Ghost Files: The Collected Cases from Ghost Hunting and Seeking Spirits

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Ghost Files: The Collected Cases from Ghost Hunting and Seeking Spirits

by Jason Hawes, Grant Wilson, jan michael friedman

4.15 of 5 stars 4.15 · rating details · 74 ratings · 17 reviews

FINALLY IN ONE BONE-CHILLING VOLUME, TV’S GHOST HUNTERS SHARE ALL OF THEIR CREEPY TRUE STORIES OF UNEXPLAINED PHENOMENA! What did a paranormal investigation uncover at the Stanley Hotel in Colorado, the hotel built in 1903 that inspired Stephen King’s The Shining?

What is the chilling history behind the Rolling Hills Asylum in Batavia, New York?

What happened when a man w...more

Paperback, 549 pages

Published September 13th 2011 by Gallery Books

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Dec 10, 2011 Rie Conley rated it 4 of 5 stars

This is a combination of Ghost Hunting and Seeking Spirits in one large volume. This is a book that I would never be able to read in one sitting. I’m simply too terrified. Yeah, I’m a scaredy-cat. If you have been reading Mission to Read for any time now you know that those spooky tales such as The Near Witch terrify me.

I like the adrenaline rush occasionally and because I’ve had experiences I couldn’t explain away I do believe in the paranormal (more in the human spirit being something of an un...more

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Dec 07, 2011 Todd rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: paranormal, for-review

After being introduced to The Atlantic Paranormal Society (TAPS) via Ghost Trackers, I was interested to see the nonfiction side of Jason and Grant as they traveled across New England and beyond in search of anything paranormal. Consisting of a detailed description of some of their more memorable cases, Jason and Grant have compiled two of their previous books: Ghost Hunting and Seeking Spirits, into one volume, Ghost Files. Additionally, they’ve also added some personal insights into their own...more After being introduced to The Atlantic Paranormal Society (TAPS) via Ghost Trackers, I was interested to see the nonfiction side of Jason and Grant as they traveled across New England and beyond in search of anything paranormal. Consisting of a detailed description of some of their more memorable cases, Jason and Grant have compiled two of their previous books: Ghost Hunting and Seeking Spirits, into one volume, Ghost Files. Additionally, they’ve also added some personal insights into their own experiences with the paranormal, as well as their takes on what it means to research these perceived hauntings.

Both novels are written in a similar format: descriptions of memorable cases interjected periodically with tips and tricks that Grant and Jason use when they’re on a case, or explanations of various technical portions of their occupation. At the end of each book, Jason offers a conclusion that recaps his feelings on various hauntings, as well as predictions on the future of TAPS. At the very end of Ghost Files, Grant and Jason offer a glossary of terms commonly used in the work, as well as a guide to amateur paranormal researchers on the basics of the trade. As a whole, the work is part documentary, part guidebook, mixing the two together in order to show both the entertaining and scientific sides of paranormal research. Jason especially places an emphasis of the scientific method in their research, highlighting its importance in what they do.

Ghost Files was both entertaining and enlightening. It was really interesting to see how much TAPS has grown since its inception, and the length the group will go to find the source of paranormal activity on each case. The care that they treat the individuals with, even in cases where they are being intentionally mislead (as was the case some times), is admirable and shows Grant and Jason’s dedication. I especially enjoyed the parts of the book in which they discuss how they approach each case scientifically. As a scientist myself, I definitely agree that this is the best way to tackle these sorts of phenomena, and it gives them a steady set of data that they can look back on to make observations. Overall, this dedication, coupled with an entertaining set of some of their best cases, makes this book a fun and quick read. For anyone new to TAPS, this is a good primer on their organization and it is definitely worth a look!

