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Fear Dat New Orleans: A Guide to the Voodoo, Vampires, Graveyards & Ghosts of the Crescent City
Fear Dat New Orleans explores the eccentric and often macabre dark corners of America’s most unique city. In addition to detailed histories of bizarre burials, ghastly murders, and the greatest concentration of haunted places in America, Fear Dat features a “bone watcher’s guide” with useful directions of who’s buried where, from Marie Laveau to Ruthie the Duck Girl. You’ll also find where to buy the most authentic gris-gris or to get the best psychic reading.
The Huffington Post tagged Michael Murphy’s first book Eat Dat, about the city’s food culture, the #1 “essential” book to read before coming to New Orleans. New Orleans Living called it “both reverent and irreverent, he manages to bring a sense of humor to serious eating—and that’s what New Orleans is all about.” In Fear Dat, Murphy brings similar insights and irreverence to New Orleans voodoo, vampires, graveyards, and ghosts.
The Huffington Post tagged Michael Murphy’s first book Eat Dat, about the city’s food culture, the #1 “essential” book to read before coming to New Orleans. New Orleans Living called it “both reverent and irreverent, he manages to bring a sense of humor to serious eating—and that’s what New Orleans is all about.” In Fear Dat, Murphy brings similar insights and irreverence to New Orleans voodoo, vampires, graveyards, and ghosts.
208 pages, Paperback
First published September 17, 2015
25 people are currently reading
204 people want to read
About the author
Michael Murphy
7 books5 followersMichael Murphy, a book publishing professional, has been a vice president at Random House, publisher of William Morrow, and founder of the literary agency Max & Co. By day two of his first visit to New Orleans in 1983, he knew he was home. He finally moved to New Orleans in 2009, and will never leave. Murphy is the author of Eat Dat, Hear Dat, Fear Dat, and All Dat, among others.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
March 4, 2017
A great little guide to all things creepy and colourful in New Orleans. Tuck it in your bag as you wander the French Quarter and find all the hidden treasures - if you dare!
August 25, 2016
In his guide to things strange, mysterious, and spooky in New Orleans, Michael Murphy does a pretty solid job of combining a wry skepticism with endearing credulity. The book is infused with plenty of his personal opinion on matters, and those who have distinctly different perspectives on things may at times be put off by them. That said, those folks probably aren't picking up this book to begin with.
I did have a few small issues with the book that limited my enthusiasm just a bit. There are a number of typos, minor grammatical errors (several misused "whom"s, for example), misplaced commas, and other mechanical things that drive English teachers to comfort ourselves with a few pages of Strunk & White. I also wasn't terribly fond of the way the profiles of individuals interrupted the chapters -- they could as well have come at the end of chapters instead, and not broken up the flow of the rest of the text. And a few more ghost stories would have been nice.
The book's one other minor flaw is that much of the information it provides in terms of where to stay, where to eat, whom to see (note "whom" used correctly here) will be quickly outdated, limiting this book's useful shelf-life.
All of that having been said, this is an entertaining read and Murphy's narrative voice is a nice one to "listen to" for the book's 204 pages. Murphy's love of New Orleans is infectious, and his sense of morbid fun worked well for me, and probably will for other folks inclined to read a book like Fear Dat.
I did have a few small issues with the book that limited my enthusiasm just a bit. There are a number of typos, minor grammatical errors (several misused "whom"s, for example), misplaced commas, and other mechanical things that drive English teachers to comfort ourselves with a few pages of Strunk & White. I also wasn't terribly fond of the way the profiles of individuals interrupted the chapters -- they could as well have come at the end of chapters instead, and not broken up the flow of the rest of the text. And a few more ghost stories would have been nice.
The book's one other minor flaw is that much of the information it provides in terms of where to stay, where to eat, whom to see (note "whom" used correctly here) will be quickly outdated, limiting this book's useful shelf-life.
All of that having been said, this is an entertaining read and Murphy's narrative voice is a nice one to "listen to" for the book's 204 pages. Murphy's love of New Orleans is infectious, and his sense of morbid fun worked well for me, and probably will for other folks inclined to read a book like Fear Dat.
October 24, 2016
A really fun and thorough read about all things that go bump in the night in NoLa.
There was more than one instance of casual fat-phobia, which is always disappointing. I would have given it 5 stars otherwise.
There was more than one instance of casual fat-phobia, which is always disappointing. I would have given it 5 stars otherwise.
