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Haunted in America: True Ghost Stories From The Best of Leslie Rule Collection
From best-selling author Leslie Rule comes a collection of stories about things that go bump in the night — true accounts collected from her years of research on ghostly encounters in the United States, including revised and updated content in Rule's singular voice.
Whether you’re a believer, a skeptic, or somewhere in between, you’ll find a story that sticks with you in this compendium of the best of Leslie Rule’s ghost explorations and interviews. With the most-spine tingling stories from the author’s previous four books, Coast to Coast Ghosts , When the Ghost Screams , Ghosts Among Us , and Ghost in the Mirror , along with new and updated accounts and theories, Rule brings her original voice to this omnibus of chilling, fascinating tales.
Whether you’re a believer, a skeptic, or somewhere in between, you’ll find a story that sticks with you in this compendium of the best of Leslie Rule’s ghost explorations and interviews. With the most-spine tingling stories from the author’s previous four books, Coast to Coast Ghosts , When the Ghost Screams , Ghosts Among Us , and Ghost in the Mirror , along with new and updated accounts and theories, Rule brings her original voice to this omnibus of chilling, fascinating tales.
368 pages, Paperback
Published October 18, 2022
114 people are currently reading
165 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 57 reviews
November 11, 2022
Do you believe in ghosts? I can’t decide!! These stories certainly make it seem like they are out there! Some of them are so realistic it’s crazy. I thought the author did a good job of explaining ghosts, how they appear to people, and also honoring those who have passed.
🌀Synopsis
A collection of ghost stories. There is a combination of old and new. Ghosts that speak, appear, follow people, move objects, etc. There are so many different locations and situations, plus the stories that are told come from all different people- not just the author.
🌀Synopsis
A collection of ghost stories. There is a combination of old and new. Ghosts that speak, appear, follow people, move objects, etc. There are so many different locations and situations, plus the stories that are told come from all different people- not just the author.
November 11, 2022
Like a little paranormal bump in the night? Like the feeling of someone’s hot breath caressing you neck only to turn and find no one there? Still jump from your door to the bed, terrified of the hand that may just reach out and grab you? Then this will be right up your alley!
Leslie Rule has definitively done for paranormal research what her mother Ann Rule has done for serial killers … put them square on the map and in your face.
I loved how not only did she include some of her favorite haunts from Ghosts Coast to Coast, and how she’s also provided updates as she’s found them, hammering in that Rule not only does her research, but KEEPS researching to provide any additional information. For those brave souls that love a good haunt, she’s even provided addresses, phone numbers and email addresses for some of the spooky amusement park ghosts.
The narrator, Lisa Flanagan, does a spectacular job of delivering Rule’s voice as well as adding a hauntingly, chilling flair as she navigates tales that range from fascinating to terrifying to even the disturbing.
This is a great addition for all those people who love a good ghost hunt, haunting, or eerie adventure. I will definitely be recommending this audiobook as. a paranormal dream.
Thank you so much to #NetGalley, #AndrewsMcMeelAudio, and of course the talented #LeslieRule for sending me this advanced audiobook in exchange for my honest opinions.
Happy reading and listening my friends! 😊
Leslie Rule has definitively done for paranormal research what her mother Ann Rule has done for serial killers … put them square on the map and in your face.
I loved how not only did she include some of her favorite haunts from Ghosts Coast to Coast, and how she’s also provided updates as she’s found them, hammering in that Rule not only does her research, but KEEPS researching to provide any additional information. For those brave souls that love a good haunt, she’s even provided addresses, phone numbers and email addresses for some of the spooky amusement park ghosts.
The narrator, Lisa Flanagan, does a spectacular job of delivering Rule’s voice as well as adding a hauntingly, chilling flair as she navigates tales that range from fascinating to terrifying to even the disturbing.
This is a great addition for all those people who love a good ghost hunt, haunting, or eerie adventure. I will definitely be recommending this audiobook as. a paranormal dream.
Thank you so much to #NetGalley, #AndrewsMcMeelAudio, and of course the talented #LeslieRule for sending me this advanced audiobook in exchange for my honest opinions.
Happy reading and listening my friends! 😊
November 19, 2022
I actually managed to find this as a library copy in time for Halloween, and really enjoyed it. It wasn't until I was about half way through that I realised the author was the daughter of True Crime Queen Ann Rule, who I have also really enjoyed reading.
