Nantucket Ghosts [Paperback]

Blue Balliett (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1, 2006

Nantucket Island has just more than 10,000 year-round residents -- and a sizeable population of very real ghosts. The 44 tales in this book were collected as oral history. Some of these spirits are benign, even protective; others terrorize the humans who encounter them. All are memorable.

Product Details

• Paperback: 230 pages
• Publisher: Down East Books (January 1, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0892727179
• ISBN-13: 978-0892727179
• Product Dimensions: 7.9 x 6 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #983,868 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the best ghost story compilations. Period., January 12, 2007

By 

Brian Kasper (Fort Lauderdale, FL USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Nantucket Ghosts (Paperback)

I bought this book while vacationing on Nantucket in hopes for a good scare. Written by a children's book author, I was expecting the scares to be watered-down and the fantasy to be fluffed up. This was not the case. The stories are well-written and captivating. The author includes first-hand accounts from witnesses and has managed to round-up some really bizarre and extremely creepy ghost stories.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Credible, creepy hauntings, June 6, 2007

By 

Tasha "social historian" (Providence, RI) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Nantucket Ghosts (Paperback)

The people you will meet in these accounts are lovely people. People you'd want to have over for dinner, or ask to recommend a book to you. People you might have sit your dog or borrow a cup of sugar from. And they have some very scary things to say. You may or may not believe in ghosts when you begin this book, but after finishing it, you'll have to wonder. Not recommended for bedtime reading!

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Haunting Nantucket tales, September 2, 2007

By 

Lee Lukaszewicz (New England) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Nantucket Ghosts (Paperback)

This book was a page-turner right from the beginning. This is quite simply one of the best ghost story collections I have ever read, especially for one that is concerned with such a concise regional area. The stories are well varied, the writing is snappy and moves right along, and the storytellers keep nicely to the point. There's no embellished fluff or rehashing of old legends here. ALL of these stories are first-hand accounts witnessed by contemporary people. Some of these tales will make you smile, some will make you chuckle, and others will quite effectivley put a lead ball in the pit of your stomach.

The author has nicely captured the essence of Nantucket by letting the people describe their heritage for themselves. Her detailed descriptions of the architecture bring alive these places for you. Nantucket is one of those places you'll never forget once you have been there, and these candid people will help show you why. In addition to all the local history and genealogy, doors open and close, sturdy latches won't stay shut, lights turn on and off, voices of all types haunt present day residents, ghostly footsteps abound, and much more! I was especially intrigued by the lady whose entire family of ancestors seems to be staying on in her house with her.

Having grown up in a Massachusetts home built in 1788, I can appreciate the value the residents place on preserving their historical and generational traditions. This book will give you a real sense of how these people relate to their island, their homes, and their living history. If you are interested in Nantucket, or just love curling up with a good ghost story or two, this one's for you.