A gripping mystery with a classic feel, for fans of Agatha Christie 'Haunting and exquisitely written. Part intricate mystery and part ghost story. This book will stay with me for a long time' Anna Mazzola The drive leads past the gate house and through the trees towards the big house, visible through the winter-bared branches. Its windows stare down at Harkin and the sea beyond . . . January 1921. Though the Great War is over, in Ireland a new, civil war is raging. The once-grand Kilcolgan House, a crumbling bastion shrouded in sea-mist, lies half empty and filled with ghosts - both real and imagined - the Prendevilles, the noble family within, co-existing only as the balance of their secrets is kept. Then, when an IRA ambush goes terribly wrong, Maud Prendeville, eldest daughter of Lord Kilcolgan, is killed, leaving the family reeling. Yet the IRA column insist they left her alive, that someone else must have been responsible for her terrible fate. Captain Tom Harkin, an IRA intelligence officer and Maud's former fiance, is sent to investigate, becoming an unwelcome guest in this strange, gloomy household. Working undercover, Harkin must delve into the house's secrets - and discover where, in this fractured, embattled town, each family member's allegiances truly lie. But Harkin too is haunted by the ghosts of the past and by his terrible experiences on the battlefields. Can he find out the truth about Maud's death before the past - and his strange, unnerving surroundings - overwhelm him? A haunting, atmospheric mystery set against the raw Irish landscape in a country divided, The Winter Guest is the perfect chilling read. Praise for THE WINTER GUEST and W.C. Ryan 'A snowflake of a novel: intricate, exquisite, and unlike any other. If Sebastian Faulks and Laura Purcell were to join forces, they might produce a novel like this... yet I can't imagine anyone but WC Ryan shaping it with such imagination, or charging it with such intelligence, or gracing it with such heart' A.J. Finn, author of The Woman in the Window 'Haunting, gripping . . . hugely evocative' Elodie Harper 'Works superbly on several levels. This is a most welcome winter guest indeed, to be greeted by the fire with drink in hand' Irish Times 'Ryan evokes this moody, gothic atmosphere with convincing skill. Harkin is a sensitive, complex character and his quest to solve the mystery is deftly plotted. A treat' The Times 'A perfectly crafted mystery. Vivid, compelling and deeply moving, it is a triumph both as a crime novel and a work of historical fiction' Jane Casey 'A beautifully taut and evocative thriller' Sarah Hilary 'Superb . . . I could not put it down' Elizabeth Buchan 'Atmospheric and genuinely eerie, this is an ideal winter read' Sinead Crowley 'A terrifically atmospheric, gripping novel' Amanda Craig, The Golden Rule 'Haunting, beautifully crafted, and full of heart. Perfect reading for dark days' A.K. Benedict, author of The Christmas Murder Game 'Beautifully written, haunting and unmissable' Cass Green 'Excellent murder mystery/ghost story set during the Irish war of independence and as usual with W.C. Ryan, beautifully written' Liz Nugent 'Intriguing, haunting, romantic and beautifully written, I cared as much about the fate of the characters as about the gripping mystery' Laura Marshall

'It's enthralling stuff, mixing the scholarly with the accessible and placing storytelling right at the heart of the human experience.' - History Revealed 'A fascinating journey' - Yorkshire Post 'Marvellous...Finkel is an expert in Mesopotamian cultures at the British Museum, and is one of the most clever, and nicest, of people it has ever been my pleasure to encounter...A fascinating journey' - The Scotsman There are few things more in common across cultures than the belief in ghosts. Ghosts inhabit something of the very essence of what it is to be human. Whether we personally 'believe' or not, we are all aware of ghosts and the rich mythologies and rituals surrounding them. They have inspired, fascinated and frightened us for centuries - yet most of us are only familiar with the vengeful apparitions of Shakespeare, or the ghastly spectres haunting the pages of 19th century gothic literature. But their origins are much, much older... The First Ghosts: Most Ancient of Legacies takes us back to the very beginning. A world-renowned authority on cuneiform, the form of writing on clay tablets which dates back to 3400BC, Irving Finkel has embarked upon an ancient ghost hunt, scouring these tablets to unlock the secrets of the Sumerians, Babylonians and Assyrians to breathe new life into the first ghost stories ever written. In The First Ghosts, he uncovers an extraordinarily rich seam of ancient spirit wisdom which has remained hidden for nearly 4000 years, covering practical details of how to live with ghosts, how to get rid of them and bring them back, and how to avoid becoming one, as well as exploring more philosophical questions: what are ghosts, why does the idea of them remain so powerful despite the lack of concrete evidence, and what do they tell us about being human?

Hauntings is a compendium of real ghost stories by Rebecca E Kidger who has worked as a television researcher on popular ghost and paranormal programmes. This book is about experiences of haunted historical houses in England, haunted pubs, haunted civil war battlegrounds - a combination of Rebecca's research skills to track down real sightings of ghosts with her personal interest in history.

Read 33 chilling ghost stories about reportedly true encounters with the supernatural in Minnesota. The ghost of a murder victim repeatedly attacking a woman in her sleep, a jealous spirit pushing people down the stairs, a helpful phantom guiding a loved one to a vital missing document-Minnesota is one of the most haunted states in America. This collection of ghost stories presents the freakiest, most surprising tales in the Land of 10,000 Lakes! Minnesota author Ruth D. Hein developed a fascination for things that go bump in the night. The historian and professional writer spent countless hours combing the state for the strangest and scariest run-ins with the unexplained. Horror fans will delight in these 33 funny, charming, and even terrifying tales about haunted locations. They're based on reportedly true accounts, proving that Minnesota is the setting for some of the most compelling ghostly tales ever told. The short stories are ideal for quick reading, and they are sure to captivate even the most reluctant of readers. Share them with friends around a campfire, or try them alone at home-if you dare.

Read 21 chilling ghost stories about reportedly true encounters with the supernatural in Minnesota. What college is "Minnesota's most legendary haunted place"? Where did a ghost reportedly murder two victims? How has a haunted hutch predicted several people's deaths? Minnesota is one of the most haunted states in America, and this collection of ghost stories presents the freakiest, most surprising tales in the Land of 10,000 Lakes! Award-winning author Ryan Jacobson grew up in Minnesota-with a fascination for things that go bump in the night. As an adult, the professional writer spent countless hours combing the region for the strangest and scariest run-ins with the unexplained. Horror fans will delight in these 21 terrifying tales about haunted locations. From the author's own ghostly encounter to a family terrorized by a fiendish toy, they're based on reportedly true accounts, proving that Minnesota is the setting for some of the most compelling ghostly tales ever told. The short stories are ideal for quick reading, and they are sure to captivate even the most reluctant of readers. Share them with friends around a campfire, or try them alone at home-if you dare.

‘A treat for anyone looking for an antidote to the usual saccharine Christmas fayre.’ NB magazine From the twice CWA Dagger shortlisted author of The Twelve Strange Days of Christmas come twelve thirteen stories to transport you to the macabre world of inexplicable phenomena. As dark winter nights draw in, prepare to lose yourself in the world of the peculiar. With a tale for each day of the festive period and an unlucky thirteenth, Christmas is not the only spirit in these pages. ’Tis the season for sacrificial feasts, cultish communities and sinister rituals. So wrap up warm and get ready to be terrified and delighted as you journey from the spooky to the downright strange.

"Stephen Ellis' search for answers to unexplained things began in 1979. While visiting San Francisco, one night an image of a girl appeared before him in his room...a girl he later found out had been murdered in that room one month earlier.

Shaking-off the natural tendency to disbelieve what he saw, Ellis began to research material on "ghosts." He found that many people had ghostly experiences, but none had logical explanations for them. Ellis began to find that valid explanations existed, but had often been concealed by those seeking personal gain or distorted by some religious dogma.

"Explaining the Unexplained" offers a no nonsense look at questions concerning reincarnation to ESP to ghosts. Ellis offers realistic answers to questions and events that, until now, have lacked rational explanation. "Explaining the Unexplained" investigates the world's most captivating mysteries and supports its views with strong, empirical and circumstantial evidence. If you're looking for answers, this book is a "must read."

Do you believe in ghosts? In his years of travel writing and research, Dr. Robin Mead has found that people are almost equally divided between believers in ghosts and those who think ghost stories are just that--entertaining stories. In Haunted Hotels in America, you'll find a state-by-state guide to the lodgings that cheerfully admit to having an intangible guest or two. Like the spirits themselves, the stories are extraordinarily varied. Some are sad. Some are puzzling. A few are even funny. As you uncover these incredible mysteries, you'll also learn more about: Iconic ghosts who've established quite frightening reputations that span over a century The chilling hauntings that have inspired popular documentaries and Hollywood blockbusters Each hotel's storied history and its recent hauntings From the mischievous Victorian children that linger in the hallways of the Gingerbread Mansion Inn in Ferndale, California to "Old Seth" Bullock, the first sheriff of Deadwood, South Dakota, who still keeps a watchful eye on the Bullock Hotel that bears his name, Haunted Hotels in America is chock full of frights and delights. Ready to plan your next paranormal adventure? Let Haunted Hotels in America be your guide along the way.

Hauntings lurk and spirits linger in the Empire State Reader, beware! Turn these pages and enter the world of the paranormal, where ghosts and ghouls alike creep just out of sight. Author Cheri Farnsworthshines a light in the dark corners of New York and scares those spirits out of hiding in this thrilling collection. From apparitions and objects that fly off of tables at the Manhattan Bistro, to a specter that stalks Pulpit Rock in Lake Placid, there's no shortage of bone-chilling tales to keep you up at night. Around the campfire or tucked away on a dark and stormy night, this big book of ghost stories is a hauntingly good read.

Read 14 chilling ghost stories about reportedly true encounters with the supernatural in Mississippi. A graveyard where the dead do anything but rest peacefully, a haunted bridge that was the site of unspeakable violence, the ghost of an ancient witch who roams the dark woods-Mississippi has long been regarded as one of the most haunted states in America. This collection of ghost stories presents the freakiest, most surprising tales of the Magnolia State! Author Jeff Duke grew up in Mississippi-with a fascination for things that go bump in the night. As an adult, the professional writer spent countless hours combing the region for the strangest and scariest run-ins with the unexplained. Horror fans will delight in these 14 terrifying tales about haunted locations. They're based on reportedly true accounts, proving that Mississippi is the setting for some of the most compelling ghostly tales ever told. The short stories are ideal for quick reading, and they are sure to captivate even the most reluctant of readers. Share them with friends around a campfire, or try them alone at home-if you dare.

Chicago Haunted Handbook is the newest book in the Haunted Handbook collection within the popular America's Haunted Road Trip series and is written with the ghost enthusiast in mind. All 100 chapters contain information on the history as well as the haunting surrounding each location, as well as detailed directions on how to locate each site. Many of the chapters also contain insider information that only a local would know, making it easier for ghost hunters to investigate. Ghost hunters Jeff Morris and Vincent Sheilds explore all the best haunted locales Chicago has to offer, including Resurrection Cemetery, Bachelor's Grove Cemetery, Murder Castle, St. Valentine's Day Massacre Site, and even Wrigley Field. Each two page entry includes directions from downtown, an historical overview of the haunted place, the story of ghostly doings in that place, and advice on visiting the place yourself--if you dare.

Twin Cities Haunted Handbook is the newest book in the Haunted Handbook line within the popular America's Haunted Road Trip series. The Haunted Handbooks are city-specific travel guides to nearly one hundred places within a major city. Twin Cities Haunted Handbook is written with the ghost enthusiast in mind. All 100 chapters contain information on the history as well as the haunting surrounding each location, as well as detailed directions on how to locate each site. Many of the chapters also contain insider information that only a local would know, making it easier for ghost hunters to investigate. Ghost hunters Jeff Morris, Garett Merk, and Dain Charbonneau explore all the best haunted locales Minneapolis has to offer, including Dead Man's Pond, Memorial Pet Cemetery, Padelford Packet Boat Company, the Old Jail Bed and Breakfast, and St. Thomas College and the Legend of the 13 Graves. Each two page entry includes directions from downtown, an historical overview of the haunted place, the story of ghostly doings in that place, and advice on visiting the place yourself--if you dare.

Ghosthunting Colorado is your one-stop source for everything that goes bump in the night In the 1800s, Colorado quickly became the heart and soul of the gold rush that eventually brought the territory into statehood. Thousands flocked to cities like Leadville in the hopes of finding their fortunes. Many of Colorado's most famous ghosts, such as "The Unsinkable Molly Brown," have their roots in Colorado's colorful mining history. Alfred Packer, the state's sentenced cannibal, also came to Colorado for gold, but there are more than just the spirits of miners here. The eyes of paranormal enthusiasts have long been on the Centennial State due to the fame that Stephen King's The Shining brought to the Stanley Hotel in Estes Park. The stories of Colorado's mountainous hotel seem to have taken on a life of their own, making the building supposedly one of the most haunted in the country. The Stanley, however, is not the only haunted hotel in Colorado. Multiple inns and hotels in Denver alone have histories as sites of brothels, suicides, and other deaths that make their victims decide to stay in their beloved rooms forever. The oldest hotel in Denver, The Oxford Hotel has ghosts aplenty and a "Murder Room" to boot. A bed and breakfast in Capitol Hill called The Patterson Inn used to be the mansion of Colorado's first state senator. The 14,000squarefoot building is made of red sandstone native to the Garden of the Gods area. The mansion is also the source of several urban myths, such as the tale of "Willy," a satanic undertaker who lived in the carriage house and is said to have kidnapped and killed small boys. Outside of Denver, the Rocky Mountains of Colorado are considered to be one of the best destinations in the country for hiking and skiing. The mountains appeal to spirits, as well, including the ghost of a woman who was supposedly murdered by her husband and who is now said to hitchhike on the roads near Pike's Peak. The world-famous Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Morrison is not without its ghosts. Concertgoers and employees have seen the apparition of a miner in restricted areas of the venue, while the Hatchet Lady of Red Rocks terrorizes lovers in the surrounding park. Author Kailyn Lamb looks at locations throughout the state and dives headfirst into the history behind the ghosts and what has made them stay.

