True Ghostly Tales

By Vivian Campbell

Five true short stories about ghosts and paranormal activity as experienced by paranormal investigator Vivian Campbell.

As these chilling and entertaining true tales attest, denizens of the spirit world flock to Vivian no matter where she is, making their ghostly presence known in eerie—and often amusing—ways. From disembodied high-heeled footsteps click-clacking down the hallway to a possessed portrait with piercing white eyes jealously glaring at her, these stories vividly recount five of Vivian’s strangest encounters with the earthbound undead.

For as long as she can remember, Vivian has been able to sense spirits and tune in to all kinds of paranormal phenomena. She has met with unearthly houseguests in every place she has called home, including the much-loved and creepy Florida house that she lives in to this day. Five generations of Vivian’s family have resided in the old house—always knowing that they shared it with spirits.

For more true tales of ghostly experiences, look for Vivian Campbell’s book, Stalked by Spirits.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Llewellyn Worldwide
• Release date: Oct 8, 2011
• ISBN: 9780738733814

Vivian Campbell

Vivian Campbell (Orlando, FL) is a sensitive paranormal investigator who has lived in haunted houses throughout her life. Her experiences have been included in several books and a television documentary for the Turner South Network. She continues to live in her creepy, much-loved house with spirits that have haunted her family for generations.

Book preview

This book is dedicated with endless love to my wonderful daughters,

Erin Miranda and Gwyneth Elise.

Copyright Information

True Ghostly Tales © 2011 by Vivian Campbell

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any matter whatsoever, including Internet usage, without written permission from Llewellyn Publications, except in the form of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

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First e-book edition © 2011

E-book ISBN: 9780738733814

Ebook created by Steffani Sawyer

Edited by Nicole Edman

Cover designed by Kevin R. Brown

Cover images © 2011 iStockphoto.com/Todd Keith

banner: © 2011 iStockphoto.com/mon5ter

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Some names have been changed in order to protect the privacy of certain individuals detailed in this true text.

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Manufactured in the United States of America

Contents

Introduction

Her Eyes: Lookout Mountain, Tennessee, 1970–1974

My first puppy love had an eerie competition.

Enchanted to Meet You: Orlando, Florida, 2011

My ghosts always ensure that visitors never forget their stay!

Ghosts for Sale: Orlando, Florida, 2009

You get more for your money at my haunted yard sale!

A Stab in the Back: Clinton, North Carolina, 2005

Renovation and ghosts don’t mix.

Hide and Seek with Jessie May: Brooksville, Florida, 2010

Adventures with my favorite ghost at the historic May-Stringer House.

About the Author

Excerpt from Stalked by Spirits

Introduction

You’re eyes are playing tricks on you again!

That was my mother’s mantra to me from the day that I spied my first ghost. I was about eight years old at the time.

Spooky genes seem to run in my Scottish family. The Scots call it Second Sight; my relatives call it a questionable blessing, at best. My great grandmother’s Second Sight damned her to dream of her beloved fiancé’s violent death—and that dream came true. (Too bad he didn’t heed her warning to stay away from the factory that fateful day.) Her daughter Mary (my grandmother) had recurring waking dreams, including one in which she saw her future newborn niece shriveled like a dried apple. And that dream came true too. Needless to say, everyone listens when any member of my Scottish family says in a quiet voice, I‘ve had a dream …

I’ve had a few dreams come true over the years, but mine pale in comparison to my famous grandmother’s. You see, instead of prophetic dreams, I’m a Ghost Magnet. I sense spirits, an awkward ability none of my other relatives have—or at least will admit to. I don’t play with Ouija boards or take drugs or hold midnight séances to find these ghosts. I just mind my own business and walk into spirits wherever I go. They’re drawn to me, hence my unusual nickname.

For many years, I didn’t see a purpose to my constant phantom adventures. Who the heck cares if there’s a ghost around? Really, they’re everywhere, it’s nothing special. Then I met my author pal, Dave Lapham, who asked if I would become his ghost ferret and find original hauntings for his book. Since then, I’ve worked with ghost walking tours, haunted house hunters, and television shows … but, my favorite ghosts are still those I just happen to bump into while walking through life.

[contents]

Her Eyes

Lookout Mountain, Tennessee, 1970–1974

Edith Nickerson stared down at her sleeping twelve-year-old grandson. He was a slight boy for his age, with shaggy hair as black as her eyes had been. She doubted he would ever amount to much. If only she had been able to raise him when she was alive.

Still, Tony was a good boy. He listened to her every whisper and followed her advice. If he’d had any friends, they would have called him crazy … everyone except me.