The Haunted: One Family's Nightmare [Hardcover]

Robert Curran (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 1988

The harrowing true story of demonic attack and intimidation.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Journalist Curran here reports on a case of demonic possession in a 92-year-old duplex in West Pittston, Penn., home of Jack and Janet Smurl, their four daughters and Jack's parents. After demonic attacks on the family became more frequent, paranormal researchers Ed and Lorraine Warren investigated in 1985. At their request, Catholic Bishop Robert McKenna performed three exorcisms, unsuccessfully. The Smurls have allegedly endured myriad tormentsa strangling attempt, spectral appearances, sexual molestation by a demon, a levitationthat persist. It is hard to doubt the witnesses to these phenomena. The narrative is based on the testimony of 28 people who purportedly experienced supernatural events linked to the haunting. Oddly, the Smurl family continues to live in the house. First serial to Redbook; Troll Book Club and Preferred Choice Book Club selections; film rights sold to Lorimar; author tour.
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 260 pages
• Publisher: St. Martin's Press; 1st edition (March 1988)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0312014406
• ISBN-13: 978-0312014407
• Product Dimensions: 9.5 x 9.3 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (23 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #304,420 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

19 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A nightmare close to home, July 13, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: The Haunted: One Family's Nightmare (Paperback)

I live 2 miles away from West Pittston and know people who either knew the Smurls or who are related to them. I actually attended their national press conference when all of these events occurred. I will *never* forget the feeling that I had when I first heard the story as a teen.
I used to be really well read with this topic but once the 'drama' of it all died down I didn't think much of it.
I became interested once again because last week at a party I spoke with someone who is the nephew of the Smurls. He claims that the events were true and even said that something happened one day while his dad was visiting them. Another girl that I know was a next door neighbor to them and swears of its truth because she, herself heard things. These are seemingly 'normal' people who I have known a while.
...It is a very intriguing story that was, in my opinion, ruined by the 'Hollywood' interpretation via the made-for-TV movie.
Currently the family lives about 8 miles from their former Chase Street home in West Pittston. The people who live there now, as far as I know, have had no disturbances.
This book is a great summary of events and gives me even more chills because I am so close to the source.

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Twenty Stars out of Five, July 10, 2003

By 

Susan L. Grycan "susi_g" (Sheboygan, Wisconsin United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Haunted: One Family's Nightmare (Hardcover)

I rarely read books, but this one caught my attention (possibly because of the fact that it is a true story). I just could not put this book down. I had read for several hours the first night. I did, however, have to turn on several lights because I kept hearing strange noises in the dark! (And the slightest creaks had really startled me!) After I could no longer keep my eyes open (after three in the morning), I did have to try to get to sleep (not completely in the dark, though). As soon as I got up less than six hours later, I picked up the book and I didn't put it down until I was finished. I was so hoping for a happy ending after all of the torment the family had endured for so long. Their story is completely believable and extraordinarily written!
I would give this book a lot more than just five stars. Superb!

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Haunted, May 4, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: The Haunted: One Family's Nightmare (Paperback)

I just got done reading "The Haunted"...I do believe it to be very true. My heart went out for the whole family. I was wondering what has transpired since the writing of that book after they moved. Also, I wondered how the children all fared, growing up in this horrible environment. I found myself frustrated that more people didn't try to help the family sooner and wondered where all the "preachers and priests" who know the Bible, were, at this family's hour of need! If anyone has any information as to what happened to the family after this book was written, please send me information as to where I can find it.....in book form or information from anyone who knows. Thankyou. Send replies to [e-mail]