Growing up in the South I am fortunate to live close to Savannah, GA and St. Augustine, FL. I know the history of both well and although I've never visited Ohio I think that I would enjoy a road trip to some of the places mentioned.

This had some potentially interesting local legends in it, but the writing turned what could have been spooky stories into bland little blurbs. Most of the legends felt rather hokey, perhaps because they lacked that dramatic embellishment that I've come to expect from horror stores. There were a few minor factual errors on the history of the sites that locals might catch, but most of them don't really detract from the haunting legends, just the historical accuracy. My qualms with the writing aside, it's an interesting guide to local haunting legends. I live in Cincinnati and it was entertaining to see the legends concerning places that I pass by on a regular basis talked about here. The handbook covers a nice variety of sites, so mostly anyone from the area should be able to recognize several of these spots. Overall, an interesting book for locals. ( )

Having lived all my life in southwestern Ohio, most of these places are very familiar to me. Some I've spent a great deal of time in, and I've heard many of the legends already, so this was quite a fascinating read for me, and great for discussion with friends and family. Other than a few minor factual problems (i.e. Mother of Mercy High School became exclusively for grades 9-12 in the 1940s, not the late 1970s), I and my family have all really enjoyed this book. Ghost stories are always fun to read! ( )