About the author
Raymond Johnson is a former criminal investigator and local historian whose books apply that background to the folklore of his home city. Chicago History: The Stranger Side (Schiffer Publishing, 2014) revisits nine well-known Chicago locations, reexamining old cases such as the murders of sisters Barbara and Patricia Grimes with a detective's eye for overlooked detail. His earlier book, Chicago's Haunt Detective: A Cop's Guide to Supernatural Chicago (2011), covers the city's ghost stories, legends, and psychics, including the tale of Resurrection Mary, from the perspective of a retired West Chicago investigator rather than a paranormal enthusiast. Both titles sit at the intersection of local history and ghost lore, aimed at readers interested in Chicago's past as much as its hauntings. Johnson's approach favors documented locations and historical record over sensational claims, treating each site as a case file to be reopened.
📖 Where to start with Raymond Johnson
💬 What our editors say about Raymond Johnson's books
“Johnson successfully bridges the gap between criminal investigation and supernatural lore, offering a fresh perspective on Chicago’s haunting tales like Resurrection Mary. However, readers seeking rigorous academic proof or…”
Esoterica Books editorial team, Occult literature desk · on Chicago's Haunt Detective: A Cop's Guide to Supernatural Chicago
“Ray Johnson meticulously uncovers a tapestry of strange discoveries in Chicago, offering a fresh look at nine familiar locations through an occult lens. While the premise is engaging for fans of urban mystery, this book does not…”
Esoterica Books editorial team, Occult literature desk · on Chicago History: The Stranger Side: The Stranger Side
