Paranormal Fall Release Roundup

Fall is my favorite time of year for many reasons: football, cooler weather, my birthday, the colorful fall leaves, and Halloween. It’s my favorite holiday, and what goes along with Halloween? GHOST STORIES! And do we ever have some fabulous books debuting this fall.

Being the paranormal editor here, I read a lot of spooky things. I’m a bit immune to getting freaked out (I thought Paranormal Activity was boring, in some parts inaccurate, and shut it off after the first half hour), so when I AM freaked out when I read a proposal, that really speaks to me. I clearly remember the day I read the proposal for Restless in Peace by Mariah De La Croix. I read the section that involves spirit graffiti, turned to my coworker in the cubicle across from me, and stated, in a shaky voice, “I just read a story from a psychic mortitican and I’m really freaked out! I have goosebumps!” Yes, you read that right: psychic mortician. Mariah has tales that will scare you, warm your heart, and make you laugh. Her book really has it all, and it’s such a fascinating book that you absolutely must read.

Another ghostly tale that will make you hide under the covers is In the Presence of Spirits by Barbara Parks. Imagine how terrifying it must be to be the focus of poltergeist activity as a teenager and to be absolutely petrified when someone you know passes away because you know they will visit you and say goodbye. Barbara has had paranormal experiences ever since she can remember. Spirit encounters have always left her terrified and caused her to shut out her abilities. This book is a chronicle of her life through the terrifying experiences, but she has learned to embrace her abilities, which have helped many (including herself) deal with grief and be comforted with the fact that loved ones are always around us. Barbara is such an excellent storyteller, you will get so wrapped up in this book you will not want to put it down!

If you love ghost stories and want to search out ghosts yourself, So You Want to Hunt Ghosts by Deonna Kelli Sayed will arm you with all the information you need to know in order to investigate haunted locations and form a team. Deonna is a member of Haunted North Carolina and has been investigating for many years. Her expertise and excellent perspective is exactly what you need in order to get off the couch and be proactive when it comes to ghosts.

True Casefiles of a Paranormal Investigator by Stephen Lancaster relays some of the most amazing and scary investigation that Stephen Lancaster has conducted over his years as an investigator. The Brentwood Wine Cafe, which is a chapter in this book, was featured on Bio’s My Ghost Story. Stephen was interviewed for the segment as the paranormal investigator.

If you want to discover and explore some haunted locations, why not go to your local college or university? America’s Haunted Universities by Matthew L. Swayne roams the halls of higher learning and unearths some spirits that are still bound to their alma mater. Check to see if your local school has some spirits that are still hanging out on the campus mall.

As the temperature drops, curl up on the couch with a steaming cup of cocoa and a spooky tale or two from Llewellyn. If you are like me, you’ll have a black cat perched beside you as a sentinel to keep you safe as you read some truly hair-raising tales.