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Paranormal State: My Journey into the Unknown – An Investigator's Account of Ghosts, Supernatural Encounters, and PRS
Ryan Buell, star of the hit A&E series Paranormal State, takes us behind the scenes of his most intense supernatural encounters.
Follow Ryan Buell on his extraordinary journey as he seeks out the truth behind terrifying demonic disturbances, hauntings, and paranormal phenomena to solve unexplained mysteries that have been plaguing frightened families who have nowhere else to turn.
In Paranormal State, Buell gives readers a chilling, in-depth look at some of the most disturbing cases—including some that have never been aired—revealing startling new facts and incredible new discoveries. Buell relives the origins of the Paranormal Research Society, discussed here for the first time, and the strange path his life has taken since the show's beginning. With unparalleled candor, Ryan discusses the intriguing mysteries, the difficult decisions, and the struggles with questions of faith, sanity, and the very concept of reality.
Follow Ryan Buell on his extraordinary journey as he seeks out the truth behind terrifying demonic disturbances, hauntings, and paranormal phenomena to solve unexplained mysteries that have been plaguing frightened families who have nowhere else to turn.
In Paranormal State, Buell gives readers a chilling, in-depth look at some of the most disturbing cases—including some that have never been aired—revealing startling new facts and incredible new discoveries. Buell relives the origins of the Paranormal Research Society, discussed here for the first time, and the strange path his life has taken since the show's beginning. With unparalleled candor, Ryan discusses the intriguing mysteries, the difficult decisions, and the struggles with questions of faith, sanity, and the very concept of reality.
400 pages, Paperback
First published September 10, 2010
77 people are currently reading
1199 people want to read
About the author
Ryan Buell
6 books71 followersRyan Buell is an American paranormal investigator, author and producer who was the main host of the A&E TV show Paranormal State.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 193 reviews
July 27, 2013
A lot of people have a real hate-on for Ryan Buell, the host of A&E’s Paranormal State and the author of this book about his experiences making the show. Basically, they think he’s a real douche. I never had much of an opinion of him either way except that I really loved the show, but now that I’ve read the book I have to tell you all, you seriously need to give the guy a break.
The problem with any reality type TV show, as everyone should know, is with the editing. Two days of footage is a lot of material to fit into 23 minutes. As Ryan himself said, it would be great if each of these shows was a feature-length movie. But they’re not, and that’s just how it goes. TV is TV. I don’t remember feeling that the show was rushed while it was still on the air, but after going back and watching almost the entire first season of which the book is based on, it looked rushed as hell. It becomes all too obvious that there’s a whole lot missing from these episodes, and what Ryan has done in this book is fill in all the blanks for us. He adds a ton of detail, so it’s an incredibly great companion for any fan of Paranormal State.
What became clear to me as I read was that what people perceive to be douchey-ness, is actually Ryan’s passion for his work and strong sense of integrity for the show. This guy is no pushover, and he’s willing to fight for what he believes in. If he thinks a mistake is being made, he wants to correct it. To be a douche would be to have an inflated ego, but Ryan absolutely does not have this, and he never comes across as the least bit arrogant or self-serving. His writing style is very honest, genuine, and pleasantly conversational. He’s not the greatest writer who ever lived, and there are still a few issues with the editing, but there’s a warmth here that gives you the sense that he’s writing directly to you, and this is difficult to achieve. He has absolutely no agenda to push, and wants only to share an important part of his life. He’s honest about his weaknesses and his doubts. He admits his mistakes. I gained a lot of respect for him, and when he drops a personal bombshell in the middle of the book I gained a lot of compassion for him too. Ryan is a good person. He’s the kind of guy you want on your side, and to his clients that must be incredibly important. They’re very lucky to have him around.
