Customer Reviews

Haunted Island

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When one thinks of Martha's Vineyard, you normally think of that quaint, New England island off the coast of Massachusetts that has long been a favored vacation spot for the wealthy and celebrities. But as author Holly Mascot Nadler points out, this tiny island can more than old its own to the larger New England areas when it comes to a grand tradition of hauntings. With colonial settlements going back as far as the mid-1600's, a native American presence before that, and formerly a haven for pirates and smugglers, this idyllic island can offer tales to chill the most ardent non-believer. The book provides 21 true tales of ghosts and hauntings, some so recent that names have been changed to protect the privacy of those concerned.

In the Bridge House in Chilmark, three different women all encountered the same spectral woman while staying in the home's "blue room". In each case, the women were going through a difficult time in their lives and the specter, never threatening, seemed to be trying to offer some form of comfort as she merely stood staring at each woman. They had all kept silent until a chance conversation revealed that they had all had similar experiences.

The Edgartown House of Corrections has been the sight where the ghost of a man who hung himself in the 1950's haunts the building to this day. What makes this story all the more intriguing is that many police officers have attested to encountering the ghost who turns the water on, turns lights and radios on and off, and walks throughout the jail. The benevolent spirit has been known to calm other detainees who were upset.

One terrifying tale tells of a great, grey-shingled house that has been the source of terror for some residents for years. Many will not even walk by the house anymore. One man living there apparently was driven mad and into a homicidal rage, grabbing a knife, and attacking several college girls who were vacationing in a nearby cottage. Another ma committed suicide and another attempted it by leaping from a window only after lining up all the furniture in his room in a pseudo runway. Could the house have been possessed by the spirits of ancient pirates?

Then there is the house referred to as "The House of Dark Shadows", a rental home overlooking the sea. Throughout the years various tenants have reported seeing strange shadows on the walls, shadows which seemingly have no like form in the room or outside to have created them. Others mentioned that they awaoke from sleep in a panic as they felt their breath being sucked out of their lungs or seeing strange faces when they look into mirrors. Many have mentioned items which disappear into thin air only to reappear hours or days later. Small wonder why this home is considered the most haunted on the island.

Holly Mascot Nadler also explores the theory that the supernatural may have played a part in the infamous Chappaquiddick Bridge accident involving Ted Kennedy. Haunted inns, haunted campgrounds...you'll find all of this and more in this wonderful book. You may never look at Martha's Vineyard the same way again.

Reviewed by Tim Janson

The author's style presents the special flavor of the Island, its history and its charm. Then she draws the reader into each place, expertly spins her plot and acquaints us with her characters -- and suspends us until the end. We are tantalized by mysterious happenings and can only explain them by admitting the existence of 'other worldly' entities. I wait for another volume by Nadler.

I've owned this book for quite a while, but I'm not a big fan of short stories so it has sat on my shelf for a while. The book features true, short, ghost stories which take place on Martha's Vineyard. The author, Holly Nadler, known as the ghost lady of Martha's Vineyard, has won attention for her collections of ghostly accounts on the island. The island that is home to many of the the rich and famous.

Probably the story I liked best featured The Secret Staircase. Mysterious Room #8 at a haunted inn was only accessible by a cramped hidden staircase. Strange events have been reported and recorded, including the disappearance of one guest. The Cat at the Funeral was another one that held my interest, as well as one where a spirit was reported to have prayed in French. This collection of true ghost stories might be better enjoyed by fans of YA books.