Where the Ghosts Are: Favorite Haunted Houses in America and the British Isles

by Hans Holzer

Recounts the stories behind the appearances of ghosts in more than fifty English, American, Scottish, and Irish houses and taverns

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

220 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1984

About the author

Hans Holzer, whose investigations into the paranormal took him to haunted houses and other sites all over the world, wrote more than 140 books on ghosts, the afterlife, witchcraft, extraterrestrial beings, and other phenomena associated with the realm he called “the other side.” Among his famous subjects was the Long Island house that inspired The Amityville Horror book and film adaptations. Holzer studied at the University of Vienna, Austria, and at Columbia University, New York, earning a master’s degree in comparative religion. He taught parapsychology at the New York Institute of Technology. Holzer died in 2009.

Reviews

[Kim Gasparini · Rating 1 out of 5]

This man really thinks that in a house called The Spy House, a medium would have no possible way of knowing that someone associated with espionage may have died there.

I’m not saying that ghosts and mediums are not legitimate entities. I’m saying his reasoning is seriously flawed throughout this book.

Also, the arrogance here. He is the only one that cares enough to free the ghosts from this earthly plane. The only one with the skills. Don’t bother looking for the ghost of Aaron Burr, for he has been freed!

It was hard to read after a while.

[James · Rating 3 out of 5]

Engaging enough, but a mixed bag in some ways. My interest in the paranormal is more fantastic fiction than solid study, so I may not be the target audience. The introduction provides a compelling enough way to consider what ghosts are from Holzer’s studies and that framework makes it compelling enough for a way to consider the paranormal as a field of study from someone who approached it years ago as a field of study. The cataloguing of the locations are where things truly become mixed. Some are more detailed than others and one cannot help but wonder where the detailed histories are in some accounts. Three stars for me means I am glad I read it, but I also know it is not everyone’s cup of tea. Still, if you ever dreamed of being a Ghostbuster and want to review the experiences of one of the people who made something akin to that their career, this functions as both a consideration and a how to guide. Mileage may vary- as does one’s belief in Holzer’s theories, but it was a way to pass the time and ease into the Halloween season.

[Rebecca Hill · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are wanting to get a glimpse inside some of the haunted areas around the world, this is a great book to dive into. I enjoyed learning about the histories and backgrounds of some of these locations, as I was not familiar with all of them.

[Nicole Westen · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was kind of hoping for something more in-depths. This was more like a highway travel guide of haunted places in America (and some not in America) rather than an in-depth look at the hauntings themselves. Good if you're planning a haunted road trip.

[Morgan Lindey · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is fine if you are just wanting a book that talks a bit about haunted locations in the US. Ill be honnest its not exactly what I expected. He only spends a page or 2 on each place, and the contribution of his own evidence and experiences is pretty scarce.

[LG · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this book nearly 20 years ago when I was 17. I thought it was an interesting read at the time. Might be a decent choice for anyone interested in ghosts.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Written in the early 1980's, the edition I read has a newer forwatd by the author's daughter. This was more fun than I thought it would be going into it.

[Rebekah · Rating 2 out of 5]

Lower score because I listened to audiobook and the narrator gave the definition if a droning voice

[Bri Scott · Rating 2 out of 5]

Meh, this was okay and entertaining enough of a spooky-season read but, I had a hard time believing a lot of it… specifically the idea of “living ghosts” but .. who am I lol.

[Chris · Rating 3 out of 5]

Listened to this one on the way to work.

Interesting but not riveting. Pretty sure I tuned out more than a few times. The uninspiring monotone narrator didn't make things any better. If you are looking for scary--look elsewhere. It is more like a catalog of haunted houses divided by region and is interesting in that regard. Great listening while driving.

Ok--there was one scary bit that has stayed with me. The oubliette. In Warwick castle in Scotland there is a dungeon complete with a torture chamber. The most feared part of that dungeon was the oubliette--a bell shaped hole with a grate on top. The torture was simple. They just squeezed you through the grate and dropped you in. That's it. You never came out. You died a slow death (probably of thirst) down there in a tiny room laying on top of all the other people that they dropped down there through the years...

Can't think of many worse ways to die.

[Laura Merrill · Rating 2 out of 5]

Bought this audio book to listen to on a long road trip, but learned quickly that I would fall asleep and drive off the road if listening. I found this book boooring, even when I sped up the audio time. The narrator is monotone and unexpressive. You would think that a book about ghosts and haunted houses would be exciting, but you would be wrong. The book also seems a rehash of previously published materials by the author.

[Stay Fetters · Rating 2 out of 5]

Did Not Finish!
Really enjoyed his interpretation of what ghosts are and the different types.
Once you get to the ghost houses of America, it gets extremely repetitive. There is only so many times you can read someone seen an apparition, someone heard footsteps and someone heard a voice before you lose your mind.
You can also read the date in this, its beyond its prime.

[LC Valdes · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good read for anyone interested in the paranormal.

[Raven · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this was a fun collection of supernatural stories. Read on a rainy cold day, while by the fire.