Reviews
"I was bowled over by the exceptional quality of the writing and research in this book. No dreary recounting of the same old Resurrection Mary and Devil Baby of Hull House stories, but a skillful blend of history, legend, and contemporary stories. . . . An absolutely first-rate book!"
—Chris Woodyard, Invisible Ink, Fall 1997
"Written by a local historian and parapsychology researcher, this book presents the most up-to-date information on haunted sites in Chicago. It is filled with interesting stories, including some on haunted spots covered by FATE."
—Frank Spaeth, FATE Magazine, "Book Reviews: Worth Noting," November 1997
"Not only does author Ursula Bielski relate these famous and little-known haunting legends, but she also gives us the historical facts surrounding these stories along with background information from the field of parapsychology. . . . Readers will find ghost stories that have been explained, stories that are still unexplained, the interplay of history and legend, the spread of urban legends, interesting slices of Chicago history throughout, and well-known people, places, and events of Chicago’s past. Chicago Haunts is unique and a "must read" for anyone with an interest in the paranormal!"
—The Midwest Book Review, August 22, 1997
"Chicago is alive with reputedly 'undead' sites, and from my corner you can ask for no better guide to them then local author Ursula Bielski. . . . Bielski, who grew up an 'an apparently haunted house,' serves up a fascinating sampling of 160 years of her hometown's phantoms, ably dovetailing eerie legends with in-depth anecdotal testimony, parapsychological insights, and clear-eyed cultural-historical interpretation. Bielski's perceptiveness about collective memory and popular consciousness balance intellectual investigation with an open-minded respect for folklore and an obvious delight in her subject."
—Jean Kozlowski, Cricket in the Corner, 1998
"Bielski has written two lively and engaging guidebooks . . . The serious reseracher who leaves these books aside . . . does so at his or her own peril . . . [S]uch books remind us that very fertile ground for careful, SPR-like investigation exists all around us. . . . [T]hey include a lively and intelligent historical context for the tales told [and] also . . . trace the contours of the shared folklore underlying the experiences themselves."
—Paola Giovetti, International Journal of Parapsychology, Volume XI, Number 2, 2000
". . . [Ursula Bielski] has penned a lively account of paranormal experience, or psi phenomena, and along the way she tells much of the history of the near north side and the Chicago area in general."
—Arnie Matanky, Near North News, "Why do ghosts dig near north side?" September 27, 1997
"If you, like most Chicago area residents, love the famous stories of the area's paranormal phenomena, this book's a must read this October. And, to make it better, Bielski is a good writer. . . . Within the book, there is great reading—whether one believes or disbelieves. . . . Those who love ghostly lore will want this book. It is the first such book in Chicago history that combines historical fact with stories told by generations of residents. . . . It is well worth the price."
—Joanne Zerkel, The Star, "Suburban ghosts top stories in new book," October 2, 1997
"It is a hard book to put down and a great way to spend an autumn evening. . . whether near or far from this haunted city."
—Troy Taylor, Whitechapel Productions Ghost Book Catalog, Halloween Edition, 1997
" . . . a book filled with goose-pimply stories that no one should read alone on a dark stormy night. . . . I think this book would appeal to most anyone. For history buffs, your voracious appetite for facts about Chicago will be satiated. For those who love drama, there is certainly enough heartache in Chicago's past to make anyone weep. And not to forget about those people who love to share in the myths and legends of the city, you are in for a treat."
—Lisa Gulotta, Barfly, October 1997
"This is a fun, fact-filled ghost-history textbook. . . . the way . . . the whole book . . . [is] written is true to the author's passions as historical researcher and ghostlore glorifier. . . . This book is intriguing: at first reading, it boggles the mind how these stories and the book's facts go together. . . . Halloween is now upon us and this book is the perfect thing to get you in the spooky mood."
—P.J. Flynn, Inside, October 15, 1997
". . . [R]eading the book was a pleasure. It gives an insight into the city of Chicago in a well-written manner. Chicago Haunts is one of those books that you can't put down."
—Kunal Ahuja, The Loyola Phoenix, "Book exposes the underworld of Chicago, literally: New book reveals Windy City sites and stories of ghostly lore past and present," October 29, 1997
"This book is wonderful. The stories are riveting and often heartbreaking, the layout is easy to read, and Bielski's command of the English language is appreciated. . . . It is obvious that Bielski devoted countless hours of research and interviews to write this book. The result is pure enjoyment. . . . a fascinating glimpse into the Chicago that most people never know. Buy it, buy it, buy it!"
—Catherine Ward, Amazon.com, 5 of 5 stars, "Excellent book for history buffs and ghost nuts," May 21, 2003
"This follow-up book (More Chicago Haunts) to the incredible Chicago Haunts is equally as impressive and hard to put down. While most 'sequel' books are obviously comprised of filler material and rushed to press to capitalize on an earlier success, it is evident that this book was painstakingly researched. It is beautifully done. Bielski doesn't just recount ghost stories; she weaves in sympathy, historical fact, and sometimes humor to present artfully written short stories. Her hard work does not go unnoticed in this book. If you love Chicago history, ghost stories, or just good reading, this is a book for you."
—Catherine Ward, Amazon.com, 5 of 5 stars, "Ursula has done it again," May 21, 2003
"So many of these ghostly compendiums are sloppily researched and written for the lowest common denominator. Not so with this book. Bielski is first and foremost a historian, a 'ghost scholar' second. Her stories of these Chicago legends, many of them done to death (sorry), resonate with a scholar's respect for research and a sociologist's eye for the big picture. A ripping good read."
—Reviewer, Amazon.com, 5 of 5 stars, "Spooky, not hokey!" August 27, 1999
"This book is as thoroughly compelling and insightful as it is entertaining and frightening. It is quite obvious that the author is well-versed in the ghostlore and history of her big-shouldered hometown. The research is painstaking in detail and reveals a book that is definitely not the work of an amateur ghost chaser but rather that of a learned professional. The work is serious yet lively and engaging. It is by far the best book ever published on Chicago ghostlore and paranormality. Not an after dark book for the faint of heart. Two thumbs up."
—Reviewer, Amazon.com, 5 of 5 stars, "Thoroughly compelling and insightful," September 16, 1998
"Far from a bland re-hashing of tired Chicago ghost legends, this volume is nothing less than a masterpiece of regional 'true' ghostlore. The author has taken on a tremendous task and has succeeded with rare brilliance. Not only does she masterfully combine the existing folklore with impressive firsthand accounts from all manner of witnesses, she speaks from one familiar with the field of parapsychology yet gifted with a lively voice for storytelling. Even if you are not a Chicagoan, you won't be able to put down this truly informed, amazingly thorough collection of undeniably urban, yet warmly local lore."
—Reviewer, Amazon.com, 5 of 5 stars, "A masterpiece of regional 'true' ghostlore," September 4, 1998
"She has uncovered a great deal of historical fact that has previously been neglected or simply forgotten and, that alone, makes this book worth reading. It is a book that records some fantastic Chicago stories that ran a very good chance of being forgotten and is an indispensable book for anyone with an interest in Chicago history and the ghosts left behind."
—J. Winterbauer, Amazon.com, 5 of 5 stars, "Great addition to any library," Debember 4, 2005
"Bielski responds to hungry readers' continuing craving for otherworldly weirdness by reviewing her files for stories she sifted out of both of her previous Chicago-focused titles. As the subtitle indicates, these stories delineate a fascinating expanse of human consciousness that lies somewhere between subjective experience and synthesizing belief. Bielski's talent for placing myth in the context of its culture, time, and place without dissecting the thrill out of it makes her work an illuminating, entertaining ride through Chicago history from the delightfully skewed angle of enduring energies that go way beyond the city's 'I Will' ethic. Her sense of humor infuses her open-minded investigator's rationality with a kind of hip campfire storyteller's glee. Don't miss the unique legacies Bielski unearths here and throughout her addictively haunting volumes."
—Reviewer, Amazon.com, 5 of 5 stars, "Addictive Folklore," February 20, 2003
"This is a gorgeous book on Chicago Ghosts. I have long been interested in ghosts and hauntings particularly in the Midwest, and I have read at least a few collections of regional ghostlore. Well, this stands out. . . . Anyone who is interested in Chicago ghostlore or even ghosts will go mad over this book. It's that good."
—Reviewer, Amazon.com, 5 of 5 stars, "Good Information on Ghost in Chicago," May 31, 2003
"Yikes! Great, great, great writing that is a Chicago 'must-have' for historians and legend seekers alike. Our younger daughter loved it, recommended it to others and it has taken on a life of its own among young readers."
—Mark F. Braun, Amazon.com, 5 of 5 stars, "The bible of Chicago ghost hunters!," August 19, 2002
"Author Ursula Bielski not only has put together a well researched book on Chicago ghost folklore but one that serves, in part, as a intriguing history lesson on events and places in the city. After reading this book I ran out and got More Chicago Haunts (also by the same author); needless to say, I have not been disappointed with either book."
—M. Waren, Amazon.com, 5 of 5 stars, "Things that go Bump in the Night in the Windy City," July 14, 2002
"I just loved Ms. Bielski's other two books, so I was excited to find a follow-up to Chicago Haunts. As a local, I really enjoy hearing the ghostly lore of places I know, and Ms. Bielski does not disappoint! This book has some great little (and not-so-little) legends. . . . Anyway, If you like to read about the strange little haunted history of backyard Chicago, this is definitely for you! It is right on track with Ms. Bielski's other great two books."
—K. King, Amazon.com, 5 of 5 stars, "A Great Follow-up," January 5, 2001
Also in Print
Chicago Tribune
Chicago Tribune Magazine
Chicago Sun-Times
The National Enquirer
North Shore Magazine
Ghosts of the Prairie Magazine
Chicago Reader
Newcity
The New World
Lerner neighborhood papers
Pioneer Press suburban newspapers
Southwest News Herald
Berwyn/Cicero Life
The Daily Journal (Kankakee)
Commercial-News (Danville)
Happy Halloween Magazine
On the Air
Documentaries for A&E, The History Channel, The Learning Channel, The Travel Channel, and PBS
Chicago Cable Access, Northside Neighbors
CLTV, Chicago, Front and Center
CLTV, Chicago, Morning News
Library Cable Network, North Suburban Chicago
WFLD–Channel 32, Chicago, Fox Morning News
WGN–Channel 9, Chicago, Saturday Morning News
WLS–Channel 7, Chicago, Chicagoing with Bill Campbell
WTTW–Channel 11, Chicago PBS, Chicago Tonight
WUPN–Channel 50, Chicago, Ben Loves Chicago
WBBM–FM, Chicago, Eddie & JoBo Morning Show
WGN–AM, Chicago, The Joe Show
WGN–AM, Chicago, Spike O'Dell Show
WGN–AM, Chicago, The Sunday Papers with Rick Kogan
AM–1000, Chicago, The Steve Cochran Morning Show
WGTD–FM, Wisconsin Public Radio, The Bill Guy Show
For press kits and review copies of all Lake Claremont Press titles,
and for information on media interviews, bookstore/library programs, and other events,
contact Elizabeth Sattelberger at 312/226-8400 or elizabeth@lakeclaremont.com.