Ghosts and Hunting 101
934625
This easily read book is based on the TV series "Ghost Trackers" which showcases kids, already taught how to use the equipment and what to look for, to investigate purported locations of paranormal activity.  The book's purpose is to give kids enough knowledge to do their own investigations.  I've never seen the show.

The author breaks the book down by giving a little bit on history, science involved in investigating, the different types of ghosts or spirits, some famous haunted sites, and information on what you need and should do if you want to try this yourself.  Sprinkled throughout the book are colorful pictures and interesting tidbits and stories.  What I found most unusual is that the author says multiple times that no one really knows if ghosts exist.

As someone with paranormal experiences, I would have appreciated more information and examples on the different subjects, although the book is geared towards kids who are probably more interested in getting to the "how to track and what to look for" portions of the book.  Sensible advice is given on what you need and should do, although while describing the equipment needed, it doesn't say how to use it.  Kids watching the show might already have a good idea.

Overall it's a decent book for the target audience.
720029
My rating: 4 of 5 stars, I really liked it.

I admit to being fascinated by ghosts. I watch all the shows, read all the books, etc. I always take everything with a dose of healthy skepticism, and just want to be entertained and a little spooked.

I have read all of Mr. Estep's books on the paranormal. He's a local guy, living along the Colorado Front Range like me, which adds to the draw. It was in fact, his book on local hauntings in Longmont, CO that first caught my attention.

I'd heard of The Cage and seen it appear in a few of the ghost shows and wondered about the woman who had tried to make it her home, but TV only has so much time, so details were few. When I saw this book available on NetGalley, I jumped at it so I could learn more about the site and the people involved.

I thoroughly enjoyed it. The book gives the owner's history and viewpoint as she explains how she came to own The Cage and her experiences there. Meanwhile, Mr. Estep gives the viewpoint of his paranormal team as they investigate The Cage for a week.

I got goosebumps reading of all their experiences and consider it a story well told by the authors as a result.

*I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book provided by the publisher, via NetGalley.*
2354415
A copy of this title was provided for review purposes.

Ghost hunting has taken on a life of its own in the past few years. It truly began with several documentary style programs on networks like the History Channel and USA before being dominated by programs like GHOST HUNTERS and GHOST ADVENTURES. Of those two Im a fan of GHOST HUNTERS where they try to debunk more than confirm the troubles of clients who fear that their locations are haunted. Yes, they occasionally find true hauntings and also the odd EVP (electronic voice phenomenon) but they treat it with respect and find nothing frightening for most involved.

As the ghost hunting shows have moved on to various ghost hunting programs the ones that started it all have fallen by the wayside. Some still show on the various networks where they once held sway but for the most part they don't get much attention. In truth that could be a good thing. Case in point this release.

Dont get me wrong, Im not saying they don't deserve some attention or that they don't offer some information at all but the method they use to do so leaves much to be desired. Ive never been a big fan of the recreation style film making technique that these programs use. The actors chosen to portray the real people one, never look at all like the people they're portraying and two, are most often the poorest actors ever committed to film. If this doesnt bother you then my guess is youll love this DVD set.

The two disc set offers just over 5 hours of programming from History Channel programs MONSTERQUEST, VOODOO SECRETS, IN SEARCH OF HISTORY, THE UNEXPLAINED and DECODING THE PAST. And while the title of the disc is Poltergeists, the truth is the set covers several topics like voodoo, the Salem witch trials, exorcisms as well as hauntings, ghosts and poltergeists. So if all you want is poltergeists at least 3 of the episodes should satisfy you.

As I said most of these programs combined poorly re-enacted events from the past or from witnesses joined with commentary made by scholars, researchers or paranormal personalities. They do give some interesting information on most and do a great job of letting you know the basics of each topic. The problem lies in all looking alike, sounding alike and every one using the most overdone spooky music heard in any program made, including the old AIP drive in spooky movies.  If that doesnt bother you then again, you will be satisfied with this collection.

The entertainment value in something like this will hold up for children and pre-teens or the less discerning viewer. But fans of the current lineup of ghost hunting programs will find most of these lacking. And if you are strictly adhering to the title, the inclusion of other topics may be a turn off for you. Im guessing if you have an interest in the topic at hand then youve seen some of these program and already know what Im talking about. If not the descriptions Ive tried to offer should let you know what youll be seeing should you pick a copy of this up.

As for myself Ill continue to watch and enjoy GHOST HUNTERS. Ive given up on GHOST ADVENTURES since it feels more like frat boys trying to goad ghosts and entities into a brawl on the front lawn (honestly having met and talked with Aaron Godwin from the show he seems nice enough but host Zach Bagans at the convention I went to seemed uninterested in his fans or talking with others about ghost hunting so maybe that clouds my judgement a bit as well). When it comes to this title I think Ill pass. Watching it through once was more than enough for me.
3293135
Loved this book. I got it for free about 7 months ago and I was very leary about reading it but I had time this weekend and I am glad I did. It is about witches, vampires, ghosts and monsters. The one ghost is awesome; he cooks, cleans and makes a mean cup of coffee. I totally would love a ghost like that.
4943166
this is the first book i ever purchased about ghost hunting exclusively in texas. i was impressed with the detail that the author included in her book. every bit of information that you need in order to conduct ghost hunting trips in Texas is included here. i have purchased a couple of books after this one that dealt with texas ghosts but they fall short of Haunted Texas Vacations.
1254770
Former Park Ranger Mark Nesbitt has over the years gathered many ghost stories from other park rangers, visitors and people who live in the area. Nesbitt tries to gather factual data on the stories he receives so he can offer a background as to why these ghost stories may have evolved. His stories are usually quite interesting and do not just talk about battlefield soldiers, civilians alike are also involved in famous ghost stories in Gettysburg! Buy all 5 books, there worth it! Each has many short stories that are easy and fun to read.
656946
Big book, small font, tons of information, written by a professional, even more information, only few photos, so you can focus on the content :). This is the only guide to investigating the paranormal I can recommend.

