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50 Real American Ghost Stories
Bestselling author and ghost historian MJ Wayland explores America's haunted heritage. As well as visiting some of the most famous ghost cases of the time, the author also uncovers ghost stories that have never seen print in over a hundred and fifty years!
From the downright chilling, to scary and the weird, this collection of REAL ghost stories is ideal for a Halloween thrill or an insight into a unique haunted history.
The real life ghost cases include:
Faces in the Windows
The Haunted Bedstead
The Ghost Clock of Boston
Poor Bessie Brown
The Jonah
Three Stories of Hauntings
Good News for Ghosts
Des Moines's Plague of Ghosts
Shooting a Ghost
A Live Spook
The Return of Dr. Jewel
Forbes Manor
Ghosts in the Capitol
Jonelle Lambkin Rings the Bell
Mrs. Warfield’s Haunted House
Mumler's Spirit Photography
Scared to Death by a Ghost
The Bones of Timothy Felt
A Ghost Hunt of Louisville
The Ghost of Henry Smith
Giant Ghost of Benton
A Real life Daphne and Velma – Sixty Years Before!
The Haunted Chamber
Investigation of a haunted church
The Haunting of Clara Robertson
Hoffman Family Poltergeist
Indiana Ghost Frenzy
The Tipton Ghost
An Indianapolis Haunted House
Piano-Maker’s Ghost
The Restless Spirit of Flatbush
Return of the Union Officer
In Search of a Spectral Calf
Unseen Terror of Dubuque
The White Mountain Ghost of Lizzie Bourne
A Séance Too Far
Benjamin Stiver’s Ghost Attack!
The Big Joke
Death by Ghost
A Civil War Ghost Story
AND MORE!
From the downright chilling, to scary and the weird, this collection of REAL ghost stories is ideal for a Halloween thrill or an insight into a unique haunted history.
The real life ghost cases include:
Faces in the Windows
The Haunted Bedstead
The Ghost Clock of Boston
Poor Bessie Brown
The Jonah
Three Stories of Hauntings
Good News for Ghosts
Des Moines's Plague of Ghosts
Shooting a Ghost
A Live Spook
The Return of Dr. Jewel
Forbes Manor
Ghosts in the Capitol
Jonelle Lambkin Rings the Bell
Mrs. Warfield’s Haunted House
Mumler's Spirit Photography
Scared to Death by a Ghost
The Bones of Timothy Felt
A Ghost Hunt of Louisville
The Ghost of Henry Smith
Giant Ghost of Benton
A Real life Daphne and Velma – Sixty Years Before!
The Haunted Chamber
Investigation of a haunted church
The Haunting of Clara Robertson
Hoffman Family Poltergeist
Indiana Ghost Frenzy
The Tipton Ghost
An Indianapolis Haunted House
Piano-Maker’s Ghost
The Restless Spirit of Flatbush
Return of the Union Officer
In Search of a Spectral Calf
Unseen Terror of Dubuque
The White Mountain Ghost of Lizzie Bourne
A Séance Too Far
Benjamin Stiver’s Ghost Attack!
The Big Joke
Death by Ghost
A Civil War Ghost Story
AND MORE!
130 pages, Paperback
First published October 10, 2013
297 people are currently reading
208 people want to read
About the author
M.J. Wayland
16 books8 followersMJ Wayland is a writer, researcher and historian specialising in ghosts, supernatural belief and fringe history. His research has appeared in dozens of publications and he has consulted and appeared in over one hundred television programmes and documentaries. During the last ten years he has lectured internationally as well as appearing at The Sunday Times Literature Festival (alongside Professor Bruce Hood) and various festivals and universities across the UK.
MJ Wayland’s interest in the paranormal, especially ghosts, began at an early age after experiencing a number of unusual incidents that his peers could not explain. In his early teens he joined various research societies and began to study the multiple facets to the paranormal with a scientific and historical viewpoint. His research has taken him from dark haunted castles of Britain to the haunted graveyards of New Orleans, investigating his primary love of ghosts to sightings of black panthers.
Since the mid-1990s, MJ Wayland has provided consultancy for TV, film and theatre as well as appearing in local, national, international newspapers, radio and TV. He is the author of eight best-selling books, “50 Real Ghost Stories” holding the Amazon top 10 bestselling Paranormal book for the second consecutive Halloween in 2013.