People have also accused the show of being too Catholic-leaning, and he addresses this as well. Ryan is a practicing Catholic himself, and he’s very open about this, and about his strong spiritual convictions along with his personal and professional ones. But never once does he approach anything like preaching, and he’s absolutely respectful of other people’s own belief systems. He’s the good kind of Christian, the kind that does what he believes is right free of any hate or hypocrisy. And he has good reason for this, because as you will see, he’s been on the receiving end of just this very thing himself. We also need to keep in mind that most people in America are Christians, and Ryan always strives to align the help of his team with the religious beliefs of his clients. The fact that most clients are Christian, and so the aid they provide will be Christian in nature as well is to be expected. There’s no conspiracy here, it’s just common sense.
Nor does Ryan ever try to convince anyone of the phenomenon on the show. You don’t have to be a believer in the paranormal to enjoy the book and the many insights within it. He presents the facts simply as he experienced them, and when discussing his beliefs he’s always quick to offer differing points of view. At the end of each chapter, each based on one episode of the show, there are asides with further information on topics that have been discussed, such as EVP or cryptozoology, and these are the sections that are uninfluenced by his experiences. They are only matter of fact, there so you can further appreciate and consider the book’s content. These sidebars also contain a few stories and information about the other members of his team.
So I have to end by saying that this book is not only entertaining, but very smart. The structure and the style make perfect sense and I believe that they accomplish exactly what Ryan set out to do here. He’s just sharing information, and himself. Not preaching, not pushing, not trying to prove anything. He’s just sharing his experiences the same way he would to a very good friend. That’s how you’ll feel by the end of the book, and I can’t wait to read his next one.
Other recommended reads: The Demonologist
The problem with any reality type TV show, as everyone should know, is with the editing. Two days of footage is a lot of material to fit into 23 minutes. As Ryan himself said, it would be great if each of these shows was a feature-length movie. But they’re not, and that’s just how it goes. TV is TV. I don’t remember feeling that the show was rushed while it was still on the air, but after going back and watching almost the entire first season of which the book is based on, it looked rushed as hell. It becomes all too obvious that there’s a whole lot missing from these episodes, and what Ryan has done in this book is fill in all the blanks for us. He adds a ton of detail, so it’s an incredibly great companion for any fan of Paranormal State.
What became clear to me as I read was that what people perceive to be douchey-ness, is actually Ryan’s passion for his work and strong sense of integrity for the show. This guy is no pushover, and he’s willing to fight for what he believes in. If he thinks a mistake is being made, he wants to correct it. To be a douche would be to have an inflated ego, but Ryan absolutely does not have this, and he never comes across as the least bit arrogant or self-serving. His writing style is very honest, genuine, and pleasantly conversational. He’s not the greatest writer who ever lived, and there are still a few issues with the editing, but there’s a warmth here that gives you the sense that he’s writing directly to you, and this is difficult to achieve. He has absolutely no agenda to push, and wants only to share an important part of his life. He’s honest about his weaknesses and his doubts. He admits his mistakes. I gained a lot of respect for him, and when he drops a personal bombshell in the middle of the book I gained a lot of compassion for him too. Ryan is a good person. He’s the kind of guy you want on your side, and to his clients that must be incredibly important. They’re very lucky to have him around.
People have also accused the show of being too Catholic-leaning, and he addresses this as well. Ryan is a practicing Catholic himself, and he’s very open about this, and about his strong spiritual convictions along with his personal and professional ones. But never once does he approach anything like preaching, and he’s absolutely respectful of other people’s own belief systems. He’s the good kind of Christian, the kind that does what he believes is right free of any hate or hypocrisy. And he has good reason for this, because as you will see, he’s been on the receiving end of just this very thing himself. We also need to keep in mind that most people in America are Christians, and Ryan always strives to align the help of his team with the religious beliefs of his clients. The fact that most clients are Christian, and so the aid they provide will be Christian in nature as well is to be expected. There’s no conspiracy here, it’s just common sense.
