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Scream Queen: A Memoir
Seances, Ouija boards, table tipping, knocking phenomena - all in a day's work for the First Lady of the Paranormal. Yvette Fielding has nerves of steel when facing down her tormentors in the spirit world. Her living-world personal story also reveals a woman of courage and determination, who built success from nothing, following her passion and lifelong curiosity in search of answers to the unexplained.
Yvette was always fascinated with the afterlife, and Buddhist meditation practice opened her up to any spirit who wanted to contact her. This manifested in her first family home. Their TV would switch itself on, and kitchen cupboards would open and close all by themselves. When alone there, Yvette would arm herself with a Samurai sword to confront her unseen visitors.
But it was a harrowing investigation of eerie 800 year-old Michelham Priory where Yvette’s life-changing Most Haunted adventure began, and still continues many terrifying quests and over twenty years later.
Here you’ll walk with Yvette where others fear to tread through chills of the supernatural kind, and she also talks with candid honesty of occasional cold spots she’s encountered in human form. But through all the drops in temperature, the nation’s most celebrated ghost hunter radiates warmth and humour and it’s a joy to accompany her on her incredible journey from child TV star to Most Haunted icon.
Beware the Scream Queen's story could change your world view for ever.
Yvette was always fascinated with the afterlife, and Buddhist meditation practice opened her up to any spirit who wanted to contact her. This manifested in her first family home. Their TV would switch itself on, and kitchen cupboards would open and close all by themselves. When alone there, Yvette would arm herself with a Samurai sword to confront her unseen visitors.
But it was a harrowing investigation of eerie 800 year-old Michelham Priory where Yvette’s life-changing Most Haunted adventure began, and still continues many terrifying quests and over twenty years later.
Here you’ll walk with Yvette where others fear to tread through chills of the supernatural kind, and she also talks with candid honesty of occasional cold spots she’s encountered in human form. But through all the drops in temperature, the nation’s most celebrated ghost hunter radiates warmth and humour and it’s a joy to accompany her on her incredible journey from child TV star to Most Haunted icon.
Beware the Scream Queen's story could change your world view for ever.
281 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 30, 2024
15 people are currently reading
76 people want to read
About the author
Yvette Fielding
19 books59 followersYvette Fielding is an English broadcaster, producer and actress. She is best known for being the presenter of the TV shows Blue Peter, Most Haunted, Most Haunted Live!, and Ghosthunting With...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
May 31, 2024
Well, what a bloody fantastic book! 📖
I've followed Yvette Fielding for many years, mainly due to Most Haunted and always thought she is such a lovely person, and this book has just affirmed it!
Literally couldn't put the book down, learning new things about Yvette, her life, and remembering some of the Most Haunted Live shows that were broadcast when I was in my early teens, was just fascinating!
The end even brought a year to my eye because her words are just so genuine and heartfelt - brilliant book Yvette! You're a star!
I've followed Yvette Fielding for many years, mainly due to Most Haunted and always thought she is such a lovely person, and this book has just affirmed it!
Literally couldn't put the book down, learning new things about Yvette, her life, and remembering some of the Most Haunted Live shows that were broadcast when I was in my early teens, was just fascinating!
The end even brought a year to my eye because her words are just so genuine and heartfelt - brilliant book Yvette! You're a star!
June 3, 2024
I listened to the audiobook of this and Yvette's narration was wonderful, she really has quite a talent for accents!
I loved Most Haunted when it first began, I remember watching the webcams of graveyards in the middle of the night on LIVE events and loving every second. Never took to Derek though, he ruined the show for me.
Then they came to investigate somewhere I worked, while I only met the team briefly (all lovely!!) we were surprised to see Derek being chauffeur driven in while reading the guidebook about the building (don't know if the team were aware he did this or not) and that cemented my feelings towards him.
This is a really great memoir, detailing her childhood and start in television, her experiences with difficult bullies and non believers as well as the wonderful support she's had from friends and family.
