Dark Spirits - Monsters, Demons, and Devils (Book Review)

Dark Spirits – Monsters, Demons, and Devils
Publisher: Visible Ink
Author: Richard Estep
Price: $19.95
Reviewed: Paul Dale Roberts, HPI’s Esoteric Detective – Halo Paranormal Investigations
Comments: As a paranormal investigator since 2004 and curious about the paranormal since I was a child, this book fits right good in my hand. There are so many things this book covers that I experienced first-hand as a paranormal investigator. Going down a list of things that you will find in this book, that I have a connection to are: 1. Shapeshifters. I did my own investigation at Skinwalker Ranch. While there, I heard a screeching noise that I was unfamiliar with. Could it have been a Skinwalker?  2. John Wayne Gacy’s Ghost. I have received reports that the ghost of Richard (the Night Stalker) Ramirez haunts some of his victim murder sites. I didn’t realize another serial killer like John Wayne Gacy is walking around as a ghost. 3. Black-Eyed Children. I actually investigated a home in Sacramento that had Black-Eyed Kids knocking on the door. 4. Poltergeist Movie Curse. I investigated a case in which a couple purchased a doll from e-bay that belonged to Heather O’Rourke and all kinds of terrible things was happening to this couple. The story was featured on Case Closed with A.J. Benza. Yes, the curse continues. 5. Salem Witch Trials. Yes, I went to Salem and did my own investigation, with results!  6. Bigfoot. I did some Bigfoot hunting at Mount Shasta, plus I worked for the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and saw some reports on Bigfoot!  7. Cecil Hotel. I actually stayed at the Cecil Hotel when I was working with the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services during the Northridge Earthquake! 

A book like this for me, a seasoned paranormal investigator brings back memories. But, for the paranormal enthusiast and novice, this is a book that will enlighten you in many aspects of the paranormal. Richard takes you down the dark forbidden hallways of the unknown. As I go through this book, I was intrigued with the story of “Pigeon” Goldie Osgood who was raped and murdered in one of the Cecil Hotel rooms. Richard explains how a male guest stayed in the room where Goldie was murdered and almost got choked to death by an evil entity that dwells in that room.  As I continue on with this mesmerizing book, I learn about the haunting activities at the Waring House. This is a story that I am unfamiliar with. I was fascinated about the mischievous little boy ghost that plays tricks on staffers and guests.  Richard’s colleague Catlyn may have experienced some of those tricks when she used the restroom and possibly the boy spirit was holding the restroom door handle, not allowing Catlyn to get out. Catlyn first blamed it on her teammates, only to learn that the team had nothing to do with it. It appears she got pranked by a ghost. I bet that boy ghost had a good laugh. If you want to learn more about the Waverly Hills Sanatorium, it’s in this book! This is a good reference book that is filled with information on the Bermuda Triangle; the Exorcist Boy: Ronald Hunkeler; Countess Elizabeth Bathory who bathed in virgin’s blood; Dracula and so much more. I enjoyed reading about a lesser-known vampire named Theodore “Todor” Glava, possibly born in Transylvania. The townspeople really believed Glava was a vampire, and they dug up his grave and stuck a stake through his heart. His legend continues to this day. Is there a Superman curse? Christopher Reeve was paralyzed in a horse-riding accident, George Reeves committed suicide. It would appear that misfortune happens to actors that portray Superman. Let’s hope it’s not true. I never get tired of the Amityville Horror and yes, there is a nice write-up on this bizarre case. You want monsters?  You have the Abominable Snowman, the Lambton Worm, Slide-Rock Bolter, Loch Ness Monster, Wendigo and much, much more!  I got a smorgasbord of supernatural stories in this book, including The Abduction of Betty and Barney Hill, the Goatman and some more creepy stories that will give you goosebumps. I had to keep the lights on while reading this book. Be prepared to shake and shiver!