Nor does Ryan ever try to convince anyone of the phenomenon on the show. You don’t have to be a believer in the paranormal to enjoy the book and the many insights within it. He presents the facts simply as he experienced them, and when discussing his beliefs he’s always quick to offer differing points of view. At the end of each chapter, each based on one episode of the show, there are asides with further information on topics that have been discussed, such as EVP or cryptozoology, and these are the sections that are uninfluenced by his experiences. They are only matter of fact, there so you can further appreciate and consider the book’s content. These sidebars also contain a few stories and information about the other members of his team.
So I have to end by saying that this book is not only entertaining, but very smart. The structure and the style make perfect sense and I believe that they accomplish exactly what Ryan set out to do here. He’s just sharing information, and himself. Not preaching, not pushing, not trying to prove anything. He’s just sharing his experiences the same way he would to a very good friend. That’s how you’ll feel by the end of the book, and I can’t wait to read his next one.
Other recommended reads: The Demonologist
November 15, 2014
Paranormal State is an autobiographical account from Ryan Buell about the work that he, and the rest of his research group did investigating the supernatural during the first season of their A&E show Paranormal State.
I think Buell did a decent job on this book. We see a lot of the background about the group, and what went on behind the scenes of the television show. He also tells us about a lot of the material that was cut from the show so it would fit the time requirements - quite a bit was left out, apparently. The group covered a variety of cases, and they're discussed in the order they occurred and were filmed, rather than when they were aired on tv. The majority of the cases are spirit-related, though. It's clear from Buell's writing that he and the rest of the group takes the investigations quite seriously. It's interesting to see the various research methods the group uses as well.
We're also told a fair bit of Buell's personal life, such as his previous encounters with the supernatural - growing up & the effect it had on his life, as well as several cases that take place before the start of the show. He talks a bit about his spiritual beliefs, as well as those of the other members of the group, and what brought him to where he is in his life spiritually.
I don't know if it was intentionally done, given the more scientific apporach he takes to describing the cases, but it made for quite a creepy read. (That's what I get for reading a large part of it at night over the weekend, I guess!) I'm glad I picked it up. I'd definitely recommend it to fans of the show, or people interested is the scientific side of supernatural research.
I think Buell did a decent job on this book. We see a lot of the background about the group, and what went on behind the scenes of the television show. He also tells us about a lot of the material that was cut from the show so it would fit the time requirements - quite a bit was left out, apparently. The group covered a variety of cases, and they're discussed in the order they occurred and were filmed, rather than when they were aired on tv. The majority of the cases are spirit-related, though. It's clear from Buell's writing that he and the rest of the group takes the investigations quite seriously. It's interesting to see the various research methods the group uses as well.
We're also told a fair bit of Buell's personal life, such as his previous encounters with the supernatural - growing up & the effect it had on his life, as well as several cases that take place before the start of the show. He talks a bit about his spiritual beliefs, as well as those of the other members of the group, and what brought him to where he is in his life spiritually.
I don't know if it was intentionally done, given the more scientific apporach he takes to describing the cases, but it made for quite a creepy read. (That's what I get for reading a large part of it at night over the weekend, I guess!) I'm glad I picked it up. I'd definitely recommend it to fans of the show, or people interested is the scientific side of supernatural research.
July 25, 2011
I have had to really think about how I felt about this. I have watched the first two seasons of the show Paranormal State merely out of intrigue and curiosity. Like most, paranormal shows I try to dismiss the crap. I was reluctant to read this when it fell on my desk, but after reading the personal testimony of Ryan Buell he appears to be a well thought out individual with a natural ability to motivate people in a positive way.
This being said, this book really is a journey of his growth through the experiences he has had on the cases of his first season of the show. The book offers a another look at the cases with add scrutiny that the television show omits. It makes a lot of what you see and hear a little more believable or debunked. Ryan's own personal philosophy is so well written that it's hard not to put even the slightest bit of faith in the kid. The most important point in this book is that he believes and hopes he really is helping people, whether it is supernatural or just stress and a series of coincidences. Helping people recognize what is really going on in their lives and helping them to move forward and take back control of their lives appears to be his mission. There is no greater teacher than personal experience. Ryan Buell demonstrates this in this book on more than one level which makes this personal story great. We see a young man driven by faith transform into a man willing to accept all possible accounts and drawing rational conclusions rather that jumping to them.
