Haunted Winnipeg: Ghost Stories from the Heart of the Continent

by Matthew Komus

Unexplained footsteps at Seven Oaks House. A woman vanishing into thin air at the Hotel Fort Garry. Spirits reaching out from beyond the grave at the Pantages Theatre. Just what is happening in Winnipeg's heritage buildings at night? Early Winnipeg was a booming city full of excitement with no shortage of murders, cheating lovers and tragic accidents; all playing a role in Winnipeg having the reputation as one of Canada's most haunted places. Haunted Winnipeg shares with the reader the city's best known ghost stories, as well as some lesser-known tales. Hear about the people who may be haunting these historic sites while learning about the buildings' unique and creepy history.

Genres: Nonfiction

200 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2014

Reviews

[Krystal · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was a bit disappointing, it doesn't go into detail about any of the hauntings, and it's definitely not a goose bump feeling book, it's more of a history book. It goes into great depth about the history of the buildings and some of the stories barely have a whole paragraph about the haunting of the place. That being said, if you're more interested in the history of one of the heritage buildings, this book is great, it gets right to the point.

[Varina · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the historical anecdotes of this book. It definitely read more as a history book than a ghost story book. It lost a star in my opinion as there were many typos and a few grammatical errors that annoyed me when reading. Overall it was a fun read and I was happy to support a local author.

[Nicole H. ✨️nicoledreamsofbooks✨️ · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a good book, I found it more historical than anything. All the ghost stories were more or less the same. Also, a lot of spelling and grammar mistakes. Good read overall, just not what I was expecting.

[Sophie Cimon · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you have the chance to go on one of those Haunted Tours in Winnipeg, i suggest you do that instead. The writer of the book does tours and he is amazing. But in the book, I found it less detailed than what he told us on tours. So not a bad book but knowing the guy in person, I recommande you go on one of his tour.

[Renee Cronley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought this book after devouring Haunted Manitoba: Ghost Stories from the Prairies, by Matthew Komus and read it around the campfire as quickly as I read his first one.

Haunted Winnipeg: Ghost Stories From the Heart of the Continent was a book that perfectly catered to my interests as a history enthusiast and lover of ghost stories. I thought I was well-informed about the haunted places in Winnipeg, but this gave me new insight into lesser-known locations. I found the Marlborough Hotel intriguing since I hadn’t come across much information about it before. Like in Komus’s Haunted Manitoba: Ghost Stories from the Prairies, I found the in-depth exploration of the history behind these sites/buildings fascinating.

The book’s organized structure, with dedicated sections for Haunted Houses, Haunted Hotels, Haunted Theatres, Haunted Museums, Haunted Businesses, and Haunted Institutions, adds clarity and makes it easier to navigate.

I recently learned that Matthew Komus is the owner and operator of Winnipeg Ghost Walk. I will definitely keep an eye out for his tours when I visit Winnipeg next.

[Nancy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked this up because so many of my students are interested in ghost stories/ horror fiction and scary stories.
Funny though, because after reading it, I really appreciated it more for the unorthodox retelling of the history of Winnipeg. It actually is a really fascinating way to bring to life (lol... ) The stories that Winnipeg is built from. The writing is enjoyable and light, provides many details and the stories are easy to read. The ghost story part is lacking, but that's more the ghosts fault for not being more creative than the odd door closing or opening or footsteps at night.
But yeah, this is a great book, and one I will talk up to my students!

[Lucas K · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty interesting little book about some paranormal activities concerning well know locations in and around Winnipeg. I've been to a number of these locations in the past. Needless to say, armed with new knowledge, care of this author, I'll never tread into these places with the same sort of perspective as I have in the past.

Recommended reading for those interested in paranormal - Winnipeg style.

[Amanda Lefley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I purchased this book after reading Haunted Manitoba. Both are wonderful reads although I did enjoy Haunted Manitoba a touch more. A lot of research and history went I to this novel. Not only do you get haunted ghost stories of some iconic buildings in Winnipeg but you also learn a lot about the city as well. Great read!

[Ash · Rating 2 out of 5]

Informative and quirky but the narrative style was tiresome and repetitive akin to a breathless adolescent

[Jasmine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having been on Matthews ghost tour, I can definitely see how this book may pale in comparison to a real life tour but it's still an excellent read nonetheless.

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

The definitive guide to the ghosts of Winnipeg.

[Kelsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the amount of history included in this book. It’s an interesting quick read.