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Chasing the Dark: A 140-Year Investigation of Paranormal Activity
Tony Cornell spent his life probing the very edges of reality. A member of the UK's Society for Psychical Research (SPR), Cornell's role as an investigator of so-called "spontaneous cases" saw him returning time and again to the unsettling spaces that exist just on the periphery of our ordered, tidy, and rational lives, and which we all do our best to ignore: Ghosts. Spirits. Premonitions. Psychic powers. Glimpses of other worlds that throw into question everything we take for granted about life, death, and material existence itself.
This is a gripping and page‑turning narrative drawing on Cornell's casefiles, which survive as a huge and uniquely untapped repository of stories reported by ordinary people, as well as correspondence between some of the great intellectuals of the 20th century--including Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Mark Twain, Winston Churchill, and Marie Curie. By applying logical rigor to the investigation of events that could not be explained by conventional science, the SPR drew notable figures to its ranks as it gathered the most meticulous records ever compiled on hauntings, spiritual possessions, and other enduring mysteries. Award-winning journalist Ben Machell mines the extensive archives of the SPR for the first time to reveal the untold history of the secretive organization, and to understand our interactions and ceaseless fascination with the unexplained.
This is a gripping and page‑turning narrative drawing on Cornell's casefiles, which survive as a huge and uniquely untapped repository of stories reported by ordinary people, as well as correspondence between some of the great intellectuals of the 20th century--including Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Mark Twain, Winston Churchill, and Marie Curie. By applying logical rigor to the investigation of events that could not be explained by conventional science, the SPR drew notable figures to its ranks as it gathered the most meticulous records ever compiled on hauntings, spiritual possessions, and other enduring mysteries. Award-winning journalist Ben Machell mines the extensive archives of the SPR for the first time to reveal the untold history of the secretive organization, and to understand our interactions and ceaseless fascination with the unexplained.
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Published August 28, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
October 20, 2025
As a member of the UKs Society for Physical Research, Cornell spent his life investigating “spontaneous cases”. Drawing from Cornell’s case files and SPRs archives involving hauntings, possessions, premonitions and psychic powers, the untold history is brought to light.
This biography is about a man, his obsession, those he helped and what his actions cost him. It was a fascinating read that was well researched and presented a little bit of understanding in a world of the unknown.
The stories encompassed within the case files and research reflect lives or real people who experiences both the explain and unexplained. Each story unique and compelling by way of the evidence presented. I really enjoyed reading this book and learning about SPR and Cornell.
Thank you to the author, Ben Machell, Grand Central Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book. I received an epub and am leaving my review voluntarily.
This biography is about a man, his obsession, those he helped and what his actions cost him. It was a fascinating read that was well researched and presented a little bit of understanding in a world of the unknown.
The stories encompassed within the case files and research reflect lives or real people who experiences both the explain and unexplained. Each story unique and compelling by way of the evidence presented. I really enjoyed reading this book and learning about SPR and Cornell.
Thank you to the author, Ben Machell, Grand Central Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book. I received an epub and am leaving my review voluntarily.
October 12, 2025
This book is brave enough to answer the question that dare not be asked aloud: is the afterlife more boring than Brighton?
This is a biography of Anthony Cornell. Cornell was a sailor during the Second World War who got a promotion for insulting a superior's capabilities, a town councilman who rejected running for higher office on the basis that he only got along well with his political opponents, and probably a spy or otherwise consultant to the British intelligence apparatus in some manner. The story that sticks out to me of his life is his fictional character-like capability to find the human effects on the natural landscape, figuring out where towns used to be or finding historical artifacts in a sort of drive-by capacity.
This book focuses on his life's work, which was working for the Society for Psychical Research, along with several adjacent entities. The Society is focused on research into proving the existence of the paranormal. But this is a different sort of organization than some others. The Society dates back to the 1880s, and had an emphasis on field research (i.e. where scientists are most vulnerable to getting conned) even as it was becoming unfashionable, under the premise that it was important to meet the potential supernatural with a home field advantage, accepting that it might have an effect.
As such, the book is something of a stand in for the whole history of parapsychology and the scientific reception of the paranormal. The book's structure is clever in that way. It focuses on individual cases of Cornell's with a discussion of how those cases fit into the context of the sorts of cases that happen, along with how those things have 'fads' and trends to them.
Cornell seems to be the ideal sort of person to be doing this sort of thing. Born a staunch unbeliever, then having an experience that caused him to question that disbelief, he acts like a skeptic while thinking like a believer. This is someone who frequently disproves a paranormal event, to the extent of solving things himself with placebos. He was also focused on the problem of the mechanism of how the event was taking place being critical to an actual scientific understanding, instead of Line go Boo. And yet, with all of this, he remained a popular and sought out investigator.
This book is the only sensible book on the paranormal that I have encountered, to the point that my usual complaints about anti-science do not apply. You can talk Cornell's work as a waste of blood and treasure, but as the book does point out in its historical sections, the initial premises that developed into the Ghost Hunter Industrial Complex are no more obviously wrong than other theses, and the manner in which that the "perpetrators" are not con artists - or not always, at any rate - but complexly or even unconsciously motivated deeply frustrates the hard Rationalist takes.
The only weakness in the text here is that the case study format is sometimes too much. Not all of subjects here are worth being the frame. But the brisk pace of the book means that if one fails to hold your attention, the next one is pretty quick to come.
Overall, good book on an truly remarkable and mundane character in a difficult topic dealt with sincerity and hope.
My thanks to the author, Ben Machell, for writing the book, and to the publisher, Grand Central Publishing, for making the ARC available to me.
This is a biography of Anthony Cornell. Cornell was a sailor during the Second World War who got a promotion for insulting a superior's capabilities, a town councilman who rejected running for higher office on the basis that he only got along well with his political opponents, and probably a spy or otherwise consultant to the British intelligence apparatus in some manner. The story that sticks out to me of his life is his fictional character-like capability to find the human effects on the natural landscape, figuring out where towns used to be or finding historical artifacts in a sort of drive-by capacity.
This book focuses on his life's work, which was working for the Society for Psychical Research, along with several adjacent entities. The Society is focused on research into proving the existence of the paranormal. But this is a different sort of organization than some others. The Society dates back to the 1880s, and had an emphasis on field research (i.e. where scientists are most vulnerable to getting conned) even as it was becoming unfashionable, under the premise that it was important to meet the potential supernatural with a home field advantage, accepting that it might have an effect.
As such, the book is something of a stand in for the whole history of parapsychology and the scientific reception of the paranormal. The book's structure is clever in that way. It focuses on individual cases of Cornell's with a discussion of how those cases fit into the context of the sorts of cases that happen, along with how those things have 'fads' and trends to them.
Cornell seems to be the ideal sort of person to be doing this sort of thing. Born a staunch unbeliever, then having an experience that caused him to question that disbelief, he acts like a skeptic while thinking like a believer. This is someone who frequently disproves a paranormal event, to the extent of solving things himself with placebos. He was also focused on the problem of the mechanism of how the event was taking place being critical to an actual scientific understanding, instead of Line go Boo. And yet, with all of this, he remained a popular and sought out investigator.
This book is the only sensible book on the paranormal that I have encountered, to the point that my usual complaints about anti-science do not apply. You can talk Cornell's work as a waste of blood and treasure, but as the book does point out in its historical sections, the initial premises that developed into the Ghost Hunter Industrial Complex are no more obviously wrong than other theses, and the manner in which that the "perpetrators" are not con artists - or not always, at any rate - but complexly or even unconsciously motivated deeply frustrates the hard Rationalist takes.
The only weakness in the text here is that the case study format is sometimes too much. Not all of subjects here are worth being the frame. But the brisk pace of the book means that if one fails to hold your attention, the next one is pretty quick to come.
Overall, good book on an truly remarkable and mundane character in a difficult topic dealt with sincerity and hope.
My thanks to the author, Ben Machell, for writing the book, and to the publisher, Grand Central Publishing, for making the ARC available to me.
August 24, 2025
I was in a certain mood and this certainly has me turning the pages like I was watching the X-Files official documents being unfurled
A family being harassed by strange patches of water appearing
A trawlerman being mauled by a 'black dog' that those in his home cannot see.
These are a couple of the many case studies being bought to light from one of the most prolific investigators vaults.
I was interested to see how evidence was collected and cases either confirmed or pulled apart throughout time by this society.
There is still an air at the end that some cases will never have he answer but most were unravelled, sometimes disappointingly, by the investigator and his colleagues.
Before television shows that asked 'is anybody there?' there were accounts of poltergeist and unnatural hauntings or happenings. A lot of them revisited were debunked but as the years and technologies got better so did the supernatural evidence.
Is there life after death in the digital age?
This is an intriguing read that had me hooked.
A family being harassed by strange patches of water appearing
A trawlerman being mauled by a 'black dog' that those in his home cannot see.
These are a couple of the many case studies being bought to light from one of the most prolific investigators vaults.
I was interested to see how evidence was collected and cases either confirmed or pulled apart throughout time by this society.
There is still an air at the end that some cases will never have he answer but most were unravelled, sometimes disappointingly, by the investigator and his colleagues.
Before television shows that asked 'is anybody there?' there were accounts of poltergeist and unnatural hauntings or happenings. A lot of them revisited were debunked but as the years and technologies got better so did the supernatural evidence.
Is there life after death in the digital age?
This is an intriguing read that had me hooked.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 17, 2025
I’m a fan of the podcast and TV series Uncanny hosted by Danny Robins, and I saw this book recommended by him. I’m not sure if I believe in the paranormal or not, but thought this book looked interesting and the cover caught my eye.
The author has clearly spent a lot of time researching for this book and I think it shows. This book follows Tony Cornell, his involvement with the paranormal and his time with the Society for Psychical Research. I was a bit worried the book would be dry but it’s mostly interesting, I particularly liked the parts about the different cases and the possible explanations for what had happened. Having said that, I did find it a bit higgledy piggledy at times and I did skim read some parts.
If you’re interested in the paranormal or just fancy reading something a bit different, I would recommend this book.
The author has clearly spent a lot of time researching for this book and I think it shows. This book follows Tony Cornell, his involvement with the paranormal and his time with the Society for Psychical Research. I was a bit worried the book would be dry but it’s mostly interesting, I particularly liked the parts about the different cases and the possible explanations for what had happened. Having said that, I did find it a bit higgledy piggledy at times and I did skim read some parts.
If you’re interested in the paranormal or just fancy reading something a bit different, I would recommend this book.
October 26, 2025
Non conoscevo Tony Cornell ma è stato bellissimo scoprire la vita di quest'uomo che ha dedicato la sua esistenza allo studio del paranormale. Sono rimasta estasiata dall'approccio scientifico di una materia spesso non presa seriamente proprio perché sempre trattata come una baracconata. Chiunque sia veramente interessato al mondo dell'occulto, in particolare dal capire se esista o meno vita dopo la morte, secondo me dovrebbe leggerlo.
September 9, 2025
A good biography, but that wasn't quite what I was expecting. Would have liked more supernatural content.
September 1, 2025
My thanks to NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for an advance copy of this biography and study of paranormal events as seen through the live of one investigator who kept an open mind, no matter how weird or how sketchy the event seemed, many of which he could determine, but just as many remain undetermined.
My library had a whole section of book dealing with the unknown for children, and I loved every book on Loch Ness, ghosts, monster, haunted house, UFO, whatever the phenomenon I was checking that book out numerous times. And yet I have never had an encounter with anything that I thought of as paranormal. Even while working retail. My father was a psychology major with a minor in theology and philosophy, and he swore that he has an encounter with a ghost. Also my grandmother was a witch, something the entire extended family, Bronx Irish Catholic to the bone accepted. My Nan knew my father wasn't going to Vietnam, even when he got his deployment papers. She knew my Mom would have two boys, she read tea leaves, and knew things about strangers that she shouldn't have known. As I have long given up on religion, the supernatural is not something I am sure I can believe in either. And yet my Nan, and my Dad, whose story was not funny like a lot of his tales were, not frightening, just weird, and kind of menacing. I do believe in science, and I know people love to lie, but still. That is probably why I enjoyed this book so much. A man who constantly was searching, had doubts, and questions, and yet never gave up trying to get to the bottom of these events he was investigating, be it hell hounds, drowning rooms, or Enfield Ghosts. And no matter who it hurt, including himself. Chasing the Dark: A 140-Year Investigation of Paranormal Activity by Ben Machell is a profile of a paranormal investigator, as well as a look at a long standing investigative group in England, their cases, their decisions, belief and how people view the supernatural, and their own lives.
The book begins with an author probing the archives in Cambridge of a man who might not be known, but a man who was at the forefront of paranormal investigation in England for almost 50 years. Tony Cornell was a unpaid agent for the United Kingdom's Society for Psychical Research, who worked on "spontaneous cases" poltergeist activity, hauntings, even mediums and dead sharing their thoughts. Cornell was born in Cambridge, was a precocious lad, scaring Christmas Carolers with a spooky trap, sleeping in graveyards, and dealing with dyslexia that effecting his schooling. Cornell was a boxer, a war hero, and a man interested in the beyond. Cornell had a mother and grandmother who could see things, in fact his father never made a business decision without asking them both first. Cornell though wanted evidence, and worked hard to prove, or disprove what he encountered. Be it ghosts, mysterious dog scratches, poltergeists in homes, or mediums lying about their spirit contacts. Cornell kept meticulous notes, at great expense to his family, and to his own lifestyle as busting ghosts might feel good, it does not pay the bills.
A fascinating book, one that I could not put down, both because of the subject and the writing. Machell has a very good grasp of the subject, keeping things entertaining, and grounded, usually in the same sentence. What comes across is a man who wanted to know, who found things he couldn't explain, things he could explain, and well the human factor. That many of these hauntings can be ended with just a talk to people, to listen to them. To understand that a woman with four kids and no help, might throw things, and blame others. Or want attention if they are children. Machell covers this aspect quite well and makes for a better story. Yes there are some things that make no sense, neither Machell or Cornell could make sense of certain things. And that is what really makes the book wonderful. Maybe not knowing is a good thing.
A well-written book about ghosts sure, but a better book about a man, his obsession, what it cost him, and the people he helped, hindered, or listened to. I really enjoyed this book, for reasons that I didn't expect. Podcast fans will get a lot out of this, ghost hunter watchers will see a lot of familiar subjects, and people who enjoy books about complicated, interesting people will enjoy this quite a bit. This is my first by the author, I look forward to reading a lot more.
My library had a whole section of book dealing with the unknown for children, and I loved every book on Loch Ness, ghosts, monster, haunted house, UFO, whatever the phenomenon I was checking that book out numerous times. And yet I have never had an encounter with anything that I thought of as paranormal. Even while working retail. My father was a psychology major with a minor in theology and philosophy, and he swore that he has an encounter with a ghost. Also my grandmother was a witch, something the entire extended family, Bronx Irish Catholic to the bone accepted. My Nan knew my father wasn't going to Vietnam, even when he got his deployment papers. She knew my Mom would have two boys, she read tea leaves, and knew things about strangers that she shouldn't have known. As I have long given up on religion, the supernatural is not something I am sure I can believe in either. And yet my Nan, and my Dad, whose story was not funny like a lot of his tales were, not frightening, just weird, and kind of menacing. I do believe in science, and I know people love to lie, but still. That is probably why I enjoyed this book so much. A man who constantly was searching, had doubts, and questions, and yet never gave up trying to get to the bottom of these events he was investigating, be it hell hounds, drowning rooms, or Enfield Ghosts. And no matter who it hurt, including himself. Chasing the Dark: A 140-Year Investigation of Paranormal Activity by Ben Machell is a profile of a paranormal investigator, as well as a look at a long standing investigative group in England, their cases, their decisions, belief and how people view the supernatural, and their own lives.
The book begins with an author probing the archives in Cambridge of a man who might not be known, but a man who was at the forefront of paranormal investigation in England for almost 50 years. Tony Cornell was a unpaid agent for the United Kingdom's Society for Psychical Research, who worked on "spontaneous cases" poltergeist activity, hauntings, even mediums and dead sharing their thoughts. Cornell was born in Cambridge, was a precocious lad, scaring Christmas Carolers with a spooky trap, sleeping in graveyards, and dealing with dyslexia that effecting his schooling. Cornell was a boxer, a war hero, and a man interested in the beyond. Cornell had a mother and grandmother who could see things, in fact his father never made a business decision without asking them both first. Cornell though wanted evidence, and worked hard to prove, or disprove what he encountered. Be it ghosts, mysterious dog scratches, poltergeists in homes, or mediums lying about their spirit contacts. Cornell kept meticulous notes, at great expense to his family, and to his own lifestyle as busting ghosts might feel good, it does not pay the bills.
A fascinating book, one that I could not put down, both because of the subject and the writing. Machell has a very good grasp of the subject, keeping things entertaining, and grounded, usually in the same sentence. What comes across is a man who wanted to know, who found things he couldn't explain, things he could explain, and well the human factor. That many of these hauntings can be ended with just a talk to people, to listen to them. To understand that a woman with four kids and no help, might throw things, and blame others. Or want attention if they are children. Machell covers this aspect quite well and makes for a better story. Yes there are some things that make no sense, neither Machell or Cornell could make sense of certain things. And that is what really makes the book wonderful. Maybe not knowing is a good thing.
A well-written book about ghosts sure, but a better book about a man, his obsession, what it cost him, and the people he helped, hindered, or listened to. I really enjoyed this book, for reasons that I didn't expect. Podcast fans will get a lot out of this, ghost hunter watchers will see a lot of familiar subjects, and people who enjoy books about complicated, interesting people will enjoy this quite a bit. This is my first by the author, I look forward to reading a lot more.
October 5, 2025
I found Chasing the Dark absolutely fascinating — a meticulous and deeply engaging account of Tony Cornell, a man who spent much of his life quietly investigating reports of hauntings and strange phenomena. What I really appreciated is that Ben Machell doesn’t treat Cornell as either a gullible believer or a cynical debunker. Instead, he comes across as genuinely open-minded — a careful, intelligent investigator who approached the paranormal with patience and a scientific curiosity that feels rare these days.
Machell has clearly done his research. He draws on old case files, interviews, and forgotten archives, but the book never feels dry or academic. His writing is vivid and atmospheric, and some of the investigation scenes are genuinely eerie — the kind that make you pause and imagine what it must have felt like to be there. Still, Machell keeps a steady, journalistic tone; he’s interested in truth, not cheap thrills.
What surprised me most was how moving the book can be. Through Cornell’s story, Machell explores bigger questions about why we’re drawn to mysteries and why so many of us want to believe there’s more to the world than what science can explain. He writes with real empathy for the people who’ve experienced things they can’t quite understand.
I also loved how Cornell’s life is woven into a broader history of spiritualism and parapsychology — it gives the book a richness that goes far beyond ghost stories. In the end, Chasing the Dark isn’t about proving whether ghosts are real, but about the people who go looking for them, and what that search says about us.
I found it thoughtful, humane, and oddly uplifting. Even if you’re a sceptic, it’s a beautifully written exploration of curiosity, belief, and the human desire to understand the unknown.
Machell has clearly done his research. He draws on old case files, interviews, and forgotten archives, but the book never feels dry or academic. His writing is vivid and atmospheric, and some of the investigation scenes are genuinely eerie — the kind that make you pause and imagine what it must have felt like to be there. Still, Machell keeps a steady, journalistic tone; he’s interested in truth, not cheap thrills.
What surprised me most was how moving the book can be. Through Cornell’s story, Machell explores bigger questions about why we’re drawn to mysteries and why so many of us want to believe there’s more to the world than what science can explain. He writes with real empathy for the people who’ve experienced things they can’t quite understand.
I also loved how Cornell’s life is woven into a broader history of spiritualism and parapsychology — it gives the book a richness that goes far beyond ghost stories. In the end, Chasing the Dark isn’t about proving whether ghosts are real, but about the people who go looking for them, and what that search says about us.
I found it thoughtful, humane, and oddly uplifting. Even if you’re a sceptic, it’s a beautifully written exploration of curiosity, belief, and the human desire to understand the unknown.
October 29, 2025
Like all the best biographies, CHASING THE DARK is more than just an account of one man's life and work. Ben Machell has taken a lifetime of research by late twentieth century ghost hunter Tony Cornell and used it as a basis for delivering a fascinating and extremely in-depth account of, not just one man's work, but the entire milieu in which he was working.
Cornell was a real character, a family man driven by his fascination with the unknown to join the Society for Psychical Research and driven to spend the rest of his life attending so-called 'spontaneous' cases of hauntings, poltergeists and the like. Machell's skill as a journalist makes this a wide-ranging and detailed account which is never less than focused, and his prose is commendably clear throughout.
We learn about the history of the SPR and its research and the factions within it; we learn of Cornell's life and the lives of his colleagues, and of course we get account after account of real-life supernatural disturbances, all of which are delivered in a matter-of-fact way that makes them far spookier than they would have been if they were bogged down with purple prose. There are no slow spots here, no padding, just chapter after chapter of detailed description and insightful analysis. It's one of my favourite books of the year, and like all good books, I was left wanting more; Machell's excellent recommendations at the end of the book are a good place to start.
Cornell was a real character, a family man driven by his fascination with the unknown to join the Society for Psychical Research and driven to spend the rest of his life attending so-called 'spontaneous' cases of hauntings, poltergeists and the like. Machell's skill as a journalist makes this a wide-ranging and detailed account which is never less than focused, and his prose is commendably clear throughout.
We learn about the history of the SPR and its research and the factions within it; we learn of Cornell's life and the lives of his colleagues, and of course we get account after account of real-life supernatural disturbances, all of which are delivered in a matter-of-fact way that makes them far spookier than they would have been if they were bogged down with purple prose. There are no slow spots here, no padding, just chapter after chapter of detailed description and insightful analysis. It's one of my favourite books of the year, and like all good books, I was left wanting more; Machell's excellent recommendations at the end of the book are a good place to start.
September 4, 2025
Thanks to Grand Central and Net Galley for allowing me to read an advance copy of this book.
I love ghost stories. When I travel I like to find collections of local ghost stories and I have acquired a significant collection. Ghost hunting shows are a guilty pleasure. So, reading this book was an absolute treat.
Simultaneously a biography of supernatural investigator Tony Cornell and of the Society of Psychical Research in the 20th century, this book provides a balanced and interesting examination of paranormal research and thought.
I appreciated the author's ability to walk the line between skepticism and belief in his own writing, as well as giving honest glimpses of the researchers discussed and their changing points of view through time. Tony Cornell was presented as a flawed but empathetic man who was interesting, interested, and kind. I resonated with his portrayal as a person who saw the need for comfort and reassurance in times of stress as a critical aspect of his role as a researcher.
It was fun to learn more about the history of field experiments in paranormal research and to get a better context for a lot of the assumptions taken for granted as "theories" by contemporary paranormal media/researchers.
Overall, this was a well written, entertaining, and informative look at paranormal inquiry and the characters who helped develop our current understanding.
I love ghost stories. When I travel I like to find collections of local ghost stories and I have acquired a significant collection. Ghost hunting shows are a guilty pleasure. So, reading this book was an absolute treat.
Simultaneously a biography of supernatural investigator Tony Cornell and of the Society of Psychical Research in the 20th century, this book provides a balanced and interesting examination of paranormal research and thought.
I appreciated the author's ability to walk the line between skepticism and belief in his own writing, as well as giving honest glimpses of the researchers discussed and their changing points of view through time. Tony Cornell was presented as a flawed but empathetic man who was interesting, interested, and kind. I resonated with his portrayal as a person who saw the need for comfort and reassurance in times of stress as a critical aspect of his role as a researcher.
It was fun to learn more about the history of field experiments in paranormal research and to get a better context for a lot of the assumptions taken for granted as "theories" by contemporary paranormal media/researchers.
Overall, this was a well written, entertaining, and informative look at paranormal inquiry and the characters who helped develop our current understanding.
August 17, 2025
This one of those rare paranormal books that is written by someone who can actually write. The author has a real gift for storytelling, drawing you right into centuries-old ghost sightings and paranormal activity without stooping to sensationalism nor self-indulgence. What makes it especially enjoyable is the balance between atmosphere and accuracy; every tale is backed up with solid historical detail. Instead of just rehashing old legends, the book shows how each story fits into its time and place. The writing itself is smooth and engaging, a step above what you usually find in this genre. It doesn’t try too hard to convince anyone. If you’re curious about Britain’s haunted and supernatural history, this book is genuinely satisfying to read.
October 5, 2025
I found Chasing the Dark absolutely fascinating — a meticulous and deeply engaging account of Tony Cornell, a man who spent much of his life quietly investigating reports of hauntings and strange phenomena. What I really appreciated is that Ben Machell doesn’t treat Cornell as either a gullible believer or a cynical debunker. Instead, he comes across as genuinely open-minded — a careful, intelligent investigator who approached the paranormal with patience and a scientific curiosity that feels rare these days.
Machell has clearly done his research. He draws on old case files, interviews, and forgotten archives, but the book never feels dry or academic. His writing is vivid and atmospheric, and some of the investigation scenes are genuinely eerie — the kind that make you pause and imagine what it must have felt like to be there. Still, Machell keeps a steady, journalistic tone; he’s interested in truth, not cheap thrills.
What surprised me most was how moving the book can be. Through Cornell’s story, Machell explores bigger questions about why we’re drawn to mysteries and why so many of us want to believe there’s more to the world than what science can explain. He writes with real empathy for the people who’ve experienced things they can’t quite understand.
I also loved how Cornell’s life is woven into a broader history of spiritualism and parapsychology — it gives the book a richness that goes far beyond ghost stories. In the end, Chasing the Dark isn’t about proving whether ghosts are real, but about the people who go looking for them, and what that search says about us.
I found it thoughtful, humane, and oddly uplifting. Even if you’re a sceptic, it’s a beautifully written exploration of curiosity, belief, and the human desire to understand the unknown.
Machell has clearly done his research. He draws on old case files, interviews, and forgotten archives, but the book never feels dry or academic. His writing is vivid and atmospheric, and some of the investigation scenes are genuinely eerie — the kind that make you pause and imagine what it must have felt like to be there. Still, Machell keeps a steady, journalistic tone; he’s interested in truth, not cheap thrills.
What surprised me most was how moving the book can be. Through Cornell’s story, Machell explores bigger questions about why we’re drawn to mysteries and why so many of us want to believe there’s more to the world than what science can explain. He writes with real empathy for the people who’ve experienced things they can’t quite understand.
I also loved how Cornell’s life is woven into a broader history of spiritualism and parapsychology — it gives the book a richness that goes far beyond ghost stories. In the end, Chasing the Dark isn’t about proving whether ghosts are real, but about the people who go looking for them, and what that search says about us.
I found it thoughtful, humane, and oddly uplifting. Even if you’re a sceptic, it’s a beautifully written exploration of curiosity, belief, and the human desire to understand the unknown.
December 12, 2025
Despite the spooky premise, Chasing The Dark delivers an affectionate, nuanced and thoughtful explanation of the supernatural and the human experience. Even the most woo woo of ideas are premised as just being part of how humans perceive themselves and the space around them. There is a fairly sentimental tone throughout which is at times almost cloying but this is easily overcome by humour and self awareness. This would be a great gift or recommendation for the person in your life who is amongst the reported 30% of adults who would describe themselves as "a bit psychic" or anyone genuinely interested in the human experience.
November 16, 2025
Attraverso documenti, registrazioni e testimonianze, l’autore ricostruisce la vita di Tony Cornell: un’infanzia fatta di scherzi e notti trascorse nei cimiteri, una giovinezza segnata dalla carriera militare e, soprattutto, un’esistenza intera alimentata dal fascino per l’inspiegabile.
Machell intreccia episodi realmente accaduti con gli studi della parapsicologia e l’eredità dello spiritismo ottocentesco., raccontando tutto senza scivolare nel banale e mostrando il legame profondo che, fin dalla notte dei tempi, unisce l’uomo al desiderio di comprendere l’occulto.
Machell intreccia episodi realmente accaduti con gli studi della parapsicologia e l’eredità dello spiritismo ottocentesco., raccontando tutto senza scivolare nel banale e mostrando il legame profondo che, fin dalla notte dei tempi, unisce l’uomo al desiderio di comprendere l’occulto.
November 19, 2025
bello, interessante e molto intrigante!
primo libro non romanzato che leggo, tre stelle solo perché ho inevitabilmente fatto fatica durante questo mese per x motivi e il fatto che non fosse una vera e propria storia non ha aiutato, ma consiglio vivamente di recuperarlo se vi interessano storie di fantasmi, polterfeist e cose inspiegabili!!
— punto in più perché aver ascoltato l’autore parlarne mi ha incuriosita di più!
primo libro non romanzato che leggo, tre stelle solo perché ho inevitabilmente fatto fatica durante questo mese per x motivi e il fatto che non fosse una vera e propria storia non ha aiutato, ma consiglio vivamente di recuperarlo se vi interessano storie di fantasmi, polterfeist e cose inspiegabili!!
— punto in più perché aver ascoltato l’autore parlarne mi ha incuriosita di più!
October 21, 2025
As someone who loves reading stories and articles on the paranormal, this title caught my attention. While it is a little bit of a heavy read at times, it is definitely interesting and fascinating. Plus, there was a lot of good information in here that I had not read about before. Absolutely enjoyed it!
October 15, 2025
Very interesting insight into the science behind paranormal experiences, and the people that investigate them. What if haunting are not ghosts, but instead fall to a scientific explanation that hasn't been discovered yet?
October 26, 2025
Very concise account of paranormal investigation throughout the last century, including a great deal of detail around Tony Cornell and his own involvement with the Society for Psychical Research. Hugely enjoyable for anyone with an interest in Parapsychology, the paranormal, the SPR, or all 3!
November 10, 2025
Despite the title, this is really a biography of one of the members of the Society for Psychical Research, Tony Cornell, rather than about the society itself. Still, it covers a lot of ground. Would be interesting even to sceptics.
June 23, 2025
3.5 rounded up - the first 33% is EXCELLENT and then it sort of loses the thread.
Read
September 15, 2025DNF just not for me.
October 21, 2025
A decent biography, but would have expected more supernatural content given how it's been marketed.
Narrator's voice made it yawn-worthy in places.
Narrator's voice made it yawn-worthy in places.
November 18, 2025
Such an interesting read. Read this because I was feeling halloweeny and while I don’t believe in ghosts I do believe in science, and controlled studies of psychics sound fun. The book covers nearly 150 years of psychic research in the UK
November 16, 2025
Excellent Read. Very informative and non-judgmental.
October 16, 2025
3.5 stars
A scientific take on the paranormal. I enjoyed this and it was well researched. Thank you Grand Central Publishing for the complimentary copy.
A scientific take on the paranormal. I enjoyed this and it was well researched. Thank you Grand Central Publishing for the complimentary copy.
October 8, 2025
my first ever DNF just wasn't for me.
wasn't sure what I was expecting but couldn't get into it
wasn't sure what I was expecting but couldn't get into it
October 3, 2025
wasn't quite sure what to expect but thoroughly enjoyed it..
September 24, 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed delving into this world. So respectfully done. Fantastic book.
September 11, 2025
"Why do the personalities of the dead seem, on occasion, to have been channelled by living people? Of course there will always be fraud, dishonesty and delusion ... But there have also been many examples, over the years, of mediums repeatedly showing that they know things that they simply should not."
To be honest, before reading this book, I had not really heard the name Tony Cornell before. Despite my love of ghosts, perhaps he was a little before my time. Chasing the Dark provides the reader with a history of paranormal researchers, but paying particular attention to the case files of Cornell. It is a fascinating read. Dotted throughout the chapters, there are snippets of cases that Cornell was called to, to try and investigate what was happening. The sections which detailed the cases were definitely my favourite part of the book; I can understand why some would appreciate more of this. But that being said, Chasing the Dark is still a brilliantly put together work. For anyone with an interest in this subject, I would definitely recommend this.
To be honest, before reading this book, I had not really heard the name Tony Cornell before. Despite my love of ghosts, perhaps he was a little before my time. Chasing the Dark provides the reader with a history of paranormal researchers, but paying particular attention to the case files of Cornell. It is a fascinating read. Dotted throughout the chapters, there are snippets of cases that Cornell was called to, to try and investigate what was happening. The sections which detailed the cases were definitely my favourite part of the book; I can understand why some would appreciate more of this. But that being said, Chasing the Dark is still a brilliantly put together work. For anyone with an interest in this subject, I would definitely recommend this.
September 3, 2025
A fascinating deep dive into the supernatural through the investigative files of Tony Cornell, The Society For Physical Research's most dedicated paranormal investigators.
Spanning 6 decades of work, each case study is presented in a thoughtful way, not looking to outright disprove (or prove) the paranormal, just lay out the evidence and open you up to a world you might not know much about.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and if you are a fan of a ghost story or two, this is a great piece of nonfiction to sink your teeth into.
Spanning 6 decades of work, each case study is presented in a thoughtful way, not looking to outright disprove (or prove) the paranormal, just lay out the evidence and open you up to a world you might not know much about.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and if you are a fan of a ghost story or two, this is a great piece of nonfiction to sink your teeth into.
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