The layout of the book made for a quick read, and not once was I bored to put it down and walk away as if I cared less. There is a growing philosophy that I will actually walk away with after reading this. And I will definitely give some benefit of the doubt to some personal testimony of the paranormal.
This being said, this book really is a journey of his growth through the experiences he has had on the cases of his first season of the show. The book offers a another look at the cases with add scrutiny that the television show omits. It makes a lot of what you see and hear a little more believable or debunked. Ryan's own personal philosophy is so well written that it's hard not to put even the slightest bit of faith in the kid. The most important point in this book is that he believes and hopes he really is helping people, whether it is supernatural or just stress and a series of coincidences. Helping people recognize what is really going on in their lives and helping them to move forward and take back control of their lives appears to be his mission. There is no greater teacher than personal experience. Ryan Buell demonstrates this in this book on more than one level which makes this personal story great. We see a young man driven by faith transform into a man willing to accept all possible accounts and drawing rational conclusions rather that jumping to them.
The layout of the book made for a quick read, and not once was I bored to put it down and walk away as if I cared less. There is a growing philosophy that I will actually walk away with after reading this. And I will definitely give some benefit of the doubt to some personal testimony of the paranormal.
May 23, 2012
Don't make fun of me. I read this and enjoyed it. Don't be a Judge Judy.
May 20, 2017
interesting. kept me reading.
December 6, 2010
I'm a huge fan of ghost hunting shows and the like, and Paranormal State, while enjoyable, was not one of my favorites because I liked seeing the evidence found. However, after reading this book and reading Ryan's reason for why his group and show are so different from others, such as TAPS/Ghost Hunters, I have a new appreciation for it, and I must say, it's quickly grown on me.
This book takes the readers through episodes of the series, and I'm disappointed with how much the show leaves out. Now I wish each episode was an hour long rathern than half, so viewers could see much more.
I also enjoyed Ryan's very candid discussion on his religious beliefs, paranormal beliefs, and his sexuality. To open up like that is something very brave, and I commend him for it. I hear that he has a second book in the works, and I honestly cannot wait for it. I hope it offers just as much insight. For anyone that is a fan of the show, this is a must read. For anyone interested in paranormal studies, this is also a must read. Getting into the show? Read this while watching the episodes. I'm going to rewatch the first season now with a new appreciation.
This book takes the readers through episodes of the series, and I'm disappointed with how much the show leaves out. Now I wish each episode was an hour long rathern than half, so viewers could see much more.
I also enjoyed Ryan's very candid discussion on his religious beliefs, paranormal beliefs, and his sexuality. To open up like that is something very brave, and I commend him for it. I hear that he has a second book in the works, and I honestly cannot wait for it. I hope it offers just as much insight. For anyone that is a fan of the show, this is a must read. For anyone interested in paranormal studies, this is also a must read. Getting into the show? Read this while watching the episodes. I'm going to rewatch the first season now with a new appreciation.
June 30, 2011
Ryan Buell is the lead investigator and founder of the Paranormal Research Society, a student organization of ghost hunters out of Penn State. Buell goes into detail on what went into creating the show as well as the challenge of not losing the paranormal integrity that the research society has worked hard to achieve
This book is written for supporters of the TV show Paranormal State. A reader with no familiarity with the show will get very little from the book but as a follower of the show, I did enjoy the book and would recommend it to others who also watch it.
4 Stars
This book is written for supporters of the TV show Paranormal State. A reader with no familiarity with the show will get very little from the book but as a follower of the show, I did enjoy the book and would recommend it to others who also watch it.
4 Stars
October 3, 2012
I've only recently truly discovered the TV show "Paranormal State," which is Ryan Buell's reality program about his paranormal investigating society (the Paranormal Research Society), which began as a club at Penn State College.
I realize- and have seen- that so many of these types of ghost hunting shows are less than legitimate. But Buell's work is different. What interested me most about the show was his philosophy; his investigations present a person, tell their story, and test how likely actual paranormal activity is in a person's given situation. Though Buell has a very much Catholic background he brings to his general philosophy and life, death and the beyond- I do have to admit I find it fascinating how open he is to other spiritual beliefs, which he thinks of as different spiritual languages all speaking the same goals. I'm also a big fan of how the show researches the history of properties and people-- and how often the stories they dig up through research about what did happen in the past is far more interesting than anyone in the present thinking they are seeing ghosts.
So I read Buell's book. And loved it. Say or think what you will about people like him, but he is incredibly earnest in his work, and it shows. He goes into so much detail in this book about the investigations shown on the first season of the show; what was left out, what he really thought, and his struggles to maintain a kind of integrity doing what he does while having a reality show. With the show, Buell and his team look at these cases, these reports of ghost stories and do more than trying to debunk them, more than trying to confirm them.
And the frankness with which he talks about what he does believe, or what he believes could be possible-- and everything from his faith to his sexuality is incredibly interesting. I highly recommend this for anyone interested in the show, Buell's philosophy, or an inspired look at what it is to think the paranormal is possible in today's world.
I realize- and have seen- that so many of these types of ghost hunting shows are less than legitimate. But Buell's work is different. What interested me most about the show was his philosophy; his investigations present a person, tell their story, and test how likely actual paranormal activity is in a person's given situation. Though Buell has a very much Catholic background he brings to his general philosophy and life, death and the beyond- I do have to admit I find it fascinating how open he is to other spiritual beliefs, which he thinks of as different spiritual languages all speaking the same goals. I'm also a big fan of how the show researches the history of properties and people-- and how often the stories they dig up through research about what did happen in the past is far more interesting than anyone in the present thinking they are seeing ghosts.
So I read Buell's book. And loved it. Say or think what you will about people like him, but he is incredibly earnest in his work, and it shows. He goes into so much detail in this book about the investigations shown on the first season of the show; what was left out, what he really thought, and his struggles to maintain a kind of integrity doing what he does while having a reality show. With the show, Buell and his team look at these cases, these reports of ghost stories and do more than trying to debunk them, more than trying to confirm them.
And the frankness with which he talks about what he does believe, or what he believes could be possible-- and everything from his faith to his sexuality is incredibly interesting. I highly recommend this for anyone interested in the show, Buell's philosophy, or an inspired look at what it is to think the paranormal is possible in today's world.
April 12, 2011
I had only seen a few episodes of Paranormal State prior to reading the book, but I got the first season DVD set very cheap so I thought I'd give it a try. Then I saw Ryan had a book out. Why not read the book while watching the first season? As it turned out, the book was ABOUT making season one, so it was perfect. I could read and watch and see what they left out, etc. I appreciated Buell's honesty in the book, and found it fascinating the thought process that goes into making the show. Some reviews I had read on paranormal sights trashed him (and this was before the book had actually come out!) for revealing in these pages that he was bisexual. A stunt to drum up extra sales, they claimed. Really? From the tone of the "reviews" and comments made, it seemed more likely that people WOULDN'T buy the book because of his statement. And it isn't revealed as a lurid tell-all--it was germane to the chapter he was writing. Hopefully this is just the first of a series of Paranormal State books. Now I'll have to get season two...
July 26, 2016
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. I am a big fan of Ryan Buell and Paranormal State. I am not a full out believer in all of the things in this book or on Paranormal State, and I am not particularly religious, but I do believe there are things out there in the world that we do not understand and I am eager to learn more about them. This book really lets Ryan's personality shine through and obviously gives fans a lot of behind the scenes information about the cases PRS takes on.
However, I was rather disappointed that the book only covers season 1 of Paranormal State (or seasons 1 and 1.5 as Ryan calls them). Having seen all of the seasons, I would have been more interested to read about some of the later cases, particularly the details of "I am Six".
