Blink

Even in modern society, where scientific, tangible research is highly valued, fascination with the supernatural remains strong. In these two series entries, the question of ghosts’ existence and the experiences of those who seek them out as a vocation are explored. In Ghosts, the author relates a variety of supernatural encounters throughout history, including the ghost that haunted infamous Chicago gangster Al “Scarface” Capone until his death. Ghost Hunters investigates how the relatively new science of paranormal research took root and how it has permeated current popular culture. Each volume in the set provides insight into the paranormal as perceived throughout history, using various narratives and sidebars and an in-depth look at the people on both sides of the debate and their attempts to prove or disprove their beliefs. In addition, there are extensive source notes to make further research easier. The concise stories are fascinating and informative, with the individual authors relating the facts in an unbiased manner that allows readers to draw their own conclusions. In addition to the usual reasons given by skeptics for the paranormal, such as overactive imaginations and paranoia, scientific explanations on topics like electromagnetic fields and both sides of the brain trying to work together (cerebral fritzing) are explained as possible culprits behind many “ghostly” mysteries. There is also acknowledgement by the individual authors that although the existence of paranormal entities has never been proved, it has also never been disproved, noting some cases that science has rendered inexplicable. With all of its strong points, a drawback of the series is that it becomes repetitive, with the same stories and people featured several times in the different volumes. Although this repetition would not be an issue with a student researcher consulting one book, it could be frustrating when attempting to use the entire set.—Julie Watkins.

Gr 7 Up This set presents numerous stories of ghosts and hauntings taken from books, Web sites, and other publications. The easy-to-read books contain a good deal of text and are suitable for those who want substantial information. The quality and tone of the writing varies, with some of the titles contradicting each other. Ghosts, the strongest title in the series, does an excellent job of balancing ghost stories with a discussion of the lack of scientific evidence for them. The other books are a little more sensational and at times imply that the encounters occurred. Color images and sidebars will help to hold readers’ attention and make the books appealing to reluctant readers. While the authors rely heavily on Web sites for information, each book contains suggestions for further reading and detailed source notes.

Gr 7 Up–This set presents numerous stories of ghosts and hauntings taken from books, Web sites, and other publications. The easy-to-read books contain a good deal of text and are suitable for those who want substantial information. The quality and tone of the writing varies, with some of the titles contradicting each other. Ghosts, the strongest title in the series, does an excellent job of balancing ghost stories with a discussion of the lack of scientific evidence for them. The other books are a little more sensational and at times imply that the encounters occurred. Color images and sidebars will help to hold readers’ attention and make the books appealing to reluctant readers. While the authors rely heavily on Web sites for information, each book contains suggestions for further reading and detailed source notes.

Gr 7 Up–This set presents numerous stories of ghosts and hauntings taken from books, Web sites, and other publications. The easy-to-read books contain a good deal of text and are suitable for those who want substantial information. The quality and tone of the writing varies, with some of the titles contradicting each other. Ghosts, the strongest title in the series, does an excellent job of balancing ghost stories with a discussion of the lack of scientific evidence for them. The other books are a little more sensational and at times imply that the encounters occurred. Color images and sidebars will help to hold readers’ attention and make the books appealing to reluctant readers. While the authors rely heavily on Web sites for information, each book contains suggestions for further reading and detailed source notes.

Gr 9 Up Books about troublesome spirits have long been a mainstay in middle-grade collections. This entry in the Library of Ghosts and Hauntings series takes a decidedly modern tack by focusing on ghost busters. Although much page space is given to Jason Hawes and Grant Wilson, founder of TAPS (The Atlantic Paranormal Society) and stars of the TV show Ghost Hunters, Lace doesn’t skimp on history. The origins of tracking, recording, and photographing ghosts are traced back to the spiritualism movement of the 1800s; the first bona fide ghost hunter, Harry Price; all the way up to the current high-tech gadgets that assist modern-day investigators. There are plenty of shots of creepy locations (though most of them are unrelated to the text) and hunters in action, though it would’ve been nice to see at least a few of the purported images of ghosts. But Lace’s technique of ending each section with a teaser of what’s to come is effective. This is a rare topic that will enthrall horror hounds and gearheads alike.

Books about troublesome spirits have long been a mainstay in middle-grade collections. This entry in the Library of Ghosts and Hauntings series takes a decidedly modern tack by focusing on ghost busters. Although much page space is given to Jason Hawes and Grant Wilson, founder of TAPS (The Atlantic Paranormal Society) and stars of the TV show Ghost Hunters, Lace doesn’t skimp on history. The origins of tracking, recording, and photographing ghosts are traced back to the spiritualism movement of the 1800s; the first bona fide ghost hunter, Harry Price; all the way up to the current high-tech gadgets that assist modern-day investigators. There are plenty of shots of creepy locations (though most of them are unrelated to the text) and hunters in action, though it would’ve been nice to see at least a few of the purported images of ghosts. But Lace’s technique of ending each section with a teaser of what’s to come is effective. This is a rare topic that will enthrall horror hounds and gearheads alike. — Daniel Kraus