Explore Haunted Places and Ghost Stories

We are drawn to stories about ghosts, hauntings, and the paranormal for many reasons. For some it is thrill-seeking, curiosity, or a need to be scared. Others are drawn to the stories because of the very human history they highlight. Whatever draws you to the supernatural, we have books you will love.

Learn about ghost hunting in person:

Paranormal Presentation by Transcend Paranormal
Varina Library
Wednesday, November 20, 7:00 pm
Transcend Paranormal will talk about historical sites they have investigated as well as display and explain some of the equipment used in their investigations. Some sites that they have investigated include: Henricus Historical Park, Byrd Theater, Cold Harbor Battlefield, Scotchtown and the Church Hill Train tunnel to name a few.

Learn about ghosts and ghost hunting:

The Little Book of Ghosts by Paul Adams – This quick read is packed full of great information. It seamlessly blends facts, stories new and old, and references for further research into an easy guide. It is perfect for the beginning paranormal investigator. Ebook only.

Ghostland: An American History in Haunted Places by Colin Dickey – Dickey takes a critical look at haunted sites across America, and instead of asking if the site is haunted, he asks why. Expertly researched, this book goes beyond simple sightings to explain why certain ghostly encounters are remembered and mythologized.

The Penguin Book of the Undead: Fifteen Hundred Years of Supernatural Encounters by Scott Bruce – This book is perfect for history lovers! Penguin has pulled together all sorts of references to ghosts, fact or fiction, from the Greeks and Romans through the dark ages to the time of Shakespeare.

Ghost Hunter: The Groundbreaking Classic of Paranormal Investigation by Hans Holzer – Holzer spent decades looking for ghosts and exploring the paranormal. Here he recounts some of his favorite investigations. Also available on Hoopla.

Or, just enjoy some delightfully creepy ghost stories:

Echoes: The Saga Anthology of Ghost Stories edited by Ellen Datlow – I adore a story that can scare me in just a few pages. These ghost stories showcase the work of some of the best authors writing today, and are a perfect introduction into the genre. Also available on OverDrive.

Ghost Summer: Stories by Tananarive Due – Due’s writing is utterly entrancing. The uncanny feeling you feel while reading her work seeps into your bones, keeping you hooked until you are too scared to stop.

Hex by Thomas Olde Heuvelt, translated by Nancy Forest-Flier – A modern ghost story, translated from the Dutch. The imagery in this book will stick with you long after you finish reading, haunting you for months to come.

The Little Stranger by Sarah Waters – Utterly atmospheric, I had to stop and put this book in the other room while reading… but the scariest thing about this book is trying to figure out if it is, in fact, a ghost story.