Haunted by History: Separating the Facts and Legends of Eight Historic Hotels and Inns in Southern California (1)

Most books about ghosts think nothing of presenting legend as fact. That's especially true of books about Southern California's ghosts, which tend to have Rudolph Valentino and Marilyn Monroe's ghosts popping up all over Los Angeles. Craig Owens has thoroughly researched the history of each location and conducted serious paranormal investigations. Urban legends, provocation, and snazzy-but-questionable equipment (spirit boxes, frequency scanners, etc.) are blessedly absent. The hotels' histories are presented up-front. They are concise while still being thorough, and avoid the dryness normally associated with history books. In regard to the hauntings, Owens deftly sorts fact from fiction, and doesn't shy away from debunking stories with no real basis or evidence. The book's excellent photographs pay tribute to the locations' histories and legends (the Hotel del Coronado chapter even included photos inspired by two of the films shot at the hotel). My personal favorite: the picture re-creating Charlie Chaplin's brawl with Louis B. Mayer at the Alexandria Hotel. The paranormal investigations following the shoots state simply what happened (and acknowledge debunked "evidence" like noises with a traceable cause, something many paranormal investigators don't like to do), but you, dear reader, may draw your own conclusion. My mother, who will never believe in anything paranormal, borrowed this book wanting to read the chapter on the Hotel del Coronado. She wound up reading the entire book and didn't return it for some time because despite her firm belief that ghosts can't possibly be real, she still found the book too fascinating to put down. You read that right - a lifelong skeptic loved this book. The level of detail is remarkable. In the case of the two most notoriously haunted hotels, Owens includes a list of deaths at the Hotel del Coronado and a list of just the Alexandria's *strange* deaths (and were they ever strange!). Anything worth doing is worth doing well. This thick volume is exceptionally well done.

Not only a stunning coffee table book, a really informative read. I've always been one to visit a location, hear the (mostly sensational) stories, then using my own sensitivity to judge for myself. That's what's great about Craig, his method of investigating and this book. He goes into supposedly haunted locales with a skeptical attitude, while recreating the scenes with his seriously lush photography and then reports back to us his findings with a unique objective. I love reading the historical aspects of the locations and am envious that he's accessed places most cannot. This was one of those 'happy purchases' and I can't wait to not only read it again, but for a second volume to be released! Thank you, Craig, for bringing us a fresh perspective on the spirit world and such beautiful art all under one cover...

Absolutely stunning photos with epic story telling a must read and see for all history and paranormal fans

I bought this book and have enjoyed it so much over the past year. I thought it was going to be a book just about ghosts and haunting, but it’s so much more then that. I am a native Californian and I thought I knew a lot about local history, but the author has done extensive research into the many hotels and buildings listed in the book. I learned so many interesting facts about many of the places I have visited. It’s a book I enjoy going back to again and again even though I read it cover to cover

Craig Owens' book is a beautiful compilation of his own on-location photography recreating life during that period, and historical photographs from the locations during their hey-day. The book itself is a beast, filled with masterfully thorough information explaining, not only the history of each location, but also how these haunted tales came to be. Additionally, Owens' recounts his own eerie experiences while shooting at each location. This book is great for the home, or even doing some research before heading out to explore these places yourself. As a spooky history buff, I highly recommend. -Lauren H.

Excellent book. Intriguing and engaging. Awesome photographs

You don’t need to believe in ghosts to enjoy Haunted By History, anyone with an appreciation for beautiful photography and styling in elegant locations mixed with well-researched historical lore would love this book. I expect to spend many evenings with a cup of tea gazing at the glittering images in Haunted By History. Bravo 👏 Craig Owens!

Such an amazingly detailed coffee table book. Entertaining without the sensationalist feel that you may read or hear about when it comes to paranormal activity. Stunning photography. If you follow California History and love ghost stories.

Gorgeous book and photos, weather you live in So Cal or not, you'll love reading the stories and seeing the photos that go along with these haunted tales.

This book is equal parts fascinating history, spooky ghost stories, and gorgeous photographs. The research is incredible and you come away feeling like you just took a ride through a time machine. Highly recommend for any para-nerd or those who are interested in the history of hotels in and around Los Angeles. Cannot wait for Mr. Owens’s next book 🙌

Most books about ghosts think nothing of presenting legend as fact. That's especially true of books about Southern California's ghosts, which tend to have Rudolph Valentino and Marilyn Monroe's ghosts popping up all over Los Angeles. Craig Owens has thoroughly researched the history of each location and conducted serious paranormal investigations. Urban legends, provocation, and snazzy-but-questionable equipment (spirit boxes, frequency scanners, etc.) are blessedly absent. The hotels' histories are presented up-front. They are concise while still being thorough, and avoid the dryness normally associated with history books. In regard to the hauntings, Owens deftly sorts fact from fiction, and doesn't shy away from debunking stories with no real basis or evidence. The book's excellent photographs pay tribute to the locations' histories and legends (the Hotel del Coronado chapter even included photos inspired by two of the films shot at the hotel). My personal favorite: the picture re-creating Charlie Chaplin's brawl with Louis B. Mayer at the Alexandria Hotel. The paranormal investigations following the shoots state simply what happened (and acknowledge debunked "evidence" like noises with a traceable cause, something many paranormal investigators don't like to do), but you, dear reader, may draw your own conclusion. My mother, who will never believe in anything paranormal, borrowed this book wanting to read the chapter on the Hotel del Coronado. She wound up reading the entire book and didn't return it for some time because despite her firm belief that ghosts can't possibly be real, she still found the book too fascinating to put down. You read that right - a lifelong skeptic loved this book. The level of detail is remarkable. In the case of the two most notoriously haunted hotels, Owens includes a list of deaths at the Hotel del Coronado and a list of just the Alexandria's *strange* deaths (and were they ever strange!). Anything worth doing is worth doing well. This thick volume is exceptionally well done.

Not only a stunning coffee table book, a really informative read. I've always been one to visit a location, hear the (mostly sensational) stories, then using my own sensitivity to judge for myself. That's what's great about Craig, his method of investigating and this book. He goes into supposedly haunted locales with a skeptical attitude, while recreating the scenes with his seriously lush photography and then reports back to us his findings with a unique objective. I love reading the historical aspects of the locations and am envious that he's accessed places most cannot. This was one of those 'happy purchases' and I can't wait to not only read it again, but for a second volume to be released! Thank you, Craig, for bringing us a fresh perspective on the spirit world and such beautiful art all under one cover...

Absolutely stunning photos with epic story telling a must read and see for all history and paranormal fans

I bought this book and have enjoyed it so much over the past year. I thought it was going to be a book just about ghosts and haunting, but it’s so much more then that. I am a native Californian and I thought I knew a lot about local history, but the author has done extensive research into the many hotels and buildings listed in the book. I learned so many interesting facts about many of the places I have visited. It’s a book I enjoy going back to again and again even though I read it cover to cover

Craig Owens' book is a beautiful compilation of his own on-location photography recreating life during that period, and historical photographs from the locations during their hey-day. The book itself is a beast, filled with masterfully thorough information explaining, not only the history of each location, but also how these haunted tales came to be. Additionally, Owens' recounts his own eerie experiences while shooting at each location. This book is great for the home, or even doing some research before heading out to explore these places yourself. As a spooky history buff, I highly recommend. -Lauren H.

Excellent book. Intriguing and engaging. Awesome photographs

You don’t need to believe in ghosts to enjoy Haunted By History, anyone with an appreciation for beautiful photography and styling in elegant locations mixed with well-researched historical lore would love this book. I expect to spend many evenings with a cup of tea gazing at the glittering images in Haunted By History. Bravo 👏 Craig Owens!

Such an amazingly detailed coffee table book. Entertaining without the sensationalist feel that you may read or hear about when it comes to paranormal activity. Stunning photography. If you follow California History and love ghost stories.

Gorgeous book and photos, weather you live in So Cal or not, you'll love reading the stories and seeing the photos that go along with these haunted tales.

This book is equal parts fascinating history, spooky ghost stories, and gorgeous photographs. The research is incredible and you come away feeling like you just took a ride through a time machine. Highly recommend for any para-nerd or those who are interested in the history of hotels in and around Los Angeles. Cannot wait for Mr. Owens’s next book 🙌

I love old buildings and I love the paranormal so when you give me a book that combines both, naturally, I will buy it. I absolutely loved this book. Here is why: Each location you get a full history of the location - not just about the building, but about the surrounding area. Since I live in Southern California and have been to most of the cities, and a few of the hotels, this was fascinating to me to read the full history of how the cities and towns developed and the history of the hotel itself. Not only do you get a sense of the local area over time, but of the people who built or owned the hotels, which really added a personal touch and helped linked back to why they might be haunted, and by who. I especially loved the history of Catalina, as I can see if from our beach and have been to it several times and had no idea so much of how it came to be. This book reminds you that buildings are not just walls and a ceiling, but people put their blood, tears, and hopes into them as well. These are not lurid ghost tales. You get a factual breakdown of the ghost legends over the duration of the hotel's existence. In fact, the author is clear about what legends are most likely just that, hyped up legends to entice and intrigue. In addition to how the hotel is supposed to be haunted, and by whom, you also get a list of all of the documented deaths that have taken place at the hotel. The photos! In addition to the historical photos included, the author has done his own photo shoots at each hotel. These vintage inspired photos are well shot and tie into the hotels perfectly, adding dimension to the stories and legends. It is during the photo shoot that the author documents his investigations and any paranormal events that happened to himself, or others on the shoot. Overall, this is a great blend of history and the paranormal. I always say that if these old walls could talk when in any historical building, and this book really helps them tell their story.

I finally finished Craig Owen's book, Haunted By History, Volume 1, after afew quiet Sunday afternoons. It took me a while, nearly five months. However I'm glad I took a while to finish the book rather than speed read through it. Haunted By History stuck with me as I digested the information until the next reading session. What an amazing book! I really appreciated how meticulous Mr. Owens was about sorting verifiable fact from fiction, especially all of the paranormal claims. At first I thought I'd be bored reading all the historical minutae of each of the hotels featured; I really wanted to get to the paranormal stuff. But then the stories of the rise and fall of these hotels, from their heyday and all the famous guests they entertained, to the downward spiral of most of them as they change hands through multiple owners really pulled me in. The history about how the climate around the hotels over the years became less glamorous and seedy are sometimes kind of sad. The best parts for me were the incredible reproduction photos of models in period costumes re-enacting some true and not so true stories in the exact places most of these events took place. It was absolutely refreshing to hear about the honest paranormal investigations Mr. Owens and his models conducted between photoshoots, and the debunking of many of the paranormal tall tales that have been told and retold without any backup. Haunted By History Volume 1 is a beautiful book to own if you have any interest in the paranormal stories connected to these hotels. I've heard some people have been taking their copies to all the hotels featured as a sort of self guided tour, and having the current hotel managers sign them. A very fun, interactive idea!

I bought the book because I wanted to learn more about one particular property, the Alexandria Hotel in Downtown Los Angeles. I visited there once to rent out event space and I was personally taken by the building and the many large open spaces for events. I truly appreciated the personal stories of a few people that had died in the hotel several decades ago, I felt it was told respectfully so they aren't completely forgotten. My favorite funny story has to be the bellboy/elevator operator and a cork leg! I wasn't expecting it it was such a great laugh.

As both an avid reader of many genres and a lover of the paranormal, Craig Owens' book, "Haunted by History," appeals to more than one of my interests: the paranormal; California's history; and photography. The book is well-written and well-researched, with an intelligent layout. Each hotel has a section about its history;followed by its hauntings; and then, by what Owens' calls "Our Shoot" where he and his team stage Old-Hollywood style scenes in the most haunted areas of the hotel. Two of them, the Hotel Del Coronado and The Alexandria, have a fourth section about the deaths in each of them. I was particularly touched by the "strange deaths" in the Alexandria. The story and the suicide note of Lieutenant Pat O'Brien brought tears to my eyes. I also really appreciated that the author searched for the truth behind the hauntings in the eight hotels. The mix of historic photographs and Owen's own beautiful photographs makes it easy to step right into the scene and experience the time period and its people. As you can see by my photo above, "Haunted by History, Volume 1," now has a special place in my home library. I look forward to Craig Owens' next volume!

The title really sums up the book. Craig Owens masterfully looks into the history of Southern California hotels, their time period, circumstances, and evidence that lead to some of the most interesting incidents that have left a paranormal residue in each location still felt today. As a historian Craig paints a picture with his research of a changing landscape in California's early history. Accompanied with his research are creatively inspired photoshoots to transport the reader to the heart of the story. Complete with period costumes and professional models in the exact locations these historical moments took place. Craig shines in this area of the book also as the photographer. This could easily be a coffee table book just to showcase his period correct photographic viewpoint . Hopefully a book like this will raise the bar into documenting the paranormal and historical events to give the reader a vivid view into a past slipping away though the narrow lens of time. Like me, you will be pulled into the history of Southern California though these architecturally significant hotels still standing today and back to a time vividly captured through Owens' modern research. If you love a good ghost story...yes, there are ghosts too...it's all here.

Craig Owens has compiled a magnificent collection of facts, stories and images in one amazing volume. It is so full of information! When I first opened my package, I wondered if maybe I had been sent two books by mistake. This book is big, and heavy! Each section is chock full of very thoroughly researched information, amazing archival photos, and GORGEOUS original photography by Mr. Owens himself. When I started thumbing through the book, I got so sidetracked just gazing at all of the beautiful images that he has created. Mr. Owens is certainly a master of not just telling these amazing stories, but bringing them to life with such vivid, imaginative imagery. If you are into history, old buildings, Southern California and Old Hollywood lore, vintage style, paranormal stories or even just beautiful photography, do yourself a favor and pick up a copy of this book. This one has it all. Best of all, it's only the first volume! Mr. Owens, if you by chance ever read this, please, PLEASE hurry and give us Volume 2!! The world needs more of this.

As co-hosts of the podcast Ghosting Around with Kathleen DeRose and John Cason, Kathleen and I are always looking for entertaining -- yet, more importantly, reliable -- sources of information for the haunted places that we cover. After attending a talk by Craig and picking up this book, it has immediately become our primary source for all SOCAL hauntings. We've already recorded one episode on the Mission Inn based primarily on Craig's coverage and will likely be using this book extensively in future episodes. More than just a collection of ghost stories, Craig has put together an encyclopedic history of haunted hotels in southern California that don't just draw from pre-existing sources or travel guides but rather from his own research, immersion, and (gulp!) first-hand encounters. Not simply satisfied with the pre-existing (often over-embellished or outright made-up) stories about these haunted places, Craig deep-dives into their respective histories seeking to verify, correct, or outright ghostbust some of the established stories while also uncovering a few of his own. But that's only half of what makes this book so novel (pun intended)! Actually staging and photographing historical scenes in the hotels themselves brings the stories to life in a way that few (if any to my knowledge) have. Kathleen and I both highly recommend this book for anyone interested in the paranormal or photography. Don't be afraid to add this book to your collection and make your bookshelf or coffee table just a little bit spooooOOOOooookier.

If you are interested in Southern California Architecture, Vintage Inspired Conceptual Photography & Ghost Stories; I highly recommend Haunted by History. Being from Southern California, I've been drawn to a lot of these buildings by their charm alone. Craig Owens has done extensive research of each building, the area, the guests & owners who've come & gone (& sometimes stayed)... The book is set up in a way that is engaging; making it a quick read. All information/ spaces are very obviously handled with care & respect. Fact & Fiction are identified, while still keeping an open mind. The reader is still able interpret in his/her own way. Visually, the photography is inspiring. He captures the beauty & nostalgia of times passed with an artist's eye and keeps the curiosity alive. Eerily conceptual & meticulously composed. Personally, I'm excited to explore these places myself and am very much looking forward to Volume 2.

This is an incredible volume of paranormal and art! What you essentially have here is a combination of a photo art book and true paranormal history stories. Craig has gone through extensive deep dive research into the haunted history of each of his locations. Then, he hosts an array of gorgeously rendered original photos from his own creative photo shoots taken at the exact location. Each of the photos provide a portrait of models in various attire for the time period and displayed with great artist expression. You're impressed by the photographs and then enamored by the history and the haunted folklore of the location. Craig also describes in detail any evidence or experiences collected during his investigations and shoot and it all makes for very addictive reading. I had the benefit of preordering direct from the author and so I received my copy just a few weeks ago. This is a big huge volume of tremendous effort and great work. I will treasure my copy for years to go and it will hold a permanent place on my coffee table.

Have you ever wanted to step back into time? Haunted By History by Craig Owens is not only a great read but it's visually stunning! In this book, Owens takes haunted locations of Southern California and separates true historic facts from legends and lore. You can just feel the love that went into this book, all of the research of these historic places that I grew up around but I never knew the true stories behind. Whether you are a fan of history, the paranormal, or you just love beautifully shot photographs that remind you of the photo artists of yesteryear, this book is for you! Treat yourself to a throwback of that old Hollywood feel!

Omg! I love this book so much! It’s very interesting to learn about these different places. This is the book to buy for sure, the history behind the haunted places are crazy, and the photos omg the photos they are just great! They make you feel as if you are there. You could read this book over and over no matter what you will not get tired of it. Everyone should get this book even if you are not a ghost person because the history of this book is just amazing. Take my word for it. It’s the best! I can not wait any longer for the second book to come out!!!

I had the privilege of meeting the author when he presented to my local photo club. I purchased his book at that time and received an autographed copy. It is a fascinating, well-researched and beautifully presented book and is very well worth reading and having. I've thoroughly enjoyed the historical documentation and haunting stories of places of an era gone by. As a photographer myself, I also greatly appreciate Craig's exceptional and creative talent of stunning Old-Hollywood style portaiture. This book is not only engrossing to read, but is a lovely piece of art to have and to share. Highly recommended!!

I love my book. I worked at one of the hotels in this book which is why I bought it. After reading the book it is factual and very accurate. I love the history on each location which is fascinating then to add the haunting to the facts made it hands down one of my favorites. I keep it on my coffee table and I get comments all the time especially having worked at one of the locations. I hope to see future books on new locations. This book will not disappoint.

This book is so incredible on soooo many levels. If you like the paranormal, photography, amazing places or love all things historic, I highly recommend this book!!The author Craig Owens has vastly researched each place and prides himself on only facts so you know the haunted historic details are 100% true. Also if you love photography you will appreciate the detail that went into the shoots he did at all of these haunted locations. Very beautiful! Everything from the clothes, makeup,models and accents makes you believe your looking at a historic photgraph from and old time period. I'm in awe at the detail that went into each photograph. While falling in love with each picture you will be captivated by each story of each location. This book made me want to go to every single place. Very interesting read, visually stimulating and highly recommend this book!

I purchased this book when it came out. I totally fell in love with it. I love the size of the book. The amazing stories to go with the pictures. Each story is fully detailed. One day I'll go visit Hotel Coronado. If you love paranormal and history this is your book. Oh yeah, and the photography is amazing. I'm actually re reading it again. takes my mind off what's going on. I was fortunate to meet Craig Owens. He is is just the coolest kat you can ever meet.

E.Alvarez This book is an amazing book to keep on your table you will be amazed of the history told in it just to know the story on the places in the book will intice you to go ghost haunting from one unbeliever to another I am one to say it's true I had the privilege to go an a ghost haunt with Craig Owens it was an amazing experience thank you Craig can't wait for the next book and the next haunting buy your book now don't regret it later.

It will take your mind straight to the scenery with the company of these astonishing photos . I enjoyed reading the History of each location , something many other books leave out . The paranormal side of it is very truthful in each case . If you are looking to explore these locations or others this book is definitely for you ! I enjoyed the transition from the historical view to the paranormal view . The photographs are a generous Bonus ! Happy Hauntings !

Craig really took the time and effort to write a high-quality, historically-accurate book. As someone with a deep interest in the paranormal, living locally in San Diego (and having lived in Los Angeles in the past), this book is a treasure that goes into factual historical accounts of several local locations familiar to locals and famous nation-wide. It’s a must-have resource for paranormal investigators who plan to visit these hotels as well. Craig’s style of photography really stands out with his re-creations of people and events in history that serves to really allow the reader to understand what it must have been like to be there. With all of the attention to detail and the stunning photography, Haunted by History is definitely on my must-have list!

What a great book! The photographic recreations are amazing, I enjoy history and a good ghost story and this book has both and it does it in a factual way. As a native from Los Angeles this has giving some insight into some of the hotels in southern california. The paranormal activity accounts and history associated with these landmarks are fascinating and kept me on the edge of my seat ; Definitely worth a read.

This is a fantastic! Mr. Craig Owens is a wonderful writer and thorough researcher. The photos are very well done and a lot of work clearly went into this book. My favorite chapters are The Hotel del Coronado and The Alexandria Hotel. There's many years of rumors about these locations and Craig has obviously done years of research to debunk and disprove all the rumors. A great and spooky read! I hope he'll make a Volume 2!

Craig Owens’ book is the best one I’ve seen of the genre. In fact, it might be the best haunted hotel book ever published. The ghost stories make a lot of sense thanks to the author’s detailed history, including deaths on the property and Old Hollywood anecdotes. But my favorite part of the book is the photos he took in the haunted rooms of each location. This adds depth that other books lack. The images are stunningly good and make the overall experience feel more like I’m enjoying a classic movie or television show rather than reading a book. I look forward to Vol. 2.

Such an amazing and spectacularly stunning coffee table book full of beautifully complied, masterfully captures photographs and thoroughly researched information illustrating the history of these haunted places of the past and present. The cherry on top is Craig recounting his own personal experiences while at these locations- making you feel like you were right there with him! If you are into beautiful, artistic photography, ghost stories, history and haunted places, this book is for you!

Haunted by History is an intriguing, oftentimes hair-raising journey through eight well-known historic hotels in Southern California. History---and the dead---come to life through vivid prose, scrupulously culled details, historic photographs, and Owens's own exquisite, plentiful photographic reenactments. Along with providing a thorough historical background of each hotel, Owens examines on-site deaths and tales of hauntings in-depth, alternately dispelling and verifying paranormal claims. I would love for Owens to produce additional volumes, exploring more hotels and ghostly legends in other locales. Haunted by History would make a fascinating television series. *(This review was written by V. Dunkelberg's wife, Sherri.)

This is such a great book full of California haunted hotels and ghost stories. I purchased the book and then ended up going on a tour of the Aztec hotel in Monrovia arranged by Craig Owens himself. The great thing about this book is the detailed information about all of these places. Craig is basically a ghost story historian. It's inspired me to plan a weekend trip and visit all the hotels. Enjoy!!!!

This isn't just another book on local haunts rehashing formulaic anecdotes! The author did his research, separating fact from heresay. The writing is on point & engaging. The book includes some of the most well-known haunted hotels in Southern California. And be prepared for some amazing photographic re-enactments of ghostly tales attached to each location. This is a Big Volume...I'd almost categorize it as a coffee table style book. It is well worth the price!!!

I had heard this author on a podcast recently and was intrigued, especially since I have a life-long interest in the paranormal, and have stayed at the Hotel del Coronado. This book did not disappoint! It is well-written and the photos really add to the subject matter. I very much am looking forward to volume two! Karen Martin

This masterpiece has been artfully crafted with so much thought, care, and time. The photography and history collection of Craig Owens is nothing short of magical, and it vastly surpasses all expectations. If you enjoy history, ghosts, and vintage style photography, you must own this book. Not only will the reading keep you riveted, but you can't help looking at the pictures over-and-over again. They are jam-packed with detail, and artfully crafted. This book is not scary, but some of the stories have given me slight chills. It has made me much more interested in the haunted tales and ghost stories of Southern California. I'm looking forward to buying the next volume.

I absolutely love the book! I am intrigued by both history and paranormal and this book has the perfect blend. It was very well written. It is obvious to me that the author put a lot in both the writting and the photography of the book. Once I picked it up, I couldn't put it down.

We met Craig by chance when staying at one of the hotels in his book. We went to the talk he was having that evening and bought the book. We have also bought copies for others as gifts. This book is full of fun and well researched material. Can’t wait for the sequel

I love this book! Haunted by History is a beautiful book filled with wonderful photos. It was so informative. I learned so much about some of California's most historic hotels. If you are a fan of old Hollywood and California history I think you will really like this book.

I can’t recommend this book enough. If you love history, if you are fascinated by ghost stories and love photography, this book is for you. Each chapter is exceptionally well written and the photos help create an ambiance which allows you to submerge yourself into each story.

Beautifully detailed book! The author puts so much detail and time in creating photos and stories. Even if you aren’t a California lover, this is a good opportunity for any paranormal enthusiasts to add to their collection. Check it out!

This is not your average "haunted" history book. This is one of the most well researched, in depth books on eight of Southern California's famous and historic hotels and inns. Yes, at the end of each chapter he has a follow up chapter on documented hauntings of each location, but how the author encapsulates both the facts surrounding the history first, and then follows up with the stories or urban legends of each place next, is simply magnificent.

One of my faves when it comes to documenting these sort of things. Craig’s a fantastic writer

Amazing book and awesome photography. If you are a fan of the paranormal or a history buff, this is a must have. I have it placed on my end table in my home and no one can resist picking up and thumbing through it and wanting to borrow it (thats a big "NO" lol)...Craig Owens is an amazing talent, you will not be disappointed!!!

With just the right blend of healthy skepticism and open-minded research, Craig Owens has created a visual feast for both lovers of history and of the paranormal. The in-depth research and elaborately staged "vintage" photos draw the reader in to the glamorous days of turn of the century California, and you never know what spirits will visit!

The author really takes you back in time by revisiting each locations intriguing history, sharing historic photos and combining his photo shoots re-creating scenes that correlate with many of the stories shared in each chapter. An added plus are the extensive foot notes that are provided for reference. A truly amazing book.

Love this book, clearly the author spent time researching each location thoroughly. Well written and beautiful to look at. Looks amazing on my coffee table. Instant conversation piece. Well done Craig Owens, can't wait for volume two!!