As it is, I couldn't put the book down and finished it in about a day and a half. If Ryan ever writes another book, I would definitely read it!
However, I was rather disappointed that the book only covers season 1 of Paranormal State (or seasons 1 and 1.5 as Ryan calls them). Having seen all of the seasons, I would have been more interested to read about some of the later cases, particularly the details of "I am Six".
As it is, I couldn't put the book down and finished it in about a day and a half. If Ryan ever writes another book, I would definitely read it!
January 16, 2016
I am really grateful for this book. It really opened my eyes to the world of the paranormal. I didn't once doubt Buell's stories, because he came off as such a well-meaning, concerned, intelligent guy. He always kept the client's interests in mind, as well as the spirit's, while also investigating the nature of hauntings. I think this is proof that some investigators are genuinely interested in the meanings and logic behind the paranormal, instead of just being "ghost hunters" and exploiting the spirits for adrenaline or publicity. I learned a lot while reading this book, the most important being that you shouldn't be afraid. The spirits usually aren't there to harm, just to communicate, to find a sense of peace.
I know not everyone believes in this, but I find this a good argument for the fact. The point of the book wasn't to scare the reader, as some were probably expecting, but to educate. And I really appreciate that.
I know not everyone believes in this, but I find this a good argument for the fact. The point of the book wasn't to scare the reader, as some were probably expecting, but to educate. And I really appreciate that.
March 8, 2011
I don't read books that provide "the inside story" about celebrities. I could not care less. When I saw this book by Ryan Buell, however, I had to pick it up. Paranormal State has been one of my favorite television programs since it came out a few years ago, and I believe I have watched every episode. What surprised me was the fact that I found myself watching reruns; it's twice as much fun when you know what was going on off-camera. The cases are fascinating, and there is actually some good information for the uninformed about the paranormal. I also have a new respect for Ryan Buell. I used to think he was an arrogant college kid who was groomed for the show. I did not realize how hard he has actually worked, and the amount of dedication to his "cause" he has had even long before the lights and cameras. Ok, so he's still arrogant, but now I forgive him :)
November 5, 2012
I have an awful mix of both Mulder and Scully in me. As much as I want to believe, there is still the skeptic nagging away within. I love ghost stories and do find myself addicted to ghost hunting series, although I have to admit I'm more interested in the stories of the hauntings themselves rather than the search for 'evidence'.
I wanted to read this book especially because of Buell and his coming out as bisexual. I wanted to know more of his life story and how he came to grips with both it and a belief in the supernatural despite having a strong faith. Although he gave us some glimpses, the book was little more than a recall of some of the more elaborate cases he worked on with his show.
Which is all well and good, but for a book subtitled "My Journey Into the Unknown", I expected a little more of the 'me' in there.
I wanted to read this book especially because of Buell and his coming out as bisexual. I wanted to know more of his life story and how he came to grips with both it and a belief in the supernatural despite having a strong faith. Although he gave us some glimpses, the book was little more than a recall of some of the more elaborate cases he worked on with his show.
Which is all well and good, but for a book subtitled "My Journey Into the Unknown", I expected a little more of the 'me' in there.
August 21, 2014
I like Paranormal State as a show. It is very interesting. However after reading this book I have gained a new respect for what PRS does and especially for Ryan himself. I think another reviewer said it well when saying this books reads like a longtime friend telling you a story about himself. But I also get the impression that there is a budding professor in him who wants to educate and a bit of a psychologist that wants to heal. Ryan is a man of many talents that has found a way to help those that a "standardized" professional would fail at. Many kudos and I hope the show is not yet over. As he has said there is more to his story and others too I am sure.
