Spooky season is here – the perfect time to read some real-life Welsh ghost books!
As the rain lashes down and we count the days to Halloween – or Nos Calan Gaeaf in Welsh – why not scare yourself silly in front of a roaring open fire with one of Mark Rees‘ spine-chilling collections?
There are three books dedicated to the weird and wonderful available – a “trilogy of terror”, if you will! They are: Ghosts of Wales: Accounts from the Victorian Archives, The A-Z of Curious Wales, and Paranormal Wales.
Where can I buy these Welsh ghost books?
All three books in the “trilogy of terror” are available from all good bookshops. You can also buy them online from the books section.
Signed copies are available from The Comix Shoppe in Swansea. Supplies are limited, so please check with them before travelling. They run a standing order and mail order service, and will be happy to put a copy safely to one side for you.
Welsh ghost books by Mark Rees
Paranormal Wales
Published 2020, Amberley Publishing
Wales is said to be the most haunted country in the world. Restless spirits roam the ancient land, from the lofty peaks of Snowdonia to the dark depths of the abandoned mines. In Paranormal Wales author Mark Rees takes the reader on a spine-chilling journey to dozens of these locations, which include well-known tourist landmarks and more secluded spots well off the beaten track.
Click here to order Paranormal Wales by Mark Rees
The A-Z of Curious Wales
Published 2019, The History Press
Wales’ history is packed with peculiar customs and curious characters. Here you will discover alien landscapes, ancient druids and a Victorian ghost hunter.
Find out why revellers would carry a decorated horse’s skull on a pole door to door at Christmastime, how an eccentric inventor hoped to defeat Hitler with his futuristic ray gun, and why a cursed wall is protected by a global corporation for fear it might destroy a town.
Click here to order The A-Z of Curious Wales by Mark Rees
Ghosts of Wales: Accounts from the Victorian Archives
Published 2017, The History Press
“Do you believe in ghosts? Then attend to my story! Laugh as we may at the idea of ghosts, people do believe in ghosts, and fear them.”
In the Victorian era, sensational ghost stories made headline news.
Spine-chilling reports of two-headed phantoms, murdered knights and spectral locomotives filled the press. Spirits communicated with the living at dark séances, forced terrified families to flee their homes, and caused frightened workers to down their tools at the haunted mines.
Click here to order Ghosts of Wales: Accounts from the Victorian Archives by Mark Rees
Ghosts & Folklore of Wales podcast for Halloween
As well as the books, be sure to check out the Ghosts & Folklore of Wales podcast this Halloween.
There are five (five!) Halloween specials dedicated to the spookiest night of the year, and many more eerie episodes which are perfect listening as the nights draw in.
Here are some we think you might enjoy… if you dare to listen!
• The History of Halloween: From ancient Celtic festival to American holiday
• The Dog of Darkness; or, Gwyllgi, the Welsh Hound of Hell
• The Two-Headed Phantom of Wales; or, the grisly tale of the ghost with an extra head
• The Wraith of a Murderer Stalks Abroad: a real-life ghost story from haunted Wales
Visit the Ghosts of Wales podcast page for a FULL list of every creepy episode!