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The Nearly Departed: Minnesota Ghost Stories and Legends
Everyone loves a good ghost story.
Phantoms of the Paramount, Shadows on Third Avenue, the Legend of Ann Lake, Boy in the Red Cap. Veteran ghost hunter J. Michael Norman has uncovered almost three dozen stories of legitimate Minnesota eeriness to thrill readers. Norman, author of five nationally popular collections of ghost tales, interviewed local storytellers and combed newspapers to document legends involving supernatural and strange occurrences. Following old and fresh leads, he gathered stories from all over the state.
Ghost stories have existed as long as humans have been telling tales. Perhaps it's our curiosity of what happens to us and our loved ones after death, perhaps they explain phenomena that we do not understand, or maybe, just maybe, the dead do walk the earth. Norman does not attempt to prove or disprove the existence of ghosts but instead allows readers to make up their own minds. His tales feature people's strange and paranormal experiences in quite ordinary places, including homes, theaters, B and Bs, and restaurants. Many of the engaging and hair-raising accounts involve strange and frightening incidents of the last fifty years; some document very recent unexplainable or spectral events. The book includes a map and a public site appendix targeting the hauntings' locations—from Taylors Falls and Pipestone to Northfield and Nobles County—for Minnesotans who may want to "pass through" the sites.
these stories do not have conclusive endings since they remain a mystery to this day. But perhaps that's best. An ending would just take the fun out of it.
Phantoms of the Paramount, Shadows on Third Avenue, the Legend of Ann Lake, Boy in the Red Cap. Veteran ghost hunter J. Michael Norman has uncovered almost three dozen stories of legitimate Minnesota eeriness to thrill readers. Norman, author of five nationally popular collections of ghost tales, interviewed local storytellers and combed newspapers to document legends involving supernatural and strange occurrences. Following old and fresh leads, he gathered stories from all over the state.
Ghost stories have existed as long as humans have been telling tales. Perhaps it's our curiosity of what happens to us and our loved ones after death, perhaps they explain phenomena that we do not understand, or maybe, just maybe, the dead do walk the earth. Norman does not attempt to prove or disprove the existence of ghosts but instead allows readers to make up their own minds. His tales feature people's strange and paranormal experiences in quite ordinary places, including homes, theaters, B and Bs, and restaurants. Many of the engaging and hair-raising accounts involve strange and frightening incidents of the last fifty years; some document very recent unexplainable or spectral events. The book includes a map and a public site appendix targeting the hauntings' locations—from Taylors Falls and Pipestone to Northfield and Nobles County—for Minnesotans who may want to "pass through" the sites.
these stories do not have conclusive endings since they remain a mystery to this day. But perhaps that's best. An ending would just take the fun out of it.
304 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2009
8 people are currently reading
101 people want to read
About the author
Michael Norman
17 books50 followersMichael Norman is a writer who makes his home in Western Wisconsin.
He is the author most recently of "The Nearly Departed: Minnesota Ghost Stories and Legends," published in 2009 by the Minnesota Historical Society Press.
He is the co-author with the late Beth Scott of the popular Haunted America series of ghost stories, and the co-author with writer Carol Roecklein of two vocabulary books written for ages 12 and up.
He is the author most recently of "The Nearly Departed: Minnesota Ghost Stories and Legends," published in 2009 by the Minnesota Historical Society Press.
He is the co-author with the late Beth Scott of the popular Haunted America series of ghost stories, and the co-author with writer Carol Roecklein of two vocabulary books written for ages 12 and up.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
June 18, 2013
The only reason I am giving this three stars is because of the Minnesota history told in the book. The ghost stories were true so they were rather boring but what can you do? Overall it's just a book that I would recommend reading if you are bored. I don't recommend reading it all unless you really want TO.
June 8, 2015
An interesting collection of Minnesota ghost stories. I loved reading about places I've been to or have already read accounts of hauntings (including my friend's house, where I'm headed tonight), but I did gloss over some of the legends passed down along the generations. Personally I prefer first-hand accounts.
August 12, 2021
Entertaining to read. It is very clear the author has a journalism background; each chapter reads like a spotlight piece in a newspaper. There are some issues with word usage redundancy & editing. And the writing isn't always super clear or linear. But I enjoyed the history and the profiles of local locations.
October 23, 2025
better than most true ghost stories books, but not as well written as some of the others he's authored. I really want to check out a couple of the haunted restaurants in St. Paul!
October 15, 2009
I love a good ghost story, and this book is filled with them. A few of the stories are a little weak, but most of them are spooky and entertaining. Living in Minnesota I now want to visit some of the haunted places that are open to the public. Anybody who lives in MN and likes stories of the paranormal will enjoy this book.
February 9, 2011
Fun ghost stories set in Minnesota. Sometimes the stories seemed a bit flat, as the author was trying to be accurate and authentic. I tend to like some exaggeration in a ghost story from time to time.
February 5, 2010
Really 2 1/2 stars for gathering ghostly tales of Minnesota. I liked the history of buildings etc but it got a little dull.
July 16, 2010
It's okay. Seems overly long-winded and ponderous for a book that could be scarier.
November 20, 2011
This was terrible. I couldn't even finish it.
July 30, 2012
Spooktacular!
Well, not really. It was a fun, silly read. Everyone likes a ghost story, so it's extra fun when it's set in your hometown.
Well, not really. It was a fun, silly read. Everyone likes a ghost story, so it's extra fun when it's set in your hometown.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews