Trail of Terror: The Black Monk of Pontefract, Cripple Creek Jail, Firehouse Phantom, and Other True Hauntings

by Richard Estep

An exciting journey through darkness that is filled with moments of pure light.--Jeffery Pritchett, host of ChurchOfMabusRadio.com

Follow the thrilling investigations of a man who has peered into more dark places than most and sought the answers to questions we fear to ask

From the watchful ghosts in the Denver Firehouse Museum to the dark spirit that terrorizes the London Underground, Trail of Terror invites you on a hair-raising adventure to haunted locations across the United States and England.

Discover the restless phantoms who inhabit the Hostel, one of Britain's most famous haunted houses. Explore the Cripple Creek Jail, where prisoners and jailers alike are held long after death. Enter the infamous Black Monk House of West Yorkshire, home of the king of poltergeists. Richard Estep gives you an in-depth look at these supernatural phenomena, presenting details so vivid you can almost feel each chilling presence that he encounters.

Genres: Nonfiction, History, Paranormal, Horror

288 pages, Paperback

First published October 8, 2018

About the author

I'm a 48-year-old child who has no plans to ever actually grow up.

I make my living as a paramedic, clinical educator, for a busy hospital system and work as a street medic in a 911 system.

In my free time, I serve as the director of the Boulder County Paranormal Research Society, and investigate claims of haunted properties, people, and objects on both sides of the Atlantic. I love to read, particularly SF/Fantasy, history and historical fiction, the paranormal, and basically anything that piques my interest. I appear on the TV shows Haunted Hospitals, Paranormal 911, Paranormal Night Shift, Haunted Case Files, and several others.

I am an avid video gamer, table-top gamer, and love to build Lego. My wife and I are the proud humans of five adopted rescue cats and one smelly but adorable dog.

Reviews

[Valerity (Val) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ghost and paranormal stories are often good for a change of pace and this book was certainly that. Written by Richard Estep, a Brit who relocated to the US who is an EMT and also does paranormal work and writes about it, this was my first delve into his writing. It was a good read about some of his favorite cases in the US and the UK, a nice mix of some of the different ones he’s been on.

Some cases I was familiar with, and some that were new to me. I have a decent liking for the topic, so it kept my interest and I liked reading about his investigations. If you also have an interest in ghosts and paranormal investigations or want to read about it, give this one a look. They investigate some really famous, creeped out places. I was given a free electronic copy by NetGalley, author Richard Estep, and publisher in return for my fair review.

Llewellyn Worldwide, Ltd 288 pages
Pub: Oct. 8th, 2018

My BookZone blog:
https://wordpress.com/post/bookblog20...

[Tasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love a good ghost story that feels real, not so much the horror shows and movies that seem to be so popular (although I did start watching The Haunting of Hill House). I also used to love watching Ghost Hunters so this book was a definite pick when I saw it. It was a lot of fun to read and I always appreciate when ghost hunters try first to debunk an event as not ghostly and also when things don't always go as thrillingly as they had hoped but there were plenty of events that seemed to truly be otherworldly. This book has all of that and if you like real (up to the reader to decide) ghost stories then I say try it! This is definitely the perfect time of year for this book!

Thank you to Netgalley and Llewellyn Publications for a copy of the ebook in exchange for a fair and honest review.

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a good ghost story who doesn't right? But I really love a good TRUE ghost story. This book features 9 true hauntings from all over he world.

This was an interesting read. I have read other Richard Estep books and have enjoyed them all. Richard is a Paranormal Investigator and travels all over the world to investigate. In this book he tells you his experiences in each of the 9 places visited in the book. He tells you about the site, the hauntings reported there, the people he investigated each place with, the equipment used, and all the experiences each person had during the investigation.

I really enjoyed Richard's take on the experiences. He does call ever bump in the night a haunting. He has a great way of telling his story and not getting to technical or boring. Great book if you like ghosts, check it out.

I received this book from the Author or Publisher via Netgalley.com to read and review.

[Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Estep takes us through various paranormal investigations he's done on both sides of the Atlantic. Absolutely fascinating and rather creepy.

[Amie's Book Reviews]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I had not heard of this story before coming upon this book on NetGalley.

It is well written and draws the reader into the story. Compelling and terrifying in equal measure.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Four very solid stars for Trail of Terror by Richard Estep.

The following are my criteria for how I rate books. Each one the book is lacking, it loses a star.
-it captivates/enthralls/literally can't put it down or can barely wait to get back to reading
-it made me laugh out loud/cry/truly FEEL
-writing style/sentence structure/story/information flowed smoothly and was well edited
-I'll talk to people about this book and/or recommend it to them
-I'll read it again.

I'll be honest, this was the first book pertaining to paranormal investigations that I have ever read. I am a skeptic when it comes to anything "paranormal", so I wasn't sure that I would be able to even finish reading the book completely. I can easily say that this book surprised me. Not only did I read the whole book, I did it in only one afternoon. The author did a great job of telling his story, keeping it interesting, and even kept a healthy dose of skepticism present in each case he recounted.

To be very fair to this book, the only reason I didn't give it five stars was because I am unlikely to read it again in the future. However, that is due to my reading preferences rather than any fault in the book itself. I read it in one sitting, definitely got a few chills now and then, and at times laughed with the humor he sprinkled into the content. I found Estep's writing style as intelligent, well researched and well formatted. The book flowed, and I didn't notice any annoying editorial "oops" that would distract a reader. As soon as I finished it, I sent the book information to a friend of mine who participates in paranormal investigations, so that covers the "would I recommend" portion. Even if this genre is not what you typically reach for, I recommend you give Estep a try. He may surprise you, just as he did me.

[Julie (JuJu) · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book caught my interest because we live in Colorado and my husband works in Cripple Creek. I love reading about the area we live in/around, especially stories centered around hauntings and the history of the old buildings. Although the book wasn’t what I expected or hoped for, I found some of the stories and information very interesting. Others might find this book to be a much better read than I did. Overall, I would rate it 3 1/2 stars.

The stories were interesting, but I would have enjoyed more background history on the different places and information on other hauntings (verified or alleged). The bulk of these stories are centered around the author’s visits and experiences while trying to verify paranormal activity. I almost felt like I was reading a t.v. script, at times (although I guess the author is a paranormal investigator, so I should have expected it). A lot of time was spent on certain places/stories and I thought the author went into too many unneeded details, while other stories were quite brief.

Thank you NetGalley, Richard Estep and Llewellyn Publications for an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

#TrailOfTerror #NetGalley #Amazon

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm fascinated with ghosts and things that go bump in the night. I know myself well enough to know that ghost hunting isn't for me, (The closest I've come is multiple visits to the Stanley Hotel, but never actually looking for ghosts.). Knowing that, I live a little vicariously through books and tv shows on the subject instead.

Richard Estep has a gift for story telling that almost makes the reader feel like they are on the investigation with him and his team, which frankly, is rare these days. Most recent books on the subject are either poorly written or dry as dust.

In this book, Estep tackles multiple locations in the U.S. and Great Britain. He doesn't skimp on details, each location gets its own chapter. I love the fact that he details his team's investigation in each spot, including the fact that a lot of the time, nothing happens. Each location was interesting, and I always love getting a bit of the history along with the ghost hunt.

I am looking forward to Richard's next book, whatever it may be.

*I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher, via NetGalley.*

[Ashley Twardy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'd like to thank Netgalley, Llewellyn Worldwide, Ltd, and Richard Estep for this ARC of Trail of Terror.

I have always loved ghost stories and watching paranormal TV shows, so I was ecstatic about getting the opportunity to read this. Trail of Terror is a very well written, first hand account of some amazing paranormal cases. Richard Estep did a great job at giving the history of the haunted places as well as his own personal experiences. I was very intrigued at what he has witnessed and I even had goosebumps on more than one occasion. I will definitely read this book again! I truly suggest this book for anyone who has a love for the paranormal (especially real life experiences)!

[Sarah Z · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

I love reading about ghosts and haunted places and this book just caught my eye. I think I may have seen a few of author's shows as well. Very interesting and a bit unsettling read. I admit I needed to sleep with the lights on for a night. I appreciated the honesty of the author as well with the realities of ghost hunting and the fact that it's not as glamorous or active as it is made out to be on tv.
What really resonated with me though, was the ending. I really really loved the ending.

I'll be checking out this author more both on tv and in the book world.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intriguing read. He's got a straightforward style, and promotes a healthy skepticism, which I appreciate. He relates the slow moments as well as the exciting ones, and is rarely declarative, since really much of the "evidence" obtained is still highly subjective. And yet, his matter-of-fact relation of his experiences in some highly haunted spots captivated me and gave me that thrill. I particularly liked the events from a townhome in Denver in which an Ovilus device gave a lengthy series of chilling "hits". It was a spooky collection without being over the top. I highly recommend for anyone looking for a light, creepy read.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was in the mood for a book of ghost stories and paranormal investigation, and I'm very glad I picked up Trail of Terror - it fit the bill perfectly! Richard Estep is a knowledgeable guide with a healthy sense of skepticism who has investigated some fascinating places. No matter how excited he was to be at a location, he and his team always looked for the logical, non-paranormal answer first. This grounded approach greatly added to my appreciation of the book and helped to make it a highly enjoyable, cozy evening's read.

I received a digital ARC from the publisher via Netgalley.

