True Singapore Ghost Stories : Book 1

True Singapore Ghost Stories

by Russell Lee

Book 1 of Singapore's all-time best-selling series - over 500,000 copies sold. True stories to make your toes curl, your hair stand. Singaporeans speak out on the most frightening experiences of their lives! More than 70 true stories as related by executives, professionals, workers, and students! Every one an eyewitness account.

Genres: Horror, Childrens, Anthologies, Ghost Stories

165 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1989

Reviews

[Thaddeus Ng · Rating 4 out of 5]

True Singapore Ghost Stories - the series I have been reading ever since I was a kid. I have the entire collection, from Book 1 all the way to Book 22. These stories are really great for scaring oneself, especially at night. Some of these stories were so creepy to the extent I was afraid of going somewhere alone! That was when I was young of course, now I have outgrown it, or maybe not? :) I will be writing my review of all his 22 books in particular, since each one is mostly the same.

Anyway, each book focuses on a different aspect of supernatural. From witch magic, aliens to religion teachings, you name it, they have it. Of course, there will be other stories apart from the particular topic in each book. In each book, there will be stories sent in by readers. Hence, Russell Lee does not write these stories, he only edits them. That is the unique thing about him, unlike most other horror writers. There will be a section called "Russell Lee Investigates", where through his in depth and though research, will provide readers information as accurately as possible about the topic. Next, there will be a "Russell Lee Interview", where he will interview a person to share their own personal ghostly experience. These people could be possibly Singaporean celebrities, radio DJs, actresses etc. Lastly, there is a contest where readers send in their own stories for a chance to win $500.

I myself have tried several times in the readers contest, but ultimately, it didn't get published. Perhaps lady luck wasn't shining on me. In conclusion, I have enjoyed these books and would really recommend others to get a copy if you haven't already. It's a book every Singaporean must read! Through one may pass these stories off as fake and ridiculous, it is really entertaining. It's best to read at night, to add to the thrill and suspense. This book is also very popular, having sold more than 1 million copies worldwide. (yes, not just Singapore and Malaysia, worldwide)

[Ashy Khaira · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading this book again as an adult was an entirely different experience. It was definitely not as scary as it felt when I read it as a child, but it still managed to hold my attention through sheer nostalgia. The mix of ghost stories and urban legends set in Singapore made it more interesting than most generic horror collections because of how familiar the places and cultural details felt. It was fascinating to see how many of these supposed encounters are tied to locations I know, which gave it a local charm even when the stories themselves weren’t particularly chilling. Beyond the spooks, it serves as a quiet reminder to be mindful of our surroundings, the choices we make, and how curiosity or dares can sometimes invite more trouble than expected. Despite the dated tone and a few stories that felt repetitive, it was a fun and nostalgic trip down memory lane that reminded me why this series was such a hit growing up.

[Kokoro · Rating 5 out of 5]

Con excepción de la última historia, las historias no dan mucho miedo. A pesar de ello me sorprendió las diferencias y alguna similitud entre México y Singapur (junto con Malasia) con el tema fantasmal. No solo es interesante por el tema sobrenatural, también por el cultural pues da atisbos de cómo es (¿fue?) la vida por allá.

No hay mucho más que decir, historias cortas en su mayoría, redactadas de una forma sencilla, fáciles de leer, enganchan. ¿Reales? ¿Inventadas? Ya dependería de cada uno decidir.

[Suzzane Dickman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hard not to love cheesy childhood campfire style ghost stories.

[Dani Toufaïli · Rating 4 out of 5]

"True Singapore Ghost Stories Part 1" is a spine-tingling collection of paranormal encounters that left me genuinely spooked. As an avid reader of horror, I thought I was immune to scares, but this book had me second-guessing my confidence.

The stories within its pages are masterfully crafted, drawing you into a world where the supernatural is unsettlingly real. What makes this book stand out is its unique blend of local folklore and modern-day ghost tales set in Singapore.

I have to admit, there were moments when reading this book that I had to pause, turn on an extra light, or even double-check my surroundings. The author's vivid descriptions and eerie atmospheres are enough to send shivers down your spine. Whether it's chilling encounters in old shophouses, haunted schools, or eerily quiet parks, each story delivers an unsettling dose of fear.

