Haunted Montana by Karen Stevens

Riverbend Publishing

ISBN 13: 978-1-931832-87-8
ISBN 193183287-0

Hauntingly Excellent!

Haunted Montana is a must read for paranormal enthusiasts everywhere. Karen Stevens writes with an expert pen and is a ghost hunter and paranormal researcher of highest integrity, skill, and experience. I know, having had the privilege of joining her on many ghost hunting forays to England and Wales as well as a few stateside. As a research librarian, she also knows books - understands what makes a book a good and entertaining read. In Haunted Montana, she combines this knowledge with her extensive paranormal experience to give readers an incredibly appealing ghost book.

All sites listed are open to the public which is a tremendous bonus sure to please those wishing to explore the hauntings on their own. Even site telephone numbers are given, along with the addresses. But armchair ghost lovers won't be disappointed. Stevens' well-written essays transport, taking the reader right to the scene as if you were there with her.

Another very helpful feature is the rating scale of 'Ghostly Activity Level.' Noted at the top of each new listing, the scale immediately shows whether a site's paranormal goings-on are Low, Moderate, or High.

In addition, as noted in the book's introduction, another perk is that Stevens chose only sites with recently recorded paranormal activities. This makes the book an invaluable ghosting guide, increasing the chances of catching a glimpse of the activity for those wishing to explore on their own.

The essays themselves are varied and fascinating. Stevens gives a brief summary of the site's 'History' and then delves into the actual 'Phenomena,' detailing the haunting in a refreshing combination of Stevens' interviews with eyewitnesses and then describing her own experiences and impressions upon visiting the site.

Another feature I really enjoyed are the little personal commentaries at the end of each essay. Sometimes amusing, sometimes poignant, each one is the perfect wrap-up to the listing. The observation to the account of the Nez Perce haunting at Big Hole National Battlefield (The Spirits of Big Hole National Battlefield) was particularly touching - and revealing of Stevens' integrity as a paranormal researcher: she reminds possible visitors that the site is 'a place of tragedy and should be approached with respect.'

Lastly, the book closes with Stevens' own 'Tips For Ghost Hunters.' Concise, insightful, and definitely helpful, this feature alone is well worth the price of the book. Karen Stevens is indeed an authority in her field and has amassed her knowledge through decades of hands-on experience. No one does it better.

Don't miss Haunted Montana. It's a guaranteed ghosting good read!