Since the mid-1990s MJ Wayland has curated, consulted and organised paranormal events for locations and companies including Warwick Castle, Harewood House, Nokia and many more. He was responsible founding of the internationally renowned Mary King’s Ghost Fest, as well as programming the fourteen day Oxford Castle Ghost Fest in 2009 and 2010.
More recently he provided consultancy for the forthcoming Hammer film “The Quiet Ones” due April 2014.
MJ Wayland’s interest in the paranormal, especially ghosts, began at an early age after experiencing a number of unusual incidents that his peers could not explain. In his early teens he joined various research societies and began to study the multiple facets to the paranormal with a scientific and historical viewpoint. His research has taken him from dark haunted castles of Britain to the haunted graveyards of New Orleans, investigating his primary love of ghosts to sightings of black panthers.
Since the mid-1990s, MJ Wayland has provided consultancy for TV, film and theatre as well as appearing in local, national, international newspapers, radio and TV. He is the author of eight best-selling books, “50 Real Ghost Stories” holding the Amazon top 10 bestselling Paranormal book for the second consecutive Halloween in 2013.
Since the mid-1990s MJ Wayland has curated, consulted and organised paranormal events for locations and companies including Warwick Castle, Harewood House, Nokia and many more. He was responsible founding of the internationally renowned Mary King’s Ghost Fest, as well as programming the fourteen day Oxford Castle Ghost Fest in 2009 and 2010.
More recently he provided consultancy for the forthcoming Hammer film “The Quiet Ones” due April 2014.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
July 2, 2015
Don't Bother
The stories are boring and poorly written. At least one of them was entirely a direct quote from the author's source. Horrible book.
The stories are boring and poorly written. At least one of them was entirely a direct quote from the author's source. Horrible book.
June 17, 2018
The majority of the ghost stories in this book take place in the 1800s, and are therefore mostly collected from newspaper and magazine articles from that particular time period. Most of these 50 19th century tales are quite short, consisting of only a scant page or two, but some are longer, more involved, and a good deal more richly detailed.
More to the point, some of these "ghost stories" are spookier than others. In fact, some aren't scary at all, and are, in a few instances, related in a manner that is more than a little tongue in cheek, being imbued with that decidedly dry, wry, 19th century styled sarcastic wit; with a somewhat stale jocularity that, though a bit quaint by today's standards, should still be readily decipherable to the vast majority of 21st century readers.
Perhaps more concerning is the fact that some of the stories are unfortunately not really what most readers would call "real" ghost stories (as the title clearly claims), being that they are in fact brief newspaper accounts of deliberate hoaxes, that at first caused a great deal of hysteria and fear in the communities in which they originally took place, only to have it be revealed later on that very much still living, breathing human agents were actually behind the supposed "hauntings" of long feared locales. You know, Scooby Doo type stuff. Heck! Scooby and the gang are even mentioned in the book. No kidding.
So if you're looking for real scary "real" ghost stories, you may just be rather disappointed, because this book most likely wouldn't be particularly hair-raising for most veteran imbibers of occult supernatural lore. In other words, don't expect the majority of these tales to keep you awake at night. There are a couple however, that are decidedly more memorable, and even sent chills up and down the spine of this practiced, voracious (perhaps even quite jaded) ghost story reader. Other than these two (or maybe three) stories, yes, the book does get a bit dull in places - though I'd also have to concede that it's well conceived overall.
Yet still, some reviews I've seen have complained that the author didn't even write the book himself (given that much of the text consists of direct quotes, taken from the publications that the stories originally appeared in), but I think that that's more than a bit of an exaggeration. In fact, author M.J. Wayland DID collect and curate all of the material in this particular book, and although he didn't compose every single word and sentence himself, he certainly deserves full credit for researching, collecting, and organizing the material. I mean, come on, folks. It ain't Wuthering Heights. Nor is it even supposed to be.
In the final analysis, I found '50 Real American Ghost Stories' to be a somewhat antiquated, dusty, cobweb infested experience. Sort of like spending a dark, spooky evening alone in a creepy old library! THAT kind of thing. Ultimately though, I found it to be a rather refreshing read, a fascinating jaunt back to an all but forgotten time when the Spiritualist Movement was in full, macabre swing.