I am not a fan of anything too scary, so this book was absolutely perfect to listen to - ghostly stories but nothing too creepy or scary. I also enjoyed the little anecdotes that Rule slipped in here and there about her mother and their shared belief in ghosts and the afterlife. I also really appreciated the little updates that Rule had after many of her stories (which had been previously published in some of her other books), and it was really interesting to see how the advent of the internet had really helped her research her various cases and ghostly interactions.
I also really liked the narrator. She brought a real warmth to the stories, and it felt almost like sitting around a campfire telling ghost stories to friends, which was totally the vibe I was getting from the book as well.
A wonderful grouping of ghostly encounters for anyone interested in the paranormal.
Thank you to NetGalley and Andrew McMeel Audio for providing me with an ARC to review. All opinions are my own and freely given.
I am not a fan of anything too scary, so this book was absolutely perfect to listen to - ghostly stories but nothing too creepy or scary. I also enjoyed the little anecdotes that Rule slipped in here and there about her mother and their shared belief in ghosts and the afterlife. I also really appreciated the little updates that Rule had after many of her stories (which had been previously published in some of her other books), and it was really interesting to see how the advent of the internet had really helped her research her various cases and ghostly interactions.
I also really liked the narrator. She brought a real warmth to the stories, and it felt almost like sitting around a campfire telling ghost stories to friends, which was totally the vibe I was getting from the book as well.
A wonderful grouping of ghostly encounters for anyone interested in the paranormal.
Thank you to NetGalley and Andrew McMeel Audio for providing me with an ARC to review. All opinions are my own and freely given.
October 29, 2022
This was super interesting! It’s kind of an updated version of older stories the author has researched plus some extras. I really enjoyed listening to the ghost tales. The author does the research and gives it all to us (including the information for locations). It certainly added a few spots to my must visit list. Enjoyable for sure.
November 19, 2022
Thank you to NetGalley and Andrews McNeel Publishing for advanced access to the audiobook of Haunted in America: True Ghost Stories from The Best of Leslie Rule Collection in exchange for an honest review.
This was....hokey. I think of myself as not a true believer in the supernatural, but I don't doubt the occurrence of unexplainable events. I believe anything is possible and ghost stories can be fun. Thrills and chills make for good entertainment and can teach us rather interesting thing about human nature and where we place our value as a society. So I think this book had potential, which is of course, why I requested to read it. Leslie Rule lost my attention at several points throughout this collection, especially when she got into her pattern of pre-explaining the ghost stories, then telling the story itself, then providing follow up to the story. I realize that this is a collection of stories taken from her earlier writings, but as someone who has never read from this author before, I would have appreciated a bit more editing for a more cohesive narrative.
Rule lost a bit of creditability for me the longer the book went on. Throughout the book, I felt that Rule's tone was more self-congratulatory than was warranted, often citing the ethos of her mother, famed true crime writer Ann Rule, as proof of her own substance as a researcher and writer. She seems to place decisive judgements on some of these ghost stories, finding several loose arguments to convince readers of the ever-present supernatural when it may have been more parsimonious to say, "Yeah, this is an old building, it's gonna make some weird noises". Coincidence is usually a more likely answer to these so called "mysteries" and "hauntings". While I do appreciate Rule's perspective that we need not fear ghosts, but rather they are presence to listen to and learn from, I wish she would have adopted the same attitude of ambivalence when it came to their very existence. Any speaker on any topic gains my respect when they are willing to say "I don't know, and I might be wrong." Rule does no such thing. In fact, near the end of the book, she seems to double down on the existence of ghosts, saying several times in the final chapters that you may never know if the strangers you see on the street are ghosts or not.
Overall, this was a brain popcorn read. Mildly entertaining, but didn't offer much substance.
This was....hokey. I think of myself as not a true believer in the supernatural, but I don't doubt the occurrence of unexplainable events. I believe anything is possible and ghost stories can be fun. Thrills and chills make for good entertainment and can teach us rather interesting thing about human nature and where we place our value as a society. So I think this book had potential, which is of course, why I requested to read it. Leslie Rule lost my attention at several points throughout this collection, especially when she got into her pattern of pre-explaining the ghost stories, then telling the story itself, then providing follow up to the story. I realize that this is a collection of stories taken from her earlier writings, but as someone who has never read from this author before, I would have appreciated a bit more editing for a more cohesive narrative.
Rule lost a bit of creditability for me the longer the book went on. Throughout the book, I felt that Rule's tone was more self-congratulatory than was warranted, often citing the ethos of her mother, famed true crime writer Ann Rule, as proof of her own substance as a researcher and writer. She seems to place decisive judgements on some of these ghost stories, finding several loose arguments to convince readers of the ever-present supernatural when it may have been more parsimonious to say, "Yeah, this is an old building, it's gonna make some weird noises". Coincidence is usually a more likely answer to these so called "mysteries" and "hauntings". While I do appreciate Rule's perspective that we need not fear ghosts, but rather they are presence to listen to and learn from, I wish she would have adopted the same attitude of ambivalence when it came to their very existence. Any speaker on any topic gains my respect when they are willing to say "I don't know, and I might be wrong." Rule does no such thing. In fact, near the end of the book, she seems to double down on the existence of ghosts, saying several times in the final chapters that you may never know if the strangers you see on the street are ghosts or not.
Overall, this was a brain popcorn read. Mildly entertaining, but didn't offer much substance.
December 3, 2022
This is great fun, my kids and I listened to it in the car on the way to school in the mornings. It's a great way to pass the time on a long drive or while busy doing something, it's interesting and quirky, and makes you stop and think about the past, the souls left behind . Some of the stories are a little sad, some a little hair-raising, and not all are completely suitable for young children.
Three and a half stars.
Thanks to NetGalley, author and publisher for my ARC.
Three and a half stars.
Thanks to NetGalley, author and publisher for my ARC.
August 28, 2022
This book did what it promised to do: told a series of interesting ghost stories that the author has collected and given updates on some previously published stories.
It was interesting and a fun ghosty read.
I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for my review.
It was interesting and a fun ghosty read.
I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for my review.
September 11, 2024
Do you believe in ghosts? I don't, but I liked this book. This is a collection of stories told in a journalistic format that I was hesitant to call nonfiction. Some of the ghost stories are grounded in obituaries, but many of them are secondhand accounts of their sightings. My agnostic atheism advised me to be skeptical about Rule's accounts. She frequently dips into quackery about angels and Ouija boards, which dinged her credibility a bit. However, it’s my reading writer side that kept me engaged in the collection. Stories about hotels, campuses, and killers were the most compelling stories of the collection. Lizzie Borden, the campus hazing case, and the Seelbach stories were among the best.
Like cryptid books I've read, I'm not as interested in proving or disproving their existence as much as I'm interested in the stories surrounding them. Same goes for ghosts: I'm interested in why the hauntings allegedly happen. I was impressed by just how much Leslie has traveled and how much time she took to interview hauntees. Rule believes in ghosts and I was hoping she'd elaborate more on why she does, but all the evidence is anecdotal. She admits she can't scientifically prove the existence of ghosts, but speaks about hauntings caused by trauma as gospel. I was hoping to learn a little more from an objective viewpoint that takes pareidolia, coincidence, or hallucinations into account. Instead, some stories involved EVP and psychics reading photographs. The stories entertained me, but her spiritual persuasion prevented me from learning anything new.
The stories may feel repetitive to some and science is never really consulted. Regardless, this is a very entertaining collection of folk tales that span both the country and American history.
Like cryptid books I've read, I'm not as interested in proving or disproving their existence as much as I'm interested in the stories surrounding them. Same goes for ghosts: I'm interested in why the hauntings allegedly happen. I was impressed by just how much Leslie has traveled and how much time she took to interview hauntees. Rule believes in ghosts and I was hoping she'd elaborate more on why she does, but all the evidence is anecdotal. She admits she can't scientifically prove the existence of ghosts, but speaks about hauntings caused by trauma as gospel. I was hoping to learn a little more from an objective viewpoint that takes pareidolia, coincidence, or hallucinations into account. Instead, some stories involved EVP and psychics reading photographs. The stories entertained me, but her spiritual persuasion prevented me from learning anything new.
The stories may feel repetitive to some and science is never really consulted. Regardless, this is a very entertaining collection of folk tales that span both the country and American history.
December 20, 2022
Haunted in America: True Ghost Stories From The Best of Leslie Rule Collection by Leslie Rule, narrated by Lisa Flanagan, is a compendium of the best of Leslie Rule’s ghost explorations and interviews. With the most-spine tingling stories from the author’s previous four books, Coast to Coast Ghosts, When the Ghost Screams, Ghosts Among Us, and Ghost in the Mirror, along with new and updated accounts and theories, Rule brings her original voice to this omnibus of chilling, fascinating tales.
Haunted in America is an interesting listen for believers and skeptics alike. I liked that while there are plenty of tales of encounters, some spooky and others hopeful, there was great importance placed on respect for the current owners of these locations, the people that have had the experiences, the souls of those that might be trying to communicate, and the families that are left behind. I thought that the focus on history, research, and respect was a bit gratifying and quite the change from attitude many ghost researchers and hunters seem to have in the field, and the way media presents it. I thought that the narrator did a great job of telling the stories with the respect and solemnity due the subject matter- especially when relating the details of tragedies and death that often come hand in hand with tales of hauntings. I did not always agree with the authors take of certain situations and stories, but I did appreciate the honest and well researched relating of both her experiences and those she discovered in interviews and through research.
Haunted in America is an interesting listen for believers and skeptics alike. I liked that while there are plenty of tales of encounters, some spooky and others hopeful, there was great importance placed on respect for the current owners of these locations, the people that have had the experiences, the souls of those that might be trying to communicate, and the families that are left behind. I thought that the focus on history, research, and respect was a bit gratifying and quite the change from attitude many ghost researchers and hunters seem to have in the field, and the way media presents it. I thought that the narrator did a great job of telling the stories with the respect and solemnity due the subject matter- especially when relating the details of tragedies and death that often come hand in hand with tales of hauntings. I did not always agree with the authors take of certain situations and stories, but I did appreciate the honest and well researched relating of both her experiences and those she discovered in interviews and through research.
November 7, 2022
I got to listen to the audio-book for this book and I must say the person reading did an awesome job, she did some of the voices, but the way she narrated the stories of the ghosts was so haunting and empathetic, I really suggest that this audio-book would be terrific to listen in a long road trip, and if you’re listening with someone else you always pause and discuss the current story.
Even if you don’t believe in ghosts, giving names and in some cases faces to what happen in this places is a haunting experience, and makes us closer to the sadness of how some lives have ended… but not all is scary or even a bad experience but gives us the insight of what others may have experienced… in the end of each chapter we are given the contact of the place mentioned in the story, I am not in America but I can appreciate this being given, its a way book some haunting vacations.
I’ve learned in this audio-book that this author has several other books about the paranormal, and I will actively search for those, because the way the stories are introduced and even the personal aspects connecting the story to how the author come to learn of the ghost, feels very close to home, it was something that I really enjoyed. I highly recommend this audio-book, it was a really nice experience for me, and it was exactly what I wished to get in return with this book.
Thank you NetGalley and Andrews McMeel Audio for the free AAC, and this is my honest opinion.
Even if you don’t believe in ghosts, giving names and in some cases faces to what happen in this places is a haunting experience, and makes us closer to the sadness of how some lives have ended… but not all is scary or even a bad experience but gives us the insight of what others may have experienced… in the end of each chapter we are given the contact of the place mentioned in the story, I am not in America but I can appreciate this being given, its a way book some haunting vacations.
I’ve learned in this audio-book that this author has several other books about the paranormal, and I will actively search for those, because the way the stories are introduced and even the personal aspects connecting the story to how the author come to learn of the ghost, feels very close to home, it was something that I really enjoyed. I highly recommend this audio-book, it was a really nice experience for me, and it was exactly what I wished to get in return with this book.
Thank you NetGalley and Andrews McMeel Audio for the free AAC, and this is my honest opinion.
October 31, 2022
This collection of real-life ghost sightings and paranormal phenomena is comprised of material sourced by author Leslie Rule from personal accounts of hauntings and other spooky incidents.
The book is exactly what it purports to be, which will probably work well for those who are super into this kind of stuff. For me it’s always better in theory than in practice, because most real life ghost stories just aren’t as good as most fictional ghost stories, and also because a whole book of these is just too much of the same thing. There is so much similarity in the accounts and even in the way they are structured that they all run together after a while.
I read this in audiobook form, which was probably a mistake. Because the stories tend to run together, they would likely be best in small doses. Read a few at a time, set the book down and read something else, come back to them later. Practically speaking this isn’t really how we typically consume audiobooks and would be much easier to achieve with a physical book. Which is a bummer because I love the idea of something like this in audio form for the campfire ghost story atmospheric effect.
That said, the audiobook version is well-narrated and Rule did a good job of sourcing material. This may just be a case of too much of a good thing.
*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
The book is exactly what it purports to be, which will probably work well for those who are super into this kind of stuff. For me it’s always better in theory than in practice, because most real life ghost stories just aren’t as good as most fictional ghost stories, and also because a whole book of these is just too much of the same thing. There is so much similarity in the accounts and even in the way they are structured that they all run together after a while.
I read this in audiobook form, which was probably a mistake. Because the stories tend to run together, they would likely be best in small doses. Read a few at a time, set the book down and read something else, come back to them later. Practically speaking this isn’t really how we typically consume audiobooks and would be much easier to achieve with a physical book. Which is a bummer because I love the idea of something like this in audio form for the campfire ghost story atmospheric effect.
That said, the audiobook version is well-narrated and Rule did a good job of sourcing material. This may just be a case of too much of a good thing.
*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
November 19, 2022
3 stars
This is a “best of” collection of ghost stories drawn from a paranormal researcher’s previous anthologies, most of which include an update section. I like how much variety this collection has, & that the writer doesn’t focus on scary or grotesque stories.
[What I liked:]
•There are 17 chapters organized thematically, each one full of several ghost stories based on interviews with the people who encountered them & supplemented by archival research. If you like ghost stories, there’s a lot to enjoy here!
•I appreciate that the writer’s focus is not on especially macabre or evil or scary stories. There are certainly tragic ones, but there are plenty of heartwarming ones too. She attempts to humanize the people involved in these stories, both the ghosts & those who encounter them.
•I’ve never read any of this writer’s books before, but I thought it was cool how she included updates sections for the chapters, some of which were first published nearly 20 years ago. The updates include any further research the writer has done, & sometimes changes in her own perspective on the stories. Those were interesting.
[What I didn’t like as much:]
•The writing style is a bit cheesy at times.
CW: suicide, murder, child abuse, child death, domestic violence, substance abuse
[I received an ARC ebook copy from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. Thank you for the book!]
This is a “best of” collection of ghost stories drawn from a paranormal researcher’s previous anthologies, most of which include an update section. I like how much variety this collection has, & that the writer doesn’t focus on scary or grotesque stories.
[What I liked:]
•There are 17 chapters organized thematically, each one full of several ghost stories based on interviews with the people who encountered them & supplemented by archival research. If you like ghost stories, there’s a lot to enjoy here!
•I appreciate that the writer’s focus is not on especially macabre or evil or scary stories. There are certainly tragic ones, but there are plenty of heartwarming ones too. She attempts to humanize the people involved in these stories, both the ghosts & those who encounter them.
•I’ve never read any of this writer’s books before, but I thought it was cool how she included updates sections for the chapters, some of which were first published nearly 20 years ago. The updates include any further research the writer has done, & sometimes changes in her own perspective on the stories. Those were interesting.
[What I didn’t like as much:]
•The writing style is a bit cheesy at times.
CW: suicide, murder, child abuse, child death, domestic violence, substance abuse
[I received an ARC ebook copy from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. Thank you for the book!]
November 19, 2022
Thanks to NetGalley for giving me a copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
I've always loved stories about the supernatural and the occult and what could be more fun than listening to an audiobook of real people's experiences about ghosts and the paranormal? I binge listened to this audiobook for an entire day until my ears ached and I wasn't sorry because it did not disappoint.
The book does not pretend to influence your beliefs about the supernatural and neither does it answer the age-old question of ghosts being real or not, but it neatly lays out a compilation of other people's experiences with specters and restless souls. It's up to you to decide whether they merit belief or not.
I love how the author seamlessly flows from one story (not sure if I should call it story or experience) to another, all interesting and all worthy of attention. It's not tiresome and it's not slow. If nothing else, this book makes me look forward to more ghost stories straight from the mouth of people who've experienced encounters firsthand.
Oh, I love the narration too. Exquisite and easy on the ears.
I've always loved stories about the supernatural and the occult and what could be more fun than listening to an audiobook of real people's experiences about ghosts and the paranormal? I binge listened to this audiobook for an entire day until my ears ached and I wasn't sorry because it did not disappoint.
The book does not pretend to influence your beliefs about the supernatural and neither does it answer the age-old question of ghosts being real or not, but it neatly lays out a compilation of other people's experiences with specters and restless souls. It's up to you to decide whether they merit belief or not.
I love how the author seamlessly flows from one story (not sure if I should call it story or experience) to another, all interesting and all worthy of attention. It's not tiresome and it's not slow. If nothing else, this book makes me look forward to more ghost stories straight from the mouth of people who've experienced encounters firsthand.
Oh, I love the narration too. Exquisite and easy on the ears.
November 2, 2022
If you like Ed and Lorraine Warren’s books and listening to ghost stories around a campfire, this book is for you. These ghost stories were researched and well presented and a blast to listen to.
The stories are short enough that I was able to listen to one in between my projects for the day. They made for a much more entertaining drive to the dentist! Lol! However, I did confuse myself a couple times when the previous story ended and a new one began without me. The narrator was great, and delivers without making it seem boring or too dramatic.
I would rate this a 4/5 stars. Mainly because I have caught myself wishing for something like the Warren’s books but more down to earth and here it is!
I would recommend this to all my ghost hunters and those who love to be intrigued by the paranormal.
Thank you #HauntedInAmerica for the goosebumps and to #NetGalley for providing me with a free copy to listen to so I could share my opinions 👍😊
The stories are short enough that I was able to listen to one in between my projects for the day. They made for a much more entertaining drive to the dentist! Lol! However, I did confuse myself a couple times when the previous story ended and a new one began without me. The narrator was great, and delivers without making it seem boring or too dramatic.
I would rate this a 4/5 stars. Mainly because I have caught myself wishing for something like the Warren’s books but more down to earth and here it is!
I would recommend this to all my ghost hunters and those who love to be intrigued by the paranormal.
Thank you #HauntedInAmerica for the goosebumps and to #NetGalley for providing me with a free copy to listen to so I could share my opinions 👍😊
November 2, 2022
Many thanks to NetGalley and Andrews McMeel Audio for gifting me an audio ARC of the latest book by Leslie Rule and narrated by - 4 stars!
This audiobook contains ghost stories from the author's previous four books as well as updates and additions. Never having read these books, I was intrigued to listen to all these different stories from around the country, divided into chapters devoted to hotels, amusement parks, restaurants, etc.
I started listening to this on Halloween and finished on All Souls Day - how perfect is that? While I'm a huge fan of the infamous Ann Rule and her daughter, Leslie, I had only read her true crime book so all of these stories were new to me. No matter what you think about ghosts and spirits, this book will make you wonder. The author has meticulously researched all of these events and gives you the facts as she knows them. Fascinating to listen to and the narration by Lisa Flanagan was perfect!
Publication Date 10.18.2022 - available now!
This audiobook contains ghost stories from the author's previous four books as well as updates and additions. Never having read these books, I was intrigued to listen to all these different stories from around the country, divided into chapters devoted to hotels, amusement parks, restaurants, etc.
I started listening to this on Halloween and finished on All Souls Day - how perfect is that? While I'm a huge fan of the infamous Ann Rule and her daughter, Leslie, I had only read her true crime book so all of these stories were new to me. No matter what you think about ghosts and spirits, this book will make you wonder. The author has meticulously researched all of these events and gives you the facts as she knows them. Fascinating to listen to and the narration by Lisa Flanagan was perfect!
Publication Date 10.18.2022 - available now!
November 8, 2022
I thoroughly enjoyed listening to Leslie Rule's stories of hauntings around the United States. While I understand that this is a compilation of stories she has collected throughout her career (she mentions this in the introduction), this in no way took away from my enjoyment; in fact, I think it made it better. Not only does she share ghost stories but she 1) does research to validate the claim, and 2) she actually investigated most (if not all) of the stories herself. Some of the stories I had heard before but there were a few of her own personal ones, especially the pet ones and the Salem one, that really resonated with me. Highly recommended for those curious about the paranormal or love a good ghost story.
Narration was excellent; the narrator uses different voices for the characters and it helps bring the stories to life.
I received a copy from #NetGalley for an honest review.
Narration was excellent; the narrator uses different voices for the characters and it helps bring the stories to life.
I received a copy from #NetGalley for an honest review.
November 22, 2022
Haunted in America by Leslie Rule is a collection of the "best of" ghost stories. I enjoyed listening to the book on Audio, and it was well organized by themes. I loved the stories of the amusement parks and the carousels.
Historically, when I have thought about ghost stories, it has been of haunted houses, and creepy vibes. The research that the author did to document these stories was well thought out, and balanced, and I learned that earth-bound spirits are not always scary. I also enjoyed hearing her connection to the Salem witch trials.
A fun read, I listened to this book in my car back and forth on errands and I would recommend to those who enjoy history, ghost stories, and entertaining short stories.
I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher via NetGalley, so I can give an honest review about how I feel about this book, Thank you for the opportunity for the early read!
Historically, when I have thought about ghost stories, it has been of haunted houses, and creepy vibes. The research that the author did to document these stories was well thought out, and balanced, and I learned that earth-bound spirits are not always scary. I also enjoyed hearing her connection to the Salem witch trials.
A fun read, I listened to this book in my car back and forth on errands and I would recommend to those who enjoy history, ghost stories, and entertaining short stories.
I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher via NetGalley, so I can give an honest review about how I feel about this book, Thank you for the opportunity for the early read!
November 1, 2022
I thoroughly enjoyed this audiobook not only did the author write about the hauntings but also about any evidence to support the hauntings or anything that happened that would explain it. She has some truly fearful hauntings and some not scary at all and somewhere just a little odd but All make for a great listen. If you’re interested in proof of hauntings I just like a good old haunted story you’ll love this audiobook as I said not all of the stories were scary but all were so worth hearing about. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it I thought the narrator had such a great tone to her voice and made it that much more great to listen to. I receive this book from NetGalley and the publisher but I am leaving this review voluntarily please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.
November 16, 2022
Do I believe in ghosts? I really do not know. But the idea of them fascinates me. So, this book hit the spot. I really want to travel to many of these places and see what happens! Don’t laugh…I really do!!
Leslie Rule is the daughter of the author Anne Rule. She has a lot of her mother’s insight in this book. Leslie has a wealth of knowledge and she has done a ton of research on the history of these places and the people who possibly haunt them. She even added the story of the Orpheum Theatre in Memphis. I have heard this story numerous times. I loved hearing about through Leslie’s eyes!
The narrator, Lisa Flanagan did an excellent job. She is very matter of fact and sincere.
Need a great book about true life hauntings…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today!
I received this audiobook from the publisher for a honest review.
Leslie Rule is the daughter of the author Anne Rule. She has a lot of her mother’s insight in this book. Leslie has a wealth of knowledge and she has done a ton of research on the history of these places and the people who possibly haunt them. She even added the story of the Orpheum Theatre in Memphis. I have heard this story numerous times. I loved hearing about through Leslie’s eyes!
The narrator, Lisa Flanagan did an excellent job. She is very matter of fact and sincere.
Need a great book about true life hauntings…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today!
I received this audiobook from the publisher for a honest review.
November 17, 2022
This is a great collection of ghost stories and haunted places. I got the impression that these stories were all told in previously published books, but this collection will appeal to both new and existing readers - she has included new updates to the stories, providing new material throughout.
I like that it is broken into differently themed sections; I think this is a book that you don't have to read from start to finish, but can just pick up and find an interesting tale or two. I listened to the audio version; the narrator was good, but I think this is a book I would prefer to read versus listen to. It also sounded like there were probably some pictures in the book, I would have liked to see those.
I like that it is broken into differently themed sections; I think this is a book that you don't have to read from start to finish, but can just pick up and find an interesting tale or two. I listened to the audio version; the narrator was good, but I think this is a book I would prefer to read versus listen to. It also sounded like there were probably some pictures in the book, I would have liked to see those.
November 20, 2022
I loved this eerie book! I’ve read many Ann Rule books and was super excited to see one written by her daughter. It definitely didn’t disappoint. Like her mother, Leslie Rule is a gifted and talented writer. Even if you don’t believe in ghosts, this book will make you think twice. The painstaking amount of research that was done is obvious in this book. It isn’t just a retelling of ghosts of stores. Each location and story was carefully researched for background and facts. So not only do you get the ghost stories, you get an interesting history of each of these locations. She takes you aboard the Queen Mary, to haunted hotels and across the country to investigate these stories. Great read!
November 28, 2022
I love paranormal books and was so excited to receive the audio book for “Haunted in America!” This book is a well thought out and organized collection of ghost stories. What is great about it is you can easily stop and start the book, yet finish the story you are on. It is a great book to listen to while driving!
On a recent trip to Tahoe I was listening to the chapter about Donner Pass and my baby screamed in her sleep right as Leslie talks about seeing the ghost of a child in a photo in that very spot! So freaky! Haha
If you are into ghosts definitely check this one out. It is so well researched and interesting. Thank you to NetGalley, and the publisher for the audio book in exchange for an honest review!
On a recent trip to Tahoe I was listening to the chapter about Donner Pass and my baby screamed in her sleep right as Leslie talks about seeing the ghost of a child in a photo in that very spot! So freaky! Haha
If you are into ghosts definitely check this one out. It is so well researched and interesting. Thank you to NetGalley, and the publisher for the audio book in exchange for an honest review!
May 28, 2025
Another audio book for me, I listened to it while gaming, and my walks to and from work. A collection of ghost stories from the best of Leslie Rule collection, she gives updates on a lot of the stories from her past books. I really liked the voice actor for this one, she reminded me a lot of Miranda Merrick from The Midnight Library podcast. I found her voice perfect for the tone of the book.
I absolutely love that this is mostly updates on stories Leslie had done before. I am always curious about what happens next for these kind of things, and we so rarely see anything out there. I also like the pacing of this. There was nothing to dislike about this book for me. I love her writing style, and enjoyed every minute of this.
I absolutely love that this is mostly updates on stories Leslie had done before. I am always curious about what happens next for these kind of things, and we so rarely see anything out there. I also like the pacing of this. There was nothing to dislike about this book for me. I love her writing style, and enjoyed every minute of this.
November 10, 2022
Haunted America is from the previous books on ghosts and hauntings by Leslie Rule. I am familar with her mother; Ann Rule but had no idea Leslie Rule wrote about spirits. The book is very interesting and Rule is always careful to give archival history about any story that may be related to a haunting. I enjoy this quite a bit and will look into her other books.
Recomended if you want more than just urban legends about ghost.
The narrator of this book did an excellent job keeping the listener engaged.
Thanks to @netgalley for the oppertunity to listen to thie Audibook in exchange for my honest and unbiased opinion
Recomended if you want more than just urban legends about ghost.
The narrator of this book did an excellent job keeping the listener engaged.
Thanks to @netgalley for the oppertunity to listen to thie Audibook in exchange for my honest and unbiased opinion
November 19, 2022
I love Ann Rule true crime book, but this is the first book I’ve read by Leslie Rule. I will definitely be reading more of her work.
I’ll admit, I picked this book after binge-watching every episode of Buzzfeed Unsolved Supernatural, and I was a little nervous. I’m usually turned off by traditional “ghost hunter” stuff because I think it comes off as gimmicky, but this was fun. At no point did I feel like Rule was trying to scare me. She was simply presenting the information as she would a true crime case.
Overall, this was a fun read. The narrator was absolutely perfect!
I’ll admit, I picked this book after binge-watching every episode of Buzzfeed Unsolved Supernatural, and I was a little nervous. I’m usually turned off by traditional “ghost hunter” stuff because I think it comes off as gimmicky, but this was fun. At no point did I feel like Rule was trying to scare me. She was simply presenting the information as she would a true crime case.
Overall, this was a fun read. The narrator was absolutely perfect!
November 19, 2022
I have always loved reading about ghost stories. It seems everyone has some spooky encounter with the afterlife and no two stories are alike.
The segues from one story to another were flawlessly done. Leslie Rule did a great job with this collection.
Most stories were pretty spooky - especially all the children stories!
I listened to the audiobook version of this book and I thought the narration was a bit dry for my liking. This was the only downside for me.
Thank you to NetGalley for giving me a chance to listen to this audiobook in exchange of my honest review.
The segues from one story to another were flawlessly done. Leslie Rule did a great job with this collection.
Most stories were pretty spooky - especially all the children stories!
I listened to the audiobook version of this book and I thought the narration was a bit dry for my liking. This was the only downside for me.
Thank you to NetGalley for giving me a chance to listen to this audiobook in exchange of my honest review.
August 11, 2022
Haunted in America is a variety of stories, covering just about everything you can think of! It was a fun and interesting read, giving the readers some insights that might not have been considered, drawing back into history, and providing an overall fascinating story.
I enjoyed the different haunts presented in this book, and now have some new places to add to my haunted map! Leslie Rule did NOT disappoint!
I enjoyed the different haunts presented in this book, and now have some new places to add to my haunted map! Leslie Rule did NOT disappoint!
November 10, 2022
5/5 Stars
I loved a good ghost story and this didn't disappoint. I read this over the Halloween weekend and I think that was the best time to read it. I also loved pointing out the places I have visited and found other places to go. I also didn't know Leslie Rule is the daughter of Ann Rule, which I found really cool. I will be picking more books by Leslie Rule here soon.
Thank you Edelweiss for letting me read and review this great book.
I loved a good ghost story and this didn't disappoint. I read this over the Halloween weekend and I think that was the best time to read it. I also loved pointing out the places I have visited and found other places to go. I also didn't know Leslie Rule is the daughter of Ann Rule, which I found really cool. I will be picking more books by Leslie Rule here soon.
Thank you Edelweiss for letting me read and review this great book.
November 24, 2022
I've been on a true crime and paranormal kick with tons of different YouTubers and podcasts and had to check out Haunted in America! Totally worth it if you are on a kick of either of these as well like please take a listen to this audiobook. These had me spooked, enthralled and ready to dig deeper. If you like Lore, Morbid, Cult podcast or other spooky podcasts that are well researched, and entertaining pick this up!
Tha k you so much for this chance to read this audiobook!
Tha k you so much for this chance to read this audiobook!
November 25, 2022
I want to thank Netgalley and the author for gifting me the audio version. Now this is a really great book! Absolutely packed full of ghost story after ghost story! Highly recommend. I loved the narrator's voice. I read a ghost stories book a few months ago and it was hardly any stories and the author ended up turning it into a feminist man hating book. This book is simple to the point and it is just 10 hours of audiobook ghost stories. Highly recommend
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