Kentucky Ghosts

New Books for New Readers

by William Lynwood Montell

Headless visions—howls and moans—ghostly ladies dressed in black and white—a fiddling spirit dancing on the road. Such are the sights and sounds that inhabit the pages of Lynwood Montell's Kentucky Ghosts. This collection is representative of the rich tradition of ghost or "haint" tales passed on through the ages and across cultures as a way of dealing with death and the lore of the spirit world. In retelling the tales, Montell has included details about architecture, geography, and local culture. Each tale is told in the voice of the narrator who believe the story to be true. And, who knows... ?

Genres: Paranormal, Short Stories, History

64 pages, Paperback

First published November 9, 1993

Reviews

[Duane Parker]

This book was published with the support of the Kentucky Humanities Council as part of it's "New Books for New Readers" project.

Kentucky author William Lynwood Montell has written, or I should say recounted, eight Kentucky ghost stories that have been passed down through legend and folklore by several generations of Kentuckians. The unique thing about these stories is that they are true, at least in the sense that the original tellers believed them to be.

The stories themselves were interesting and entertaining enough, but what I liked most was the sense of Kentucky history they portrayed. The fact that I'm a Kentuckian helped peak my interest I'm sure.

[Janice Workman]

It is what it says it is - a book of local lore/ghost stories shared with the reader. A short read, which is fine with me. Stories were not real spooky, violent, horrific - but it did show the flavor of the area and was satisfying enough ghost stories to hold my interest

[dawn rahe]

I Love Kentucky! Montell has wrote an excellent book about ghost stories though out the many counties in the state. I love his downhome storytelling. Special surprise the book was signed.

[Silena]

Wonderful folklore stories from the people of Kentucky. It feels like sitting at a grandparent's house telling ghost stories....

[Kurt Weber]

A very, very quick read

[elsewhere]

"Kentucky Ghosts" by William Lynwood Montell contained some truly entertaining ghost stories which were easy to comprehend due to its writing style. But more than that, what I liked most about these short stories was how it made me experience Kentucky itself. Despite the collection lacking the horror or the creepiness that others would try to look for, I still enjoyed these ghost stories.

[Grant]

Since I am from Kentucky it is good to see a book that contains ghost stories that are local. My only issue is with the book I wish the book had contained more stories because I feel like it was a quick read that just left me hanging for more. Dr. Montell has a way with stories which is noticeable in this work because you see his love of folklore come out in these short ghost stories people have been growing up here.

[Kirsten]

Interesting stories, some even funny. Quick read about some KY haints.

[Mark Adams]

Very general ghost stories. I would have liked more detail and maybe a map of the locations.