True Ghost Stories

by Hans Holzer

Dr. Hans Holzer, the foremost authority on the subject of the paranormal and author of over 100 books, has written a bone-chilling collection of case histories of real hauntings in America. Actual experiences of seemingly inexplicable phenomena investigated by Dr. Holzer himself introduce you to strange happenings and ghostly "stay behinds" in all areas of the United States. Case after case of amazing events may well change any skeptic's outlook on the hereafter.

Genres: Paranormal, Nonfiction, Ghosts, Ghost Stories, Horror

503 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1966

About the author

Hans Holzer, whose investigations into the paranormal took him to haunted houses and other sites all over the world, wrote more than 140 books on ghosts, the afterlife, witchcraft, extraterrestrial beings, and other phenomena associated with the realm he called “the other side.” Among his famous subjects was the Long Island house that inspired The Amityville Horror book and film adaptations. Holzer studied at the University of Vienna, Austria, and at Columbia University, New York, earning a master’s degree in comparative religion. He taught parapsychology at the New York Institute of Technology. Holzer died in 2009.

Reviews

[Erik Nelson · Rating 1 out of 5]

A psychic investigator tells old ghost stories. Many of his stories date back to the 60s and 70s, which surprised me since this book was published in 2001. I am not sure what investigating he has been doing for the past 40 years, but apparently nothing that was interesting enough to put in his book. He believes in what he does and asks us to believe, even though he doesn't provide much proof.

[Susan · Rating 2 out of 5]

I loved Hans Holzer's ghost hunting books when I was growing up - but from an adult perspective, his writing is pretty repetitive and gets dull after a while, especially in a long book like this one with many paranormal cases. They all follow pretty much the same pattern - strange things happen, he and a medium visit the location, the ghost(s) are always real and dealt with without much trouble, and nothing much happens that's suspenseful or surprising. Plus he has a superior, condescending attitude that quickly becomes annoying.

[Felicia · Rating 3 out of 5]

This man has so many books and really knows what he's talking about! Great opening chapters! There's lots of detail and evidence... And I mean A LOT of it (sometimes way too much detail.) I bought it hoping to read ghost stories but got more of his own personal stories dealing with the aftermath of what the hauntings have caused. The book was really long and it was so drawn out that I only made it through half the book.

[Harold Martinez · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book really opened my eyes to these ghost hauntings. Hans is the father of investigations in ghostly matters. His findings are now being investigated on the television. I enjoy the way and ease in which he explains the tales. Left me wanting more and more.

[Azra · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wasn't quite sure how to rate this book, mainly because of Dr. Holzer himself. He never actually seems to do much in these books, beyond a bit of research, take notes and tell the stories. He tends to have a bit of an attitude at times as well, especially when it comes to the 'sophisticated' work of ESP (his word.) I do realize many of these stories are from another era of ghosthunting. There were none of the tools available then that we have now. Still, I'm also not sure what to make of Dr. Holzer's sole reliance on various mediums.

Still, many of the stories are an entertaining read. There are plenty of phantom footsteps, cold spots, tripped burglar alarms and grey mists.

[E. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am fascinated by the possibility of supernatural "events" and "beings"---you know, ghosts! This book is great because it is a compilation of supposedly "true" tales. Anyway, they read like it....The writing isn't great, but there was enough here to keep me going.....

[Jaime · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an interesting and appropriately long collection of ghost stories from famed ghost hunter, Hanz Holzer. I am always drawn in by Holzer's words and doubts but entertained. I would not say that there are many truly scary stories here but much to think about.

[Chelsea · Rating 2 out of 5]

I've read a few ghost books, but this book was fairly boring. And it seemed like many of the stories were far fetched. Any one could have been responsible for the goings on in about half the stories of this book.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

More stories of haunted places..but this one goes international.

[Hava · Rating 3 out of 5]

True Ghost Stories by Hans Holzer was not my favorite ghost story collection, but it was average. He said at one point in the book that he’d written over 100 books (I checked out his Wikipedia article, and it looks like he’s written exactly 138 books thus far... Click here to continue

[Angie Lisle · Rating 1 out of 5]

Very dry. And Holzer was one of those people who automatically assumed that ghosts were responsible; he never bothered to rule out natural phenomena. I have a hard time believing him.