knowledge of what the Smurl family endured in the early to mid 1980's.
I enjoyed this book and obviously had chills at many different points, but it also helped deepen my faith as a Catholic. Whenever demons haunt individuals or families prayer and faith always seem to be the best weapon against them.
The main reason I didn't give the book a perfect 5 was because I was not left with a sense of closure. I didn't feel the end provided enough detail as to what happened to the Smurls after the events described in this book.
August 2, 2021
He leído varios de los libros de los Warren, en concreto, solamente me queda uno por leer de los que hay en español. Este es el peor. ¿Porqué? Ha sido horrible. Es una historia aterradora ya de por si. Podéis pensar que es lo que uno busca cuando lee este tipo de historias pero no, no esperas llegar a este nivel de sugestión y miedo, en especial, nocturno. No me avergüenza decir que he pasado y estoy pasando miedo. Con En la oscuridad pasé algo de miedito pero nada comparado con este. Ha sido una de las peores/mejores lecturas de este género que he tenido. Nos encontramos frente a una historia muy completa, por llamarlo de alguna forma. Hay espíritus malignos, hay demonios, hay súcubos, íncubos... Hay de todo lo que puedas desear no vivir jamás. Soy un poco (si solo fuera un poco...) miedica y ahora me encuentro en la tesitura de que no sé si lo quiero en mis estanterías siquiera 🙈. Llamádme exagerada pero sé que cada vez que lo vea recordaré y miraré hacia todas partes esperando no encontrar nada observándome.
October 1, 2015
The Haunting of an Entire Suburban Neighborhood
I got this book on one of Amazon's Mystery Deals. Ed and Lorraine Warren and their encounters have been a part of my childhood: from Discovery Channel's A Haunting, Lifetime's Unsolved Mysteries, Travel Channel's Ghost Adventures, and so many more documentaries about haunting happenings in the world, they have been model and fascinating fixtures in my understanding of haunted history.
I always listen to tales like these with an open mind, not just to those experiencing or documenting the haunting, but also to skeptics. This book has both the almost too real account of an entire neighborhood and dozens of witnesses, but also the entertainment value any skeptic or horror fanatic can really enjoy.
As for editing, the book could really do with another look through for misspellings, typos, grammatical errors, and perhaps better organization. I understand the format was to be as closely verbatim to the witness accounts as possible, certain entries had nothing to do with the actual haunting such as the "apprentice demonologist." The formatting definitely could have been better.
Overall, I truly enjoyed reading this book over a quaint afternoon and really hope the series could be included in more Amazon sales or Kindle Unlimited. The price is high for an ebook at full price, and for one day per book's reading as an advanced reader, it can be quite expensive to get the whole series for $50US.
Thank you for the sale and experience of reading this book. It was truly wonderful and full of nostalgia for me.
I got this book on one of Amazon's Mystery Deals. Ed and Lorraine Warren and their encounters have been a part of my childhood: from Discovery Channel's A Haunting, Lifetime's Unsolved Mysteries, Travel Channel's Ghost Adventures, and so many more documentaries about haunting happenings in the world, they have been model and fascinating fixtures in my understanding of haunted history.
I always listen to tales like these with an open mind, not just to those experiencing or documenting the haunting, but also to skeptics. This book has both the almost too real account of an entire neighborhood and dozens of witnesses, but also the entertainment value any skeptic or horror fanatic can really enjoy.
As for editing, the book could really do with another look through for misspellings, typos, grammatical errors, and perhaps better organization. I understand the format was to be as closely verbatim to the witness accounts as possible, certain entries had nothing to do with the actual haunting such as the "apprentice demonologist." The formatting definitely could have been better.
Overall, I truly enjoyed reading this book over a quaint afternoon and really hope the series could be included in more Amazon sales or Kindle Unlimited. The price is high for an ebook at full price, and for one day per book's reading as an advanced reader, it can be quite expensive to get the whole series for $50US.
Thank you for the sale and experience of reading this book. It was truly wonderful and full of nostalgia for me.
March 1, 2020
It has been about 17 years since I read this book, but it scared me so bad, I had to stop reading it for awhile. I couldn't even have it in sight. I'll be re-reading this one to see if I have the same reaction to it as I did when I was a teenager. There is no other story of a true haunting that I have read that made me feel that I was really in the thick of things as this one did.
October 21, 2021
I'm guessing third time is a charm because it isn't until the 3rd book in the Ed & Lorraine Warren series that they finally (sorta) get it right. While the first book was just a compilation of ghost stories the Warrens heard of and the second book was a very very small look into some of their cases, The Haunted is a book that is 100% just one case! Whoo-hoo! Finally we will get some indepth information about demonology and hauntings.
Well...maybe.
Honestly this seemed like a book on why you should be a church goer and pray every day.
I'll be honest, I had never heard of the Smurl case. So I was going into this relatively blind which I think was a good thing. All I knew was that there were hauntings in this duplex. This definitely read more like ghost story than an actual accounting except there were random inserts of interviews with the Smurls. And then there were also random paragraphs about some person who wanted to be a demonologist but then chickened out - seriously, why was this included?
I think the big fault with these books is that they still don't really delve deep enough. It's again just stating the facts and moving on. The only difference with this one was that they actually went through the entire haunting and focused a lot on the power of Christ.
So in conclusion, I'm slightly disappointed in these books and I don't think I will read anymore now that I've made it through the 3 that I owned.
OK, now where's the movie version? Come on, Conjuring universe.
Well...maybe.
Honestly this seemed like a book on why you should be a church goer and pray every day.
I'll be honest, I had never heard of the Smurl case. So I was going into this relatively blind which I think was a good thing. All I knew was that there were hauntings in this duplex. This definitely read more like ghost story than an actual accounting except there were random inserts of interviews with the Smurls. And then there were also random paragraphs about some person who wanted to be a demonologist but then chickened out - seriously, why was this included?
I think the big fault with these books is that they still don't really delve deep enough. It's again just stating the facts and moving on. The only difference with this one was that they actually went through the entire haunting and focused a lot on the power of Christ.
So in conclusion, I'm slightly disappointed in these books and I don't think I will read anymore now that I've made it through the 3 that I owned.
OK, now where's the movie version? Come on, Conjuring universe.
May 26, 2016
Awesome Paranormal Read
This book was very fast paced and very scary - this book is not meant for the faint of heart - I have read many true paranormal books and this is at the top of my list for true hauntings. The Smurl family had to endure these hauntings during a time when no one wanted to believe in ghosts and hauntings - the paranormal is more prevalent in this day and age then it was 20 years ago - however, the help from the Warrens is what finally set them on the right track and thankfully the Warrens were well known at that time in the paranormal community - if it hadn't been for them helping this family, it could have been much, much worse for this family - this definitely is a five star read and anyone who loves true paranormal will like this book - keep the lights on while reading this book!
This book was very fast paced and very scary - this book is not meant for the faint of heart - I have read many true paranormal books and this is at the top of my list for true hauntings. The Smurl family had to endure these hauntings during a time when no one wanted to believe in ghosts and hauntings - the paranormal is more prevalent in this day and age then it was 20 years ago - however, the help from the Warrens is what finally set them on the right track and thankfully the Warrens were well known at that time in the paranormal community - if it hadn't been for them helping this family, it could have been much, much worse for this family - this definitely is a five star read and anyone who loves true paranormal will like this book - keep the lights on while reading this book!
June 13, 2010
I have no idea if the haunting (or posession) is real or not. I know that the writing is worse than most freshmen in college. "If only they had known what awaited them." I almost expect a sidebar that says, "bwaa haa haa haa" in a Darth Vader icon. It's that cheesy. Usually my reviews are more about characters, plots, etc. I tend not to criticize writing style, but this is Velveeta Grande. As for the rest, I'm openminded about ghosts, even demons. I don't know if they're real or not. I know I've seen a couple of bizarre things that were hard to explain. Other than that, who knows? Was this worth reading? Probably.
November 1, 2016
Of course I had to finish this book on October 31st. Funnily enough, though, it wasn't a particularly scary read. Of course I KNOW movies such as The Conjuring are "enhanced" and exaggerated so that they can work as pieces of fiction, but I definitely didn't imagine this book to feel so... flat.
I think it's got to do with the writing style --it's very journalistic, very matter-of-factly, which makes the Smurls' experiences feel a little boring, and not particularly scary, despite the fact that they're dealing with demons and apparitions and even supernatural rape (now that' something I would've never expected for me to write).
It's not a bad book, by any means, but none of it is particularly suspenseful or exciting or credible. The ending is anticlimactic, and the Warrens feel surprisingly extraneous to the story; they don't DO very much, contrary to what the movies would like us to believe. I guess if you're a Christian, you're gonna like this book --most of its characters are very religious, and believe in solving their problems with the power of prayer-- but if you're looking for something spooky, you're gonna be a little disappointed, just like me.
I think it's got to do with the writing style --it's very journalistic, very matter-of-factly, which makes the Smurls' experiences feel a little boring, and not particularly scary, despite the fact that they're dealing with demons and apparitions and even supernatural rape (now that' something I would've never expected for me to write).
It's not a bad book, by any means, but none of it is particularly suspenseful or exciting or credible. The ending is anticlimactic, and the Warrens feel surprisingly extraneous to the story; they don't DO very much, contrary to what the movies would like us to believe. I guess if you're a Christian, you're gonna like this book --most of its characters are very religious, and believe in solving their problems with the power of prayer-- but if you're looking for something spooky, you're gonna be a little disappointed, just like me.
April 18, 2020
Parece escrito por un chaval de 10 años.
September 12, 2020
Like most people, I first became aware of the renowned demonologists Ed and Lorraine Warren when I watched The Conjuring. I was very intrigued by their portrayal in the film and it led to me doing a little online research about them, which then led me to Gerald Brittle's The Demonologists: The Extraordinary Career of Ed & Lorraine Warren--a book that frankly scared the beejeezus out of me. While that book touched base on some specific cases the Warrens worked on, I remember it mostly focusing on their methodology, beliefs, and a more general overview of their experiences.
The Haunted: One Family's Nightmare
, on the other hand, is a very detailed account of one specific case in which the Warrens were involved: the 1980s demonic infestation of the Smurl family.
I'm not going to lie... A lot of the experiences described in The Haunted: One Family's Nightmare are a little hard to believe, which is quite possibly because I do not want to believe them. I 100% believe in the supernatural, but there are some things that are hard for the more science-based areas of my brain to accept, such as the levitation of heavy objects and human beings. While it is hard to wrap my head around those particular occurrences, the book contains a lot of interviews and accounts of people who witnessed the Smurl family's plight and were able to corroborate their story.
While it was entertaining to read through this account of a demonic haunting, I am extremely sympathetic toward the family who suffered through these traumatic events. I can't fully fathom the hopelessness and all-consuming fear they must have felt. One thing is certain, if you are able to imagine yourself in the Smurl family's shoes, I guarantee this book will scare the pants off of you, more than any horror movie ever could. ☆☆☆☆
P.s. The films from the Conjuring universe are my absolute favorites in the horror genre and reading this book felt a lot like watching one of them. 👻
I'm not going to lie... A lot of the experiences described in The Haunted: One Family's Nightmare are a little hard to believe, which is quite possibly because I do not want to believe them. I 100% believe in the supernatural, but there are some things that are hard for the more science-based areas of my brain to accept, such as the levitation of heavy objects and human beings. While it is hard to wrap my head around those particular occurrences, the book contains a lot of interviews and accounts of people who witnessed the Smurl family's plight and were able to corroborate their story.
While it was entertaining to read through this account of a demonic haunting, I am extremely sympathetic toward the family who suffered through these traumatic events. I can't fully fathom the hopelessness and all-consuming fear they must have felt. One thing is certain, if you are able to imagine yourself in the Smurl family's shoes, I guarantee this book will scare the pants off of you, more than any horror movie ever could. ☆☆☆☆
P.s. The films from the Conjuring universe are my absolute favorites in the horror genre and reading this book felt a lot like watching one of them. 👻
September 19, 2025
Pennsylvania, tra la fine degli anni Settanta e la fine degli anni Ottanta.
Clamoroso caso d’infestazione demoniaca assurto anche ai fasti della cronaca.
È il resoconto scritto con grossolani intenti giornalistici della coabitazione della famiglia Smurl con quattro entità tra cui un demone cattivissimo.
Passeranno anni tra rumori, manifestazioni fisiche, apparizioni, levitazioni e botte.
La chiesa cattolica latiterà mentre saranno aiutati dai Warren famosa coppia di sensitivi, da molti considerati dei ciarlatani.
La storia è sovrapponibile ad Amityville horror e anche a Entity di De Felitta.
È un caso realmente accaduto come sostiene lo strillo di copertina? Chissà.
Inquieta e fa paura? Sì.
(Uno dei film della serie The Conjuring riprende questa vicenda).
Clamoroso caso d’infestazione demoniaca assurto anche ai fasti della cronaca.
È il resoconto scritto con grossolani intenti giornalistici della coabitazione della famiglia Smurl con quattro entità tra cui un demone cattivissimo.
Passeranno anni tra rumori, manifestazioni fisiche, apparizioni, levitazioni e botte.
La chiesa cattolica latiterà mentre saranno aiutati dai Warren famosa coppia di sensitivi, da molti considerati dei ciarlatani.
La storia è sovrapponibile ad Amityville horror e anche a Entity di De Felitta.
È un caso realmente accaduto come sostiene lo strillo di copertina? Chissà.
Inquieta e fa paura? Sì.
(Uno dei film della serie The Conjuring riprende questa vicenda).
September 29, 2021
Reread 9/2021
Maybe (definitely) I've grown cynical in my old age (29 lmao) but this has not withstood the test of time for me. Maybe I didn't know how crooked the Warrens were? Maybe my critical thinking skills are more sharp? Anyway, this is such bologna. Full of inconsistencies. The format is weird and jilted - Q&A sessions, bullet points lists, interviews, etc. Just all in all a chore to read. My eyes are so tired from rolling back in my head.
Reread 2/2016
This book scared the crap out of me when I read it as a kid, but it definitely didn't hold me in such a state of terror as an adult.
Maybe (definitely) I've grown cynical in my old age (29 lmao) but this has not withstood the test of time for me. Maybe I didn't know how crooked the Warrens were? Maybe my critical thinking skills are more sharp? Anyway, this is such bologna. Full of inconsistencies. The format is weird and jilted - Q&A sessions, bullet points lists, interviews, etc. Just all in all a chore to read. My eyes are so tired from rolling back in my head.
Reread 2/2016
This book scared the crap out of me when I read it as a kid, but it definitely didn't hold me in such a state of terror as an adult.
May 14, 2025
I read this to prepare for the new Conjuring movie 😳 I should have left it alone. I will probably have nightmares. That was terrifying.
March 6, 2020
3/5
“Bueno, lo cierto es que nunca he sabido a ciencia cierta si había algún problema con la casa o no. Lo único que sabía era que, cuando me acercaba a ella, tenía la extraña sensación de que no era una casa como las demás.”
La casa embrujada es un libro muy entretenido basado en la supuesta historia real de la familia Smurl. Ideal para los y las fans de este tipo de sucesos.
RESEÑA COMPLETA: http://addicionaloslibros.blogspot.co...
“Bueno, lo cierto es que nunca he sabido a ciencia cierta si había algún problema con la casa o no. Lo único que sabía era que, cuando me acercaba a ella, tenía la extraña sensación de que no era una casa como las demás.”
La casa embrujada es un libro muy entretenido basado en la supuesta historia real de la familia Smurl. Ideal para los y las fans de este tipo de sucesos.
RESEÑA COMPLETA: http://addicionaloslibros.blogspot.co...
July 17, 2015
- My Description -
The story is based on the ghostly experiences of the Smurl Family. They move to a new house, a haunted house, & they soon become haunted themselves. They can't leave the house; go camping or visiting relatives without being followed by unseen forces. Truly frightening.
- My Review -
I read this book years ago.
I've followed this case since I first heard about it many years ago. I really liked the movie. It's frightening & not one to watch by yourself.
I thought the movie was better, but it's definitely worth the read. I suggest reading the book first, then watching the movie.
You'll sleep with the lights on. =)
November 11, 2021
"La casa embrujada"
Ed y Lorraine Warren, Robert Curran y Janet Smurl
Este libro relata la investigación de Ed y Lorraine Warren sobre el caso de la familia Smurl quienes fueron víctimas de una infestacion demoníaca.
Jack y Janet tenían una vida como cualquier matrimonio con sus hijos, vivían en una propiedad junto con los padres de Jack. Todo era armonioso hasta que comenzaron a manifestarse ruidos extraños, moverse cosas, ver entes y ser atacados por seres de lo más terrorífico.
Este libro es para valientes, lo que le sucedió a esta familia fue muy fuerte.
47/2021
4⭐
Ed y Lorraine Warren, Robert Curran y Janet Smurl
Este libro relata la investigación de Ed y Lorraine Warren sobre el caso de la familia Smurl quienes fueron víctimas de una infestacion demoníaca.
Jack y Janet tenían una vida como cualquier matrimonio con sus hijos, vivían en una propiedad junto con los padres de Jack. Todo era armonioso hasta que comenzaron a manifestarse ruidos extraños, moverse cosas, ver entes y ser atacados por seres de lo más terrorífico.
Este libro es para valientes, lo que le sucedió a esta familia fue muy fuerte.
47/2021
4⭐
June 17, 2010
Despite its matter-of-fact (but still subjective) presentation, The Haunted did catch and keep my interest. I couldn't believe some of the incidents that were described. It was quite disturbing. I would recommend it for those who are not overly squeamish. It is scary and sad. That's all I can say without giving away too much. If you are interested in the paranormal, you will be fascinated by this book.
September 14, 2015
The Haunted
: ¡4 estrellas!
Esta historia es un caso real. Creerlo o no, depende de cada uno. Yo sí creo.
A mediados de la década de 1970, como consecuencia de un tornado que destruyó su casa, la familia Smurl se mudó a un duplex ubicado en Pittston, Pennsylvania, Estados Unidos. Era el hogar que Janet y Jack siempre habían querido para sus pequeñas hijas Dawn y Heather, y también para las mellizas Carin y Shannon que llegarían luego. Los padres de Jack los ayudaron a juntar el dinero para cumplir ese sueño y se mudaron con ellos en el lado contiguo. Todos eran muy felices al principio, pero eso cambiaría con el paso de los días, cuando descubrieron que había alguien más y que no los querían allí.
Ni bien se instalan en este nuevo hogar y comienzan a realizar las refacciones necesarias, suceden cosas inusuales, aunque de menor importancia, como manchas que vuelven a aparecer tras haber sido limpiadas en varias ocasiones, problemas eléctricos injustificados, reparaciones simples que llevan más tiempo que lo debido, olores fétidos, etc. Todos estaban al tanto de ello, pero no era una cuestión que les quitase el sueño (aún). La familia era muy religiosa, Jack trabajaba mucho y Janet realizaba obras de caridad en el pueblo; eran conocidos y queridos por sus vecinos, y no había motivos para que no sean felices.
No obstante, y más allá de sus creencias, llegó un momento en que ambos debieron admitir que algo pasaba en su nueva casa, que había algo más. Esto se hizo más evidente cuando Janet vio por primera vez aquella forma negra deslizándose por una habitación y después desvanecerse. Más aún se confirmó cuando la madre de Jack, desde la otra parte del dúplex afirmó haberlo visto también. Gradualmente, los sucesos extraños comenzaron a aumentar: sartenes que volaban, sillas que se movían solas, cajones que se abrían, el televisor emitía luces estando desconectado, susurros, voces imitadoras que los llamaban, los eternos golpes y graznidos en las paredes, gritos en el medio de la noche, habitaciones con temperaturas heladas en pleno verano, la sensación de una presencia invisible, de que no estaban solos. Asimismo, los eventos fueron de mayor gravedad cuando empezaron a sufrir ataques, golpes, accidentes que los dañaban y que podrían haber terminado en tragedia.
Frente a esto, y ante la negativa de la Iglesia a ayudarlos, desesperados, la familia contacta a Ed y Lorraine Warren, especialistas en lo paranormal. Con la asistencia de ellos y de su equipo, se confirma que la casa estaba “encantada”, por así decirlo; que no sólo había espíritus conviviendo allí, sino que también había un demonio y que quería hacerles daño.
A partir de entonces comienza la lucha de la familia por permanecer juntos, cuerdos, y sobrevivir. La única esperanza de los Smurl era su fe en Dios, pero a veces eso no parecía suficiente. Su oponente no iba a rendirse tan fácilmente. Las apariciones y los tormentos se incrementaron, y en más de una oportunidad intentó matar a algún integrante, incluso a su perro Simon, y abusó sexualmente de Jack. El demonio estaba convencido de su objetivo y no iba a parar hasta lograrlo.
No soy una persona miedosa en la ficción, me es difícil encontrar una película que me de miedo, y por eso le doy tanto mérito a esta historia. La conocí hace muchos años, cuando vi la película que se hizo en base a ella. Si bien no es una gran producción, es vieja, está hecha para la televisión, y los efectos son malísimos, me asustó un montón (y la miré de día, después de desayunar). Cuando supe que se trataba de un caso real, me dio más miedo. Y como casi todo viene de un libro (o termina en un libro, depende el caso), lo busqué y lo encontré. Eso sí, me costó bastante leerlo, porque lo hacía por la noche, con la luz del velador y me moría de miedo con varias escenas. Todavía me cuesta escribir la reseña, aunque ya no tanto.
Si a alguno de ustedes les suena el nombre de “los Warren” y todavía no saben de dónde, es de la película El conjuro. En mi opinión, es muy mala y nunca, nunca, me dio miedo, nada. Ahora, yo conocí a los Warren mucho antes con The Haunted, y creo que es otra cosa. Así que no basen sus ideas o saquen conclusiones apresuradas antes de conocer esta.
Claro que hay quienes cuestionan su credibilidad. He leído que algunos adjudicaban los raros eventos ocurridos en la casa con bromas por parte de las hijas (imposible), delirios de Jack por una cirugía que se había hecho (nadie menciona esto jamás) o simplemente rédito económico. Además cuando la Iglesia se dignó a mandar a alguien para comprobar los dichos, el demonio no apareció, y esto sí suele suceder. Por último, la mujer que vivió en la casa luego que los Smurl aseguró que nunca le pasó nada extraño.
En mi opinión, hay demasiados testigos sobre esto y todo suena muy factible en mis oídos. Como dije, yo les creo.
Sobre la forma en que está contada en el libro, Robert Curran mantiene una suerte de formato periodístico, separada en capítulos, y alternada con entrevistas a la familia, a Ed y Lorraine Warren, o la transcripción de grabaciones realizadas por ellos, a vecinos, etc. Hacia la mitad del tramo, se intercala la experiencia de un hombre que pretendió trabajar con los Warren, estudió con ellos y llegó a visitar a los Smurl. Esa parte me pareció irrelevante para el final que tuvo, medio relleno.
También me hubiese gustado que la escritura fuese más literaria y no tan informativa, pero se supone que es real y se entiende bien, así que me conformo. Explica bien las cuestiones técnicas para quienes no tenemos idea sobre el tema.
The Haunted es la historia real de una familia normal y religiosa, cuyas vidas cambian para siempre cuando se mudan a un dúplex y comienzan a ser atormentados por apariciones y espíritus. Sus creencias son puestas a prueba cada minuto y deben aprender a lidiar con fuerzas sobrenaturales malvadas, poniendo en riesgo su vida y la de todos sus conocidos.
Admito que esto da miedo. Pueden ver la película y/o pueden leer el libro; en cualquier caso, la imaginación vuela y eso es lo más terrorífico.
Esta historia es un caso real. Creerlo o no, depende de cada uno. Yo sí creo.
A mediados de la década de 1970, como consecuencia de un tornado que destruyó su casa, la familia Smurl se mudó a un duplex ubicado en Pittston, Pennsylvania, Estados Unidos. Era el hogar que Janet y Jack siempre habían querido para sus pequeñas hijas Dawn y Heather, y también para las mellizas Carin y Shannon que llegarían luego. Los padres de Jack los ayudaron a juntar el dinero para cumplir ese sueño y se mudaron con ellos en el lado contiguo. Todos eran muy felices al principio, pero eso cambiaría con el paso de los días, cuando descubrieron que había alguien más y que no los querían allí.
Ni bien se instalan en este nuevo hogar y comienzan a realizar las refacciones necesarias, suceden cosas inusuales, aunque de menor importancia, como manchas que vuelven a aparecer tras haber sido limpiadas en varias ocasiones, problemas eléctricos injustificados, reparaciones simples que llevan más tiempo que lo debido, olores fétidos, etc. Todos estaban al tanto de ello, pero no era una cuestión que les quitase el sueño (aún). La familia era muy religiosa, Jack trabajaba mucho y Janet realizaba obras de caridad en el pueblo; eran conocidos y queridos por sus vecinos, y no había motivos para que no sean felices.
No obstante, y más allá de sus creencias, llegó un momento en que ambos debieron admitir que algo pasaba en su nueva casa, que había algo más. Esto se hizo más evidente cuando Janet vio por primera vez aquella forma negra deslizándose por una habitación y después desvanecerse. Más aún se confirmó cuando la madre de Jack, desde la otra parte del dúplex afirmó haberlo visto también. Gradualmente, los sucesos extraños comenzaron a aumentar: sartenes que volaban, sillas que se movían solas, cajones que se abrían, el televisor emitía luces estando desconectado, susurros, voces imitadoras que los llamaban, los eternos golpes y graznidos en las paredes, gritos en el medio de la noche, habitaciones con temperaturas heladas en pleno verano, la sensación de una presencia invisible, de que no estaban solos. Asimismo, los eventos fueron de mayor gravedad cuando empezaron a sufrir ataques, golpes, accidentes que los dañaban y que podrían haber terminado en tragedia.
Frente a esto, y ante la negativa de la Iglesia a ayudarlos, desesperados, la familia contacta a Ed y Lorraine Warren, especialistas en lo paranormal. Con la asistencia de ellos y de su equipo, se confirma que la casa estaba “encantada”, por así decirlo; que no sólo había espíritus conviviendo allí, sino que también había un demonio y que quería hacerles daño.
A partir de entonces comienza la lucha de la familia por permanecer juntos, cuerdos, y sobrevivir. La única esperanza de los Smurl era su fe en Dios, pero a veces eso no parecía suficiente. Su oponente no iba a rendirse tan fácilmente. Las apariciones y los tormentos se incrementaron, y en más de una oportunidad intentó matar a algún integrante, incluso a su perro Simon, y abusó sexualmente de Jack. El demonio estaba convencido de su objetivo y no iba a parar hasta lograrlo.
No soy una persona miedosa en la ficción, me es difícil encontrar una película que me de miedo, y por eso le doy tanto mérito a esta historia. La conocí hace muchos años, cuando vi la película que se hizo en base a ella. Si bien no es una gran producción, es vieja, está hecha para la televisión, y los efectos son malísimos, me asustó un montón (y la miré de día, después de desayunar). Cuando supe que se trataba de un caso real, me dio más miedo. Y como casi todo viene de un libro (o termina en un libro, depende el caso), lo busqué y lo encontré. Eso sí, me costó bastante leerlo, porque lo hacía por la noche, con la luz del velador y me moría de miedo con varias escenas. Todavía me cuesta escribir la reseña, aunque ya no tanto.
Si a alguno de ustedes les suena el nombre de “los Warren” y todavía no saben de dónde, es de la película El conjuro. En mi opinión, es muy mala y nunca, nunca, me dio miedo, nada. Ahora, yo conocí a los Warren mucho antes con The Haunted, y creo que es otra cosa. Así que no basen sus ideas o saquen conclusiones apresuradas antes de conocer esta.
Claro que hay quienes cuestionan su credibilidad. He leído que algunos adjudicaban los raros eventos ocurridos en la casa con bromas por parte de las hijas (imposible), delirios de Jack por una cirugía que se había hecho (nadie menciona esto jamás) o simplemente rédito económico. Además cuando la Iglesia se dignó a mandar a alguien para comprobar los dichos, el demonio no apareció, y esto sí suele suceder. Por último, la mujer que vivió en la casa luego que los Smurl aseguró que nunca le pasó nada extraño.
En mi opinión, hay demasiados testigos sobre esto y todo suena muy factible en mis oídos. Como dije, yo les creo.
Sobre la forma en que está contada en el libro, Robert Curran mantiene una suerte de formato periodístico, separada en capítulos, y alternada con entrevistas a la familia, a Ed y Lorraine Warren, o la transcripción de grabaciones realizadas por ellos, a vecinos, etc. Hacia la mitad del tramo, se intercala la experiencia de un hombre que pretendió trabajar con los Warren, estudió con ellos y llegó a visitar a los Smurl. Esa parte me pareció irrelevante para el final que tuvo, medio relleno.
También me hubiese gustado que la escritura fuese más literaria y no tan informativa, pero se supone que es real y se entiende bien, así que me conformo. Explica bien las cuestiones técnicas para quienes no tenemos idea sobre el tema.
The Haunted es la historia real de una familia normal y religiosa, cuyas vidas cambian para siempre cuando se mudan a un dúplex y comienzan a ser atormentados por apariciones y espíritus. Sus creencias son puestas a prueba cada minuto y deben aprender a lidiar con fuerzas sobrenaturales malvadas, poniendo en riesgo su vida y la de todos sus conocidos.
Admito que esto da miedo. Pueden ver la película y/o pueden leer el libro; en cualquier caso, la imaginación vuela y eso es lo más terrorífico.
February 8, 2022
Con este libro se concluye la lectura que he estado llevando a cabo sobre Ed y Lorraine Warren.
En este caso, se nos presenta algo muy distinto a lo que en las anteriores entregas se nos presentaba: A diferencia de anteriores historias, este libro no está estructurado en una serie de relatos con escenarios y temáticas variopintas (aunque la gran mayoría converjan en un nexo común).
En este caso, se nos presenta una historia, que los autores defienden como real, de una familia, los Smurl, y los terribles acontecimientos que tuvieron lugar en su casa y que les atormentaron durante demasiado tiempo.
Desde que la familia de muda a una casa de la calle Chase, se dan cuenta de que algo va mal. Tanto es así que su casa está realmente endemoniada. Golpes, gemidos, gritos, apariciones demoníacas, violencia a la familia, amenazas desde el más allá y un largo etcétera.
En esta obra se nos presentan estos acontecimientos a través de, en primer lugar, una tercera persona, que no deja de ser el autor; Y, en segundo lugar, a través de los pensamientos, entrevistas posteriores a la publicación de la obra y opiniones tanto de la familia Smurl como de los investigadores psíquicos Ed y Lorraine Warren, los cuales dedicarán cuerpo y alma (nunca mejor dicho) a ayudar a la familia y poder librar y hacer desaparecer al demonio de sus vidas.
Es una historia fantástica de principio a fin, es muy ágil y en ningún momento tiene altibajos. Trata temas muy interesantes y se desarrolla de una manera formidable, demostrando así la validez (o no) de los argumentos y experiencias expuestos en este libro.
Es una obra recomendadísima y que no dejará indiferente a nadie, además de que, dejará aterrorizado por largo rato a más de uno.
En este caso, se nos presenta algo muy distinto a lo que en las anteriores entregas se nos presentaba: A diferencia de anteriores historias, este libro no está estructurado en una serie de relatos con escenarios y temáticas variopintas (aunque la gran mayoría converjan en un nexo común).
En este caso, se nos presenta una historia, que los autores defienden como real, de una familia, los Smurl, y los terribles acontecimientos que tuvieron lugar en su casa y que les atormentaron durante demasiado tiempo.
Desde que la familia de muda a una casa de la calle Chase, se dan cuenta de que algo va mal. Tanto es así que su casa está realmente endemoniada. Golpes, gemidos, gritos, apariciones demoníacas, violencia a la familia, amenazas desde el más allá y un largo etcétera.
En esta obra se nos presentan estos acontecimientos a través de, en primer lugar, una tercera persona, que no deja de ser el autor; Y, en segundo lugar, a través de los pensamientos, entrevistas posteriores a la publicación de la obra y opiniones tanto de la familia Smurl como de los investigadores psíquicos Ed y Lorraine Warren, los cuales dedicarán cuerpo y alma (nunca mejor dicho) a ayudar a la familia y poder librar y hacer desaparecer al demonio de sus vidas.
Es una historia fantástica de principio a fin, es muy ágil y en ningún momento tiene altibajos. Trata temas muy interesantes y se desarrolla de una manera formidable, demostrando así la validez (o no) de los argumentos y experiencias expuestos en este libro.
Es una obra recomendadísima y que no dejará indiferente a nadie, además de que, dejará aterrorizado por largo rato a más de uno.
June 8, 2024
Since I had many similar experiences of the paranormal, I do believe what most is said in the book. Some I do not. Not by Ed and Lorraine Warren's encounter but, by the Smurl family. Certain parts the Smurl family statements doesn't add up, while some other parts do.
But, if you are a reader of true paranormal stories, then I suggest to give this a try and enjoy it.
But, if you are a reader of true paranormal stories, then I suggest to give this a try and enjoy it.
January 26, 2024
Bastante atrapante y entretenido.
September 14, 2009
I'm fairly open minded when it comes to the supernatural. But I feel that in order to be a reliable believer you also need to be a well practised sceptic.
There is nothing more annoying than someone who believes everything (or someone who believes nothing), while barring evidence to the contrary. So it's always good to approach these things with an open mind. With that said, I wasn't about to take Bishop McKenna at his word when during the opening he claims "Those of us who do not believe in a higher power cannot read The Haunting with an open mind and come away still disbelieving."
I'm not going to pretend I know what happened to The Smurl's during the time they claim they were tormented by "demons." But I do know that there are a lot of real world explanations to certain phenomena that might be applied to this case. High electromagnetic fields, night terrors, and mass hysteria for a start.
Something else that is interesting to consider is that all over the world, for what is possibly thousands of years now (and completely unconnected), people have experienced what is now diagnosed as a kind of sleep-disturbance during a sort of paralysis where an old decrepit woman will torment them night after night. Sitting on their chests, attacking them. People even "wake up" or come back to their senses with bruises. It's interesting, because a lot of people have never heard of it when the attacks start. I'm not sure if there is a treatment or how well it works, a documentary I saw recently entitled The Entity seemed to be on the fence about it.
Anyway, a single person's reality is an extremely subjective thing and I am not going to prove or disprove the existance of the Smurl's ghosts and demons in a book review. However, my opinon on the book itself is less even-handed.
First, I have to get something off of my chest. I can't stand when writers open with long and boring histories of the town the story is set in. I will concede that sometimes it provides key information, but does it really ever need to be more than half a page? In this case, it was mind numbingly boring. If I didn't have an uncontrollable compulsion to keep reading regardless of how bad a book is, I would have given up on the second page.
The second thing that bothered me was that while this was presented as a completely true story, there was an odd sub-story inserted into the book which if you didn't read the introduction you might confuse as fact. But it's not, as the author states "One character, David Wilson, is a composite of three people who have worked with Ed and Lorraine Warren." And so every few chapters or so you are presented with parts of the "David Wilson" story entitled The Apprentice Demonologist. The story essentially goes nowhere, and knowing that it is supposed to be a composite of three people just makes the personal aspects of the David Wilson character confusing. There is quite a bit of creative licence used in these sections and it is very off-putting. Not to mention pointless.
Essentially, Robert Curran is no Jay Anson.
Overall the book is presented in a matter of fact way, but what it actually sounds like is the round-table remembrance of a few people. However unlike Anson's The Amityville Horror there is enough story there to produce a really spooky 'account' without padding. so it's a shame that despite his artistic licence in Amityville, Jay Anson was long dead before The Haunting (aka The Haunted) was written.
Frankly, this book is awful (and unnecessarily preachy) but is readable due largely to short chapters (quick enough to read during commercial breaks) and the occasional creepy story.
There is nothing more annoying than someone who believes everything (or someone who believes nothing), while barring evidence to the contrary. So it's always good to approach these things with an open mind. With that said, I wasn't about to take Bishop McKenna at his word when during the opening he claims "Those of us who do not believe in a higher power cannot read The Haunting with an open mind and come away still disbelieving."
I'm not going to pretend I know what happened to The Smurl's during the time they claim they were tormented by "demons." But I do know that there are a lot of real world explanations to certain phenomena that might be applied to this case. High electromagnetic fields, night terrors, and mass hysteria for a start.
Something else that is interesting to consider is that all over the world, for what is possibly thousands of years now (and completely unconnected), people have experienced what is now diagnosed as a kind of sleep-disturbance during a sort of paralysis where an old decrepit woman will torment them night after night. Sitting on their chests, attacking them. People even "wake up" or come back to their senses with bruises. It's interesting, because a lot of people have never heard of it when the attacks start. I'm not sure if there is a treatment or how well it works, a documentary I saw recently entitled The Entity seemed to be on the fence about it.
Anyway, a single person's reality is an extremely subjective thing and I am not going to prove or disprove the existance of the Smurl's ghosts and demons in a book review. However, my opinon on the book itself is less even-handed.
First, I have to get something off of my chest. I can't stand when writers open with long and boring histories of the town the story is set in. I will concede that sometimes it provides key information, but does it really ever need to be more than half a page? In this case, it was mind numbingly boring. If I didn't have an uncontrollable compulsion to keep reading regardless of how bad a book is, I would have given up on the second page.
The second thing that bothered me was that while this was presented as a completely true story, there was an odd sub-story inserted into the book which if you didn't read the introduction you might confuse as fact. But it's not, as the author states "One character, David Wilson, is a composite of three people who have worked with Ed and Lorraine Warren." And so every few chapters or so you are presented with parts of the "David Wilson" story entitled The Apprentice Demonologist. The story essentially goes nowhere, and knowing that it is supposed to be a composite of three people just makes the personal aspects of the David Wilson character confusing. There is quite a bit of creative licence used in these sections and it is very off-putting. Not to mention pointless.
Essentially, Robert Curran is no Jay Anson.
Overall the book is presented in a matter of fact way, but what it actually sounds like is the round-table remembrance of a few people. However unlike Anson's The Amityville Horror there is enough story there to produce a really spooky 'account' without padding. so it's a shame that despite his artistic licence in Amityville, Jay Anson was long dead before The Haunting (aka The Haunted) was written.
Frankly, this book is awful (and unnecessarily preachy) but is readable due largely to short chapters (quick enough to read during commercial breaks) and the occasional creepy story.
October 23, 2015
This one is so Unbelievably Horrifying
There are no words to describe what I just read. You can not even imagine what this family lived with and continued to be terrorized for so long. I don't know if I would have keep my children in this kind of horror but I guess you really don't know what you would do unless you yourself lived this nightmare. I like scary stuff but I couldn't read this book at night, it really stays with you after you've gone to bed. I give this family a lot of credit for having their strong faith in our Lord that they were able to trust he would protect them. I do recommend these two Author's if you want to be entertained and frightened.
kozetteksmith
There are no words to describe what I just read. You can not even imagine what this family lived with and continued to be terrorized for so long. I don't know if I would have keep my children in this kind of horror but I guess you really don't know what you would do unless you yourself lived this nightmare. I like scary stuff but I couldn't read this book at night, it really stays with you after you've gone to bed. I give this family a lot of credit for having their strong faith in our Lord that they were able to trust he would protect them. I do recommend these two Author's if you want to be entertained and frightened.
kozetteksmith
January 8, 2025
4.25/5 rounded up. This book was definitely creepy at times but could not get enough of it. I am curious how the Smurl family is doing today. I'll never walk into the laundry room the same way again either.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 6, 2009
ed & lorraine are demon busting again! ugh... so over it. this book has it all though, apparitions, ghost rape, exorcisms, the catholic church's refusal to help the smurls. super god-heavy... fyi.
May 31, 2009
"jesus christ." this book has stayed with me for 12 years. probably the very book that shaped my obsessive fascination with living horror.
January 19, 2016
If this book does not make you stop and think about ghost nothing well. Well written for a easy read.
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