Sussex County Hauntings and Other Strange Phenomena: Part II

by Eleanor Wagner, Viktoria-Leigh Wagner (Editor)

Sussex County Hauntings and Other Strange Part II is the second in a series describing firsthand accounts from residents of local counties in North Jersey. Some of the topics touched on in Part I include the mines that fed much of the economy in this area for centuries, Bigfoot sightings, unidentified flying object and/or extraterrestrial sightings, and other strange phenomena, of course. Eleanor Wagner investigates more of the same in Part II, delving into the history of some local landmarks like The Great Gorge Playboy Club in Vernon and Gingerbread Castle in Hamburg. We’ve barely brushed the surface of this existence plane; only time and experience will enable us to truly comprehend it. Take another journey through time and history… but leave the light on.

Genres: Nonfiction, Adult

203 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 7, 2020

About the author

Eleanor Wagner’s first book, "Dream A Little Dream", a psychological thriller with a romantic edge has received a five-star rating. Released on Halloween 2019, "Sussex County Hauntings and Other Strange Phenomena" is her first non-fiction novel. "Sussex County Hauntings and Other Strange Phenomena: Part ll" was released on Cinco de Mayo 2020. Warren County Hauntings and Other Strange Phenomena released in October 2021. Her first children's book, "Jeanine Beane Meets Mavis the Camel," part of a Second-Grade reader series, is due to be published in 2022. She's currently working on her second fiction supernatural romance. She has served twice on the Romance Panel for the Milford Authors and Writers Festival and presented at the Booton Book Festival in Fall of 2021. She was named on Fran Briggs Best of Winter Reading 2019 List and featured on "Paranormal Caught on Camera" in November 2020 discussing her investigation of the Sterling Hill Mines in Ogdensburg, New Jersey.

Eleanor Wagner started out as a city girl, born and bred in the Bronx, but she has long become a country girl at heart living in the beautiful countryside of Sussex County; sharing space with horses and cows. She spent years releasing her 'inner child' by portraying Pennywhistle the Clown for children of all ages. Aside from writing, in her spare time she likes to sing, read, hike, swim, garden, and spend time with her family which is comprised of her five kids (two daughters and three dogs) and her husband of 32 years. She has always been a daydreamer and finds joy in the tiniest of things.

She's happy as long as she can write, and she'll write about anything that ignites the writer within. She finds great joy in being able to take her reader along on the journey with her.

Reviews

[Lori Chasko · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book from the author winning it in a contest. It's a very well-written and researched book. I've not read anything like it before. I found it enjoyable and thank the author for this book.

[Monica · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a collection of events the author claims show paranormal activity in places in Sussex County, NJ. I have lived here all my life and NEVER heard any of these so called suspicious activities in the places she cites. It seems to me the author went around and took pictures of abandoned buildings or dilapidated landmarks and advertised around until she found someone that claimed they had an eerie experience. There are stretches of your imagination that connect tragic events at the former Playboy club to a security guard who says he "feel" something when he walks through the building. I am not a denier that unexplained events can happen, but a "feeling of cold" passing over or feeling someone is in the room watching you isn't proof-positive there are spirits. The last section of the book just lists people telling of their experiences. If you read one of these, you can skip the rest. They are all the same. Furthermore, the illustrations in the book are grainy. A circled blob shadow is claimed by the author of proof a father was riding in the car of Benito when she had a tragic accident and died. Selfies of self proclaimed spiritualists round out the illustrated section. The 5 star ratings, I believe, are from the many people involved in this project and wish to see it succeed hoping for sequels ad nauseum. Congratulations to Wagner for writing a sequel to her first (I never read that one). Writing a book is a huge task that should be applauded.

[River · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such an interesting book!

We all grew up with the supernatural- Casper, Scooby Doo, Ghost Busters, and Nancy Drew. However, few of us really go past those TV shows and books into how the supernatural affects our everyday lives. In Sussex County Hauntings, Eleanor Wagner and her small group of friends have really explored and spoke to people who live or have experienced real life supernatural events in Sussex County. She documents these events and stories in a simple and straightforward manner alongside historical information about the area and photographs. I loved reading through each section and hearing about how people have lived with these experiences.

[Ronelle Burke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Real People Telling Relatable Experiences.
As a history lover the historical context/background of Sussex County's towns brings the spirits "to life." The feelings expressed in the chapter "When a Loved One Visits" are those we can all relate to on some level. You can understand why some spirits remain among us and why this could as easily be our loved ones - or us. - Ronelle

[Christine Woinich · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I loved the facts about the towns, buildings, etc. throughout each section as well as each person's personal stories. I have always been fascinated by the paranormal, and this book had me wanting to travel to these towns. The photos were a wonderful benefit to complete the descriptions. I look forward to reading the next one.

I bought this book at a book signing, and this is my unsolicited review.

[Kate L · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book by author Eleanor Wagner. I am a fan of anything haunted and this book certainly didn’t disappoint! I love the way the author opens with a brief history of the area before each section and tells the haunted story. I liked the Lady Ghostbusters investigations in this book as well. It allowed more first hand accountability and added to the stories of others. This book makes me want to head to Sussex county and meet some of these ghosts! The friendly ones of course!

[Kathy Danheim · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you enjoy reading about the people involved in the history of homes, buildings etc, and the strange happenings connected with them, then you will want to read this one. From the beginning to the present time, you will get a glimpse of things you thought only existed in movies and television. So much in one area it makes you think what is happening around where you live. Find out more by reading this series of stories.

[Danny Bradbury · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed reading, Sussex County Hauntings and Strange Phenomena: Part II. Eleanor Wagner does a great job depicting each example of paranormal incidents throughout the book. The stories are engrossing and the readers can feel the emotions that are felt by the participants. This is the second book in the series that I have read and can't wait to read more.

I highly recommend reading this novel.

[S.S. Saywack · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, what’s for certain is I don’t intend to visit Sussex County! It seems to have more than its fair share of ghosts. I liked this book, and it raised so many ideas in my head. I enjoyed the actual nature of the read, and I can’t comment on whether the stories are true or not, but it does give food for thought, and that’s always a good thing. This is one of several books I’ve read by this author, and each one I have found fascinating. Spooky tales, that’s for sure!

[Debbey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eleanor Wagoner is a wonderful storyteller and author. She has done much research to bring valadity to the folklores and legends of Sussex County, NJ. As a former New Jersey resident, I thouroughly enjoyed the history of the towns along with the background on some of the older houses and businesses in the county. This book is an easy, informative, and enjoyable read.

[Renee Simmons · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do you believe in ghosts? Or life after death? I really enjoyed reading Sussex County Hauntings and other Strange Phenomena: Part 2 by Eleanor Joszt-Wagner . Are the stories true or the figment of the imagination? The book also included beautiful photos of buildings with beautiful historical architect. They include hospitals, schools, theaters, amusement parks and so much more.

[Teresa Meek · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Second book by Author Eleanor Wagner is somehow better than book 1 which I loved. When we travel to new area’s we look for the Ghost Tours to do and reading this book was like being on several tours with the History, Scenery and Event. I have now added several of these locations to the must do list. Here is hoping there is a new book in the works.

[Deedra · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second good collection of spooky stories from the houses and places of Sussex County New Jersey.Like a long walking tour. Good narration by Sheri Stewart,a different narrator from book 1. I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.'

[Beatrice Followill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating read about true account paranormal phenomenon. I liked the History and pictures provided with the stories. I believe that lost souls are out there for whatever reason they want and need their story told.

[Jenna cas · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had me so busy reading I completely lost track of time. I could not put it down. Not only is there amazing detail on the events that unfold around the county but there is historical facts too. I couldn’t get enough!

[Barb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok I want to be part of the exploring group! I would love to see and hear the things they do along with doing the research. If you don't believe in the beyond and ghosts, you will after reading this book, the stories are incredible!
#AuthorEleanorWagner

[J · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intriguing, interesting and mysterious stories from Sussex County in New Jersey. I have added a few of these places to my list of places to visit. This book could be easily used as a travel guide for a long weekend trip.

[Ruth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eleanor has done it again in Sussex County #2! This is a book written from lots of research,and makes you a " believer " Are you sensitive to " spirits"? Are you afraid of ghosts? Eleanor is a True Ghost hunter!

[Vicki Versetti · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book I have read of Eleanor Wagner and it did not disappoint. I have always believed in hauntings and always wished I had been a part of a strange phenomenon. She did a wonderful job of researching and talking to people who have observed them.
I would recommend this book to all.

[Amanda Ray · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting reading of hauntings and strange happenings in and around Sussex County in part 2 of this collection of Sussex County Hauntings. The history seems well researched and I found it interesting.

[Sherry Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful book filled with true stories from true events that people shared from Sussex County! It’s interesting and intriguing! It has pictures of where the happenings occurred. Very good!!!!

[Patricia Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this. It makes me want to visit Sussex County. The ghostly stories are well written and entertaining.

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks, Eleanor for another awesome mix of stories, enjoyed reading them!

[Audrey Griffis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another collection of stories with paranormal activity. I enjoyed these just like the others I have read. I really enjoyed the photographs and descriptions

[Kimberly · Rating 3 out of 5]

*3.5

[Kassidy Wagner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second book in the Sussex County Hauntings series and I could not wait to start it! Another GREAT read!

[Matthew Reynolds · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm a sucker for local lore. You don't have to believe it all to read about other people's experiences.

[Peggy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good book! It is a page turner. The photos, in addition, spark the reader’s imagination more. The Author uses historical information to give readers more insight to each story site.