May 25, 2015
3.5 stars. probably would have gotten more out of this if I'd ever watched Paranormal State. that aside, I found it interesting for the insight it gave into ghost hunting, and I do believe Ryan is sincere in his beliefs. some chapters seemed a little thin, and there are a lot of points within the stories where events or investigation seem to be leading up to something, only to end with "we never got resolution on this." but hey, that's real life, and as was even stated once in the book, if there were too many neatly tied up stories, no one would believe them.
the extra half star was for managing to ruin one night of sleep for me. don't read the demon chapters before bed!
the extra half star was for managing to ruin one night of sleep for me. don't read the demon chapters before bed!
June 15, 2014
In one weeks time I will be meeting Ryan Buell!!! Loved this book. Paranormal State is one of my favorite shows! His focus on the clients and their experience is wonderful. Seems very genuine and caring. Great book for those who love the paranormal. Skeptics should find this intersting too as he is honest about his findings and debunking what he can. Great insight into how his team works.
February 11, 2015
I thought it would have been better, he gave a little background information behind the scenes of the shows. But I watched all seasons and really didn't learn anything more. I thought there would have been details about what he went through as a kid his experiences but there weren't. Also thought he would have touched on his illness i guess thats for the next book. Disappointed.
March 12, 2016
Unfortunately, Ryan Buell contradicts himself quite a bit in this book, and it is clear after seeing the tv episodes that the show does not represent reality. The clients are real and some of the phenomenon is real, but the time-crunched, edited episodes mislead the viewer. Ryan's attempt to share with readers what is not shown in the episodes just made me feel angry and deceived.
May 16, 2014
Paranormal state
I've been a fan of Ryan's since I first saw his show. I like that he's a religious person as well as knowledgeable in the paranormal field. I think he genuinely carries about the people in each case. most importantly he gives the credit to God.
I've been a fan of Ryan's since I first saw his show. I like that he's a religious person as well as knowledgeable in the paranormal field. I think he genuinely carries about the people in each case. most importantly he gives the credit to God.
April 3, 2021
Refreshing And Honest
Though I’ve had a lifelong interest and experience with the paranormal, I’ve never been very interested in ghost hunting shows and so-called evidence. Most of the time it feels forced and contrived, but Paranormal State has never felt that way to me. In my opinion, it should be the standard other “ghost hunting” shows are judged by. This book gives you a behind the scenes look at Ryan’s perspective on the first season cases, as well as some brief discussion of his personal life.
His take on the phenomena are honest, and super refreshing, none of which I expected from a seemingly-devout Catholic. Not to say “all Catholics are X”, but any kind of belief system can very easily blind it’s followers to the wide array of possibilities that exist beyond the boundaries of their faith. Ryan, though his faith is clearly important to him, is humble and open enough to admit the limits of his knowledge and reveal his biases, in ways that are both intelligent and insightful. To top that all of, his compassion and empathy come through powerfully, which further increases my respect for him, as well as his team.
Overall, a great read, and has definitely lit a fire under me to keep exploring my own experiences and keep testing the boundaries of my own reality.
Though I’ve had a lifelong interest and experience with the paranormal, I’ve never been very interested in ghost hunting shows and so-called evidence. Most of the time it feels forced and contrived, but Paranormal State has never felt that way to me. In my opinion, it should be the standard other “ghost hunting” shows are judged by. This book gives you a behind the scenes look at Ryan’s perspective on the first season cases, as well as some brief discussion of his personal life.
His take on the phenomena are honest, and super refreshing, none of which I expected from a seemingly-devout Catholic. Not to say “all Catholics are X”, but any kind of belief system can very easily blind it’s followers to the wide array of possibilities that exist beyond the boundaries of their faith. Ryan, though his faith is clearly important to him, is humble and open enough to admit the limits of his knowledge and reveal his biases, in ways that are both intelligent and insightful. To top that all of, his compassion and empathy come through powerfully, which further increases my respect for him, as well as his team.
Overall, a great read, and has definitely lit a fire under me to keep exploring my own experiences and keep testing the boundaries of my own reality.
