Haunted Roanoke

Haunted America

by L.B. Taylor Jr.

The author of The Big Book of Virginia Ghost Stories focuses on the “Scare City”: “If you believe in ghosts, this is the book for you” (The Roanoke Times).   Roanoke, in the heart of southwestern Virginia, is one of the most haunted cities in the commonwealth. The Star City is brimming with eerie and unexplainable stories, such as the legendary “Woman in Black,” who appeared several times in 1902, but only to married men on their way home at night. There are also macabre stories in many of Roanoke’s famous landmarks, such as the majestic Grandin Theatre, where a homeless family is said to have lived—and the cries of their deceased children can still be heard. Travel beyond the realm of reality with author L.B. Taylor Jr. as he traces the history of Roanoke’s most unique and chilling tales.   Includes photos!   “I like the ghost story books of L.B. Taylor, Jr., a Virginia author, because he blends history and true ghost stories so wonderfully. He doesn’t make judgments about each ghost story, but presents the facts and lets you decide for yourself. . . . So if you’re in a ghostly mood this October—or if you’re just a history lover—Taylor’s books are well worth your time.” —Eagle-Eyed Editor

Genres: Nonfiction

131 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 4, 2013

About the author

Williamsburg resident L.B. Taylor, Jr., is credited with 50 non-fiction books, including 25 enormously popular collections of Virginia ghost stories.

He earned his journalism degree from Florida State University, served in the U.S. Army, and later covered spaceflight missions for NASA. As a freelance writer, he wrote more than 300 articles throughout his career and his retirement.

While his popular non-fiction books cover diverse subjects, from pirate treasure to electronic surveillance, his ghost story collections set him firmly in Virginia libraries, schools, and homes.

Reviews

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Currently living near Roanoke, this book piqued my curiosity. It contains a collection of short stories that provide some history and folktales of paranormal activity in Roanoke and its surrounding towns. The short stories didn't include much detail and weren't all ghost stories, but I still thought it was interesting because I was familiar with a few of the locations mentioned.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a nice little read about Haunted Places near where I live in Virginia. Loved the History provided about some of the places as well since I am a history nerd.

[Laura Knight · Rating 3 out of 5]

Those who are familiar with the Roanoke area will probably appreciate this more. It intrigued me since I grew up in the area.

[Sara · Rating 2 out of 5]

Interesting historical accounts. Pleasure overshadowed by less than ideal treatment of race-related occurrences, such as uncritical discussion of events leading up to lynchings and overly nostalgic waxing about confederate soldiers. I learned a lot of interest, so I was disappointed to be so turned off by some of the accounts which could have been written in a far more sensitive and enlightened manner.

[Carol Palmer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short Ghost Stories of Roanoke

I love to read “true” ghost stories of places. These are short and are read quickly, although some weren’t ghost stories.

[Hannah Triplett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very informative and descriptive. Loved reading about Roanokes haunted tales and lore.

[Lisa Leonard · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars. Fun read for a local.

[Hope Hamilton]

Just some fun for the car ride home

[Scott von Berg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Entertaining bits of ghostly folklore local to the Roanoke region of virginia. Quick little bites of stories here and there make forcan easy read, or listen.

[Sharon Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Wonderful Haunting Book

This book not only is a hauntingly interesting book to read. It tells some fantastic history of the region as well. It is also funny in places. I thoroughly enjoyed it. I recommend it to anyone who like me loves to read about paranormal activity in different areas.

[Heather Brush · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not nearly as good as I'd expected. I've read other Taylor collections and this one feels rushed and sparse. I know of quite a few other Roanoke ghost stories that could have been shared and also feel the stories included lack depth and detail. While it was interesting to see a few iconic places highlighted, this collection was a disappointment.

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was very cool to read all of these stories. Growing up I was told that ghost stories were all made up and yes they might be and maybe they aren't but there are still very fun to read about!

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I knew of so many of these places and even went on a ghost hunt at Avenel.

[Robin Kidd]

interesting...

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was very interesting as I know many of these places. It was however, written more like a textbook and could have been easier to read.