[Beth · Rating 2 out of 5]

With a title like "Trail of Terror," I was expecting some paranormal tales that were...well, terrifying. Instead, this book is mostly a blow-by-blow account of a "Ghost Hunters"-esque group sitting around in various places waiting for stuff to happen (spoiler alert: it rarely does). "One of the best-kept open secrets of our fields is this: ghost hunting is usually pretty boring," Estep says in the book's Introduction. Unfortunately, that also makes for a pretty boring book about ghost hunting.

*Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC, provided by the author and/or the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

[Patricia Bello · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok so I read this book the week of Halloween and after reading a rather dry book about ghosts in the castles of England. And this is soooo much better. I couldn’t read it at night because my imagination works overtime whenever I read books like this.

I enjoyed how the authors relates their paranormal investigations pee property. While sometime nothing truly conclusive happens, other times, unexplained things happen.

It also gives a good glimpse of how such investigators are conducted now, more scientific approach than anything.

Hope there’ll be other books on other places soon.

[Videoclimber(AKA)MTsLilSis · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very well written collection of haunted places the author had visited. My favorite chapter was the one titled "Drowning and Bleeding". The results that the author and his colleagues got at this location were amazing. A few of the stories were not filled with many results, but I appreciate that, knowing not everywhere is haunted. The stories were interesting and varied and made for a fun read!

*Thank you to Netgalley, Richard Estep, and Llewellyn Publishing, for allowing me to read an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Quinn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well described paranormal investigations at potentially haunted sites. I liked the book because the author did not jump to the conclusion of paranormal activity for every little sound. He ruled out things that others may call evidence but was also willing to say that there were things that he could still not explain.

[Jim Sturgill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating!

Another great read from my fellow paramedic and paranormal enthusiast. Come join Richard on this incredible journey - this trail of terror!

[Whisper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read

Another great read from Richard Estep 👻if you enjoy ghostly haunts then this is the book for you! Very interesting .

[Donna Hussung · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good

I really enjoyed this book. Good writing style, not a bunch of hoey. The stories are interesting and feel real. Looking forward to reading more from RE.

[Rebecca Hill · Rating 4 out of 5]

These were interesting, but there were some areas where I felt the author was making more of the event than actually was there.

Decent book overall though, with some interesting history.

[Sarah - All The Book Blog Names Are Taken · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've really enjoyed Estep's books this far. I appreciate his dismissal of evidence that isn't solid, and the thoroughness in his investigations. Full review to come.

I received a free ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

You can find my full review here: https://allthebookblognamesaretaken.b...

[Kayla · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you ever wanted a realistic insight to what goes on during a paranormal investigation, ‘Trail of Terror’ is the book for you. As someone who has gone on a ghost hunt (or five), I greatly appreciate experienced investigator Richard Estep’s candor in showing that it’s not all demons and possessions (I’m looking at you, ‘Ghost Adventures’). Sometimes during an investigation, you’re literally just sitting there wondering why you’re asking questions to an empty room. Sometimes a creak in the floorboards isn’t the boogeyman...it’s just a creak.
But in those moments when you can’t rule out a noise or a voice or even the crashing of a mirror with a simple explanation...that’s when things get interesting.
That’s ‘Trail of Terror’: it’s a bit slow, and at first you’re disappointed that not a lot is happening. But then just when you’re thinking you picked up the wrong book, something happens that pulls you right in and makes you feel excited and sometimes even terrified.

[Meg Hendry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Trail of Terror by Richard Estep was a very interesting read. As with Haunted Longmont I liked his focus on evidence and not immediately jumping to the conclusion something is paranormal. The history behind the historical buildings was interesting. All of the chapters were well written. The hauntings covered in this book were a lot more eerie than the ones in Haunted Longmont.

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book of paranormal investigations and ghosts. Tales that will make you think and are fun to read even if you don't believe. My favorite story was the one about Richard Estep's house, the author of this book. I received this book from Net Galley and Llewellyn Publishing for an honest review and no compensation otherwise.

[Melinda Anders · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author Richard Estep is a ghost hunter. This is his investigations into locations in the United States and Great Britain. There are nine chapters with each chapters being a different location. I enjoyed each location especially the last one. The investigations are believable and do not sound crazy like you see on television. I would recommend this book to anyone that has a interest in ghost hunting.

[Nessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a creepy and well documented account of some of Estep's cases, Trail of Terror is aptly named and will definitely get you in that Halloween spirit.

I haven't heard of most of the ones mentioned in the book, but each was more chilling than the last.

So much better than watching it on tv. Estep takes the reader on a journey that is as real and intriguing as it is disturbing.

Read with the lights on!!!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a copy of this creepy book to read and provide my honest opinion.

[AnnMarie · Rating 1 out of 5]

I stopped reading this book at the beginning. I thought the book would feature more paranormal stories, but the writing was very bland. It read more like a historical nonfiction book than paranormal.