Troy Taylor

Troy Taylor is an American author and historian known for writing extensively about haunted locations, paranormal phenomena, and true crime cases across the United States. He has published over 120 books on these subjects, with a particular focus on haunted sites in Illinois and the American Midwest. As founder of the American Ghost Society and owner of the History & Hauntings Book Co., Taylor has conducted extensive research into historical locations and unexplained events. His work combines historical research with investigations of reported paranormal activity, documenting both the verified history and reported supernatural occurrences at various sites. Taylor's most recognized works include "The Ghost Hunter's Guidebook" and his "Dead Men Do Tell Tales" series, which examine historical crimes and their alleged supernatural aftermath. He regularly contributes to documentaries and television programs about haunted locations and has established himself as an authority on American ghost lore and historical hauntings. His research methodology emphasizes historical accuracy and documentation, distinguishing his work from purely sensational accounts of paranormal phenomena. Taylor resides in Illinois where he continues to write and conduct historical research into unexplained events and haunted locations.

Readers value Taylor's detailed historical research and factual approach to paranormal investigations. His documentation of specific locations, dates, and historical events adds credibility to the supernatural accounts. What readers liked: - Thorough background research on locations and events - Balance of historical facts with paranormal content - Clear writing style that presents information without sensationalism - Inclusion of maps, photos, and historical documents What readers disliked: - Repetition of content across multiple books - Some readers found the historical details too extensive - Occasional editing issues and typos - Some books perceived as padded with filler material Ratings across platforms: Amazon: Average 4.3/5 stars across titles Goodreads: 3.8/5 stars average Reader quote: "Taylor does his homework - he gives you the full historical background before diving into the haunted aspects." - Amazon reviewer Critical quote: "Too much recycled material from his previous books. Could have been condensed." - Goodreads reviewer

Haunted Illinois - A comprehensive guide to reportedly haunted locations throughout Illinois, including historical background and eyewitness accounts.

The Devil Came to St. Louis - A detailed examination of the 1949 exorcism case in St. Louis that inspired "The Exorcist."

Bloody Illinois - A collection of historical true crime cases from Illinois, focusing on murders from the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Down in the Darkness - An exploration of underground spaces, tunnels, and caves in America with reported paranormal activity.

Ghosts of Springfield - A compilation of ghost stories and supernatural legends from Illinois' capital city, including historical context.

Dead Men Do Tell Tales - An investigation of cemetery legends and burial grounds across America with reported paranormal phenomena.

Weird Virginia - A guide to unusual locations, folklore, and supernatural occurrences throughout the state of Virginia.

So, There I Was - A personal account of Taylor's experiences investigating haunted locations and paranormal phenomena.

The Ghost Hunter's Guidebook - A methodological approach to paranormal investigation, including techniques and equipment usage.

Haunted Decatur - A focused examination of supernatural legends and haunted locations in Decatur, Illinois.

Jeff Belanger writes historical paranormal non-fiction focused on American haunted locations and supernatural folklore. His research methods and writing style match Taylor's approach to documenting haunted places and regional ghost stories.

Kathryn Tucker Windham documented Southern ghost stories and paranormal encounters through first-hand accounts and historical research. Her work preserves oral traditions and local legends similar to Taylor's focus on Midwestern hauntings.

Ed Loring investigates historical crime scenes and connects them to reported paranormal activity. His books combine true crime elements with ghost research in the same way Taylor explores the connection between violent history and haunted locations.

Mark Nesbitt specializes in Civil War battlefield hauntings and military history linked to paranormal phenomena. His research methods combine historical documentation and eyewitness accounts like Taylor's investigation techniques.

Richard Southall focuses on haunted locations across America and their connection to historical events. His work documents paranormal investigations and historical research in a straightforward style comparable to Taylor's format.