The Infamous Bell Witch of Tennessee

by Charles Edwin Price

Book by Price, Charles Edwin

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Horror, Ghost Stories, Paranormal

120 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1994

About the author

Charles Edwin Price has written many books of folklore and mystery that are enjoyed by all ages.

Reviews

[Cathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I originally picked this book up in the airport when traveling through Nashville. I came across it again when cleaning out an unused bedroom in our house, sat down and read it. It's short and can be read in a single sitting (which I did). Sandwiched between Chaos and The Prince -- well it obviously isn't in the same class. Still, it was informative, a piece of Tennessee history I didn't know and easy to read. I enjoyed reading it.

[Daniel Greear · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very interesting book on one of America’s most prominent hauntings, the Bell Witch of Adams, Tennessee. If you didn’t already know it, the 90s movie Blair Witch Project is based off of this legend.

To give you a bit of background, I grew up reading Charles Edwin Price’s books on local folklore. I have four of his books on my bookshelf at my parent’s house and just bought four more off of Amazon, including this one. Sadly, Mr. Price has been dead for quite some time now and I believe his books are out of print.

This was short and easy to read, for such a small time writer, Price has a very swift and entertaining style. The book was short and to the point, yet also engaging. Price really does a good job of setting the story up and also giving historical information.

Adams, Tennessee is located northwest of Nashville and quite a ways away from Price’s normal settings. The town is small and rural, but it seems to have a dark history. 200 years ago the local Bell family was haunted by a witch or spirit, possibly from a disturbed Indian grave. This story gained national attention, even the attention of future President Andrew Jackson, who visited the family. The perplexing spirt tortured, provoked, and even tortured the Bell family and their friends for four years.

Unlike most folklore/ghost stories, the characters in this tale were all verifiable people and their descendants can be found to this day. The farm, but not the farm house and buildings, are still around and you can even tour the cave associated with the witch. This book was written in the 90s and the then-owners of the property claimed many strange occurrences happened frequently.

I haven’t been to this part of Tennessee before, and it’s a good distance from where I currently live, but this story has me interested enough to explore the area one day. In conclusion, Price dropped a few lines regarding how the South’s traditions of folktale and ghost stories are much more prominent than anywhere else in the country. This he correctly attributes to the rich tradition of the Scots-Irish who settled in large parts of it, and brought Celtic folklore with them from the Old World.

[Dennis Phillips · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anyone who has an interest in Tennessee's most famous ghost should check out this book. It takes a long and complicated story and breaks the facts down in a clear and easy to read way. I have read several of Mr. Price's books and this is by far the best. We even get an update of "Kate's" activities into the 1990's.

Is the Bell Witch still in Adams, Tennessee? I don't know but reading this book has made me want to go over to Robertson County and find out. On the other hand, if she was too tough for Andy Jackson I might just stay here.

[Nikki · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short book about the Bell Witch of Tennessee. This book is a great introduction for anyone interested in the history of this "ghost". I have actually traveled to the site of this haunting, and I have gone into the famous cave associated with the story. It is also supposedly the only authenticated ghost story where a United States president was a victim ( Andrew Johnson had a run in with the ghost of this witch).

[Kathryn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting story, combined with history. Writing wasn’t the best, but still worth the fairly quick read if you are local or interested in this topic.

[M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely an intriguing read. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, as most of the books I've read about the Bell Witch. Great job!

[Clark Rowland · Rating 3 out of 5]

Charles Edwin Price is a respected and well-known storyteller from the mountains of Tennessee and Virginia, and his account of the infamous Bell Witch legend is one of his best works.

From cover to cover, the book kept my interest and even scared me in a few places. Price also does a nice job of laying out the story so that it's easy to follow.

The only downside to this well-written book is that it doesn't provide any new or historical information.

[Dominique Lamssies · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well written and thorough account of possibly America's greatest ghost story. The writer not only knows the facts of the case, but manages to convey them with a poetry becoming of the topic. Worth a read.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is more about history of that time relevant to the story and family. Also, a bit of retelling of the memories written down by Richard Williams Bell in Our Family Trouble. It’s the first book I’ve read about the Bell Witch and I found it a good starting point.

[Shelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book took be almost two weeks to complete. I was scared the whole way through. He described the encounters of the family as if I was there. I would recommend for an October reading

[Marissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I actually got scared reading this.