The book promises to look at the concept of ghosts and explore whether they are real. It is aimed at junior investigators, helping them navigate the early stages of their paranormal curiosity.
It is a colourful book, with plenty of illustrations to capture readers’ attention. Split into several core sections, including “Talking to the Dead”, “Ghost Hunters” and “Ghost Files”, it is easy for readers to find the subjects that interest them.
I enjoyed the case studies featured throughout the book. The Fox sisters, for example, were exposed as frauds but played an important part in the early spiritualist and paranormal field. It was pleasing to see them included.
It was also encouraging to see a section called “Ghosts in the Machine”, which looks at how social media and gaming have created new kinds of paranormal content, such as Slenderman and the Backrooms.
I approached this book with my Junior Paranormal Educator hat on. For the most part, it offers good, solid content and a basic introduction to key terms and concepts in the paranormal world.
Where the book falls short
However, I think there could have been a little more depth. When discussing what a ghost is, for example, it could have explained residual and intelligent hauntings, along with the difference between a ghost and a spirit. These are very different and frequently confused.
One of my biggest bugbears within the paranormal is the implication that the term “poltergeist” is negative, when it isn’t. It simply means “noisy ghost” and was introduced by Catherine Crowe in the 19th century.
The book defines poltergeists as “making themselves known by throwing objects around”, which is incorrect. It later defines them as noisy ghosts when discussing the Enfield Haunting, but still implies they are violent and threatening.
I was also a little concerned by the “Ghost Hunting” section. Quite rightly, it looks at what ghost hunting may involve and the equipment that might be used. However, it then provides a logbook example with the statement: “Here is an example of a log sheet that you could use if you go ghost hunting”.
There is no mention in this section of safety or the need to have an adult with you should you decide to go ghost hunting. This should be paramount and should have appeared at the start of the section.
Are ghosts always frightening?
Juniors do love horror and spookiness, which is what I love most about working with them: they are like me. However, when writing a book about ghosts, it is important to take a balanced approach.
Throughout this book, there is a consistent implication that ghosts are negative: trapped souls, inhumane creatures, demons and phantoms. Multiple illustrations also paint ghosts as something to be scared of.
Ghosts are not necessarily scary. In fact, if we define ghosts as what they are – residual energy – they are simply on a loop, replaying the same moment over and over again without interacting.
These are often mundane activities, such as walking down a corridor, rather than coming back from beyond the grave to seek vengeance.
This point is further supported by a section called “Getting Rid of Ghosts”, where readers are encouraged to use incantations, burn sage and even get in touch with a priest or holy person.
This made me uncomfortable for several reasons. The main one is that incantations are not something children should be encouraged to engage with, yet there is no mention of involving an adult.
The verdict
There are some helpful sections. The glossary offers clear and concise definitions of the terms used in the book, while its scientific explanations for hauntings encourage readers to consider the paranormal from different perspectives.
Does the book provide a basic introduction to ghosts and the paranormal? Yes, but some areas need development. I recommend that an adult reads it alongside a junior, creating a basis for discussion.
It is a starting point for further reading rather than a comprehensive guide for budding junior investigators.
The book is written by Alex Frith and Darran Stobbart, and illustrated by Keith Robinson and Julian D. Paulsen. Strange and Mysterious: Ghosts is published by Usborne Books.
Find Strange and Mysterious: Ghosts in our Spooky Books directory, where you can follow the link to buy this edition on Amazon UK.
