Of late I have been getting my books at the used book store, this includes some paranormal books that I've picked up recently. Last week I went to a new book store and found this book called "How to be a ghost hunter" by Richard Southall. I figured it was worth a shot. So here's my review:

First off the book was first published in 2003 and it's amazing what is already outdated. Most of technology section should be ignored by the new beginner. A lot of this stuff mentioned has been replaced with newer and better equipment. The use of EMF detectors which is widespread by the majority of groups isn't mentioned in the book, well it is to a small degree that could be easily missed by most. I don't want to mention the book's recommendations on computers.

Everything regarded in the book about ghosts and such is listed to be facts and this goes against what I have learned about the paranormal. The book lists orbs as being the most frequent signs of paranormal activity in photos. There is also some misinformation about doing EVP work as well.

About the only section that I would recommend to the new ghost hunter is the part about how to start up a group and the forms that the author put in the back. This section will greatly help the amateur ghost hunter in not missing any steps and avoiding any liability

So all in all I can't say that I would recommend this book as it is outdated and the majority of the information in it can be found on the internet for free.

I also have this book and found parts of it against many things I learned elsewhere. I too was disturbed about orbs being mentioned as the most common "legitimate" capture in paranormal photography. There is even a picture taken at a cemetery with 2 large see through "orbs" that I personally don't ever think I would have considered remotely paranormal.

With that said, I do think the idea of the thread and flour around a camera to verify it has not been tampered with is interesting. However, I don't think if I was investigating a private residence I would be likely to use this just because of the mess that it would make.

The other thing I did not like was that it mentioned using a Ouija board as a way to recharge a haunting, and the book makes direct mention that you should not worry about anything residual following you home. I personally believe this to be untrue and misleading. I believe that anyone interested in this field should know all of the possibilities before they get involved.

The book that I do like is "How to Hunt Ghosts" by Joshua P. Warren. I borrowed this one from the library and liked it so much that I put it #1 on my book wish list!

I said "most people", not all.