A Curious Presence: An Exploration of Ghosts and the People Who Haunt Them

by Margo MacDonald, Amal El-Mohtar (Foreword)

Hauntings happen. But why? Are they caused by ghosts, or something else? What is a ghost, anyway? After centuries of ghost-hunting by experts and amateurs alike, are we any closer to knowing?

Like many, Margo MacDonald once believed that all hauntings were the work of restless spirits, but after two decades spent engaging with firsthand accounts of paranormal encounters — and having a few of her own — she has more questions than answers.

MacDonald Why are we haunted by tragedy but not by joy? If a ghost lives in a house but no one experiences it, does it make a haunting? And what does our desire to believe in ghosts say about us?

With insight and humor, A Curious Presence explores the theories that have shaped MacDonald’s understanding of hauntings and the paranormal. Told through conversations with skeptics, sensitives, parapsychologists, investigators, and haunted-house dwellers — interwoven with vivid accounts of real experiences and visits to famously haunted locations — MacDonald proposes an unsettling Perhaps it isn’t the places that are haunted, but the people who move through them. Perhaps we have more in common with ghosts than we think.

Genres: Nonfiction

282 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 10, 2026

Reviews

[Lydia Schoch · Rating 4 out of 5]

The science of haunted places is as interesting as it is hazy.

I especially enjoyed the Canadian twist to this book as I’ve visited many of the sites mentioned here and even been on a few of the ghost tours the author talked about. This is a good pick for readers who want to learn more about some of the many historic places in Canada, albeit from a slightly different perspective than can be found in the average history book. In my opinion, there’s something to be said for exploring history from many points of view, including folklore and other topics that aren’t generally considered to be serious, in order to get a more well-rounded understanding of what a particular time and place were like.

There were times when I found the ghost hunts to be a little repetitive, and this is something I’m saying as a reader who normally loves this kind of storytelling. The author repeatedly switched between describing various ghost hunts they had been on and asking deeper questions about what is truly happening in these scenarios. I preferred the latter and would have liked to see even more time spent debunking hauntings that probably don’t have anything paranormal causing them as well as exploring the portion of them that deserve to be researched even more closely.

With that being said, I was intrigued by the theories the author came up with to describe what could make a place feel haunted without any actual ghosts being involved. They had some interesting ideas about other phenomena that might be responsible for all of the sensory experiences that don’t seem to have good scientific explanations for them yet. While I can’t go into detail about them in this review without sharing spoilers, they were explained well and included the author’s thoughts about what percentage of all hauntings may fit into this category.

A Curious Presence - an Exploration of Ghosts and People Who Haunt Them was a mesmerizing Halloween read.

[LittleRead · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really good read. Whether you believe in spirits or not, if you’re reading this, it means this book is for you!

The author takes a full encompassing approach and this gives so many perspectives that you’ll find your voice in there as well. I truly enjoyed. It and recommend it to anyone interested in the topic. Because maybe IT REALLY IS ALL ABOUT YOU!

[Crystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you have any interest in ghosts, hauntings, or the unexplained, this is a fascinating one to pick up!

A Curious Presence explores why hauntings happen, what we actually mean when we talk about ghosts, and why humans are so drawn to the idea of the paranormal. Through real experiences, different perspectives, and the author’s own curiosity, it takes a closer look at what might be behind the things we can’t explain.

One highlight for me was how much this book explores the subject from different angles. I was drawn to the firsthand stories and accounts from people who believed they had encountered something they couldn’t explain. I myself have had experiences I can't explain.

I also appreciated the way it was written, the writing style and that the book doesn’t try to force you into one particular viewpoint. Whether you’re a believer, a skeptic, or somewhere in between, there’s something here to make you curious and think a little differently about the paranormal.

Thank you so much, ECW Press & Margo MacDonald, for the #gifted earc. All opinions are my own.

[Nocturne Pages · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Curious Presence by Margo MacDonald is a Nonfiction novel about supernatural entities; in other words, a true story about ghosts written by a Paranormal Investigator. Releasing today, October 6th, 2026. Thank you Netgalley and ECW Press for the opportunity to read and review this book with early access. Everyone who knows me knows I love all things ghosts. That being said, being able to read through the eyes of someone who has seen them up close and person was riveting. (And I'll admit, sometimes more than a little spooky) Something that overwhelmed me however, is that it was less “ghost encounter” and more “possible ghost encounter”. I also didn't understand why some points inserted in this novel were there, but overall a good read. 3 ⭐ 

[melissareadshorror · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks to ECW Press for the digital and physical ARC copy of A Curious Presence in exchange for an honest review.

Rating: 3 / 5

I was initially intrigued by the idea of reading about ghost stories and found it more factual than scary. I understand that it's non-fiction but was hoping it would read more dark and mysterious. If you’re looking for a book that is more about the documentation of paranormal experiences rather than leaning into the scariest ones this may be for you.

[Leigh Martella · Rating 3.25 out of 5]

Many of the interviews in this book were interesting. Many of the "curious cases" could have been skipped. I could not stand the repeated use of "ghost bait" or "dear listener." I listened to this, so I couldn't escape both, unfortunately. Listening to a transcript of an Estes session is also a special kind of hell. Those could have been treated better.

[Bookish Emili Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Curious Presence: An Exploration of Ghosts and the People Who Haunt Them by Margo MacDonald is a fascinating and thoughtful look at ghost stories, hauntings, and the human experiences behind them. Rather than focusing solely on the supernatural, the book explores why people are drawn to tales of ghosts and how these experiences shape personal beliefs, memories, and connections to the past.

One of the book's greatest strengths is its balanced and respectful approach. MacDonald examines accounts of hauntings with curiosity and empathy, allowing readers to consider multiple perspectives without pushing a particular conclusion. Whether you approach the subject as a believer, a skeptic, or somewhere in between, there is plenty here to think about.

The writing is engaging and accessible, blending historical context, personal stories, and cultural observations into a narrative that remains interesting throughout. I especially appreciated how the author highlights the emotional and psychological aspects of ghost experiences, making the book about more than just unexplained phenomena.

The reason for four stars rather than five is that some sections felt repetitive, and there were moments where I wanted a deeper exploration of certain topics and case studies. While the breadth of material is impressive, a few areas could have benefited from additional detail.

[MKAC · Rating 4 out of 5]

Perfect spooky time read. Though a departure from my norm, as it is non-fiction. Margo interviews folks about the paranormal experiences they have had, as well as conducting experiments in places known to be haunted.

Many of us have had experiences that we can’t explain and it is interesting to learn about other experiences and how they might help us make sense of these things that don’t fit our everyday understanding.

Besides the spooky stuff, there were some historical tidbits along the way. A little history lesson amidst the paranormal is always welcome.

I’m not sure what I expected as I started this book, it wasn’t to have all the mysteries explained, but maybe I didn’t expect the expansion of thought and the additional questions raised. I love hearing different views and ideas that I’ve never contemplated. My curiosity continues, in the best way.

I good portion of these stories take place in Canada, though there is international content, as well. As always it’s fun when it’s close to home with places you recognize.

[Samantha · Rating 3 out of 5]

A paranormal investigator and skeptic recounts some hauntings she and others have experienced.

This does have a broader thesis that mostly relates to the idea that the living create ghosts rather than the ghosts simply existing, but it’s a bit wishy-washy and strikes me as an odd stance to take without more substantive evidence for a skeptic who seems to prioritize science over belief.

Macdonald is a good storyteller and her conversational tone is mostly a fit for the material. She’s enjoyable to spend time with and, I imagine, a lovely companion for a ghost hunt.

The material does get a bit repetitive (especially the first person accounts from interviewees). I tend to prefer spiritualist nonfiction that is either spookier and more atmospheric or more academic, but this book is a pleasant read with a likable author that will likely resonate with those who simply enjoy accounts of paranormal experiences.

*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.*

[Thebruce1314 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the pleasure of doing an Alone in the Dark investigation with Margo at the Elgin & Wintergarden theatres last summer. She was such an amazing storyteller and calm presence during the tour and investigation, and I was so excited to learn that her book was being released this fall that I immediately booked a ghost tour in Kingston (that I’d already done twice before) which came with a copy of the book.
This might be the best book on the subject that I’ve read so far - and I’ve read a lot! It’s the perfect combination of stories and musings and various locations (many of which I’ve been to, which might make a difference). Highly recommend!

And Margo, if you need more ghost bait, I’ll rearrange my schedule… 😉

[Janalyn, the blind reviewer · Rating 3.25 out of 5]

A Curious Presents by Margot McDonald, this book is written by a Canadian ghost hunter who is well-versed in the paranormal has affection for it but also is fair in determining its authenticity. I really like the chapters on the homes of Prime Minister King and his puppies pee 12 and three, I also liked the chapters on the ghost inhabiting the Stanley hotel but what I didn’t like were the interviews they just weren’t exciting to me the people she interviewed weren’t really experts in anything and I didn’t think it brought anything exciting to the book but that’s just my opinion I still overall really loved the majority of it #NetGalley, #TheBlindReviewer, #MyHonestReview,

[Samantha · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

I first came across Margo doing the Alone in the Dark experience at Elgin Winter Garden a few years back and thought she was the coolest and was thrilled to see she put a book out.

A Curious Presence is an interesting discussion on different haunted sights, brief history on them as well as the science around hauntings / what we perceive.

The audiobook is narrated by Margo herself who has a calming voice and a way with telling stories that keeps you hooked.

I did however find myself wishing I got to hear some of the recordings she had mentioned in the book.

Overall this was the perfect Halloween week read

[Lyn Rianan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to the audio version of this book (Margo is a fab narrator!) and I loved the ghosts are subjective angle. Ghosts and the paranormal can so often be shoved into one confining category; however, Margo explores the many various angles of what could be. The stories, experiences, and interviews make for a very engaging read that I found very hard to put down (or pause in my case). Highly recommend for anyone who has interest in the paranormal in any capacity.

[Courtney Pityer · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are someone who is into ghosts or even super natural elements in general then this would be the book for you! I for one was very intrigued by the various stories of people in the past who had experienced or even witnessed being in the presence of a ghost. I have to say it was quite the experience getting to recount some things that had happened long ago in the past.