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Dark Spirits: A Man Terrorized by the Supernatural
Driven to the brink of insanity by some of the darkest encounters with the supernatural you can possibly imagine, paranormal investigator Stephen Lancaster has made the afterlife his life. Dark Spirits chronicles his most terrifying investigations over the last fifteen years, highlighting how those cases have affected him and the ghost-hunting field as a whole. Explore the mysterious hotel room that drives occupants mad. Discover the abandoned plantation that made heavily armed investigators fight for their lives. Learn about the dark entity that followed Stephen home and made his life a living hell. These frightening stories and much more await you in Dark Spirits , a compilation of haunting cases no one can explain or forget.
216 pages, Paperback
First published August 8, 2016
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
November 28, 2024
Contrary to what often happens with those books you end up falling in love with - where, as with one's love for another person, the process is gradual but in retrospect appears uncannily evident from the start - I find it is often the case that a terrible book (or indeed a terrible person) tends to reveal itself early into your encounter. Such was the case with this embarrassment of a book, which had me open-minded and keen for a good experience pretty much through the introduction, but then quickly turned sour just a couple pages into the first chapter.
Anything belonging to the subject of ghosts and hauntings (much like aliens) carries a lot of risk with it, as the genre is replete with charlatans, idiots, and the plain insane. Unfortunately, the writer of Dark Spirits, Stephen Lancaster, belongs wholly within the first category. Or perhaps, he is just severely deluded. Maybe a bit of both. And on top of that, his writing skills leave so much to be desired.
I hated this book because it somehow managed to be extremely mild and mundane - doors slamming, disembodied voices, footsteps on the second floor of a supposedly empty house - and yet, impressively, it still fails to convince. I mean, if you're going to bullshit yourself and the reader, at least give us something more worthy of your dramatic description on the back cover.
"Driven to insanity by the ghosts that haunt him", my ass. All this was, was a bunch of juvenile ghost hunters wandering around haunted places with their gear like the fucking ghostbusters, getting spooked by a door closing on its own, and then regrouping for discussion. So many discussions, and yet the reader does not get to be privy to these. I fail to see how Lancaster's "P.I.T. Crew" is apparently so respected and renowned within the ghost hunting community, and that supposed politicians, governments and militaries often call in need of their services, when this book shows: 1) That his "most unforgettable" cases are as run-of-the-mill as they come; and 2) That they barely ever find any kind of explanation or solution to any of the hauntings they investigate.
You also can't help wondering why, if he's so goddamned wonderful and famous, this book only has like forty ratings, mostly facilitated by NetGalley.
Despite strapping themselves up with guns and ammunition like they're going into a warzone, they end up getting spooked by a bunch of dogs in the woods. They consistently make rookie errors of going into known dodgy places alone, and are always gobsmacked when something supposedly supernatural, which they have been searching for, does reveal itself and communicates its displeasure at them being there.
In summary, this book is not scary, it is written atrociously, it did not deepen my understanding of the supernatural and, if anything, it has made me more sympathetic towards those who scoff at the whole thing. My own personal belief is not at all shaken. That would reveal an absurdly shallow conviction in the first place. But, the more the field is inhabited by incompetent phoneys like this guy, the less seriously it will ever deserve to be taken.
To think this was published in 2016. My God ...
Anything belonging to the subject of ghosts and hauntings (much like aliens) carries a lot of risk with it, as the genre is replete with charlatans, idiots, and the plain insane. Unfortunately, the writer of Dark Spirits, Stephen Lancaster, belongs wholly within the first category. Or perhaps, he is just severely deluded. Maybe a bit of both. And on top of that, his writing skills leave so much to be desired.
I hated this book because it somehow managed to be extremely mild and mundane - doors slamming, disembodied voices, footsteps on the second floor of a supposedly empty house - and yet, impressively, it still fails to convince. I mean, if you're going to bullshit yourself and the reader, at least give us something more worthy of your dramatic description on the back cover.
"Driven to insanity by the ghosts that haunt him", my ass. All this was, was a bunch of juvenile ghost hunters wandering around haunted places with their gear like the fucking ghostbusters, getting spooked by a door closing on its own, and then regrouping for discussion. So many discussions, and yet the reader does not get to be privy to these. I fail to see how Lancaster's "P.I.T. Crew" is apparently so respected and renowned within the ghost hunting community, and that supposed politicians, governments and militaries often call in need of their services, when this book shows: 1) That his "most unforgettable" cases are as run-of-the-mill as they come; and 2) That they barely ever find any kind of explanation or solution to any of the hauntings they investigate.
