Jannette Quackenbush

Jannette Quackenbush collects ghost stories, folklore, and deep-rooted legends, passing them along in her books, whether in works of fiction or ghost stories based on historical facts. Her books are unique and different from other writers because SHE ACTUALLY VISITS THE PLACES that may be long gone now but were once the locations where the stories originated. "I wander through the long-abandoned streets of ghost towns where the feet of the storytellers once tread. I search for defunct cemeteries and navigate muddy meadows to find the old homes or cabins where the ghosts once lived, loved, and died. This experience allows me to truly understand the lives of the people who shared these stories and legends. It enriches the narratives and adds credibility, giving my readers deeper insight into the traditions and lives of those who first told the story."

"Do I believe in ghosts?" Quackenbush laughs. "Absolutely, or else I wouldn't be qualified to write about them! However, I approach the subject with a healthy skepticism, always trying to identify natural explanations first. My focus lies where the natural world and the supernatural world collide!"

Jannette Quackenbush has authored 53 books, including ten fiction mystery novels under the pen name Shay Lawless. She is captivated by the art of storytelling that has been passed down through generations, and her goal is to convey those tales in a similar fashion. "My books are not just about my journeys; they’re about my readers’ journeys. I want you to see the places I’ve experienced, read about them, and hopefully visit them too. That’s why my books feature rich and compelling ghost stories, numerous photographs from the areas, and GPS coordinates to help you explore these legendary sites if you wish. I collect ghost stories, folklore, and deep-rooted legends, and I love sharing them with others." Best of all, nearly all the locations mentioned in Quackenbush's books are places you can visit or at least pass by!

I spend an incredible amount of time driving around the Appalachian and Southern byways—Ohio, Pennsylvania, Florida, Louisiana, Virginia, West Virginia, Tennessee, and Kentucky. I dig up old stories from libraries and newspapers and stop in places where folks will tell me the local legends passed on to them. I’ve been to over 2500 ghostly places because I truly believe a storyteller has to get a feel for the people and the place where the legend arises.

I love the adventure and want to pass those adventures on to you--whether it is following my journey with your own set of boots or sitting in front of the fire tucked in a blanket reading the old stories. You can find some of the ghost stories on: