This collection explores poltergeist cases from both past and present, focusing on some of the most disturbing, destructive, and violent hauntings ever recorded. It features detailed examinations of famous cases such as the Enfield haunting—Britain’s best-known poltergeist case—and the Black Monk of Pontefract, which inspired Colin Wilson’s research into paranormal phenomena. Alongside these well-documented events, the book also highlights lesser-known outbreaks from around the world and across different historical periods. Adding expert insight, ghost investigator Alan Murdie provides analysis, commentary, and updates on the cases discussed. His experience investigating similar phenomena helps readers better understand the ongoing mystery of these so-called “noisy spirits,” blending historical accounts with modern interpretations of unexplained activity.
STEP INTO THE UNEXPLAINED. ANYTIME, ANYWHERE.
INTRODUCTION • GHOST HUNTER, AUTHOR AND WRITER OF THE FORTEAN TIMES ‘GHOSTWATCH’ COLUMN
Poltergeist
THE ENFIELD HAUNTING • In 1977, two investigators from the Society for Psychical Research began an investigation into Britain’s most famous poltergeist case. GUY LYON PLAYFAIR looks back at the strange events at 284 Green Street, Enfield, and what he and his co-investigator Maurice Grosse learned.
ENFIELD ON TV • GUY LYON PLAYFAIR wonders whether adapting classic poltergeist cases into TV dramas is wise when the truth is often far stranger than fiction
THOUGHTS ON THE ENFIELD HAUNTING • FROM OUR POLTERGEIST EXPERT ALAN MURDIE
HOLY GEIST! • In 18th-century Virginia, there was a curious case involving a variety of poltergeist phenomena and a disembodied voice delivering religious messages. ROBERT DAMON SCHNECK asks whether God, the Devil or something else was behind this series of strange incidents…
CUTTING CRESCENTS • Many poltergeists have a unique signature, and the Wizard Clip spook was no exception…
THOUGHTS ON THE WIZARD CLIP CASE • FROM OUR POLTERGEIST EXPERT ALAN MURDIE
ARE FIENDS ELECTRIC? • In 1984, KEN WEBSTER sought the help of paranormal investigators when he found himself at the centre of a case involving classic poltergeist phenomena and strange, archaic messages left on his computer… but did the so-called experts let him down?
THE COMMUNICATIONS
THOUGHTS ON THE VERTICAL PLANE • FROM OUR POLTERGEIST EXPERT ALAN MURDIE
WHEN THE LIGHTS WENT OUT • ALAN MURDIE looks back at one of the most remarkable poltergeist cases on record, a violent and disturbing outbreak in an average semidetached house on a Pontefract estate. The entity behind the outbreak became known as ‘the Black Monk of Pontefract’…
EIGHT GREAT POLTERGEIST OUTBREAKS • The Pontefract poltergeist is not the only one to resist easy explanation or debunking – here are eight more cases to challenge the sceptics.
THOUGHTS ON THE PONTEFRACT CASE • FROM OUR POLTERGEIST EXPERT ALAN MURDIE
THE BALDOON MYSTERY • Was a witch’s curse, vengeful fairies or a poltergeist behind one of 19th century Canada’s most remarkable hauntings? CHRISTOPHER LAURSEN and PAUL CROPPER revisit the ‘Baldoon Mystery’, a fascinating case in which an Ontario farming community was terrorised by “a weird and malicious ghost”.
A CONTEMPORANEOUS ACCOUNT
IN SEARCH OF SWEET JANE
ANGEL AND THE FIRE DEMON • A series of unexplained fires had plagued a family in south-eastern Turkey for almost eight months. FT correspondent and veteran poltergeist researcher PAUL CROPPER tracked the family to Cizre, on the Syrian border, where the firestarting entity appeared to have followed them to their new home.
THOUGHTS ON ANGEL & THE FIRE DEMON • FROM OUR POLTERGEIST EXPERT ALAN MURDIE
GEF THE TALKING MONGOOSE • CHRISTOPHER JOSIFFE travels to...