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Ghosts: A Collection of Spirits from Literature and Folklore
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
January 6, 2026
Interesting book: two stars because of the AI images 🥲
November 5, 2025
Review to follow
February 17, 2026
Thanks to NetGalley and Amber Books for the ARC.
Honestly disappointed in this one. Each of the descriptions were very brief, and repeated itself in the bottom fact box on the same page. The accompanying pictures were often stock photos, and they were pretty boring. I just wanted more from it.
Honestly disappointed in this one. Each of the descriptions were very brief, and repeated itself in the bottom fact box on the same page. The accompanying pictures were often stock photos, and they were pretty boring. I just wanted more from it.
October 19, 2025
Book Review: Ghosts: A Collection of Spirits from Literature and Folklore by Abbie Headon
Rating: 3 Stars
I’m sitting here with a cup of tea that has gone cold because this book kept pulling my attention back like a mild poltergeist. Ghosts: A Collection of Spirits from Literature and Folklore by Abbie Headon is exactly what it promises — a tidy, illustrated compendium of famous haunts, historical apparitions, and the stories that have kept them alive in our imaginations. I’ll give it three stars: enjoyable, well put-together, but not quite the full-body chill I hoped for.
What you get is a tour of ghostly archetypes and particular spooks — the tragic Grey Lady, the persistent specter in the Bloody Tower, the friendly, melancholy phantoms of Dickens and du Maurier, and eerie tales tied to places like New Orleans’ St. Louis Cemetery. Headon collects the lore surrounding each figure: reported sightings, supposed origins, and the ways these ghosts have been stitched into literature and oral tradition. There’s also a nod to modern life — how ghosts keep showing up in film, TV, and pop culture — which prevents the book from feeling like a dusty museum exhibit.
The writing leans into the point many ghost stories aim for, as Roald Dahl put it: spookiness for spookiness’ sake. These stories are meant to unsettle and linger in the corners of your mind, and Headon’s selection generally respects that aim. The entries don’t overload you with academic jargon; they’re approachable and anecdotal, which makes it an easy bedside or coffee-table reader when you want something atmospheric without committing to a full deep-dive.
Visually, the book is a strong suit. It’s pleasantly illustrated with photographs and drawings that enhance the mood rather than distract. I appreciated the small structural touches — little boxes that give quick origins, "Once Upon a Time" style snippets, and mini-sections on how each ghost appears in popular culture. The inclusion of quotations sprinkled throughout adds a nice, slightly literary texture. It would make a very good present for anyone who enjoys the macabre but prefers it served with polish rather than raw terror.
Why three stars and not four or five? A few reasons. The scope is enjoyable but somewhat surface-level: you get intriguing summaries and the odd surprising detail, but if you’re looking for rigorous historical investigation or new primary-source revelations, this isn’t that book. At times the tone tips toward the breezy, which works for casual reading but won’t satisfy readers who want a darker, more immersive fright. Also, while the illustrations are attractive, there are moments where more contextual depth or sourcing would have made the entries feel a bit more substantial.
Overall, Ghosts is a charming, well-designed primer on a bunch of famous spectres and the myths around them. It’s ideal for flicking through on a rainy evening or leaving out for guests to flip open and get a thrill from. If you like your chills neat and pretty rather than raw and bone-deep, this will be right up your haunted alley.
⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️
Rating: 3 Stars
I’m sitting here with a cup of tea that has gone cold because this book kept pulling my attention back like a mild poltergeist. Ghosts: A Collection of Spirits from Literature and Folklore by Abbie Headon is exactly what it promises — a tidy, illustrated compendium of famous haunts, historical apparitions, and the stories that have kept them alive in our imaginations. I’ll give it three stars: enjoyable, well put-together, but not quite the full-body chill I hoped for.
What you get is a tour of ghostly archetypes and particular spooks — the tragic Grey Lady, the persistent specter in the Bloody Tower, the friendly, melancholy phantoms of Dickens and du Maurier, and eerie tales tied to places like New Orleans’ St. Louis Cemetery. Headon collects the lore surrounding each figure: reported sightings, supposed origins, and the ways these ghosts have been stitched into literature and oral tradition. There’s also a nod to modern life — how ghosts keep showing up in film, TV, and pop culture — which prevents the book from feeling like a dusty museum exhibit.
The writing leans into the point many ghost stories aim for, as Roald Dahl put it: spookiness for spookiness’ sake. These stories are meant to unsettle and linger in the corners of your mind, and Headon’s selection generally respects that aim. The entries don’t overload you with academic jargon; they’re approachable and anecdotal, which makes it an easy bedside or coffee-table reader when you want something atmospheric without committing to a full deep-dive.
Visually, the book is a strong suit. It’s pleasantly illustrated with photographs and drawings that enhance the mood rather than distract. I appreciated the small structural touches — little boxes that give quick origins, "Once Upon a Time" style snippets, and mini-sections on how each ghost appears in popular culture. The inclusion of quotations sprinkled throughout adds a nice, slightly literary texture. It would make a very good present for anyone who enjoys the macabre but prefers it served with polish rather than raw terror.
Why three stars and not four or five? A few reasons. The scope is enjoyable but somewhat surface-level: you get intriguing summaries and the odd surprising detail, but if you’re looking for rigorous historical investigation or new primary-source revelations, this isn’t that book. At times the tone tips toward the breezy, which works for casual reading but won’t satisfy readers who want a darker, more immersive fright. Also, while the illustrations are attractive, there are moments where more contextual depth or sourcing would have made the entries feel a bit more substantial.
Overall, Ghosts is a charming, well-designed primer on a bunch of famous spectres and the myths around them. It’s ideal for flicking through on a rainy evening or leaving out for guests to flip open and get a thrill from. If you like your chills neat and pretty rather than raw and bone-deep, this will be right up your haunted alley.
⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️
March 21, 2026
Despite me praising countless Amber Books books that are generally all pictures while the text is practically just their captions, this seemed very slight. Every ghost or ghostlike entity in this dictionary gets just one paragraph, three factoids related to where they come from, what they are and if they've been given their own N*tfl*x special in the past few years – which can be far too eager to repeat what the paragraph told us – followed by an image and an expert quote, however culturally relevant it might or might not be. And that's it – repeated over the few pages of this small book, with everything getting a similar spread, we're not going to find a welter of contents.
But aren't we? Speaking of culturally relevant, this starts supremely well, with a spread of African ghouls, the great bulk of which I'd never heard of. I don't think the historical ghosts from Australia had ever crossed my path before, either – the final, slimmer third regarding fictional ghosts is definitely common knowledge, mind. So I'm torn between declaring this to be something that definitely taught me things about, well, things, for want of a better word, and condemning it for being very thin and easy. You could easily argue that even having reviewed such books for a decade and more there should still be a way for them to surprise me with new content. This did, but all the same there was a huge gap between what it is and what superior volume it might have been. Three and a touch stars, then – it's not dreadful, but leave a mind propped half-open to disappointment.
But aren't we? Speaking of culturally relevant, this starts supremely well, with a spread of African ghouls, the great bulk of which I'd never heard of. I don't think the historical ghosts from Australia had ever crossed my path before, either – the final, slimmer third regarding fictional ghosts is definitely common knowledge, mind. So I'm torn between declaring this to be something that definitely taught me things about, well, things, for want of a better word, and condemning it for being very thin and easy. You could easily argue that even having reviewed such books for a decade and more there should still be a way for them to surprise me with new content. This did, but all the same there was a huge gap between what it is and what superior volume it might have been. Three and a touch stars, then – it's not dreadful, but leave a mind propped half-open to disappointment.
January 13, 2026
Ghosts: A Collection of Spirits from Literature and Folklore, by Abbie Headon, is a fun overview of the many spirits that haunt our reading and our lives.