Todd (Reflections of a Book Addict)
http://wp.me/p18lIL-G1 (less)

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Oct 17, 2011 Melissa rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

As the tiny blurb states, this is two books within one! This is stories from the popular show, Ghost Hunters on the Syfy channel. For those that either do not get the show or are unfamiliar with it, this is a group of people headed by Jason Hawes and Grant Wilson who investigate the paranormal. They do it in a way to prove the paranormal not just say everything is paranormal like you usually get on shows like this. They try to debunk claims of activity as much as possible. This is why I enjoy th...more As the tiny blurb states, this is two books within one! This is stories from the popular show, Ghost Hunters on the Syfy channel. For those that either do not get the show or are unfamiliar with it, this is a group of people headed by Jason Hawes and Grant Wilson who investigate the paranormal. They do it in a way to prove the paranormal not just say everything is paranormal like you usually get on shows like this. They try to debunk claims of activity as much as possible. This is why I enjoy the show so much. They even have episodes where nothing is going on and they debunk everything. Therefore you tend to pay attention when they are left scratching their heads unable to figure out what is going on.

This book entails expanded stories on some of their shows. Not only does it explain what was missing in the episode, but it brings to light what they were thinking at the time. Some of my favorite cases were in this book. Especially the one in CO at the Stanley Hotel where the Shining by Stephen King was written. Even Steven claims to have had a paranormal experience there. (video added at my blog here)

There are also other stories that never made it to the show. Reasons usually were because people didn't want to be on camera. So all identity was hidden for these stories. What I also like about these guys is that they don't take money for it (even before the show started) and they do what they can to help out families just looking for answers. Even if the answers are mundane. In fact they even fixed a pipe for clients (they are Roto Rooter guys in their other life) to stop the banging they thought were ghosts.

I give this book 4 stars. It is a great compilation of their two books into one! Great idea and also a great book for someone who is a fan of the show. Even if you aren't familiar with it, you get a sense of what they do and why. Plus, even if you don't believe in any of it, I think you can read it for the entertainment value. Maybe you'll find something to wonder about. Who knows? Only thing I have left to say is... guys... smile! You are on the cover of your own book!(less)

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Oct 04, 2011 Michelle rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Ghost Files is a collection of cases from Jason Hawes and Grant Wilson and a novel from Gallery Books.

Book Blurb:

In this hair-raising omnibus, Jason Hawes and Grant Wilson, founders of The Atlantic Paranormal Society (T.A.P.S.), reveal the memorable and spine-tingling cases featured in their smash-hit collections, Ghost Hunting and Seeking Spirits. From their never-seen-on-television adventures as budding paranormal investigators to the behind-the-scenes accounts of heart-pounding supernatural e...more

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Oct 31, 2011 Bea rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: bea-s-book-nook, memoir, non-fiction, reviews

I love reading fantasy, urban fantasy and fiction books with magic. I adore the. But when it comes to real life, I'm more skeptical, not inclined to believe in things supernatural or paranormal. I've never watched a full episode of the TV show "Ghost Files" in the Sci Fi channel (yes, I know it's now called Sy Fy but that's stupid so I use the better, old name) but I have watched a few minutes here and there while channel surfing. What little I saw didn't impress me. So when I was offered this b...more I love reading fantasy, urban fantasy and fiction books with magic. I adore the. But when it comes to real life, I'm more skeptical, not inclined to believe in things supernatural or paranormal. I've never watched a full episode of the TV show "Ghost Files" in the Sci Fi channel (yes, I know it's now called Sy Fy but that's stupid so I use the better, old name) but I have watched a few minutes here and there while channel surfing. What little I saw didn't impress me. So when I was offered this book, I was uncertain. I'm pretty sure I'm not the target audience. Still, in the end, I decided to do it and I enjoyed it, somewhat to my surprise.

As mentioned in the blurb, the book is an omnibus edition, combining two earlier books. The first book, Ghost Hunting, gives a brief history of the T.A.P.S. the organization that the ghost hunters work for and then we get chats of 42 cases from the early years. Some of the cases are from before they got their television show but most are from the show. The main narrator is Jason, with Grant offering a brief synopsis of his thoughts after each case file. Jason Hawes has a light, clear, friendly writing style, like he's talking with you over a beer or coffee. The written case files recap the episodes but also show us their thought processes and reasons for taking or refusing a case. Hawes stresses repeatedly that when they take a case, they are trying to verify possible supernatural activity, using scientific methods. They don't promise that they will certify a place as haunted and have often come away from a case with negative results. In Hawes' words,

"Grant and I insisted on a more rational approach. Before we would ever say a place was home to a supernatural entity, we needed to have proof. It was a significant departure. And it was on that basis that we founded T.A.P.S.-both of us, because the idea was as much Grant's as mine."

The second book, Seeking Spirits, has more cases from their TV show and a few that didn't make it on the show for one reason or another. Hawes and Wilson take turns discussing the cases. Additionally, interspersed between cases, we get mini chapters, titled Ghost Hunters Manual. The mini chapters discuss various entities such as incubus and methods such as hunting at night. I appreciated those glimpses, and for me, they helped clarify some of the decisions they made during their cases. The back also has a glossary of technical terms.

The overall book is easy to read, enjoyable, and can be read out of order if desired. Hawes and Wilson present the evidence and leave it up to the reader to decide for themselves if it proves supernatural activity. I found it a good introduction to their work and may even check out their show. I think that readers who are already fans will appreciate the insights into the people who ghost hunt and their work.

I received this book from the publisher for review.(less)

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Nov 07, 2011 Angelc rated it 5 of 5 stars

4.5 Stars

I really enjoyed this collection of tales from the "Ghost Hunters'" real experiences. This book contains both of their previous non-fiction titles in one volume, so there are a lot of spine-tingling ghost stories to be read!

The stories are told in the same tone of the show, you'll feel like it's a friend sitting down and telling you the stories. This really makes for an enjoyable read. The stories are all very short, only 3-7 pages each, so they're quick, entertaining reads too.

I really...more

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Dec 28, 2011 Janet rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: biography-memoir, non-fiction, short-stories, paranormal-nonfiction

This seems to actually be two books--Ghost Hunting and Seeking Spirits--bound into one volume. I’m a healthy skeptic when it comes to this kind of stuff, and it was a pleasant surprise to read that T.A.P.S. looks to disprove spiritual activity rather than confirm it. I’m still not a believer…but this book comes a lot closer to convincing me than the others I’ve read.

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Dec 22, 2011 Marjanne rated it 3 of 5 stars

I really appreciate that these guys try to be scientific, though in some cases that takes all the fun out of ghosts. I also appreciate that they were very honest about their sucesses and not-so-sucessful ghost adventures.

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Oct 13, 2011 J Elsie rated it 4 of 5 stars

A quick and easy read from your favorite Ghost guys. You can read a couple of cases at a time when you have a few spare minutes. I don't recommend reading before bed though. :)

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Nov 27, 2012 Jeanine rated it 5 of 5 stars

Intriguing case file synopsis - short and easy to read. I thoroughly enjoyed them all.

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Dec 31, 2011 Debye rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: paranormal, supernatural

I love TAPS--Ghost Hunters--plain and simple. It's my guilty pleasure. :-D

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Oct 25, 2012 Julie rated it 4 of 5 stars

I love their scientific approach...and it was interesting (if not a little scary) to read about some of the cases. The demon possession cases gave me chills.

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Sep 07, 2012 Heidi rated it 5 of 5 stars

Always love a good ghost story. Even better that they were actual investigations done by my favorite show, Ghost Hunters.

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Mar 03, 2013 Cheryl Forester added it

Another very good read.

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Dec 09, 2012 Brian rated it 4 of 5 stars

Enjoyed it.

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Nov 11, 2011 Laura K rated it 4 of 5 stars

Very enjoyable book. GH and GHI are among my favorite shows.

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Dec 30, 2011 Melanie rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

One of my favorite book read this year! LOVED it! Every fan of the show must read this book.

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Jun 11, 2013 Holly Laffoon rated it 4 of 5 stars

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