October 14, 2021
Overall, good for what it is – a compendium of everything in New Orleans that can loosely be referred to as “spooky” (ghosts, murders, vampires, burial and funeral traditions, voodoo, horror movies, witchcraft, Halloween, spiritualism, etc.). Despite claims that this book is for both tourists and locals, it seems more pitched towards visitors. It does, however, do an impressive job of covering a lot of information in a fairly slim book (208 pages) without seeming rushed. I think the author made a good choice in keeping the ghost story section brief (just five stories), since there are already a wealth of books out there covering these tales. He does have a lengthy list of "haunted” hotels, bars and restaurants. On the other hand, he does a decent job of describing our city’s funeral and burial traditions, including second lines, as well as larger than average list of cemeteries including their more famous/distinctive tombs. There’s also a fairly comprehensive list of psychics, tarot readers, and sundry prognosticators, whom the author seems to be uncertain if he wants to believe in or make fun of. The voodoo section is very brief and seems more concerned with voodoo shops than the religious aspect. The Halloween section if brief but decent, listing parades, parties and balls, zombie runs, and haunted houses. I generally like the author’s writing style, but when he actively tries to be funny it seems forced. He’d have been better off spending less time trying to think up puns and more time editing, as there are a LOT of typographical errors as well as a few factual mistakes that feel like copy/paste screwups. Also, man, is the author not a fan of the Catholic Church (past of present) or the NOPD. Solid 3 stars. Published in 2015 so still fairly up to date.
January 27, 2020
If you are planning a trip to New Orleans, this is a good guide to everything mysterious and spooky. From a guide to Who's Who in the historic cemeteries to a list of haunted houses, this not only gives you the locations and prices, but also the history behind them.
January 25, 2022
Absolutely loved reading and learning new things about the history of New Oreleans! Well worth the read.
February 19, 2023
3/5: Solid, sometimes amateur, info
Pros: Murphy's strength here is telling short, quick stories about New Orleans history in a way that makes you want to show up and hang out there. It's very touristy, but it's a travel book about spooky things, so you sorta accept that coming into it. And he adds facts particularly about cemeteries and ghosts that are legitimately cool and feel like they're coming from a quality tour guide or some random local who wants to mess around with a tourist. I've been on both sides of those convos, and either way it's fun.
Cons: There's quite a bit of repetition and padding in here. Some quotes are used a few times, others are more of the "here, let another writer take over for a minute" paragraphs-long variety. The Anne Rice forward is less of a forward and more of a brief generic email correspondence. Some recommendations seem to have some personal experience behind them, others are an I-Googled-Them variety. And the dad jokes he makes can turn from irreverent to grating and dated real quick. The voodoo and vampire sections are...fine. They're okay.
It's a mixed bag, but there's just enough here to keep it pretty fun and engaging for a quick travel read.
Pros: Murphy's strength here is telling short, quick stories about New Orleans history in a way that makes you want to show up and hang out there. It's very touristy, but it's a travel book about spooky things, so you sorta accept that coming into it. And he adds facts particularly about cemeteries and ghosts that are legitimately cool and feel like they're coming from a quality tour guide or some random local who wants to mess around with a tourist. I've been on both sides of those convos, and either way it's fun.
Cons: There's quite a bit of repetition and padding in here. Some quotes are used a few times, others are more of the "here, let another writer take over for a minute" paragraphs-long variety. The Anne Rice forward is less of a forward and more of a brief generic email correspondence. Some recommendations seem to have some personal experience behind them, others are an I-Googled-Them variety. And the dad jokes he makes can turn from irreverent to grating and dated real quick. The voodoo and vampire sections are...fine. They're okay.
It's a mixed bag, but there's just enough here to keep it pretty fun and engaging for a quick travel read.
September 7, 2016
This dude really could have benefited from one last editor. There were enough little typos that it got distracting.
However, it was a fun read. I skipped some of the flat out tour guide bits (I'm not going to remember some of the more detailed lists). I liked the overview of ghosts and haunted houses.
I think he straddled a kind of wimpy humor line. He wasn't funny enough for it to be a humorous book, but his few snarky lines come off half-hearted and half-assed. Repeating the same joke over and over is not funny or creative.
I also think he sounds a little disingenous...he poo-poos people who (claim) to not believe in voodoo, but then he jokes about whether he believes. He also doesn't give any of his own anecdotes, just implies that he's had experiences. I tend not to believe him.
However, it was a fun read. I skipped some of the flat out tour guide bits (I'm not going to remember some of the more detailed lists). I liked the overview of ghosts and haunted houses.
I think he straddled a kind of wimpy humor line. He wasn't funny enough for it to be a humorous book, but his few snarky lines come off half-hearted and half-assed. Repeating the same joke over and over is not funny or creative.
I also think he sounds a little disingenous...he poo-poos people who (claim) to not believe in voodoo, but then he jokes about whether he believes. He also doesn't give any of his own anecdotes, just implies that he's had experiences. I tend not to believe him.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 9, 2018
Would have been a 5 star if the sexism and misogynistic remarks would have been left out.
December 29, 2017
This was a pretty enjoyable book, though I did spot a few typos. I've been to New Orleans once and it reminded me that I want to go back and see things I missed on my first trip, like the graveyards. New Orleans is filled with atmosphere like no place else I've ever been. This book gives a nice feel for that.
Book description: Fear Dat New Orleans explores the eccentric and often macabre dark corners of America’s most unique city. In addition to detailed histories of bizarre burials, ghastly murders, and the greatest concentration of haunted places in America, Fear Dat features a “bone watcher’s guide” with useful directions of who’s buried where, from Marie Laveau to Ruthie the Duck Girl. You’ll also find where to buy the most authentic gris-gris or to get the best psychic reading.
The Huffington Post tagged Michael Murphy’s first book Eat Dat, about the city’s food culture, the #1 “essential” book to read before coming to New Orleans. New Orleans Living called it “both reverent and irreverent, he manages to bring a sense of humor to serious eating―and that’s what New Orleans is all about.” In Fear Dat, Murphy brings similar insights and irreverence to New Orleans voodoo, vampires, graveyards, and ghosts.
Book description: Fear Dat New Orleans explores the eccentric and often macabre dark corners of America’s most unique city. In addition to detailed histories of bizarre burials, ghastly murders, and the greatest concentration of haunted places in America, Fear Dat features a “bone watcher’s guide” with useful directions of who’s buried where, from Marie Laveau to Ruthie the Duck Girl. You’ll also find where to buy the most authentic gris-gris or to get the best psychic reading.
The Huffington Post tagged Michael Murphy’s first book Eat Dat, about the city’s food culture, the #1 “essential” book to read before coming to New Orleans. New Orleans Living called it “both reverent and irreverent, he manages to bring a sense of humor to serious eating―and that’s what New Orleans is all about.” In Fear Dat, Murphy brings similar insights and irreverence to New Orleans voodoo, vampires, graveyards, and ghosts.
April 8, 2022
All things freaky in New Orleans!
I want to visit NOLA more than anywhere else in the world. The problem will be leaving! Michael Murphys Fear Dat book contains everything in one place that I wanted to know - some history, culture, food and places to visit that meet my need for the strange and unusual, witchy and voodo (for Birmingham, England anyway!). Id love to see this updated to 2022! Im looking forward to reading Michaels other New Orleans Books Eat Dat and Hear Dat!!
I want to visit NOLA more than anywhere else in the world. The problem will be leaving! Michael Murphys Fear Dat book contains everything in one place that I wanted to know - some history, culture, food and places to visit that meet my need for the strange and unusual, witchy and voodo (for Birmingham, England anyway!). Id love to see this updated to 2022! Im looking forward to reading Michaels other New Orleans Books Eat Dat and Hear Dat!!
February 9, 2024
This book is a fun read for anyone about to visit New Orleans. My wife and I worked through this book pretty quickly and made notes of things to do and must see places. It has a lot of specific info about places related to voodoo, vampires, and ghosts so if you are into that, check it out. We will take it with us on our trip as a guide for things to do.
November 30, 2021
This a a good book, filled with a lot of information about diverse NOLA culture and life. The author states clearly this is not a comprehensive book, especially since a handful of businesses have shut down after this book was released (preCovid and continuing through the pandemic of 2020-2021ish).
March 8, 2018
Loved this. I like the fact that the author is very present in the narrative but I also don't want to strangle him, mostly. Definitely going to go back and read Eat Dat.
November 30, 2018
Quick read and tho I’ve visited a number of times I still learned a few new things about New Orleans.
March 28, 2019
me, before reading this: ....maybe I should be afraid of voodoo?
me now, tapping a shrunken skull on the head and pointing at a random person:
f e a r d a t
me now, tapping a shrunken skull on the head and pointing at a random person:
f e a r d a t
January 30, 2021
It would have been five stars if the copy editing wasn't so cringy! Other than that, this was an enjoyable and worthwhile read. Highly recommend.
September 17, 2024
(Could've used a proofreader though.)
September 23, 2024
Really good and informative book, I love New Orleans and can’t wait to go back. Anyone getting ready to visit and are interested in spooky stuff should check this book out
March 9, 2017
Funny. makes up for bad grammar.
November 2, 2021
Fear Dat is part of the ‘Dat’ series by the late writer Michael Murphy. Eat Dat and Hear Dat, two of the other books in the series, are sort of travel guides to New Orleans, but this is a rundown of the city’s supernatural lore, from ghosts to vampires to voodoo events to a LOT of supernatural stuff. If you’re interested in the New Orleans brand of spooky, this is a guide to it – the writing’s engaging and there are a lot of pictures, and you’ll definitely learn something about the Crescent City.
September 1, 2016
Fun, quirky, and creepy! All things I love about the city of New Orleans. This book gives great advice and examples as it meanders through the history and legacies of the Big Easy. A great read whether visiting the first or fiftieth time. Loved the irreverent tone of the book and am now looking forward to picking up his Eat Dat, because chasing all of those ghosts, vampires, and voodoo queens work up an appetite!
November 28, 2015
Entertaining and informative, Fear Dat is a great read for anyone even remotely interested in New Orleans. Michael Murphy's love for the city really comes out in his writing and in the fascinating details he includes. Also highly recommended: Eat Dat.
November 26, 2016
Entertaining voice but full of typos and mistakes! Author obviously did not do his homework! Became more focused on finding mistakes then enjoying book - and made me dubious of believing anything he wrote.
November 20, 2015
A good quick read, if a bit kitschy in places.
March 3, 2016
Very interesting!
December 5, 2016
2016 Reading Challenge: A book about a culture you're unfamiliar with
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews