Big Book of Washington Ghost Stories — Spiritualism

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Big Book of Washington Ghost Stories

Name: Big Book of Washington Ghost Stories
Price: 19.95 USD
Availability: InStock
ISBN: 9781493085736

✍️ Oberding, Janice

Reader Score

4.4

(1 review)

$19.95

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📚 WHAT THE BOOK IS ABOUT

Janice Oberding chronicles Washington State supernatural tales, historical hauntings, and regional true crime lore.

This 232-page paperback spans centuries of Washington State history, tracing supernatural accounts from indigenous forest settlements to post-1889 statehood events. Author Janice Oberding details famous regional spectral phenomena, including the sunken ship Andelana at Tacoma, the haunted governor's mansion in Olympia, Greenwood Cemetery, and the victims of Linda Burfield Hazzard. Drawing on her background as a paranormal historian and TV consultant, Oberding provides a focused catalog of Evergreen State ghost stories for readers interested in local history and true crime.

Key Themes

Pacific Northwest ghost stories Washington State history Local paranormal accounts

Literary Context

The stories span from four thousand years of indigenous habitation in coastal forests through Washington gaining statehood on November 11, 1889, capturing the regional lore of the Evergreen State.

Oberding, Janice

📚 all books by this author (9) →

Difficulty

● Easy

Recommended For Fans Of

Laurie Lee's regional histories · Dorothy Uhnak's mystery settings · John Collier's ghost story collections · Alfred Hitchcock's eerie tales

🕊️

Spiritualism

🏛 Globe Pequot Publishing 📅 2025 📖 232 pages 📔 Paperback ISBN: 9781493085736

Fun Fact

This volume excels at compiling a diverse and engaging collection of Washington's supernatural lore, grounding each tale in its historical and geographical context. It's a fantastic read for those who appreciate regional history filtered through a paranormal lens, though readers seeking definitive proof of hauntings might be left wanting. Janice Oberding's work firmly establishes itself as a foundational text for anyone interested in the spectral side of the Pacific Northwest, providing both chills and fascinating insights into the Evergreen State's enduring mysteries.

📝 Description: Big Book of Washington Ghost Stories

In Big Book of Washington Ghost Stories, Janice Oberding compiles tales of hauntings from across the Pacific Northwest. The text moves across historical eras, beginning with the region's indigenous inhabitants who lived in the dense coastal forests for at least four thousand years prior to European contact. It then covers events following statehood on November 11, 1889, focusing on local specters and historical tragedies. Specific accounts include the headless phantom of Col. Isaac Ebey, the lost souls of the Andelana which sank in Commencement Bay at Tacoma, and the ghostly victims linked to Linda Burfield Hazzard. Oberding also examines localized hauntings such as the old Greenwood Cemetery and the spectral boy in blue residing inside the governor's mansion in Olympia. Oberding brings specialized background experience to this regional historical survey. A Nevada-based author focused on true crime, history, and the paranormal, she worked as a consultant and historian for the Alcatraz episode of SyFy's Ghost Hunters alongside Jason Hawes and Grant Wilson. She is also among the few individuals to spend an entire night at Alcatraz outside of former prisoners. Published by Globe Pequot Publishing, this 232-page paperback suits readers seeking regional ghost lore, true crime histories, and Pacific Northwest supernatural accounts. It does not suit readers looking for broad paranormal theories outside Washington State or fictional horror narratives.

💎 Expert review

“

💎

Esoterica Books editorial team

Occult literature desk

This collection serves as an engaging primer for those new to Washington’s supernatural lore, offering a broad survey rather than deep academic analysis. It succeeds in its goal to unearth spectral secrets through accessible storytelling, highlighting well-known figures like the headless specter of Colonel Isaac Ebey and the Governor's Mansion child. However, serious researchers or skeptics seeking rigorous historical verification will find the content lacking in critical depth. The book is not suited for those who prefer dry, factual historiography over narrative flair. While it effectively captures the mood of the Evergreen State’s haunted sites, it remains firmly in the realm of entertaining folklore rather than scholarly investigation. It is best enjoyed as a light, spooky read during autumn evenings.

