The Ghost Next Door: True Stories of Paranormal Encounters from Everyday People

by Mark Alan Morris

Most people think of ghosts as rare, elusive creatures that are more or less inaccessible to the average Joe. Sure, we read about them, watch TV shows about them and tell stories about them, but we'll probably never run into one—right? Don't be so sure! Even if you've never personally encountered a ghost, chances are you know someone who has. This book takes a revealing look into the lives of average, everyday people from across the country who’ve had experiences in the realm of the unexplained. Whether you're a true believer in ghosts or a hard-nosed skeptic, you're sure to get a chill or two when you read

Genres: Nonfiction, Paranormal, Ghosts

116 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 2003

Reviews

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was interesting, I suppose. Nothing much about it made it stand out from other collections of ghost stories, but it was interesting to read different people's accounts. The author basically pulled a lot of stories from friends and coworkers, and it does indicate that many more people have stories about paranormal or possible paranormal events than one might think. I think some of the stories could be explained by mental illness or the power of suggestion, others were more difficult to dismiss. I tend to be a skeptic, and look for alternate explanations to things. But I did enjoy the book, it was worth reading – just not elect to distinguish it from other books on this topic. But if you like stories of personal accounts of ghosts, it's worth a read.

[Angela · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a small anthology of paranormal encounters experienced by ordinary people who are acquaintances, family or friends of the writer. These stories are quick ( ranging in a couple pages or so ) and feel very much like the "standard ghost story" you'd hear around a campfire or a TV show on the Travel channel. The writer gives a quick snippet of opinion for an intro into each person's story and ending it with a mild follow up of research and/or his personal thoughts.

The story, "Le Muerte," hit a little close to home on the basis of culture and my own personal view of believe or disbelief when it comes to experiences. "Phantom Photographs" and "Lost and Found" are definitely a story that is familiar in many other encounters that one would hear.

Overall, this is a very short book with word-of-mouth encounters that are shared through the writer who has an interest in the paranormal. Similar to the other reviews, there aren’t any stand out stories or something “different” that would stir this from other ghost/paranormal anthologies. (2.5/5 stars)

[Carol Cassada · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fairly quick read of real-life ghost encounters. Most of the stories are from the author’s friends and co-workers. The stories range from experiences in haunted houses to stays in haunted hotels to a spooky encounter in a cemetery. If you’re looking for a short read about real-life paranormal experiences, this is a book to start with.

[Edwina Book Anaconda · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fun to read book of ghost stories collected by the author from family and friends.

[Jennifer · Rating 2 out of 5]

A fairly standard collection of ghostly tales. The author's point seems to be that this is not necessarily experienced in castles, cemeteries, former lunatic asylums, etc. but can be experienced by anyone, anywhere. It wasn't fantastic, but it does show how pervasive ghostly tales are that yet another book has been done on it. I didn't like the little lead in- fade out paragraphs as they were redundant and too much like a discovery channel offering. Haunted Heartland is a better choice to read.

[Scott · Rating 2 out of 5]

A rather bland collection of ghost stories, supposedly collected from "everyday people," which seems to mostly include the author's friends, family and co-workers. With one exception involving a creepy cabin spectre(which I wished had more to it, or at least an explanation), none of the stories were even remotely cringe-worthy, let alone scary. Some were barely scratching the surface of the paranormal. I've read far better collections of ghost stories that are just as validated, if not more.

[Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you like Paranormal/true ghost stories you will like this! Some of these stories had me shivering with fright, even though I have read alot of true ghost stories, and they hardley phase me anymore. I read this in two hours flat!

[Lexi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love books on the paranormal so this one instantly pulled me in. It was also a relatively cheap buy for my Kindle. Each chapter was a different recounting of stories the author has been told about paranormal experiences. It was a bit spooky at times but really cool to read!

[Casey · Rating 2 out of 5]

The stories were ok, I didn't find them scary at all.
Wasn't a fan of how the writer put the comments at the end.

[Glenn Harris · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some reasonably interesting and supposedly true ghost stories. Nothing special.

[Ericka · Rating 4 out of 5]

Presented in an interesting manner, no research shown. Would be a very good Young Adult book.

[Charissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some of these stories I'd classify as more 'afterlife' than 'ghost story'. Nonetheless, I enjoyed reading this collection.

[Sean · Rating 3 out of 5]

Meh

[tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book. It was the perfect book for reading on a stormy night. I love haunted places.