Connecticut Ghost Stories and Legends

Haunted America

by Thomas D'Agostino, Arlene Nicholson

Full of mystery, magic, and stories stranger than fiction, discover local legends, lore, and tales of the supernatural that will keep you up at night. The emerald sheen illuminating the Sabbatarian burying ground, 8 Mile River's misty figures which emerge at the Devil's Hopyard, and flying demon skeletons on Charles Island these bizarre haunts are uniquely Connecticut. In the ghostly lore of the state, the ambient ramblings of the Leatherman still ring out in the caves of Harwinton's forests and the former residents of the Hale Homestead continue to roam the attic at night. Join authors and Paranormal United Research Founders, Thomas D'Agostino and his wife Arlene Nicholson, as they recount bone chilling mysteries from Putnam, Canton, New London and many more shadowy corners of the Nutmeg state.

Genres: Paranormal, Nonfiction, Ghosts, Ghost Stories, Horror, Travel

144 pages, Paperback

First published August 16, 2011

Reviews

[joyce g · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very interesting as a resident of CT.

[Shelby · Rating 3 out of 5]

I went into this with pretty low expectations and I am pleased to report this was better than I was anticipating. Nothing groundbreaking, but decent. I might reread this one day so I’m giving this a three star (though maybe a two star would be more ‘accurate’). The history was interesting and I do enjoy reading local folklore and legends. I also occasionally enjoy a ghost story, but more anecdotal stuff and less ghost-hunting. The book was more on the ghost-hunting side with EVPs, orbs, paranormal investigation playing a larger role than I was expecting from the title. It does make sense when you find out that is the author’s bread and butter.

My favorite story was The Black Dog of Hanging Hills. Also, any story close to home so Devil’s Hopyard, Ninevah Falls, and The Deep River Library (which is hilarious to me because I forget it’s supposed to be haunted and I’ve been in there at night and basically alone). The Leather Man was also interesting. Upon reflection a lot of the histories were interesting, but there were also a lot that were less substantial and just okay.

[Niki D. · Rating 3 out of 5]

I mostly enjoyed learning more about the history of each place as opposed to the actual possible ghost sightings. however I look forward to visiting many of these places next time I go up for a visit.

[Chris Meads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was visiting a friend in New England and was flying back home when I saw this book. I have always been interested in ghosts and such, and saw one place that I visited was in the book. That was the Gillette Castle which was built by William Gillette who played Sherlock Holmes in the theater.

The book is interesting if you like the histories of cemeteries and old buildings that may or do contain ghosts. When I visited the Gillette Castle, there wasn't anything that led to it being haunted.

I also visited Mark Twain's house--makes one think if that one could be haunted also. Who knows. It's not listed in the book. So if you like history and ghosts, and have relatives or friends in CT, this is a book for you

[Adrienne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just to be clear, I’m not a believer in…well, anything—not religion and not ghosts. But I think ghost stories are fun. Bought this book on a fall trip so I could bring home that spooky CT atmosphere. I read about half of the stories straight through, but honestly, they all started to sound the same. This person lived here, he/she died a tragic death or has some grievance, and now people say he/she haunts the place. I kind of lost interest after awhile.

Having said that, I think this book would be fabulous as a reference book on CT road trips. I would love to make a trip of it, with this book as a guide, and read the stories when I’m actually onsite. The writing isn’t amazing, but it’s adequate and I love to know of the legends surrounding any place I visit. Its just fun.

[Jessica Carr · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not particularly scary or exciting. The authors didn't even mention all the drownings off of Charles Island and Silver Sands Beach when the tide comes in. That would lend credence to the island being cursed (twice!). It seems Canton has the original Headless Horseman, predating Irving's novel. Spooky and fun.

[G. Edweird Cheese · Rating 3 out of 5]

A pretty neat collection of a few of the stories and legends of haunted places in my home state of CT. More of a telling of the history and legends themselves than actual investigations, which i really enjoyed. I learned about a few places i didn't know about.

[Brannigan · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fun collection but not enough information for each location.

[Linda · Rating 2 out of 5]

Self-styled paranormal investigators Thomas D'Agostino and Arlene Nicholson visited dozens of Connecticut sites reputed to be haunted in one form or another. From Devil's Hopyard to Gay City to Nathan Hale Homestead to the New London Lighthouse, they set up their EVP equipment, gathered local ghost stories, and wrote a compendium of their findings. The upshot: there's nothing new, no revelations, no proof, just more of what's already been written by so many before them. For readers unfamiliar with Connecticut legends, this book may prove interesting. For those who've heard this stuff time and again, give it a miss. An added caveat: some of the "historical" factoids included here are inaccurate.

[Melinda · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading about a lot of connecticut's historic places and how the places came to be possibly haunted, but I found it interesting that only "good spirits" we're showcased.