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Ghosts of Gannaway
Ghost whispers echo through the mines of Gannaway. They have a story to tell. It’s the story of a town torn apart by greed, pollution and vanity, by racial discord between the Native Americans and the invading miners, by the Great Depression, by the violent union strikes of the 1930’s. That’s not all that brought Gannaway to its knees, though. Not by a long shot. Because something—else—lives in the deserted tunnels of the mine, something dark and evil. Something that breathes life into the Ghosts of Gannaway.
Ghosts of Gannaway takes the reader on a journey they won’t forget. ~ Paranormal Suspense Writer Gail Roughton
Ghosts of Gannaway takes the reader on a journey they won’t forget. ~ Paranormal Suspense Writer Gail Roughton
- GenresHorror
286 pages, ebook
First published June 27, 2015
2 people are currently reading
27 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 14 reviews
October 13, 2022
Horror is and has always been my favorite genre, closely followed by historical fiction, particularly set in or around the Great Depression. Stuart R. West combines them both in Ghosts of Gannaway. Two great tastes that taste great together if you will.
Told on two timelines, this historical horror is set in a small mining town, where in the 1930s you could basically work in the mine or go hungry. Not that Gannaway paid well, greedy selfish man that he was. Tommy, the well respected boss of the mine wants safer working conditions for his crew, but there is more to fear than gas explosions or cave ins. There is the curse of the yellow eyed fever to contend with. Not all will believe in it but Tommy's wife Claire discovers the origin and hopes to put an end to it. The second timeline is in the late 60's when a scientist comes to test samples for pollution and contaminants. The mine is supposed to have been shut down by then, but something strange is still going on deep in the earth.
There are some genuine scares in this book, and I believe the dangers not only of mining but of attempting to start a union in those days was accurately portrayed. Another main attraction for me was the fierce love that Claire and Tommy share. Claire was portrayed as such a strong woman in a time when women's opinions did not count for much she was not afraid to speak up when she needed to.
I loved these characters so much.
The ending was beyond perfect, I wouldn't change a thing!
If you are looking for a great story, not just scares but horror with some heart and soul this is it.
5 out of 5 stars
My thanks to Grinning Skull Press.
Told on two timelines, this historical horror is set in a small mining town, where in the 1930s you could basically work in the mine or go hungry. Not that Gannaway paid well, greedy selfish man that he was. Tommy, the well respected boss of the mine wants safer working conditions for his crew, but there is more to fear than gas explosions or cave ins. There is the curse of the yellow eyed fever to contend with. Not all will believe in it but Tommy's wife Claire discovers the origin and hopes to put an end to it. The second timeline is in the late 60's when a scientist comes to test samples for pollution and contaminants. The mine is supposed to have been shut down by then, but something strange is still going on deep in the earth.
There are some genuine scares in this book, and I believe the dangers not only of mining but of attempting to start a union in those days was accurately portrayed. Another main attraction for me was the fierce love that Claire and Tommy share. Claire was portrayed as such a strong woman in a time when women's opinions did not count for much she was not afraid to speak up when she needed to.
I loved these characters so much.
The ending was beyond perfect, I wouldn't change a thing!
If you are looking for a great story, not just scares but horror with some heart and soul this is it.
5 out of 5 stars
My thanks to Grinning Skull Press.
March 23, 2019
As you might have guessed from the title, Ghosts of Gannaway is a ghost story, and one which will delight those who love traditional ghost stories, as well as having enough originality, and the unique voice of author Stuart R West, to satisfy those who, like myself, are a little jaded when it comes to the recently (or not so recently) departed. First, and perhaps most importantly, it is very well written. I have always believed that, if a book is written well enough, then it can be enjoyable to read even if the story is not your 'thing', and Ghosts of Gannaway is very well written indeed. Almost as a bonus, the story here is also very good, and the device of telling it both from the view of the active mining community of the early 20th century, and from the run-down remains of the town in the 1960s, is very successful. My favourite scenes are those set in the mines while they were still a working concern. The sense of ever-present danger, and claustrophobic conditions, are presented believably and with admirable tension. Add in the supernatural, and a touching love story, and it is irresistible. The scenes set in the 1960s, while not having the same sense of tension and claustrophobia, are nevertheless fun to read and provide a satisfying conclusion to the tale. It is a story of greed, of the disparity and disconnect between the wealthy owner of the mines and the poverty-level workers. It is a story of the working men fighting for safe working conditions, of early unionisation and the ruthlessness of the business owners in the face of workers' strikes. It is the story of an investigation into the ongoing safety risks of the closed mines, and the continuing greed of the mines' owner. But above all else, it is a well realised, believable and creepy ghost story, one of the best I've read from a contemporary author. If you like reading horror, Stuart R West is an author to watch out for.
August 6, 2018
Review: THE GHOSTS OF GANNAWAY by Stuart R. West
I so admire novels that encapsulate expanded moral and social issues while delivering excellent characterization and suspenseful plotting. I give you THE GHOSTS OF GANNAWAY, a novel of history (1929, 1935; and 1969) and of individuals, families, social movements; and the Supernatural.
In 1969, the U S. Corps of Engineers sends an environmental scientist to tiny, almost abandoned Gannaway, Kansas, to test the potential toxicity of the soil, water table, and air. Gannaway appears practically a ghost town (in multiple senses), stores and homes collapsing, dust-ridden, scarcely a semblance of life--except for the expansive home of the man who "made" Gannaway, mine company owner Kyle Gannaway, who opened mines there and founded the community in the 1920's.
Author West also interweaves a plot line which occurs in 1929, and continues in 1935--deep in the Great Depression, in the fiery throes of beginning attempts at unionization and rights for workers. Readers who know anything about the Harlan, Kentucky, unionization tragedies of the 1930's, or such attempts at other mines, will find resonance in the ideals and efforts of young Tommy Donnelly, ground boss at a Gannaway mine, as he diligently strives to make the wealthy company owner "see sense." But Kyle Gannaway and his right-hand man are terrifyingly inhuman individuals, totally devoid of compassion, empathy, or just plain human feeling.
In 1969, the environmental scientist and an elderly Native American, Ahanu ("Bob"), combine forces to uncover the truth, all the truths, about Gannaway' s evil past and toxic present, to settle the ghosts of Gannaway, and to cope with its environmental future.
I so admire novels that encapsulate expanded moral and social issues while delivering excellent characterization and suspenseful plotting. I give you THE GHOSTS OF GANNAWAY, a novel of history (1929, 1935; and 1969) and of individuals, families, social movements; and the Supernatural.
In 1969, the U S. Corps of Engineers sends an environmental scientist to tiny, almost abandoned Gannaway, Kansas, to test the potential toxicity of the soil, water table, and air. Gannaway appears practically a ghost town (in multiple senses), stores and homes collapsing, dust-ridden, scarcely a semblance of life--except for the expansive home of the man who "made" Gannaway, mine company owner Kyle Gannaway, who opened mines there and founded the community in the 1920's.
Author West also interweaves a plot line which occurs in 1929, and continues in 1935--deep in the Great Depression, in the fiery throes of beginning attempts at unionization and rights for workers. Readers who know anything about the Harlan, Kentucky, unionization tragedies of the 1930's, or such attempts at other mines, will find resonance in the ideals and efforts of young Tommy Donnelly, ground boss at a Gannaway mine, as he diligently strives to make the wealthy company owner "see sense." But Kyle Gannaway and his right-hand man are terrifyingly inhuman individuals, totally devoid of compassion, empathy, or just plain human feeling.
In 1969, the environmental scientist and an elderly Native American, Ahanu ("Bob"), combine forces to uncover the truth, all the truths, about Gannaway' s evil past and toxic present, to settle the ghosts of Gannaway, and to cope with its environmental future.
September 29, 2018
‘Oh, God, the boy poked out his own eyes and throat! He'd seen some terrible mining accidents in his life, but never anything like that. The blood everywhere. And the loose eye sliding down like a gray egg yolk.’
Stuart West’s Ghosts of Gannaway published by Grinning Skull Press is brutal, brilliant, and a page-turner all in one well-written tale. Told through fluent flashbacks spanning the 1930s and 60s, the locals of Gannaway believe the mines are cursed due to the land being stolen from an American Indian tribe. Cue Dennis Lipstein, a government scientist sent to determine if the land has been contaminated by acid mine water, which he presumes is behind the violent tragedies of the 30s. The storyline is convincing and intriguing, West clearly having done his due diligence on research. He constantly has you guessing if the creepy town is haunted or if Mr. Gannaway and his “chat rats” are just trying to scare away the government. It’s been a while since I read a horror novel that I couldn’t put down, and this one had me on edge until the bone-chilling climax.
Highly recommended!
Stuart West’s Ghosts of Gannaway published by Grinning Skull Press is brutal, brilliant, and a page-turner all in one well-written tale. Told through fluent flashbacks spanning the 1930s and 60s, the locals of Gannaway believe the mines are cursed due to the land being stolen from an American Indian tribe. Cue Dennis Lipstein, a government scientist sent to determine if the land has been contaminated by acid mine water, which he presumes is behind the violent tragedies of the 30s. The storyline is convincing and intriguing, West clearly having done his due diligence on research. He constantly has you guessing if the creepy town is haunted or if Mr. Gannaway and his “chat rats” are just trying to scare away the government. It’s been a while since I read a horror novel that I couldn’t put down, and this one had me on edge until the bone-chilling climax.
Highly recommended!
October 30, 2018
West is truly a master of immersing you into a story. I was instantly transported back in time (and into different time periods too) to follow the story of mysterious deaths, rumored disease, and the cover-ups that come with it. Not to mention the spookiness of mines and dead miners -- just in time for Halloween! I thoroughly enjoyed this story and, without giving away any spoilers, was quite satisfied with the end. You get what you deserve, is all I can say.
July 17, 2015
I’m a sucker for ghost stories, and I really enjoyed digging into this one! The novel is split between a historical story (1930s) and a more modern one (1960s). There are lots of characters in each time frame, each with their own distinct and vibrant personalities.
Tom is the hero in the past story. The foreman of a mining company, he repeatedly butts heads with the mine owner, who is cutting corners on safety issues and endangering the workmen. There have been a number of deaths in the mine, and the dead men’s ghosts have come back for revenge. As we follow Tom’s story, he gets bolder in defying the owner even at risk to his life. Tom’s sweet-but-tough wife, Claire, worries about him and gathers her wits and her courage to visit an American Indian shaman that she hopes can rid the mine of the dangerous ghosts.
In the modern story, Dennis is a scientist working for the government who’s been charged with finding out how polluted the closed mines are. He quickly discovers that the mines are haunted by the many men who died there, and they will kill any trespassers they find—including Dennis.
The author does a great job with the historical aspects, and he weaves the two stories together seamlessly. I particularly liked the character of Claire. She was smart and brave, and I rooted for her to find the solution to the frightening hauntings and murders. I was also fascinated by the American Indian characters and the interesting info about their culture. This creepy story is extremely well-written, and the characters stuck with me long after I finished the book. Highly recommended!
Tom is the hero in the past story. The foreman of a mining company, he repeatedly butts heads with the mine owner, who is cutting corners on safety issues and endangering the workmen. There have been a number of deaths in the mine, and the dead men’s ghosts have come back for revenge. As we follow Tom’s story, he gets bolder in defying the owner even at risk to his life. Tom’s sweet-but-tough wife, Claire, worries about him and gathers her wits and her courage to visit an American Indian shaman that she hopes can rid the mine of the dangerous ghosts.
In the modern story, Dennis is a scientist working for the government who’s been charged with finding out how polluted the closed mines are. He quickly discovers that the mines are haunted by the many men who died there, and they will kill any trespassers they find—including Dennis.
The author does a great job with the historical aspects, and he weaves the two stories together seamlessly. I particularly liked the character of Claire. She was smart and brave, and I rooted for her to find the solution to the frightening hauntings and murders. I was also fascinated by the American Indian characters and the interesting info about their culture. This creepy story is extremely well-written, and the characters stuck with me long after I finished the book. Highly recommended!
June 29, 2015
Something is wrong at the mines in Gannaway, Kansas. Sometimes a miner goes a little nutty and starts killing the other miners. That's what was happening in the mid-1930s. Tommy Donnelly, a young foreman, tried to do something about the problems in the mine, which went beyond miners going nuts. Tommy asked the mine's owner Kyle Gannaway for improved working conditions; even flirted with unionizing the miners. But the town isn't called Gannaway for nothing. Now, it's 1969. The mine Tommy worked in has been shut down, but there are questions about the local water supply. Dennis, a graduate student in geology, has come to do some studies. Kyle Gannaway is still around, as crooked, ruthless, and manipuative as ever. With the aid of a Native-American street artist and a social worker, Dennis digs into the town's past and finds pollution of a paranormal kind. Dennis will have to confront the ghosts of his own past and those of Gannaway's past if he has any hopes of leaving town alive.
Ghosts of Gannaway is a creepy, suspense-filled study of corporate greed and power. It combines the best traits of ghost stories and David versus Goliath tales. Take a ride with Dennis in his beat up van to Gannaway, Kansas. Go down the mine shaft with Tommy. You'll be glad you did, after it's all over.
Ghosts of Gannaway is a creepy, suspense-filled study of corporate greed and power. It combines the best traits of ghost stories and David versus Goliath tales. Take a ride with Dennis in his beat up van to Gannaway, Kansas. Go down the mine shaft with Tommy. You'll be glad you did, after it's all over.
July 12, 2015
This book starts out super creepy. I felt like I was watching a really spooky movie. Stuart has a way of writing, that puts you right into his world. Gannaway is a mining town. The Story sets in the 30's, during the Great Depression and transports you into 1969.
Gannaway, Kansas has a lot of secrets and lots of stories. Dennis Lipstein comes to town, he's a Environmental Scientist. As you can imagine he is skeptical of the stories that are told. But with a story there's always truth to it.
Dennis meets a lot of different characters. Some with hearts of gold and some with None. Gannaway is an Evil bastard. He was greedy and did everything he could to get his way. It always surprises me when people follow people around, that are completely evil.
I loved learning the back story and how it came together was done so well. They flowed from the 30's to the 60's with such ease. I'm always on the ghosts side, your past will catch up with you Gannaway if your not careful. Stuart really is an artist with storytelling. I can't wait to see what else Stuart has in store for us....Lissa
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December 21, 2015
Ghosts don't haunt only Victorian mansions or pest-ridden dungeons.
Stuart West has given us a unique concept by setting the ghostly happenings in an old mining town in Kansas. Gannaway, named after the creepy rich guy who despoiled the beautiful countryside with played out mines and lots of dead miners. Since you can't keep a good miner down, the ghostly remains help the guy who can shut down the continuing illegal mining for good. But ghosts don't always make themselves known until somebody, namely Dennis the environmental scientist, teams up with the old Native American man, Ahanu. Ahanu (also called Bob) has the history of the story behind the hauntings, Dennis the scientist has the skills. Between the two of them, they face down evil entities, both living and dead, along with their own internal demons.
I recommend this neat twist on the standard ghost story. I appreciate Mr. West's knowledge of the mining practices of the early 20th Century, the formation of unions, and the deadly conditions of the mines.
Zoomed right through the book, entertained the whole time.
Stuart West has given us a unique concept by setting the ghostly happenings in an old mining town in Kansas. Gannaway, named after the creepy rich guy who despoiled the beautiful countryside with played out mines and lots of dead miners. Since you can't keep a good miner down, the ghostly remains help the guy who can shut down the continuing illegal mining for good. But ghosts don't always make themselves known until somebody, namely Dennis the environmental scientist, teams up with the old Native American man, Ahanu. Ahanu (also called Bob) has the history of the story behind the hauntings, Dennis the scientist has the skills. Between the two of them, they face down evil entities, both living and dead, along with their own internal demons.
I recommend this neat twist on the standard ghost story. I appreciate Mr. West's knowledge of the mining practices of the early 20th Century, the formation of unions, and the deadly conditions of the mines.
Zoomed right through the book, entertained the whole time.
June 29, 2015
I am a huge fan of West's work and have to say he's outdone himself with Ghosts of Gannaway. I had a chance to read an early draft and found myself unable to put it down and it haunted me for days after I'd finished it. It is a superb story that interweaves in the best possible way, leaving the reader guessing and completely unable to stop reading. I love how the story unfolds with bits of the past twining with the present, the stories coming together to explain some horrific events, but also a story of humanity. If you enjoy a great story, with a mystery that's sure to leave you a little a haunted, this is definitely a book to not miss!
August 4, 2015
The Ghosts of Gannaway scooped me up in its arms immediately, carrying me through danger, fear, and ghosts! Real ghosts, not Scooby-Doo ghosts. I've followed Mr. West's books like a big, sloppy dog looking for a reward. West is a generous master. He doesn't disappoint. But what amazes me more than anything else in this novel, is his ability to place himself in the mind of another being and his mastery of life in a small, mining town. Obviously, an enormous amount of research went into this novel. Stephen King step aside. Stuart West just entered the building.
August 7, 2015
Stuart West was already one of my favorite authors. His latest book, Ghosts of Gannaway, keeps him there. This is one of his best books thus far. This ghost story, which is woven between two different time periods (neither of them present day), is fast-paced and very well written. The characters are great (I particularly liked Bob). There were enough twists and cliffhangers to keep me up reading way too late. I look forward to more from this talented writer.
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February 12, 2016(5) Review will be posted on Boundless Book Reviews
Displaying 1 - 13 of 14 reviews