As part of the America's Haunted Road Trip series, Ghosthunting Oregon takes readers along on a guided tour of some of the Beaver State's most haunted historic locations. Local author Donna Stewart researched each location thoroughly before visiting, digging up clues for the paranormal aspect of each site. In Ghosthunting Oregon, Stewart takes readers to some of the spookiest haunts across the state including: Oaks Park in Portland, where visitors have reported a ghostly apparition of a child in a 1920s or 1930s style dress; the O'Kane Building in central Oregon, where people have reported seeing "ghostly smoke" and strange lights; and Pioneer Park in Pendleton, where some have reported apparitions and hearing voices. With a copy of Ghosthunting Oregon in hand, readers can visit some of the spookiest haunts across the state and compare their experiences.

In Ghosthunting Southern California author Sally Richards takes readers on an eerie journey through the region on a series of paranormal investigations to historic locations marred by tragedy and unfortunate happenstance that have caused the dead to rise. This collection brings well-known paranormal researchers, history, and evidence collected with state-of-the-art equipment together for chilling non-fiction accounts of haunted Southern California. The stories leave readers with a sense of deep interest to find out what lies in the murky darkness beyond. Sally Richards, historian, paranormal investigator, and spiritualist medium brings history alive as she investigates locations with high-profile paranormal experts using state-of-the-art equipment, historians, and people who share a similar curiosity of the paranormal to bring you the latest on "haunted" locations throughout Southern California. From the Mexican border to Santa Barbara, readers find chilling accounts of paranormal activity. Whether readers are veterans of ghost hunting, paranormal neophytes, or armchair travelers, this book offers fresh information and a style that puts readers right into the paranormal action.

On this leg of the journey, readers will explore the scariest spots in the Big Apple. Author L'Aura Hladik visits more than 30 legendary haunted places, all of which are open to the public so visitors can test their own ghosthunting skills, if they dare. Join L'Aura as she visits each site, snooping around eerie rooms and dark corners, talking to people who swear to their paranormal experiences, and providing a firsthand account. Readers may enjoy Ghosthunting New York City from the safety of an armchair or by hitting the road and using the maps to find 50 more spooky sites and "ghostly resources." Take the A(HRT) Train to the spookiest subway ride of your life.

The American Revolution is stained with blood and its ghosts are still lurking in the shadows seeking postmortem revenge. Come explore the haunts associated with the colonial rebel's fight for independence, from an aura of disaster lingering from the "shot heard round the world" in Concord, Massachusetts to the battle cries of our forefathers in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Using a paranormal lens, Baltrusis breathes new life into the ghosts of the American Revolution that include both unknown patriots and familiar names.

Settled by Spanish explorers more than three centuries ago, San Antonio has a rich haunted history. "Ghosthunting San Antonio" by local author Micharl Varhola covers 30 haunted locations in or around the cities of San Antonio and Austin and throughout the region known as Texas Hill Country. Each site combines history, haunted lore and phenomena, and practical visitation information. The book is organized into four geographical sections, "City of San Antonio," "Greater San Antonio," "Austin," and "Texas Hill Country." This hands-on guide also includes an introduction to the subject of ghosthunting in the Lone Star State and all the information readers need to visit the places described within it. It also has an appendix that briefly describes nearly 100 other haunted places.
Sites covered include bridges, churches, colleges and universities, cemeteries and graveyards, government buildings, historic sites, hotels, museums, parks, restaurants and bars, and much more. They include the Crockett Hotel, built on the spot where David Crockett and the final defenders of the Alamo are believed to have been slain; the Ghost Tracks, where spectral children are known to move people's stopped cars and the Devil's Backbone, the haunted highway that wends through the hills north of San Antonio.

