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Coast To Coast Ghosts: True Stories of Hauntings Across America
Ghosts have been the entertaining subject of many works of fiction, but they're even more intriguing (and perhaps even scarier) when they are the focus of real-life hauntings in our own backyard. An employee of the St. James Hotel in New Mexico watches in shock as a fair-haired toddler with a terribly disfigured face disappears into the floor. This is just one of the paranormal mysteries Leslie Rule shares with us--a result of extensive interviews and research uncovering the reasons behind ghost sightings across the country.
Coast to Coast Ghosts features dozens of spine-tingling, real-life ghost stories and approximately fifty black-and-white photographs taken by Rule, including some believed to have captured actual apparitions.
Only the reader can decide. . . .
Coast to Coast Ghosts features dozens of spine-tingling, real-life ghost stories and approximately fifty black-and-white photographs taken by Rule, including some believed to have captured actual apparitions.
Only the reader can decide. . . .
249 pages, Paperback
First published August 7, 2001
81 people are currently reading
1404 people want to read
About the author
Leslie Rule
11 books487 followers Leslie Rule's true crime debut, A Tangled Web, covers a frightening Omaha love triangle murder. "I chose this case because I want to warn readers that the female sadistic sociopath may be the most dangerous killer of all."
A veteran author for over three decades, Rule's works include two suspense novels and five nonfiction books on the paranormal, including Coast to Coast Ghosts, True Stories of Hauntings Across America. Rule was only seventeen when she started attending murder trials with her mother, author Ann Rule. "It was my job to shoot the killers, not with a gun, but with my camera," says Leslie. Many of her courtroom photographs have appeared in her mother's books.
A veteran author for over three decades, Rule's works include two suspense novels and five nonfiction books on the paranormal, including Coast to Coast Ghosts, True Stories of Hauntings Across America. Rule was only seventeen when she started attending murder trials with her mother, author Ann Rule. "It was my job to shoot the killers, not with a gun, but with my camera," says Leslie. Many of her courtroom photographs have appeared in her mother's books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 116 reviews
December 12, 2023
My dearest Mom appreciated Anne Rule’s compassionate investigations. I loved the two paranormal books I discovered, from 2004 and 2006, by her own Daughter, Leslie Rule. While Anne surveyed court testimonies, Leslie interviewed regional residents about spirits, their families, and locations important to them. With different interests like my Mom’s from mine, Leslie exploring history while Anne was in court, was how that Mother & Daughter spent time together. I learned the name of Leslie’s first, 2001 book and was excited to obtain it this year, in 2023.
Surprised to have given it a lacklustre three stars, “Coast To Coast Ghosts” was both the personal introduction to the Rule family I hoped to find but it was not as compelling or as well written as I recalled my favourite two books being. It is fair to say the authoress was finding her voice. I sometimes found her flippant. I want no humour, nor tour guide tone on sacred subjects like this. I think what I sensed missing that the 2004 and 2006 books contained was featuring Leslie, herself far more. It is nice that she gathered as many firsthand stories as possible from witnesses but what set her apart is that the she explored all of those locations personally. The professional photography was hers in this first book, which I certainly admire.
I am of course less invested in countries besides my own but enjoyed reading of American places. I was startled to learn that a boat disaster happened in Chicago outside what became the Harpo studio and that it is haunted by that great number of victims. I did not watch the “Oprah Winfrey Show” consistently to know if she discussed experiencing phenomena there.
My favourite parts were Anne’s lovingly written foreword and Leslie’s home life and own adventures.
Surprised to have given it a lacklustre three stars, “Coast To Coast Ghosts” was both the personal introduction to the Rule family I hoped to find but it was not as compelling or as well written as I recalled my favourite two books being. It is fair to say the authoress was finding her voice. I sometimes found her flippant. I want no humour, nor tour guide tone on sacred subjects like this. I think what I sensed missing that the 2004 and 2006 books contained was featuring Leslie, herself far more. It is nice that she gathered as many firsthand stories as possible from witnesses but what set her apart is that the she explored all of those locations personally. The professional photography was hers in this first book, which I certainly admire.
I am of course less invested in countries besides my own but enjoyed reading of American places. I was startled to learn that a boat disaster happened in Chicago outside what became the Harpo studio and that it is haunted by that great number of victims. I did not watch the “Oprah Winfrey Show” consistently to know if she discussed experiencing phenomena there.
My favourite parts were Anne’s lovingly written foreword and Leslie’s home life and own adventures.
