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Ghosts and Haunts from the Appalachian Foothills: Stories and Legends
This collection of spooky, authentic legends of Appalachian ghosts was gathered from those who have lived in the foothills for generations.
173 pages, Paperback
First published August 13, 1993
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
February 23, 2015
I won't argue with those who say the stories are similar, or that there wasn't any character development, or that the writing wasn't stellar, but I still enjoyed this book.
To me, the book seemed to be more of a folklore collection than a story anthology, which would explain why there would be so many similar ones; ghost stories seem to have common themes.
Imagine you're sitting around a campfire on a chill autumn night. Someone starts telling ghost stories. One person delivers the facts, just the facts, without flourishes or much originality. Another person, who has a flair for the dramatic, may embellish the story for effect, adding things that didn't happen. A third might make the whole thing up, inspired by stories heard as a child.
Look at it with that perspective and you'll find a nice little collection.
To me, the book seemed to be more of a folklore collection than a story anthology, which would explain why there would be so many similar ones; ghost stories seem to have common themes.
Imagine you're sitting around a campfire on a chill autumn night. Someone starts telling ghost stories. One person delivers the facts, just the facts, without flourishes or much originality. Another person, who has a flair for the dramatic, may embellish the story for effect, adding things that didn't happen. A third might make the whole thing up, inspired by stories heard as a child.
Look at it with that perspective and you'll find a nice little collection.
November 10, 2016
Copyright 1993. I used to like to pick these ghost story books up when on vacation. This one was from the Great Smoky Mountains NP.
Usually 4 different authors spells trouble for a book. I actually liked all the stories. There are around 45 very short stories in this book. Actually, I like that they're so short. Sometimes it gets frustrating when the author pads the story to make it longer. It would have been nice in some of the stories if they ended telling you what happened after. "Appalachian Exorcist" is an example.
My favorites are : "Late in the Evening" & "Churches".
Usually 4 different authors spells trouble for a book. I actually liked all the stories. There are around 45 very short stories in this book. Actually, I like that they're so short. Sometimes it gets frustrating when the author pads the story to make it longer. It would have been nice in some of the stories if they ended telling you what happened after. "Appalachian Exorcist" is an example.
My favorites are : "Late in the Evening" & "Churches".
August 1, 2014
3 1/2 Stars
I like reading these ghost stories and folklore passed down through the generations. There are certainly no stories as colorful as the ones from the Appalachians. They are told by grandparents (mostly) back in the day when story-telling was their favorite and sometimes their only form of entertainment. It's a nice little collection of old wives tales.
I like reading these ghost stories and folklore passed down through the generations. There are certainly no stories as colorful as the ones from the Appalachians. They are told by grandparents (mostly) back in the day when story-telling was their favorite and sometimes their only form of entertainment. It's a nice little collection of old wives tales.
April 20, 2021
Great, scary stories. I kept looking over my shoulder to be sure I was alone in the room.
May 22, 2024
Thought it would be a much better read
May 31, 2024
I found this read at a half-price book store and do not regret buying it! I loved reading through this book and the stories that have been passed down from generation to generation! 100% recommend!
July 28, 2025
I never understood ghost stories. is it because I'm a Christian and believe your either in heaven or hell when you die
October 29, 2025
I got this book on vacation as a child and would read it over and over. I recently found the book again at my parents’ house and had to bring it home. It was fun to read the stories again.
April 18, 2012
Most of my reviews on Amazon are five stars. That is because when I read something that isn't very good, I simply choose to say nothing at all instead of bash the book. I decided to give an honest review, share my thoughts, on this book as opposed to remain silent.
It does seem as if it is very very very hard to find good horror anthologies, old fashion ghost stories, that are entertaining to any degree, this book certainly wasn't any better than most of what is out there.
I personally feel as if the main audience it is written for is young, grade school/Christian school type children. Even middle schoolers would not be entertained by this book.
There are many stories in the book, I would say 30 or so, but so many of them are just like the others. There is no character development in any of the stories, none of the reasonings behind the "hauntings" is ever revealed (maybe 3 or 4) and OMG! did I ever get tired of each of the stories ending with , "and she never talked about what happened." or "and he never talked about what happened," or "they never talked about what happened." If you are looking for a good collection, look elsewhere, cause you won't find it here.
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It does seem as if it is very very very hard to find good horror anthologies, old fashion ghost stories, that are entertaining to any degree, this book certainly wasn't any better than most of what is out there.
I personally feel as if the main audience it is written for is young, grade school/Christian school type children. Even middle schoolers would not be entertained by this book.
There are many stories in the book, I would say 30 or so, but so many of them are just like the others. There is no character development in any of the stories, none of the reasonings behind the "hauntings" is ever revealed (maybe 3 or 4) and OMG! did I ever get tired of each of the stories ending with , "and she never talked about what happened." or "and he never talked about what happened," or "they never talked about what happened." If you are looking for a good collection, look elsewhere, cause you won't find it here.
Comment | Permalink
September 3, 2011
Ooo, the one about the "play-pretty" is extra creepy. Gaaa!
January 28, 2015
It wasn't bad, it just wasn't very good. Just meh. I probably won't be reading it again any time soon.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews