Barbara Smith (6) (1947–)

I’ve read enough collections of ghostly folklore over the years to say this is one is very typical. The stories are grouped by setting (mines, inns, highways, etc.) and relayed with seriousness. Smith’s more interested in writing down the stories than she is in sensationalising them or passing judgement, which I appreciate, but she also knows how to tell a story, pique interest, and give the reader chills.

Also typical, in my experience, are the historical tidbits and figures that flesh show more out some of the stories, the range of ghosts from “I felt a presence” to “a ghost fixed my flat tire” to “we don’t book people into that room anymore”, and the general quirkiness of the collection. I also liked that the book feels pretty comprehensive and that a lot of the history and stories were new to me. Smith’s done a lot of research, from interviews to reading biographies to scrolling through newspaper archives, but she’s also good about picking and choosing the encounters that will appeal most to readers.

You can also tell, though, which stories came from which sources, because there are some disappointingly short snippets that clearly came from a single column-inch in an old newspaper, where Smith can’t say more than “it was reported that”. At least she shares in the disappointment. Her connections between stories can also feel a bit forced at times but I don’t think I’d be able to do much better in her shoes and I’d rather that than utterly disjointed reading.

And fortunately, like I said, I’ve read a lot of true ghost stories—including other collections by Smith—so this was exactly what I wanted when I picked it up. It’s quirky, it’s easy reading, it’s entertaining, and I finished the book satisfied. But as it’s a totally average book for its genre, it gets a totally average rating.

To bear in mind: Occasionally has an … interesting … definition of what constitutes the Rockies.
5/10 show less

All the usual suspects appear, if you will pardon the pun, but some of these stories gave me shivers down the spine. I particularly liked the stories set in places or buildings I know. Although I have no personal experience of the ghost of the Alberta Provincial Museum and Archives, I worked there when I lived in Edmonton and many of the staff told me of their encounters.

This sort of collection should be spread out over a period of time because the stories can quickly become annoyingly show more repetitive. show less

A good listing of ghosts, sea monsters, and bipeds with big feet from BC. None of the stories were fluffed out like what happens to stories when TV shows get hold of them. No cameras and sound recorders placed in strategic spots to film after dark were used to research the book. The book doesn't tell the most enthralling tales of ghostly occurrences, but it could spark the imagination of someone thinking about writing a ghost story.

I've watched enough Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Twilight Zone to not be shocked by these stories, but these are based on actual events. I found the last section the hardest to believe but fun.