Haunted Houses

When I got my shrink wrapped copy from Amazon, I noticed pages 33 through 48 were missing, and I had pages 49 to 64 twice. In other words, instead of the page numbers being consecutive and chronological from 1 to 208, they went from 1 to 32, then 49 to 64, then 49 to 208.Of course Amazon was great about shipping me another copy, free 2 day shipping, and I returned the defective one.I wouldn't have noticed it right away except I was looking for houses from the New England area...Once that was sorted out....The design of this book is stylish (white text on black pages), the text is thought provoking, and the photographs are evocative.This volume is a collection of separate, short narratives, each by one person about one property.However, the arrangement of pictures and writing was slightly confusing.Given the author's introductory discussion about the importance of people's connection to a sense of place, I was a little surprised the contents of the book didn't seem more organized: it may have been better if all the photos of each house were arranged together. It may have helped the reader imagine the places if pictures of different houses weren't scattered throughout, with captions listed four pages in advance.Even though I understand the author probably wanted to maintain the "voice" of each narrator in print, as a painter (and fan of Winslow Homer's watercolors) it kind of bothered me that on page 102 the speaker refers to the "Homer Winslow" print (which I'm assuming should be Winslow Homer?) -- twice. At first I thought I was experiencing deja vu until I realized on page 104 the same sentence is repeated two sentences later (except the second time the word "truly" is omitted: "I truly believe one must be very sensitive to their surroundings to feel and understand what is happening.")There was one photo on page 179 that looked like the corner of a teenager's bedroom or a disorganized craft area in a nondescript motel -- except the caption said it was the Carey Mansion in Newport, Rhode Island. There was no further mention of the place in the book, but I believe it's the house shown in the opening credits of the original "Dark Shadows" TV series (1966-1971).Still, this was a fun, unique book, even though it may be too creepy to read alone at night, when it becomes even easier to imagine something sinister and disturbing in what may at other times appear to be the most familiar, mundane, and innocuous scene.

Even as a participant in Corinne’s book, I could not have imagined the tasteful and creative expression executed on the pages of her book. The photography is creative, adding a unique perspective to a visual interpretation. She captures not only the heart but the very soul of the homes explored in her book. The first hand narratives compel you into the mysteries of the unexplained phenomena occurring within the walls of the homes of everyday people throughout the country.What was most interesting was the discovery more than a year after Corinne’s book published. I was flipping through the pages when I noticed something strange. The photo of the dining room window reflects the hallway where the desk left to me by the previous owners stood at the time. And, in that reflection there appears to be a young girl seated at the desk. But…. there was no one in the house but her and me when she took the photographs. Did Corinne capture the image of a ghost in her photograph? It certainly appears so!

Mostly this is an odd photography book with some very short ghost stories tucked in every six or eight pages or so. The photos aren't even well explained which made it all doubly annoying. Some of the photos are interesting and some should have been deleted without showing anyone. My overall impression as a ghost story fan, AND a photographer, was "meh".If you want to add it to your collection of ghost books, buy it used for a few dollars. You'll be mad if you pay full price.

I really liked this book. Hated to pay the money that I did. I would like to have had a better description of the photos rather than just wherethe photos were shot. The photos were nice, but there was no detail about what I was looking at, just the name of the place where the photos were shot.

Not quite what I expected. Have not had a chance to read yet. Cannot give a true review yet.

Nice photos but really more of a coffee table book. The ghost stories, told by people living or working at the locations, are disappointing. Not worth purchasing in my opinion.

Good read

This book is a gem! Exactly what I've been looking for and can't believe it took me over a year to learn that it existed! Art quality photos AND great text - very unique.

Corrine delivers another beautiful book, but she badly needs an Editor. There are so may spelling errors, it's embarrassing.Brooch, not broach (really?!)Chute, not shootA while, not awhileThe photos, on the other hand, are fascinating, although I'm puzzled as to the layout; it would make more sense to have all the relevant photos grouped together, instead of spread out randomly.

I bought this book because it was Corinne May Botz who photographed another favourite book of mine called The Nutshell Studies of Unexplained Death.This hardcover coffee table book is exquisite to hold and behold. Botz has a keen eye for detail and composition. I look forward to seeing more from her!