Dark Tales of the Eno River

by David Cook

Mayhem on the Eno River 

Visitors to the Eno River don’t expect to encounter haunted houses, train wrecks or fun outings that turn into tragedy, but some of them have experienced just that. In 1771, a few of America’s first rebels were hanged near the river. An accident at a sawmill led to a series of hauntings. A Valentine’s Day dance became the area’s greatest murder mystery. Train-hopping teenagers had harrowing experiences, and a baby abandoned in a suitcase was found by a nearby farmer. Author and former Eno River State Park ranger Dave Cook details the scary side of a beloved tributary.

144 pages, Paperback

Published February 18, 2025

About the author

Librarian Note: There are more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Others:
David2^Cook: Children's books illustrator
David3^Cook: British author, screenwriter and actor
David4^Cook: British literary critic and editor
David5^Cook: Islamic studies
David6^Cook: Cookbooks
David7^Cook: Clinician, vision therapy
David8^Cook: GR Author, Historical Fiction, History, Action
David9^Cook: Robot
David10^Cook: Environment

Reviews

[MKF · Rating 2 out of 5]

Though I enjoyed reading all the different stories from train wrecks to go I liked the author's park ranger stories more. The author did need to reread the book and fix the multiple mistakes found in it.

[Bo Poske · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Arcadia Publishing for the copy of this haunting and captivating book. In Dark Tales of the Eno River, David Cook—former Eno River State Park ranger—masterfully brings to life the hidden, eerie history surrounding one of North Carolina’s most cherished waterways.
What makes this book so engaging is the rich, immersive way Cook recounts these events. Whether it’s ghost stories, unsolved murders, or tragic accidents, each chapter is steeped in historical depth and local atmosphere. Cook doesn’t just retell the tales—he roots them in the land, capturing the Eno River’s spirit across generations. The stories of The Lucky Drummer and the Old Farm killing aren’t just creepy footnotes; they’re part of a living, breathing narrative that blends folklore with historical research.
A lot of history is horrific, but after reading all these stories and knowing I have been there is even creepier. Perfect for fans of regional history and true hauntings, this book reminds us that even the quietest places have dark stories to tell.

[Jay Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoy history, especially of an area of which I am familiar. I have hiked in Eno River State Park several times, but I must return and seek out some of the sites detailed in Dave's book. I appreciate the level of research that went into the writing.

If you are a history buff, or a hiker, or just like a good collection of tales, I highly recommend the book.

[Robert Bridges · Rating 5 out of 5]

the title says it all.

Fascinating grouping of stories. Lots of history included. Easy reading. I plowed through it quickly. Nothing wrong with that. I would recommend this book. Like I said fascinating and a fun read.

[Jessica · Rating 1 out of 5]

Basically just a list of all the terrible things that have happened on the eno. I don’t need to know every fatal car crash from the early 1900s. Didn’t finish it.