"True Singapore Ghost Stories Part 1" is not for the faint of heart. If you're looking for a book that will genuinely scare you and leave you with a sense of lingering unease, this collection of supernatural tales is a must-read. It's a testament to the enduring power of ghost stories to haunt our imaginations long after we've turned the last page.

[Moris · Rating 4 out of 5]

The stories were entertaining enough in spite of being presented in small packaging, and I think that's actually the charm. Some were very creepy, some hilarious, and many too anodyne for my taste (but affected me as very real and personal because they are narrated in a language that would remind one of a close friend's anxious testimony of a real paranormal event). A few obscure, if not uniquely British words encountered such as "rumbustious" reminded me of Singapore's colonial tapestry.

[Zee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely less scary than when I first read it as a child but it brings back nostalgic memories nonetheless and I absolutely love some of the side comments made by the collector of these stories lol. I don’t know if I can get the rest of the books in the series given even the NLB don’t have them available for borrowing but let’s hope I can cos it’s definitely whet my appetite for campfire type ghost stories. Great compilation.

[Shiying · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is nice

[Jovie Chan]

It's quite nice and it is very thrilling too.

[Lucas Chiew · Rating 5 out of 5]

nostalgic!

[Tawfeeq · Rating 1 out of 5]

How to read

[Francia Wee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reliving the memories of my childhood.
Still an entertaining read.

[Yukai Lim · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really love this collection of ghost stories set here in Singapore. Most of these stories , I have heard growing up

[Nuraqilah Powzy · Rating 4 out of 5]

My comfort read.

[HUNTER NG · Rating 5 out of 5]

Scary to the last page.

[Joseph Ng · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yea

[Khym Fong · Rating 5 out of 5]

I reread these books …. The quality nosedived towards the end tho

[Kayshaa S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Classic.

[Yi Jie · Rating 4 out of 5]

True Singapore Ghost Stories is a book suitable for all ages, from primary school students to adults, I'm sure that those who are interested in supernatural stuff or those curious about the truth behind some of singapore's famous ghost stories will be attracted to the True Singapore Ghost Stories Series. In many parts the book, the author(Russell Lee) added his comments which tells how much does his believe in some of those stories. I have read some of the books from the series quite a few times and haven't got of bored it. Personally, I believe that all of this supernatural stuff is what made his books so interesting.

[Starfish · Rating 2 out of 5]

The editor constantly needing to reassure us that 'none of this is real' and 'He hopes we don't believe in ghosts' gets old fast -- and detracts from the stories. The stories themselves are really interesting. Quite a lot of them involve spooky feelings, noises, nothing ever seen or proven -- but obviously they left an impact. What impressed me was how the storytellers have a built-in framework to explain the ghosts that is more sophisticated than I think a Western framework would be in the same circumstances. The differences there are the most interesting part of the book.

[Gladys Lim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic! it was a jolly good old ghosts back then
I was still in my primary school. it was a pity I didn't finish the series. if you guys who enjoy ghost stories hen u shall try this! Trust me, especially for those who had been to Singapore. ....

[Akhmal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 4/5 stars

I actually enjoyed it. I particular like how the stories were put together - a long story after a few short ones, the language - suitable for people of all ages, and I really like how it's not ALL scary horrifying stories. There are some funny ones. A fun and easy read.

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm a sucker for paranormal and supernatural stuff. This compilation of ghost stories and ghostly encounters of Singaporeans is just something I can't help but enjoy.

[Georgina · Rating 4 out of 5]

So they said...First impression counts! You got me Russell!!! I'm hooked to this series...

[J · Rating 5 out of 5]

a classic. recurring themes include: dead grannies, basketball courts & celebrating the end of exams.

so poorly written that it is unintentionally hilarious.

[Cyz]

i think this book is good but it a little scary :3

[Kuga Selvam · Rating 4 out of 5]

It did scare me unlike the other latest books which failed to give me the goosebumps.

[Nur Humairah]

how to read

[Christine]

I want to read

[Ying Ying · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very scary book. Couldn't sleep at night after reading it.