Footprints in the Snow: True Tales of Haunted Russia

by James L. Choron

They are the damned, the forgotten--those who cry out to let us know they lived. They are all ages and all sexes. They remain earthbound for many reasons--duty, devotion, a sense of responsibility, but most of all for the simplest and most compelling reason of love. Come explore the vast land that is Russia, from the metropolitan streets of Moscow to the windswept steppes and far-flung plains of Siberia. Discover the strange tales of those whose lives have continued long after their bodies perished, and whose restless spirits yet leave footprints in the Russian snows.

268 pages, Paperback

First published January 29, 2007

Reviews

[Christian Hamilton Skinner · Rating 4 out of 5]

While not the most polished in terms of proofreading or design to say the least (and I nitpick only because those things are my job), this book is exactly what the author claims it to be: a collection of quality paranormal anecdotes and short stories that you are sure not to have heard before, all sure to give you a healthy case of goosebumps. The author is an American who has lived in Russia for several decades and married a native Russian; he struck me as a very reasonable, credible person who has significant historical and cultural knowledge of the country, which was very evident in his storytelling. On that note, even casual Russophiles will be sure to learn a thing or two from the book in those regards. As English is his first language, there’s no need to worry about any of the writing sounding odd or anything having been lost in translation. Don’t be fooled by the low price—for the record, I paid $4.21 on Amazon—or the (no offense to the artist) cheesy cover design. These are original, local tales of the hauntings in Russia that you will have never heard before, and it was just what I was looking for.

I suppose it’s worth mentioning that the author does stray geographically once or twice: one story takes place in semi-adjacent Uzbekistan, and one relates a series of the author’s personal experiences with the paranormal in the USA before he moved permanently to Russia. Topically, they fit and were of no lesser quality than the others, but some might be a tad peeved at that. Even with those two stories omitted, the book in its entirety is still more than worth it.

The only reader I wouldn’t recommend it to is someone who is even more OCD about the occasional typographical error, missing Oxford comma, or errant repeated word than I am. These were a total nonissue in terms of any effect on the reading experience, though.

[Bob Schweiger · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book for Ghost Hunters and curious seekers. These are accounts of actual hauntings in Russia. It will keep you on the edge of your seat and awake at nights. Definately a Must Read.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent stories of Russians ghosts! Well told and engaging.

[Lara · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very good book to read .... I don't want to tell the secrets .. :-p