Haunted States: An American Gothic Guidebook by Miranda Corcoran is an engrossing blend of travel writing and cultural analysis that delves into the darker chapters of U.S. history, from witch trials to slavery and genocide, and examines their enduring impact on the nation's collective psyche. Corcoran masterfully connects these historical horrors with the evolution of the American Gothic, exploring how regional landscapes and their histories have shaped the genre's unique forms of terror. Featuring personal travel narratives, historical insights, and interviews, the book offers a thought-provoking journey through the haunted landscapes of America, making it a must-read for fans of horror and cultural history alike.

I'm having a hard time reviewing this book - I did not enjoy reading it all (in fact this one ended early as a "DNF"), but I also don't think it's truly a bad book.

I am a massive fan of horror books and have also recently gotten really into nonfiction books where the author is traveling to interesting parts of the country/world. Therefore, when I saw this book go up for availability I thought this would be the perfect read for me.

The "Gothic Guidebook" is where I felt mislead. If you would be interested in reading a textbook about some places that have some dark history, but that the author writes about in the driest way possible - and makes clear that she doesn't believe in the supernatural, nor does she seem to like most of the places she travels to - then maybe you will enjoy it.

I, however, was not looking to read a textbook taking all the fun out of what should have been a fascinating exploration of the US. I've been to many of the places in the opening section of the book, and her disdain of having to visit there shines through and doesn't make for enjoyable reading. It is clear the author did a lot of research and a lot of traveling, however this is one trip I ended early.

Excellent book. It’s beautifully written and weaves in fascinating details about the gothic history of the U.S. I especially enjoyed learning how mediums and spiritualists played a crucial role in the suffragette and feminist movements. Such an interesting and unexpected connection!

Thank you to the publisher for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

As someone who’s fascinated by both history and the supernatural, I was immediately drawn into this book’s blend of storytelling and in-depth exploration of haunted sites across the U.S. Instead of just focusing on spooky tales, the author digs into each place’s history, connecting the past with the legends that live on today.

That said, there were moments where the book felt a bit heavy. The research is clearly extensive, and while that’s impressive, it sometimes slowed things down, giving parts of the book a more textbook-like feel. In certain sections, I noticed a bit of repetition, which made me wish for a bit more polish to keep the narrative flowing.

Overall, this is a captivating read for anyone who loves haunted places and the stories behind them. It’s a slower, more detailed dive into American folklore. If you're looking for quick scares, this might not be the right book, but if you love history and appreciate a thoughtful approach to folklore, I’d definitely recommend it!

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for the chance to read and enjoy this ARC in exchange of an honest review.

As someone who lives in the U.K. I’m more used to seeing books like this focused on the extensive history, folklore, myths and hauntings from here than anywhere else.
So I was extremely excited to receive the arc of this one. It did not disappoint.
The author has taken us on a journey across the USA, to these eerie, atmospheric and beautiful places.
What I like about this, is that it isn’t just generic “ghost/spooky” stories, it’s packed full of history and inclusive of the cultural elements that make up what is the USA today.
Fascinating and interesting, I had no problem getting into the book, I was engrossed from virtually the beginning.
Such a good, solid read. I’d highly recommend this one. Thank you so much for allowing me an arc, it’s much appreciated and enjoyed.

Received free copy from Netgalley for my honest review. This gives background on many states and the hauntings and stories behind them. There's so many different places in the US to visit and investigate the paranormal. I'm always drawn to anything involving mysteries and the unknown or unexplained so this was right up my alley.

I think I was expecting this to be your average popular ghost stories from each state. But, this was much more than that.

This author definitely put in a ton of research as well as visiting haunted/spiritual locations. Each place told an in-depth history behind what happenings and folklore made it special, the people involved, and what it looks like today. Locals and historians told their stories, and the author voiced her thoughts, feelings, and any questions she was left with. She also included some pictures of the famous sites.

This was not a quick read. As I said, there was a lot of research, and each place was written about in depth. If you are interested in the detailed history behind famous haunted places and not in simple ghost stories or ghost hunting experiences, then this is definitely the book for you.

While this was very interesting, it did get a bit tedious for my easily distracted brain. I received an ebook copy, and I do think a physical copy would do it more justice.

3⭐️

As always, I would like to thank Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to have an advanced ebook copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This was an enjoyable and interesting read. I found the discussions of how these mythologies became prevalent depending on the part of the US, the historical context and the natural landscape playing a part. I especially found the conversation about the swamp leading to more heavy, ‘real’ monsters an interesting take. However, I did find there was less haunting stories than I would have liked. The Texas part especially showcased a lot of ideas that were repeated and repeated over again in a small section, as if Miranda was trying to hit a word count for the section. I also thought the Midwest section was way too short. Overall though, super interesting!

