Illinois Authors

Whitechapel Productions Press, Alton, Ill. : ©2001.

Whitechapel Productions Press, Decatur, Ill. : ©2006.

The "Dead Men Do Tell Tales" saga begins with the first book in the series by Troy Taylor and reveals the dark and crime-ridden history of Chicago! Join the author for a look at how the crime, violence and death of yesterday have created the hauntings of today in what has been called "the most haunted city in America"! This page-turning thriller delves into Chicago's tales of crime, corruption, violence and bloody murder, from the days of gangland violence to the most perplexing unsolved mysteries in the city, and presents a unique perspective on the origins of Chicago's many ghost stories and unsettling legends. Discover the bloodcurdling events that have spawned some of Chicago's greatest ghost stories, including: Torso Murders & Unsolved Crime, the House of Weird Death, Marshall Field Jr. Mystery, Chicago's Jack the Ripper, the St. Valentine's Day Massacre, Legend & Lore of John Dillinger, Murder Castle of H.H. Holmes, Sausage Factory Murders, Ghosts of the "Ragged Stranger" Case, Leopold & Loeb, Grimes Sisters Murders, Ghosts of Wolf Lake and Much More!

Whitechapel Press, Decatur, Ill. : 2008.

Los Angeles -- the fabled "City of Angels," home to the rich and famous, to palm trees, sandy beaches, orange groves, and most of all, to that wonderful, almost magical place known as Hollywood. But beneath the shiny surface of glitz and glamour in America's movie capital is a dark side of crime and corruption and behind the doors of the lavish homes, luxury hotels, and magnificent mansions are tales of spirits who do not rest in peace. There are many unsolved mysteries connected to Hollywood, as well as tales of scandal, depravity, murder, and, of course, ghosts! In this installment of the best-selling "Dead Men Do Tell Tales" Series, author Troy Taylor takes you behind the scenes of Hollywood noir in a way that no other book ever has. This is not your typical Hollywood ghost book, but a unique perspective on how crime, murder, sin, sex, scandal, and unsolved mysteries have shaped the haunted landscape of Tinseltown. From the bloody history of L.A. & Hollywood to the myriad of scandals, sin & gore-soaked crime of the film colony's Golden Age, this is a chilling look at the haunted underbelly of Hollywood - and the dark side of the American dream!

Whitechapel Press, Decatur, Ill. : ©2008.

Join author Troy Taylor as his -Dead Men Do Tell Tales- Series continues with a terrifying and blood-soaked look at Illinois crime, mystery and tales of hauntings from all over the state - many of which have never appeared in any book before! In this volume, Taylor unlocks files of rare, seldom-told and favorite stories from both the cities and rural areas of the Prairie State, revealing true accounts of violence, murder, bloodshed and ghosts. Journey back into Illinois' past and discover tales of bandits, thieves, pirates and killers from the early days of the state; haunted prisons, jails and police stations; bloody vendettas; Illinois hangings; unsolved murders; ruthless murderesses; Charlie Birger, the Shelton Gang and War in Illinois; Pat Quinlan, the Devil's Apprentice; the Herrin Massacre; the Hundley Murders; the famous Coliseum Ballroom; the Battle of Barrington; Hell Hollow; the Lake Club; Fred Vannuci's -One-way Ride-; the Starved Rock Murders; Ghosts of the old Cook County Jail & the Joliet Penitentiary; and dozens more! You don't want to miss this collection of uncut and uncensored tales from the pen of Troy Taylor. It's a chilling book that is not for the faint of heart!

Whitechapel Productions Press, Alton, Ill. : 2001.

Author and real-life ghost researcher Troy Taylor brought his years of experience with the paranormal to readers with his bestselling manual, The Ghost Hunter's Guidebook. But how did he compile that information and what experiences did he base his research on? Those questions are now answered in this account of the author's lifelong fascination with the unexplained! This unsettling book chronicles Taylor's adventures, and misadventures, with paranormal research, recounting his own personal experiences with ghosts, hauntings, haunted houses and more. You'll find the stories to be compelling, often humorous and sometimes chilling as Taylor recalls his first paranormal investigation, his trips to famous haunted places, his experiences with witnesses, houses that weren't haunted, and real ghosts! In addition to Taylor's accounts of his own experiences, each chapter includes new information on conducting your own investigations with new insights, theories and ideas on how best to track down authentic evidence of ghosts! It's a strange and amazing journey and one that no ghost enthusiast will want to miss!

Whitechapel Productions, Forsyth, Ill. : ©1997.

Discover the haunted history of Decatur and Central Illinois in a way that no other books in the 'Haunted Decatur' series have done...through the experiences of a ghost hunter. Troy Taylor's research into ghosts and the paranormal is unrivaled by almost anyone in the Midwest and this book will open your eyes to the strange events of the region! Discover not only the best ghost stories from the Haunted Decatur series, but stories that will chill your blood even more! The author explores the violent and tragic history of Decatur and then plunges the reader headlong into the nature of ghosts with a guide to ghost hunting that is more complete than any other book on the market!

Whitechapel Press, Decatur, Illinois : 2008.

Join author Troy Taylor for the inaugural book in the "Dead Men Do Tell Tales Series", a gripping, blood-soaked look at American crime, mystery and the hauntings that show how the consequences of murder sometimes extend beyond the grave! In this book, many of Taylor's files are opened for the first time as he presents new, revised, updated and expanded stories that were often cut from some of his earlier books because they were too graphic and frightening. Journey back in time and experience first-hand some of America's strangest murder cases; ghostly tales of violence and murder; gangland ghosts and never-before-told stories America's Depression-era outlaws; unsolved deaths and mysterious disappearances; ghost-infested prisons and jails; and famous cases and accounts like the St. Valentine's Day Massacre, Ed Gein, Albert Fish, H.H. Holmes and his "Murder Castle", Dillinger, the Kansas City Massacre, Alcatraz, Eastern State Penitentiary, the Mansfield Reformatory, the Villisca Ax Murder House, Lizzie Borden, the Black Dahlia, and dozens more! You don't want to miss this title with dozens of Troy's stories that are uncut and uncensored for the first time. It's not a book for the faint of heart!

Whitechapel Productions Press, Alton, Ill. : ©2003.

A chilling exploration of the dark side under America with strange tales of haunted passageways, spirited railroad tunnels, terrifying mines & ghostly caves! Includes haunted places that have never been in print before, as well as the author's own weird encounters while exploring caves, lost mines and abandoned mining camps! Join the author for the third book in his acclaimed History & Hauntings Series as he takes the reader deep into the earth for a chilling journey into the haunted past of mysterious tunnels, spirited mines and mining camps and ghost-infested caves. These dark tales travel to the darkest corners of America and include both famous and little-known locations -- as well as ghostly spots that have never appeared in print before! Prepare yourself for a journey into the darkness with tales and locations that include the lost passages and treasures of New England and the Southwest, bloody histories of haunted railroad tunnels, mine disasters that left spirits behind and America’s most haunted caves! New stories include the author’s own first-hand accounts of searching for spirits in the mines and ghost towns of Utah, his journeys through the lost caves of St. Louis and much more!

Whitechapel Productions Press, Alton, Ill. : 2003.

Are there really ghosts in Utah? For a state that is said to have no room for ghosts, Utah certainly has a vast number of haunted places! In this compelling and highly entertaining book, author and Utah native Linda Dunning takes a trip back in time and uncovers the ghosts, legends and unusual lore of a state that is unique in the annals of American History. Travel along as she reveals the mysteries and miracles of haunted mansions and farmhouses, ghostly hotels and public buildings, spirit-infested hospitals, churches and gathering places, eerie old schools, colleges and universities and finally, the phantoms of Utah's many old mills and abandoned factories. It is a journey that no reader will soon forget, filled with the lingering personalities of Mormon pioneers, miners, mill workers, millionaires and murderers, through a land that is like no other.

Whitechapel Productions Press, Alton, Ill. : ©2001.

Whitechapel Productions, Forsyth, Ill. : ©2001.

Whitechapel Productions, Forsyth, Ill. : ©1997.

The new series of books by author Troy Taylor begins with a historical look at the many ghosts of Springfield, Illinois and the many ghost stories and legends surrounding the most famous resident of the city, Abraham Lincoln. For the first time, all of the supernatural tales of the great president have been collected in a single book, from his early visions to his afterlife wanderings. Explore with the author as he takes you into the catacombs of the Lincoln burial vault, his haunted former home, the ghostly basements of the Springfield Theatre Center, the spirited past of the Lake Club and beyond.

Whitechapel Productions Press, Decatur, Ill. : ©2005.

Author and ghost researcher Troy Taylor once again delves into the supernatural with a guide to the history and mystery of spirit photography. In this latest installment in the popular "Haunted Field Guide" series, the author takes an in-depth look at the controversial and mysterious history of spirit photography, including a look at the mediums and scientists who pioneered the field and the most famous pictures that allege to be ghosts captured on film. The book also includes a detailed exploration of the way that cameras have impacted the field of paranormal research and a recounting of some of the best-known cases where cameras played a crucial role, as well as a detailed guide for using your own camera in ghost investigations. Other sections of the book feature an examination of how cameras capture ghostly images, the forms that paranormal energy takes, hints and tips on using cameras in ghost research, step by step guides to photographic investigations and chapters on analyzing photos, detecting photographic trickery, accidental photos, camera operations and much more! This is a must-have book for any ghost hunter's collection!

Whitechapel Productions Press, Alton, Ill. : ©1999.

Readers can take a trip back in time and discover the people and places of yesteryear and find out why Alton, Illinois, has been named one of the most haunted regions in America. Explore its early history, then prepare for a spine-tingling look at the area's legends, lore, ghosts and hauntings.

Whitechapel Productions, Alton, Ill. : ©2000.

The author of "Haunted Illinois" and the original "Haunted Decatur" takes readers on a trip to the haunted heart of Illinois for a new look at some of the most chilling locations he has ever written about.

From haunted houses to ghostly graveyards, the state of Illinois is one of the most spirited spots in America when it comes to a rich history that is filled with hauntings, legends and lore. In this new edition, the reader returns once more to the haunted cities and desolate prairies of the state and is treated to more than 50 new stories and locations.

New Orleans--the Big Easy, the birthplace of jazz, home of Cafe du Monde and what some call the most haunted city in America. Beneath the indulgence and revelry of the Crescent City lies a long history of the dark and mysterious. From the famous Queen of Voodoo, Marie Laveau, who is said to haunt the site of her grave, to the wicked LaLauries, whose true natures were hidden behind elegance and the trappings of high society, New Orleans is filled with spirits of all kinds. Some of the ghosts in these stories have sordid and scandalous histories, while others are friendly specters who simply can't leave their beloved city behind. Join supernatural historian Troy Taylor as he takes readers beyond the French Quarter and shows a side of New Orleans never seen.

St. Louis ghosts, legends & lore! Welcome to Haunted St. Louis ... one of the grand cities of the Mississippi River, the gateway to the western frontier and a very haunted place! This is no mere book of ghost stories by a page-turning account of how history and hauntings have shaped the city, from the early days to the 1904 World's Fair, the bloodbath of Prohibition and beyond. Taylor plunges the reader headlong into the mysterious past, violent history and bloody deeds of this great city, intertwining these events with tales of ghosts, hauntings and the unsolved!

Barnes & Noble, New York : 2007.

Collected tales of ... ghosts and hauntings ... unsolved murders, mysterious disappearances, the paranormal and the unexplained--Page 4 of cover.

Stackpole Books, Mechanicsburg, PA : ©2011.

Taylor brings together the unexplained and the mysterious of Illinois in his Monsters of Illinois. Included are the tales of the Big Muddy Monster, the Piasa Bird, the Mad Gasser of Mattoon, and other strange creatures, including vampires, alligators in the sewer, out-of-place panthers, thunderbirds, and lake monsters.

Whitechapel Productions, Forsyth, Ill. : 1996.

History Press, Charleston, SC : 2009.

History Press, Charleston, SC : 2009.

In 1929, Chicago gangster Al Capone arranged a special St. Valentine's Day delivery for his favorite arch enemies: a massacre. Seven North Side mobsters were left dead. Yet random killings and bizarre murders were not unfamiliar in Chicago. Tales of the city's most violent and puzzling murders make this gripping work truly hair-raising: a deranged stalker kills his love object and then himself; a sausage maker uses the tools of his trade to rid himself of his wife; and a meticulous serial killer cleans his dead victims' wounds before taping them closed. Through accounts dripping with mystery, gory details and suspense, Troy Taylor brilliantly tells the twisted history of the worst of Chicago's North Side.

History Press, Charleston, SC : ©2009.

Lurking below the Loop, behind the industry-driven energy of Chicago, lies the mysterious criminal underworld of the South Side. Recounting criminal exploits of legends like Alphonse Capone, as well as lesser-known stories like the Car Barn Bandits, Troy Taylor captures the intricacies of the most infamous stories of Chicago's South Side. From the gruesome murders committed by the unassuming H.H. Holmes to the mysterious death of Marshall Field Jr., join Taylor as he revisits the South Side's prosperous middle-class days and vividly depicts the strange and horrific crimes that have cast new light on the character of these too often overlooked neighborhoods.

History Press, Charleston, SC : 2009.

From the very beginning, Chicago thrived on its reputation as a wide-open town. After the Great Fire, no part of the city was rebuilt more quickly than the vice districts, where bribed cops and brutal force emboldened professional wickedness to celebrate itself with gala events like the First Ward Ball, begun in honor of a madam's pianist and often so crowded that passed-out drunks couldn't even fall to the floor. Randolph Street was nicknamed Gambler's Row because men gambled with their lives by visiting it. In Little Hell, guns and knives could be rented by the hour. In these seedy areas only put to sleep by Mickey Finn's knockout drinks or Gentle Annie's knockout punches, it is no wonder that Detective Woolridge kept seventy-five disguises, made twenty thousand arrests and was shot at forty-four times.

History Press, Charleston, SC : 2009.

Blazing from the West Side, the Great Chicago Fire left nothing but ashy remnants of the developing city, leveling its landscape but certainly not its spirit. While the West Side was home to the infamous O'Leary barn, it was also where news of some of the city's most gruesome and horrific crimes reverberated throughout the state and across the country. Read about the bloody end of Roger The Terrible"? Touhy, who, although he undoubtedly lived up to his name, met an ill-deserved fate. Troy Taylor also delves into the life of John Wayne Gacy, the depraved man masked by the clown costume, and yet again proves to be a master storyteller and historian of Chicago's criminal underworld."

Whitechapel Productions 2012

"Something terrible has happened here..." Those were the words uttered by Ross Moore after discovering the bodies of his brother, his family and two houseguests in Villisca, Iowa in June 1912. That horrifying discovery created a legend that became both an unsolved mystery and a haunting that continues to this day. The small town of Villisca received an unwelcome visitor on that dark night and the town was touched by a horror unlike anything that it had seen before - or has seen since. Over the years, the brutal murders committed that night have earned a place in infamy and they remain the most famous in a series of murders that were committed across the prairie during that era. But that night in June was not the first time that the monster who committed the "Villisca Ax Murders" had tasted blood. He blazed a terrible trail across the region in the years before and after the Villisca murders, using the railroad lines to carry out his horrific deeds. This book will bring you the story of the Villisca Ax Murders, along with the history and the hauntings that followed, but it tells another story as well. It is a tale of madness, murder, horror and blood and the story of the "transient butcher" who wreaked havoc in the American Midwest and then vanished into history, his name and face forever unknown. Only his dark legacy lingers behind with us today and it remains a chronicle of one of the bloodiest unsolved murders sprees in our history. The small towns of the American prairie were never the same again.

Whitechapel Productions Press, Decatur, Ill. : ©2006.

For nearly two decades, Troy Taylor has been delving into the ghosts and haunted places in the state of Illinois but in this book, the author takes a journey down a darker road and takes readers on a search for the strange, terrifying and bizarre in this mysterious region. For centuries, Illinois has played host to the unexplained from the ancient mysteries of Cahokia, the stone forts of southern Illinois, anomalous petroglyphs and many other oddities from our distant past. Journey back in time to this lost era and then go on a hunt for the state's chilling creatures, including Bigfoot, Thunderbirds, phantom panthers, water creatures and some of the strangest beasts to ever walk on four feet --- or two! Finally, take the plunge into the depths of the unexplained as we search for answers to the state's greatest enigmas like the Macomb Poltergeist, Williamsburg Hill, Illinois' spook lights, Watseka Wonder, Illinois' sky mysteries, flying saucer invasions, Illinois vampires, the Mad Gasser of Mattoon and much more! Don't miss out on this amazing book --- including accounts, stories, eyewitness reports and in-depth research that has never appeared in print before! This is a book not to miss and a unique addition to the popular "Haunted Illinois Series".

Whitechapel Productions Press, Alton, Ill. : 2001.

oin author Troy Taylor in a search for some of the most horrifying ghost tales ever told.. tales of murder victims, death and the darkest side of American crime! Experience first-hand the last gasps of those who have returned to haunted the places where they died and the final acts of the merciless killers who stalked their victims into the grave! Discover haunted houses, voices from the grave, vengeful spirits, bloody murders, strange disappearances, unsolved murders, ghosts of the Old West, Gangland hauntings, ghost infested jails and prisons and even the haunted history of some of America’s most famous crimes! Discover the most sinister haunted sites and most blood-curdling tales in America!

Whitechapel Productions 2023

Witchcraft came to America with the first European settlers. They came here and brought with them their histories and traditions, hopes, dreams, terrors, and fear of their gods. They had fled from home at a time when thousands were being accused, tortured, hanged, and burned for being witches. They came to America for a fresh start - and brought that fear of witches with them. The belief in witches - who carried out the Devil's evil deeds - was as real to the colonists as the constant threat of the Devil himself. They believed that witches caused livestock to sicken and die, crops to fail, and babies to be born dead or deformed. Fear and dread became hysteria when evil came to Salem Village, fueling hostility, distrust, and religious fanaticism that claimed the lives of innocents on the gallows. But Salem was not the end of America's obsession with witchcraft. Join Troy Taylor on a trip back in time as he reveals the hidden history of the American witch! Discover the strange tales of what happened in America in the wake of Salem, from the persecution and murders of accused witches to the conjure folk, Appalachian folk magic, Hexes and Powwowing, Voodoo and Hoodoo, killings, curses, witchcraft manias, and more! This is not another book about Salem, a spell book, or a how-to guide, but a haunted and historic look at how witchcraft came to America and the ways that it continues to thrive today.

Whitechapel Productions Press, Alton, Ill. : 2004.

Whitechapel Productions Press, Decatur, Ill. : ©2007.

The First Book Ever Written Solely on the History & Hauntings of Archer Avenue & Chicago's Most Famous Ghost, Resurrection Mary! Archer Avenue, the famous haunted highway on Chicago's southwest side, has been a source of fascination for ghost hunters, history buffs and paranormal enthusiasts for decades. In addition to the haunted houses, graveyards and buildings that line this old road, Archer Avenue is home to the one of the most famous ghosts in America -- Resurrection Mary! She has been the subject of songs and the stuff of legend since the middle 1930s but for the first time, Troy Taylor will recount not only scores of sightings and first-hand accounts with this elusive phantom but will reveal the results of his own investigations, from the complete history, her mysterious origins, ghostly encounters and the identity of the "girls who would be Resurrection Mary"! Taylor's book, Resurrection Mary, is more than just a collection of ghost sightings. It's also the first in-depth account of the history, mystery & hauntings of Archer Avenue, a former Indian trail that is one of the oldest roadways in the Chicago region. Other historical hauntings that are explored in the search for Resurrection Mary include hauntings of Chinatown, History & Hauntings of Bridgeport, Archer Avenue's haunted graveyards, Kean Avenue Hauntings, Mysteries of the Forest Preserves, the Maple Lake Spook Light, The Haunted Roadhouse, Hauntings at St. James-Sag Church & Burial Ground & Much More!

Barnes & Noble, New York : 2007, ©1999.

Join author Troy Taylor as he takes you on a spell-binding journey through the historic events of the Civil War! This is a fascinating guide to both the strange history and ghostly locations of the war, including tales that are told here for the first time.

Whitechapel Productions Chicago, IL : 2011

Journey back in time to the opulent days of St. Louis in the Gilded Age and discover the true story of the Lemp family and its rise to power, wealth and extravagance. It's a story that has become legend over the years but one that few people truly know. Despite the fact that the Lemps, and their legendary mansion, have inspired books, ghost stories and television shows, the true story of their tragic lives has become a confusing and convoluted mess of myths, misconceptions, legends and outright lies, making it nearly impossible to separate fact from fiction - until now. For the first time, the story of the rise and fall of the Lemp empire can truly be told. This is the first book that has been written with cooperation from Lemp family descendants and features private stories and details, as well as rare photographs, that have never been told or seen before. The history of the Lemp family is a true American tragedy, one of triumph over opposition, hard work, perseverance, genius and madness, eccentricity and passion, horror, death, suicide and ghosts. It's a story that is played out against the backdrop of America's changing landscape of the late 1800s and early 1900s and is enhanced by the history of the beer industry in St. Louis, the German immigrant experience in America and takes a riveting look at the lives and deaths of those for whom money truly was no object. This is a tale that is purely American - of a haunted family and a haunted house - told as only Troy Taylor can tell it!

Whitechapel Productions Press, Decatur, Ill. : 2006.

According to legend, the most famous exorcism in American history occurred in St. Louis in 1949, creating a mystery that continues to endure to this day. But what really happened in this enigmatic case? How much of the mysterious story that has been told over the years is truth and how much fiction? Author Troy Taylor, who has examined many cases of ghosts and the unexplained over the years, has spent more than 10 years researching the facts behind this chilling story --- searching through old records, visiting the sites associated with the exorcism and even interviewing the last remaining witnesses to the strange events. This book now reveals the results of his work, unveiling the true facts behind what occurred in St. Louis in 1949 and allowing the reader to judge for himself whether the victim in the case, "Robbie Doe", was really possessed by demons or not. This eye-opening and horrifying book is not for the faint of heart and is liable to have you sleeping with the lights on long after you have closed it pages for the final time!

The Ghost Hunter's Guidebook by author and paranormal investigator Troy Taylor not only solves the mystery of how to find ghosts, but dozens of others as well! This manual is the essential guide to conducting paranormal research, written by a real ghost hunter with years of experience in the field. This book will provide you with a step-by-step guide to conducting a paranormal investigation, plus tell you how to know if your location is really haunted. It also answers questions like: How do you use ghost detection devices? What is the most common type of haunting? Why do some ghosts wear clothes? How do you capture ghosts on film? Are Ouija boards really dangerous? Can ordinary audio machines really record the voices of the dead? How do you get rid of a ghost? And much more!

Whitechapel Productions Press, Alton, Ill. : ©2001.

"Join author Troy Taylor in search of America's most haunted places, and the strangest historical ghost stories ever told, in his new series about historical hauntings! Travel to New England in search of Dudleytown, roam the haunted battlefields at Gettysburg, hunt for ghosts in historic Mammoth Cave, wander through the Winchester Mansion and get lost at Bachelors Grove Cemetery... and that's only the beginning!"--Back cover.

A Dark Haven Entertainment Book from Whitechapel Press, Decatur, Ill. : 2007.

According to legend, one of the strangest possessions in American history occurred in the small Illinois town of Watseka in 1878, creating a mystery that endures to this day. But what really happened in this enigmatic case and how much of the mysterious story that has been told over the years --- about the spirit of one dead girl invading the body of a living one - is truth and how much is fiction? Author Troy Taylor, one of the leading researchers into the supernatural in the country, has spent years delving into the facts behind this chilling story - searching through dusty records, wandering through old graveyards and visiting the sites associated with the case. This book, which is the first full-length, non-fiction title to be written about the case since 1879, unveils the true facts behind what occurred in Watseka in the 1870s and allows the reader to judge for himself whether Lurancy Vennum was truly possessed by the spirit of Mary Roff. This eye-opening, and sometimes terrifying book, is a must-have title for anyone with an interest in the mysterious and a taste for the unknown!

Illinois was in many ways born in blood. From the early days of piracy to twentieth-century mob massacres, the state has been plagued with some of the worst crimes in history. This book begins with a general overview of crime in the state and then focuses on its headline stories. Included are the cases of the Murder Castle of H. H. Holmes, the intellectual thrill killers Nathan Leopold and Richard Loeb, the bloody St. Valentine's Day Massacre involving Al Capone's South Side mob and Bugs Morans North Side gang, the eight nurses brutally butchered by Richard Speck, and the horrifying rape and slaughter of 33 young men by Killer Clown John Wayne Gacy.

Whitechapel Press, Decatur, Ill. : ©2008.

The city of Chicago is unquestionably the weirdest and most haunted city in America! With a history dating back to the early 1800s that is filled with violent events, mysterious happenings and a lot of very strange characters, there is no other place like it in the country. Now, in the most complete book ever written on Chicago ghosts and strange history, the creators of the Weird Chicago Tours reveal just how that homegrown weirdness has shaped the city that we know today - and shows that Chicago iw weirder than any city should legally be allowed to be! With notebooks and cameras in hand, the Weird Chicago crew has scoured the city in search of the haunted, the odd and the offbeat. They have tracked down bizarre history, unusual people, weird roadside attractions, forgotten remnants of the past, unexplained happenings and more ghost stories than have appeared in any other book before, plus the truth behind many Chicago hauntings that you only thought you knew! From Hull House to Resurrection Mary, to Dillinger to Al Capone, this book showcases the most unusual aspects of Chicago - and just what makes it so haunted, weird & unique! Packed full of stuff that you aren't going to find anywhere else; this is a journey that you're never going to forget!

Sterling, New York : ©2005.

If it's weird and it's in Illinois, it's in Weird Illinois. With notepad and camera in hand, Troy Taylor, a Prairie State sleuth in pursuit of the eccentric and the uncanny, has followed the trail down main roads, back roads, and all roads in between. Whether it's a man-eating Piasa Bird, an abandoned insane asylum, or the haunted tomb of a certain famous Abe, Troy has chronicled the story and presents it here for you in this new paperback edition of the popular guide.

Sterling Pub., New York : ©2008.

Weird Indiana is here to prove that the Crossroads of America, as our state motto claims, is also the Crossroads of the Weird! There's such an abundance of weirdness here that it took three authors to showcase all the odd and offbeat wonders the Hoosier State has to offer. Our authors, Mark Marimen, Jim Willis, and Troy Taylor, set off with cameras and notepads in hand, in search of Indiana's best kept secrets, local legends, bizarre beasts, and more, and they found it in spades! Sit back and enjoy a relaxing picnic in Shades of Death Park; “see the light” if you're lucky enough to witness those unexplained glowing spots known as Moody's Light. Find out how a town named Santa Claus became involved in one of the fiercest rivalries in the state's history. Slap on another layer of color to the world's biggest ball of paint, and no, you're not seeing things that really is an enormous pink-spectacled elephant drinking a martini on the side of the road! Get the time from an enormous leg sundial and listen for the whistle of terror on the White Lick Creek Bridge, but whatever you do, don't answer an ad from La Porte's Black Widow. Make a person-to-person call from inside a tomb, and meet Indiana's most upright citizen, buried that way for almost two hundred years. Check out the ruins of Littleville, where 125 miniature buildings once stood complete with a courthouse, and even a yacht club, all of eighteen inches tall. Yes, there certainly is more to Indiana than just cornfields! A brand-new entry in the best-selling Weird U.S. series, Weird Indiana is packed with all that great stuff your history teacher wouldn't teach you. So, join our authors on their great adventure. It's a journey you'll never forget.

Sterling Pub., New York, NY : ©2007.

Virginia is for lovers…and psychics, devil monkeys, and the world's oldest ham. This homage to all things peculiar in the Old Dominion is bursting with the must-see spots other guides leave out. Check out all six haunted sides of the Octagon house, then drop by Foamhenge, a full-scale Styrofoam replica of Stonehenge. It doesn't get weirder than this!

Whitechapel Productions Press, Alton, Ill. : ©2002.

Arcadia Publishing, Mount Pleasant : 2007.

America's seat of power is also the seat of corruption, killings, and salacious scandals-from the author of Haunted New Orleans. An addictive and fascinating read that traces the criminal history of our nation's capital, from the bloody site of the city's most famous murder to dark deeds involving politicians from both sides of the aisle. Includes a look at the mysteries surrounding the Lincoln assassination, death by duels, the infamous Washington Vampire, presidential mysteries and scandals and the strange tale of the first murderer to be found guilty by reason of insanity-a man who went on to lead troops during the Civil War. Includes photos!

Whitechapel Press, Decatur, Ill. : ©2009.

In previous volumes of the infamous Dead Men Do Tell Tales Series, author Troy Taylor has collected some of the darkest tales of crime, ghosts and hauntings in American history. In this chilling book, he delves into the shadowy world of unsolved disappearances - people who vanished without a trace and were never seen again! These weird tales ran the gamut of the terrifying and the bizarre and include crime victims, lost explorers, ships and people vanished at sea, outdoor disappearances and cases that cannot be anything other than supernatural in nature! This collection of cases includes the mystery of Everett Ruess, the infamous Mary Celeste, the vanishing of Ambrose Bierce, the unsolved mystery of Eilean Mor, the lost colony at Roanoke, the mysterious Franklin Expedition, the riddle of Charlie Ross -- America's first kidapping for ransom, Dorothy Arnold - the heiress who never came back, Glen & Bessie Hyde, the Joyita - the Mary Celeste of the Pacific, Famous, unsolved disappearances of Amelia Earhart, Glenn Miller, Judge Crater, Richard Halliburton, Michael Rockefeller, Percy Fawcett and many more. This is one of Taylor's strangest books ever and one that will have you turning the pages long into the night!