Haunted Santa Cruz, California

by Maryanne Porter

Though generally a peaceful coastal city, the dark stains from Santa Cruz's past still linger. A former Spanish Mission, Holy Cross Catholic Church harbors a dark history of a brutal revolt of native Ohlone Indians that killed the cruel Father Andres Quintana. Frequented by mobsters and celebrities in its heyday, the famous Brookdale Lodge's most talked-about guest is the ghost of a little girl who died nearby in 1892 after nearly drowning. Terrorized by three different serial killers during the 1970s, the city earned the nickname of "the Murder Capital of the World." Local resident Alfred Hitchcock derived inspiration for his iconic film Psycho from the haunted mid-nineteenth-century Hotel McRay. Tracing the city's eeriest incidents back to their roots, historical researcher and paranormal investigator Maryanne Porter details these and many more stories of local legend and lore.

144 pages, Paperback

Published September 26, 2016

Reviews

[Sheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

While this book could have used some editing and proofreading, I'm giving it four stars for the research and documentation of local lore. I've dined at the Brookdale Lodge, and loved reading about it's history, both spectral and physical. This is the best ghost story in the book, and I wouldn't be able to sleep there (the true test). I visit Santa Cruz a couple of times per year, and look forward to exploring some of these haunts. I did find it difficult to locate some of the sites on Google Maps, some direction would have been helpful. All in all, a fun read.

[Veronica Zaleha · Rating 2 out of 5]

I learned a lot about Santa Cruz, which is why I liked it. It could have earned more stars if it had been better written. There are some confusing inconsistencies that a good editor might be able to smooth out!

[Teri · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you, Sheryl McGovern, for lending me "Haunted Santa Cruz, California." It was interesting and it makes me want to go see the Brookdale Resort with the Brookroom. The creek flowing down the middle of it sounds wonderful!!!!! However, Santa Cruz and surrounding areas really aern't that haunted (compared to say Catalina Island). :) It was an interesting book. I especially love to read "haunted" books and buy them when I visit different places, so I did enjoy it. Thanks, Sheryl!

[Cindy · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fun look at where I grew up.

[Trisha Fawver · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great stories, well presented without being sensational.

[Rachel Feldman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Starts off strong but ends up being relatively unfulfilling.

[Christina England · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun, strange and sometimes bizarre, excellent read

I collect haunted histories from places we visit on our annual travels, and I've read a lot. From the Outer Banks to Oxford UK and back. Many are interesting, or alarming, or even prosaic. This book I rate as one of the best. It was obviously meticulously researched, and included stories that weren't related to ghostly happenings but were fascinating nonetheless. I found myself reading it aloud to my companion and texting bits to others. It was so enjoyable, and when we visit Santa Cruz tomorrow I know that it will add dimension to the experience. In addition, the writing was smooth and easy to read. I recommend this book to anyone who loves their history somewhat offkilter.