✓ EDITOR'S REVIEW

📖 Why choose it

📖

Why this book is worth reading

Readers who cherish the atmospheric depth of Washington State will find immense joy in this volume, as it transforms cold historical facts into vibrant, chilling narratives. It is perfect for locals seeking a deeper connection to their homeland’s mysterious underbelly or travelers who wish to walk in the footsteps of Colonel Isaac Ebey and other spectral figures. By weaving together ancient landscapes and recent historical sites, the book offers a unique educational experience that feels like an adventure rather than a textbook. It appeals to those who enjoy the thrill of the unexplained without needing complex philosophical arguments. The accessible style ensures that anyone interested in the intersection of history and the paranormal can engage with the content effortlessly, making it an ideal gift for enthusiasts of the occult and regional history alike.

⭐ Reader reviews

The starting rating comes from the team Esoterica Books —

⭐ Esoterica editorial review Editorial rating 4.5/5

★★★★★

If you're captivated by local history intertwined with unexplained phenomena, or simply love a good ghost story rooted in specific places, this collection is for you. Readers interested in the folklore of the Pacific Northwest will find themselves immersed in its pages.

Reader rating

4.4

Based on 1 reviews

Esoterica Books editorial team

This collection serves as an engaging primer for those new to Washington’s supernatural lore, offering a broad survey rather than deep academic analysis. It succeeds in its goal to unearth spectral secrets through accessible storytelling, highlighting well-known figures like the headless specter of Colonel Isaac Ebey and the Governor's Mansion child. However, serious researchers or skeptics seeking rigorous historical verification will find the content lacking in critical depth. The book is not suited for those who prefer dry, factual historiography over narrative flair. While it effectively captures the mood of the Evergreen State’s haunted sites, it remains firmly in the realm of entertaining folklore rather than scholarly investigation. It is best enjoyed as a light, spooky read during autumn evenings.

❓ Frequently asked questions

While the focus is primarily on narrative accounts, the book is rich with historical context for each haunting, allowing the reader's imagination to paint the spectral scenes.

This collection compiles historical accounts and local legends, presenting them as collected folklore rather than irrefutable evidence. The author's intent is to share the stories as they are told, inviting readers to ponder their mysteries.

📖 Who should read this

🎯 Key themes and symbolism

Historical Hauntings

Discover how pivotal moments and significant figures from Washington's past continue to manifest in spectral form. The book meticulously links specific ghostly apparitions, like Colonel Ebey's enduring presence, to the historical events that gave them birth, offering a unique lens through which to view the state's development.

Regional Folklore

Explore the diverse supernatural traditions rooted in Washington's distinct geographical and cultural regions. From coastal mysteries to inland legends, the narratives showcase how local communities have preserved and passed down tales of the uncanny, enriching the state's unique identity through its ghostly inhabitants.

Enduring Legacies

This work emphasizes the profound connection between the land and its lingering spirits, highlighting how some presences predate statehood by millennia. It reflects on the deep-seated history of indigenous habitation and how these ancient echoes contribute to the profound sense of mystery and spectral activity found across Washington's territories.

📜 Historical context

This book contributes to the long-standing tradition of regional ghost story collections, which serve not only as entertainment but also as informal historical records. By documenting localized legends and spectral accounts, it helps preserve cultural memory and offers a unique, often unsettling, perspective on the events and personalities that shaped Washington State, much like other state-specific paranormal guides.

📚 Glossary

Spectral
Haunting
Folklore

📔 Questions to reflect on

Consider a historical landmark or significant event in your own region. What kind of ghost story might naturally arise from its past?
How do local legends and ghost stories contribute to a community's unique identity or a place's 'spirit'?
If you were to encounter a spectral presence, what questions would you ask it, and what do you believe its message might be?