Book Review for Roswell: History, Haunts, and Legends

Title: Roswell: History, Haunts, and Legends
Author: Dianna Avena
Published: 2007 by The History Press
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When I think of a haunted city in Georgia, my mind goes straight to Savannah. In fact, I would wager that Savannah could be ranked up in the Top 10 Most Haunted Cities in the WORLD! But, after reading Roswell: History, Haunts, and Legends by Dianna Avena, I don't know. There is definitely enough history and ghostly legends in this small town to give Savannah a run for its money!

Located just 20 miles north of Atlanta, Roswell was once home to the Cherokee Indians, before they were cruelly moved off their land through the Trail of Tears. Just a mere quarter-century after being established as a town, Roswell would suffer through the ravages of the Civil War. Today, the town is a great place to live and raise a family---close enough to a major city to be convenient, yet still quiet and peaceful with a small-town feel. Well, maybe things aren't TOO quiet and peaceful...

Many locations around town, both old and new, boast a haunted reputation. At Chaplin's Restaurant, employees have reported the spooky sounds of a phantom horse-drawn buggy outside after business hours. A woman, believed to be a victim of suicide, is seen standing in front of the fireplace at the Voila Hair Salon. And, Barrington Hall, a historic home open to the public as a museum, has hosted a number of ghosts and the ghost hunting groups intent on experiencing them.

These stories and more make up Avena's Roswell Ghost Tour, which operates year-round. However, if you can't make it down to Georgia to take the tour, I'd highly suggest this book! It is packed with some of the great stories about this fascinating place in norther Georgia. While its not the same as actually being there, this book is a great read. There's just enough history mixed in to really set the context for the stories without bogging the reader down with mundane details. It's well written and contains plenty of beautiful photographs to accompany the text. If you're interested in southern hauntings, pick up a copy of this book---it makes a great addition to anyone's paranormal library!

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Book Review: Southern Spirit Guide's Haunted Alabama

Title: Southern Spirit Guide's Haunted Alabama: A Guide to Ghostlore, Legends and Haunted Places in the Heart of Dixie
Author: Lewis O. Powell, IV
Published by Southern Spirit Press (2015)
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I've been following Lewis' blog, The Southern Spirit Guide, for years and have always been so impressed with his ability to share interesting, yet accurate information, backed up by resources for additional research. I often find that when I'm searching for a haunted location in the south, his blog usually pops up! Understandably, I was thrilled when he published the book, The Southern Spirit Guide's Haunted Alabama.

I was even more thrilled when he offered me a copy! I began reading it immediately, and honestly, I cannot say enough good things about this book. It is a well-written and very thorough look at locations throughout the entire state of Alabama that have a reputation for being haunted. It's also a chunker---at 269 pages, it is PACKED with spooky stories, haunted locations, and creepy legends. That's a lotta bang for your buck.

One of the amazing aspects of this book is that it is sort of multi-functional; you can use in a variety of ways. If you're like me and just really love devouring anything and everything relating to the paranormal, you can simply read it cover to cover, novel style. With so much information packed in, it may take you more than one sitting, but the conversational writing style and Lewis' ability to weave an interesting story with just the right amount of historical background information make plowing through the book totally possible.

However, if that isn't your style, this book makes a great piece to have on hand while you're out and about. Since the entry for each haunted location is relatively brief, you can easily read a couple here and a couple there while on your lunch break, waiting in line, or commuting home from school or work.

Obviously, you don't have to actually be from Alabama to get a lot out of this book. But, those who are investigators wanting to find locations to check out in that state, or travelers looking for a haunted restaurant, hotel, or tourist attraction to visit while in the area will find that Southern Spirit Guide's Haunted Alabama is the perfect resource. Broken down by county, its a breeze to find great locations to explore, and the overwhelming majority of locations listed in the book are open to the public in some capacity, some even offering public or private pay-to-play investigation opportunities. Since each entry contains bibliographical resources and information on any past investigations done at the property, its easy to narrow down locations that will yield the best potential.

The Southern Spirit Guide's Haunted Alabama is a really fun and informative read. I can only imagine how much work went into compiling such an extensive list of haunted locations, complete with good, solid information to back up the rumors of the hauntings. You're not going to find the vague, incomplete 'stories' that are so often a part of similar listings---you're only going to find the best, most accurate up-to-date info available, all condensed down into a format that is not only entertaining to read, yet provides a great start to your own research.

This book makes an excellent addition to any digital paranormal library and is highly recommended for investigators working in the south, those paranormal enthusiasts who will be traveling through that area, or simply just anyone with an interest in all things spooky! Go pick up your copy today, and check out The Southern Spirit Guide blog for more great locations. Happy reading!