Yvette writes with honesty and a rawness in regards to her emotions and mental struggles, about losing close friends and her experience with dealing with Spirits and the notion that the afterlife exists.
Loved every moment, highly recommend this book!
I loved Most Haunted when it first began, I remember watching the webcams of graveyards in the middle of the night on LIVE events and loving every second. Never took to Derek though, he ruined the show for me.
Then they came to investigate somewhere I worked, while I only met the team briefly (all lovely!!) we were surprised to see Derek being chauffeur driven in while reading the guidebook about the building (don't know if the team were aware he did this or not) and that cemented my feelings towards him.
This is a really great memoir, detailing her childhood and start in television, her experiences with difficult bullies and non believers as well as the wonderful support she's had from friends and family.
Yvette writes with honesty and a rawness in regards to her emotions and mental struggles, about losing close friends and her experience with dealing with Spirits and the notion that the afterlife exists.
Loved every moment, highly recommend this book!
July 15, 2024
4.25⭐️
I finished listening to this whilst getting the house ready for my son's birthday tomorrow, and it made dull tasks less tiresome🧹🪠🪣🧼
I'm a complete Most Haunted aficionado and was there at the beginning, watching those half-hour shows. Yvette narrates her own memoir, and it's an engaging read/listen. I came for the goss on Derek Acorah and also enjoyed Yvette's stories about Blue Peter and the machinations of getting a series commissioned. For someone who finds listening to audio quite difficult, Scream Queen kept my attention, and I was eager to get back to it and listen to some more.
I finished listening to this whilst getting the house ready for my son's birthday tomorrow, and it made dull tasks less tiresome🧹🪠🪣🧼
I'm a complete Most Haunted aficionado and was there at the beginning, watching those half-hour shows. Yvette narrates her own memoir, and it's an engaging read/listen. I came for the goss on Derek Acorah and also enjoyed Yvette's stories about Blue Peter and the machinations of getting a series commissioned. For someone who finds listening to audio quite difficult, Scream Queen kept my attention, and I was eager to get back to it and listen to some more.
December 1, 2024
That was incredibly entertaining! I’ve had Yvette in my life (on TV, that is, we don’t live together or anything 😂) since her Blue Peter days and I was always tuning in to Most Haunted in my 20’s. I stayed at the Jamaica Inn once where they did an overnight vigil and I didn’t sleep a wink! The room I stayed in happened to be the one they were in too on one of their previous episodes and I can confirm it was very, very creepy and a couple of unexplained things occurred.
Yvette's memoir was fascinating, at times, brutally honest (the Derek Acorah revelations and how she was treated by someone in the Blue Peter production team makes for some very interesting reading, I will say!) and above all, so respectful and kind, showing the type of humble, normal, and passionate northern lass that she is.
Cracking stuff! I’m off to check out their YouTube channel now as I’m not quite done with ghosties and historical buildings just yet.
5 ⭐ - It was brilliant! I loved it.
Yvette's memoir was fascinating, at times, brutally honest (the Derek Acorah revelations and how she was treated by someone in the Blue Peter production team makes for some very interesting reading, I will say!) and above all, so respectful and kind, showing the type of humble, normal, and passionate northern lass that she is.
Cracking stuff! I’m off to check out their YouTube channel now as I’m not quite done with ghosties and historical buildings just yet.
5 ⭐ - It was brilliant! I loved it.
August 14, 2024
What a fun, easy-breezy read!
I don't believe a single word of it, but I was highly entertained and had fun fact-checking along the way.
I even found some old Most Haunted episodes on YouTube, which enriched the reading experience.
Sentences like 'I love everything military and Second World War' made my skin crawl, but she is a boomer who misses the good old days when the majority could make fun of everything and everyone without getting canceled aka without regard of other people. (Paraphrasing here but sticking very close to what she wrote).
That aside, the ghost related parts of the book were really really fun to read!
I don't believe a single word of it, but I was highly entertained and had fun fact-checking along the way.
I even found some old Most Haunted episodes on YouTube, which enriched the reading experience.