This book had some great and intresting history and info but it almost read more like a text book in places. Even from the very begining I had to stop multiplt times to look words up and that kind of took away from the flow of book. I always loved local haunted books when I would travel and go on vacations in the US as a kid so this material definitely is interesting, the language was just a little too much for me at times and I think it would be the same for the average reader.

Affascinante racconto di viaggio, Haunted States registra il legame fra i diversi territori degli Stati Uniti e i mostri che hanno prodotto nella narrazione orale, nel cinema, nella letteratura, cercando la risposta a una domanda: gli orrori storici e il paesaggio, la particolare commistione di storia e geografia che rende unico ogni luogo, influenza l'immaginario popolare e quindi i mostri che lo infestano?
Ho trovato sia lo spunto che il viaggio intriganti, scorrevole lo stile dell'autrice, e pieno di suggestioni l'intero itinerario.

ARC provided by Repeater Books in exchange for an honest review.

Haunted States by Miranda Corcoran offers a captivating blend of travel writing, history, and cultural analysis, taking readers on a journey through some of the eeriest locations in the United States. Structured around Corcoran’s summer 2022 travels, each chapter explores a haunted site—from Salem’s witch trial legacy to the South’s plantation ghosts—revealing how historical events like slavery, genocide, and injustice have left a lingering presence.

As someone who loves Gothic-style books, I found Corcoran’s exploration of haunted places and dark narratives particularly compelling. The book delves deeply into the Gothic as a lens for understanding how trauma and memory shape both people and places, giving the stories a haunting richness that resonated with me.

Corcoran balances vivid storytelling with thoughtful critique, immersing readers in each location while addressing uncomfortable truths about America’s past. Her ability to connect real-world events with Gothic fiction, folklore, and film adds meaningful context to the eerie narratives.

Whether you're passionate about history, Gothic literature, or ghost stories, Haunted States promises an informative and thought-provoking journey that will leave a lasting impression. This is more than just a travel guide—it’s an invitation to reflect on how the past continues to shape the present, one haunted site at a time.

This is a fascinating travelogue about places in the US known for hauntings, tragedies, and the supernatural of various shades. Corcoran's unique gift to this genre is that she's Irish, and brings an Irish and European sensibility with her to her trip. She wasn't raised on stories of American hauntings and mysteries, so her perspective is one of newly discovered and newly considered historic events, people, and places. She doesn't drive, so much of her travel is done on buses and in cabs, limiting many of the places of pilgrimage she can visit, which also shapes her journey and her outlook. Americans steeped in understanding the traumas and genocides of the colonizing of North America may find some of her insights obvious or tired--her examination of Salem, for example--but I could it interesting and thought-provoking to read a different perspective. That said, the book is often unfocused and there are discussions that could benefit from more nuance; Corcoran's account of religion and the supernatural legacies and practices of New Orleans is a little painful to read for its relative shallowness and lack of better context, and her visit to famous cemeteries in Hollywood is similarly unclear as to purpose and findings. Nonetheless, if you enjoyed Colin Dickey's Ghostland, you'll likely find this a good companion piece.

Clearly impeccably researched, by an accomplished and passionate author…but I just found it really dry, and it was a real chore to plough through. Maybe I should try it again some time, but it really didn’t click for me.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the review copy.

Haunted States is structured around Corcoran's journey across the United States, delving into locations that epitomize various forms of American Gothic, such as ghostly New England, the vampire-infused Southern Gothic, atomic influences in New Mexico and Nevada, and Hollywood-focused California, with a unique look at Midwestern Gothic as well. Corcoran's exploration is deeply rooted in historical context, examining how past horrors continue to influence the national consciousness. She interweaves this historical analysis with examinations of literature and film, providing a nuanced understanding of how these mediums reflect and shape the American Gothic tradition. The book does more than just recount ghost stories; it's a thoughtful consideration of how geography and history converge in the cultural imagination to create uniquely American tales of horror. "Haunted States" is accessible for broad audiences, both avid or academic readers. A compelling read for those interested in American history, horror, and how these elements interlace within the American Gothic framework. Recommended!

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

Miranda Corcoran’s “Haunted States: An American Gothic Guidebook” is a fascinating blend of travel literature and cultural criticism that delves into the eerie and often unsettling history of the United States. This guidebook is a journey through haunted locations and an exploration of the dark narratives that have shaped American consciousness.

The book is structured around Corcoran’s travels across the United States during the summer of 2022. Each chapter focuses on a different location, from the infamous Salem, Massachusetts, to the haunted plantations of the South. Corcoran investigates how historical events, such as witch trials, slavery, and genocide, have left an indelible stain on the places where these tragic miscarriages of justice occur.

Corcoran’s writing is engaging and informative, striking a perfect balance between storytelling and analysis. Her vivid descriptions bring each location to life, while her insightful commentary provides a deeper understanding of the cultural and historical contexts that contribute to the haunting atmosphere. The narrative contains anecdotes and personal reflections, making it a compelling read for both history and supernatural fans.

“Haunted States” explores themes of memory, trauma, and the lingering effects of past atrocities. Corcoran examines how these dark histories continue to influence contemporary American society and culture. This book delves into the concept of the Gothic as a means to view and understand these haunted landscapes, offering a unique perspective on the intersection of places and narratives.

“Haunted States” blends travelogue with cultural criticism. Corcoran addresses the uncomfortable truths about America’s past, and her analysis is thought-provoking and enlightening. She skillfully connects the dots between historical events and their representation in Gothic fiction and film, providing readers with a comprehensive understanding of how these stories impact societal views and fears.

“Haunted States: An American Gothic Guidebook” is a must-read for anyone interested in the darker side of American history and culture. Miranda Corcoran has crafted a book that is informative and captivating, offering readers a unique journey through the haunted heart of the United States.

Whether you’re a fan of Gothic literature, a history enthusiast, or simply someone who enjoys a good ghost story, this guidebook is sure to leave a lasting impression.

Miranda Corcoran’s Haunted States offers a compelling blend of travelogue and cultural criticism, bringing together history, geography, and Gothic horror to explore the dark undercurrents of the American landscape. The book is not your typical guide to haunted houses or ghost stories; it dives much deeper, revealing how the terrifying parts of America’s past—witch trials, slavery, genocide—continue to cast shadows over the nation’s collective consciousness and cultural productions.

Corcoran’s journey across the United States in the summer of 2022 becomes the lens through which she explores the relationship between real historical horrors and the fictional Gothic traditions of American literature and film. The book’s structure weaves together personal travel narrative with historical context, seamlessly integrating interviews and observations about specific locations. These include places that have inspired famous works of Gothic fiction and horror cinema, such as New England, the South, and the West, where each region’s unique landscape has shaped its distinct Gothic tradition.

What sets Haunted States apart is its exploration of how the physical geography of America informs the horror genres that emerge from each region. Corcoran shows how the desolate expanses of the West give rise to tales of isolation and madness, while the South’s tangled history of slavery and racial violence fuels a distinctly Southern Gothic, filled with haunting specters of the past. Her insights into how the landscape shapes horror are thought-provoking and often eerie, making readers look at familiar genres in a new light.

The book also critically examines how America’s Gothic imagination is tied to the country’s darkest histories of oppression, violence, and colonialism. Corcoran doesn’t shy away from confronting how horrors like slavery and the displacement of Indigenous peoples have left their mark on the national psyche. These historical traumas are revealed as the true ghosts that continue to haunt America, often more terrifying than any fictional monsters.

While Haunted States deals with weighty historical and cultural issues, Corcoran’s writing is accessible and engaging. Her first-person narrative, filled with vivid descriptions of her travels and the places she visits, adds a personal dimension that makes the history feel immediate and relevant. The supplemental interviews with locals, historians, and cultural critics provide additional perspectives, enriching the book’s analysis.

One of the strengths of Haunted States is its ability to speak to both academic readers interested in cultural studies and casual readers drawn to the American Gothic and horror genres. It invites readers to reconsider the landscapes they know and reflect on the unsettling realities beneath the surface of American history.

In conclusion, Haunted States is a hauntingly insightful work that combines travel writing with cultural critique, offering a fresh and critical look at how the horrors of the past continue to influence American art, culture, and identity. It is essential reading for anyone interested in the intersection of history, geography, and the Gothic, as well as those who want to understand how America’s landscapes are as haunted by real history as they are by fictional horrors.

This book is fantastic. It is a thorough exploration (and guide) to different areas of the vast US, searching for the creepy stories that shaped our nation and the intricate relationships between landscape, history and local lore. From the green forest of Vermont and the birth of spiritualism , to the arid desert of New Mexico with its almost Martian geography , going through the revenants who inhabits the Deep South bayous, and much more, this book makes you want to pack and start the ultimate American road trip. A real treat of a book!

Thank you for this one! I love it so much! I might buy a copy. I love our ghosts. USA has the best ghosts.

Wasn’t my favorite, dragged a bit but full of interesting facts about interesting places.
If you’re into nonfiction about spooky places give it a shot.

Part travel log, part local histories, and cultural criticism. I’ve said for a long time, if you dig into local lore and ghost stories you will find some facinating history. While I liked the format of this book, it was dry and I struggled to finish it. I had such high hopes.

Thank you NetGalley and Repeater. #HauntedStates #NetGalley.