Few states can rival California in terms of natural beauty and exciting history. But nearly three centuries of violent crime, sickness, greed, and murder have tarnished the Golden State and made it ripe for ghosts and hauntings. From the Spanish priests who founded the first missions in their quest to bring Christianity to the Native people of the region, to the ill-fated Donner Party committing acts of cannibalism in order to survive. This book explores the most famous ghost stories from California’s past (dating back to the 18th century) with spine-tingling details that will delight readers.

Haunted by History, Volume I, by Craig Owens uncovers little known facts about eight prominent historic hotels in Southern California and the origins behind many of their ghost stories. Not only does his well-documented research separate facts from legends, but Owens also keeps the subject matter interesting by interweaving historic photos with his own elaborately staged Old Hollywood-style photos shot in the most haunted rooms, hallways, and lobbies. This unique book blends solid research, fascinating insights, and haunting photography that will appeal to believers and non-believers alike. Hotels and inns featured in Vol. 1 are the Hotel del Coronado, the Victorian Rose Bed & Breakfast, the Julian Gold Rush Hotel, the Mission Inn Hotel & Spa, the Alexandria Hotel, the Wyndham Garden Pierpont Inn, the Banning House Lodge, and the Glen Tavern Inn.

Eerie haunts and stories of apparitions stretch along the California coast from Monterey Bay to the Channel Islands. James Dean's presence lingers at the site of his deadly car crash on Highway 46, and a ghost-in-residence presides over the Robert Louis Stevenson house in Monterey. Learn of the ghoulish murders of the Reed family at the San Miguel Mission, the mysterious spirits that haunt the Hearst Castle and the twisted tales of strange occurrences in what was once the Camarillo State Hospital. Join author Evie Ybarra as she explores the unexplained along this infamous coast.

Do you believe in ghosts? Have you ever seen one? This chilling volume presents twenty-six true, first-hand accounts of spooks, spirits, and hauntings across the state of California, each published here for the first time. The book introduces many cases involving normal people who suddenly find themselves in bizarre paranormal situations. Told in the witnesses' own words, each case is illustrated by award-winning artist Christine Kesara Dennett. Learn what happens when homes are built over a Native American Burial Ground. Read how it feels to be hugged by a friendly ghost. Find out what to do when a ghost tries to choke and possess you. Join four young teen-aged boys who use themselves as bait to attract a hostile ghost called the White Witch. Also, visit a woman who received conclusive physical proof of life after death from the spirit of her deceased ex-husband, and find out how Charles Manson's notorious crimes left a trail of severely haunted houses. These are only a few of the amazing true accounts presented in this ghostly collection, and a full range of ghostly phenomena are presented, some funny, some scary, and some absolutely bone-chilling. All of them are true. Whatever you do, don't read this after dark!