April 21, 2024
Ryan Buell and the PRS team made the greatness that was Paranormal State. Sure it was a different set up than most since it needed to be shoved into a thirty-minute run, but it was still a good show. I found this sitting in a secondhand bookstore and the cover alone made me want to read it since I hadn't thought about PRS in years. Each chapter covers a case they investigated while the show was being filmed but it isn't redundant in the sense that you get more information about what happened than what was actually shown. Ryan did a very good job from chapter to chapter keeping me interested with a good flow in his writing style. The only critique I have is the fact that on page 223 he mentions the Kreider Family Murders and says that Albert F. Bromberger is a serial killer. This isn't true since he proceeded to murder all six people on the same night in the same house. Which would instead make him a mass murderer. Really that is just the true crime nut in me being picky. All in all this was a good read that I poured through relatively quickly.
November 6, 2017
Okay, here's where I have to admit I'm obsessed with the paranormal. I know. Anyhow, one of my favorite TV programs, before Ryan Buell quit it to move on to better things, was Paranormal State. I'd hoped that this book was more of what I found so interesting about the program, but what it was about was his own journey of self-development. While he did explain things about the cases and include material that had been edited out (for good reason because it wasn't that interesting), this book was more about him. His personality really comes through in this book, which actually worked to his disadvantage as he came across as overly serious, somewhat conceited, and not a person I related to at all. It did have a good appendix section which gave some background information and suggested reading on paranormal subjects, which I found helpful.
June 3, 2025
jajajajaj i intentionally took forever reading this one! because i have wanted to read this book since i was in middle & high school so decades ago lol! so after finding it & buying i did!
i really really enjoyed it! he is still my favorite person in the paranormal world! he is an excellent author as well! i would read anything he publishes in the future if ever he decided to again
anyway i loved this book at long last finally reading it! 🖤
cannot wait till he has more books or something idk jajajaj
ryan buelll is the 🐐
i really really enjoyed it! he is still my favorite person in the paranormal world! he is an excellent author as well! i would read anything he publishes in the future if ever he decided to again
anyway i loved this book at long last finally reading it! 🖤
cannot wait till he has more books or something idk jajajaj
ryan buelll is the 🐐
October 13, 2017
I used to really enjoy the show when it first aired and have been keen on this book for years given Buell's oft-mentioned history with the demonic. The book doesn't deliver on the supernatural end that well but it was still a good look into the behind-the-scenes production of the first season. Can meander a little bit with hints of relationship dramas and potential group members who didn't commit.
October 2, 2019
This book basically runs you through episodes from season 1 of Paranormal State, although there is some behind-the-scenes info and narrative. This is Ryan Buell's "journey into the unknown". I was disappointed that he never gave details about his childhood paranormal experiences. The intro to the episodes of course made me curious about those experiences. If you're reading the book for that reason you wont find it.
April 4, 2018
Took me a while to read this one, I don’t read much that isn’t fantasy or fiction so my pace was off but when I was a teenage I loved paranormal state so much I’ve seen just about every episode ! And this gave a in depth different view that was super interesting to see and if you liked paranormal state guaranteed you will like this book!
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April 12, 2020Full of suspense and excitement. Tells a lot about Ryan's journey into the unknown and how he coped with each paranormal encounters. The most interesting part was the ghost that seems to haunt him, the name that can't be spoken or else it will haunt you as well, starts with a B. I will really like to know this ghosts name. IT IS KILLING THAT I DON'T KNOW IT!!!!!!
May 12, 2021
I'm totally into this kind of stuff but this book was terrible! Just terrible. Just blah blah blah blah. Proof that it's indeed possible to make such an interesting topic a total snoozefest. I've never seen the show but by the sounds of it, it sucks pretty bad. Shame on you. How did this show get past season 1?
August 21, 2019
It was an interesting look into how Ryan saw the series as it was being filmed and his insights on the cases. It didn't give a lot of the information I was hoping for in terms of his inner struggles but it was still an interesting read.
July 24, 2018
I liked this book. However, Ryan's antics of the past few years have soured me & I wouldn't recommend it to anyone.
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