What do you think?
Rate this book
HELLmira: Hauntings, Mysteries, Spirits, and Ghost Sightings
Fact-based research in Elmira, New York, shows it has a long, rich history that is both dark and glowing with the spirits of yesteryear. From being a stop on the Underground Railroad to housing Camp Rathbun – a Union Army barracks turned Civil War Prison Camp – to harboring the various spirits of those lives taken involuntarily and those who took their own lives, Elmira and her surrounding cities offer more than a couple mysterious and haunting locations to explore.
Spirits in any locale will linger, emit energy for long periods of time before making themselves known. Sometimes, they do these things out of habit, an unwillingness to admit their current status of mortality. Other times, they can be scary, simply trying to send a message or complete some unfinished business, but with a bit of patience and heart, there is usually a reason to be found.
So, come visit Elmira and share the adventures with the spirits of those who are among us and the spirits of those who once were.
Spirits in any locale will linger, emit energy for long periods of time before making themselves known. Sometimes, they do these things out of habit, an unwillingness to admit their current status of mortality. Other times, they can be scary, simply trying to send a message or complete some unfinished business, but with a bit of patience and heart, there is usually a reason to be found.
So, come visit Elmira and share the adventures with the spirits of those who are among us and the spirits of those who once were.
110 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 16, 2024
4 people want to read
About the author
Christina Fanelli
11 books23 followersChristina has numerous diplomas in Literature, an AA in Business, and a BS in Information Technology she obtained while single parenting. She lives in upstate New York where she has resided most of her life. In her free time, she likes reading, knitting, fishing, and walking her dog. Her books come from different sources such as her past, dreams, and forecasts. She hopes that her writing insights can be beneficial to readers in both entertainment and understanding the unknown.
She also has published several books on Amazon, both fiction and non-fiction. She has been an Office Manager for many years working in different settings including healthcare, education, and business. She is a proud mother of a BS Accounting graduate and a military service provider.
She also has published several books on Amazon, both fiction and non-fiction. She has been an Office Manager for many years working in different settings including healthcare, education, and business. She is a proud mother of a BS Accounting graduate and a military service provider.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
September 5, 2025
This book is a fascinating blend of history and the supernatural, and it captures Elmira, New York, in a way I’ve never quite experienced before. The author takes fact-based research Civil War prison camps, the Underground Railroad, and local tragedies and breathes life and afterlife into them by weaving in the ghostly presences that still seem to linger.
What impressed me most is how grounded this book feels. It isn’t just ghost stories meant to spook you; it’s a thoughtful exploration of why spirits might remain whether out of habit, grief, unfinished business, or the simple refusal to accept their mortality. That balance of empathy and eeriness made me want to keep reading.
Elmira’s layered past, both dark and hopeful, shines through here. It reminded me that history doesn’t just live in museums or textbooks it lives in the walls, in the air, and sometimes in the whispers we can’t explain.
What impressed me most is how grounded this book feels. It isn’t just ghost stories meant to spook you; it’s a thoughtful exploration of why spirits might remain whether out of habit, grief, unfinished business, or the simple refusal to accept their mortality. That balance of empathy and eeriness made me want to keep reading.
Elmira’s layered past, both dark and hopeful, shines through here. It reminded me that history doesn’t just live in museums or textbooks it lives in the walls, in the air, and sometimes in the whispers we can’t explain.
November 12, 2024
A Perfect Blend of Suspense and History
Christina Fanelli’s HELLmira is a brilliant combination of historical intrigue and eerie supernatural suspense. The way she presents Elmira’s history—full of wars, tragedies, and mysterious disappearances—makes the presence of spirits feel entirely plausible. The stories are gripping, each one revealing a piece of Elmira’s haunted legacy.
What really stood out to me was how Fanelli makes these ghostly encounters feel more human, as if the spirits are just trying to finish their stories. This book is perfect for anyone who enjoys a well-researched tale with plenty of thrills and chills.
Christina Fanelli’s HELLmira is a brilliant combination of historical intrigue and eerie supernatural suspense. The way she presents Elmira’s history—full of wars, tragedies, and mysterious disappearances—makes the presence of spirits feel entirely plausible. The stories are gripping, each one revealing a piece of Elmira’s haunted legacy.
What really stood out to me was how Fanelli makes these ghostly encounters feel more human, as if the spirits are just trying to finish their stories. This book is perfect for anyone who enjoys a well-researched tale with plenty of thrills and chills.
