Hollywood Obscura: Death, Murder, and the Paranormal Aftermath

by Brian Clune

Hollywood is no stranger to murder, and some of the murderers are the most vicious killers known to man. Through extensive research by Brian Clune, the historian for Planet Paranormal Investigations, take a deeper look at 12 stories dealing with the murders and paranormal aftermath of some of Hollywood's most mysterious and gruesome murders from the 1930s to modern times, including Thelma Todd, The Black Dahlia, “Bugsy” Siegel, George Reeves, Marilyn Monroe, Ramon Novarro, Natalie Wood, John Belushi, Tupac Shakur, Biggie Smalls, and more. In addition to bloody confrontations and excessive negative patterns, find out the haunting ghost stories of these individuals—their spirits are still here. Jaw-dropping details will have you trying to close the veil to the otherside before you learn too much... But you're too late. History buffs and paranormal enthusiasts will enjoy this book, however, it is not for the squeamish.

Genres: Nonfiction

128 pages, Paperback

Published August 28, 2017

Reviews

[Barb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short recaps of significant deaths of Hollywood stars. Although much of this has been covered in other formats at various times, this is a nice set of short, quick to read pieces. In addition, this includes paranormal rumors of sightings of the ghosts of the deceased in the place of death or in other significant locations. This does not go into detail to prove any of the rumors related to the deaths or posthumous sightings, but the stories are interesting.

[Gwen - Chew & Digest Books - · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this because each death was treated as a little vignette of sorts and there wasn't a ton of belief behind the paranormal aspect of it. (It wasn't eye-rolling suspicion and wasn't cynically written either, a good mix.) It made me want to read more about the few that I hadn't known the details on.

[Rebecca Elson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review originally appeared on The Magical Buffet website on 9/20/2017.

There’s nothing not to love about “Hollywood Obscura” by Brian Clune. The subtitle says it all, “Death, Murder, and the Paranormal Aftermath,” and Clune does deliver. Familiar and more obscure Hollywood deaths abound, each of them worthy of a book all their own (and many of them do already have books all their own!). However Clune does a great job of summarizing each death’s backstory, popular theories, and media coverage. Classic names like Benjamin “Bugsy” Seigel and George Reeves share book space with Thelma Todd and the Los-Feliz Murder Mansion. There may not be a lot new to discover if you’re a fan of the genre, but for someone new to the Hollywood death scene, it’s a great introduction.

“Hollywood Obscura” may be of interest to those interested in the paranormal. Each story ends with the “Paranormal Association.” Just take note that these play out as folklore and rarely feature paranormal investigation. Think more along the line of “and some say his ghost still walks the halls to this very day.” Personally, I have no problem with paranormal legends and folklore, but since I know I have some readers who are heavy into the scientific side of exploring the paranormal, I thought I should mention it.

Loaded with tawdry Hollywood gossip, murder investigations, and hauntings, make “Hollywood Obscura” by Brian Clune a fun read.

[Diana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book received from Edelweiss.

This was an extremely short book that actually accomplished what it was trying to do in it's few pages.

[Melisende · Rating 2 out of 5]

OK. This is not your average "true crime" book - there is a twist - and many will "poo poo" it for that very point of difference.

Clune takes on a number of very well-known murder cases and deaths in Hollywood, covers the basics without too much indepth investigation, and then gives us the link to the paranormal activities surrounding each murder site and victim.

For those that love a good scandal, these short and entertaining chapters will while away an hour or two.

[Bruce Stoessner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting all the way through!

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fantastic selection of true crime stories. I have always loved all things true crime and paranormal and this one had me hooked from the first page =). Highly recommend =)

[Melinda Aley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brain Clune's writing really drew me into these stories. I thought I knew the history of these events, but I learned something new in each chapter. Great read!!