Ghost Investigator

2009-07-11T17:01:00.000-07:00

Update

As I sit here watching my Mets finally scoring some runs, I thought I would post a quick update as to what's been going on in the ghost investigating world. I'm almost finished with Volume 9, and it will have some of my best cases yet--they even gave me the creeps! It should be in print and available in early September, and I will be adding some highlights and tantalizing tidbits in the coming weeks. I also hope to get back to a place I wrote about in 1998, and have been waiting 11 years to return to do a full investigation. Stay tuned! Now back to my Mets...

2009-05-10T15:10:00.000-07:00

NEW EVENT: I will be speaking at the Millbrook Book Festival in Millbrook, NY on Saturday, May 16. I will be on a panel discussing various things to do in the Hudson Valley (guess what my topic is) at the Lyall Church from 11am to Noon. I have never taken part in one of these festivals, but it appears as if they have over 70 authors speaking and signing their books on just about every topic imaginable. For more info, go to: http://www.millbrookbookfestival.org/

Hope to see you there!

And don't forget my presentation on my new book, "Hudson Valley Haunts: Historic Driving Tours", at the West Nyack, NY library on May 20 at 7:30pm.

2009-04-24T06:59:00.000-07:00

The Forbidden Ghost Investigator

My friend and webmaster David Hamilton recently went to China, and made sure that Ghost Investigator was respresented. Here he is in the Forbidden City, which I bet has a few ghosts of its own. Thanks Dave! If anyone else has a photo of them wearing Ghost Investigator gear in some interesting local, send it and I may post it!

2009-04-02T13:35:00.000-07:00

I'll Be Back!

I'm very pleased to announce that I will be back on the lecture circuit starting Sunday, April 26 at 3pm at the Shadowlands Theater at 157 Canal Street in Ellenville, NY. I will be giving a presentation on my latest book, Hudson Valley Haunts: Historic Driving Tours, which contains historic haunted sites from Rockland County up to Saratoga. All of the sites are open to the public, so I think it would be a great summer vacation book for planning some fascinating day trips--or spending a week eating in haunted restaurants, sleeping in haunted hotels, and visiting haunted mansions, battlefields, etc. An added bonus of speaking at the Shadowlands is that it is an old haunted theater which I previously investigated and wrote about, so I'm hoping we will get some "special" visitors that day. After the lecture I'll be signing books and would love to hear from anyone who has a haunted site worth investigating. Hope to see you there!

2009-02-19T09:44:00.000-08:00

Ready for Shipping

Hudson Valley Haunts: Historic Driving Tours has arrived! The book contains the fascinating stories and visitor information on haunted historic sites you can visit throughout the Hudson Valley. To order an autographed copy, you can use Paypal or regular mail. For Paypal, please send $20 to lindazim@optonline.net . For regular mail, please send a check or money order to Linda Zimmermann, PO Box 192, Blooming Grove, New York, 10914. Don't forget to let me know if you would like a special inscription (like Happy Birthday, Happy Ghost Hunting, etc.).

2009-02-09T11:35:00.000-08:00

New Book has Arrived!

I was very surprised and excited to just receive my author's copies of my new book "Hudson Valley Haunts" two months ahead of schedule! (When is anything ever ahead of schedule?) I'll take that as a good omen that the book will be a success.
Personally, I am delighted with the job Schiffer Publishing did with the layout and design, and I think both ghost and travel enthusiasts will get a kick out of exploring all the locations--or simply reading about them.
I will be ordering more books soon, so if you would like to get on an ordering list for an autographed copy please email me. The book is $16.99, and I would think a few dollars will cover media mail shipping. More details will follow, but I wanted to give everyone a heads up that it's now in print.
Of course, feel free to order from your local bookstore now. The ISBN is 9780764331732.

2009-01-25T11:07:00.000-08:00

Now appearing on Facebook...

Thanks to Tom Zimmermann, I now have a Facebook Fan page:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Linda-Zimmermann/116636310250

Guess I have been in the Dark Ages (or at least in dark basements hunting ghosts), because Facebook is all new to me, so it will take a while for me to build up some content on the site, but please drop by and join my page!

2009-01-25T11:04:00.000-08:00

New Book Project, Looking for Suggestions

I am working on a new ghost book project that will include sites in all 50 states, and I would appreciate any suggestions. It will be written in the same style as the Hudson Valley book which is coming out in a few months (see Dec 22 blog entry). Each site needs 2 things : historic significance, and a ghost. For example, haunted battlefields, historic homes, hotels, etc. Many historic sites get very indignant when one mentions the "G-word", so I need places that are open and willing to talk about their ghost stories. I would love to receive your suggestions, and if you have any personal experiences with the sites, even better! Email me at lindazim@optonline.net Thanks!

2008-12-22T10:26:00.000-08:00

New Book Announcement!

I'm very excited to announce that I have a new book arriving in the spring of 2009. Hudson Valley Haunts: Historic Driving Tours looks at dozens of fascinating sites that you can visit, from Rockland County up to Saratoga Springs. For years people have been asking where they can go to experience a haunting, so here's the guide that explains the history of the location, the ghostly activity, and all the vistor information (directions, times, fees, etc.) you need. The book includes historic homes, hotels, battlefields, and restaurants, so you can plan an entire Haunted Hudson Valley vacation. Stay tuned for the release date (probably April) and the list of appearances and book signings throughout the Hudson Valley.

2008-12-08T06:48:00.000-08:00

On the DL

My apologies to everyone for not keeping up with the blog. As some of you know, life has thrown me a serious medical challenge and my sole focus has been on my health. I hope to get back on my feet in early 2009 and jump right back into investigations, so please keep sending those suggestions about haunted locations.

My warmest holiday wishes to everyone!

2008-08-27T08:07:00.000-07:00

NEW BOOK NOW AVAILABLE!

Time really flies when your hunting ghosts--I can't believe I'm already up to Volume 8 in the Ghost Investigator series. This book has two of my favorite cases, the amazing story of Fort Montgomery battlefield and the spine-tingling encounters at the Ulster County Jail. There are two haunted Bed & Breakfasts if you would like to spend the night with ghosts, and some wild stories involving private homes where the owners are fighting back against the negative entities. In other words, if you enjoy true, firsthand accounts (where there is actually evidence to back up the cases, unlike some shows that will remain nameless...) you will love this book.

Ordering info will be up on the website soon, but if you just can't wait drop me an email and I'll personally sign and send you a copy right away.

2008-06-28T09:32:00.000-07:00

COMING SOON!

For years people have been asking for Ghost Investigator shirts and hats, and I've finally found a company that was able to do a great job embroidering my logo. I will soon have embroidered hats and printed shirts (both long and short sleeve) for sale on my website. Stay tuned...

2008-06-16T05:07:00.000-07:00

Suicide House

In Ghost Investigator Volume 7 I wrote about a house where a man committed suicide, and I had some very unpleasant experiences (to put it mildly). One of this man's favorite spots to sit, when he was alive, was on a kitchen counter during family dinners on Sundays. I had set up a Tri-field meter on the counter on that spot, and aimed an infrared camcorder at it, and then left the room. When reviewing the tape later, I could hear the Tri-field going off, then a black spot raced across the field of view, from left to right just on the top edge of the bright area of light. The homeowners assured us that there were no bats or very large flying insects in the house and no windows were open, so what could it have been? (Winged insects and moths always show up a very bright white in infrared. This is the first time a moving spot has appeared so black.) Activity has picked up in this house recently--in the form of yet another different apparition--so stay tuned for a possible return investigation.

2008-05-14T16:11:00.000-07:00

Eastern State Penitentiary with Darkness Radio and TAPS

A couple of weeks ago I had the pleasure again of speaking at the paranormal conference hosted by Darkness Radio and TAPS at Eastern State Penitentiary, and once again it was a great time.

Here I am with Jim and Kelly from Chattanooga as we await the bus to take us to prison for the night. We had some fascinating results with their K2 meter, getting direct responses to our questions. There were also a few pokes, some odd noises, and something moving in the shadows. All in all, an excellent night of ghost hunting. If you've never been to Eastern State, move it to the top of your "To Do" list.

One thing that surprised me was how "clean" the prison is now, compared to my first visit about seven years ago. (See Ghost Investigator Volume 2 for the story.) Back then, debris covered the floors and you needed sturdy hiking boots as you crunched over plaster, glass, and who knows what. For me, it did detract a bit from the spooky nature of the place, but as soon as activity picked I could have cared less how messy or clean things were. And as you can see, the cell blocks are still sufficiently spooky.

One last thing, you know you are in prison when you see a sign like this:

So if you've never been on one of these trips before, or listened to Darkness Radio (and shame on you if you haven't), check out their website: http://darknessradio.com/

Thanks again to Jim and Kelly, it was a lot of fun and best of luck with your future ghost hunting!

2008-04-23T12:46:00.000-07:00

Just got back from the first "Phenomecon" in Columbus, Indiana, and I had a great time. A few hundred ghost hunters and paranormal enthusiasts gathered at the historic--and haunted--Crump Theater and Ben Teague of Eerie Radio did a tremendous job of organizing the event.

May this be the first of many Phenomecons to come!

2008-04-23T12:16:00.000-07:00

The 7th annual
Pennsylvania Paranormal Conference
April 12, 2008 at the haunted Bube's Brewery- Mt. Joy, Pennsylvania

I recently had the pleasure of speaking at the 7th annual Pennsylvania Paranormal conference. Rick Fisher runs a great conference and if you've never attended one, make plans for next year. The setting is very cool--an old haunted brewery with underground caves that used to keep the beer cold and now make a truly unique setting for dinner. It reminded me of the dungeon at the Tower of London!

2007-11-27T06:00:00.000-08:00

Interesting Articles

Journalist Al Sacco sent me links to two articles he wrote, which have some good information on equipment for ghost hunting. Check them out at:
http://www.cio.com/article/149054/ and http://www.cio.com/article/149051

2007-11-02T05:59:00.000-07:00

Radio Show at Shanley Hotel

http://www.publicbroadcasting.net/wamc/news.newsmain?action=article&ARTICLE_ID=1175271

I recently accompanied Susan Barnett of WAMC Radio through the Shanley Hotel. You can listen to her broadcast by clicking on the link above.

2007-11-01T16:08:00.000-07:00

Ghost Hunt at the Shanley Hotel December 8th
I've survived another hectic October! I met a lot of great people at my lectures and heard a lot of facsinating stories--looks like there will be plenty of cases to investigate for next year's book, which will be Volume 8 already! (Here I am at the Barnes & Noble in Kingston, NY. Thanks to Barbara B. for the photo.)
But before I look too far ahead, there are still several lectures in November if you would like to come hear some highlights from Ghost Investigator Volume 7. Also on December 8, I will personally be conducting a ghost hunt at the very haunted Shanley Hotel. Space is limited and you must pre-register at: http://www.shanleyhotel.com/Events.html

2007-09-18T17:38:00.000-07:00

THE NEW BOOK IS HERE!

It's hard to believe that I'm already up to seven volumes of the Ghost Investigator series, but I guess time flies when you're hunting the dead.

Ghost Investigator Volume 7: Psychic Impressions has only been out a week, and already I'm getting some wonderful feedback, with readers saying that this is my best book yet. I credit that to the remarkable cases that have taken me deeper into the spiritual realm than ever before. Often it was frightening, sometimes heartbreaking, but always fascinating. I have tried to convey these personal experiences in a manner that lets you become part of the haunted experience.

To order an autographed copy hot off the presses, go to:
http://www.ghostinvestigator.com/Books/GhostBooks.htm

Ghost Investigator Volume 7: Psychic Impressions

The sixth sense plays an ever deeper role in the Ghost Investigator’s latest cases, which include three stories involving suicides (with two on the same street!), an old hotel where death came in many tragic forms, an abandoned asylum, a train station, a theater, a cemetery, and a restaurant where jealousy may have led to murder. There is also some amazing new information about a previous case where startling evidence was discovered in the attic.

Featured locations: The Shanley Hotel in Napanoch, NY, a former train station and the Shadowland Theater in Ellenville, NY, Letchworth Village in Rockland County, NY, and the Castle Tavern in Greenwood Lake, NY.

2007-07-20T06:05:00.000-07:00

Locked In!

There's nothing like getting more than you bargained for on a ghost hunt, even if that comes at the price of being terrified. Last night, Mike and I investigated the Ellenville train station and other buildings on the property. Barbara Bleitzhofer of Shanley's Hotel had told us about the place, and we thought there may be the spirits of a few old railroad employees still lingering, and hoped to get some shreds of paranormal evidence. We did not expect one of the most amazing nights of ghost hunting we have ever experienced.

While the full story will appear in the new Ghost Investigator Voulume 7 this fall, I just have to share some highlights. The train station is now a jewelry factory, and part of the former waiting room is a showroom. When Mike and I first entered the room something immediately caught my eye--a heavy chain bracelet hanging on a display stand was swinging back and forth!

It was the only thing moving, and once it stopped we tried to recreate the motion by jumping up and down, blowing on it, etc., but the only thing that could reproduce the way it was swinging was to actually physically push it. A short time later this incerdible phenomenon was repeated when a single earring among hundreds started swinging forwards and back. Very cool stuff!

While the station had amazing things happening it was all fairly benign. Not so in another building. As soon as we stepped inside it felt awful, like something was out to get us. I hate to tease everyone, but I won't go into the full details here. Suffice to say a lot of scary things went on, and we finally had enough and were quite anxious to leave. However, when I went to open the door to the outside, I found it was locked!

I admit I was really getting freaked out when I couldn't turn the deadbolt, and then Mike with all his strentgh couldn't get the door open either. Whatever this evil entity was, it had somehow managed to lock us in with it! I started banging on the glass and Mike was flashing his maglite so we could get the owner's attention outside, and when she came up to the door, she was able to easily pull it open without using her key!

Fortunately, even in our near-panicked states, Mike had the presence of mind to say that we should take a picture of the door when we were trapped inside, and my photo clearly shows the deadbolt in a locked position.

Words cannot describe the pyschological impact of getting locked inside a haunted site! Clearly, this is one of the most remarkable things that has ever happened in ten years of investigating.

2007-07-15T03:22:00.000-07:00

The Paracast

A lot of radio show hosts ask them same questions, "What's your scariest story?" That's fine, but for me it's nice to be able to dig a little deeper sometimes. David Biedny and Gene Steinberg of The Paracast did ask those deeper questions, and the result is two hours of thought-provoking discussions where I speculate and expound on life and death, good and evil, and how it all might relate to haunted activity.

The show is broadcast tonight on KLAV-AM 1230 in Las Vegas, 9-11pm EST, or you can download and listen anytime at www.theparacast.com

2007-07-12T12:55:00.000-07:00

Paranormal Police Gets New Headquarters!

I am very pleased to announce that my ghost hunting partner Michael Worden has a new web site: www.paranormalpolice.com . It just launched today so there isn't a lot of content yet, and it will be under construction for a while, but please continue to check back as he will be posting his appearances, latest investigation news, and most importantly, updates on the book he is currently writing.

Mike is a real police detective who knows how to conduct an effective investigation, and he brings years of experience with both the living and the dead to his work. He and I have shared many a frightening and fascinating case, and his technical skills and personal insights have always been very valuable assets.

Please check out his site and bookmark it, and drop him an email to let him know that you want to stay informed about all the latest developments at Paranormal Police Headquarters!

2007-07-09T06:37:00.000-07:00

SAVE ROLLING HILLS!!!

I received the follwing from Rolling Hills owner Lori Carlson. Please pass it along and help if you can. It would be a shame if they lost this place. The benefit will take place on July 14.

For Immediate Release:

A group of concerned citizens who have dubbed themselves The Rolling Hills Preservation Society have announced their plans to host a benefit that will take place on July 14th at The Days Inn in Batavia NY. The property known as Rolling Hills was, in its past, the old Genesee County home as well as a tuberculosis center, orphanage, carriage house, and tavern among other things, dating back to the late 1790s. Because of recent events including unforeseen expenses to keep the facility open for visitors, it has become necessary to raise money to pay back taxes and other financial obligations. The benefit is for that purpose. Several local and regional bands, performing a variety of styles, will provide music for the event. There will also be raffle baskets, silent auction and split club tickets as well as an opportunity to donate directly to the cause. All proceeds will go to fund the preservation of Rolling Hills. A donation of $12.00 per person will be expected, and the doors will open at 4:00 pm. For more information please contact: Kirk McWhorter at mcrecord@rochester.rr.com

Visit the Rolling Hills Ghost Hunts Website for more information and to view other Events scheduled to help this cause. www.RollingHills-GhostHunt.com.

2007-06-25T06:01:00.000-07:00

Darkness Radio: Paranormal Lock Down at Eastern State Penitentiary

First the sad news: Just two days after my last blog, my wonderful dog Shadow took a sudden turn for the worse and we lost him. I miss him and my other dog every day (more like twenty times a day), and I want to thank everyone for their kind messages of encouragement and hope.

Life goes on, like it or not, and I did just have a great time in Philadelphia this weekend at the Paranormal Lock Down Retreat hosted by DarknessRadio.com. Host Dave Schrader and crew put on a super event and everyone was having a really good time. I would recommend checking out some of their other events at www.darknessradio.com/TRIPS

Meanwhile back at the Shanley Hotel in Napanoch, NY, you may all be interested to know that they will be opening as Bed & Breakfast very soon, so you might want to make those reservations now. We will also be doing some ghost hunts, so stay tuned to my website, or contact Barbara at shanleyhotelbarb@yahoo.com . The last lecture/ghost hunt night was a rousing success, and the lucky ghost hunt winners had quite an evening (the story will be in the next book).

As for the new book, I am currently working on some very interesting cases, so Volume 7 promises to be spine-tingling from cover to cover. The book should be available by late September.

Also, I'm ironing out some details for our own paranormal seminar at a local haunted location that I have written about, but I'll have to keep you in suspense a little while longer until it's all confirmed. The day will feature Mike Worden's Ghost Hunting 101, Lisa Ann's psychic talents, and my ghost hunting adventures. By the way, Lisa Ann's book is now available, so please go to http://www.spiritquesthealingcenter.com/ to order your autographed copy.

Finally, I had the pleasure of taping another episode for Eerie Radio. Not sure when it will be available, but if you missed my first appearance you can check out Episode 4 at http://www.eerieradio.com/