You also can't help wondering why, if he's so goddamned wonderful and famous, this book only has like forty ratings, mostly facilitated by NetGalley.
Despite strapping themselves up with guns and ammunition like they're going into a warzone, they end up getting spooked by a bunch of dogs in the woods. They consistently make rookie errors of going into known dodgy places alone, and are always gobsmacked when something supposedly supernatural, which they have been searching for, does reveal itself and communicates its displeasure at them being there.
In summary, this book is not scary, it is written atrociously, it did not deepen my understanding of the supernatural and, if anything, it has made me more sympathetic towards those who scoff at the whole thing. My own personal belief is not at all shaken. That would reveal an absurdly shallow conviction in the first place. But, the more the field is inhabited by incompetent phoneys like this guy, the less seriously it will ever deserve to be taken.
To think this was published in 2016. My God ...
August 13, 2016
5 stars
Huge thanks to Stephen Lancaster, Llewellyn Worldwide, ltd and NetGalley for this copy in exchange for an honest review.
I don't get creeped out very often, guess I've been desensitised by all the books I e read before and all the movies I've picked to watch, so to find something that gave me goosebumps and freaked me out a little was a very good thing.
Not all of the book has that creepy feeling (not for me anyway) but one certain part really was. It's good to see the 'human' side of Paranormal Investigators, the side that's not all technical and to know some of how their work affects them.
I will be picking up his first book because I really want to be creeped out again!
Huge thanks to Stephen Lancaster, Llewellyn Worldwide, ltd and NetGalley for this copy in exchange for an honest review.
I don't get creeped out very often, guess I've been desensitised by all the books I e read before and all the movies I've picked to watch, so to find something that gave me goosebumps and freaked me out a little was a very good thing.
Not all of the book has that creepy feeling (not for me anyway) but one certain part really was. It's good to see the 'human' side of Paranormal Investigators, the side that's not all technical and to know some of how their work affects them.
I will be picking up his first book because I really want to be creeped out again!
August 20, 2016
This book made me sad. Not like cry cry sad or otherwise emotionally moved, but sad that this passes as publishable. Granted, it is a book by a "ghost-hunter" about his "encounters", so I was not expecting this would be a work of literature, but I expected a modicum of what I was promised: "Dark Spirits chronicles [Stephen Lancaster's] most terrifying investigations over the last fifteen years, highlighting how those cases have affected him and the ghost-hunting field as a whole". In a nutshell, yeah, Dark Spirits does this not so much.
Lancaster does mention several of his cases, but he seems unable to decide whether he wants to actually detail these cases or talk about how these cases effect him personally. When I was attracted to this book's description on NetGalley, being the sucker I am, I was intrigued by the claim he would describe what happens when a dark spirit follows you home. So, you know, maybe he would go into the repercussions of dealing with paranormal stuff or how he is tormented by some stupid demon thing who is all up in his business, but no. What we get on this front in some mention of how he is living in his friends' apartment and there were some doors opening in other rooms or something and how this is/could be/must be related to some case where he [insert some far too sketchy details of the case here] did something. Or how he saw something weird this one time and that made everyone on his crew super crazy and so they all broke up. Seriously, this is the level of detail -- I am not just being a bitch here. What we can conclude from Dark Spirits is: I was a paranormal investigator. This is a scary job. There are creepy ghosts/demons/demon animals/[insert something gross here]. They perhaps plague me or maybe it is just that I have given so much up to pursue my calling to investigate creepy ghosts/demons/demon animals/[insert something gross here] that I have become crazy. In any case, no one understands me. But they think I am interesting -- for instance, let me mention this repeatedly, my girlfriend's kids call me "Indy" like Indiana Jones because I am like that and in any case, I, Indy, have seen some stuff and it may come back to haunt me or not, but let me not give you compelling evidence of anything." Or something like that.
Lancaster needs to figure out what kind of book he is trying to write. He says this is not about convincing people that ghosts exist, but instead he is just giving his experiences. Fine. But that isn't what he does with this book. He tries to prove what he is describing is legitimate while pretending that is not needed. Ugh. Look, if we accept supernatural/paranormal things exist, tell us the story man. If we don't believe it, f* us, unless you are writing a thesis on the topic. If you aren't, like you say, then forget the non-believers and tell your truth. In other words, pick a side dude and stick with it. Which Lancaster does not. And what this leaves us with is poor ghost stories and weak argumentation for their existence. And certainly no real account of how "ghostbusting" messes up your life in any way. Bummer.
Buy, Borrow, or Burn? I am afraid to say, burn. (Maybe just bin if you need a b and are worried about being too mean, which I kind of am).
Lancaster does mention several of his cases, but he seems unable to decide whether he wants to actually detail these cases or talk about how these cases effect him personally. When I was attracted to this book's description on NetGalley, being the sucker I am, I was intrigued by the claim he would describe what happens when a dark spirit follows you home. So, you know, maybe he would go into the repercussions of dealing with paranormal stuff or how he is tormented by some stupid demon thing who is all up in his business, but no. What we get on this front in some mention of how he is living in his friends' apartment and there were some doors opening in other rooms or something and how this is/could be/must be related to some case where he [insert some far too sketchy details of the case here] did something. Or how he saw something weird this one time and that made everyone on his crew super crazy and so they all broke up. Seriously, this is the level of detail -- I am not just being a bitch here. What we can conclude from Dark Spirits is: I was a paranormal investigator. This is a scary job. There are creepy ghosts/demons/demon animals/[insert something gross here]. They perhaps plague me or maybe it is just that I have given so much up to pursue my calling to investigate creepy ghosts/demons/demon animals/[insert something gross here] that I have become crazy. In any case, no one understands me. But they think I am interesting -- for instance, let me mention this repeatedly, my girlfriend's kids call me "Indy" like Indiana Jones because I am like that and in any case, I, Indy, have seen some stuff and it may come back to haunt me or not, but let me not give you compelling evidence of anything." Or something like that.
Lancaster needs to figure out what kind of book he is trying to write. He says this is not about convincing people that ghosts exist, but instead he is just giving his experiences. Fine. But that isn't what he does with this book. He tries to prove what he is describing is legitimate while pretending that is not needed. Ugh. Look, if we accept supernatural/paranormal things exist, tell us the story man. If we don't believe it, f* us, unless you are writing a thesis on the topic. If you aren't, like you say, then forget the non-believers and tell your truth. In other words, pick a side dude and stick with it. Which Lancaster does not. And what this leaves us with is poor ghost stories and weak argumentation for their existence. And certainly no real account of how "ghostbusting" messes up your life in any way. Bummer.
Buy, Borrow, or Burn? I am afraid to say, burn. (Maybe just bin if you need a b and are worried about being too mean, which I kind of am).
June 30, 2016
I am fascinated by the paranormal. So when I saw this book available on NetGalley, I was excited.
Unfortunately, while the writer's experiences were interesting, the writing was too wordy for me. And repetitive. And wordy. It took me a long time to get through. I ultimately ended up skimming through each chapter/story, because the author took so long to get to the point! He would write one thing, and then a few sentences later say the same thing, a little bit differently. Then go on to describe something else, before finally getting to the point that there was a great big shadow creature growling at them from the rafters!
All in all, I liked the stories, once I could get to the heart of the matter and past all the rambling by the author. This author has obviously experienced some interesting things, but perhaps needs the help of a, haha, ghostwriter. Part of what makes ghost stories interesting is the art of storytelling, the set up, and then that little bit of tension, waiting to see what happens next. In this book, what happened next came so long after the set up, that it didn't feel as eerie or nerve-wracking as it should have.
I don't think I will be searching out any other works by this author in the future.
*I was given an ARC of this book by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Unfortunately, while the writer's experiences were interesting, the writing was too wordy for me. And repetitive. And wordy. It took me a long time to get through. I ultimately ended up skimming through each chapter/story, because the author took so long to get to the point! He would write one thing, and then a few sentences later say the same thing, a little bit differently. Then go on to describe something else, before finally getting to the point that there was a great big shadow creature growling at them from the rafters!
All in all, I liked the stories, once I could get to the heart of the matter and past all the rambling by the author. This author has obviously experienced some interesting things, but perhaps needs the help of a, haha, ghostwriter. Part of what makes ghost stories interesting is the art of storytelling, the set up, and then that little bit of tension, waiting to see what happens next. In this book, what happened next came so long after the set up, that it didn't feel as eerie or nerve-wracking as it should have.
I don't think I will be searching out any other works by this author in the future.
*I was given an ARC of this book by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
June 15, 2016
I sort of expected I would eye-roll at this book, but I was pleasantly surprised that it didn't induce such a reaction. I agree with the author that the ghost hunting television shows have seriously injured the reputation of any would-be paranormal investigation team, so it was nice to see that this book was written with the intention of sharing personal experiences from memory of someone who lived through it rather than everything being silly and superficial.
The author makes an interesting case for the various haunted locations and experiences in this book and I didn't feel like it was all just promotion for a larger commercial cause. The stories he recounted were interesting and exciting and kept me reading from the time I picked up the book until the very last page. I liked the layout of the book and the way Mr. Lancaster concluded it.
If you are interested in paranormal research, this is a book you will want to add to your collection.
This review is based on a complementary copy from the publisher, provided through Netgalley. All opinions are my own.
The author makes an interesting case for the various haunted locations and experiences in this book and I didn't feel like it was all just promotion for a larger commercial cause. The stories he recounted were interesting and exciting and kept me reading from the time I picked up the book until the very last page. I liked the layout of the book and the way Mr. Lancaster concluded it.
If you are interested in paranormal research, this is a book you will want to add to your collection.
This review is based on a complementary copy from the publisher, provided through Netgalley. All opinions are my own.
August 12, 2016
I really enjoyed the forward to this book. It starts out with an introduction describing what to expect from the stories in the book. This is a very thought provoking intro and I was delighted to have picked this up. The book is laid out almost like an anthology but showcases Stephen Lancaster's most interesting and sometimes horrifying work.
The cases are mostly broken up but some chapters do have stories that extend beyond but for the most part the chapter titles are about the case he was working on at the time. I love this idea. These titles easily give the reader an idea of what is to come next so they very simply add anticipation and excitement. But this is not a book to be overly excited about as it deals with the after life or things that are unseen and, quite frankly, are scary!
Sadly, the entirety of the book did not meet those expectations that are set out in the beginning. Stephen Lancaster says many times that later on he can see why this case was so important to his life but I never could put together why these cases were connected. Maybe I missed something during reading or since I'm an outsider I was unable to see something that he can. That said, many of the stories were interesting and kept me on the edge of my seat.
Where I got lost was in translation. In many areas there are certain adjectives where the person or house was described and I felt as if the author were trying to tell the reader how to feel about that particular event. Mentioning someone's eyes glazing over or how he changed his speech seems verbose when so much more could be said about the actual event. The stories are worth reading but I found myself becoming less interested in these moments.
At the end he mentions that he wrote one other book and that book was much easier to write compared to this one. I am intrigued enough to go find that and read that one. I am curious if by pushing this one he lost the story telling factor that is needed in moments, or if he could have fell back to the science instead of trying to make these stories fit together. Either way, the book is entertaining and had me asking questions and talking to other people, which is what reading is all about!
In short: Interesting but a bit long. I'm still not sure of the connection in many of the stories, however, that can be overlooked by the content.
The cases are mostly broken up but some chapters do have stories that extend beyond but for the most part the chapter titles are about the case he was working on at the time. I love this idea. These titles easily give the reader an idea of what is to come next so they very simply add anticipation and excitement. But this is not a book to be overly excited about as it deals with the after life or things that are unseen and, quite frankly, are scary!
Sadly, the entirety of the book did not meet those expectations that are set out in the beginning. Stephen Lancaster says many times that later on he can see why this case was so important to his life but I never could put together why these cases were connected. Maybe I missed something during reading or since I'm an outsider I was unable to see something that he can. That said, many of the stories were interesting and kept me on the edge of my seat.
Where I got lost was in translation. In many areas there are certain adjectives where the person or house was described and I felt as if the author were trying to tell the reader how to feel about that particular event. Mentioning someone's eyes glazing over or how he changed his speech seems verbose when so much more could be said about the actual event. The stories are worth reading but I found myself becoming less interested in these moments.
At the end he mentions that he wrote one other book and that book was much easier to write compared to this one. I am intrigued enough to go find that and read that one. I am curious if by pushing this one he lost the story telling factor that is needed in moments, or if he could have fell back to the science instead of trying to make these stories fit together. Either way, the book is entertaining and had me asking questions and talking to other people, which is what reading is all about!
In short: Interesting but a bit long. I'm still not sure of the connection in many of the stories, however, that can be overlooked by the content.
August 9, 2016
Dark Spirits Dark Spirits is the latest book from paranormal researcher and investigator Stephen Lancaster. This is a collection of some of the stories/investigations that have stuck with Lancaster the most during his career as an investigator, and he presents them with commentary of what he learned, felt, saw, and feels.
There are eleven chapters in Dark Spirits, and most of them are intertwined with "something" that may well have attached itself to Lancaster. The first story, "The Fascinating Case of Mrs. Weller", is the most hopeful of them. It concerns a prediction a woman made just before her death, the evidence of the predictions written in a letter to her son dated one week before her passing. There are corroborating accounts from multiple people confirming some of the details, including pictures with unexplained artifacts in them.
The second, third, and fourth are intertwined as they happened at the same location. A large estate with large fields that were worked by slaves, a strange wooded grove where the slave cabins were supposed to be located, and a house that some residents seem to have never left. These were the most striking stories in the book. The terror is palpable as the group tries to flee an unseen pack of...something...Something who has eyes visible in the IR camera, but not to the naked eye. This is the investigation that began to pull apart his team, and from which "something" attached itself to Lancaster
The rest of the chapters are from after the core investigation team fell apart, and some investigations have Lancaster accompanied by former members of his team. These aren't incredibly remarkable, save that there are some lingering attachments from the horrors of the investigation detailed in chapters 2-4.
There is come compelling threads presented that point to the presence of something existing after death, but as it is a book, detailed photographs, video, and audio recordings aren't available. Nevertheless, this is a book to make you wonder just what those bumps in the night are from. Or, rather, who those bumps are from.
There are eleven chapters in Dark Spirits, and most of them are intertwined with "something" that may well have attached itself to Lancaster. The first story, "The Fascinating Case of Mrs. Weller", is the most hopeful of them. It concerns a prediction a woman made just before her death, the evidence of the predictions written in a letter to her son dated one week before her passing. There are corroborating accounts from multiple people confirming some of the details, including pictures with unexplained artifacts in them.
The second, third, and fourth are intertwined as they happened at the same location. A large estate with large fields that were worked by slaves, a strange wooded grove where the slave cabins were supposed to be located, and a house that some residents seem to have never left. These were the most striking stories in the book. The terror is palpable as the group tries to flee an unseen pack of...something...Something who has eyes visible in the IR camera, but not to the naked eye. This is the investigation that began to pull apart his team, and from which "something" attached itself to Lancaster
The rest of the chapters are from after the core investigation team fell apart, and some investigations have Lancaster accompanied by former members of his team. These aren't incredibly remarkable, save that there are some lingering attachments from the horrors of the investigation detailed in chapters 2-4.
There is come compelling threads presented that point to the presence of something existing after death, but as it is a book, detailed photographs, video, and audio recordings aren't available. Nevertheless, this is a book to make you wonder just what those bumps in the night are from. Or, rather, who those bumps are from.
August 15, 2016
Book Review originally published here: http://www.iheartreading.net/reviews/...
In Dark Spirits, Stephen Lancaster talks about some of his scariest cases to date. From a haunted plantation house to a spirit that possibly followed him home, all the cases are memorable. Some are a bit over the top, and don’t seem all that believable, but I’m willing to give the author the benefit of the doubt.
I do feel that in some cases, as with the spirit possibly following the author home, there might also be an edge of paranoia to the stories. Even if something is haunting you at home, it’s a bit irrationable to immediately think it’s the same ghost you met x number of days/weeks ago somewhere else. I didn’t immediately see why it would be that ghost, and not something else.
Anyway, despite showcasing the author’s scariest adventures, I wasn’t really terrified – not even freaked out to admit. Most of the accounts were just too over the top, and the repetitive writing (serioulsy, things were repeating A LOT of times) made the book lose its tension, and it wasn’t as scary as I had hoped and anticipated.
Nevertheless, if you enjoy true haunting books, I would recommend you give this one a shot. The writing isn’t bad, and the stories are entertaining.
In Dark Spirits, Stephen Lancaster talks about some of his scariest cases to date. From a haunted plantation house to a spirit that possibly followed him home, all the cases are memorable. Some are a bit over the top, and don’t seem all that believable, but I’m willing to give the author the benefit of the doubt.
I do feel that in some cases, as with the spirit possibly following the author home, there might also be an edge of paranoia to the stories. Even if something is haunting you at home, it’s a bit irrationable to immediately think it’s the same ghost you met x number of days/weeks ago somewhere else. I didn’t immediately see why it would be that ghost, and not something else.
Anyway, despite showcasing the author’s scariest adventures, I wasn’t really terrified – not even freaked out to admit. Most of the accounts were just too over the top, and the repetitive writing (serioulsy, things were repeating A LOT of times) made the book lose its tension, and it wasn’t as scary as I had hoped and anticipated.
Nevertheless, if you enjoy true haunting books, I would recommend you give this one a shot. The writing isn’t bad, and the stories are entertaining.
June 22, 2016
This book chronicles the author's own life as a professional paranormal investigator.
Stephen does a wonderful job of placing the reader inside his head and inside the ghostly experiences. Some of the cases he describes are downright terrifying at times, while others are more benign.
The book flows nicely throughout the chapters chronicling the past three years of his life in the field.
As others have mentioned, the book isn't as scientifically based as his previous works. Stephen brings forth a very humanistic side to his retellings. As he states in the book, the paranormal world took a toll on him and it really shows throughout here.
Real Fox Mulder's are out there. I wish more people like this would be out in the mainstream more.
Dark Spirits is scary, fun, genuine and eye-opening.
I'm hoping this isn't his last entry.
August 8, 2016
Stephen Lancaster is a long-time paranormal investigator. In this book he focuses on seven of his most interesting cases and man, they are exactly what a ghost story fan wants to read. They’d be even better, though, if Lancaster wasn’t such a mediocre writer (yes, I know, who am I to talk). It’s not painful to read, but it’s sort of clunky and awkward and makes experiences that should keep me up at night a little bit bland.
July 29, 2017
I've been reading ghost tales for YEARS. And nothing has spooked me more than Stephen Lancaster's writing. If you're looking for good spooky stories, his books fill that craving admirably. And if you're a paranormal investigator yourself, or if you just believe solidly in supernatural phenomena, the Lancaster's books are a real treat. They'll either have you cowering in bed with the covers pulled up over your head, or yelling out loud, "DANG, I wish I could go ghost hunting with this guy!"
November 8, 2018
This is a book relating the ghost hunting experiences of the author, who claims to have witnessed some very bizarre happenings. It starts out relating a story he heard about second hand about a woman who had the ability to predict events, including her own death. She told her son that her husband would remarry in six months and that she would haunt her favorite room for a while, "messing with" the new wife. Apparently she was as good as her word as the new wife experienced a lot of weird phenomena in her kitchen and was never able to complete making a meal.
More stories follow, some of them very bizarre and creepy. I will admit that I looked up the author on YouTube to see if any of the footage he describes in the book was available, but all I found were trailers for movies he is soon to release.
This brought up the question; do I accept the genuineness of his stories at face value, or do I dismiss them as sensationalism preparing the way for commercial films to come? I don't have an answer for that yet, but a clip of the demonic presences found in the attic and under a table at a farmhouse he describes in one of the stories would make me want to see what else he's got enough to watch the films. Trailers with nothing but people talking about what they've seen all seems too 'Blair Witch' for me to accept validity.
All claims aside, the book is well written in a way that makes the stories sound real, so there is entertainment value to be had regardless of belief or the lack thereof. The tone of the writing is convincing and the details are related in a way that makes it all sound plausible, apart from the willingness of the team to go back into haunted places after having extreme physical reactions.
The author explains towards the end that his first book was about the mechanics of what he does, but this one is intended to be about the human experience. In this I think he succeeds. Some things could have used more explanation, like what is involved in a communication session. But overall I think I did get a feel for what he does, though I can't imagine being calm during some of the ghostly or possibly demonic activity like getting throw against the wall or down the stairs. An interesting read.
More stories follow, some of them very bizarre and creepy. I will admit that I looked up the author on YouTube to see if any of the footage he describes in the book was available, but all I found were trailers for movies he is soon to release.
This brought up the question; do I accept the genuineness of his stories at face value, or do I dismiss them as sensationalism preparing the way for commercial films to come? I don't have an answer for that yet, but a clip of the demonic presences found in the attic and under a table at a farmhouse he describes in one of the stories would make me want to see what else he's got enough to watch the films. Trailers with nothing but people talking about what they've seen all seems too 'Blair Witch' for me to accept validity.
All claims aside, the book is well written in a way that makes the stories sound real, so there is entertainment value to be had regardless of belief or the lack thereof. The tone of the writing is convincing and the details are related in a way that makes it all sound plausible, apart from the willingness of the team to go back into haunted places after having extreme physical reactions.
The author explains towards the end that his first book was about the mechanics of what he does, but this one is intended to be about the human experience. In this I think he succeeds. Some things could have used more explanation, like what is involved in a communication session. But overall I think I did get a feel for what he does, though I can't imagine being calm during some of the ghostly or possibly demonic activity like getting throw against the wall or down the stairs. An interesting read.
November 10, 2024
Don’t read while home alone
I enjoyed reading this book because it confirms some events from my life. Having been around the world and having been in the Marines I experienced some events people dismiss. However, after reading this book I know I’m not imagining it. My only advice is don’t read this alone on a stormy night and don’t imagine yourself in the situations described in the book.
I enjoyed reading this book because it confirms some events from my life. Having been around the world and having been in the Marines I experienced some events people dismiss. However, after reading this book I know I’m not imagining it. My only advice is don’t read this alone on a stormy night and don’t imagine yourself in the situations described in the book.
February 9, 2017
I thought that this book was ok but I did really expect a little bit more from it, it was an easy read but from reading the blurb I didn't really feel that it met with my expectations. I did enjoy the writing style and I know that the author has written other books so may look at getting another of his books to hopefully learn a bit more about his past encounters.
December 31, 2017
**This book was reviewed via Netgalley**
In paranormal investigator Stephen Lancaster’s second book, Dark Spirits, he covers a series of events and investigations detailing some of his more interesting moments as a paranormal investigator. Ok, I'm going to be honest. This book hit several 'frission’ points for me, things that just rubbed me wrong.
What I liked:
*The memory theory interesting perspective, which I respect, though disagree with. For me, a decedent's energy doesn't become random data. We remain intelligent energetic beings. Hauntings I view as most often imprinted energy.
*I like that he points out that high EMF readings can have man-made sources, and he gives the warning symptoms of concentrated EMF on a person. He makes the point that the person(s) need to be removed from area and the source being corrected.
*I love that he points out that not everything ‘evil’ has to be demonic… people are capable of atrocities all on their own.
*I really liked Mrs Wells story, but I found it more light-hearted than title suggests, and than most of the other stories. It was a nice counter-attack, as was the story of the ghost in Squire's Inn.
*This book directed me to the show My Ghost Story, which I’ve fallen in love with.
What I didn't like:
*I am concerned that part of the equipment of PIT included firearms. I cannot see that those are necessary for hunting ghosts. I both know, and know of, plenty of investigative teams around the world who investigate a wide variety of places and do not find the need for firearms. I feel this more than a little irresponsible. Also, I grew up in rural and semi-rural North Carolina, with summers on a former cotton plantation in Alabama. I live today in an area where mountain lions occasionally wander, and where darker things share space. Never considered firearms necessary. In the stories where firearms plagued a big part, and in many others where it seemed needed, no mention was made of the more important esper protection I would expect. You go into places where psychic attacks may happen, bring appropriate protection. Archangel Michael medallions, and invocations, or whatever resonates best with the individual involved. For me, meditation, grounding/centring, and a petition to the runai, along with shield visualisation
*Much of the writing was very straightforward, though it seemed rather melodramatic.. I found some of the writing in the stories of Eidolon Fields & The Dog House to be a bit demeaning to the ability of women to cope and/or the better-suitedness of men to handle this situation. I rather find that well-centred women do best because of greater intuition and a less confrontational disposition. This really did rub me wrong, and felt condescending.
*The Piper Room- okay, why scream at a colleague who was sleeping and began having trouble breathing, to see if they respond? Noelle’s 'attack’ sounds like apnea, or a medical condition maybe to be concerned about. The author also suffered some sort of seizure/apnea fit when falling asleep, yet no medical help was sought. If it was as bad as it was made out to be, medical attention would be the most responsible course. And for all the Jekyll and Hyde goings on at the beginning of this segment, I saw no evidence that the author “turned into a monster”. Rambling incoherently about random things does not a monster make. But it does lend credence to my observation that a medical assessment might have been the better choice.
*Another proofing would be recommended, for minor spelling errors in capitalisation, homophones, and with place name inconsistency. Squire’s Inn one point in narrative was called Vintage Inn, and another time called Scottish Inn, which was confusing.
So, those things being said, if you have an interest in all things paranormal, you’ll likely find this book of interest. The stories fascinated me. I'd love to take a grounded group to Eidolon Fields and the 'Dog House’. Of course… be wary where animals fear to tread. The fact Kai didn't want to go inside says a great deal, so I'd make sure a doggie went too!
🎻🎻🎻 Likely to enjoy if you like the more over-the-top dramatically inclined paranormal shows such as Ghost Hunters, Paranormal State, or Mountain Monsters.
In paranormal investigator Stephen Lancaster’s second book, Dark Spirits, he covers a series of events and investigations detailing some of his more interesting moments as a paranormal investigator. Ok, I'm going to be honest. This book hit several 'frission’ points for me, things that just rubbed me wrong.
What I liked:
*The memory theory interesting perspective, which I respect, though disagree with. For me, a decedent's energy doesn't become random data. We remain intelligent energetic beings. Hauntings I view as most often imprinted energy.
*I like that he points out that high EMF readings can have man-made sources, and he gives the warning symptoms of concentrated EMF on a person. He makes the point that the person(s) need to be removed from area and the source being corrected.
*I love that he points out that not everything ‘evil’ has to be demonic… people are capable of atrocities all on their own.
*I really liked Mrs Wells story, but I found it more light-hearted than title suggests, and than most of the other stories. It was a nice counter-attack, as was the story of the ghost in Squire's Inn.
*This book directed me to the show My Ghost Story, which I’ve fallen in love with.
What I didn't like:
*I am concerned that part of the equipment of PIT included firearms. I cannot see that those are necessary for hunting ghosts. I both know, and know of, plenty of investigative teams around the world who investigate a wide variety of places and do not find the need for firearms. I feel this more than a little irresponsible. Also, I grew up in rural and semi-rural North Carolina, with summers on a former cotton plantation in Alabama. I live today in an area where mountain lions occasionally wander, and where darker things share space. Never considered firearms necessary. In the stories where firearms plagued a big part, and in many others where it seemed needed, no mention was made of the more important esper protection I would expect. You go into places where psychic attacks may happen, bring appropriate protection. Archangel Michael medallions, and invocations, or whatever resonates best with the individual involved. For me, meditation, grounding/centring, and a petition to the runai, along with shield visualisation
*Much of the writing was very straightforward, though it seemed rather melodramatic.. I found some of the writing in the stories of Eidolon Fields & The Dog House to be a bit demeaning to the ability of women to cope and/or the better-suitedness of men to handle this situation. I rather find that well-centred women do best because of greater intuition and a less confrontational disposition. This really did rub me wrong, and felt condescending.
*The Piper Room- okay, why scream at a colleague who was sleeping and began having trouble breathing, to see if they respond? Noelle’s 'attack’ sounds like apnea, or a medical condition maybe to be concerned about. The author also suffered some sort of seizure/apnea fit when falling asleep, yet no medical help was sought. If it was as bad as it was made out to be, medical attention would be the most responsible course. And for all the Jekyll and Hyde goings on at the beginning of this segment, I saw no evidence that the author “turned into a monster”. Rambling incoherently about random things does not a monster make. But it does lend credence to my observation that a medical assessment might have been the better choice.
*Another proofing would be recommended, for minor spelling errors in capitalisation, homophones, and with place name inconsistency. Squire’s Inn one point in narrative was called Vintage Inn, and another time called Scottish Inn, which was confusing.
So, those things being said, if you have an interest in all things paranormal, you’ll likely find this book of interest. The stories fascinated me. I'd love to take a grounded group to Eidolon Fields and the 'Dog House’. Of course… be wary where animals fear to tread. The fact Kai didn't want to go inside says a great deal, so I'd make sure a doggie went too!
🎻🎻🎻 Likely to enjoy if you like the more over-the-top dramatically inclined paranormal shows such as Ghost Hunters, Paranormal State, or Mountain Monsters.
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