Ghost: Investigating the Other Side

by Katherine Ramsland, Jeff Ritzmann (Illustrator)

With the same personal style in which she undertook Piercing the Darkness: Undercover with Vampires in America Today, Katherine Ramsland turns her “participant journalism” toward the world of ghost hunters. She’d acquired a reputedly haunted ring from a self-described vampire, and with it she moves right into the world of digital imagery, infrared videotaping, electronic voice phenomena, overnights alone in haunted rooms, séances, and ghost hunting. She once believed you just sat around in graveyards and waited for ghosts. How wrong she was! The extraordinary investigative memoir takes readers into the action, and they learn as Ramsland learns how to record the voice and image of a ghost. No stranger to risk, she does anything and everything to contact the paranormal. At the same time, she studies those around her who believe in these phenomena.

Genres: Paranormal, Nonfiction, Ghosts, Horror, Supernatural, Ghost Stories, Autobiography

416 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2001

About the author

I've loved books since I was 3, and the library was a highlight of my childhood. I've been fortunate to be able to find great joy in what others have written and sometimes to give this to readers. I follow my own muse, because it leads me on interesting adventures. I began my writing career with "Prism of the Night: A Biography of Anne Rice." I had a bestseller with "The Vampire Companion." Since then, I've published 69 books and over 2,500 articles, reviews and short stories. I have also been an executive producer for "Murder House Flip" and "BTK: Confession of a Serial Killer." From ghosts to vampires to serial killers, I have taken on a variety of dark subjects, mostly in crime and forensics. I hold graduate degrees in forensic psychology, clinical psychology, criminal justice, creative writing and philosophy. Currently, I teach forensic psychology and criminal justice at DeSales University. My books include "I Scream Man," "How to Catch a Killer", "Confession of a Serial Killer", "The Forensic Psychology of Criminal Minds", "The Mind of a Murderer", "The Human Predator: A Historical Chronicle of Serial Murder and Forensic Investigation", "Inside the Minds of Serial Killers", "Inside the Minds of Sexual Predators", and "Inside the Minds of Mass Murderers". My background in forensic studies positioned me to assist former FBI profiler John Douglas on his book, "The Cases that Haunt Us", and to co-write a book with former FBI profiler, Gregg McCrary, "The Unknown Darkness", as well as "Spree Killers" with Mark Safarik, "The Real Life of a Forensic Scientist" with Henry C. Lee, and "A Voice for the Dead" with James Starrs. I speak internationally about forensic psychology, forensic science, and serial murder, and has appeared on numerous documentaries, as well as such programs as The Today Show, 20/20, 48 Hours, NPR, Dr. Oz, Coast to Coast, Montel Williams, Larry King Live and E! True Hollywood. Currently, I'm working on a fiction series, The Nut Cracker Investigations, which features a female forensic psychologist who manages a PI agency. "I Scream Man" is the first one.

Reviews

[Laura Ruetz · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had trouble with this book....while parts of it were entertaining, and it was an interesting read into the world of ghost hunting, it seemed like it had very little focus. The story at the core of the novel, about the ring and the entity named Christian, was what really interested me, the rest just seemed like a meandering gloss over what ghost hunting is, and it focused less on the ring and it's backstory and what to do about it than talking about orbs. As somebody with a background in writing and investigation, it would have been a logical step for the author to have attempted to validate the Wraith/Christian story but if any effort was made in that regard, it didn't make the book. I wish there had been more of a focus on the story that was the premise of the book. Overall, if you have an interest in the paranormal, this will be an interesting read but if you are expecting a lot of first hand ghost encounters, you won't find much. The author does have a good narrative voice, so it would have been really interesting to have had her go into the ring more, or to spend more time detailing her own ghost adventures better.

[Nancy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Meh...author is a good writer, but I was more interested in the story that supposedly started her quest into the spirit world and her foray into ghost hunting. I know so much about ghost hunting from other books, television shows and my own amateur tries that the information detailed here was just boring.

[Eve Evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

So first of all, I am a horror author and a paranormal investigator myself. I read this book a few years ago and failed to review yet (sorry!!!!) But O M G. I see the reviews for this book and it saddens me. I've watched horror movies since I was 8 (30 years) not much phases me anymore. I also have lived in haunted houses. I too was a skeptic until I lived in those houses and I had terrifying things occur that I could not explain. Now I seek answers in ghost hunting & writing. HOWEVER.... When i read this book, I could NOT read it at night. It freaked me out!!!! I loved it... just had to read it during the day. Probably because I had experienced similar things in haunted homes I'd resided in. But this book... it is in the top 2 of my favorite books of all time. I wish this book was getting better reviews because it deserves it. If you truly are into the paranormal and want to know what it feels like to be terrified while ghost hunting... this book, this is for you. And you've been warned... I'd read it during the day.
I give Ramsland so much praise. Not only for a great memoir, but for sharing it with the world.

[Sian Jones · Rating 1 out of 5]

The silliest book no one should ever read. So bad it was hilarious. So ridiculous and fictional, I enjoyed myself, giggling to the very end, when the potentially fatal quest for the ghost haunting a vampire's ring comes down to nothing more than a spot of imagined noises in a dark wood. A note to Ms. Ramsland: When the credible ghost hunters you consult are telling you that you're reading a bit too much into things, and you disregard their advice, you might want to brag a little less about your honed and rational intellect. This book is a how-to in self-delusion and con artistry. And for that reason, should never be read without tongue firmly placed in cheek.

[Jenn Kroll · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are a fan of the paranormal, this is a quick..interesting read for you! It is the journey of one persons looking into the life of ghost hunting. ANyone who knows me, knows it was right up my alley!

[Edie Kennard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting book! Really looks into different areas of paranormal investigation. At times it was hard to read because it was so technical in nature but overall good book.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the woman who brought us "Piercing the Darkness" comes this follow-up. After taking a ring from one of her "vampire" subjects in her last book, she inherits the "Ghosts" that inhabit its powers. This is NOT fiction (tho it reads w/every spine-tingle like one.) She is set on finding out who the owner is and how he died. It's journalistic and delves into her own learning about the "ghost" world. She learns to use needed equipment, travels to notoriously haunted locals, confers with specialist in every possible branch of relation, and takes us along with her. While assuredly giving background into her findings, research, she relates it all in a very interest-grabbing vein. I read this in 2 days. Much like "Midnight in the Garden of Eden", it is entertaining and evoking. Now, I'm off to get her first book (and anything else by her.)

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Katherine Ramsland's well written (real life) journey into paranormal investigation is something I would recommend to anyone who is a fairly new paranormal investigator or has thought of trying it. In this book she tells her experiences while researching the world of paranormal investigating. This is the only book I have read by Katherine Ramsland, but I really like the way she writes and it made me consider reading other books she has written on other topics that I have never read about. (And I am still planning on checking out more of her books.)

[H Hunt · Rating 5 out of 5]

A MUST READ!!! This truthful account of the authors experiences & what she discovered will make u think twice about what u believe, powerfully written honest narrative takes us thru this entire experience right along with her. What we thought or only suspected is REAL... for those who are or who are not interested in the paranormal will certainly receive an awakening, beautifully written this book is a page turner & u may find it disturbs ur sleep... Holly=+=

[Ruth · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was one of the first books I purchased when I began investigating the paranormal. It actually combines a couple of things I'm interested in: ghosts and a fascination with vampires... an obsession from the author's earlier investigative work that led her on the journey to explore the afterlife.

[Sabrina Rutter · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this a few years ago. I remember that she ended up with some ring and it turned out that the ring was haunted. While it was not really that scary there were moments when it did give me the creeps.
It was interesting enough but a little different than the traditional ghost story.

[Jaime · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was interesting book written by an author who wanted to know more. She got more than she bargained for and shares the experience with us. It is slow at times but overall it is an interesting read.

[Koren · Rating 2 out of 5]

If you are a fan of the ghost hunting shows on TV then you will most likely like this book. If you are a skeptic you probably wont come away from this book with a changed opinion. I didn't really care for the personal story that went with this book. 2 stars.

[Lori]

good scientific approach to finding the truth.

[Minda · Rating 4 out of 5]

My favorite book on hauntings. She investigates everything using every method she can. Very interesting.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting account of the authors adventures studying the supernatural.Would recommend it to those who like to read "true" ghost stories.

[K.N. · Rating 3 out of 5]

First, it’s important to point out this book was published in 2001 when televised ghost investigations and psychic mediums were relatively new. So, the detailed descriptions of photography and EVP methods may feel outdated. If you’re interested in ghost phenomenon in 2022, you’re likely familiar with the trappings and activities that make up an investigation.

What makes Ramsland’s story unique is the tale from her vampire investigative reporting woven through her adventures. She uses this tale to propel her journeys and increase suspense as she yearns to see a ghost. As an amateur ghost investigator and legend tripper, I enjoyed this journey but was disappointed with the ending. Ramsland’s reporting skills seem set aside as she avoids diving deeper into the “ghost” she suspects accompanied a ring from her vampire investigation. There’s no research into the description of the alleged crimes the “ghost” committed before their death, no research to confirm this person had ever existed or was simply a concoction of a controlling acquaintance from the vampire subculture. And that would have been interesting!

Ramsland’s approach includes some light psychology and science which highlights the balance required when we seek answers to things not yet supported by science. You’ll need to read the book to find out if she ever saw a ghost!

[Brandi D'Angelo · Rating 3 out of 5]

"What I think is that there is an opening, a channel, a clearance, a path into the mind and spirit of a living person. I think it's difficult to keep it uncluttered, but that's the way they use to get through."

There were some interesting lessons and stories gleamed from this book, however, I felt like I had to mine them from a lot of extraneous material. The author was bent on researching a ring given to her by a man she met thru her vampire cult research. At first it was intriguing, but then it got old when it was talked about in each chapter, where she'd find some new psychic to read the ring. I had to skip over a lot of pages to get to the good stuff.

The good stuff included several outings (many to historic places like Gettysburg and New Orleans) on which she experienced ghosts and was able to photograph them ("orbs") or record their voices. Some of it sounded hokey, but the author did her best to gain the reader's trust, as she herself doubted many of the stories and "shows" put on in certain "haunted" sites. Overall, an interesting and educational read.

[Stefanie Von Guest · Rating 3 out of 5]

There were parts of this that were absolute bollocks, like the whole ring thing, I believe that the author did infact go ghosting and learned more about the world of the paranormal but I don't believe the ring story one bit, or the "pure white owl" flying over her head.

However, I did learn about EVPs and the general setup you are supposed to use for speaking to spirits and there were some parts in the book that were funny, also the mention of ghosts being thought forms interests me greatly as I have been researching the world of Tulpas as of late.

So yes all in all it was an okay read, some parts were obviously fiction and others a little more genuine, would recommend to another paranormal fan but I don't buy into the whole story of "I did this because I was given a haunted object".

[Crystal Caldwell · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was decent, but started to drag in spots a little. Overall I learned a little more about Paranormal Investigations from different angles (I’m a new investigator myself) and about EVPs and got some new information that didn’t read like a textbook. On the other hand some of the more technical things are a little bit dry. The main story was interesting. Overall Its not a book that I would highly recommend to someone else, but it’s worth the read if curious about ghosts, the last part was heavy with ghost theories which were interesting yet it was a lot of information coming at you.

[Steve Parcell · Rating 2 out of 5]

I am still not entirely sure what to make of this book as it has left more questions answered than answered.

It contains lots of interesting bits and fascinating stories but on the whole it is rather confused and jumps around too much.

Found myself hurrying to finish it which isnt a good sign.

[NoScreenName · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a little insane.. in a good way.

I knew who Ramsland was ; she's written over 40 books, I've read her column for Psychology Today. She is forensic psychologist she also has an interest in the paranomal. Her education/training grounds her and makes her exploration of this subject more interesting and credible.
This was the first book of hers I have read and will definitely read more. I stayed up late every night because I didn't want to put it down.

She wrote another book which investigated the vampire subculture - something that never remotely interested me but now I will read it as I liked this book so much. I recommend reading that one before this book if possible. A reporter (Susan Walsh) went vanished while investigating the vampire underground so Ramsland decided to investigate what happened. With her trademark fearlessness Ramsland decided to discover what really happened to Susan. She received a 'tip' from a member of the vampire community (she nicknamed him 'Wraith' as he refused to reveal his real name) and that started a supernatural scavenger hunt.

'Wraith' shared a story about his ex lover, a man he called 'Christian' who died a violent death supposedly by his own hand. Ramsland tried to confirm the story Wraith told about Christian (and their alleged, undiscovered murders of several people) and see how it connected to Walsh's disappearance. She took Christian's ring from Wraith as a keepsake but it was also a talisman; strange things seemed to happen when she had it in her possesion for several years. Ordinarily I would dismiss this as a pschological projection perhaps. Ramsland encountered many psychically sensitive people in her quest for the truth. While I thought it unbelievable all of the people she met who claimed psychic abilities (and she did too, she maintained her skeptical mindset and wasn't gullible, something I appreciated) things got weird. She encountered many people who not only were strangers to her but did not know each other and had no way of knowing the specifics behind 'the ring. People would hold it and cry, say it was dangerous, to get rid of it. Readings she recieved indicated specific information about her, Christian, and Wraith.. and what happened in their lives. Vivid, extremely specific information was gleaned from some of these readers. Even more incredible to me was the synchronistic events that happened. Often before meeting a reader Ramsland would have them tell her of an odd dream they had. The dreams often has specifics about Christian (phsyical details) and violent acts (things Wraith told Ramsland in confidence) they had no way of knowing about.

Another part of the book I liked were the characters she encountered. A lof of them were incredibly interesting and many of them normal people who just happened to have some experiences they could not fully explain. I have had some personal experiences myself (often don't talk about them) which is what piqued my interest in this subject. I suspect a lot of people can say they have as well.

Even if this book had been entirely fiction I would still have enjoyed it. The fact that this really happened to her makes it more amazing. Her credentials help her in writing about this too; even in the end, despite the inexplicable events she offers that in paranormal investigations of every kind we should maintain some disbelief and work to debunk possible explanations. This sounds like simple logic but many over enthusiastic people getting into this field tend to want to believe all things that happen have a paranormal source. And if anyone knows the capability of the human mind to 'project' it would be someone like her with a pscychology background. I also liked her comment about people not acting like experts (so many of them out there, and all seem to contradict each other). Ramsland thinks this merely discredits the field of paranormal investigation and I whole heartedly agree. The ego of these 'experts' should be ancillary to the actual findings.

Highly recommend. She's a great writer and I will be reading more of her books!

[M.M. Hudson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was initially intrigued by this book as I have a sheer fascination with ghost and the after life. I will state that I have had my own encounters so, I tend to seek out books like this.

That being said, the author writes this book in first person and in the beginning as purely investigative after encountering a modern day vampire. Now, this may seem non-plausible except that she had done previous works about the subject of vampires. This "vampire" had given her an object, a ring, that purportedly belonged to a now ghost, named "Christian". This act sent her on a journey of what could be said, epic proportions.

The author was lead to many ghostly sites particularly in the Eastern and Southern regions of the U.S., Gettysburg was one that she mentioned periodically throughout the book. It did lead her to Arizona in the ghost town of Jerome of which this reader is familiar with.

In her investigation, she met up with many mediums, psychics, ghost hunters, and people who had encounters with various ghost. Each encounter brought her one step closer, or so it seemed, to the truth about this mysterious ring and ghostly visitors in general. She even went so far as to become a "ghost hunter" complete with all the equipment needed for such an endeavor.

Even though I was initially intrigued and completed reading the book because of it, I often felt bogged down in the reading. Much of the things the author spoke about were repetitive experiences or readings that mediums would get from the ring. I felt at times, she was truly unwilling to accept the things she experienced. In fact, at the end, although she is apparently still ghost hunting, she seems to negate her entire fact finding mission. She even ends up ridding herself of the ring in what seems like a melodramatic ending made to sound like a movie. Or did she? It was disappointing and if nothing else, lead to even more questions.

Although, the book shows photographic evidence of orbs, it does not prove or disprove anything. I am sure her experiences were real but the intertwined store of "Christian" and his lover just seems contrived at best. Was his story told as the book's dedication is made to him? I tend to doubt it, but who knows, maybe the author has more encounters up her sleeve and another book to come out eventually that truly does tell his story and not of "the others".

All in all, the author's true reason for writing this book was to investigate with hopes of finding the real. She took painstaking time to do that and it seems she is still on that quest. I wish her luck in that endeavor to see a real ghost.

3 stars as the book is ok to me.

Disclosure: I picked up this book for a free giveaway from my local library. The views here are 100% my own and may differ from yours. ~M.M. aka Naila Moon

[Will Van · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perhaps author Katherine Ramsland has a penchant for young men in their 20s. If that were all there was to it, I would say go for it. But the subject of interest of her latest work, "Ghost: A firsthand account into the world of paranormal activity," was perhaps also a self-proclaimed vampire guilty of violent murder and culminating in suicide. Or was he?

The coagulated blood binding this story together leads back to a previous expose she wrote regarding the prevalent vampire subculture in New Orleans, and the mysterious disappearance of reporter Susan Walsh in 1996. During her investigation, she meets an enigmatic and attractive young man whom she dubs "Wraith." He spins a tale of torture, murder, and mutual dependence between him and another young man called "Christian." He claims Christian eventually committed suicide to avoid repercussions for his acts, as well as to "bleed into" the spirit world, come back, and possess his former male lover. Wraith attests to seeing him in the seat next to him, in his bedroom, in his dreams. Ramsland takes the ring and begins the weird quest to contact Christian, causing her to seek out psychics, shamans, voodoo practitioners, and high-tech ghost hunters.

Ramsland holds degrees in forensic and clinical psychology, a PhD in philosophy, and claims to take the role of the open-minded skeptic. For the most part she achieves this, differentiating herself from the dismissive James Randi crowd, as well as the ghost hunter willing to believe that every mote of dust and every static electric charge is evidence of paranormal activity. Again, as with many highly entertaining paranormal books we have areas that hint of artistic license. Wraith's tale, while not impossible, smacks just a bit too much of Lestat and Armand (Ramsland has written books about Anne Rice), but could he be lying to her? Her trip takes her to some of the most reputedly haunted areas of the U.S., such as Gettysburg and the Lizzie Borden House. She delves into the extensive history of Electronic Voice Phenomenon, and conducts several very successful experiments herself. She captures both orbs and vortexes on film and video camera.

Through intelligent and engaging prose, as well as a willingness to do what some people never would regarding the supernatural, Ramsland has come up with an excellent first hand account of the subject I would highly recommend.

[Anne Marie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was interesting, long, and a thorough book about ghosts. The author is trying to find ghosts, in particular, the ghost of a man named Christian. She took a ring that supposedly belonged to him from a guy named Wraith, a gay vampire. I came to the same conclusions and beliefs as the author when it comes to ghost hunting...not that I do any hunting. EVP's can be very convincing that there is someone out there. But more often than not, you cannot understand what is said, they say they need help but what can we do, and really any questions that any ghost hunter has asked has gotten us nowhere closer to learning about the life beyond.
Another common thing that Katherine, the author, experiences are orbs. People have different definitions of what these are, but many think they are the ghosts. They appear in many pictures but it's very easy to mistake them for dust, precipitation, or something wrong with the camera or lighting.
Katherine went to several mediums and seances. Again, one medium says one thing that may ring true, others are way off the mark.
I think it was adventurous just reading about all the haunted places Katherine traveled. I especially liked to read about Gettysburg and New Hope, Pa.

[Diana Long · Rating 3 out of 5]

. Just the thought of the spirit world and what this book might contain enticed me into reading it. One time Vampire investigator, another book written by the author which she lived to tell the tale of her findings, makes her either incredibly brave or just plain sporting a death wish. In this work the author goes in search of the mystery surrounding a ring, supposing to be once owned by an evil Vampire dude who committed suicide or might have been murdered but hey I'm only along for the ride. In our travels we criss cross the United States, meet a bevy of different folk,, stay at haunted sites and the best part...acquire lessons and equipment. Katherine is a want to be ghost investigator as opposed to a ghost hunter or ghost buster. So after finishing this book, I am educated in what the job entails, was left out to dry and feeling deflated for all the excitement I so desired. I would not discredit this book and tell people not to read it, everyone views information differently, I just know now what I wouldn't do in the event I ever decide to investigate the other side.

[J · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was disappointed in this book. The author supposedly did a lot of research into ghosts and paranormal investigation yet could not even spell Edgar Cayce's name correctly. Her journey was about a vampire who may or may not have killed his gay lover whose ghost was supposedly haunting the keeper of a ring that the author possessed. This author has written a book about the vampire subculture in the US as well, which is what led her to exploring the ghost hunting business.

While some aspects were interesting, like the history of ghost hunting, the story that the author presented was non-conclusive and left you hanging at the end. It was barely believable and in fact the author herself expresses doubt on many of her experiences and "findings". I was surprised that Dean Koontz liked the book, that is one reason I gave it a try. Of course, they apparently are personal friends since she mentions him in the book.

Don't bother.

[Todd · Rating 3 out of 5]

What happens when you are investigating the Goth-Vampire scene and some mysterious dude named Wraith gives you a ring haunted by his murdered lover? Well you go on a ghost hunt of course.

This book is a lot of fun. But if you are looking for hard scientific proof of the possibility of ghosts this book won't provide that. The author, and the people she deals with are a little too credulous for that even though many of the "ghost hunters" make pretense at being scientific. I wonder if they have heard of the scientific method?

If you like ghost stories about New Orleans, Ghettysburg and long to visit haunted locales such as the Lizzy Borden Bed & Breakfast (I kid you not) then this book is for you.

Pyschics, seances, and quasi-scientific researchers armed with the latest in digital technology abound. A lot of fun.

[Kelsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

My brother bought this for me one Christmas, knowing that I love anything paranormal. This is a great, quick, and easy read for anyone who loves ghost stories or personal paranormal experiences. Throughout the novel, you get into the mind set of Katherine Ramsland, and her experiences almost become your experiences. Her details are great, and she doesn't seem to leave anything out.

What I liked most about this book was that it wasn't overly cheesy. A lot of paranormal books over emphasize people's feelings, or every other sentence ends in an exclamation point. This seemed completely real, and Ramsland seems to be very honest and sincere in her experiences and in her writing, which was a fresh breath of air.

This is a fun read and whether or not you believe in the paranormal, I'd definitely recommend this book to anyone who wants to read some ghost stories.

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have never seen a ghost or do I believe in them. I have a friend that has been seeing them since he was young. I wanted to read this book to better understand what he experiences. The author neither believes or doubts there are ghosts but she delves into the society of 'Ghost-hunters' and learns more than she thought she ever would. With all the equipment you have to buy to get evidence of 'orbs' this is a hobby I will never want to pursue, it is expensive! n In the end the author summerizes her findings based on her experiences.