Cape Cod Book Reviews

Cape Cod Books That Go Bump in the Night

'Tis that time of the year when things that go bump in the night bump just a little louder and more often, especially on Cape Cod.  As you prepare for your annual Halloween party or trick or treat, why not take a moment and relax with a book from this season's crop of ghostly Cape Cod tales?

We've put together a list of sure to be favorites--all ghoulishly fun.  From haunted sea captain's homes to ballpark phantoms, you'll surely find something to give you a creepy Cape Cod chill.

Haunted Pubs of New England: Raising Spirits of the Past, deals with two of this reviewer's favorite topics, spirits and spirits.  Author Roxie J. Zwicker takes the reader on a whirlwind tour of some of New England's oldest watering holes.  Haunted Pubs reads like a Fodors of spirited salons, seventeen pubs in six states including detailed historic information as well as menu reviews of many of the locations.  After all, ghost hunting can make any parapsychologist a bit peckish. 

Included are some of the Cape's oldest taverns including the Old Yarmouth Inn on Route 6A in Yarmouth Port where glasses are rumored to glide along the tavern bar, doors swing open on their own and servers hear their names uttered in empty rooms.  And you won't want to miss a evening of jazz at the Duck Creeke Tavern where spirits are thought to join in and jam.

Haunted Pubs of New England: Raising Spirits of the Past, published by History Press, is available at local bookstores and online.  ISBN 978-1-59629-281-9

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The next is not a book at all, but a clever card game from Cockle Cove Press, the publishers of the Cape Cod Haunted Map and Cape Encounters.  Illustrated by Ethan Renoe, a 17 year old from Osterville who aspires to one day illustrate comic books, and designed by Christine Antonellis, Scary Cape Creatures is a game of strategy featuring delighfully spooky drawings.

Local folklore comes to life as Cape Cod creatures, ghosts, pirates, witches and Native American spirits come to life and do battle using the "fourfold powers of nature".  As you hone your skills, learn interesting "facts" about the likes of such creatures as the Maskanako, the Pamet Puma and night hags.  

Play your cards right and you and your family will have many an interesting tale to tell around the campfire.  The Scary Cape Creatures card game is the perfect addition to any Cape Cod cottage's game cupboard.  

The game, a collaboration between Gary Joseph, Dan Gordon and Ethan Renoe, is designed for 2-4 players and is recommended for ages 8 and up.  It is available at select book and gift shops Cape-wide or by contacting Cockle Cove Press.       

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It's back to Yarmouth for a delightful collection of ghostly encounters courtesy of the Historical Society of Old Yarmouth (HSOY).  Ghosts, Myths and Legends: As Told to the Historical Society of Old Yarmouth is a very personal collection of stories from residents and workers in this very historic town. 

Although containing stories from all of Yarmouth as well as a few towns beyond, some of the book's most intriguing tales come from Yarmouth Port.  Old King's Highway or Route 6A winds its way through an impressive assortment of old sea captain's homes, some now private residences, others retail stores, restaurants and charming B&Bs in Yarmouth Port.  Many tell tales of ghostly voices, footsteps and of objects either disappearing or moving of their own accord.

It is interesting though that most of the people sharing their stories, don't feel frightened or menaced.  Several of the ghosts seem to be protecting their homes, often showing approval (and at times disapproval) of changes made in their homes.  Many of the home and business owners have almost reached an understanding with their otherworldly boarders.

Pick up a copy of Ghosts, Myths and Legends--you just might learn a little something about a neighbor or two.

The book was edited by Nancy Cacioppo and compiled by Nancy Cacioppo, Joel Chaison, Donna Cote, Sally Jackson, Duncan Oliver, Wendy Prange and Maureen Rukstalis. ISBN: 978-0-9625068-6-4 

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This week's Red Sox World Series win has everyone interested in baseball--even ghost hunters.  Haunted Baseball: Ghosts, Curses, Legends and Eerie Events by Mickey Bradley and Dan Gordon (c0-author of  Cape Encounters) have penned a collection featuring the eerie side of America's favorite pastime.  The authors, Bradley a Yankees fan (try to overlook it) and Gordon a diehard Red Sox fan, interviewed more than eight hundred players, managers and coaches as well as stadium workers and fans to expose the supernatural side of the baseball diamond.

You won't be able to stop turning the pages as you read personal accounts of some of your favorite players, many formerly of the Cape Cod Baseball League.  The stories told within in these pages show, a love of baseball and of historic parks such as Boston's beloved Fenway that may very possibly extend into the afterlife.

Haunted Baseball, published by The Lyons Press, is available at local bookstores and online. ISBN 978-1-59921-022-3.

See a list of local bookstores here.