Sure, there are a few typos here and there, and a smattering of perhaps awkwardly worded sentences, but overall, it's a good, solid book of arguably "real" ghost stories -most of which have not been widely seen in print for more than a century. Of course, if you're expecting anything along the lines of perennial "real" ghost story classics, such as Jay Anderson's The Amityville Horror, or William Peter Blatty's The Exorcist, you'll be sorely disappointed. So... just don't expect that. As with anything having to do with the supernatural (or, for that matter, ANY decent book worth reading in general), just bring an open, inquisitive mind as you turn those pages. And let the stories do the rest.
More to the point, some of these "ghost stories" are spookier than others. In fact, some aren't scary at all, and are, in a few instances, related in a manner that is more than a little tongue in cheek, being imbued with that decidedly dry, wry, 19th century styled sarcastic wit; with a somewhat stale jocularity that, though a bit quaint by today's standards, should still be readily decipherable to the vast majority of 21st century readers.
Perhaps more concerning is the fact that some of the stories are unfortunately not really what most readers would call "real" ghost stories (as the title clearly claims), being that they are in fact brief newspaper accounts of deliberate hoaxes, that at first caused a great deal of hysteria and fear in the communities in which they originally took place, only to have it be revealed later on that very much still living, breathing human agents were actually behind the supposed "hauntings" of long feared locales. You know, Scooby Doo type stuff. Heck! Scooby and the gang are even mentioned in the book. No kidding.
So if you're looking for real scary "real" ghost stories, you may just be rather disappointed, because this book most likely wouldn't be particularly hair-raising for most veteran imbibers of occult supernatural lore. In other words, don't expect the majority of these tales to keep you awake at night. There are a couple however, that are decidedly more memorable, and even sent chills up and down the spine of this practiced, voracious (perhaps even quite jaded) ghost story reader. Other than these two (or maybe three) stories, yes, the book does get a bit dull in places - though I'd also have to concede that it's well conceived overall.
Yet still, some reviews I've seen have complained that the author didn't even write the book himself (given that much of the text consists of direct quotes, taken from the publications that the stories originally appeared in), but I think that that's more than a bit of an exaggeration. In fact, author M.J. Wayland DID collect and curate all of the material in this particular book, and although he didn't compose every single word and sentence himself, he certainly deserves full credit for researching, collecting, and organizing the material. I mean, come on, folks. It ain't Wuthering Heights. Nor is it even supposed to be.
In the final analysis, I found '50 Real American Ghost Stories' to be a somewhat antiquated, dusty, cobweb infested experience. Sort of like spending a dark, spooky evening alone in a creepy old library! THAT kind of thing. Ultimately though, I found it to be a rather refreshing read, a fascinating jaunt back to an all but forgotten time when the Spiritualist Movement was in full, macabre swing.
Sure, there are a few typos here and there, and a smattering of perhaps awkwardly worded sentences, but overall, it's a good, solid book of arguably "real" ghost stories -most of which have not been widely seen in print for more than a century. Of course, if you're expecting anything along the lines of perennial "real" ghost story classics, such as Jay Anderson's The Amityville Horror, or William Peter Blatty's The Exorcist, you'll be sorely disappointed. So... just don't expect that. As with anything having to do with the supernatural (or, for that matter, ANY decent book worth reading in general), just bring an open, inquisitive mind as you turn those pages. And let the stories do the rest.
January 12, 2023
MJ Wayland takes a 100-year period from 1800-1899 and recounts some of the documented cases of hauntings or ghost stories in America. I think mostly due to the fact that there's so many stories crammed into a tiny volume I didn't really feel like there's a lot of depth. I may be spoiled by Aaron Mahnke's Lore podcast, but these stories felt shallow and rushed. It was neat hearing about some of the stories, but I was ultimately left frustrated.
2.5/5
2.5/5
January 22, 2017
Some Stories I Hadn't Heard Of
Which impressed me since I've been reading ghost stories and "true" ghost stories for about 30 years. I appreciate that it's well written and doesn't have as many typos and errors as some. I live in Minneapolis and had never heard of the Winslow House Hotel ghost.
Which impressed me since I've been reading ghost stories and "true" ghost stories for about 30 years. I appreciate that it's well written and doesn't have as many typos and errors as some. I live in Minneapolis and had never heard of the Winslow House Hotel ghost.
