Customer Reviews

The Ghost That Haunted Itself: The Story of the McKenzie Poltergeist

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I've been on the City of The Dead tour twice and it's everything this book describes it to be. I got this book after my second outing to greyfriar's because I find it so interesting.

The book tells the history of the Kirkyard, the history of Mckenzie and a (dramatised) account of what the guides encountered. by dramatised I mean it's told in story form as opposed to a basic statement. However, Henderson's way of telling his story is comical and I found his comments about his guides (and incidentally the ones who took me on the tours) highly amusing. I like the bit where one visitor had his new leather coat ripped in the Black Mausoleum by something he didn't see or feel. Henserson went on to tell us how alarmed the guides were to hear this. Not because of the cuts bruises and collpses, but because they all wear long leather coats as part of ther uniform.

There are also statements from the guides themselves, and visitors who experienced collpases and injuries in the tomb. I remember City of The Dead being on the news, in the papers and even featured on GMTV because of what they found.

Another good point about this book is that there is absolutely no attempt made to prove the existance of the ghost. It's not as if Henderson is trying to sell his tour by exaggerating everything. He makes it clear that he is not sure what is there. If it's a ghost or not. There is something, but what it is he can't explain. There are theories put forward, both scientific and those of the guides, but none put words in the readers mouths. We are presented with what happened on the tours, and we can make up our own minds.

All I can suggest is that those who haven't done the tour do so. Even if nothing happens (nothing weird happened on either of my tours by the way) it's still a hugely enjoyable night and the book is the perfect addition.

Being from Edinburgh I thought I would be a little disappointed that this book would be "another old Edinburgh ghost book". Wrong! Greyfriars kirkyard can be quite scary in the daytime even when the sun is shining and this book certainly enhanced that view and made any contemplated visit at night seem both terrifying - and inviting! It was simply one I could not put down. It is written in an almost documentary-style way which made for easy reading. An excellent read which I was sorry to finish.

I enjoyed this book so much, that I've read it twice. If you are into the paranormal, you'll find this information very interesting. I'm dying to go to Scotland to check out the tour!

I was very excited about this book! I love Edinburgh and the last time I was there, went on the City of the Dead tour with my husband. Ever since then, I've tried to get my hands on anything to do with Greyfriar's, etc, so I ordered this book.

I must say that I am a bit disappointed with it. Okay, I know I am a word freak but I am bothered by the author talking about a poltergeist "materializing" as that would mean that it was a standard ghost and not a poltergeist, if I understand correctly. But that aside, the book was very repetitive. I think that after reading about four witness accounts, one comes to the realization that the others are going to be exactly the same. Lastly, I found some of the history a bit watered-down and simplistic. Of course, this was not primarily a history book so I can forgive that just a tad...

However, for those who have read the book (or not!) definately go on the City of the Dead tour! Even if you don't believe in the poltergeist, it is extremely fun and informative and who can resist Greyfriar's at night?

When I first bought this book I thought, "Oooh...creepy ghost stories...just my type". I didn't realize however that I was about to open a book that was full of more than just "creepy" ghostly happenings. The story of Greyfriar's cemetary is one that is widely known throughout the area, yet I knew very little, but this book changed that. While explaining the events and happenings that surrounded the MacKenzie poltergeist it also explained all the scientific, historical, and otherwise basic information. There were times when the book fell a little slow, but it almost came back in full swing with another frightening story of the poltergeists abilities. This book isn't about to scare you into hiding under your covers, but it'll sure give you the creeps. I, myself am finding that I'd love to visit the cemetary and take the City of the Dead tour myself just to see what happens...

I was so looking forward to this book. It actually turned out to be a big let down. It gave great details of the Greyfriar cemetary and the atrocities that led to the suppose hauntings. Which is why I gave three stars. But I must say the accounts of the victims were just not convincing. All we got here are stories of how people fainted or felt themselves being grabbed or pushed. No sightings or apparitions,just some loud poundings on walls. Also the persons being grabbed had red marks were the poltergeist touched them,but when they were filming the documentary on greyfriars, the tour guides tried to call the camera man over to film such markings,the markings mysteriously disappeared. One more thing the title of the book had nothing to do with Greyfriars "The ghost that haunted itself" was about a fairy tale ghost from Canada and they even put that in the book.

Now dont get me wrong it is interesting stuff just very inconclusive-like everything in the spiritual world. I would love to visit Greyfriars to see for myself. Great history of the events leading to the hauntings. I still dont know what to think.

Normally, I am completely bored with "true" ghost stories. I've read hundreds of them, and they're all the same. They tend to merely repeat the same legends over and over with little variation.
The Ghost That Haunted Itself stands out and above the rest. It's not just another retelling of a legend. It goes much deeper than that. It delves into not only what happened at Greyfriars, with the paranormal attacks on tourists, but it also goes into how that affected the lives of the victims, the lives of the local people who gave the tours through the cemetery and the people of the town itself. It made me feel as if I was actually there at the time, going through the strangeness myself first hand.
I remember watching the story of Greyfriars Cemetary on TV on The Scariest Places on Earth, and I was captivated by the whole thing, and The Ghost That Haunted Itself added to and enhanced the creepiness. I loved it, loved it, loved it!
This book has earned a permanent place on my list of the Books I Couldn't Live Without on a deserted island.

I am, by no means, squeamish nor easily scared. My parents began taking me to horror films and films about the supernatural since I could walk. At the age of 2-1/2 I remember shadow people filling my bedroom each day as I lay in my crib. I have been fascinated with the paranormal/ghosts ever since.

I will confess that I'm writing this review after reading only the first story, but felt compelled to do so because the book is so well-written that it has sent a chill up my spine. i literally had to put the book down to "compose myself," and thought I would use the opportunity to write this review.

It is my hope that the rest of the book will continue to be as frightening...

ADDENDUM: I'm happy to say that the rest of the book did not disappoint. The stories, or shall we say personal accounts, of ghostly encounters were fascinating. I have since learned of one reader who, upon completion of it, no longer wanted the book in his home and one who decided, after reading the first few chapters, not to continue. I highly recommend this read to anyone who loves a good ghost story.

I found this book disappointing.
I was looking for a nonfiction ghost story.
Instead, I got some really good history (hence the 3 stars) mixed with some first person accounts of things that didn't seem at all tangible. People passing out, people getting scratched (although I googled and found the photos lackluster) and not a lot of credibility.
The most disappointing part is that there is no conclusion in this book.
It starts off saying that during the early 2000's many things happened, but the end of the book didn't even "wrap" it all up.
There was no part of this book where I felt any fear, or really, belief, of this poltergeist's existence.
Although the author does crack a few jokes which were nice relief from the boring accounts of people being touched or shoved.
All in all, not the best book.
BUT I would like to visit as the history was nice.

Interesting little book. Gives personal accounts of everyone's experiences in the Greyfriar's Cemetery in Edinburgh. Worth the money.