Skeletons in the Closet: True Ghost Stories of the Shoals Area

by Debra Johnston Glass

This eerie collection of supernatural tales of Northwest Alabama, includes, among others, the story of a Civil War soldier who haunts an ice cream parlour, a headless ghost in Waterloo, the true story of Ghost Bridge, a child ghost who died tragically after being bitten by a rabid dog, the hauntings of an Antebellum manion in Tuscumbia, and the strange phenomena in a rural house in Lauderdale County that has driven even the most daring ghost hunters away.

112 pages

First published June 30, 2010

Reviews

[Shaleigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m giving it 5 for now bc it is well written & researched however ima visit them all & I’ll update accordingly 👀

[Kristin · Rating 5 out of 5]

First things first: I love this book. The fact that it is written about ghosts and haunted houses in my hometown (the Shoals area) is, no doubt, part of the attraction. There's just something about hometown settings that you've visited, heard about, or ever wondered about. If you've ever heard of or visited Ghost Bridge, or the Forks of Cypress, then you know how easily they could be the perfect setting for a restless spirit. And I can attest to the strange happenings at Ryan Piano Co. (the setting for chapter 14), although I had no idea as to its history. I informally worked there during Mr. Beck's lunch hour and can remember the creaking noises of that steep staircase and the fear that wouldn't let me go up there alone. I can also remember, very well, hearing the door open, looking up, and seeing no one there. I would often play piano while Mr. Beck was away, and I can remember suddenly stopping to make sure someone wasn't behind me... There never was, of course, but even though I never attributed it to a ghostly presence, I do remember thinking, "there is something strange about this store."

The stories are not only great ghost stories in and of themselves, but great ghost stories steeped in rich history and legend. The book was obviously well-researched, and I found myself enjoying the history behind each story just as much as the paranormal aspects. In fact, I would even recommend this book to students in an Alabama history class, given the detailed historical accounts and the fact that local students would know many of these places. There are several references to the Civil War era, a great account of the Belle Mont Mansion (not too far from the Helen Keller home), and many other stories that delve into the paranormal past of several prominent families. You must read the chapter devoted to the tragic story of Molly, the little girl ghost. It will break your heart.

It is a quick read and doesn't have to be read from start to finish, a big plus for me. Even if you don't believe in ghosts (I'd call myself an agnostic on this one), you'll most likely enjoy these stories as a great detour from your everyday book fare. After all, who doesn't remember fondly the days of sitting around with friends telling ghost stories?

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked this book. I found it so interesting to know that so many places I know of have had reports of hauntings.