The house is dark and empty. The flame of the candle breathes in. Breathes out. Flickers. Shadows dance across the walls. You’re waiting … waiting. There! You jerk your head to the side as you catch the tiniest glimpse of movement in your peripheral vision. Chills crawl up your spine. Something prickles the tiny hairs on the back of your neck. Your heart beats in your ears. Your adrenaline pumps. You visibly shake. A scream rises in your throat. The room becomes cold. Some unseen force snuffs out the flame of the candle. You’re so frightened; you’re about to wet your pants. Is it a monster? Is it a ghost? No. It’s a sign you’ve been watching too many scary movies.

Is this an impossible scenario? Actually, it’s not. But your chances of experiencing this kind of thrill are slim unless you know what you’re doing and how to go about it the right way. If you’re planning to camp out in a cemetery, haunt an old house, hold a séance, conjure spirits, or consult a Ouija board this Halloween (or any other time), do yourself a favor and read Ghost-Hunting for the Sensible Investigator by Professor of Parapsychology, Romulus Crowe.

In this little gem of a book, the first thing Crowe explains in an honest and straightforward manner is why we so often fail in our attempts to make contact with the dearly departed. You may literally laugh out loud at his simple explanation and ask yourself, “Now why didn’t I think of that?”

Next, he reveals the best places to find ghosts, and where not to waste your time. This invaluable information is followed by very sensible advice about the type of equipment you need, and don’t need. Following his advice has the potential to save you hundreds of dollars, as well as possibly preventing you from missing your big chance to prove there’s an afterlife.

Another chapter deals with why ghosts never seem to have anything important to say; that is, why they aren’t spouting secrets about the afterlife, universal wisdom, or what goes on in heaven and hell. There’s also a bit of information regarding the truth about orbs, why a healthy dose of cynicism is a good thing, calling for protection, and why you shouldn’t take a medium with you on a ghost hunt.

One of the best parts of this book is the explanation of the difference between a standard run-of –the-mill spirit, of whom there is no need to be afraid, and a dark spirit, one whom you should never hunt unless you intend to be hunted in return.

There’s also etiquette for ghost-hunters, how to tell the difference between a genuine ghost and an apparition, why you shouldn’t begin your hunt with specific expectations, and how to eliminate errors and common mistakes from your findings.

Finally, Crowe gives a bit of advice on trigger objects, which is any item placed in such a way that it’s immediately known if the object has been moved. It’s quick and simple. All needed items are common household objects, and you can try it tonight. I plan to.

For anyone who seriously wants to see a ghost or make contact with the deceased, Ghost-Hunting for the Sensible Investigator is a must read book. The most unbelievable thing about it is how much information you’ll receive for such a small investment of time and money.

Reviewed by Lesia Valentine
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