October 5, 2018
While I have read better books on ghosts, this one wasn't terrible. It isn't what I was expecting as I was expecting the stories to be written a little differently instead of being excerpts from newspaper articles. But it was fun though to read about some ghost stories that afflicted America back in the 1800s.
October 27, 2020
Fast Read of American Ghost Stories
Since it’s October the haunting season and I love Ghost stories and Halloween is my favorite holiday, I decided to pick up this little tome on American Ghost stories - all of the stories come with references to the newspapers and other documents by which the stories have been relayed.
Since it’s October the haunting season and I love Ghost stories and Halloween is my favorite holiday, I decided to pick up this little tome on American Ghost stories - all of the stories come with references to the newspapers and other documents by which the stories have been relayed.
January 9, 2025
This was unfortunately, VERY surface level with little unique added to it. Simply a retelling of old ghost stories and lots of rehashing news articles and stories from the 1800s. There were times it felt like the author opened up a library archive, searched 'ghost' and then did a copy paste. I was so hoping for a little more unique perspective into these old stories.
June 5, 2020
Really found a way to make ghost stories boring
While I did like the large assortment of stories provided, they were all awfully boring to read. Each story was no more than 2 pages long, and barely had any substance.
While I did like the large assortment of stories provided, they were all awfully boring to read. Each story was no more than 2 pages long, and barely had any substance.
January 2, 2025
I enjoyed the collection of stories and appreciated the fact that they were all well researched! I think the author would benefit from a bit more editing, as there were multiple typos throughout the book, but it was a quick and enjoyable read!
June 9, 2025
This is a really easy to read collection of short ghost stories. Some are pretty good and others seem a little bit of a stretch and aren’t overly believable.
Nothing overly special about it.
2 out of 5 stars
Nothing overly special about it.
2 out of 5 stars
October 8, 2017
Not scary, not what I was hoping for
September 26, 2018
Ghosts of all types
Not a bad read some kinda funny others just down right strange and leaves you to make your own conclusion
Not a bad read some kinda funny others just down right strange and leaves you to make your own conclusion
July 9, 2019
Meh. Not at all what I had hoped for. Rather disappointing.
April 15, 2020
Just ok ghost stories that are supposed to be true.
January 6, 2021
Enjoyed it!
May 22, 2021
Interesting Book
Very interesting read keeps you wanting to keep reading all the way through without stopping. Really Enjoyed this book you should read it!!!!
Very interesting read keeps you wanting to keep reading all the way through without stopping. Really Enjoyed this book you should read it!!!!
May 3, 2023
Not bad for a quick book, felt very much like Haunted Ohio. I was not expecting to read about the literal building I live in during the first chapter of this book… that threw me off a bit lol
May 4, 2023
Poorly written and boring. There is an extra word and two missing commas in the introduction. The author gives an intro and then an excerpt from a newspaper article.
December 16, 2023
This was an interesting read. Nothing too scary at all. Fun stories all around.
January 4, 2024
This was a decent book most all the stories in this are dated 1800s. Just wish some were newer. Some are very similar.
October 18, 2024
Not great
October 22, 2024
Pretty boring
February 3, 2015
Just OK
Not bad, but nothing to get too excited about either. Too much time spent in descriptions of locations and the stories were sometimes rather bland in a been there heard that sort of way. It was worth finishing, but I found myself thinking at times "Get on with it!" 3 Stars.
Not bad, but nothing to get too excited about either. Too much time spent in descriptions of locations and the stories were sometimes rather bland in a been there heard that sort of way. It was worth finishing, but I found myself thinking at times "Get on with it!" 3 Stars.
October 8, 2014
This book was meh. Nothing truly scary. I was actually bored a lot while reading it, and it didn't hold my attention for long. Not very impressed.
February 26, 2015
Definitely some ghost stories I hadn't heard before. Well researched.
June 7, 2016
Ok read
This book was interesting in some parts, but some really seemed like just folk legend instead of true accounts. Giving 3 stars
This book was interesting in some parts, but some really seemed like just folk legend instead of true accounts. Giving 3 stars
July 1, 2015
Great read, I'll be looking out for the second if there's one coming!
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews