Halifax Haunts

by Steve Vernon

Presents the spooky history behind 33 of Halifax, Nova Scotia's scariest places.

Genres: Ghost Stories, Nonfiction, History, Folklore

176 pages, Paperback

First published December 25, 2009

About the author

Hi! I'm Steve Vernon and I'd love to scare you. Along the way I'll entertain you. I guarantee a giggle as well.

If I listed all of the books I've written I'd bore you - and I am allergic to boring.

Instead, let me recommend one single book of mine.

Pick up SUDDEN DEATH OVERTIME for an example of true Steve Vernon storytelling. It's hockey and vampires for folks who love hockey and vampires - and for folks who don't!

For more up-to-date info please follow my blog at:
http://stevevernonstoryteller.wordpre...

And follow me at Twitter:
@StephenVernon

yours in storytelling,

Steve Vernon

Reviews

[Gef · Rating 4 out of 5]

I knew Halifax had a lot of history--that kind of went without saying--but I had no idea of the plethora of supernatural folklore localized to the one area. Steve Vernon has created a great compendium of legends and lore, a piece of historical nonfiction that's about as entertaining to read as any short story collection you would care to read. I'd been aware of the Fairview Lawn Cemetery's notoriety with the Titanic victims, as well as the hauntings on George's Island, but those two only scratch the surface of a city steeped in every manner of ghost and spirit. If you're into ghost stories, you'd better check this one out. And if you're local, I suspect you'll want to take a walking tour of some of the sites.

[Erma Odrach · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quite enjoyed Halifax Haunts. It's about history and the supernatural in and around Halifax, one of the few Canadian cities I never visited. A wonderful storyteller, Steve Vernon writes about the haunting of India Pale Ale founder, Alexander Keith, on Lower Water Street, the graves of Titanic victims in Fairview Lawn Cemetery, a curtain call from beyond the grave at The Neptune Theatre and much more.

Perfect to put you in the Halloween mood.

[Tabi Slick · Rating 4 out of 5]

There’s something amazing about a used book that a brand new one seems to lack. Perhaps it’s the little curls of the pages of a well-read book, or, if you’re very lucky like I was in finding a copy of this book, an author’s signature. Whatever it is, I thoroughly enjoyed spotting the clues of this book’s previous owner as well as the ghost stories and history pinned by Steven Vernon in Halifax Haunts. I even found a shopping list wedged between the pages! I do hope they remembered those TV dinners.

What inspired me to pick up this book in the first place is that this year I plan to write a continuation to my novella The Unforgivable Act, a Baumont Bros. Circus Mystery #1, and needed to do a bit of research before plunging into this tale which will be set in Halifax, Nova Scotia, in the late 19th century. But what kept me reading to the very end was Vernon’s story-telling skills and the geographical significance that all of these ghost stories take place in.

Read the full review here: www.tabislick.com/review-of-halifax-haunts

[Michele · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars

As I do with most of my trips, I always enjoy reading up on the local ghost stories afterwards. This was a good collection of some located right in the city - many places where we had been to or walked past. Organized and mapped out in a way to allow readers to do their own ghost walks, the included addresses and photos would be very helpful!

I also loved the inclusion of the history of the particular sites. Found it really fascinating to read about the local lore too (like secret tunnels!) and not just solely ghost stories. Also made me realize we never made it out to the cemetery for the Titanic victims during this last trip.

My only wish was that he either delved a bit more into some of the stories as there were a few that were quick brief paragraphs only, or otherwise included more stories instead. Was hoping to find some more about the North End neighbourhood as that was where we spent a lot of time - and our tour guide had mentioned the Narrows Public House being haunted.

[Patricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty good book. It has a lot more history and was less spooky than expected, but good nonetheless. I really enjoyed the pictures in it, and as someone who lives in the area, I have actually experienced some of these hauntings. It was nice read the stories.

[David Grissom · Rating 4 out of 5]

What you would expect in a spooky book. These stories are not all super ghost stories but, you need to read before you go to Halifax. Why you say. Because many of the item mentioned, or told about, I have visited but didn’t at the time know about these stories.

[Bode Cauthon · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice anthology of stories and an excellent way of getting to know my new stomping grounds. Spooky!

[Alicia B · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very conversation-like written book. Some stories I had wished there was more added too, but the overall feel and read is positive. Now I'll have to go to Halifax to visit their ghosts.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this collection of stories, not only because they're from my hometown, but also (and most importantly) Steve Vernon is a master story teller. I have had the good fortune to hear Steve recount his tales in person and like his writing style, he breathes life into these stories. As I was reading I actually found myself hearing his voice, telling me the story, which lent some terrific atmosphere let me tell you. :)

Living in Halifax, I had already heard a few of these stories here and there, but never as complete and fully restored as in this collection. This is a great book to get to know some of the history of Halifax with a spooky twist. Great fun!

[Eric · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was interesting to read stories of places I walk past regularly. When Nessa and I had a honeymoon here we went on a Ghost Walk and some of the stories were in the book. It was a different way to find out some of the history of Halifax.

[Tessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was neat to read local stories about nova scotia. I live in Halifax, which made reading this all the more interesting. Good work, I hope to read the other books similar to this one some day.

[Sarah Manning · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a fun quick read with many interesting stories about the city I never knew about

[Marie Schaeller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Halifax Haunts covers some interesting history and haunts of the city. The only thing is I wish there were more details and a little more depth to the stories. The chapters were very short. Halifax is filled with some interesting stories.

[Juli Irving-Melanson · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved this book! I like the way it's set up to take you on your own Ghost Walk around the city.