Sentences like 'I love everything military and Second World War' made my skin crawl, but she is a boomer who misses the good old days when the majority could make fun of everything and everyone without getting canceled aka without regard of other people. (Paraphrasing here but sticking very close to what she wrote).
That aside, the ghost related parts of the book were really really fun to read!
July 4, 2024
Most Haunting will always hold a special place in my heart. Something both my mum and I would find ourselves compelled to watch together on Living TV anytime it was on. We didn't always believe, but we always found herself wanting to know more. Earlier this year, I took her to watch a Most Haunted Live and it truly recaptured that spirit for me, so when I saw Yvette had a memoir coming out, I knew I had to get it.
I wish the book had gone on a little longer and gone a little more in depth, but there's still plenty here to enjoy. The kind of book that left me satisfied but also yearning for more.
I wish the book had gone on a little longer and gone a little more in depth, but there's still plenty here to enjoy. The kind of book that left me satisfied but also yearning for more.
January 30, 2025
Most Haunted / Yvette has been with me since I was so young it was one of my absolute favourite things to watch growing up I was obsessed with ghosts, ghost hunting and all of the above.
This book goes into detail of how they created the show a lot of Yvettes life things she has gone through and overcome.
Into detail about the show and spin off shows and how amazing it was to record them.
Derek Accorah chapter with some insight to him behind the scenes it was just so entertaining to read about
It was bringing me back to my childhood and I will to this day always want to go on a ghost hunt with Yvette purely for nostalgia and for what I would say an incredible experience
Love this book so much!
This book goes into detail of how they created the show a lot of Yvettes life things she has gone through and overcome.
Into detail about the show and spin off shows and how amazing it was to record them.
Derek Accorah chapter with some insight to him behind the scenes it was just so entertaining to read about
It was bringing me back to my childhood and I will to this day always want to go on a ghost hunt with Yvette purely for nostalgia and for what I would say an incredible experience
Love this book so much!
July 7, 2024
I used to love watching Most Haunted. I remember one of the live Halloween shows coming from Dudley Castle, just up the road from where I was at the time, and when I finished watching it I was hooked on Yvette, Carl and the rest of the crew! I have to admit the last few years I've not watched it as much, especially when they investigated non-UK places. But, after reading this book I've certainly got my Most Haunted bug back!!
I enjoyed this book so much more than I thought I was going to! I thought Yvette's recollection of her Most Haunted times was fabulous and I loved hearing about some of the investigations, how it all started and the troubles they had in getting a TV channel to believe in them. When I used to watch Most Haunted, I liked the episodes with Derek Acorah in them and did feel, at the time, that he was let down by them. Obviously now Derek has died we only get one side of the story, but I do feel that this book has set the story straight about what really happened between them and I was quite surprised with some of the revelations.
The book doesn't just tell of her Most Haunted life however, we also get to hear tales of Yvette's life, and I loved the Blue Peter years. She's had a really interesting life, and I really enjoyed reading about it all. The book isn't told necessarily in chronological order, but it switches back and forth between different times easily. It has certainly reinvigorated my love for all things Most Haunted and I have a plan to go back and watch all the episodes that I've missed over the last few years!
I enjoyed this book so much more than I thought I was going to! I thought Yvette's recollection of her Most Haunted times was fabulous and I loved hearing about some of the investigations, how it all started and the troubles they had in getting a TV channel to believe in them. When I used to watch Most Haunted, I liked the episodes with Derek Acorah in them and did feel, at the time, that he was let down by them. Obviously now Derek has died we only get one side of the story, but I do feel that this book has set the story straight about what really happened between them and I was quite surprised with some of the revelations.
The book doesn't just tell of her Most Haunted life however, we also get to hear tales of Yvette's life, and I loved the Blue Peter years. She's had a really interesting life, and I really enjoyed reading about it all. The book isn't told necessarily in chronological order, but it switches back and forth between different times easily. It has certainly reinvigorated my love for all things Most Haunted and I have a plan to go back and watch all the episodes that I've missed over the last few years!
July 29, 2024
I think that I had some ideas as to what was going to be said in this about certain people and, to be honest I was right about some of it. Obviously we weren't there so we don't know what really went on but I feel like this is just her way of playing down how they removed Derek from the show because they wanted to go in a different direction. To be honest I enjoyed the book and found a lot of what she said really interesting and gave me greater insight into who she might be as a person. Unfortunately a lot of it felt like she was trying to rewrite history to make herself look better and that isn't what I was hoping to read. She had a story to tell and she chose to try and justify a period in her life that really doesn't matter so much any more - Derek isn't here to tell us his side so I do feel it was unfair but there we are. 3.5 stars but I don't think I will be recommending this to anyone sadly.
November 3, 2025
This was a bit of a random choice for me. It happened to be on the library shelves and, although deeply sceptical of TV ghost hunters and particularly the more showbizzy variety, it was coming up to Halloween and I thought it might be interesting to hear about this show from the horse's mouth. Perhaps a personal memoir could be looked to for a little less sensationalism and a little more insight?
As so often in a life story, the early years tend to be the more interesting, and in this case, the most believable. Sadly, given the inevitable appetite of the readership for the spooky stuff, the formative years (with the exception of Blue Peter) are rather skated over, and indeed the Most Haunted anecdotes pepper the whole book.
She stands by everything that allegedly happened while making those shows, and in the end it's really about whether or not you believe any of it. Who knows, there may be a grain of truth in it, but she managed to take that grain and turn it into a whole field of wheat! I warmed to her in those early chapters, so I kind of wanted to suspend disbelief, but in the end it was all so far-fetched it just reinforced my natural scepticism.
That said, no one's life story can be entirely without interest and I wouldn't deter anyone from giving this a read. As for Most Haunted, well, you either go for it or you don't.
As so often in a life story, the early years tend to be the more interesting, and in this case, the most believable. Sadly, given the inevitable appetite of the readership for the spooky stuff, the formative years (with the exception of Blue Peter) are rather skated over, and indeed the Most Haunted anecdotes pepper the whole book.
She stands by everything that allegedly happened while making those shows, and in the end it's really about whether or not you believe any of it. Who knows, there may be a grain of truth in it, but she managed to take that grain and turn it into a whole field of wheat! I warmed to her in those early chapters, so I kind of wanted to suspend disbelief, but in the end it was all so far-fetched it just reinforced my natural scepticism.
That said, no one's life story can be entirely without interest and I wouldn't deter anyone from giving this a read. As for Most Haunted, well, you either go for it or you don't.
September 23, 2024
This was an amazing biography I have always been fascinated with Yvette fielding and the team since I was so young my dad got me into the most haunted series and iv watched it ever since. I even went to go and see the team last year at the home town which was such an amazing experience I would never forget. This book gave such an in-depth look into Yvette life and all the things she has suffered and faced throughout her years in television. Some of the things mentioned was so go smacking and thought that it couldn’t be real (but it most definatly was). I would 100 percent read this book again and recommend it to anyone who is a massive fan of most haunted. Not only is it about ghosts and ghouls but also the life of being on blue Peter and the struggles she faced which lead her to start the show most haunted. I am so glade I managed to get my hands on this book it is most defiantly a read and a more in-depth look into her life and not just what you see in tv or the media. 100 percent recommend
(I would have finished the book a lot sooner but personal life got in the way for a few months and I had to take care of myself and my mental health)
(I would have finished the book a lot sooner but personal life got in the way for a few months and I had to take care of myself and my mental health)
June 12, 2024
I audibly groaned when I finished this audiobook, as I could have easily listened to another 7+ hours.
To put it mildly, I absolutely bloody adored this - from the storytelling, to the structure, to its overall sensibility.
Yvette is a gift of a reader, and I only wish she was able to narrate more audiobooks - everything about her delivery is 10/10.
As a Most Haunted geek at heart, it was great to learn more about the behind-the-scenes, and finally get the chance to hear Yvette’s side to some of the controversies. She really does leave no stone unturned or unanswered, and I think fans of the show will really appreciate her candidness.
That being said, there’s so much in here that anyone can enjoy - whether that’s to hear about her time on Blue Peter, her relationship with Karl, or her general musings on life after death. This memoir could bring a lot of much needed joy and comfort to us all, and for that, I have nothing but great thanks to give.
National Treasure = Confirmed
P.s. SEQUEL PLEASE!!!
To put it mildly, I absolutely bloody adored this - from the storytelling, to the structure, to its overall sensibility.
Yvette is a gift of a reader, and I only wish she was able to narrate more audiobooks - everything about her delivery is 10/10.
As a Most Haunted geek at heart, it was great to learn more about the behind-the-scenes, and finally get the chance to hear Yvette’s side to some of the controversies. She really does leave no stone unturned or unanswered, and I think fans of the show will really appreciate her candidness.
That being said, there’s so much in here that anyone can enjoy - whether that’s to hear about her time on Blue Peter, her relationship with Karl, or her general musings on life after death. This memoir could bring a lot of much needed joy and comfort to us all, and for that, I have nothing but great thanks to give.
National Treasure = Confirmed
P.s. SEQUEL PLEASE!!!
June 26, 2024
Yvette Fielding is a legend of British telly, from early appearances in children’s TV series to the youngest ever presenter on Blue Peter to stumbling on an idea to make a supernatural show called Most Haunted, that went global and became a phenomenon and the grandfather of all paranormal TV shows across the world.
In this fabulous, no holds barred memoir, Yvette takes us on a trip through her early family life, school, college and her TV career. Filled with incredibly scary behind the scenes anecdotes from Most Haunted filming and dramatic and unexpected behind the camera bullying at Blue Peter; Yvette’s life is certainly not boring, she comes across even more as a wonderful, kind, funny and just a beautiful person, along with her husband Karl, they have taken knock backs, refusals and their show being cancelled by TV companies and ran with their hearts and the love of the fans and got through it all stronger.
Highly recommended read, funny, scary, upsetting, emotional and a few tears. Absolutely LOVED IT!
In this fabulous, no holds barred memoir, Yvette takes us on a trip through her early family life, school, college and her TV career. Filled with incredibly scary behind the scenes anecdotes from Most Haunted filming and dramatic and unexpected behind the camera bullying at Blue Peter; Yvette’s life is certainly not boring, she comes across even more as a wonderful, kind, funny and just a beautiful person, along with her husband Karl, they have taken knock backs, refusals and their show being cancelled by TV companies and ran with their hearts and the love of the fans and got through it all stronger.
Highly recommended read, funny, scary, upsetting, emotional and a few tears. Absolutely LOVED IT!
July 12, 2024
I don't normally read memoirs but I do like Yvette Fielding and I used to enjoy watching Most Haunted so I have given this book ago.
Yvette recounts some of her early life, her time on Blue Peter and then how Most Haunted came about. I have to say that there is a lot in this book about Most Haunted and I felt I was trying to be convinced that there are ghosts and things that go bump in the night. I have to say I don't need no convincing.
There were certain parts in the book I enjoyed, and some parts I found a little repetitive. I did think the memoir came across very well and honest. I was interested in what Yvette recalls about Derek Acorah but I'm not surprised with how it turned out.
I quite enjoyed this book as I do struggle with memoir and non fiction. It helped that I am a fan of Most Haunted and did invest with the show but had my doubts with the episode 30 East Drive. Even so I'm glad I've read this book.
Yvette recounts some of her early life, her time on Blue Peter and then how Most Haunted came about. I have to say that there is a lot in this book about Most Haunted and I felt I was trying to be convinced that there are ghosts and things that go bump in the night. I have to say I don't need no convincing.
There were certain parts in the book I enjoyed, and some parts I found a little repetitive. I did think the memoir came across very well and honest. I was interested in what Yvette recalls about Derek Acorah but I'm not surprised with how it turned out.
I quite enjoyed this book as I do struggle with memoir and non fiction. It helped that I am a fan of Most Haunted and did invest with the show but had my doubts with the episode 30 East Drive. Even so I'm glad I've read this book.
January 19, 2025
As a little girl I grew up with Most Haunted showing on the tv. My mum loved it and still to this day she watches old clips on YouTube. I bought her this book for her birthday and then borrowed it straight after. What a fantastic read it was. It was interesting to learn how Yvette got into that field of work and to read about her childhood and family life. She has been a hard worker all her life and deserves every bit of success.
I did enjoy reading about her favourite and scary places to visit during Most Haunted. After reading some, I myself had to get some old clips up on YouTube and then I would have to sleep with the lamp on!
I did enjoy reading about her favourite and scary places to visit during Most Haunted. After reading some, I myself had to get some old clips up on YouTube and then I would have to sleep with the lamp on!
July 7, 2024
This book is a fantastic read, from the moment I picked it up I couldn’t put it down and read it in just over a week which for me is very fast, normally takes about a month or maybe more..
I’ve been waiting for an Yvette Fielding Autobiography for awhile now and it didn’t disappoint.
Reading of her early career and then into the Most Haunted years I just couldn’t get enough and have also purchased the audiobook to listen to.
I can’t recommend this book enough to any fans of Yvette and Most Haunted, it is a must read
I’ve been waiting for an Yvette Fielding Autobiography for awhile now and it didn’t disappoint.
Reading of her early career and then into the Most Haunted years I just couldn’t get enough and have also purchased the audiobook to listen to.
I can’t recommend this book enough to any fans of Yvette and Most Haunted, it is a must read
December 8, 2024
As a huge fan of Yvette and Karl, i totally loved this book! its so honest, open and interesting telling true and interesting points that have happened in Yvette’s life. I have always watched Most Haunted and always followed all the work Yvette does. This is a perfect read for anyone, even if your not a super fan or follower of her’s, its so well written with elements of humour, facts, sad times and honesty.
December 27, 2024
Such an incredible read, the adventures of what Yvette has been through with friends and her husband, it's fascinating to read how she wanted to get most haunted started and then things she's experienced over the year, one of my favourite books I've read :-) if you are a fan of Yvette from the days of blue Peter to most haunted you will enjoy this book
January 16, 2025
I listened to this on Audible. Whilst I thoroughly enjoyed most of it, I didn't like how much Yvette went on about her boss at Blue Peter ( Chapter 5), especially as that particular person has now passed . I did learn more about what went on with Derek Acorah and I was shocked. I met both Yvette & Derek whilst they were filming in Haworth,West Yorkshire.
June 2, 2024
Have always loved watching and listening to Yvette - TV and podcasts - this was a great read and Yvette’s genuine passion and compassion shine through. Clearly a very talented, strong and loving person who has had to leaen the hard way not to suffer fools or bullies!
June 19, 2024
I absolutely loved this insight into the life of Yvette and her family . She comes across as so honest and down to earth . I was so sad when it ended and could have easily read this book if it was double in length and still enjoyed every minute of it .
June 30, 2024
I'm definitely not a memior/ biography reader but ordered this from my local library on a whim as I like Most Haunted and so glad I did.
Easy reading and learnt things I definitely did not know about her. She comes across as such a nice person.
Easy reading and learnt things I definitely did not know about her. She comes across as such a nice person.
May 31, 2024
Enjoyable and interesting. Great to hear her background and more information on her career.
June 4, 2024
4⭐️Amazing read. Love Yvette and the whole crew. Gave me more faith in them for sure.
June 9, 2024
Absolutely loved this book! If you a fan of most haunted you must read it!! Fabulous narration by Yvette
June 24, 2024
Fantastic read, a real good insite on Most Haunted and Yvette's life in TV
June 25, 2024
Just a simple review. Amazing! What a phenomenal lady
September 8, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 7, 2024
As an old most haunted fan I really enjoyed this
January 6, 2025
Beautifully written with humour and heart. Enjoyed immensely.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews