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Tag: Tina Vantyler

Review of ‘Real Christmas Ghost Stories’ by Tina Vantyler

The 5th volume in the ‘True Tales of the Supernatural’ series is a spooky selection of 12 allegedly true stories relating in some way to Christmas. It was another quick, compelling, spine-chilling read, although not as frightening as the one about haunted toys. A very good variety of situations were represented, from spirits that warn or comfort people, to reenactments of murders, poltergeists and out of body experiences. I usually read a book of fictional ghost stories in the festive season, so it was a change to read some that are real, as told to the author. This is a short review, as there is not much else I can say about these, other than that this is an ideal read if you want a seasonal book with more of an edge than traditional ghost stories.

Independently published in 2023.

22/12/2023
Review of ‘True Tales of Haunted Toys’ by Tina Vantyler

If you want to scare yourself silly this spooky season, read this book. It’s the fourth in this series of ‘true tales’, in which people have told the author about their experiences. I think it’s actually the most frightening in the series. The idea of an evil spirit possessing a child’s toy – something innocent, like a doll or teddy bear – is horrifying.

The tales in this short, easy-to-read collection include a puzzle with a ghost in the picture; a vicious scooter with no one riding it; an ancient toy monkey (not a cymbal-playing one though!), a cricket bat with a mind of its own; a cursed woodblock stamping set; a plastic digger with a tragic story, a malevolent set of Russian dolls, a children’s toy telephone which communicates with spirits and even a haunted dog squeaker toy!

In summary, a collection of extremely creepy tales which will probably give you nightmares. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.

Independently published in 2022.

19/10/2023
Review of ‘Real Ghost Stories: Volume 3’ by Tina Vantyler

I returned for a third dose of supernatural shenanigans in this series of real ghost stories, as told to the author. I had found the first book absolutely spine-chilling, while the second one seemed a bit lacking in the scare department. This collection includes content from Ireland as well as the UK, which I think makes a difference as there is more variety. There are some truly frightening accounts, including some unusual ones such as a haunted toilet outhouse and a haunted baker’s table. The worst of all was some kind of satanic manifestation, not quite a ghost story but very disturbing. Are they all completely true? Does it matter? They are written in a compelling style which invites you to read on, despite the prickles of unease at the back of your neck.

If you’re compiling your reading list for the spooky season, this volume should be on it.

Independently published in 2022.

17/09/2023
Review of ‘Real Ghost Stories: True Tales of the Supernatural from the UK’ by Tina Vantyler

Do NOT read this book at bedtime. It’s truly terrifying. I enjoyed it but I was genuinely scared, because these stories are encounters with ghosts as told to the author, who has written them up in very compelling short chapters. If the stories were fiction, they wouldn’t be the scariest. It’s their presentation as ‘true tales’ which makes them particularly spine-chilling and that some of the narrators do not seem to be the sort of people who would believe in ghosts. Some of the spooks in this book are benign, while others are evil. There is an interesting variety of locations and situations, from Blitz victims seen on the Tube, to a glove worn by an invisible hand who stalks a woman on a country walk, to a haunted old sewing box, to a girl standing on her grave on the anniversary of her death. One of the stories in particular was so frightening that I go cold every time I think of it even now. I almost wish I hadn’t read it.

This book is the first in a series. I know I shouldn’t read the others… but I probably will.

Independently published in 2021.

24/05/2023