This is a journalistic foray into the world of spirits and ghosts as Storr interviews a plethora of different types of people involved with the exploration, or debunking, of ghostly goings on. Storr also goes into the history of ghostly experiences, the different types of hauntings and some notable events. It is as much an expose as it is a journey for Storr as he battles with his own experiences and opinions over the course of the book. He spends nights in famous haunted houses, holds seances, experiences EVP (electronic voice phenomena) and gets exorcised by a high ranking Vatican exorcist, along with some other decidedly random experiences.
First of all, Will Storr sets out as a sceptic in these endeavours, however, he is quite possibly one of the most unconvincing sceptics I have ever encountered. Storr seems incredibly ready to believe in the things that happen around him in his first vigil with a demonologist in the States, he doesn't just dismiss everything that happens around him with rational explanations. So as far as his stance is concerned I was rather unconvinced, other than that this is a fantastic book. Storr's level of belief peaks and troughs throughout the book as he experiences the truly unexplained and also experiences the frauds, the believers that believe wholeheartedly in their abilities, yet they are clearly leading themselves along a strange and unconvincing path.
The best thing about this piece of work is that is doesn't answer any questions, it just raises further ones. I love this because it inspires you to delve deeper, to ask questions yourself. It certainly has raised some interesting discussions in my household and I think that is what makes a good piece of journalism, it creates a thirst for knowledge and understanding. Storr's extensive research into philosophy, mental illness and science add new levels to the subject of ghosts and the afterlife. I was particularly interested in his basic summary of string theory, how the frontier sciences may end up revealing more about our world than we have ever really known. You can't fault Storr for his thirst for knowledge and his commitment to the research of this work.
Storr is very careful throughout not to ridicule any of his interviewees openly and, to be honest, the real kooks end up ridiculing themselves far too easily. Storr's encounter with a group of mediums is really just laughable as they talk utter rubbish to him, guessing at the identity of a spirit that apparently wishes to communicate with him. The best part was his revelation about the set of Most Haunted, it was an episode I have actually watched, the scripted nature of Derek Acorah's happenings and the utter bullshit they claim to have seen off camera.
Not everything in the book verges on the ridiculous. Storr does encounter some very odd goings on that make you shiver when you read his accounts, and as he himself points out, some of the people he encounters are incredibly rational. It will have you looking for ominous black shadows every night before you go to sleep, it is very, very creepy in places. I even went so far to check out some of the references made to haunted places and exorcisms online, and the details of these cases did not help me sleep at night. I don't recommend you Google EVP, it's doesn't make for a pleasant listening experience, real or not.
Although this book does not answer any of the big questions about ghosts it is still a fantastic read, perfect for anyone who has any level of interest in the subject. It is made all the easier to read due to Storr's delightful humour and wit throughout, and the level of personal interest he bestows to his work. It is hilarious in places and terrifying in others. Expect to spend a lot of time thinking about the subject long after you have finished the book, and it is a piece of work you will find yourself revisiting.
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