Fans of Ilona Andrews, Jeaniene Frost, Patricia Biggs and Christine Feehan will fall under the spell of New York Times bestseller Yasmine Galenorn's spectacular paranormal romance series. Enter Whisper Hollow at your own risk, for in this town spirits walk among the living, and the lake never gives up her dead. Whisper Hollow is no ordinary place. In this haunted town, people don't stay buried. Kerris Fellwater isn't your usual human. She's a spirit shaman who drives the dead back to their graves. Fifteen years ago, Kerris ran away from her hometown. But now she's back, and there are deadly magical forces at work, wreaking havoc. Whisper Hollow holds painful memories for Kerris, but a lot has changed. There's a mysterious new guy in town, Bryan, who Kerris feels powerfully drawn to. Together they unearth a horrifying family secret, and unravelling the mystery means working with - rather than against - the dead. Can they defeat Whisper Hollow's enemy, before it destroys them? Return to Whisper Hollow in Yasmine's next book, Shadow Silence.

Featuring the stories of dozens of people who have witnessed the supernatural firsthand in their homes, at work, and in numerous other locations, this volume explores the profound nature of ghosts and spirits and uses personal interviews to capture the many different facets of experience.

As part of the "America's Haunted Road Trip" series, "Ghosthunting Oregon" takes readers along on a guided tour of some of the Beaver State's most haunted historic locations. Local author Donna Stewart researched each location thoroughly before visiting, digging up clues for the paranormal aspect of each site.
In "Ghosthunting Oregon," Stewart takes readers to some of the spookiest haunts across the state including: Oaks Park in Portland, where visitors have reported a ghostly apparition of a child in the 1970s style dress; the O'Kane Building in central Oregon, where people have reported seeing "ghostly smoke" and strange lights; and Pioneer Park in Pendleton, where some have reported apparitions and hearing voices.
With a copy of "Ghosthunting Oregon" in hand, readers can visit some of the spookiest haunts across the state and compare their experiences.

Chicago Haunted Handbook is the newest book in the Haunted Handbook collection within the popular America's Haunted Road Trip series and is written with the ghost enthusiast in mind. All 100 chapters contain information on the history as well as the haunting surrounding each location, as well as detailed directions on how to locate each site. Many of the chapters also contain insider information that only a local would know, making it easier for ghost hunters to investigate. Ghost hunters Jeff Morris and Vincent Sheilds explore all the best haunted locales Chicago has to offer, including Resurrection Cemetery, Bachelor's Grove Cemetery, Murder Castle, St. Valentine's Day Massacre Site, and even Wrigley Field. Each two page entry includes directions from downtown, an historical overview of the haunted place, the story of ghostly doings in that place, and advice on visiting the place yourself--if you dare.

Read 27 chilling ghost stories about reportedly true encounters with the supernatural in Michigan. A place so haunted it was featured on national television, a heroic specter that saved a dying man's life, an April Fool's joke that revealed the presence of a dog-like monster-Michigan has long been regarded as one of the most haunted states in America. This collection of ghost stories presents the freakiest, most surprising tales of the Great Lake State! Award-winning author Ryan Jacobson has always held a fascination for things that go bump in the night. The professional writer spent countless hours researching the region in search of the strangest and scariest run-ins with the unexplained. Horror fans will delight in these 27 terrifying tales about haunted locations. They're based on reportedly true accounts, proving that Michigan is the setting for some of the most compelling ghostly tales ever told. The short stories are ideal for quick reading, and they are sure to captivate even the most reluctant of readers. Share them with friends around a campfire, or try them alone at home-if you dare.

Read 24 chilling ghost stories about reportedly true encounters with the supernatural in Iowa. A mysterious apparition that caught a ride to its own grave, the spirit of a witch that tries to lure children into the basement of an abandoned home, a love triangle that ended with three tragic deaths and one tormented ghost-Iowa is one of the most haunted states in America. This collection of ghost stories presents the freakiest, most surprising tales of the Hawkeye State! Authors Ruth D. Hein and Vicky L. Hinsenbrock grew up in Iowa. Both developed a fascination for things that go bump in the night. As adults, the professional writers spent countless hours combing the region for the strangest and scariest run-ins with the unexplained. Horror fans will delight in these 24 terrifying tales about haunted locations. They're based on reportedly true accounts, proving that Iowa is the setting for some of the most compelling ghostly tales ever told. The short stories are ideal for quick reading, and they are sure to captivate even the most reluctant of readers. Share them with friends around a campfire, or try them alone at home-if you dare.