What some may find as a negative I find as a positive, namely the choice to cover a large number and variety with basic information about each rather than go into depth but only covering a significantly smaller number. Well, without making the book unreasonably large or a multi-volume set. In this day and time, the internet offers plenty of opportunity to dive deeper into any of these creatures that might be of special interest to you. Since that is what I think the book was shooting for, I am not going to criticize it for not being what it never meant to be.
This is the kind of book that you could keep on your night stand and read a couple entries a night (sweet dreams!) or devour it quickly then go back and research any that stood out for you. Either way, the concise and focused entries will give you a glimpse into the spirit and what it might represent (or how it worked within a fictional story).
Recommended for those who like to have basic enjoyable reference books. I could see a writer keeping this handy and either incorporating a creature into their fiction or using them as springboards for creating their own fictional creatures.
Reviewed from a copy made available by the publisher via NetGalley.
What some may find as a negative I find as a positive, namely the choice to cover a large number and variety with basic information about each rather than go into depth but only covering a significantly smaller number. Well, without making the book unreasonably large or a multi-volume set. In this day and time, the internet offers plenty of opportunity to dive deeper into any of these creatures that might be of special interest to you. Since that is what I think the book was shooting for, I am not going to criticize it for not being what it never meant to be.
This is the kind of book that you could keep on your night stand and read a couple entries a night (sweet dreams!) or devour it quickly then go back and research any that stood out for you. Either way, the concise and focused entries will give you a glimpse into the spirit and what it might represent (or how it worked within a fictional story).
Recommended for those who like to have basic enjoyable reference books. I could see a writer keeping this handy and either incorporating a creature into their fiction or using them as springboards for creating their own fictional creatures.
Reviewed from a copy made available by the publisher via NetGalley.
October 30, 2025
If you have been following my reviews for a while you will know that I love reviewing books from Amber Books.
The book is split into three sections, Ghosts from Folklore, Historical Ghosts and Ghosts from Literature. Ghosts is set out in a similar way to Fairies, where each ghost is analysed with a description, details about the lore surrounding the ghost, its origin and then representations in popular culture. I think this is a great way to format the book. There are also some great illustrations and quotes throughout.
I knew most of the historical ghosts and ghosts from literature but I was really interested in the ghosts from folklore. This section contained ghosts from other cultures, particularly different parts of Africa. I like that there were also references to films, TV series’ and books that explore these ghosts further.
I would recommend this book to anyone who loves horror, ghosts, folklore or learning about other cultures. I loved it and found it really informative. Perfect for Spooky Season.
Thank you to NetGalley and Amber Books for allowing me to review this book.
The book is split into three sections, Ghosts from Folklore, Historical Ghosts and Ghosts from Literature. Ghosts is set out in a similar way to Fairies, where each ghost is analysed with a description, details about the lore surrounding the ghost, its origin and then representations in popular culture. I think this is a great way to format the book. There are also some great illustrations and quotes throughout.
I knew most of the historical ghosts and ghosts from literature but I was really interested in the ghosts from folklore. This section contained ghosts from other cultures, particularly different parts of Africa. I like that there were also references to films, TV series’ and books that explore these ghosts further.
I would recommend this book to anyone who loves horror, ghosts, folklore or learning about other cultures. I loved it and found it really informative. Perfect for Spooky Season.
Thank you to NetGalley and Amber Books for allowing me to review this book.
April 10, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and Amber Books Ltd for the free ARC in exchange for a review.
I’m having a hard time making a really solid decision on rating with this quick read. Throughout the book I teetered anywhere between a 2-star rating and a 4-star rating, so I’ll settle in the middle.
I enjoy the way the information was presented in short blurbs that were very digestible, read quickly, and got the main points delivered. Each entry also included some trivia-like facts that were fun and interesting to me. Everything that was written was written well.
The amount of graphics, pictures, and quotes really took away from the style of the book overall, which I think would have been great otherwise. A few times throughout I didn’t really understand the connection between the quote and the information presented alongside it. I think without all of the extras it would have left a lot of room for additional entries or made a lovely short collection with the current 73 entries.