November 12, 2024
A Hauntingly Beautiful Exploration
HELLmira is more than just a collection of ghost stories—it’s a beautifully written exploration of Elmira’s haunted past. Christina Fanelli captures both the eerie atmosphere of the town and the deep emotional connections to its spirits.
The book moves beyond just scares and instead explores the rich, often tragic, histories that led to these hauntings. It’s a unique and immersive read, especially for those who love when a good ghost story is told with depth and heart. I couldn’t stop turning the pages, and I’ll definitely be recommending this book to fellow fans of paranormal history.
HELLmira is more than just a collection of ghost stories—it’s a beautifully written exploration of Elmira’s haunted past. Christina Fanelli captures both the eerie atmosphere of the town and the deep emotional connections to its spirits.
The book moves beyond just scares and instead explores the rich, often tragic, histories that led to these hauntings. It’s a unique and immersive read, especially for those who love when a good ghost story is told with depth and heart. I couldn’t stop turning the pages, and I’ll definitely be recommending this book to fellow fans of paranormal history.
November 12, 2024
A Ghostly Adventure You Can’t Put Down
What I loved about HELLmira is how each page feels like an adventure. Christina Fanelli pulls you into a world where history and haunting are intertwined, making it impossible to put the book down.
The locations in Elmira come to life with vivid descriptions, and you can almost feel the energy of the spirits lurking in the shadows. It’s not just a scary read; it’s a journey through time, discovering the past and the ghosts that refuse to leave it behind. For anyone who loves a great ghost story with a historical twist, this book is a fantastic choice.
What I loved about HELLmira is how each page feels like an adventure. Christina Fanelli pulls you into a world where history and haunting are intertwined, making it impossible to put the book down.
The locations in Elmira come to life with vivid descriptions, and you can almost feel the energy of the spirits lurking in the shadows. It’s not just a scary read; it’s a journey through time, discovering the past and the ghosts that refuse to leave it behind. For anyone who loves a great ghost story with a historical twist, this book is a fantastic choice.
November 12, 2024
For Fans of Mystery and the Unknown
If you’re someone who loves a good mystery, HELLmira is an absolute gem. Christina Fanelli creates a world where history and the supernatural collide, offering up spine-chilling encounters backed by real-world events.
What stands out in this book is how the mysteries are unraveled slowly, leaving you wanting more as the spirits’ stories unfold. I found myself not just scared, but deeply intrigued by the historical context that brought these ghosts to life. This book is a must-read for anyone who enjoys unraveling the unknown while being swept into a chilling, ghostly world.
If you’re someone who loves a good mystery, HELLmira is an absolute gem. Christina Fanelli creates a world where history and the supernatural collide, offering up spine-chilling encounters backed by real-world events.
What stands out in this book is how the mysteries are unraveled slowly, leaving you wanting more as the spirits’ stories unfold. I found myself not just scared, but deeply intrigued by the historical context that brought these ghosts to life. This book is a must-read for anyone who enjoys unraveling the unknown while being swept into a chilling, ghostly world.
November 12, 2024
A Historical Haunt with Heart
HELLmira doesn’t just deliver ghost stories; it transports you into the very heart of Elmira’s haunted past. Christina Fanelli masterfully blends history and the supernatural, crafting a compelling narrative that captivates both the curious historian and the lover of ghostly encounters.
The way she ties real events with paranormal lore adds a level of authenticity that sets this book apart. I loved how the haunting stories feel personal, almost as if you’re uncovering secrets with each turn of the page. If you enjoy stories where history and hauntings meet, this book will keep you hooked from start to finish.
HELLmira doesn’t just deliver ghost stories; it transports you into the very heart of Elmira’s haunted past. Christina Fanelli masterfully blends history and the supernatural, crafting a compelling narrative that captivates both the curious historian and the lover of ghostly encounters.
The way she ties real events with paranormal lore adds a level of authenticity that sets this book apart. I loved how the haunting stories feel personal, almost as if you’re uncovering secrets with each turn of the page. If you enjoy stories where history and hauntings meet, this book will keep you hooked from start to finish.
November 27, 2024
What I really appreciated about HELLmira is how Christina Fanelli takes the classic ghost story and turns it into something uniquely powerful.
The haunting tales are based on real history, making the supernatural elements feel all the more tangible. The eerie atmosphere she creates with vivid descriptions pulls you into Elmira, where every ghost has a story to tell. It’s an immersive experience, blending the suspense of a ghost story with the depth of historical exploration. This book is a perfect fit for readers who love to uncover hidden histories while being spooked by spirits from the past.
The haunting tales are based on real history, making the supernatural elements feel all the more tangible. The eerie atmosphere she creates with vivid descriptions pulls you into Elmira, where every ghost has a story to tell. It’s an immersive experience, blending the suspense of a ghost story with the depth of historical exploration. This book is a perfect fit for readers who love to uncover hidden histories while being spooked by spirits from the past.
November 27, 2024
HELLmira offers a unique and immersive experience, plunging readers deep into the haunting history of Elmira, New York. Christina Fanelli’s storytelling is both captivating and chilling, making the spirits of the town feel almost alive.
The author beautifully intertwines real historical events with ghostly encounters, creating a narrative that is as educational as it is eerie. I particularly loved how Fanelli doesn’t just tell ghost stories—she makes you feel the weight of the past, as though you’re walking among the spirits of Elmira. If you’re someone who enjoys a mix of history, mystery, and the paranormal, this book is a must-read.
The author beautifully intertwines real historical events with ghostly encounters, creating a narrative that is as educational as it is eerie. I particularly loved how Fanelli doesn’t just tell ghost stories—she makes you feel the weight of the past, as though you’re walking among the spirits of Elmira. If you’re someone who enjoys a mix of history, mystery, and the paranormal, this book is a must-read.
November 27, 2024
If you’re a fan of both historical mysteries and ghost stories, HELLmira is the perfect read. Christina Fanelli’s writing draws you into a world where history is not just written in books—it’s felt in the presence of spirits that refuse to leave.
The book is a fascinating mix of fact and folklore, with each chapter revealing new mysteries about Elmira and the souls that still linger there. What I found most captivating was how each ghostly encounter was tied to a significant historical event, making the supernatural feel more connected to the real world. This book is an enthralling read for anyone who loves unraveling the past through the lens of the supernatural.
The book is a fascinating mix of fact and folklore, with each chapter revealing new mysteries about Elmira and the souls that still linger there. What I found most captivating was how each ghostly encounter was tied to a significant historical event, making the supernatural feel more connected to the real world. This book is an enthralling read for anyone who loves unraveling the past through the lens of the supernatural.
November 12, 2024
Christina Fanelli brings something truly unique to the table with HELLmira. The book offers a look into Elmira’s darker side, touching on real historical events with a ghostly twist. The spirits she describes are chilling yet thought-provoking, making you wonder about the stories left behind by those who lived before us.
I loved how the book balanced suspense with depth, giving readers something to think about while keeping them on the edge of their seat. This is a fantastic read for anyone who enjoys ghostly tales that make you think.
I loved how the book balanced suspense with depth, giving readers something to think about while keeping them on the edge of their seat. This is a fantastic read for anyone who enjoys ghostly tales that make you think.
November 12, 2024
Ghost Stories with Heart
HELLmira captures the human side of ghost stories, showing that each spirit has a story of its own. Fanelli has an incredible ability to make you feel connected to both the past and the supernatural, creating a sense of empathy for the people who once walked Elmira’s streets.
This isn’t just a scary book; it’s a tribute to those who left their mark on history. Fanelli’s writing is heartfelt and haunting, making this a memorable read for fans of ghost stories with depth.
HELLmira captures the human side of ghost stories, showing that each spirit has a story of its own. Fanelli has an incredible ability to make you feel connected to both the past and the supernatural, creating a sense of empathy for the people who once walked Elmira’s streets.
This isn’t just a scary book; it’s a tribute to those who left their mark on history. Fanelli’s writing is heartfelt and haunting, making this a memorable read for fans of ghost stories with depth.
November 13, 2024
Elmira’s haunted history has been brought to life beautifully in HELLmira. Fanelli’s storytelling is gripping, and her research is impeccable, blending fact and folklore into an unforgettable experience.
Every chapter offers a new ghost story with rich historical background, giving readers a sense of stepping into another world. It’s rare to find a book that combines hauntings with real-life history in such a seamless way. This is a must-read for anyone curious about the darker, mysterious sides of American towns.
Every chapter offers a new ghost story with rich historical background, giving readers a sense of stepping into another world. It’s rare to find a book that combines hauntings with real-life history in such a seamless way. This is a must-read for anyone curious about the darker, mysterious sides of American towns.
November 13, 2024
Perfectly Blends Fact and Fiction
One of the things that makes HELLmira special is the way Fanelli blends factual history with eerie fiction. Each story is rooted in real events, making the supernatural elements feel all the more believable.
Fanelli’s writing makes you question what’s real and what’s imagined, keeping you hooked from start to finish. I’d recommend this book to anyone who loves historical fiction with a paranormal twist—it’s a gripping read that pulls you into the haunted past of Elmira.
One of the things that makes HELLmira special is the way Fanelli blends factual history with eerie fiction. Each story is rooted in real events, making the supernatural elements feel all the more believable.
Fanelli’s writing makes you question what’s real and what’s imagined, keeping you hooked from start to finish. I’d recommend this book to anyone who loves historical fiction with a paranormal twist—it’s a gripping read that pulls you into the haunted past of Elmira.
November 27, 2024
HELLmira delivers a fascinating and spine-chilling exploration of Elmira’s past. What sets this book apart is its ability to blend historical events with ghostly encounters, creating a gripping atmosphere that keeps you hooked from start to finish. Christina Fanelli doesn’t just recount ghost stories—she weaves them seamlessly into the fabric of Elmira’s rich, complex history.
I loved how the book kept me on edge, but also made me think about the real events that shaped the haunting. For fans of history and the supernatural, this book is an absolute must-read.
I loved how the book kept me on edge, but also made me think about the real events that shaped the haunting. For fans of history and the supernatural, this book is an absolute must-read.
November 27, 2024
In HELLmira, Christina Fanelli invites readers to uncover the dark, hidden corners of Elmira, New York. The book takes you on a journey through time, offering both chilling ghost stories and fascinating historical details.
The spirits in this book aren’t mere figments of imagination; they’re rooted in real places and events that give their stories weight. I loved how each chapter felt like a mystery waiting to be solved, filled with eerie moments and historical depth. If you’re looking for a supernatural read with a strong historical foundation, this book is perfect for you.
The spirits in this book aren’t mere figments of imagination; they’re rooted in real places and events that give their stories weight. I loved how each chapter felt like a mystery waiting to be solved, filled with eerie moments and historical depth. If you’re looking for a supernatural read with a strong historical foundation, this book is perfect for you.
November 27, 2024
HELLmira is a book that will satisfy both lovers of history and fans of ghost stories. The book is grounded in historical facts about Elmira, New York, but the spirits that linger in the pages give the history an eerie twist.
Christina Fanelli does an excellent job of creating a narrative that doesn’t just rely on supernatural scares; it also explores the real lives that shaped the town’s haunted legacy. I loved the combination of history and haunting, and it kept me captivated throughout. If you love stories where the supernatural and the past collide, you’ll love HELLmira.
Christina Fanelli does an excellent job of creating a narrative that doesn’t just rely on supernatural scares; it also explores the real lives that shaped the town’s haunted legacy. I loved the combination of history and haunting, and it kept me captivated throughout. If you love stories where the supernatural and the past collide, you’ll love HELLmira.
November 27, 2024
Christina Fanelli’s HELLmira is a masterclass in blending history and the supernatural. The way she brings Elmira’s past to life, with its troubled history and lingering spirits, is nothing short of brilliant. The ghost stories are terrifying but also deeply emotional, as each spirit has a story of its own that ties back to the town’s history.
I couldn’t get enough of the book’s eerie atmosphere and how it made me reflect on the ways in which the past still lingers in the present. For anyone who loves a haunting tale with historical depth, this book is a must-read.
I couldn’t get enough of the book’s eerie atmosphere and how it made me reflect on the ways in which the past still lingers in the present. For anyone who loves a haunting tale with historical depth, this book is a must-read.
November 12, 2024
HELLmira isn’t just a collection of ghost stories; it’s a deep dive into Elmira’s rich and haunted history. Fanelli’s research and dedication shine through in every page, making each story feel both educational and eerie.
You get to learn about Elmira’s past while feeling the presence of those who linger in spirit. This book is perfect for anyone who loves when history and hauntings mix in an enchanting, spooky read. Fanelli has truly crafted something special here.
November 13, 2024
Reading HELLmira is like stepping into a different world, one where spirits linger and history never truly dies. Fanelli has created an atmosphere that’s thick with suspense and mystery, bringing Elmira’s haunted locations to life in a way that feels tangible.
This is a book that invites you to explore, making you feel as if you’re right there in the midst of its ghostly tales. It’s a fantastic choice for readers who love immersive storytelling with a touch of the supernatural.
This is a book that invites you to explore, making you feel as if you’re right there in the midst of its ghostly tales. It’s a fantastic choice for readers who love immersive storytelling with a touch of the supernatural.
November 13, 2024
In HELLmira, Fanelli leads readers through a journey filled with haunted locations and fascinating history. Her storytelling style is engaging and evocative, bringing each location’s past to life.
