Ozark Ghost Stories

American Storytelling

by Richard Alan Young, Judy Dockrey Young

The Ozark folk have a tradition of "tradin' lies"--if someone tells a story, the listener is honor-bound to reciprocate. Ranging from the stories of Old Raw Head to the legend of Petit Jean to stories of frightful and mysterious lights, these stories entertain, warn and occasionally provide a lesson.

Genres: Fiction, Audiobook, Horror, Ghosts

186 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1992

Reviews

[Jason Harlow · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was surprisingly a lot of fun. These stories are certainly southern folklore-based and even inspired by urban legends and fairy tales in some cases. I'm thrilled to have come across this because it differs from most other anthologies in the way that all the stories were at least decent. This features blood, murder, and alcohol, so it wouldn't be recommended for younger children. I would definitely recommend this to older children and any horror fan looking for a quick, fun anthology. I especially enjoyed the first story and the re-telling of Pennywinkle. My only real complaint is that it ended with a weak re-telling of the hitchhiker's ghost urban legend. This isn't quite 5/5 levels of epic, but it's a solid 4 stars for sure.

[David · Rating 3 out of 5]

A series of short Ozark ghost stories, creepy, gruesome, and sometimes humorous. Great for a Halloween listen. Not suitable for very young children, but okay for older kids.

[Michael Dipietro · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book when I was a kid!! It's something I checked out of the Johnston, RI library over and over. I found it online recently and re-read it.

What's great about this book is that it's sortof comprehensive for its subgenre, and presents several versions of a few more classic American folktales. The writing style is wonderfully creepy, and not too dumbed-down for adults to enjoy. Some of the stories are quite beautiful and others totally scary.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stoked to have found this again. I used to read and listen to a copy from the library as a kid. Pennywinkle was my favorite. Still is.

[Debbie Hagan · Rating 2 out of 5]

A rather amateurish book. The stories aren't really scary or even intriguing. I found it a bit too gruesome for children.

[Rebecca Hill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun stories that I heard when I was a kid! It was nice to take a walk down memory lane with these short stories, and relive some of the Ozark stories that have been shared through generations.

[Nan Silvernail · Rating 4 out of 5]

Scary stories of ghosts and monsters that can be told around the campfire or around the hearth to the young'uns. Woven by two celebrated storytellers, these are mild with just enough of a shiver to please a young audience and still let them get to sleep afterwards, when the laughter dies down. They are wonderfully historic and universally accessible. There is a selection of "jokes" as well, little clever stories with a twist ending. There's a glossary of Ozark terms to aid understanding for those outside the mountains.

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Pleasing! You'll miss the smell of a wood fire if you read this with the aid of just a light bulb. Classics. Some of the stories might need an accomplice or two. Great to see the lore continuing!

[Keith Eldridge · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book! These stories may be local to the Ozark region, but they are simply great ghost and horror stories in the folk-tale tradition.

[HappyGay Bakunzi · Rating 3 out of 5]

They're not really go stories there more like folktales. Enjoyable but not true ghost stories.

[Lani · Rating 4 out of 5]

TW/CW: May include Animal Cruelty, Abuse, Child Abuse/Cruelty, Some Racial Insensitivity, etc

I love these kind of creepy, gruesome, spooky stories. I always devoured them as a kid and (it appears) I still appreciate them as an adult.

I really liked the eerie music that was included in the audiobook (if you get the chance, this, and the narrator’s performances are worth it). It’s strange how many of these urban legends and old wives tales are similar, if not exact, as others I’ve heard from elsewhere… maybe these stories are told in some way or another in every country or maybe there’s more to them than they appear (ooooooh lol) ?…

Look, how almost every country has a Sasquatch/Yeti creature tale (in Australia ours is the Yowie.)

Short and sweet book of lore, with bite sized stories to read/hear (possibly, again.) I enjoyed myself at least.

[Cassandra Alvarado · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun short creepy stories.

[Jes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Classic/throwback from my childhood, but as an adult it's a very fun cultural dive as well.

[Marty Solotki · Rating 4 out of 5]

a collection of YA-leaning scary stories, narrated with a full musical score. Lots of fun and excellent narration; a quick and easy listen.

[Reving · Rating 4 out of 5]

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