By now you know my tastes–spooky or steamy or Scottish or all three–and when I find something share-worthy, I like to pass it along. This month’s selection falls firmly into the spooky category.
Spirits of Southeast Alaska came to me by way of my daughter who got it by way of a co-worker and friend who just happens to be the author. Anyone who loves a good ghost story will find this little book hard to put down.
From the ghostly wailings of shipwreck victims to shadow figures of long-dead villains to kindly spirits who oversee much-loved businesses, Devereaux’s book is filled with tales of paranormal activity. What makes this book stand out is the attention to historic detail. Ghosts don’t just grow on trees, after all. Every screaming banshee and moaning apparition tells a tale of a life lived and lost.
Violent and often barbaric, the history of Southeast Alaska probably wasn’t featured in your high school history books. In loving detail, Devereaux paints vivid pictures of the men and women who, sometimes for better but mostly for worse, sought their fortunes in the gold mines and boom towns of this wild region. Then he does a crack-up job of relating the experiences of the current Alaska inhabitants– chilling experiences which suggest the former residents are still restless.
I guarantee you’ll find at least one story that lingers. You’ll recall it on a dark and stormy night when an Arctic wind howls out of the North–a shivery little chill reminding you of tragedy, murder, and unsettled souls.
Now, as an editor and teacher, I have to say that I found a few overly lengthy sentences and a few missing Oxford commas–Oh, the Humanity! Seriously, I have to say that. Can’t help it. But these minor oversights didn’t keep me from shivering my way to the very end of this entertaining collection.
I highly recommend Spirits of Southeast Alaska to anyone who enjoys history and hauntings.
Grab a copy of the book HERE and be sure to let me know what you think of it. I’d also encourage you to post a review for the author on Amazon. We writers live for reviews. A few words and a few stars to let us know you’re out there keep us warm at night.