December 22, 2013
Written by Leslie Rule, true crime Queen Ann Rule's daughter, Coast to Coast reads like your friend is into ghost stories and she wants to share a few with you. Leslie has that same warm, folksy style of writing that her mom has. Ann actually provides the intro of the book and they have very similar writing voices. It was a quick read, part history, part ghost story. A lot of the stories were just people recalling different experiences they had. I enjoyed the haunted places the most, especially Capt. Tony's Saloon in Key West. They have a grave and a hanging tree right in the bar. Since the publication of this book Captain Tony has passed on and it wouldn't surprise me if he was still hanging around his favorite place. Also interesting was the history surrounding Oprah's Harpo Studios in Chicago. As a lover of history I found that aspect the most enjoyable of the book, the majority of ghosts stories were unmemorable. Recommended if you would enjoy a quick and quirky tour of the US.
August 11, 2008
I have a weakness for "true" ghost stories. (One of those annoying little conflicts between mind and heart, I guess - I desperately want ghosts to be real, because how neat would that be?, while at the same time I'm well aware of all the science against it. So I read these books.)
This was interesting, in large part because Rule makes it very clear that she believes, and relates her stories of growing up in a haunted house.
This was interesting, in large part because Rule makes it very clear that she believes, and relates her stories of growing up in a haunted house.
March 12, 2023
This book was great for what it is. It’s a collection of short stories collected from people all over America and told by Leslie Rule. It’s great if that’s what you’re looking for! I have a hard time keeping focused on the book when it’s too many different stories though, so it wasn’t exactly my cup of tea. I definitely learned a lot and will use this book for spooky podcast research in the future.
The main reason for so little stars is the subtle Christian messages in certain parts of the book when the author relayed her friends “expertise.” I’m okay with people having a religion that they believe in, I’m not okay with suggesting something others do is wrong or bad or “dark” simply because your religion thinks it is.
The main reason for so little stars is the subtle Christian messages in certain parts of the book when the author relayed her friends “expertise.” I’m okay with people having a religion that they believe in, I’m not okay with suggesting something others do is wrong or bad or “dark” simply because your religion thinks it is.
March 23, 2016
I enjoyed this book mainly because Rule's stories did not appear outlandish or unbelievable. They were all relatable and spoke of all types of hauntings. None of the stories were particularly scary. In fact, if anything, they have me intrigued enough to want to visit many of these places!
November 10, 2017
The beginning of the book seems to state the author wanted to really research hauntings rather than repeat legends. However, that's all she really did. The legends surrounding the Myrtles Plantation, for instance, are often repeated (as they were here) but proven to be false.
June 19, 2007
Leslie Rule is a pretty good author and a fantastic researcher in regards to the "true" ghost stories she writes about. I only wish this book could have been longer.
October 19, 2019
3.5. Sometimes you need to read just some nice short ghost stories! Theses were good ones!
April 25, 2019
Devoured in one sitting, Great read!!!
September 18, 2024
Great read. It does tend to wander around a bit, but on the whole it is a good book o ghosts. This was Leslie's first book on the subject, and I do intend to read her other books as well.
December 16, 2024
Good ghost stories, a bit of a memoir too.
November 4, 2025
happy to have read this book. I learned about several things, not necessarily about ghosts but events that happened that I wasn't aware of. It made me research some of the stories. I'm surprised that the Hotel del Coronado in Coronado, CA, wasn't mentioned.
October 3, 2016
I actually didn't finish this book this time around, but I've read it twice before. However, now that I'm older, and I've read many more books, this one kind of pales in comparison. Leslie Rule (daughter of mystery writer, Ann Rule) has amassed a collection unknown ghost stories, mostly taken from individuals who have experienced some paranormal activity in their own homes. Some of them are funny, or creepy, or really cool (like the ghost who does dishes? Yes, please!) But what I found lacking was the in-depth review into each story.
Leslie employs the help of a psychic, who will say something like, "I see an angry little boy here." But then no further research is taken into the house to see if a little boy ever experienced a tragic death there. There are also quite a few rhetorical questions like, "Is there a ghost living in the house? Or could this just be a case of an old house settling into its bones?" (This is not a direct quote but you get the idea.)
The thing is, I was already asking these questions, I don't need the author to ask them for me. Like I said above, the author should be trying to eliminate these questions through research and storytelling. I still do like many of these stories, and I can see it being a fun coffee table read to pick up and just go through one or two quick ghost stories, but I really like a ghost story that has so many details, it leaves me seriously considering if there really are ghosts there.
Leslie employs the help of a psychic, who will say something like, "I see an angry little boy here." But then no further research is taken into the house to see if a little boy ever experienced a tragic death there. There are also quite a few rhetorical questions like, "Is there a ghost living in the house? Or could this just be a case of an old house settling into its bones?" (This is not a direct quote but you get the idea.)
The thing is, I was already asking these questions, I don't need the author to ask them for me. Like I said above, the author should be trying to eliminate these questions through research and storytelling. I still do like many of these stories, and I can see it being a fun coffee table read to pick up and just go through one or two quick ghost stories, but I really like a ghost story that has so many details, it leaves me seriously considering if there really are ghosts there.
January 16, 2016
Leslie Rule compiles ghost stories from across America. She also shares her own ghost experiences. I would have liked to say I truly enjoyed this book but I can't. She leaves you hanging on a few stories and others don't feel fully investigated, leaves you with oh well, must be a ghost. I am giving it three stars because I did find it fascinating and heard a few stories I have not heard about before reading this book.
March 3, 2020
A little disappointed in this one. The author recounts well known stories and describes them as though she discovered them herself. I think I expected more researched sightings than personal anecdotes. Just wasn't what I was looking for.
Also: as a Chicagoan, I can guarantee that *everyone* knows about the Eastland and Harpo studios. There is no way you could ever encounter anyone, especially anyone working in the city proper or nearby to the site, who were unaware.
Also: as a Chicagoan, I can guarantee that *everyone* knows about the Eastland and Harpo studios. There is no way you could ever encounter anyone, especially anyone working in the city proper or nearby to the site, who were unaware.
February 20, 2014
I have always loved ghost stories and am intrigued by ghost hunters and haunted places. This book was entertaining and interesting. Leslie Rule presented other people's accounts and experiences with hauntings. She also provided historical information, pictures, and lists of haunted places in America. She gave personal connections where possible. Her writing style is easy and laid back.
September 25, 2013
Even with lower expectations I was disappointed. The author made it seem like she had done research on all the stories but many of the stories had no historical facts which, for me, makes the stories scary. With no historical context it is just a bunch of stories about strange noises.
May 26, 2016
This was a great true haunting book! It was the first time I had read anything from Leslie Rule and I wasn't disappointed. The book kept my interest and I had a hard time putting it down. This book is definitely a five star rating!
February 21, 2016
This read was not scary and only somewhat interesting. A lot of potential in the content but the delivery was lacking.
March 15, 2009
Loved this book
October 13, 2019
Coast to Coast Ghosts is a well-written collection of real-life ghost stories. It made me think about living in a pre-Civil War house in Lebanon, Ohio, when our children were young. So many of the experiences shared by people in Rule's book resemble what our family went through: spheres of light appearing at the end of the bed at night; being awakened from a sound sleep by someone clutching hold of my ankle; our toddler daughter babbling in her crib in response to voices that she said were calling her name; and yes, that one odd instance when our son observed the shadowy outline of a woman crawling into bed with my sleeping husband when I was in the next room!
Each chapter offers insights on the many different types of ghosts, and, most importantly, their motives for lurking around after death. Some are simply stuck in the past and unwilling to move on because of grief or unresolved issues. Others suffered sudden deaths and the transition into the afterlife is an obstacle. Every ghost is different; while some are friendly, even playful, others are to be avoided at all costs. What really caught my interest was the chapter on "School Ghosts." It makes sense that old schools would contain the spirits of past students. Rule references a ghost who haunts the stairwell at Berry Middle School in Lebanon, Ohio. Yikes! I used to teach there!
Overall, a thoroughly enjoyable read for those who are fascinated by the very real possibility that we share this world with many unseen entities. The Preface by Rule's mother, true crime author Ann Rule, was especially good.
Each chapter offers insights on the many different types of ghosts, and, most importantly, their motives for lurking around after death. Some are simply stuck in the past and unwilling to move on because of grief or unresolved issues. Others suffered sudden deaths and the transition into the afterlife is an obstacle. Every ghost is different; while some are friendly, even playful, others are to be avoided at all costs. What really caught my interest was the chapter on "School Ghosts." It makes sense that old schools would contain the spirits of past students. Rule references a ghost who haunts the stairwell at Berry Middle School in Lebanon, Ohio. Yikes! I used to teach there!
Overall, a thoroughly enjoyable read for those who are fascinated by the very real possibility that we share this world with many unseen entities. The Preface by Rule's mother, true crime author Ann Rule, was especially good.
September 9, 2019
Leslie Rule has put together a wonderful collection of ghost stories that are indeed collected from, Coast to Coast." The author obviously inherited her mother's writing ability for her style is engrossing and she has taken the time to investigate her stories. I would guess that several years and thousands of miles went into collecting these stories. It is also a plus that the author fully believes in her subject matter and includes several of her own paranormal experiences in this book.
The stories are a little short on depth and detail but still the stories are very engaging and believable. I was delighted to see that the author had done some investigating of her own on the Whaley House in San Diego and had discovered that the haunting there might not be as clean and neat as it is packaged to be. The author includes a story from her husband concerning the Myrtles Plantation in Louisiana, a haunting of which I have always been skeptical. In fact, a major ghost hunting society has recently announced its doubts about the Myrtles. No matter the ghost hunters or my doubts, the Myrtles ghost or ghosts seem to have convinced Leslie's husband Kevin.
Any ghost story aficionado will want this book in their collection. What it lacks in depth it makes up for in feeling. I hope that this is not Leslie Rule's last offering of ghost tales for I enjoyed it immensely.
The stories are a little short on depth and detail but still the stories are very engaging and believable. I was delighted to see that the author had done some investigating of her own on the Whaley House in San Diego and had discovered that the haunting there might not be as clean and neat as it is packaged to be. The author includes a story from her husband concerning the Myrtles Plantation in Louisiana, a haunting of which I have always been skeptical. In fact, a major ghost hunting society has recently announced its doubts about the Myrtles. No matter the ghost hunters or my doubts, the Myrtles ghost or ghosts seem to have convinced Leslie's husband Kevin.
Any ghost story aficionado will want this book in their collection. What it lacks in depth it makes up for in feeling. I hope that this is not Leslie Rule's last offering of ghost tales for I enjoyed it immensely.
December 31, 2024
The book itself was fine, but one thing in the foreword somewhat soured it for me.
In the foreword by Ann Rule, there is the line "And yet, when I am writing about the life and death of particular victims, I realize I have come to know them better than anyone knew them in life".
That seems like an *incredibly* insensitive thing to say about the victim of a crime. They have families, friends, people who actually know them, and implying that by researching their death you somehow know them better really rubs me the wrong way.
I didn't let it directly impact the rating I gave the book, but it really turned me off, and I wanted to mention it.
In the foreword by Ann Rule, there is the line "And yet, when I am writing about the life and death of particular victims, I realize I have come to know them better than anyone knew them in life".
That seems like an *incredibly* insensitive thing to say about the victim of a crime. They have families, friends, people who actually know them, and implying that by researching their death you somehow know them better really rubs me the wrong way.
I didn't let it directly impact the rating I gave the book, but it really turned me off, and I wanted to mention it.
May 25, 2025
A hauntingly well written collection. I love the way she writes, with little asides, and personal anecdotes as she goes. This was a fairly simple collection, she piggybacks relatively unknown hauntings on famous ones, like the Queen Mary, to keep you entertained.
This is a non fiction collection, so it's hard to pinpoint a plot point I loved, but I would say the photos. The author took many photos during her research and includes them throughout the book. She even took the photo that's on the cover.
This is a non fiction collection, so it's hard to pinpoint a plot point I loved, but I would say the photos. The author took many photos during her research and includes them throughout the book. She even took the photo that's on the cover.
October 20, 2021
I found this collection of ghost stories to be engaging and thoughtful. I appreciated the inclusion of pets, understanding the significance of who has lived in a specific place in the past and their story, and how ghosts often were shown to be non-violent but rather focused on a particular task or goal. I appreciated the author’s sharing of how folks have experienced ghosts. This was a wonderful audiobook listen.
October 8, 2018
Easy read about several hauntings, some I feel I have heard before from other areas but most of them were new to me stories. If you are tired of hearing the same stories rehashed, this might give you some new stories to learn.
Due to the nature of some of the discussions of how people died, it might be best if this is for older teens or adults.
Due to the nature of some of the discussions of how people died, it might be best if this is for older teens or adults.
January 16, 2020
I don't particularly like the short story layout. With the different stories I wanted more information and historical backstories, but a lot of times the ghosts were unknown or unable to find information. However I did enjoy learning about different haunted places and I now have a list of cities and buildings I want to visit, so four stars for that.
April 26, 2020
While most of the stories were interesting, I didn’t particularly enjoy the writing style. It struck me more as a high school (maybe college) research paper written in the late ‘80s. I was looking for stories, but the advice peppered throughout was misplaced. I would love to read more about the experiences of Nancy the psychic though!
November 6, 2020
True ghost stories are a guilty pleasure of mine. I've always been in two minds as to whether they're are real, so it always brings excitement and chills to read about them.
I really enjoyed this book and learning the authors thoughts on ghosts and their existence. Really creepy and goes into details of history within various places that are believed to be haunted.
Thoroughly enjoyed.
I really enjoyed this book and learning the authors thoughts on ghosts and their existence. Really creepy and goes into details of history within various places that are believed to be haunted.
Thoroughly enjoyed.
March 8, 2021
This was probably one of the best compilations of ghostly encounters I have ever listened to. The narrator did an excellent job, but what I really liked about this book the most was how it was set up. Each chapter focused on a specific type of haunting, and provided occasional advice lists and the like to the reader.
I would want to read more by this author.
I would want to read more by this author.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 116 reviews