If you want to become a "ghost hunter", there's no excuse, you have to have this book!
449896
Very helpful for the detection of paranormal entities. Thank you
4160515
An awsome Guide for Teenagers who want to get into ghost hunting and the Paranormal.

Everything you need to know about that world for Teenagers.
2532545
If you have the least interest in ghost investigation, or just want to know a bit more about spirits, the afterlive, EVPs and so on, even if you are a skeptic or a non believer you should buy and read this book. Zak Bagans gives you his hand and takes you on an amazing trip through his world of ghost investigation and a life of wanting to help those lost souls who are trapped somwhere between this world and the next. You will get knowledge on everything from ley lines, to orbs, to Zak's reason to become a Ghost Adventurere. He wants you to have an open mind while you read this book and during he asks you some very good and interesting questions that sure makes you wonder and think about what You would answer. Throughout this book you are able too feel that this subject is so very important to Bagans, it's his life. Not just the capturing of ghosts, but also understanding the history behind the locations and their former residents. And with his great sense of humor, you cant help but smile while you read. All in all a fantastic book written by a fantastic man.
4539166
* Entertaining stories with interesting illustrations and photos,
  * A few stories do not appear to be historically accurate.
  * Ideal for anyone planning a vacation in New England, or looking for some well-known ghosts to investigate.

This book includes some great stories of New England (USA) ghosts.

If you're looking for interesting folklore and some quirky personal investigations, this book is better than the average.  The stories can be chilling, and they're well told with interesting historical details and trivia.

Many of these tales were meticulously researched, with documents and photos to support them.  They're told in a conversational style, and the naturalness of that makes the stories even more eerie and disturbing.

However, other stories -- or aspects of them -- may be more folklore than fact.  That said, most of these stories have at least some foundation in truth, and they can be fascinating for ghost enthusiasts.

The author is well-known as a superb storyteller, and this book is among his best.  It's great book for a 'good scare' around Halloween.

In addition, if you're a ghost hunter (as I am), Cahill interviews people with powerful stories.  These are some excellent starting points if you'd like to research New England's classic ghost stories.
3136945
The ghost stories in this collection are spooky indeed! This book is a fast read, with great illustrations and stories! My favorite story was, 'At the Sign of the Sir Charles', which has a trick ending!
Some of the stories are scary, some eerie, and some of them made me laugh. This book would be great to take camping -- the stories are perfect for reading around a campfire.
4242898
Im a fanatic when it comes to the paranormal. Figured this would be another ghost story book but this 1 was different. This 1 was very informative with the history of locations and the present stories of the hauntings. Had lots of pictures and information if i wanted to visit the locations. The sale had fast shipping as well as being in perfect condition.
2580915
Ghosts, Spirits, and Angels by Thomas Freese is the only collection I have seen that presents paranormal encounters in three separate categories. These are well researched, true stories of real, normal people that illustrate the roles that ghosts, spirits, and angels play in our lives. There are many enriching photographs of haunted sites and unexplained phenomena caught on film. You will learn of haunted historic sites and public places (such as Waverly Hills, Ghosts of La Grange, Bell Witch Cave, etc.)that you can check out for yourselves. Whether you are a believer or a non-believer, you will be left wondering and entertained!
1991691
Ghost Adventures is my favorite show on tv and I figured this would be background stories. It had that but it was also part ghost hunting guide, more details about his personal experiences that haven't been featured on the show as well as the science behind what he and the guys do. Was surprised that he threw quantum physics theories in there but how he connects things makes sense. Very interesting read and I liked that it had the trademark humor seen on their investigations.
1626258
Ghosts were the staple of the Gothic tradition and editor Andrew Barger has compiled a collection featuring the highlights of the early modern era. As with his other anthologies, he also provides excellent resources for readers who want to investigate beyond his pages. Featuring stories from Edgar Allen Poe, Nathaniel Hawthorne, and other famous names, he also includes a few readers might not immediately know. This is a fantastic introduction to the supernatural and paranormal of the 1800s.

If You Like: Edgar Allen Poe, Nathaniel Hawthorne, Wilhelm Hauff
1614448
I'm a beginner ghost hunter and I have been documenting my experiences.  My mom suggest I write a book and create an app with my list of questions and notes on how to setup and test equipment.  That's why I bought this book.  Buy the time I finish the book I did develop an app but not the one I started out developing.  This book was great.  It's a step by step blueprint about everything you need to do to develop apps.  As for my ghost hunting app, I decided to write a kindle book and not do an app.