The ghost stories are gripping, but it’s the historical detail that truly makes this book stand out. If you enjoy books that delve into real events with a supernatural edge, HELLmira will be a favorite on your shelf. It’s a remarkable blend of history, mystery, and ghostly intrigue.
November 13, 2024
For True Fans of the Paranormal
If you’re a true fan of ghost stories and paranormal tales, HELLmira is the book for you. Fanelli’s detailed approach and engaging storytelling bring Elmira’s haunted past to light in a way that feels fresh and authentic.
The stories are spine-chilling yet respectful, offering a look at both the history and the mysteries that linger. This is the kind of book you’ll want to read with the lights low—it’s a real treat for lovers of the supernatural.
If you’re a true fan of ghost stories and paranormal tales, HELLmira is the book for you. Fanelli’s detailed approach and engaging storytelling bring Elmira’s haunted past to light in a way that feels fresh and authentic.
The stories are spine-chilling yet respectful, offering a look at both the history and the mysteries that linger. This is the kind of book you’ll want to read with the lights low—it’s a real treat for lovers of the supernatural.
November 13, 2024
An Enigmatic Page-Turner
Once you start HELLmira, you won’t want to stop. Fanelli has crafted a page-turner filled with ghostly mysteries and historical intrigue.
Each story unfolds with a sense of suspense that keeps you glued to the page, curious to see what each spirit reveals next. I loved the pacing and the way each chapter kept me guessing. This book is a thrilling ride from beginning to end—a definite page-turner for fans of paranormal mysteries.
Once you start HELLmira, you won’t want to stop. Fanelli has crafted a page-turner filled with ghostly mysteries and historical intrigue.
Each story unfolds with a sense of suspense that keeps you glued to the page, curious to see what each spirit reveals next. I loved the pacing and the way each chapter kept me guessing. This book is a thrilling ride from beginning to end—a definite page-turner for fans of paranormal mysteries.
November 16, 2024
Every town has its secrets, but Elmira’s are especially chilling and beautifully portrayed in HELLmira. Fanelli has woven together the facts and ghostly legends of the area to create a story that feels both believable and spine-tingling.
Her storytelling draws readers into this haunted history, making the pages come alive with suspense. If you love real-life mysteries with a twist of the supernatural, this book is a fantastic choice you won’t want to put down!
Her storytelling draws readers into this haunted history, making the pages come alive with suspense. If you love real-life mysteries with a twist of the supernatural, this book is a fantastic choice you won’t want to put down!
November 27, 2024
Christina Fanelli has captured Elmira’s haunted history with an attention to detail that makes each ghost story feel real and captivating. From eerie encounters to deeply rooted mysteries, the book’s pages are alive with spirits, both historical and haunted, creating a hauntingly immersive experience.
If you’re looking for an unsettling yet fascinating read, HELLmira promises a journey through the supernatural unlike any other—an ideal pick for fans of ghostly tales with historical depth.
If you’re looking for an unsettling yet fascinating read, HELLmira promises a journey through the supernatural unlike any other—an ideal pick for fans of ghostly tales with historical depth.
November 27, 2024
If you crave a good ghost story around Halloween, HELLmira is a top pick! With each chapter, you’re drawn deeper into Elmira’s haunted past, where spirits from the Civil War era seem to linger, making every page turn shiver-worthy.
Fanelli’s meticulous research adds authenticity, making this a perfect blend of history and horror. This book will stay with you long after Halloween, delivering thrills and chills whenever you open its pages.
Fanelli’s meticulous research adds authenticity, making this a perfect blend of history and horror. This book will stay with you long after Halloween, delivering thrills and chills whenever you open its pages.
November 27, 2024
HELLmira beautifully brings Elmira’s mysterious history to life with vivid storytelling and spine-chilling details. Fanelli skillfully bridges the past and present, taking readers on a journey through eerie events backed by history.
This book isn’t just about scares; it’s about uncovering the humanity behind ghostly tales. It’s a great read for anyone intrigued by the supernatural and curious about the darker sides of history.
This book isn’t just about scares; it’s about uncovering the humanity behind ghostly tales. It’s a great read for anyone intrigued by the supernatural and curious about the darker sides of history.
December 14, 2025
What an interesting read. I learned so much without even realizing it. It read more like horror short stories than non-fiction. I had not heard of Elmira, NY before this book and found the tales and places fascinating. I am fascinated by graveyards, cemeteries, and homes with histories so I really enjoyed this. Recommend if you like supernatural light reads based on real places.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews