Neil Ward’s True Tales of the Paranormal is a captivating exploration of the unexplainable, blending chilling storytelling with a thought-provoking examination of the unknown. This collection of stories takes readers on a journey through ghostly encounters, brushes with extra-dimensional beings, and eerie phenomena that challenge the boundaries of science and reason.

Ward’s skill lies in his ability to immerse readers in the uncanny. Each tale is vividly told, drawing you into a hidden world where the ordinary collides with the extraordinary. From shadowy apparitions in abandoned buildings to encounters with entities that defy logic, the stories are diverse in scope yet unified by an unsettling authenticity. The author’s meticulous attention to detail and his knack for setting the scene create an atmosphere that is equal parts eerie and intriguing.

What sets True Tales of the Paranormal apart is its tone of curiosity and open-mindedness. Ward does not attempt to definitively explain the events he recounts, leaving space for readers to draw their own conclusions. Are these tales genuine glimpses into a hidden dimension, elaborate hoaxes, or the product of overactive imaginations? The ambiguity adds to the book’s allure, ensuring that the stories linger in your mind long after you’ve turned the last page.

While many of the tales are spine-chilling, the book also offers moments of wonder and even upliftment, reminding readers that the paranormal is not solely a realm of fear. Ward’s thoughtful commentary on the human fascination with the unknown adds depth to the collection, making it more than just a catalog of spooky occurrences.

Whether you’re a skeptic or a believer, True Tales of the Paranormal is a compelling read that will challenge your perception of reality. It’s perfect for fans of The Unexplained or Paranormal Witness, and anyone who enjoys pondering life’s biggest mysteries. Be prepared to question everything you thought you knew—and maybe sleep with the lights on.

This was an incredibly informative and interesting book. I really enjoyed all of the stories and examples. A family member passed away about a year ago and I have had communication with them through a medium. Many of the explanations and examples line up with what the decedent told me!

True Tales of the Paranormal is an excellent reference for all things supernatural. I enjoyed this book a lot, and as someone who’s read a lot on this subject I enjoyed learning more about some familiar names! The book is well researched and very informative.

Look, I'm a sucker for anything with the words "supernatural", "otherworldly", or "paranormal", so I didn't hesitate to request this book upon seeing it added. I wasn't disappointed, thankfully! There were many, MANY shorter tales of several different types of paranormal activity- from ghosts, to aliens, to fairies, to mediums and their methodology- and a lot of scientific evidence (both for and against) said activity. I appreciated the author's writing style and the amount research that was done for this project. It would have been far less interesting if it were strictly written as opinions on the supernatural. I think anyone who is heavily interested in this type of material will love this book, but it will also appeal to those who are just starting to get their toes wet. Of course I will be recommending this, to a wide variety of readers, and I'd absolutely read future books by Neil Ward, as well.

In my mid-twenties, I started reading metaphysical books, including countless paranormal ones. I did so for years and years, hardly reading any other genre. Finally, I stopped regularly reading them because it reached the point where there was nothing new. I am confessing to that now because that explains why I did not give this book a higher rating. For me, there was little new. Moreover, a lot of it described seances, complete with ectoplasm and spirits coming out of cabinets, and I simply do not believe in such things. Nothing will convince me those things aren't all fake.

Yet I can believe there may be something to paranormal activities like automatic writing, Ouija board messages, after-death communication, electronic voice phenomena, etc. Maybe. In addition, ghost stories can be quite interesting. I think this is the first book, too, where it had stories of ghosts reacting as surprised to see a living person as the living person was surprised to see a ghost! Supposedly a time is circular type of thing.

Author Neil Ward covers many, many metaphysical topics and comes across quite well. He appears to believe in most, if not all, of the paranormal, but still presents the opinions of those who don't believe. In other words, he does not come across as someone lost in woo-woo land who is hostile to those who do not believe. This is a UK book, too, and England has always seemed a more paranormal place to me than any other country.

I really liked this book. It gives background information to setup the scene for the stories to come. I love paranormal stories, and I have to say, most of these stories were new to me which is really refreshing. Highly recommend if you're looking for short stories to pass the time or share.

** “For me, these stories serve as clear evidence that our reality intersects with myriad others that are ‘paranormal’ to us.” **

Neil Ward offers a deep dive into the paranormal world with “True Tales of the Paranormal.”

Taking on a number of topics, including dreams, strange visitors, hospitalized spirits, seances, mediumship, extraterrestrials, and the role of science and religion, Ward presents the case for the paranormal using actual recorded cases throughout time. Written in an almost essay-like format, he writes “This book is intended, then, for the open-minded enquirer who is willing to consider both the testimony of people who claim to have actually experienced the paranormal and different ways of interpreting the more unusual elements in our world.”

He makes it evidently clear his belief in the supernatural, citing many cases of people alleged to be involved in paranormal circumstances, like Jane Roberts and her spirit guide named Seth, medium Helen Duncan, the Fox Sisters and John Keel of Mothman fame.

He covers several topics, like beings like fairies and gnomes, Stone Tape Theory, the potential of future technology to allow for communication, and remote viewing.

Assisted with photos and artwork, Ward does focus much of his book on mediumship, including the use of ectoplasm. The writing does get a bit bogged down at times, but he does include many fascinating tales of alleged supernatural occurrences, based on historical events.

Those who enjoy the supernatural, scientific principles like quantum physics for example, and philosophical discusses as to what could be will enjoy “True Tales of the Paranormal.”

Four stars out of five.

Sirius provided this complimentary copy through NetGalley for my honest, unbiased review.

This is a spooky, spine tingling, and fast read that I highly recommend for anyone who is fascinated by all things paranormal. There are simply things that can't be explained by science and this book sheds some light on that.

A great look at all things paranormal, a really interesting read with lots of true tales. Recommended!