David J. PitkinCritiques

I enjohyed this book more than Pitkin's [b:Ghosts of the Northeast|1998558|Ghosts of the Northeast|David J. Pitkin|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1191598809s/1998558.jpg|2002362]. Generally the stories in this book were a little longer and less repetitive. It seemed like the author was more methodical, as if he were in less of a hurry.

Like too many ghost books there are vague references making it difficult to check. For example, not giving last names (Emily on page 94) or "Let's just call him Mike" (page 262.)

There were far fewer incorrect comments about architecture and the underground railroad. But on page 127 the author goes on a little flight of fancy "Was Timothy a slave refugee from southern plantations who stopped in mid-flight into freedom in Canada, choosing [?] to become a freeman laborer in central New York State?" As if it were that easy.

On page 164 Pitkin recounts the story of a psychic who had visions about a dead woman. Again there were no names but her killer had murdered at least 8 women in Poughkeepsie. At the time of his arrest, Kendall Francois was 27 years old and unemployed having been let go from his job as a hall monitor at the local high school. He had taken courses at the local community college in previous years but it would be a lot more accurate to describe him as a street person than a college student. His story is told in the book [b:Body Dump|517141|Body Dump|Fred Rosen|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1175466108s/517141.jpg|505075].

I enjohyed this book more than Pitkin's [b:Ghosts of the Northeast|1998558|Ghosts of the Northeast|David J. Pitkin|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1191598809s/1998558.jpg|2002362]. Generally the stories in this book were a little longer and less repetitive. It seemed like the author was more methodical, as if he were in less of a hurry.

Like too many ghost books there are vague references making it difficult to check. For example, not giving last names (Emily on page 94) or "Let's just call him Mike" (page 262.)

There were far fewer incorrect comments about architecture and the underground railroad. But on page 127 the author goes on a little flight of fancy "Was Timothy a slave refugee from southern plantations who stopped in mid-flight into freedom in Canada, choosing [?] to become a freeman laborer in central New York State?" As if it were that easy.

On page 164 Pitkin recounts the story of a psychic who had visions about a dead woman. Again there were no names but her killer had murdered at least 8 women in Poughkeepsie. At the time of his arrest, Kendall Francois was 27 years old and unemployed having been let go from his job as a hall monitor at the local high school. He had taken courses at the local community college in previous years but it would be a lot more accurate to describe him as a street person than a college student. His story is told in the book [b:Body Dump|517141|Body Dump|Fred Rosen|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1175466108s/517141.jpg|505075].

Pitkin's writing is phenomonal. His level of research into each story should be the standard for true ghost hunters and book writers. Yes, it's mostly based on his personal experiences at each site, but it brings a different spin to the story.

Pitkin's writing is phenomonal. His level of research into each story should be the standard for true ghost hunters and book writers. Yes, it's mostly based on his personal experiences at each site, but it brings a different spin to the story.

At last! Dave can really write!
His ghost stories are always fascinating, but I am always wishing he had presented them in a different order -

Full of intrigue - suspense - if you like police/ crime television shows like Law and Order, you'll like this book.
Actually like the short-lived Raines with Jeff Goldblum. Good crime story, a small touch of the supranatural.

Longer does not mean better. Many of the collected haunting accounts are based solely on a single witness (usually not author) and the author's opinions on spirits and spirituality colors the work to its detriment. The blub on the back by Holzer is strangely unflattering. Pass on this one.