I got this book as an Early Reviewer and was looking forward to reading it. I like to read occult and haunting books. While it wasn't the best book on the subject I have read it wasn't the worst either. It holds your interest, especially if you are a history buff too. ( )

Received this through Early Reviewers, a couple months ago, due to other reading commitments, I haven't had time to read and review it yet, this serves as a placeholder for the review.

This is a quick read, a lot of fun. Most of it is coincidental, but some stuff really does make you think. Some of the chapter titles are misleading; it seems like they will talk about more than one president, for example, but then end up only relating stories from Lincoln's time in the White House. There are also quite a few long passages from sources, which can get tedious in their old-fashioned, overly descriptive language, contrasted by some very short chapters that last only three or so pages. This book won't change anyone's mind about the existence of UFOs or spirits, but it does make for a fluffy, amusing read. ( )

I thought this book was a fun, lighthearted look at the 'weird and wacky' of the White House. However, it was a more serious, in-depth look at the role the Occult has played in the White House. It doesn't mean that there has been sacrifices, devil worship or anything...think Nancy Regan and her Psychic.

The book was okay and some of the facts were interesting. Since it wasn't exactly what I expected I only thumbed through some stories I thought would be interesting. ( )

I collect books on the occult, and so tend to have an informal criteria when I read them for how "good" they are.

First, how easily does the story read? I'd say this book reads rather well, with a light but matter-of-fact style that flows well and doesn't bog down with either over-abundance of story or leave one wanting from a lack of story. More reporting than folksy storytelling.

Second, what's the angle? First-hand accounts, researched tidbits, legend? This is focused reporting of weirdness around the Nation's presidents and first ladies.

Third, if first-hand accounts or researched tidbits (well, even if recounting legends), how credible are the stories? These stories, while not told in extreme depth, appear credible, and reasonably researched, citing source documents and a selected bibliography of reasonable credibility. Facts are presented as such, and connections/analyses of connections left up to the reader. My only complaint is, perhaps, that much of the information presented in here is "common" knowledge. But altogether collected and presented in an entertaining way I enjoyed. A quick read, and a good addition to any collection of ghost stories and other such materials! ( )