5 books featuring ghost stories to read when you want to plan a haunted tour

Are you looking for some ghost stories to get you into the spooky season spirit? Do you want to plan a haunted destination trip and need some inspiration? Then we have the perfect books for you!

When it comes to ghost stories, there are so many to choose from. Luckily, there are quite a few books that bring those stories together based on similar themes. In fact, Arcadia Publishing might just be the real home of all things spooky thanks to their lineup of books revolving around ghosts, witches, and other spooky occurrences.

Over the years, I have collected so many books dedicated to ghost stories and spooky tales, especially related to the New England states. So what are some of the best on the market? And what do I recommend for people looking for those spooky vibes?

5 books dedicated to ghost stories that will get you into the spirit of spooky season

New England's Haunted Route 44
by Thomas D'Agostino and Arlene Nicholson

If you have ever taken a drive on Route 44 in New England during the Fall, especially later in the day, you may have noticed some spooky things along the way. And that makes sense as there are plenty of ghost stories revolving around this stretch of road. If you want to get a little bit spooked, check out these stories and maybe plan a drive along this haunted route.

Ghost Towns of New England: Thirty-Two Locations Lost to Time
by Taryn Plumb

I actually stumbled across this book on a recent trip to Barnes & Noble. It was on display as part of their spooky books for the season table, and I had to have it. As someone who has written about a haunted town in Connecticut in the past, I knew I needed to give this a read. And I am so glad that I did. If ever you want to plan a truly haunted tour of New England, this is the way to do it. Of course, it helps that you will end up getting to see some amazing scenery along the way as well.

Washington, D.C.: Ghosts, Legends, and Lore
by E. Ashley Rooney

Honestly, the fact that Washington, D.C. has a lot of ghost stories of its own is not surprising, but until I found this book I didn't really know any of them. Luckily, I am so glad I found this book at a local used book sale. It actually allowed me to learn more about our country's capital, while also giving me a potential guide for where to visit the next time I am in D.C.

Speaking With the Spirits of the Old Southwest by Dan Baldwin, Rhonda Hull and Dwight Hull

This is the kind of book I didn't know what to think going in, but since I found it at a book sale, I decided to try itI didn't know what to think going in, but since I found it at a book sale, I decided to give it a try. Described as "conversations with Miners, Outlaws & Pioneers who still roam ghost towns." It made me want to head to Arizona immediately. This was a fascinating look at the ghosts of the past, done in a way that is less like ghost stories and more like a chance to learn about the people who may still haunt the areas where they lived and died.

Ghosts of Berkeley County, South Carolina
by Bruce Orr

Honestly, this book drew me in and made me want to hop a plane to South Carolina for Halloween. There are some fascinating stories, as well as some spooky ones. It is a great opportunity to see beyond some of the more obvious destinations in the state, including Charleston, which has its own ghost stories. "Join local author and investigator Bruce Orr as he recounts the spine-tingling stories behind these apparitions, including the spirits of early colonists that still linger in the pines, the feared Cymbee water spirits of the Gullah culture and the dreaded Cherokee witch Spear Finger, who craves the livers of unsuspecting victims." After reading this one, I wanted to read more Southern ghost stories, and I plan to ASAP. In fact, maybe this Halloween will be dedicated to ghost stories and not horror movies.

As an honorable mention, I do have to recommend Haunted Colleges and Universities of Massachusetts
by Renee Mallett. This was an interesting read, and it was one that made you really think about what goes on at places of higher education. There were some spooky stories to this book, and it definitely made me glad I never actually lived on campus.