I’m having a hard time making a really solid decision on rating with this quick read. Throughout the book I teetered anywhere between a 2-star rating and a 4-star rating, so I’ll settle in the middle.
I enjoy the way the information was presented in short blurbs that were very digestible, read quickly, and got the main points delivered. Each entry also included some trivia-like facts that were fun and interesting to me. Everything that was written was written well.
The amount of graphics, pictures, and quotes really took away from the style of the book overall, which I think would have been great otherwise. A few times throughout I didn’t really understand the connection between the quote and the information presented alongside it. I think without all of the extras it would have left a lot of room for additional entries or made a lovely short collection with the current 73 entries.
October 26, 2025
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. This is a great first introduction or basic guide to the different types of ghosts around the world. I am interested in the supernatural but am just starting to look deeper into it so I learned a lot of different creatures here. There are some interesting facts here such as being raised in the North East we used to say The Grey Lady ghost was in the school toilets if you called her 3 times in a mirror so it was very interesting to learn that one of the original Grey Ladies is actually from somewhere close to other family members. The images are awesome as they show what these new to me creatures look like and there were quite a few beautiful ones in there. However, I would have liked a pronunciation breakdown after each title.
January 20, 2026
Received a digital ARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you NetGalley and Amber publishing!
A sort of encyclopedia of ghosts/spirits across different cultures and throughout literature, I didn’t find wildly informative. Some of the information was new to me, but not nearly as detailed as I would have liked. More of a pocket glossary of sorts. The blue graphics on each illustrated page just added chaos to the layout and took away from main images. The squared portion where it highlights information at the end of each description was, more often than not, just repeating information that was already covered in the paragraph.
Not a book I would spend money on, for myself or a friend. It was a quick read though, so if you're new to ghosties and spirits and want to check this out from the library, it won't take a great deal of your time.
A sort of encyclopedia of ghosts/spirits across different cultures and throughout literature, I didn’t find wildly informative. Some of the information was new to me, but not nearly as detailed as I would have liked. More of a pocket glossary of sorts. The blue graphics on each illustrated page just added chaos to the layout and took away from main images. The squared portion where it highlights information at the end of each description was, more often than not, just repeating information that was already covered in the paragraph.
Not a book I would spend money on, for myself or a friend. It was a quick read though, so if you're new to ghosties and spirits and want to check this out from the library, it won't take a great deal of your time.
May 13, 2026
If you’re looking for a book that gives you an assortment of supernatural ghosts/creatures from across the world with a little bit of information on them this could be for you. This is in no way a deep dive into the different ghosts, but is more of an encyclopedia that gives you just the bare bones of them. But it’s still informational since it describes the time period and location they originate with some information of where they appear in history and/or literature. It’s separated into different sections: Ghosts from Folklore, Historical Ghosts, and Ghosts from Literature.
The images are mix between drawings and pictures that feel like you’d see in a textbook. My only wish would be that the images shared where they were gotten from. But overall I think this is a great addition to a library of people who like the strange and is a fun book to flip through.
The images are mix between drawings and pictures that feel like you’d see in a textbook. My only wish would be that the images shared where they were gotten from. But overall I think this is a great addition to a library of people who like the strange and is a fun book to flip through.
November 27, 2025
I really enjoy books that focus on things like the paranormal so I was keen to get reading this one when it landed on my phone!
The book is split in to three different section, ghosts in literature, haunted places and ghosts in folklore. I liked the mix in the book but I will admit that the section regarding the hauntings was my favourite one. The book had just the right amount of content and it was a gripping read. I started the book last night and finished it this afternoon. The chapter length was spot on and I liked the illustrations used too.
It is 4 stars from me for this one - highly recommended!
The book is split in to three different section, ghosts in literature, haunted places and ghosts in folklore. I liked the mix in the book but I will admit that the section regarding the hauntings was my favourite one. The book had just the right amount of content and it was a gripping read. I started the book last night and finished it this afternoon. The chapter length was spot on and I liked the illustrations used too.
It is 4 stars from me for this one - highly recommended!
April 11, 2026
I wanna thank NetGalley and Amber Books for this early ARC!
Im really glad i got the opportunity to read this book, but unfortunately it wasn't what i was expecting.
The chapters were short, the way the stories are told it's really weird, and i want to think that some of the pictures I saw weren't AI. I'm really disappointed because i love this type of books, and i think some parts were really interesting, specially the ghosts of countries i didn't even know existed.
Really sad to say I didn't like it, but I'm really eager to read more about the author, because i believe in second chances!!
Im really glad i got the opportunity to read this book, but unfortunately it wasn't what i was expecting.
The chapters were short, the way the stories are told it's really weird, and i want to think that some of the pictures I saw weren't AI. I'm really disappointed because i love this type of books, and i think some parts were really interesting, specially the ghosts of countries i didn't even know existed.
Really sad to say I didn't like it, but I'm really eager to read more about the author, because i believe in second chances!!
October 30, 2025
This is a great little book that breaks down several ghosts and folklore stories from around the world. Each story includes the place of origin, as well as where you may have heard of it in popular culture. Many books like this in the past have looked over cultures of brown-skinned people and this one includes them! It's great to see not only the representation of those cultures, but also to learn about them for the first time.
December 8, 2025
Getting to know more about spirits from literature and folklore is what grabbed my interest.
I enjoyed reading about the historical ghost the most.
I was hoping to read something more informative than scary and that is exactly what I got.
This is a very basic book split into three different sections.
The author keeps it simple with 1 page of information per ghost tale.
#NetGalley #AmberBooks
Thank you Amber Books Ltd and NetGalley for this ARC.
I enjoyed reading about the historical ghost the most.
I was hoping to read something more informative than scary and that is exactly what I got.
This is a very basic book split into three different sections.
The author keeps it simple with 1 page of information per ghost tale.
#NetGalley #AmberBooks
Thank you Amber Books Ltd and NetGalley for this ARC.
December 2, 2025
I adore everything paranormal. The structure of this book provides a brief overview and some quick facts, accompanied by visuals. My one main critique is the same which I gave the "Fairies" edition. The images are a bit mishmashed. There is no continuity in their design which makes the book feel a bit disorganized.
March 4, 2026
Firstly, thank you to NetGalley and the author for allowing me a copy of this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Honestly? I do like this book. I’m new to the “ghost folklore”, so much so that I only knew of two in the entire book itself. However, I do like it, the stories were quick, and straight to the point which I personally enjoyed. It was interesting to learn!
Honestly? I do like this book. I’m new to the “ghost folklore”, so much so that I only knew of two in the entire book itself. However, I do like it, the stories were quick, and straight to the point which I personally enjoyed. It was interesting to learn!
October 12, 2025
Super fun, and interesting. Had a great time reading this!
December 6, 2025
This was a cool collection of ghost stories. I do think the folklore section was the strongest one, but the other two (historical and from literature) were fun.
December 13, 2025
An encyclopedic book regarding ghosts and spirits that have appeared in history and books. Interesting and informative.
[I received an advanced copy via Netgalley.]
[I received an advanced copy via Netgalley.]
February 10, 2026
3.5 rounding to 4
This was a wonderful introduction to different ghosts and ,mythologies about them. While short, it does give the basic information for each as well as the origins. It is a great starting point for kids or those who are new to ghosts and want a compilation to get started, I really enjoyed the fact that there were ghosts from literature as well.
Thank you to Netgalley and Amber books for an eARC of this for my honest review.
This was a wonderful introduction to different ghosts and ,mythologies about them. While short, it does give the basic information for each as well as the origins. It is a great starting point for kids or those who are new to ghosts and want a compilation to get started, I really enjoyed the fact that there were ghosts from literature as well.
Thank you to Netgalley and Amber books for an eARC of this for my honest review.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews