Women of the Paranormal Volume I: A Brief History

by Alex Matsuo, Amanda R. Woomer (Foreword)

Discover the legacies of some of the most influential women in the paranormal field.
If you’re looking for a celebration of women throughout the history of parapsychology, folklore, and psychical research, then look no further! This book is for you!

Sharing the stories of over 35 groundbreaking women in a male-dominated field, paranormal researcher Alex Matsuo excavates the buried legacies of women in the paranormal who were often overshadowed and almost forgotten. From paranormal investigators to parapsychologists to psychic mediums to cryptozoologists, you’ll discover an incredible world where women not only inspired the paranormal world, but set the very foundation for modern-day investigation and psychic practices.

This book pays homage to the women who were trailblazers: they broke barriers, pushed against societal expectations, and made their voices louder when society tried to speak over them. They are a testament of courage and perseverance in a world that would have rather ignored them than empower them. Reading their stories will leave you feeling inspired and in awe of their tenacity!

Here are some of the amazing women you'll find in this book:

*Catherine Crowe: The first ghost hunter who brought the word “poltergeist” into English usage

*Helen Peters Nosworthy: The mother of the Ouija board who gave the board its name

*Rose Mackenberg: Harry Houdini’s right hand investigator who continued his work of debunking fraudulent mediums

*Sarah Wilson Estep: Adapted the classification system for electronic voice phenomenon (EVP) for the United States

*Dr. Florence Barrett: Renowned doctor who documented extensive psychic medium readings with her deceased husband

*Rosemary Ellen Guiley: Wrote over 65 books about different areas of the paranormal

*Aiko Gibo: Japan’s renowned psychic medium who created one of the first ghost hunting segments on TV

*Eleanor Sidgwick: Advocate for women’s rights and the backbone of the Society for Psychic Research

*Rosina Despard: A 19-year old teen who wrote one of the most compelling and detailed reports of a haunting

*Zora Neale Hurston: Renowned writer and anthropologist who provided the world with an in-depth look into Voodoo, Hoodoo, and zombies

And so many more!

This book is perfect for anyone interested in history, paranormal investigation, Spiritualism, and psychical research. The legacies of these women will certainly inspire you and leave you wondering why we didn’t know of these women already!

Are you ready to meet these amazing women of the paranormal?

270 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 16, 2023

About the author

Alex Matsuo is a paranormal researcher, singer, and author. She is the founder of the Association of Paranormal Study and runs the blog and YouTube channel, “The Spooky Suff.” If it’s weird, spooky, unusual, scary, macabre, or haunted, she wants to write and talk about it!

Alex was recently seen on "Haunted Hospitals" and Travel Channel’s “Most Terrifying Places in America.” . Alex has written several books about the paranormal including, One Bed Over: A Hospital Haunting, The Brave Mortal’s Guide to Ghost Hunting, The Haunting of the Tenth Avenue Theatre, More than Ghosts: A Guide to Working Residential Cases in the Paranormal Field, and The Haunted Actor.

Alex holds an MA in theatre from San Diego State University and currently resides in Arlington, Virginia. She has been featured on KPBS – San Diego, Fox News, and The

Reviews

[Wendy Eskew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful Book!

This is a must have for anyone interested in the paranormal. It has been so interesting to learn more about these amazing ladies. I cannot recommend this enough!

[Ken Kinney · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great overview of the historical significance of many women, too few of whom have gotten their proper recognition by history.

[Darla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great overview of some of the most significant women in the paranormal field. Loved the resources in each biography for further reading.

[Julie Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

While the stories are full of great, and much-needed, information, the book needed more editing. Still, I love seeing these women acknowledged.